davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1910-03-31

expression of her face, as though she
were suffused with some strong con-
trolling spiritual influence
When hidden to speak she asked for
the life Of Captain Asgil simply. d.
rectly and with no waste Of words.
"And what IS he to your asked
| Washington.
HE is to be my husband" she re-
piled.
This ran counter to Washington's
| information and was precisely the sto-
~ which would have been put upon
the lips of a spy.
The general looked keenly at this
blue eyed. slender girl who faced him
so calmly.
'The fate of Captain Asgill rests not
| with me, but with the congress-" he
said. Nevertheless my wish might
have it's weight. What has led you to
believe that would intercede for
him?"
my mother is dead.' said Mariory
my two brothers are dead My IA.
ther, stubborn to the last. has suffered
hartlships and prosecutions and the
loss Of everything. and he is now in
prison by the order of the loyalists
He cannot survive it. His strength
will not suffice. | shall never see him
sgain And when | learned that the
only other person on earth who loves
me and whom l love had been con-
demned to die by mere chance and
for no wrong that he had done the
feeling came upon me that this passed
beyond the boundaries of Gods JUS
tice, beyond what he would permit
feel 1t surely in my heart" And she
laid her clinched hand upon her breast.
1T needed only for me to do my part.
which ! have done. have come to
you"
This appeal, uttered with that pecul-
lar power which comes from complete
| spiritual conviction, affected Wash
ington powerfully. but he was still in
doubt
"In Captain Asgill's circumstances"
said he. ut would be natural to ask
leave to communicate with his be-
| trothed. Permission would have been
granted, but it has not been asked"
She drew AsgilPs letter from her
bosom.
"A soldier brought me this" said
she. II beg you to read it,
"a soldier?" he asked, surprised.
"a British soldier He had been a
prisoner"
my child" said Washington. you
have done me Il considerable service"
II beg you to read the letter." said
she again. and Washington read.
"This would touch any lunan heart
he said. There is more In 1t than
cyen>you perceive"
He reflected for moment and then
resumed:
II am about to tell you Il secret.
The opportunity to send this was not
on accident; it was contrivcl by me.
desired that Captain Asgi!I should
communicate with Carleton: ii suited
my plans And. upon the other hand
the representations which Captain As
gill could have made were the surest
possible means for saving his own life
And this he well knew Some words
upon my own behalf he writes Ny
child. they were life to him Isnt hi
believed that he had but the one
chance to write and only few min
uteS for the work, and he preferred to
save his honor with you and to serve
your interests and those Of your IA
ther
lift up your hand and pledge TN
secrecy In the sight Of heaven Thi!
man Of honor and sentiment shall moi
die In the place Of such wretch al
Lippincott You have well said thai
Gods justice will not permit it
The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1910-03-31
Her Very Picture.

He rhapsodicallyl-I adore every
thing that is grand. exquisite. super
eminent. ! love the peerless. the Sc
rene, the perfect in life. She (blushing
coyly)-Oh, George. how can refuse
you when you put 1t so beautifully?
The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1910-03-31
Our Neiqhbor.

What is meant by our neighbor we
cannot doubt 1t is every one with
whom we are brought into contact,
whosoever it be, whom we have any
means of helping.-Dean Stanley.
The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1910-03-31
The A~akener.

Romantic Girl-Oh, George. what
sweet dream is love! Cynical Bus
Driver -Myes. and matrimony is the
alarm clnck-Illustratcd Bits.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08

is the right thing. regardless of what
others might think. eh?''
We'll, I'll do what IS demanded or
me-" corrected Jack. eff I am to greet
the arriving guests I'll do it in my oest
manner. which may not be as elegant as
1t should be, but it will be sincerely
friendly
So away went Jack to the park to be
present when the first guest should ar
rive Hardly had he seated himself IN
shady nook when he noticed on a
bench a few feet away, and seated IN sucn
a manner that his back was toward the
spot where Jack sat. a familiar inquire.
A second close look showed Jack that ne
was not mistaken in the person whose
back was presented to him. 1t was none
other than Tom Darnton. At first JACK
felt that he should go over and speak 70
Tom, being. as he was. the head OF the
party, and the receiving committee" But
on second thought he determined to re-
main where he was. for he had never
found 1t possible to like the suave Tom
Somehow he understood the meanness in
the elegant boys character
..He has not seen me, therefore, doesn't
know that 1 have arrived" said Jack
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08
Children of Japan.

lust when the boys and girls of our land
are listening to their bedtime stories
the Acknowledged little Japanese children
are opening their eyes to look upon the
risirr sun AS their school begins before
Z O'Clock in the morning. the kimono chill
dren have to hurry off from their homes
very early. When American children en-
ter their schoolrooms they say Good
morning" but little Cherry blossom bends
up and down very politely and greets her
teacher by saying. "Ohayo." You would
think II queer If your teacher read your
lesson for you first and then you read 1t
to her. Wouldn't you? That Is the
Japanese fashion. though. of having IL
reading lesson. The pupils of their school
begin at the bottom of q page and read
up. Instead OF commencing at the left
they start at the right Of every line.
If you do not like to study history you
may he glad that YOU do not live I'm the
land uf the rising sun. for the Japanese
have more histories for their little ones
to learn than any people In the world.
Perhaps this II because they pay such
honor TO their heroes. You would have
lots OF run during writing lesson IN
Cherry blossoms school. for there the
children write with brushes dipped IN
ink and water. Then they place their
copy books IN the sun 70 dry. Lunch time
In the school comes at 10 o'clock. but the
children In Japan have short recess ut
the end Of every hour. When the boys
ara Old enough they have military drills
just ms our boys do.
During play time these foreign girls
and boys arc very happy, Then they play
doll babies. spin tops. ny kites. shoot At
strong Some of them learn 10 do strange
tricks. which they hfterward perform IN
our land to make the American boys
open their eyes In wonder.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08

satellite to move in an orbit exterior to
that Of the moon at a farther distance of
more than $780, miles. The attractive
power OF this great body is no less amaz-
ing than its bulk. 1t has been calculated
that were the attractive power which
keeps our earth coursing in its orbit round
the sun to cease, and to be replaced by a
material bond consisting Of steel wires of
the thickness equal to that Of the heav-
lest telegraph wires. these would require
to cover the whole outward side Of our
globe In the proportion of nine to each
square inch.
THE subject Of the maintenance of the
suns light and heat Is one that scarcely
falls within our scope. It Is practically
impossible for us to attain to any ade-
Quate conception Of the enormous amount
of both which Is continually being radi-
ated into space. Our own earth inter-
cepts less than the two thousand-mil-
lionth part of the solar energy It is evil
dent that mere burning cannot be the
source OF supply. Lord Kelvin has shown
that the sun, il composed of solid coal,
would burn out in 5000 years.
Another source of heat may be sought
IN the downfall Of meteoric bodies upon
the solar surface; and it has been cal
culated that the thrush Of all the planets
OF our system would suffice to maintain
the present energy for 45.8O4 years. But
1t Is practically certain that only a small
proportion of the solar energy is derived
from the thrush Of meteoric bodies
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08

ghosts or "spooks," but somehow a cold
chill went over her and she stood in the
center Of the room, uncertain as to what
course to pursue. 1t was not human
could not conjecture the nature of the
object which flung out from behind the
lilac bushes.
For more than an hour Lena sat on q
low chair close beside the window, occa-
stonally peering out under the window
shade. And she was always rewarded
by the same sight, the long. swinging
object being flung against the wall Ow-
ing to the darkness she could barely
distinguish the object.
After long and horrible hour OF sus-
pense the rain suddenly ceased. the
clouds swept across the sky and the
moon came out. Then Lena saw things
palmer. But the object which she had
noticed during the storm had seemingly
she thought. But while she was won
dering, up the walk came John, afoot.
She ran to admit him and he soon ex-
planned his long absence.
You see, Miss Lena" he said Il un-
hitched old Davey to let him rest while
went to the station store to get myself
new hat to wear to the wedding. And.
yes, l got new suit, too. 1t took some
get a rest. And I tied him to the back
OF the buggy and gave him twist of
hay. Well. when 1 got back to the buggy
OLD Davey was gone. And I've hunted
| the whole country about the station FOR
him and don't find him. So home |
have come afoot, and drenched to the
skin to boot. And no wedding party for
me this time
That's too bad. John" sympathiZed
Lena. Then she began to tell him thai
her father had not yet returned from
town. when the noise began outside the
house. Lena hurriedly told John of how
that same mysterious noise had kept her
afraid and nervous all evening" And
l can see something strange, too, John,
she whispered.
We'll, no spooks round here that can
boosted good John. And out he went
to the lilac bush. Lena stood beside the
window, looking boldly out. Since Johns
return her fear had flown away.
An. ha, so it's you, you old sinner
cried John. And he led from the shelter
of the lilac bush old Davey, dripping rain.
'Ah, Miss Lena, II was the critters tail
as he switched it that made the noise"
The joke Is on me-" laughed Lena
And now / can see perfectly plain that
1t was his long tail that swung out
against the house. Well. my spook has
turned out like every other persons
spo6k-to be a very harmless thing But
I'm glad old Davey got home safe and
sound, even II he did give you the slip,
John. And you'll have to 60 to see the
bride and bridegroom tomorrow and ex-
ding"
And your mother will say, What A
stupid fool to tie an old horse SO that
he can unite himself and trot OF home"
No. ! don't deserve a trip to fathers
and I'll not take it,"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08
LENA'S "SPOOK"


were these: Mrs Johnson would remain
at her mothers bedside till the old lady
was In fair way toward recovery. Mr.
Johnson might remain in town overnight
returning home on the following day
Mrs. Healy was to go to her brothers
farm, two miles distant from the john
son farm. TO help nurse a sick child
through the night. She, too, was to re-
turn to her employment early on the fol-
lowing morning. John was to attend the
wedding-great event-near to his ia
children. Lena. Benny and Gertie were
to visit the Browns. in the event Of their
fathers absence overnight, where they
would remain till the next morning. Thus
the Johnson house would be left without
an occupant for about twelve hours.
AS soon as the supper work was done.
the milk strained away in the cellar and
provisions for breakfast made. Mrs.
Healy took her leave. Goodbye, my
dear children" she said, taking kindly
farewell of Lena, Benny and Gertie. She
was very fond of her employers chill
dren. IN be home early in the morn
in" So she was off across the mead
ow. But as she started she looked about
going to pour down. You'd best be off
to the Browns as soon as John re-
turns
Yes, he'll drive us over saiA Lena.
Then she put down all the windows.
dressed Benny and Gertie for their visit
and made herself ready also. But dark
ness began to fall. and still John did not
appear in the buggy. The clouds had
thickened. and a few drops of rain pat
t>-ed against the window. Lena became
b. troubled over Johns non-appear-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08

Healy was the woman Of all work In the
johnson house, that she might go home
of evenings. You know her brothers
child is iii and Mrs Healy assists it's
mother at nursing it,
"All right, mamma" replied Lena. Il
shall look after Benny and Gertie as
usual Well be at school each morning
on time. I'll ask papa to call me very
early. Mrs. Healy has SO much to do
that she can't possibly attend to dressing
Gertie and getting our luncheon up for
US. I'll perform those little duties. And.
if papa doesn't come, home this evening,
I'll take Benny and Gertie over to the
Browns. Mrs. Brown is always so cor
dial and declares she just loves to have
| us all three come to stop overnight with
her."
| "Yes, she's a splendid neighbor and a
lovely woman" said Mrs. Johnson. Il
know she really does enjoy having you
papa and are away. Therefore do
not hesitate to send you there on occa-
sions. And now l must go off. John
has the buggy at the door for me. I'm
| glad John is still with us. He's so trust
worthy" Gohn was the young farm
hand employed by Mr.. Johnson0
And so Mrs. Johnson, kissing her three
| lovely children. got into the farm buggy
and was hurriedly driven to the httie
way the farmland, John, asked permits
sion to leave the farm that evening after
| supper. There was to be big wedding
| in the community where his parents re-
sided, and John wished to attend It, He
promised Mrs. Johnson that he would be
| home by dawn on the following morning.
| "I'll be there in time to do the feedin,
an milkin', m&am." he promised. And
Mrs. Johnson, knowing that John was
| wholly trustworthy, consented to his TAX
ing the saddle horse and attending the
| wedding, which was to take place ten
miles distant.
So the plans for the Johnson household
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08
Queens That Flew AWay.

POW busy the workers of the hive
mad been during the flower season.
Every day the workers had slipped
the nectar from hundreds of blossoms and
had then taken It home to store in the
honeycomb. 1t is true that the drones
had not been out in the field at all II
was their duty to stay at home to pro-
tect the queen bee that ruled all of her
subjects. Such lot of eggs as the queen
had laid. Gradually out came the baby
insects which were fed and cared for nv
the workers. Matters might have gone on
quietly In the hive for some time. but
q strange thing was about to happen
Two queens were to be raised and both AT
the same time. 1t was certainly true. for
two of the eggs had been placed in royal
cells and the baby insects fed in such a
9ueenly manner that there was no doubt
but that two beautiful young princesses
would soon declare themselves queens
The real queen bee herself knew lust
what was coming Like all other queens
she decided that she would share her
throne with no one. Day by day she
watched her young until she saw that
one of the princesses was about to say:
am queen Of these bees. Why do Won
stay here?" Now, some queen bees would
nave become excited and declared war
but this royal insect just raised her WINS
ana said. Very well, you may have this
hlFe ana those that wish to remain with
you. will go to a new home" Then she
new away. but not alone. for thousands or
ner subjects would have no queen but
her. so they followed where she led. AS
IL happened this bee colony settled by
hanging from tree branch in layers on
one another's backs.
soon. though. they had home. for n
wise farmer placed a hive close by for
their use 1t was not long before the two
young queens In the old hive were at war
with each other. AS the older of the royal
ones was losing In the fight. she flew awnv
with hef followers to start now hive
Then there was peace and ouiet Ga |.
more. Ior the new queen proved n kind
and gentle ruler. NH"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08

sleepy Then all fear vanished and they
lay on the big couch in the living room
in deep slumber Lena decided to let
them remain there for time at least
She dreaded going to the big silent rooms
upstairs. where the roar of the wind and
rain would cause her loneliness To in
crease.
About Q O'Clock Lena awoke the little
ones and led them up TO their little beds.
Then she returned to the living room.
still hoping to hear some sounds OF the
buggy wheels I'm the yard. But the time
went on and on. and no living mortal
put i'm an appearance. Lena was grow
ing accustomed to the situation and was
about to repair to her room. having de-
cided that remaining up could do no pos
sible good, when a strange noise fell
upon her ear. She listened intently. The
noise was near to one of the windows
and sounded as though some object were
being tossed hither and thither against
the wall of the house. Lena, always a
brave girl, went to the window and eau
tiously peered out beneath the shade
which she had drawn after lighting the
candles To her horror she saw nonR
dark object swing out from behind the
great bunch of lilac bushes which grew
beside the window. The object-what-
ever ii was-struck against the house. 1t
was this which Lena had heard for
several minutes. She drew back, her
heart beating fast. What was this
strange thing? She did not believe In
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08

them at school and in society. 1t was
Toms good looks that made him popular
with the girls. for. sad to relate, too
many girls are much impressed by a
handsome exterior and graceful manners.
Oftentimes they cannot tell the genuine
from the spurious, allowing handsome
features and fine clothes to impress them
too deeply.
And so it was in the case Of Tom Darn
ton. He had won his place as friend and
comrade of his class through the girls
of his acquaintance.
One bright afternoon in the week be-
fore the beginning of school Mabelle and
Rachel planned to have jaunt into the
country. They invited several of their
friends. among them Tom Darnton. OF
course Jack was to accompany them.
And their Aunt Mary, young lady. had
promised to act as chaperon for their
party.
1t had been arranged for the members
of the party to meet in the city park at
a certain given point The hour was
placed at o'clock. Mabelle and Rachel
fearing they might be a bit late, asked
Jack to proceed to the meeting place in
advance of them and to greet the ar
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08

SenCe from nUIne. which occurred o1ten,
for she was frequently called to her aged
mothers sick bed.
The day on which this story opens
Lena's mother, Mrs. Johnson. received a
message from her own mother which
read: Come at once. Your mother very
M So she called to Lena, saying:
Daughter, your dear old granny is very
sick and I must hasten to her bedside.
I shall be gone for several days, unless
granny gets better very rapidly. You
must look after Benny and Gertie in
your usual good way. I hope papa will
be home before nightfall, but you know
he thought he might be obliged to re-
main in town over tomorrow in order to
attend to all his business. If he doesn't
return, you and the children would bet
ter go over to the Browns to stay to-
night I have promised Mrs. Healy (Mrs.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08

outspoken and sincere. Indeed. some
people declared he was quite too blunt
In his manner of speech and too abrupt
I'm action when once aroused by an in
Justice But he was honest and always
had the courage to speak his min
Mabelle and Rachel knew they would
find in Jack a splendid companion as
we'll as a protector. He had none OF the
ugly traits so often possessed by city
hovs He had no affectation, no pre-
tense-was just himself, openly and I'M
reServedly.
Before the fall term Of school had
opened Mabele and Rachel had invited
several of their friends among the boys
and girls of their class to meet Jack, CIV
ing several little afternoon parties in his
honor OF course, some of the city boys
laughed behind Jacks back at his 'coun-
try manners" and made little whispered
criticisms about him. But even had JACK
heard them he would not have minded
for he was too whole-souled and big
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08

which it presents there is found a source
of abundant interest. Observation or
these phenomena can only be conducted,
however. after due precautions have been
taken Few people have any idea Of the
intense glow of the solar light and heat
when concentrated by the object glass OF
a small telescope, and care must be exer-
cised lest irreparable damage be done to
the eye.
Our sun is a body of about 1868. coo
miles In diameter, and situated at dis
lance of some OF, 100000 miles from u.s.
In bulk it equals 100000 of our world.
while it would take about $4,000 earths
to weigh 1t down. Its density Is very
small indeed. Bulk for bulk, 1t is con-
siderably lighter than the earth; in fact.
it is not much denser than water, and
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08
nee. She feared some accident had be-

ance. She feared some accident had be-
fallen him.
"Shan't we start to Mrs. Browns, any
way?" asked anxious Benny. He always
loved to visit the Browns Mrs. Brown
made such delicious molasses candy and
popcorn for him.
I'VE daren't start afoot now, brother"
explained Lena. Its sprinkling, and will
be pouring soon. See how dark II is
growing? We couldn't reach the Browns
before pitch darkness would be every
where. And going over a dirt road in
.I pouring rims rain would be pretty hard for
But mamma said for us to go to Mrs.
Browns" urged Gertie.
Yes. but said for John to carry us
there in the buggy" explained Lena.
about his delay. too. fear something
must have happened"
Maybe old Davey ruined away" sug-
gested Gertie. 'Old Davey" was the
buggy horse that John had driven to the
station that afternoon.
"Oh, dearie. old Davey wouldn't run
away on any account" Lena laughed.
Hes as safe as horse could be-
night settled in as black as ink. Before
time for the sun to be already set the
clouds had hidden its light, and night
was upon that part of the world an hour
too soon. Lena tried to be brave-heart-
ed and lighted several candles. Her
mother had always warned her against
the use of lamps during her absence.
The rain became more and more Sc
we're. the wind raising to make matters
worse. The clock soon pointed to and
still John did not return home Lena
tried to keep her little sister and brother
occupied, SO as to prevent their becoming
frightened over being alone in the big
house. so far from other human habita-
ton. But with every fresh clap of thun-
der Benny or Gertie would creep close
to Lena's side and whisper their fears.
II wish we could go to Mrs. Browns"
whimpered Gertie.
II wish mamma and papa were home"
said Benny.
And / wish John would come. said
Lena, mentally. But. like all little chill
dren. Benny and Gertie soon became
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-08

mentally. "And-I really don't think it
my duty to greet the boys. They are able
to take care of themselves. Now, If the
girls come" But Jacks soliloQuy was
broken off by the approach of two pretty
young girls who were engrossed in their
own conversation. One was saying:
isn't this lovely park"
To Jacks establishment Tom gave vent
to a forced little cough to attract the
attention of the girls. who had seated
themselves on a bench a few feet distant
from the one occupied by him. Jack
could see that the girls were strangers
to Tom and that he was trying to be bold
toward them This caused Indignation to
burn In Jacks breast, but he tried to
keep his silence. The girls had heard
Toms cough and had quickly looked to-
ward him. AS they did so the fmperti-
nent fellow raised his hat and said: Good
afternoon, girls. Are you out for q