davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
ment to attempt again to possess him- self.
Two Wandering Pilgrims

Up the glen of Douglas came two pilgrims. One was the minstrel. BertraIn, and the other a person who passed as his son, Augustine. It was an early spring day when nature in the cold province of Scotland was reviving from her winter $ sleep. The younger of the two pilgrims was faint and wearied.
 How much farther is it. my good Ser tram.' asked Augustine. ito this castle of Douglas?"
 Faith, replied the minstrel, these Scottish miles are long. But I have now an opinion that we are now on the lands of my old friend, Dixon. who sheltered me when I was last in these regions. Aye, there are his sheep
 How do you know that?"
 why, he has the first letter of his name on their wool. My-or rather Augustine - learning is a great thing?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
No Easy Prize to Win

Yet some degree of pause there was among the English knights when the tumult died away, for the holding of castle Dangerous was not an under taking to be held lightly.
 And, more over, it was known thai the kings favor might be lost by him who should aspire to the hand of Au- gusta Berkley. To brave both Edward and the Douglas was a task not to be recklessly entered upon.
 Then up rose Sir John de Walton and said that he would avail himself of the oreer, saving and reserving the kings appreciation. Should the king allow him he would, for chvalry and courtesy hold the castle Dangerous for a year and day.
 He would al once go to the court and ask for the command. The beakers clashed and the swords rang again as tue Knights sang out approbation for the enterprise of Sir John. Augusta sat blushing, as became her. amid her maidens.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
Arguing in Vain With a Lover

Aymer de Valence in vain pointed out to Sir John that 1t was merely maiden shame at having followed her lover so boldly to Scotland that had caused Au- gusta to fly when she saw herself forced to reveal her identity Could not Sir John read between the lines of her let ter and see that she still loved him?
 You are a more experienced soldier than I, Sir John," said the young knight, but when it comes to exper- fence with the hearts of women, l must hold myself your superior. Trust me- the Lady Augusta Berk ley is simply driven by that female i'm pulse which would have no man think she is to be too lightly wooed and won"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
Ward of the King

THE Lady Augusta Berlxley was a
 great helress according to the
 A world. both in land and movable goods, and on the death of. her father became the ward of the king.
 And that king was the second Edward, who desired to bestow her hand upon one cf his minions, a relative of Piers Caves ton, her equal neither in wealth nor rank.
 That was the time when the English had practically overrun Scotland The name of Sir John De Walton was cele- brated throughout England for his feats of chivalry across the border. Lady Au- gusta heard-as who had not?-of the doughty deeds of Sir John.
 At the court of London, Lady Augusta met Sir John, and from that time had but one thought. The daughter of a ereat and powerful English noble. thought she. could more worthily give away her hand and such wealth as the world spoke of to a poor but valiant might like Sir John than to the cousin or kings minion.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
A Soldier in Command

You may judge for yourself" said Sir Aymer. whether the castle of Douglas as it was rebuilt under Cliff ford is likely to be more easily taken than at the last enterprise of the Douglas"
 In truth the new building looked m- pregnable and was, moreover, defended with a strictness of military precau- tion which even in the delay in allow ing the entrance of Sir Aymer and Bertram was apparent. It was easily seen that a soldier was in command.
 But the minstrel, as he looked up at the lofty walls and towers, shook his head and quoted from the Psalmist "Nis dominus custodiet'
 Sir Aymer looked carefully at the man and said: "Methinks you are more | spiritually minded than can always be predicated of a wandering minstrel However, now that the way is open tt us, enter with me this castle-and | will report your case to Sir John dc Walton. Meanwhile-ho there. warders | take this man in charge and see tha he Is securely held upon your lives In Strict Imprisonment | Bertram found himself now a prisoner and. submitting with the best grace h, might. only sent word to the governor | that he begged permission to write t | his son, Augustine, whom he had lief at the abbey of St. Bride. | Sir John was rather angry with th' ! younger knight for allowing two un known wanderers to penetrate. the on
 
 | those perilous times, and Sir Aymer wa angry with Sir John that he called il question his judgment.
 The outcome of their discourse wa ' that Bertram was fettered in dungeon
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
The Mystery Deepens

While he talked, Bertram was writing, and he now handed to Sir John the missive which he had written. It read:
 Sir John de Walton. the governor of this castle, has seized rle and threatened me with examination under torture unless l tell the errand of our coming into this country. This letter lis to appraise you of the danger of being placed in similar danger unless you au- thorize me to make the discovery to this knight But upon this subject you have only to express your wishes, being as- sured that they shall be in every respect
 attended to by your devoted Bertrain.'' | For Sir John the mystery deepened , "I will ride myself to the Abbey of st.
 Bride" said he; meantime, Sir Ayinef
 de Valence, you are governor of this
 castle"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
Douglas Tries to Bargain

Then there came the sound as of an owl from the woods and the man point ing with his lance, bade Augusta ride in the direction indicated. She obeyed and found herself in the presence of no less person than Lord James of Douglas
 ''Sir knight" said Augusta firmly, "a rash undertaking has brought me with in the sphere of your influence and now the only favor I ask Is the guidance which your knowledge of the country permits you easily to afford me to the frontiers of England"
 T well know, my Lady Of Berklcy.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
Sir Aymer de Valence

But 1t was not long before the tramp of horses hoof was heard and a young knight rode into the garrison who was welcomed with marks of respect. This young knight was Sir Aymer de Valence. second in command to de Walton in the Castle Dangerous.
 Rertram was examined by Sir Aymer, Who decided that Augustine should go to the neighboring convent and monastery of St. Bride.
 This was half ruined establish ment in which, by favor of the Eng fish, d few aged nuns and monks were allowed to reside-Sr John. de Walton having chosen for the abbot an old man. who, he was convinced, was devoted tc the English interests.
 As for the minstrel. he would be .aker at once to the Douglas castle, thare te learn the decision of Sir John.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
"YOu Dark, Gray Man"

To facilitate the progress to the Cas- tie Dangerous, the knight of ,'aloncc offered Bertram the services of horse and bade him ride beside him. '.Iucn converse did the young knight and the more mature minstrel hold IS they rode of knightly deeds and ancl mt legends. And the knight was much i'm pressed by the wisdom and the chival- ric mind of Bertram.
 ''I have" he said, "helds you min strels light before; but, by my faith, | if all these singers were like you, me- thinks they might wear swords in- stead of harps girt to them.'
 'ls it not as noble to sing of doughty deeds as to do them?" responded ,Ie minstrel Where were your deeds in | the minds of men did not we minstra;s Keep them alive after your swords were rust, your bones were dust?
 The morning was beginning to show itself over Douglas Glen as the little company approached the Castle Dan- gerous and the morning was ronscoial Ito the original derivation of the name
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
Her Hand to the Victor

The voice of the minstrel and the sound of his harp stopped suddenly. All present knew the alluson-the Lady Augusta.
 Young and impulsive, she sprang up in her seat at the dais table and taking from her neck a chain of gold which supported a crucifx of great sanctity and holding it alof. swore that she would give her hand and inheritance to the knight who should hold the castle Dan- gerous for a year and a day against the Scots.
 wild shout of applause and enthu- siasm greeted the maiden's speech. The knigts drew their swords and the 'vaulted roof rang with the clashing of the steel as Augusta sat down.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
Summons to Surrender

Brave De Walton" said Douglas. there is not mortal quarrel between you and me- But my fathers house and the graves of my ancestors are worth fighting for. The noble Lady Augusta Berkley promise to escort in safety to the border and when Sir John ,le Walton yields me up my castle he shall be att tended with the utmost honors upon his withwrawal to England.
 'The Bruce Is in the field; all Scot land is aroused my followers here out number yours, and are as brave. Yield thee or the castle is stormed and taken and thou art dead or prisoner.
 My Lord of Douglass replied De Walton, "the earl of Pembroke is even now arriving with a. large force to re- lieve and strengthen the castle. You are caught in a net. Ha! I hear the sound of horses hoofs; 1t is -he earn herald come to bid you surrender" | "so be it, then." said Douglas, Q darksome hue like the lurid color of s thunder cloud changing his brow as hs
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27

returned Lord James ''the interest there is between you and him who holds my ancestral castle. l will de- liver you to Sir John de Walton pro- vided he, in return, delivers up to me the castle Dangerous What say your
 Never" cried Augusta, twill be a party to such a bargain. As you are belted knight and one of Scotland's lords, I throw myself upon your pro- tection.''
 Follow me-" said the Douglas stern
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27

of the chiefs to whom the valley te- onged by right.
 "Sholto Dhu Glass (see yon dalk grey man) that was the origin of the name of the former holders of this castle was it not?" said Sir Aymer, and dark grey will our route prove this morning."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27

and Sir Aymer was ordered to ride back at once to the abbey and bring the al legged son of Bertram to the castle.
 T shall bring no more distress upon this lad than his obstinacy shall make necessary. Come, we will visit this min strel whom you, Aymer de Valence, have introduced into this castle.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
A CLASSIC
 IN A PAGE
Copyright, 1911. by Irving King.

SCopynght, 19ll, by Irving King. All
 Rights Reserved.)
 Castle Dangerous" was the last work of Scott which Is generally published. He finished it just be- fore breaking down under the great men, tal labor which his financial difficulties imposed upon him. and he sailed for Italy with the hope of obtaining some re- ief. IL was from Naples that he sent back the introduction for the story and some corrections of the manuscript already completed.
 "Conelusion," as Sir Wilter calls 1t, was written at Abbotsford before sailing and was In effect a pathetic farewell to the ruhlic. Sir Walter realized that his great genius had run it's course. that his men tai processes had run down-out of gear. As is known, he came back from his Italian trip only to die, his mind clouded and the visions he had seen changed into vague shadows. Castle Dangerous" is remarkable as showing how, to the very lSsf of his possible efforts, Scott could sound a bugle call.
 No story he ever wrote Is more filled with vlgor, with the clash of arms and the sentiments of chivalry and high em- prise" And then his mind elouded and death closed his wonderful career.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
The Kings Reluctant Promise

Edward was greatly offended when he found that the lady of Berkley had put her will against his own, yet, on the other hand. he loved Sir John de Walton as a soldier and companion in arms.
 Well, win your bride by the sword, them said Edward. "So the castle Dangerous, as the minstrel calls it, is yours to command.
 But if you do not hold it for year and a day you lose the lady and your knightly honor. For, by St. George, will have your shield reversed, John de Walton. if you allow the Douglas te again retake that castle.'
 And now De Walton held the castle Dangerous in spite of the fact tha; Lord James of Douglas was lurking in the neighborhood, ready at any mo.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
The Bird Escapes

When the day dawned Sir Aymer knocked at the door of Augustine' s apartment There was no answer. The door was broken in. The room vas empty.
 By secret trap-door the alleged Augustine-who was as the reader can imagine none other than the Lady Augusta Berkley--had escaped. being aided and abetted by one of the lay sisters. But the Lady Augusta had left a letter behind her upon, the reading oi
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27

which a new light dawned apon Sir Aymer.
 For who had not heard of the gage thrown down by the heiress of the Berkleys to Sir John de Walton? And was not Betram the minstrel who had sung the song of Castle Dangerous which had caused Sir John to take up the gage? Also everybody knew that the Lady Augusta was of an adventurous turn and that 1t would be In keeping with the character of maiden who defied a. king to visit Scotland in disguise and see for herself how her knight was de- lending his trust.
 Aymer laughed as he read the letter. It was truly feminine.
 "As for Sir Aymer de Valence," wrote Augusta, 'I freely forgive him for having been involved in a mistake to which I myself led the way and shall at all times be happy to meet him as an &C., quaintance. But respecting Sir John de Walton I must request of him to consider whether his conduct standing as we at present do toward each other, is such as he ought to forget or I to forgive.
 "I trust he will understand when I say that all former connections must henceforth be at an end between him and the supposed Augustine
 Also she added a postscript-as ladies will-giving full permission to Bertram to reveal the secret of the presence of the pair in Scotland.
 Sir John Learns the Truth l Sir Aymer immediately upon his re- turn to the castle asked Sir John to accompany him to the dungeon where the minstrel was confined. "I am of the opinion" said Sir Ay- mer. 'that I have discovered a secret which nearly affects your worship Bertram looked at him and the min strel knew at once that the young knight had solved the mystery. To sum up, Bertram. released by the letter of the Lady Augusta from obligations of se- crecy, told the governor the whole story
 But the white plume which hoated over the elder knights cap of maintenance, which was worn as a headpiece within doors, was not paler than Sir Johns face as he read the letter of the heiress of Berkeley. How could be have been | so blnd,"
 Augusta would never forgive him-did not she say so in this missive? And where was she now? A wanderer amid the dangers of that wild and war-ridden re- zion.
 Parties of horsemen were at once dis patched to SCOUT the country In search of the lady and her companion, the lay l sister.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
Prize Won in Defeat

'dod forbid said he to de Walton, that I should take advantage of the praVest knight out of not few who have found me work in battle. But, Sir John. you are my captive.
 However. I will dispose of you as I think best-and that is l will transfer my claims upon the redoubtable knight Of Walton to the high and noble Lady Augusta Berkley, who, I hope. will not scorn to accept from the Douglas gift which the chances of war have thrown into his hands"
 SIT John, upon hearing this, looked up like the traveller who discovers the beams or the sun breaking through and dispers- ing the tempest which has occunied him the whole morning.
 The Lady of Berkley had been standing outside the church while the fighting was soins on, and sooth to say she had been Frightened. But when the Welsh lsnieht had entered the church she had entered witli him and now recollected what was due her rank.
 Making Friend of Foe
 Hastily wiping off the tears which had hc"h to HeT eyes, She stepped forward, bearing herself as a lady ac- eustomed to be obeyed and looked to in difficulties I1sM.
 '"The noble Douglass ssl, s&is shall not pass from the field P,fdkhshe has so lately won without I@h6I This rich string of brilliants, whichS n1S St ancestor won from the Sultan of d-itself prize of battle-will 6o 1$$6red Inv sustaining under the Dox E armor a lock of hair from the li6<H 6f{fhat ladv whom he shall choose Tor hfo,} in chivalry." Aa.ss 2ssr She took from her neck Ftkf8 {1ch string of gems and handed {& {ho Douglas. who said in a loud voic6:
 'I will keep this loc<&t tiil the last day of my life as embIonuutlo of female worth and female virtpe. A1d. not to encroach upon the hono<61 p1ovince of Sir John de Walton, bell EnoSrn to all men that whoever says G(U&14he Lady Augusta Bcrkley has, n }I entangle- ment, acted otherwise thd& 0&bpmes the noblest of her sex, he. win bo ready to maintain such propositfon with his lance against James of Douglas.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
Little More to Tell

There is little more to tell
 The Lady Augusta and her captive, Sir John, were escorted back to the Eng fish border with all due honor and state by the Douglas.
 Then came the progress of Robert the Bruce and the final decisive field of Ban- nockburn, which resulted in the liberty of Scotland.
 That the Lady Augusta and De Walton lived happily all their married life, goes without saying.
 Next weeks one page classic will be "Peregrine Pickle,' by Tobias Smolet.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
"Who1l Hold Castle Dangerous ?p

The theme which he chose was the frequent capture of the Castle Douglas or as the lninstrel called it-Castle Dan gerous.
 Where are the champions of Edward the First," sang the minstrel, when the realm of England cannot furnish a man brave enough, or sufficiently expert fh the wars, to defend miserable ham, let in Scotland against the Scottish rebels who have taken and retaken it over our soldiers heads?
 ''Who will hold that Castle Dangerous until the years end? Where are the noble ladies whose smiles used to give countenance to the knights of St. Georges cross?
 "Ah, the spirit of love and chivalry is alike dead among us. Our knights limit their prowess to petty adventures and our noblest heiresses are given as prizes to strangers!'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-27
Counsel From a Minstrel

Sir John de Walton was poor-all the world knew that. Lady Augusta was rich-all the world knew that. It caught with her fancy that her wealth and Sir Johns valor and poverty should go to- gether.
 There was one servitor of the house of Berkley in whom Augusta had an Implicit conference.-the family minstrel, Bertram. With him she took counsel, and at his suggestion, gave upon Christ mas eve, at Berkley castle, a great feast.
 She sent invitations abroad to all the young knights of noble name who were known to spend their leisure in quest of arms and adventure.
 When the tables were drawn and the feast concluded, Bertram, the minstrel, as had been before devised, sang a song and received from all present the attention due to minstrel of such fame
Enterprise news-record. [volume] (Enterprise, Wallowa County, Or.) 1910-1911, 1911-01-07
NEW YORK'S JAILS
CROWDED TO OVERLOOKING

New York, Jan. 4.-This state
should prove haven of delight for
the hobo and all members of the So
ciety for the prevention of work. To-
day the fact was disclosed, through a
committee to ask the legislature for
increased prison facilities, that the
penal institutions not only of the
state, but of the city, are more crowd
ed than ever before in their history.
The committee Is composed of repre-
sentatives of various organizations
whose aim Is to restrict the tramp
and the aggressor against law gen.
orally.
And what is most interesting this
committee states that the crowded
conditions of the prisons is. not due
so much to the rapid growth Of t--e
large cities Of the state as to theil
laws and methods of treating crimi'
nails. The legislature will be asked
to frame new laws or so amend exist
ing ones that can be so executed as t.
punish crime in accordance with thu
conditions and motives of crimina
acts. The representatives Of the va
rious organizations declare that !
the criminal himself were instructe'
and educated, so as to effect avail
able reform in his purposes ther
would be larger results for good
without too great changes in govern
ment.
Enterprise news-record. [volume] (Enterprise, Wallowa County, Or.) 1910-1911, 1911-01-07
SPOKANE WOMEN
WOULD Be JURORS
URGE GOVERNOR TO
DENY EXCUSE PETITION
Prominent Workers in Suffrage Move
ment Active Against Move of Sister
Voters-Many State Their Opin-
ions.

Spokane, Wash, Jan. 4.-Promi-
nent workers in the suffrage move
ment, members of exclusive clubs and
scores of working women in Spokane
are writing letters to Governor Ma
rion E. Hay, urging him to deny the
petitions of women electors request
ing to be relieved from jury duty If
called upon for service.
when I asked for the privilege of
citizenship" said Mrs. May Ark
wright Hutton, president of the
Washington Equal Suffrage League,
"I was ready and willing to accept all
the requirements. I am willing to
serve on jury and will do so without
protest, If called to that or any other
duty required by the state"
Mrs. Hutton is the wife of Levi w
Hutton, millionaire mining operat-
or, and has extensive interests in Spo.
kane and the Occur d'Alene mining
district in northern Idaho. She fl
nanced statewide campaign fol
equal rights in 1910 and was a fac
tor in securing the ballot for women
at the last state election.
Mrs. A. p. Fassett, who has beer
identified with the suffrage and 9TH
er women's movements in Spokane
for years, said:
"I have written to Governor Hay
asking him to refuse to take any &C
ton on the petitions of women voters
requesting to be released from jur!
duty. I have also interested a larg'
number of club women to writ
similar letters.
when I worked for equal suffrag
1 fully understood all the duties tina
would devolve upon the women a
voters. I am afraid now that If tn
women start to balk at sitting on
| jury they will lose their right o
franchise"
That the women of Spokane are in
terested in the ballot is evidenced b
the large number registering for tn
| spring election in March, when fiv
commissioners will be chosen to re
place the present city government
headed by Mayor Nelson s. Pratt.