davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1912-03-04
Should Contests Be Limited to Corn?

Discussing the subject OF corn
contests with a farmer in Eastern
Pennsylvania, a new note is
struck byState EconomicZoologist
II. A. Surface, who questions the
wisdom Of limiting such compe-
titions to a single product of the
farm. Professor Surface takes
the position that it is just as i'm
portant to advance in methods
Of carrying on other farm activi-
ties. His letter says:
Il can not see why the country
is going wild over the subject of
corn growing contests, when it is
just as important to have con-
tests in produce-growing of all
kinds, such as potato growing,
cabbage growing, tomato grow
ing, pig growing, calf raising,
butter making, pie making, bread
baking, the canning of fruit, the
making of jellies and preserves,
and a host Of other subjects that
touch the activities of the farm
ers and their wives in this State.
There is the whole realm of fruit
growing and preserving, which
should interest the boys and girls.
Corn is important, but no more
important than the other sub
jects | have mentioned in aState
with possibilities as diversified
as those of Pennsylvania.
Il am satisfied that it would
be far more rational to establish
a contest for all the products on
a single farm, rather than tor one
alone, Why not have a club Of
fer a prize to the farmer produc-
ing the best of all the materials
that can be grown on the farm,
or have the farmers son or
daughter compete for prizes for
producing the best of everything
that can be grown in the garden?
Or have a prize for the wife or
daughter who will produce the
best Of all that can come from
the kitchen; and, above all else,
the production of the best fruits
at the least essential cost?
Another very important sub
ject neglected among the farm
ers is the care of lawns and prem
ises. Why not offer a prize for
the most attractively kept lawns
and surroundings of the house
and garden during the year?
This will develop the esthetic
sense to which all should give
more attention. Make the home
and the home surroundings at
tractive by making them subjects
for real thoughtful effort. Thus
it can be seen that corn is serv-
ing a very small part of the en-
tire unit of agricultural possibili-
ty in this State, and we should
not be led into adopting the ap-
parently one-sided view of some
other States, that corn is not only
KING, but the ENTIRE FAMILY
OF ROYALTY"
The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1912-03-04
". c. PATTERSON'S LETTER.
Raising Steers in Fulton County One Of
the Neglected Industries that
Can Be Revived.

The writer's attention was call
ed lately to the fact that cattle
are far scarcer in the United
States than they were a year ago
and not only that, but the drouth
in the West had caused many of
the western feeders to sell imma-
ture cattle rather than let them
starve, so that, in six of our west
ern cities S5, 600 cattle were mark
eted on the 25th of last August,
against 62, 600 the same date the
year previous. The greatranch-
es of the West are short of cattle
and have been buying them at
big figures to eat up their surplus\
hay and grain. The demand has
been so great that at the Union
Stock Yards, Portland, Oregon,
they were sold at the advanced
price of $500 per cwt.
The price brought by steers
sold lately in the Cove-7 ! cts
is an indication of their scarcity.
Ten years ago we were a beef
exporting nation; now we are i'm
portingit. Our steamships from
Argentine, South America, lately
landed 1000 quarters of beef
which was shipped to New York
and sold in competition with our
home raised beef.
Twenty-Five years ago cattle
sold at 2 to 8 cents per pound in
Fulton county and farmers
were admonished that no steer
could be fattened any more at a
profit; thin steers sold for Z ! cts.
per h., at public auction, but the
other day.
The beef industry moved many
years ago from the Atlantic slope
to the Pacific, and now it is NOV
ing back again to supply eastern
cities with beef and at the same
time to build up the fertility of
worn out farms.
No other section of our coun-
try possesses such natural ad-
vantages for raising and feeding
cattle as the Atlantic States.
Much of our land is rough and
hilly but well adapted to blue
grass, than which, there is no
better pasture for cattle. Two
carloads of cattle fattened exclu-
sively on blue grass in western
Pennsylvania sold at the top
notch price of $3.50 per cwt in
the Pittsburgh market last fall.
Corn seems to be an essential
feed for ripening fat cattle, and
it is a fact that our Eastern states
can produce as much corn per
acre as any other section of the
Union; and perhaps, nearly as
cheaply. Some parts of Fulton
County have sufficient corn to fat
ten large number of cattle,
while it is impossible to raise
beef cattle from the dairy herds
without stinting the latter in pas
ture. For this reason it would
seem that there is a good chance
for those who live on hilly farms
or near mountain or woodland, to
raise steers to supply this de-
mand as they once did. 1t used
to be possible to buy all the
stockers that were necessary
from this source, but now feed
ers have to depend almost entire
ly on cattle that have been ship
ped in from the west and south.
In another article some hints may
be given along the line of feed
ing and breeding with the above
object in view; but another writ
er might be able to advise better
as he may know the needs and
conditions of our people better
than
w. C. PATTERSON.
The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1912-03-04

Miss Naomi Roettger has ac-
cepted a position in the store of
Geo. w. Reisner & Co. to take a
course of training in the. gentle
art of selling drygoods in order
to be ready for an expected rush
of business this spring.
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-08-08
CHAPTER VI.
The One Hope.

As he stopped and faced about, l as
instantly halted.
perhaps this spot may satisfy your
requirements" he said sarcasticaily.
"'Tis far enough away at least, ana
the light is not so bad"
1T will do" I replied. and threw my
scarlet Jacket on the grass. strip TO
the white. sir, and then we can see
fairly we'll where to strike. That's pct
ter. On guard"
He came at me iercely enough con-
adant of his mastery Of the weapon,
and. no doubt, expecting me to prove
an easy victim Of his skill. HIS nrst
onslaught, a trick thrust under my
guard. caused me to give back a step
or two, and this small success yieioeu
him the over-conhdence | always pre-
fer that an opponent have. was
young. agile, cool-headed. instructed
since early boyhood by my father d
rather famous swordsman. in the mys-
teries of the game, yet preferred tnat
Grant should deem me a novice WIN
this In mind. and in order that misne
better study the mans style. re-
NAMED strictly on defense, giving way
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-08-08


war against the pitiful appeal in her
voice.
Yes, I'll 90, at once. But l take
away with me a memory which will
never permit me to be satisfied until
We meet again. We have been to.
getner so snort a time
Had 1t been longer she interrupt
ed, You would know me better, and
care less, perhaps. I am a sham; a
cheat, a trife OF bitterness in the
tone. You will learn all that some
DAY, and laugh at yourself. oh, I know
you win; so not another word, sir. l
an gaag. then, perhaps you VIII.
There was a sltebt pressure Of her
nngara, ana She mad van 5shed Sc quick
" | could only stare bInlly alous the
deserted passage. Yet, an instant
later, Tie peril Of my p-redtcament
mashed back upon my mind, and J
raced lhe immediate necessity ior ac-
uon. What her strange words might
mean could not be interpreted; made
no attempt to comprehend. Now l
~"H AAd A4CdiiS VI GoNARG, GAG NeAA
the truth later. l opened the door
Cautiously, and stepped without, every
nerve taut, every muscle braced Tor
action. 1t was a star-lit night, and the
numerous rear windows of the man
sion east a glare Of light for some dis
lance. The dark shadow OF a high
fence alone promised concealment,
and, holding my sword tightly, l crept
N that direction. breathing again more
freely as I reached its protection UNI
observed. There was a guard stationed
oefore the stable door-a Grenadier.
IRON the outline of his hat-and 9TH
efs, a little group, we're sitting on the
grass a dozen feet away. If they had
not been already warned I might gain
q horse by holiness. but the probable
4 .y was that here was where Carter
mad mounted his SQUAD, and I would
merely walk forward into a trap. I
some visitor had left a horse tied in
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-08-08
CHATTER VII.


r-5 rome ,,r rasr,~r al. breath
VII liz A. .,-, 49, =
,oer 1arrs. av 49,
M s. NAN h.r ~, s~so.
I'll b4rsa oo,tr5 re+ ~ -,o-ss8
.ra
ffs4 ,tn r f w. Il
It'll NOS bean is ss1
c.sLr concluded trs d-sft had
ttan amt. Nh and
0uL chlr toward taa err
fa lest / pe 11r1e down E
Glcu- ster before x could alatlv r
lar 1t was q hard SWIM -as
sw. current, ami Z was nearly 81.
hau 4 when I finally crert up Il
low nk. and lay dripping and paae
ing in the shelter eli some low bushes
Except for tie bark d g distant dc-
there was ne sound more dlslura5ug
than me rustic OF leaves. and the lap.
ping 81 water. AS my breath came
back ! sat up. wrung OUT mig clothes
as best | could, and, with difficulty,
drew on the boots had borne across.
sluns 70 my shoulder.
I possessed but & dim conception Of
where was, yet knew must make a
wide detour 10 the east so as TO escape
British foraging parties.
| must have plodded doggedly along
through the darkness for fully five
miles, without ~perceiying the first sign
If habitation, or even a wood into
which | could crawl for concealment,
when l suddenly came upon a long,
,ne-story stone building standing at
he left of the road, a grim, silent, ap.
oareutly deserted structure. one end
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-08-08
SYNOPSIS.

mAPTER I-Mator Lawrence. son Of
gsdee Lawrence OF Virginia, whose wife
~ q Lee, Is sent on a perilous mission
81 Gen. Washington, just after the win
ct Valley Forge.
CHAPTER II-Disguised In a British
inform arrives within the enemy's lines.
CHAPTER III-The Major attends a
Reat fete and saves the Lady of the
Blended Rose" from mob. He later meets
&e girl at a brilliant ball.
CHAPTER IV-Trouble Ia started over
D waltz, and Lawrence is urged by his
bartner, Mistress Mortimer, (the Lady Of
he Blended Rose), to make his escape.
CHAPTER v-Lawrence is detected as
D spy by Captain Grant of the British
krmy, who agrees to a duel.
aDon't try; don't ever even think of
Il again. | hardly know what mad i'm
Pulse sent me here. Now l have but
one thought-to hurry you away, and
ret safely back myself-you will go?"
"Yes-but-"
mot now! there Is no time for ex-
PLANTATION, promises, anything. You
heard what they said; every avenue of
escape will be blocked within an hour.
Il you go ct once you can outride them
please, please go!"
She held out her hand, and I
grasped 1t warmly, unable longer to
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-08-08

slightly before the confident giay Of
his steel, content with barely turning
aside the cleaning point before II
prieked me. At first he mistook this
Tor weakness, ~sneering at my parties,
as he bore in with increasing reckless
ness
= club would be more In your line,
! take 1t, Mr. Lieutenant Fortesaue.r
he commented garcagtically. but III
play with you a while for practice
ahl that vas q lucky tura Of tie wrlsti
So you do know a trick or tno9 per
haps you have q parry for that thrust
as we'll! An! an inch moie and I'd
have pricked you-your defense is
not bad for a boy! BY all the gods.
tasted blood then-now III give you O
harder nut to crack
I was fighting silently, With lips
elozed outstanding my breath. scarce
" hearing his comments. Every
stroke, every thrust. gave me Insight
Of his school, and instincrively my
blade leaped forth TO turn aside his
po'i~ ne was d b"ordslnan' stronger
'nan = ahd OF longer reach, yet his
tricks were old, and he relied more on
Strength thah Suotlety OF tenee tie
oolh1eieu with Skill iaushlhg and
e3tneiHs me- nun MS Jeers maze ne
..sHt gllmly' WIN Iresh determination
to end the affair.
~ COD! you have a right pretty
tnrust from the shoulder he ex-
Gained. Been out before, ] take it.
But III show you something YOU never
learned. ODDS, III catl your bo S
play
Better hold your breath, for you'll
need It now" I replied shortly. The
Boys play is over with"
step by step | began sternIy to force
the hghting, driving my point against
him SO relentlessly as to hush his
speech. Twice We circled, striking,
countering, lighting, Ii blades gilt.
tering ominously in the starlight, our
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-08-08

proving the guards left behind were
still on the deck above me. Then one
OF the fellows sat down or the edge Of
the barge, his feet dangling within q
few inches Of my head.
Might as well take it easy. Bill" he
said laziiy. They're Ike to be an
hour layin' hands on the lad. an all
We got 10 do is see he don't fox back
this way. Cot any tobacco, mate?"
The other u have produced the
Necessary weed, for there was a scrap
ing Of flint and steel. a CLEAN Of fire
glinting On the water, and then the
pungent odor waited to me in puff OF
smoke. With one hand, / unbuckled
my sword belt, letting 1t, sword and
all, sink silently into the river. I
must cross to the opposite bank some
how, and would have 10 dispense with
the weapon. Inch by inch, my fingers
gripping the narrow stat t which l
clung, l worked slowly toward the
stern OF the barge. making not so
much as a ripple in the water, and
keeping well hidden below the bulge
of the side. The voices above droned
along in conversation, Of which I
caught a few words.
"Who was he? You mean the lad
they're after down yonder? Oh, l mind
now. you came up later after we'd
started the chase. Holy Mother, |
don't know much myself, now | come
to think Of it. He looked like a Brit
Usher, what l saw Of him, an he was
ightin' with a Captain Of Rangers
Grant was the name, maybe you know
the man2-behind n of the stands"
They'll never get him." returned
the other solemnly.
Because it's my notion he swum
for 1t. I was closest down the bank,
an somethln' hit the water
"But them's the Jerseys over yon-
der; If he was a spy he'd be headin'
the other way"
Its little he'd think OF the way
with the gang OF Us yelpin' at his
heels. Besides, there's plenty Of his
kind over in those Jerseys who'd take
good care Of the likes Of him"
But there's a guard stationed
across yonder."
"Pish, a corporal's squad, just about
opposite at the ferry landin an a
company Of Yagers down at Glouces-
ter. There's plenty room between for
a. bold lad to find free passage"
The two fell silent, staring out over
the water. They had set me thinking.
however, and this knowledge Of where
the British p.ckets were stationed was
exactly the information l most re-
quired. l had no desire TO cross the
Delaware. yet apparently in that di.
rection lay the only remaining avenue
Of escape.
At the lower end of the float I man.
aged to silently remove my boots, and
then waited, listening to the move
ments Of the men above. l must have
chung there ten minutes, expecting
every moment the party securing the
shore would return, yet not daring to
make the venture with those fellows
sitting there, and silently gazing out
across the water. At last I heard them
get to their feet, and tramp about on
the fat deck Of the barge, the low
murmur of their voices reaching me,
although words were indistfnguishable
I could hope for no better time. Fill
ing my lungs with air. / sank below
the surface Of the river, and then,
rising. struck boldly out into the full
sweep Of the current.
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-08-08

OF IT. Make yourself comfortable
there on the bench"
He threw open a cupboard IN one
corner, and brought forth a variety Il
food, placing this upon a wide shelf
near at hand. Occasionally our eyes
net, and knew he was slowly maxi
ing up his mind regarding me. This
silent scrutiny could not have been al
together unsatisfactory, for, when he
finally drew up an empty box and sat
down, he was prepared to talk
Help yourself" he began gravely.
1T is rough camp fare, but doubtless
you are used to that. Do you know
me?"
I scanned h.s face again intently.
surprised by thu question, yet recoe.
nized no familiar features.
mo-" I replied, with some hesita-
ton Have we ever met befcre?"
Not to my remembrance" and the
mans language and accent evidenced
education above his apparent station
But ! have won some repute In this
part Of the Jerseys. an thought my
name might be known to you. You
would recognize the signature Of
George Washington"
Il have seen 1t often"
He drew a fat leather case from q
pocket inside his shirt, extracting
therefrom a folded paper. which he
opened, and extended to me across the
table. With a glance I mastered the
few lines written thereon, recognizing
its genuineness.
Hamilton penned that" I said In
quick surprise, 'and It IS signed By
W~ashington's own hand"
The deep-set eyes twinkled.
Fright" he said shortly, that bit
OF paper may save me from hangin'
some day. There are those who would
like we'll TO see me swing II they only
laid hands on me at the right time
and place. You know what the paper
is?''
"a commission as Captain" and I
bent over It again. ISSUED to Daniel
Farrell, giving him independent COM
mand Of scouts-by heavensi are you
Bull Farrell ?"
He was eating quietly, but found
time to answer.
There are those who call me by
that nickname; others give me even a
worse handle. IT is my nature to
make enemies faster than friends. You
know me them"
Il was with Maxwell at German
town." the remembrance Of the scene
coming wildly to mind, when you
came up with your ragged fellows. You
have certainly taught them how to
fight"
There was no teaching necessary;
all the trouble | ever have Is In hold
Ing them back" his face darkeninz.
Every man who rides with me knows
what war means here in the Jerseys;
they have seen their homes in flames,
their women and children driven out
by Hegsian hirelings. We fight for
life as well as liberty, and when we
strike we strike hard. But enough Of
that. We have sufficient confidence In
each other By now to talk freely. What
did you discover in Philadelphia? No
more than l could tell you myself, III
warrant"
I told the story, while he listened
silently, his eyes alone expressing IN
terest. As I ended. he slowly 1T his
pipe, and sat there smoking. apparent
" thinking over what I had said.
Have l learned arythiug OF impor
tance2" I asked f-aly.
For Washirgtcu. yss; but very III.
tta ffnr~nwu "a t~- 81. var, mn+ Ryis.
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-08-08

h-- Gained g FH1a EEL Before
Those 5eaird ae Had asrea t1e
Ne7a'0 g oil My Unssrs Ea1t
anEry t1 ollrr out eyer. -i-- PIE kuen
They We're all facing lis r. actu-
atc1 by the recognition Era bless
stll. yet quick 70 seize tie one and
only chance left, ] grabbed up
5l1 et from The grazs. a1d r1
the darkness. had gained q hundred
feer before those behind s.4sped the
meaning Of my unexpected fight. and
then the tumult of voices only sent
me flying faster. realizing Jhe pursuit.
The only open passage led directly
toward the river, and l raced through
the black night down the slope as
though all the hends Of hell were aft
ar me. l heard shouts, oaths, but
there was no firms, and Was lar
enough ahead to be invisible by the
time | attained the bank An open
barge lay there. a mere black smudge.
and | stumbled blindly across this.
.ropping silently over its side into the
water. Il was no thought, but breath
less inability to attempt more, which
Kept me there, clinging to a slat on
The side of the barge, so completely
submerged in the river, as TO be III
Visible from above. Swearing fierce
ly. my pursuers stormed over the
barge, swinging their swords along
he edges to be sure | was not there.
One blade pricked me slightly, but |
usld on. sinking yet deeper into the
stream. l could see the dim outline
Of heads peering over. but was not dis
eovered The same grlff voice which
had interrupted the duel broke through
the noise:
Il tell you he turned 10 the left;
saw him plainly enough What did
you say the fellows name was,
Grant,"
How do 1 know? He called himself
Fortesque."
Sure; the same one Carter was
sent out hunting after. Well, he
lodged down there among those coal
sheds. This is the only way he could
have disappeared SO suddenly. Come
on, all of you. except Moore \ a
taret. and Wen beat the shore"
heard them scramble across to the
hank Int there were sounds also
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-08-08

manded shortly. who are your? What
the devil are you skulking about ont
here for?"
1t was Grant beyond a doubt: I
would recognize the peculiar snarl Of
that voice in a thousand. He had nor
gone upstairs then; had not reioined
the lady in the dining-room. What
would she think Of his absence?
What would she do when she realized
It's probable meaning? Someway I was
not frightened, at thus meeting him.
Dut gla f-if those others would only
Keep away, and let US settle the affair
between US. Here was his tesla
coward would cry out an alarm, sum-
mon the guard to his assistance, but,
II the fellows nerve only held, or IL he
hated me badly enc gh, he'd fight it
out alone. All this came to me in a
flash, and the words of challenge
spoken before he wen grasped the
thought of who l was.
$50 have discovered you. have I?
Why did o fail to keep our appoint
ment within?"
He drew up sharply with an oath,
pesring at me through the dark, be-
wildered by my speech.
1.-THE spyl Ye gods, what luck! Do
you mean to insinuate | ran away,
sir?"
"How else could I interpret it?"
questioned coolly, determined to taunt
him to action. Il waited where you
told me till | was tired. Perhaps you
will oblige me by explaining your pur-
pose"
He muttered something, but without
comprehending It's purport I went on
t~hreateningly:
And | think you made use of the
word spy just now. Did you mistake
me for another?"
mistake you? No; I'd know you In
hell" he burst forth, anger making his
voice tremble. Il called you a spy, and
you are one, you sneaking night rat.
You never waited for me in the par
lor; if you had you'd now be under ar.
rest"
"Oh, so that was the plan?"
Eyes, that was it, Mister Lieutenant
Fortesque."
well. Grant" | said sternlv. give
got lust one answer to make Won. You
can call your guard. or Won can fight
1t out with me here. whichever YOU
choose will depend upon whether YOU
are a man, or a cur" | took a step
nearer, watching him as best I could
in the dark. You are an unmitigated
liar, sir and with sudden sweep Of
the arm l struck him with open hand.
Probably you will realize what that
means
For an instant he remained so still
I doubted him, even held him cheap;
then the breath sursed tnrougn MS
eIlneheo teeth IN a mad oalA. ne
surged toward me, out my sword vas
out, the steel blo1sing nss advance
Il eu-you actually mean AShlt
why not3 lsht taat cause eAougAF
~ not WILL EufAis3 mQHa
4 do Do-
IS 0p. That silly charge is merely
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-08-08

manded shortly. "Who are you? What
the devil are you skulklng about out
here for?"
American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-08-08

IL daylight should reveal my sur.
roundings
vas warm enough now, my cloth
ng practically dry, but thoroughly
tired from the long tramp over the