davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17
ChaptersaN
Is @

II GROUP of three small log cab
~ ms marked the johnson and
N later the Heinzman camp.
From the chimneys a smoke
arose. Twenty or thirty rivermen
lounged about the sunny side of the
largest structure. Orde CLICKED to his
horses, and the spidery wheels of the
blackboard swung lightly over the wet
hummocks. to come to a stop opposite
the men.
"Heilo, bOys!" said he cheerfully.
No one replied. Orde looked them
over with some interest They were a
dirty, unkempt. unshaven. hard look
ing lot, with bloodshot eyes. flicker
Of the daredevil in expression, beyond
the first youth. hardened into an en-
during toughness Of fber-bad men
from the Saginaw in truth and. unless
Orde was mistaken. men just of
drunk and therefore especially danger
GUS. men eager to fight at the drop Of
the hat and ready to employ all the
terrifying weapons of the rough and
tumble.
"Who's your boss" asked Orde.
THE Rough Red" a man snarled.
Orde had heard Of this man, Of his
personality and his deeds. Like Silver
Jack Of the Muskegon, his exploits had
been celebrated in song. A big. broad
faced man, with red beard. strong as
. bull and savage as a wild beast, 1t
was said that while jobbing for Morri-
son & DAILY in some Of that firms Sag
NAV valley holdings the Rough Red
discovered that horse had gone lame.
He called the driver Of that team be-
fore him, seized an iron starting bar
ana with It broke the mans leg. 'Try
tn lameness yourself. Barney Mallan."
said he. To appeal to the charity of
such a man would be utterly useless.
Orde saw this point. He picked up his
leins and spoke to his team.
A huge riverman planted himself
squarely in the way. The others, ris-
ing, slowly surrounded the rig.
He drove deliberately ahead. forcing
the men to step aside. and stopped his
horses by a stub. He tied them there
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17

tie brief wisdom drawn from expert
ence and the observation Of life" Ger.
aid began. addressing his expectant
and curious guests. THAT wisdom
Is briefly this: There comes a time in
the affairs of every household when a
man must assert himself as the ruler.
In all the details he may depend on
the woman's judgment. experience and
knowledge but when it comes to the
big crises. where life is detected into
one channel or the other. then. unless
the man does the deciding. he is lost
forever and his happiness and tn,
happiness of those who depend Oh
him. This is abstruse. but | come to
the particular application shortly"
This may be all very true. Gerald"
said Orde. "but l fail to see why you
have brought us to this strange house
to tell it."
lin moment replied Gerald.
"Have patience. Relieving that thor
oughly. have come in the last TWEEN
ty-four hours to a decision"
He produced paper and a package
from his inside pocket.
81 have here" he went on suddenly.
"marriage papers duly made out. In
this package is a plain gold ring. In
the next room is waiting by prear-
rangement a very good friend of mine
in the clergy. Personally am at your
disposal"
He looked at them expectantly.
'"The very thing!'
"Oh. no." cried Orde and Carroll in
unison.
Ten minutes later the three passed
through the door into the back apart
ment
They found waiting young clergy
man with two young girls. AT the
sight of Carroll these latter rushed for
ward and overwhelmed her with en-
dearmentS.
In fifteen minutes the little party
separated amid Il chatter of cOngratu-
lations MIR and Mrs. Orde drove
away
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17

pletely. Neither master nor man made
any friends. Carroll and Orde. out for
a walk. passed this quaint little place.
slack" she begged. Il want little
house like that for our very own"
1--WE can't afford it. sweetheart
mot to own" she explained. lust to
rent. 1t will be next best to having a
home Of our own"
"We'd have to have q girl, dear"
said Orde. land we can't even afford
that yet"
"A girl!' she cried Indignantly.
you couldn't do the homework and
the cooking" said Orde. you've new
er done such a thing in your life. and
! won't have my little girl shaving"
ut won't be shaving: it will be fun.
just like playing housekeeping" pro-
tested Carroll. ''And I've got to learn
some time. l was brought up most
absurdly. and realize it now"
"We'll see." said Orde vaguely.
Later Carroll brought the subject up
again. armed with sheets Of paper
covered with figures showing how
much cheaper It would be to keep
house than to board.
"You certainly make out a strong
ease-on paper" laughed Orde. III
you buy rooster and hen and she
raises two broOds. at the end Of q year
you'll have twenty-six. and III they all
breed. even allowing half ROSTERS.
you'll have over 800. and If they all
breed you'll have about $500. and if''-
stop. stop" cried Carroll. covering
her ears.
"All right" agreed Orde equally,
but that's the way it figures. Funny
the earth isn't overrun with chickens.
ISN'T it?'
Two days later Orde took her one
block mp the street to look at a tiny
little house tucked on -6fty foot lot
beneath the shadow Of the church.
.'It's mighy little" said he. "Ill have
to go out In the hall to change my col
lar"
They ended by renting the little
house. and Carroll took charge OF 1t
delightedly. What difficulties she over
came and what laughable and cryable
mistakes she made only those who
have encountered like situation could
realize.
~Kind Of fun being married. isn't
tt?' said be.
kind Of" she admitted, nodding
gravely.
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17
Ghe
Rivernldn
By STEWART
EDWARD WHITE
Copyright. 1908. by the Mcclure Com.
pany Copyright. 1907. 1908. by
Stewart Edward White
tcoNTINCED.l

Little by little Orde's eager ques-
lions drew out the truth of the situa-
ton. Mrs. Bishop had shut herself
I'D in a blind and incredible oi,stinacy,
whence she sailed with Hoods of COM
plants. tears. accusations. despairs. re-
proaches. vows. hysterics-all rhe bat
terry of the woman misunderstood If
Carroll undertook to say ything the
third word would start hes mother off
into one of her long AMI hysterical
TRADES. Her child had aisobeyed her
And as climax she bad assumed the
impregnable position Of complete
prostration. wherein she demanded the
minute care Of an Invalid in the crisis
of a disorder The mere mention Of
the subjeci aeare>i Carrolrs heart
brought the feeble complaint:
do you want ~ kill mey'
The 0uly scTap OF victory to be
snatchCd from mis- stricken field was
the fat hat Carroll insisted OH going
to meet her l0rer every afternoon.
Though he setted under the tyranny.
OrtiP could see nothing wnich could
relieve the situation save his own
Withdrawal lie had already long
oveEtaSvd Ills visit. important affairs
contested with his work demanded
bis 8tteutiou He had the comfort of
Carrcirs love assured.
The morning after he had reached
thus c6aGiuaiOn he again met Gerald
at die q iuMasiuin.
''OFde said Gerald suddenly. I'm
Worried about Carroll Mother has
commenced botherlng her again. 1t
WASN'T ST. bad as long as she stuck To
daytime. bur now she's taken to prowl
ing in dozen times d night. | hea'
their voices for an hour or SO at u
time. I'm afraid it's beginning to wear
on Carroll more than you realize.
'"Thauk you" said Orde briefly and
departed
At his hotel Orde found a telegram.
He did not open ii until he had reached
his own room 1t was from home.
urging his immediate return for the
acceptance of some contracted work.
''To h with the contracted work"
he mutter, d savagely ana. calling d
bellbOy. sent an answer very much to
that effect.
He was interrupted by knock on
the door.
Come in!'' lie called without turning
his head
He heard the door open and shut.
After Il moment he looked around.
Kendrick Bishop stood watching him,
Orde looked ut him curiously and saw
that he was suffering from an intense
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17
eas 8
Chapter
20

n u sweetheart" said Orde.
NH Poor mother. | wonder
how shell take 1t"
In the hallway of the
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17
"IVhy, Jim Bourke." cried Orde.

WHy, JUN 6OuTke!" cTIe0 OrUG.
driving boots, his ordinary lumber
mans rubbers. In a moment he thrust
through the brush and stood before
Orde. He stared at the young man,
and then, with wild Irish yell. leap
ed upon him. Orde, caught una wares,
was unable to struggle against the gi-
gantic riverman. He was pinned back
against the wall, and the Rough Reds
face was within two feet of his own.
"And how are We, We ould darlintw
shouted the latter, with roll of oaths.
"Why, Jim Bourke!" cried Orde.
The Rough Red jerked him to his
feet and pounded him nightly on the
back.
"You ouId snoozer" he beloved.
where TIL blankety blank did ye
come from? Byes." he shouted to the
men, "its me ould boss on tn Au
Sable six year back-that time. ye
mind. whin we had tn ice jam! Glory
be, but I'm glad to see yer ,;.;.
81 didn't know you'd turned into the
Rough Red" laughed Orde.
The Rough Red grinned.
"What have We been doin'T'
"That's just it. Jimmy" said Orde.
drawing the giant one side. out OF
ear shot. "All my eggs are In one
basket. and it's a mean trick of you
to hire out for filthy lucre to kick that
basket"
"What do ye mane?' asked the
Rough Red.
"You don't mean to tell me-" coun-
tered Orde, "that this crew has been
sent up here just to break out those
measly little rollways"
"Thim? said the Rough Red.
Thin? Not much! Trims my body
guard. They can lick their weight in
wild cats, and I'd loike well to see tn
gang of highbankers that infists this
river thry to pry thin out. We were
STINT here to fOight. Me boss and tn
sucker that's droiven this river has
q row onv'
Jimmy" said Orde. didn't: you
know that 1 am the gentleman last
mentioned? I'm driving this river,
and that's my dam-keeper you've got
| utu ooihC"uCiC oho sAeAS -
my water you're planning to waster'
"What?" In a tone Of vast astonisb-
ment, the Rough Red mentioned his
probable deserts in the future life.
LUX here. Jack," said he after
moment, 'here's crew Of white water
birlers that We can't beat nowheres.
What do We want us to do? We're
now gettin' 81 a day and board from
that murderin' ould villain Heinzman.
30 we can afford to wurrk for ye
cheap"
Orde hesitated.
ooh. please do now, darlintr' vince
died the Rough Red, his little eyes
agleam with mischief. "Sind US some
more peavies, and Wen hip ye on yure
rollways. And till us afore We go
how We want this dam, and that's tn
way she'll be. Come, now. dear. and
amt We short handed now?'
Orde slapped his knee and laughed.
'"This is sure one deuce Of a joke"
he cried. sit sure be!
"I'll take you boys on" said Orde
at last, at the usual wages-dollar
and half for the jam. three for the
rear. doubt If you'll see much Of
Heinzman's money when this leaks
out"
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17

"I'm U0Tktng tor yOu nO,U."
able to gather over 25O. However,
later. when the woods camps should
break up. he would pick up more men.
''They won't be rivermen like my
old crew. though" said Orde regret
fully to Tom North, the walking boss
Until the logs should be well adrift
Orde had resolved to boss the rear
crew himself
The rear crew being farthest up
stream. Orde had taken the contract
to break the rollways belonging to
Carlin. which would be piled on the
bank. Thus he could get to work i'm
mediately at the breakup and with
out waiting for some one else The
lumber in Carlin's drive would keep
the men below busy until the other
owners should also have put their
seasons cut afioat
The ice went out early. When the
river ran clear in its lower reaches he
took his rear crew to Carlin's rollways
This crew was forty in number, a
hard bitten, tough band of veterans,
weather beaten, SCARED in numerous
fights or by the backwoods scourge of
smallpox, compact, muscular, fearless,
loyal, outspoken and free to criticise-
In short. men to do great things under
strong leader The breaking of the
rollways began. The logs had been
hauled to the river. where they were
banked in piles twenty and even
thirty feet in height. The bed of the
stream itself was filed with them for
mile, save in q narrow channel left
down through the middle to allow for
some flow of water; the banks were
piled with them, side on, ready to roll
down at the urging Of the men.
First the entire crew by means Of its
peavies rolled the lower logs into the
current to be rapidly borne away.
Some tiers would be stuck together by
Ice and considerable prying and heav-
ing were necessary tn order to crack
them apart. But forty men soon had
the river full. Orde detailed some six
or eight to drop below In order that
the river might run clear to the next
section, where the next crew would
take up the task. These men walked
to the edges Of the rollway. rolled a
log apiece into the water. stepped
aboard, leaned against their peavies
and were swept away by the swift
current. The logs on which they stood
whirled in the eddies, caromed against
other timbers, slackened speed, shot
away. Never did the riders alter their
poses of easy equilibrium.
The evening Of the second day Orde
received a visit from Jim Denning,
foreman Of the next section below,
bringing with him Charlie. the cook Of
Days last years drive.
This fellow drifted in tonight two
days late after a drunk, and. he tells
. mighty queer story" said Denning
sHe says crew Of sixty bad men
from the Saginaw have been sent in
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17


Monrovia. where Orde and his
wife lived for time at the no.
tel.
Carroll soon became acquainted with
the life Of the place. Monrovia con-
sisted Of an upper stratum of mill
owners and lumber operators. possess
ed of considerable wealth and some
cultivation: a gawky middle estate of
storekeepers and the lumber mill OPP
eratives. The class first mentioned
comprised small coterie. among
whom Carroll soon found two or three
congeniaIs Edith Fuller. wife of the
bank cashier; Valerie Cathcart. whose
husband had been killed ill the civil
war; Clara Taylor. wife of the lead
ing lawyer of the village. and. strange
teen-year-old daughter of old Heinz
man, the lumDerman. Though later
the old German ana Orde locked in
serious struggle on the river, they
continued to meet socially quite as
usual. and the daughter of one and
ShV "iiS VA ehS othSi uS'St SooPNNs>S
anything out of the ordinary
Newmark received the news of his
partners marriage without surprise,
but with sardonic CLEAN in his eye.
He called promptly. conversed polite
Iy for half hour and then took bis
leave.
How do you like him?" asked Orde.
He's very shrewd man."
Orde laughed.
Il don't dislike him." said Carroll.
"I've not thing against him. But
we could never be in the slightest de-
gree sympathetic. He and don't
DON'T
Don't jibe." Orde finished for her.
IL didn't think you would. JOe's not
much of society bug"
Newmark had rented a small one
story house situated just off Main
street. Into this he retired as snail
into its SHE'LL At first he took his
meals at the hotel. but later he i'm
ported an impressive. secretive man.
servant. who took charge of him COM
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17
by Heinzman just to fight and annoy

by Heinzman just to fight and annoy
u.s."
"Well. where are they"
"Don't know"
"Bring him over and let's hear the
story" said Orde.
"It's straight, Mr.. Orde." said the
cook, approaching. There's big crew
brought in from the Saginaw waters to
do you up. They're supposed to be
over here to run his drive, but really
they's goin' to fight aud raise b.. for
why would he want sixty men to
break out them little rollways Of his'n
up at the headwate-s? He only owns
forty up there, and it amt more'n
half cut anyway"
II didn't know he owned any"
"Yes, sir. He bought that little
johnson piece last winter"
us he breaking out his rollways be-
loww Orde asked Denning.
mo. sir" struck in Charlie. she
amt"
"How do you happen to be 50 wiser"
inquired Orde.
got back. from the woods last week
just sort Of happened into McNein's
place. I wasn't drinkin' a dropv' he
cried virtuously in answer to Orde's
smile.
"Of course not" said Orde. 81 was
just thinking Of the last time we were
In there together
That's just it!' cried Charlie. "They
was always sore at you about that.
Well, in blew old man Heinzman and
Mcneil himself. just lay low and
heard their talk. They didn't see me,
SO they opened her up WIDE"
what did you hear?"
"Well. Mcneil he agreed to get a
gang of bad ones from the Saginaw
to run in on the river. And Mcneil
said, That's all right about the cash,
Mr.. Heinzman. but l been figgerin' on
gettin' even with Orde for some N.Y.
SELF He's payin' them 81 a day.
Now. who'd pay that fer just river
work.
Orde nodded at Jim Denning.
'Hold on. Charlie" said he. why
are you giving all this away if you
were working for Heinzman?'
I'm wOrkin' for you now," replied
Charlie with dignity. And, besides.
you helped me out once yourself"
IF that crews been sent in there it
means only one thing at that end Of
the line" said Orde. -
Sure. They're sent up to waste out
the water in the reservoir and hang
this end of the drive" replied Denning.
what would you do" asked Orde.
"Well.' said Denning slowly and
with certain grim joy. 81 don't bet
those Saginaw river pigs are any more
two listed than the boys on this river
I'd go up and clean 'em out"
won't do" negatived Orde briefly.
"In the first place. as you know very
well. we're short handed now, and we
can't spare the men from the work.
In the second place, we'd hang up
sure. ..r -.
ut isn't a fair game Delay will
hang us. Taking men off the work
will hang us. I've got to see what can
be done by talking to them"
''Talking!" Denniug snorted. You
might as well whistle down the draft
pipe Of hades! They'll kill you. surev
"Pm scared. I'm willing to admit it.
But l don't see what else to do. OF
course he's got no rights, but what
good does that do us after our water
Is gone? And. Jim. my son, if we
hang this drive I'll be buried so deep l
never will dig myself out No; I've
got to co.
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17

want me to dol" asked Orde after a
moment of thought.
"Go away" cried Kendrick.
Il cannot do that"
Hendricks face assumed q livid pal
lor, and his eyes seemed to turn black
with excitement. Trembling in every
limb. but without hesitation. be ad-
vanced on Orde. drew q short riding
whip from beneath his coat and slash
ed the young man across the face
Orde looked steadily at the boy. Once
again Kendrick hit. raised his arm for
the third time. hesitated. His lips
writhed. and then. with q sob. he cast
the little whip from him and burst
from the room.
Poor yOungster!' Orde murmured.
The next day Carroll came to him
wifh hurried. nervous steps, her usual
y pale cheeks mounting danger sig
pals of flaming red. her eyes swim
ming.
Orde did not attempt as yet to draw
from her the cause of this unusual
agitation. A park bench stood be-
lWccu tWO ucuSe OuSQeS. screened
from all directions save one. To this
he led her.
This thing has got to quit" said he
grimly.
A carriage rolled near and discharg-
ed its single passenger on the pave
ment
Its Geraldv' cried Carroll.
The young man. catching sight Of
them. picked his way daintily and
lefsurely toward them.
IL have brought" said he. "a car
riage. and wish you would both do
me the favor to accompany me on a
short excursion"
The three-Carroll and Orde some
what bewildered - took their seats.
After an interval the carriage drew
up opposite brownstone dwelling.
The three were ushered by discreet
and elderly maid into little square
reception room.
II have brought You here. among
other purposes. to hear from me lit
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17

how she'll take it,
In the hallway of the
Bishop house Orde kissed her.
BE brave. sweetheart" said he, '.but
remember that now you're my wife"
Orde sat in the dim parlOr for what
seemed to be an interminable period.
Occasionally the sounds of distant
voices rose to his ear and died away
again. Finally he heard the rustic of
the portieres and turned to see the
dim form Of the general.
bad business. Bad business! NUT
tered the old man. Its very hard on
me- Perhaps you did the right thing.
You must be good to her. but ! cannot
countenance this affair: Il was most
high handed. sir-
Finally. after another interval. Car
roll returned She was sobbing vio-
lently. She came to him and for the
moment hid her face against his
breast. After a little she controlled
herself
"Jack. we must go tonight. She-she
has ordered me out of the house and
says she never wants to see my face
again" She broke down for second
"Oh. Jack. she can't mean that! And
she's very bitter against Gerald. Oh. I
told her 1t wasn't his fault. but she
won't listen. She sent for that odious
Mr.. Merritt-her rector. you know
and he supported her. I believe he's
angry because we did not 60 to him."
Cant you just pack bag and leave
the rest until tomorrow? It's about
hungry time"
"She says must take every stitch
belonging to me tonight
They packed trunks until late that
night. Carroll and Orde walked to-
gether to the hotel. Next morning an
interview with Gerald confirmed them
In their resolution of immediate de.
parture.
"She is set in her opposition now.
and at present she believes firmly that
her influence will separate you"
Gerald smiled his fine SMILE
''Goodby." said he. ''Going to q train
Is useless and bore to everybody"
Carroll threw herself on his neck In
an excess of passionate weeping.
At the station the general appeared.
There. therer' he fused. IF your
mother should hear Of my being here
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17

q

Y HE winter months were spent at
MonrOvia. where Orde and his
wife lived for time at the no.
FOL
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17

excitement. His
fra me trembled
convulsively: his
lips were white;
his face went red
and pale by turns.
you've got to
let my ~ o t h @ r
alone" he man
aged TO say final
ly. ~ GU We
brought her to
III e u y IL I Vi
d G a t b. You're
bounding her to
her grave"
Orde thought to
catch the echo of
q u o t ion in
these words.
what do you
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1910-02-17

and descended. A huge form appear
ed above the river bank.
Orde made out the great square Dc.
ure Of the boss, his soft hat, his fam.
ing red beard. his dingy mackinaw
coat. his dingy black and white check
ed flannel shirt. his dingy blue trousers
tucked into high socks. and, instead Of