davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Ant0nio's Opportunity

As his eyes roamed over the old ruin to take farewell look he observed the strange light in the tower which he had seen on former occasions-the fiashings and the cloud of smoke.
 Then, suddenly, there came from the tower an intense and brilliant glare, fol- lowed by loud report and then a fierce ond ruddy glow. For an instant figure appeared at window. uttering cries of agony and alarm, and then q cloud of smoke and flames rushed out of the case ment. Antonio rushed to the door of the house and forced the wicket of crumb- ling wood from its rusty hinges. Inside he heard cries of alarm and calls for help.
 He found himself in large. vaulted hali out of which led a stairway of stone. Up this stairway he rushed and came uron the two women in frantic state ef alarm. One of them clasped her hands and implored Antonio to save her father.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
By the Marble Fountain

Antonio had remained one evening to a rather late hour with the alchemist in his favorite resort. It was delight full night after sultry day and the balmy air of the garden was particu- larly revlving
 The old man was Seated upon a broken pedestal edifying his pupil with a long discourse, and the moon was rising. From another part of the gar den came the sound of music-Ine2 singing to the accompaniment of her guitar
 The old man. having exhausted his theme, sat pensively looking at the heavens. Antonio stole from his side and made his way toward where the coy beauty was playing the part of the sequestered nightingale.
 As he approached the place the music ceased and the student thought he heard the sound of voices. Stealing down the long alley. he came to ar angle in the copse that screened kint of recess ornamentedrswt with marble fountain.
 The moon shone full on the place ant by its light he saw his unknown ser enading rival kneeling at the feet ol Inez! He was dctaining her by ths hand, which he covered with kisses.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Brought Together By Fate

There was frankness and modestv mingled with Antonio's department tha inspired instant confidence and 50 his offer was accepted.
 The women resigned the injured al- chemist to his care with the utmost confidence, the domestic calling down benedictions upon his head, while the daughter looked her thanks.
 With the dawn the student took his departure, but received ready consent to his returning at night to resume his mlnistrations to the injured man. Thus 1t was that fate brought together Inez de Vasquez and Antonio de Castros.
 The student made himself Indispensable while the aichenist was confined to his bed. and when the old man was so far recovered that the willy Antonio saw his excuse for daily visits to the old house would soon be wanting he proposed to become partner with de yasquez in the search for the hidden mysteries of natures arcana.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
In the Ruined Garden

That was the reason they maintained discreet reserve toward each other and that was the reason why Antonio, up in the laboratory. used to fall musing over Inez and so negluected the retorts and crucibles as to sorely try the pa- tience of the good old alchemist.
 Blind old man. did he not see that the student of Salamanca longed more for Inez than he did for the philosophers stone or the Elixir Vitae?
 No, he did not, and he used to take Antonio out evenings into the ruined gar den and, seated on a moss covered stone bench, talk to him about Thophrustus and Beher, Albert Magnus and other mighty professors of the noble science of alchemy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

had stood when his retort burst and wrought such havoc.
 So the old man from despair came into glorious and confident hope and Antonio became his partner.
 AS for Inez, she had proved all that the students imagination had pictured her as to character and beauty. and her personality grew upon him as he saw her day by day.
 Inez made no display of her feelings with regard to Antonio, of course. But what girl could live in daily companions ship with Antonio de Castros and not feel kindly disposed toward him? Inez thought no one-and the modest Antonio thought the same.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
The Duel in the SnuarA

When they tried to force her from he father, Inez snatched a sword from on, the guards and menaced with fila frenzy all who approached her. But tn. weapon was torn from her feeble hant and she was hustled back among tn, crowd. Raj
 Suddenly there stood before her Dol smbrosio de Loxa.
 ''Wretched girl,' cried he in fury, "wh, have you fled from the protection ;o your friends?" Then to the guards, "De liver her to me; am her protector"
 No. no!' shrieked Inex. He is tn, murderer of my father. Save me. say, me from this man.
 Ambrosio seized hold of Inez when voice cried out, Let go your hold, vol villain1-and Antonio was seen tearin. his way through the crowd.
 Seize him." shouted Don Ambrosic he Is an accomplice of the sorcerer.
 Liar" cried Antonio.
 The swords of the student and of Dol Ambrosio met with a flash. The crow. made way for them as they fought; al was tumult and confusion. Inez sanl unconscious to the ground.
 Days, weeks, elapsed before she rel turned to consciousness. At length shl opened her eyes as from trouble. sleep.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Besieging the Mansion

The persistent youth now began reg ular siege of the old mansion, and 1t IS probable that the unknown lady of his love perceived him lurking about. for the Raphaelesque face did not again appear at the window. nor did he hear the music of voice and guitar from the adored ones s chamber.
 But one night, as he kept his accus- toned vigil by the old mansion. the sound of approaching footsteps caused him to withdraw into the shadow of a ruined arch opposite the tower.
 By the dim light he saw a cavalier ap- proach wrapped in long Spanish cloak. He paused under window of the house and began a serenade, accompanied by the guitar which he carried. His voice was rich and manly; he sang with skill and he sang of love.
 The plume of his hat was fastened with jewels which sparkled in the moonlight, and Antonio saw that he was richly dress ed, evidently a person of rank.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Rescued By the Gypsy

Just as the day began to dawn she heard key turn softly in the lock of
 her bedroom door and starting up with aHrisht she saw before her the min ]
 strel who had sung to her the warnfn g| songs on the Hill of the Sun, and inl the Great Square.
 Inez was still dressed as she had been the day before, and the unknown fe- male' making a sign of caution and silence, took her by the hand and led
 her through many passages, through
 many doors. of which she seemed to possess the keys. until, at length. she brought the captive out into the open country. We must run for it," said the min !
 strel. Granada is not far off: keep uu your courage lnez started to thank her deliverer!
 but the woman said: q deserve nc thanks. In me you behold the yictinI of Don Ambrosio's arts. Look-at the foot of wonder blue mountain lies my lnative village. But 1t Is no longer a home to me. I know not whether if was pity for you or jealousy of YOU that has made me warn you and fiber.
 ate you"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
BY WASHINGTON IRVING
past master in the arts of seduction

past master in the arts of seduction! lie minated to her that he, and he alone' could save her father from death--from being burned alive
 "Tomorrow," said he as he left her one evening, lis the day of the auto da fe. Tomorrow you will hear the hell that tolls for the death of your father! You will almost see the smoke thai rises from the funeral pyre.
 T leave you to yourself Think if you can endure the after reflection that you were the cause of his death ans that merely through perv in re- fusing proffered happiness.'
 What night it was to Inez! On every side horror awaited her. "Is there no mercy In heaven or earth ?" she cried In her distress.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
A Face in the Gloom

when the aged scholar knocked at the door a light appeared in window apoVe and a female head looked out. By the 1irht Antonio saw head and face that might have served for one of Raphaefs saints.
 The hair was carefully braided and confined in a silk net. and the complex ion. as well as he could judge in the uncertain light, was of that sort pru- nette so becoming in southern beauty. pair of large, beautiful black eyes shone forth, as Antonia thought, into the gloom of the roadway.
 "It is I. my child" said the old man. The light and the face disappeared; the girl came down and let her father in. It was all over, and Antonio, the Stu dent of Salamanca, was done for. That sudden gleam of beauty had been to him like a brilliant flashing rom a. dark cas- ket.
 A few simple, wild notes from among the rocks and trees at a little distance attracted his attention. He found a group of gypsies who lived in novels and caves on the hillside busy about their evening fires and sought information from them regarding the occupants of the an- cient building.
 All he could find out was that an old man and his daughter with one female servant lived there. and nobody knew anything about them But the gypsies when they had been about at night, had seen strange sights and heard strange
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Seeking the Philosophers Stone

Now Antonio was truly fond of all oc- cult matters-the search for the waters of perpetual youth and the philosopher s stone had a fascination for hirn-but they had not been strong enough to draw him to them had not the more powerful at- traction of Inez been cast into the bal ance. se
 He told the old man that he had re- ceEtly received a small legacy which he would be delighted to devote to the cause and doubted not that, between them. they could discover the great secret, upon the verge of discovering which the alchemist
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Only a Glance

The country people. they said. who worked in the vineyards about, believed that tho old man dealt in the black art. and were afraid to pass the place at night. That was all Antonio found out that night
 But the next morning he strolled to the place and viewed 1t by daylight It looked more forlorn by day than 1t had by night.
 In one angle, however. he remarked window which seemed to be an excep- tion to the surrounding squaiidness. There was a curtain drawn within 1t and How CTS standing on the window sill
 While he gazed the curtain was partly pulled back and an arm. beautifully white and rounded, was put forth to water the flowers.
 AS has been said, our Antonio was moi bashful youth. and he at once made a boise to attract the attention of the owner of the beautiful arm.
 He succeeded. The curtain was Tar ther withdrawn and a face looked out at him in surprise-the same beautiful face he had seen the night before al the little window over the door. It was but a glance: the curtain fel aeain and the window was closed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
ExplanatiOns

But just at that moment he was knocked senseless by a blow from the accomplice of the cavalier, who had ascended the ladder and the conspira- tors made their escape.
 By this time the shrieks of Inez had brought her father and the domestic to the scene and the student was found weltering in his blood.
 He was, of course, put to bed, care fully tened and soon recovered, Inez hastened his recovery by telling him the truth about the unknown cavalier the serenader.
 She did not know hin1--had given him no encouragement-had avoided him In all ways. But he had assailed her with letters and had haunted her footsteps so that she dared not venture abroad. The scene in the garden was as much of a surprise to her as to Antonio. t
 Her persecuter had heard her voice and had made his way over part of the broken wall. He had come upon her unawares, was detaining her by force and pleading his insulting pas sion when Antonio had come upon the scene. m
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
The Unknown Cavalier

The idea flashed across Antonio's mind that his fair unknown had lover-and that this was he. Here was another dream dispelled.
 But what have to do with her at- tachments?" thought he. "I have no claim upon her heart. What idle humor have I fallen into? I will go back to my books and studies. Study will soon chase away these idle fancies."
 But no answer to the serenade came from the window of the girls room; the light, which had shone from her chamber, was extinguished and the curtain re- mained drawn
 The cavalier, seeing after while that his serenade had provoked no response, reluctantly went his homeward way. while Antonio said to himself: Ut is the last time-the last time. I will finger yet a little while and enjoy my dreams few | minutes longer.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Her Father Found

Suddenly behind them they heard tho sound of horses. It was Don Ambrosio and his men coming in pursuit,s The escape of Inez had been discovered.
 Quick, give me your vefi'' SAid the minstrel; keep on toward Granada Hurry.'
 Taking the veil of Inez, the woman darted up the hillside, and Don Ambro- so, recognizing the veil, dismounted and
 with his men, followed on the false scent When Inez finally reached the city she saw the great square crowded and a long
 procession making its way to the scene of the approaching auto de fe. Pale, fran. tic, disheveled, she struggled through tho crowd, crying, My father. My father!" The crowd instantly drew back ant made way for her as she advanced. The poor alchemist had made his peace witt heaven and had closed his heart to ths world when the voice of his child rans upon his ear and called him back tt worldly agony and thought
 He turned toward the we'll knowr voice, his knees smote together, he en deavored to stretch forth his bound arm. | and found himself in the embrace of hi. child.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Following the Unknown

In the meantime he saw less and less of Inez. She no longer walked in the garden and kept herself most of the time in her own room. When, by chance, Antonio met her, she blushed more than ever.
 Once she stopped and hesitated, as fl she would have spoken. But after a tenn pcrary embarrassment and still deeper bushes she made some casual observa- ton and retired
 Antonio read in all this a consciousness of fault and of that faults being discov- cred.
 That very night as the student was re- turning to his lodgings he met his rival going In the direction of the tower. He determined to follow this unknown ca- valier and watch his movements.
 The unknown, as he came near the tower, was stealthy and cautious in his movements, and near the building he was joined by another man. The cavalier re- ceiyed dark lantern from his compal- ion and threw off his cloak.
 Then from the thicket they took light ladder and placed it against the wall un- der the bedroom of Tnez. The serenader gently ascended and disappeared within the window of the room.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

deplored the infatuation which had led him on until his feelings were so thor oughly engaged. He resolved to aban- don his pursuits in the tower and to try what absence would do 10 heal his wounds.
 But when the morning came he went to the tower as usual, and kept putting off from day to day the farewell he had determined to take of the alchemist.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Delaying the Parting

Al the sight of Antonio the cavalieI epranx up and drew his sword. while Ipex. released, fled back to the house.
 All the jealous fears of Antonio were realized. Hc did not staw to encounter the fierce resentment of hs happy riva at bejne thus interrupted, but turned from the place in sudden wretchedncss of heart.
 That 1nez should love another was nis cry enough; but that she should be capa. bio of n dfshonorable amour .fhocked hin to the soul g s IIe returned to his lodgings that night js, si pitialbls confpston Of mind Hc nov
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Planning Flight

She had forborne to mention to her father the persecution to which she had been subjected. as she wished to spare him unavailing anxiety and distress.
 She said that. he had made his ad- vances under z, fictitious name. but she had once heard him called by the name of Don Ambrosio de Loxa. An tonic knew Don Ambrosio well by re- port-he was one of the most danger ous libertines in Granada.
 Nothing more was seen or heard of De Loxa for some time, and Antonio resumed his intimacy with Inez. In short. they tacitly became lovers and looked rpol each other as future life companions.
 Antonio told the alchemist of the perils which beset himself and Inez in Granada, and urged that they all remove to valen- cia. where. he said. he had relatives among whom the old man and his daus st- ter could find safety and quiet.
 Inez pleaded for the change, aud SC it was resolved that, ss soon as the stu dent,s health was entirely restored. they should abandon the old tower and seek the delicious neighborhood Of viIlencia-
 The Gypsy's Warming
 O,r~ nvan{up Ioex ana A rc.,s< ...~.<
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

Up spiral staircase he rushed to ths tower broke into the laboratory of the old man and dragged forth and carried down to the hysterical women the ap- parently lifeless body.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
And Lived Happy Eyer After

But when he had been brought to th paternal home his eloquence had con vinced his father of the innoncence, tn honor and the high descent of tn alchemist and the worth of the daugh ter. So the grandee at length consente to Antonio's going back to Granada an fetching his bride.
 He arrived, as we have seen, just il the nick of time. Don Ambroisio, think ing that he was mortally wounded, con fessed all and admitted that he .ha swrongfully charged the alchemist wit sorcery. The poor old man was at ono released. s
 Don Ambrosio finally recovered an| buried himself for remorse for his sim in a convent of one of the strictes orders.
 The rest of the story can easily b imagined. Antonio and his wife, Incl went to Valencia. taking the alchemis with them. They had many childreI and a long and happy life.
 The alchemist would undoubtedl! have discovered the Philosopher' Stone and the Elixir Vitae had he nd been hurried out of life in his s0t'
 1copyrisht. 1911. by Irving Kins.)
 Next weeks one page classic will .ss '"Twenty five years After" by Aexall dar Dumas. 1
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
An IIneaual Combat

Antonio turned away sick at heart and was just about to leave the place forever when he heard a shriek from the chamber of Inez. In an instant tha fellow who stood at the foot of the ladder lay prostrate on the ground and Antonio, armed with a stilleto, which he had wrenched from the mans hand swiftly ascended the ladder.
 He jumped into the room and found Inez struggling in the grasp of his fancied rival The stranger drew his sword and a fierce combat took place
 The combat was unequal, for Antonio fought ine the full glare Of the dark lantern. while his antagonist was ir shadow. The stiletto. too, was but g poor weapon against the sword. He closed with the stranger, getting inside his guard and gave him wound with the stiletto.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Again the Warning

''Do not stop me- she cried, "let me follow my father"
 We have come to conduct you to him. senora," said one of the men. "He has gone to Granada. An unexpected cir cumstance requires his presence there immediately; but he Is among friends and is anxious for you to follow him."
 Let us go. then,'' she said
 They mounted her on mule and set out for the city. Granada was cele- brating the festival of the Maestranza that night and the great square was crowded with people.
 The conductors of Inez made their way so as to traverse a gloomy part of the square, but the little party was caught in the crowd and Inez saw with sur prise the same woman who had sung to her the song of warning on the Hill of the Sun detach herself from a group of revelers and, coming close to her, broke forth Into doleful song of sinister fore boding.
 She attempted to speak to the woman. but her conductors hurried her away.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Lights and a Song

That evening Antonio again lowered near the lonely house. But he caught no
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

1 walking on the Mountain of the Sun which overlooks the city. taking last look at the region they were soon to leave, Antonio formally proposed to lnez --and was accepted
 The sun was setting and darkness had begun to fall as they turned homeward and came upon group of Andalusians
 dancing to the guitars of two wandering ninstrels. When the dance was ended one of the
 minstrels, woman of striking appear ance, young. beautiful, with look Of mingled sadness and wildness in hei large dark eyes. approached Inez and fixed upon her a mournful gaze, at the same time singing an old ballad which l told of secret danger and treachery. An tcnio drew the frightened Inez from the place and they descended the hill.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Don Ambrosio's Plot

They took her to large house and in- troduced her into a suite of splendid apartments, telling her that her father would soon be with her. Instead of her father, however. there came to her Don Ambrosio de Loxa.
 He made her a formal and stately bow appeared not to notice her agitation and terror told her that her father would soon appear, and retired. Don Ambrosio was too wary a fowler to futter the bird just entangled-and besides was so vain that he imagined no woman could long withstand his personal charms.
 Jnez was perplexed. Then a thought flew into her head. Antonio had met Don Ambrosio and they had fought. An tonio had been wounded, and that was why they had sent for her father and herself. These and thousand other sug-
 gestions surged through her bewildered brain.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Arrest and Abduction

That night, as Antonio was returning from the tower to his lodgings after see ing Inez home. he was attacked by sev- eral armed men. his head enveloped m a cloak to stifle his cries for help and hur- ried off with irresistible rapidity.
 Antonio's failure to report himself at the tower occasioned at first surprise and then alarm on the part of Inez and her father as day succeeded day and nu tidngs of him could be found.
 Then, one night, officers of the law broke into the laboratory in the towel and arrested the alchemist, charging him with being a wizard and necromancer- capital offenses In those days.
 lnez. attracted by the noise. ran to her fathers aid only to see him hurried out of the house. She attempted to fol- lew him but found herself in a group ot strangers.