davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05

Yes" replied Rosalind, T understand But this may not be. I love neither you TOT the Count Demanoff. Pray spare other-as you well know
 The girl fad taken on naughty tore and a commanding gesture. The Duke cried out:
 ''Rosaind valdail I have sworn that you shall be my wife. And those who know the Dnka of Tula best know that he never gives up a purpose once fixed in his mind.
 My will shall be your master. and not all the powers of earth and hell shall save thee from my fate
 Just at that moment there entered the room the monk. Vladimir.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
By the Emperor's Command

In few minutes the monk re-entered the room with Rosalind, Zenobic and a group of attendant ladies.
 When she saw the duge Rosalind thought a trap had been prepared for her and, turning to Vladimir. said. 70 heaven pardon you-false friend and perjured monk.
 But 1t Is the Emperor's command that you marry the Duke of Tuas re- piled Vladimir.
 Aye" said the duke. "It is the Em- perors command and his will is law. Let us to the ceremony at once. Forti- fled by the Emperor's consent I can tram pie on all opposition. Come, kneeL madam, kneel"
 Just at that minute there entered D company of guards with Rudic Newell
 'Merciful powers,' cried Rosalind and. springing forward. she threw herself in- to her lovers arms, saying: Let them kill me now-nothing shall tear me from you"
 Miserable dog your life shall pay for thisr' cried the duke, and shouting drag him asunderl" he rushed at Ruric.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
discriminating Memorandum

When Demanoff Is dead you shall lave 200 ducats," said the duke
 Well, that Is buslness-llke," returned Sa Yatono, and if only had a written memorandum to that effect, l might Increase my zeal to do your work. Stay will just write memorandum of your most generous offer"
 Hastily scribbing q memorandum, the physician handed it to the duke, who signed 1t and handed it back.
 NOW continued the duke, this bold monk must be gotten rid of. Will the same price do for him?' No an swered Savatono. eI have scrupules con corning the church which nothing but weight of metal can overcome-ioo ducats for the monk
 Very well. do the work and the ducats are yours,' replied the duke.
 Just another little memorandum ot our contract" said Savatono.
 And the duke signed another slip of paper handed him by the physician.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Enemies Forgive

Ruric, hearing that Count Demanoff was dying. went to see him. He begged the counts forgiveness
 Conrad Demanoff," said the gunma- ker, "I yesterday heard that you were recovering-and I thanked God for it.. But today I heard that you were worse. do not desire that you should pass away with a curse for me upon your lips'
 The count, in return, said that he alone had been to blame Then he told of the conspiracy, he thought the Duke of Tula had engineered. both against Ruric and against the Emperor: conspiracy in which Conrad had been made party
 And this Savatono-your physician" said Ruric, "the one the duke sent to you-I suspect that your relapse is due to some foul work of his. Send for your own physician Kaponi.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
The Final Scene

But before the assassns could reach the house of Ruric he had been spirited away.
 There had come to the house the Em- peror's swordmaster, the Greek Deme- trilus, who told him of the conspiracy against his life. and assuring him that he was his friend, almost intimating that he had come from the Emperor him. self to save the gunmaker. he induced Ruric to go away with hlm-to trust him. self to the guidance of friends who were watching over him
 So Rurie went away with Demltrius, and when the assassins arrived they found no victim for their daggers.
 And now the final scene was to be enacted The Duke summoned a priest and sending word to Rosalind that he would wait no longer. demanded that she come at once and be married to him.
 Rosalind, not appearing at once. the Duke in great anger, went to her room. and found there. in conversation with her and her attendant. Zenoble, the ubiqui- tous monk, the mysterious Vladimir.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
The Wedding Hour Set

Duke" said voice which he had learned to hate and fear, you shall have justice sooner than you expect' It was again the monk, Vladimir.
 Away or dread my anger" cried the duke. how do I know but that you, yourself, have had hand in this ab- duction?"
 You are right. duke. I bought the Lady Rosalfnd myself to this palace. But it was in obedience to the Elm perors orders, who commands that she shall wed the Duke of Tula He ordered the marriage to take place here in the imperial palace in ordr that the cere- monies might be more impressive"
 His majesty is all generosity" said the duke. .'Where is the Lady Rosa lind?"
 'I go to fetch her.' replied the monk.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
A CLASSIC
 IN A PAGE

When The Gunma<er of Moscow was published in 1880 it achieved at once great and widespread popularity. Ths great American author had appeared in he person of Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., and ], great novel had been written.
 The fame of the story was not con- fined to this country. It spread abroad and The Gunmaker of Moscow was translated into many foreign languages As a melo-drama The Gunmaker of Moscow was written by John Brougham. who played the role of Vladimir in 1t with great success. Such was once the tame of this story.
 But now John Brougham is a name only, Sylvanus Cobb, Jr., is almost for gotten-and The Gunmaker of Moscow Is out of print. Only by accident in some old bookstore or. slowed away in some old library. will an occasional copy of either the play or the novel be found
 Yet .almost everybody has heard of the story and our parents and grand parents revelled in it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Created Duke of Tula

f'Mercy, sire,' was all that the duke could say.
 "Dost thou deserve mercy who would show none thyself-even to thy ward?" returned the Emperor.
 'So degraded by your own act from rank and title. I bestow your name and lands upon worthier man. Ruric Nevel. stand forth"
 Just at that moment came in the Count Den,anoff. who said: "Olgo, Duke of Tula. denounce you before the Elm peror and his court as a foul traitor and n false nobleman. instigator of rebellion and designer of murder all but accom- piished."
 Tic duke rushed from the room, but as the soldiers were about to follow him 10 bring him back. the Emperor said. Nay, do rot follow hipl. have pro- vded for that Siberia will cool the fiery blood of him and his accompees.
 Then tuIning to Ruric. the gunmaker. the Emperor said: "Ruric Nevel. Duke of Tula-for so 1 now create you-receive from the hands of your sovreign the most precious gift that heaven can be- stow upon a man--the love of pure, true and constant heart.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
necoyed By Assassins

On leaving the counts house Ruric was accosted by a man who told him that Alric Orsa had fallen and hurt himself severely-that he had sent for his friend.
 Through many streets Ruric followed the man to an old house. The door was opened at the knock of his guide and another man bearing lantern appeared.
 Come downstairs said the second man.
 Ruric followed him and then. suddenly, before he had time to realize what was happening. two blows npon the head laid him senseless and upon recovering his senses he found himself bound with ropes.
 Then he was taken to small room and left there.
 Ruric's mother. Claudia Neyel, was nat urally distressed at the disappearance of her son. She repaired to the palace of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Asking for Justice

The duke called for his attendants to come and seize the monk and was about to fall upon him himself when Vladimir drew a pistol and sternly bade the duke stand back or die.
 The duke was unarmed and recoled, leaving the way free to the door. The monk passed out and disappeared down the secret passage before the attendants summoned by the cries of the duke ap- peared.
 And when the duke returned to insist upon Rosalinds immediate appearances for the marriage ceremony. she, too, with her attendant had vanished.
 The duke was furious, and at once re- paired to the Emperor's palace He forced his way In, crying out, Where is the Emperor? I must see him. A great outrage has been perpetrated. My ward has been abducted. 1 will have jus- tice"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
The Battle in the Dark

but kurc feet were not bound. and, as the man came nearer the gun maker planted his foot in the pit of the mans stomach. The man fell as if dead.
 Ruric rushed to the lantern and kicked it over. extinguishing it. Then in the darkness a terrific struggle ensued. Ruric could fight only with his feet-his enc mics overpowering him--his doom seemed certain.
 Then, when all seemed lost. the apart ment was suddenly lighted up by the flare of flaming torches and the monk, Vladimir entered, followed by a soldiers.
 Ruric, cried the monk-"and you vil- Hans unland him. Soldiers do your duty"
 The men who had been about to murder the sunmaker-were arrested. while Ruric threw himself, weak and exhausted into the arms of his deiverer
 With Savantono, the mysterious monk now held little conversation apart and Savantono. seeing that all was over With the consprcy between himself and the Duke of Tula, confessed the rascaii- ties to which the duke had made him a part.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
The Mysterious Message

In the mantime, Rosalind in the pal acc of the Duke, was meditating upon what the mysterious monk had said when he led her from the presence of the Duke of Tula-"You will surely marry the Duke of Tulal''
 It could not be, she thought, that that man who had seemed to take such an interest in her welfare, who had by q whispered word, so blanched the cheeks of the .Duke-meant that she was des- tined 10 be the bride of her guardian!
 In another apartment of the palace the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Begging for Mercy

But the monk. Vladimir, interposed.
 Hold, stand back there!' he cried In a voice of authority.
 "Wl,o is it that dares tell me to stand backY' cried the duke. "who dares to issue such a command to the Duke of Tula?"
 "Olga, Duke of Tula," said the monk sterny, "I am thy master"
 Throwing off his robe and removing his false beard the monk. Vladimir stood before them all--the Emperor Peter!
 "I am thy master and thy judge said Peter.
 The duke knelt before him and begged for mercy. Well he knew that his trea- read death and destiny in the Emperora eye.
 "Yes. l am the Emperor" said Peter, "Nho in wonder disguise penetrated into your treasons and, in so doing, stumbled upon domestic infamy of a still Vier type"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Information By Torture

We must now returnn to Ruric.
 In q small subterranean room six men were seated at table. One of them was the mysterious monk who called himself Vladimir.
 He alone was unmasked, though his heard and his cowl together so covered his face as to allow little chance of ob- serving his actual features.
 Two prisoners were brought into the room by four men. The prisoners were servants of the Duke of Tua. When queStioned concerning the whereabouts of Rulic they refused to answer.
 X jucicious application of thumbscrews, however, soon opened their lips and they confessed that the gunmaker was held in durance in an old house of the dukes in the Pass of Tu1a
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
A Change of Doctors

Kapon came to the chamber of the apparently dying man and Ruric said to him q suspect much that the medicines given to my friend here-my enemy that was-are not the proper ones"
 Kaponi examined the medicines. "They are deadly poison
 Kaponi gave the wounded man anti dotes and he finally recovered. refusing to see again natrally-the physician Of the Duke of Tula.
 But the Duke was not thus easily to bo robbed of his victims He went 10 the Emperor and told him that he had positive information that Ruric was at the head of a band of desperadoes who were plotting against the imperial life
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
The Duel

Demanoff and Rrric then met and fought out their duel
 Sir count said Ruric before they en- gagged their weapons. before we begin this fight l would wish you to know ex actly how I feel You have sought the quarrel and not I. So be the result what it may. before, heaven and man. be the result upon your head
 Scarcely had the first few passes been made when Rurle had the point of his rapier so that he could have thrust 1t through the heart of his antagonist But he forebore. simply taking his guard again and saying: Sir, you fence we'll
 T am well matched,' was the reply. The end of the combat was that the count Jay .senseless upon the ground with sword thrust through his body They thought he was dying.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Bent on Murder

Four days had Ruric been imprisoned when the door of his jail opened and he saw before hi mfive men led by Savatono. He struck the physician blow, which felled him to the earth
 But the other men fell upon the gum maker and, in spite of his struggles, he vas, at last, bound. One of the men struck him a terrific blow upon the head with q club.
 His captors took Rurlc to large cir cuar apartment--a sort of stone vault which was lighted only by lantern car ried by one of the men. It was evident that they intended to kill him.
 T.le lantern was deposited by the side of q column. One of the men took a large club and advanced upon the bound Ruric to beat his brains out.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
The Duke Proposes

While this was taking place at the ismithy of the Gunmaker of Moscow ar- other scene was being enacted in the palace Of tine Duke of Tula. The duke came to the drawing room of his ward and with naughty and peremptory air, said:
 'Posalind. Ruric Nevel has been here even now to see you. It will anger mo much, child, if you admit him again. You are now of an age to realize that suca injudicinus companionships cannot be Kept up.
 Listen to me. Rosallnd. When was but l9 years of age was welded to q girl loved-almost idollzed. Tn follr short years slse was snatched from nc hy death. I thought then should never love, again.
 But time worked changes. I do love now. Rcsalind-I love again. You aave
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
No One Worthy Sire But Poor Wandering Friar

Duke was walking up and down await ings news of the duel
 When one of his spies brought him word that Demanoff had been wounded probably fataly-he sent for his physi- clan, Savantono.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
To Renounce His Pretensions

Demanoff then said that he had come from the Duke .. Tula-that Ruric must give up his ambitious designs of marry ing with the J.aoy Rosalind. He handed him paper to sign renouncing all claims upon her hand.
 ;E,arthly obedience owe to only one man. exclaimed Ruric, that is to my master and ynrrs-tfe Emperor
 The gunmaker took the paper and tore 1t in pieces witch he scattered about the floor. The Count remanoff struck him, saying: Slave, your duty is to obey"
 Ruric knocked him down. When De- manoff had arisen he drew his sword and his friend Urzal, did likewise. They both rushed upon Ruric.
 The monk rushed between them cry ii.g out: IIo.d. thou most intemperata in word and acton
 Aside. rude monk" cried Demanoff. Tor l will make your lazy bones shake for it."
 ''Ha, say you so?' cried the monk. "a quiet ejectment and snow bath will quell the fever of these rioters"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Justice To All

Then with smile he turned to Rosa lind and said:
 Fair cousin, 1 could not promise thee that thou shouldest not marry the Duke of lula. For l had planned that thou shculdest do that thing. But 1t is not SD hard-is it?"
 The Lady Rosarind looked up into the| face If the Emperor and tried to murmur her thanks-but flood of tears drowned her voice.
 The Emperor kissed her upon the brow, and then. taking her hand. he placed 1t in the hand of Ruric. saying: Hereafter y)u are the guardian of the Lady Rosa lind. And should you tire of your duty her Emperor will ever he ready to grant her an asylum here.'
 Little more remains to be said. Ruric Newell was l<nighted by the Emperor and married to Rosalind on the same day.
 Olga. the former and degraded Duke of Tula. was sent to Siberia. but died on the way there. As for Savatono. the Emperor had him executed as a common murderer M
 Next weeks One Page Classic will be Cinderella; or the Little Glass Slip per" Authorship unknown.
 Copyright. 1912. by Irving Kins)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Ordered To Marry

When Rosalind came into the room he said: .I hope that you have well com sidered the consequences of further dis obedience Al once. then, prepare to become my wife. But little time can be wasted. Within the next two hours the ceremony must take place"
 70. Heaven cried Rosalind, "to thee I look for succor from this inhlipan persecution. No friend no proteSting arm to stay me o, duke. if you possess q human heart have pity and impassive as the flinty rock. My min dis made up. Obey me-"
 The duke left the room abruptly. Scarcely had he gone when one emore the mysterious monk entered.
 You have still friend said he to Rosalind.
 70, father, counsel me-. cried the distracted girl. ''what shall do?s
 Why do you not seek the Emperor
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Another Plot

Later. 1t may be said. the written mem orandums, signed by the duke. at the instigation of tlie physician--those mem orandums in which the duke had prom ised money for the death of Ruric. De- manoff and the monk. viadimir-were handed over to those who had both the power and the will to punish such iniq- uIties
 huric, having escaped from the prison ;ntpl which he had been lured and In wAieL 1t had been the intention ct the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Made Desperate

Savatono went to see Demanhoff again and found him so much better than he was sitting up. Returning to the duke he warned him that he was more sure than before that the count had discov- cred their plot--he doubted if he would take any more medicines prescribed for him by Savatono.
 That day the duke sent again for Rosa lind. As he waited her coming he unused thus to himself:
 Thanks to my rigid guardianship, her estates are improved--and who had bet ter right to enjoy this improvement than myself? And now, fair dame, we will see who is the stronger you or l."
 Did not my shattered fortune render this step necessary the mere opposition to my will would make me desperate.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Nobles and Noble Deeds

The monk seized up sn trc,- 1af-there rere many lying about the shop-and 4uric did tie same. It was a short ,.o,pfi.-. before the two counts were driv- cn from inc house into the bowling storm.
 By Saint Doninick,i' said Ruric. ''you have done me good service, worthy fa- ther-this house is yours to rest Into live. if you wisn.'
 This Count Iemanoff will challenge you" returned the monk. will you meet him.
 .If he will waive his rank. right will lirsly-I am not noble.'
 Our Emperor. returned, the monk. 'thousa he has faults enough. is said 10 regard those only noble who do noble deeds.
 And so you have dared to love the Lady Rosallnd. ward of the proud Duke of srula year not to trust to me. I rsay~hass power to help you a little.
 .There is a comforting adase touching
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
BY SYLVANUS COBB. JR.


duke to have him killed, repaired at once to his home, where his distressed mother received him with transports of joy.
 But the Duke of Tula was still re- solved to have the life of the gunmalxer and sent three men to arrest him again.
 Make him angry was the dukes inc struction, 'and then, when he reslsts ar- rest-why, kill him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Masterful Wooin

inspired me with a deep and tender re- gard. You understand me, Rosalind?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
......u..........s..................s

faint hearts and fair ladies. Thanks for your generous hosptalty-we will meet again, to be sure"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
News of Ruric

the Duke of Tula and obtained an audi ence with the Lady Rosalind.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
The Monks Warming

Forget not there's heaven as well as earth and hell, said the monk sternly.
 .'Insolent and intrusive monk cried the duke, how came you here? You leave not this place with your life. What ho without there,"
 The monk leaned over close to the ear of the duke and whispered that which made the naughty noble turn pale. The duke had been conspiring against the throne, and. aNarently. this monk knew of his conspiracies.
 While the duke stood aghast at the thought that his reasonable secrets were known. the monk took Rosalnd by the hand and led her from the room.
 The bearing of the monk had suddenly become. majestic, and this, coupled with the fact that he had in his possession the secret of the duke, made Tua pause. When he had recovered himself, the mysterious monk had gone.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Passing To Emperor's Test

That night Ruric was arrested by sol ders and brought into the presence of the Emperor.
 T understand" said his majesty that you are about to fight duel with the Count Demanoff That you, being the challenged party. have chosen swords as your weapons. Can you fence?s
 Yes. sire"
 'Demetrius bring the swords The Greek swordsmaster of the Emperor brought the weapons.
 Engage" said Peter
 Tn few minutes his majesty knew that the gunmaker of Mosco. was not only master of the pistol but also Of the sword.
 Enough said he T did not wish that an unfair advantage should be taken of you. Departi"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-05
Annealinp To the Emneror

and tell him plainly what a predicame you are in?"
The day book., 1912-06-19
DON'T WORRY!

There were several people in
the shop when the stranger en-
tered, and so he addressed them
at large. "Any of you drive up
here in a trap?"
Eyes, said Farmer Crabbe, Il
did. Why?"
The day book., 1912-06-19

FIRsT-cLAss CHARLIE
Ih By Berton Braley.
CA Mining Camp. Ballad)
First Class Charles old and bent,
Forty year he's mined,
Worked all round the continent
Where there's work to. find;
First Class Charlie knows his biz
Right from A to z,
But he works where First class IS,
Nowhere else, b'gee.
For forty<year
His records clear
OF '1ow-grade" like we're drillin'
here;
Just first class ore,
No less, no more,
Is whattold Charles lookin', for
First Class Charlie takes shift
Now an then to trot
Round about from drift to drift
An from spot to spot.
Shift boss lets him go his way,
For, though rules is plain,
He knows we'll that Charlie may
Find a "frst class" vein.
He'll NOPE an NOPE
from stope to stope,
His.old. eyes full of faith an hope;
Just "irst class" ore,
No less, no more,
Is what old Charles looking for.
-O-O-
The day book., 1912-06-19

"An old grey horse in the
trap?"
Yes, but"
"And an elderly lady on the
seat?"
That's right; but"
Il suppose she can manage the
old horse?"
"Rather; I just think she
couldl Why, she's drove him
since he was a two-year-old."
"Oh," said the stranger, then
it's all right. merely asked be
cause the grey has started up the
street like scarifed mad bull
lock, and the old lady's hanging
on tothe back of the trap, scream
ing 'Murderi' Still, if she'ean
manage him, of course there's no
use getting excited over it. How's
the price of taters down your
way?"
The day book., 1912-06-19
Wiz Kick2

A train that left Bolivar IN
South America for neighboring
town eight miles distant three
years ago has just arrived. A
storm derailed the train, Killed
most of the passengers and ripped
up such a goodly portion of the
railroad that the company was
bankrupted.
An American began to recon
struct the line six months ago and
succeeded in bringing the long
delayed train to the town for
which it originally started.
did you see many pictures
que old ruins on your Eastern
trip"
"Yes,p she answered with a
faint smile, eand six Of them pro-
posed