davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03
Use unsrammatioal Language
on the Bench.

There is delicious reminder Of
boyhood grammatical breaks in the
questioning by The honored justices OF
the supreme court" remarked William
r. Maddox. of Boston. at the Willard
During my frequent trips 10 Wash
ington | have visited the supreme
court, often listening to arguments and
the questions Put to lawyers by the
grave and solemn members OF the
court With so much Formally and
dignity surrounding the famous tribun.
al, have wondered little at the
breaking o, the rules OF syntax by the
justices, who know better and would
never dream OF Incorporating their
offhaud remarks In written decision
1t Is not unusual to hear a justice
use the expression he don't. aud they
amt is quite as often used without
Earring on the nerves of the attend
ing lawyers. and without causing the
fellow justices 10 smile. The justices
know better, and they also know that
there are more serious Infractlons of
grammatical laws ia the nearby house
Of representatives every day OF the
session
4 heard one big lawyer. who had
noticed TIE grammatical breaks. one
day remark that the lapsus iinguae
may be consequently thought atavistie
Now, iust What this lawyer meant by
this sentence 9 cannot explain. and
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03

We could hear them crunching
their way through the bushes. until
the sound finally died out in the dis
lance
Now. Lieutenant. you come with
me-softly, and keep your distance"
We moved back slowly. step by step.
until we came to the rear door Of the
shed. reached out into the darkness.
but without turning my face away
from him. and silently severed the
picketrope, retaining she loosened
end in my grasp 1t was so intensely
dark where we stood that slipped the
pistol unobserved into my telt.
Face to the rear" | said Eternly.
AS be turned to obey this order.
with quick movement ! tripped him.
sprang backward. and shut the door.
In a single bound / was upon the
back Of the black, and had flung the
severed ropes end at the flank Of the
rext horse in line. There was a rush
of feet, sharp swapping Of cords, a
wild scurrying through the bushes. as
twenty frightened horses stampeded
up the bank, and then. lying face
down over the saddle pommel. I sent
the startled black crashing down into
the shadows Of me tord The fellow
o. guard tried bis best TO stop us.
but we were past him like the wind.
He did not fire. and doubtless in the
darkness saw merely a stray horse
broken from the picketrope. The 9TH
er fellow took one swift shdW but It
went wild, and ! heard the voice of
the enraged lieutenant damnlng in the
distance Then with a rush we went
up the steep bank on the eastern
shore, and sat upright in the saddle
and gave the black his rein.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03
CHAPTER Xxx.
A Demon on Horseback.


felt positively happy then The
thrill OF successful achievement was
mine, and with the exultation of a
soldier In having snrmounted OBJ
stacles and peril. ! nearly forgot for
the moment the heart tragedy left be-
hind The swift impetus of the ride,
the keen night air sweeping past me,
the fresh sense Of freedom and power
engendered by that reckless dash
through the darkness, all conspired to
render me negectful of everything
save tho Joy of present victory. The
spirit Of wild adventure was In my
blood
A dozen splits OF fire cleaved the In
tense blackness behind. and | knew
the widely scattered patrol were send.
ing chance shots across the stream.
A clang Of hoofs rang out upon the
rocks but ! could distinguish moth.
ing indicating a large pursuing party
probably the two who were mounted
at the ford, with possibly others fol
lowing when they caught their strayed
horses. ! had little TO fear from such
half-hearted pursuit as this was sure
to be- The swift, powerful stride OF
the animal | rode assured me that |
was not i'll mounted. and there was
snail chance of contact with Federal
outriders before | should reach the
protecting picket lines Of our own
army, ! laughed grlmly as ! leaned
slightly back in saddle and listened:
1t was like a play, SO swift ane ex-
citing had been the passing events.
so unexpected their ending won
deTed what plausible story the dis
comfited lieutenant would concoct to
account Cor his predicament. and
whether the others had yet missed me
back at the Mansion House.
The stars appeared to be paling
su::., awhat down in the east. for the
coming day dawn was already whiten-
ing the horizon. glanced at my
watch, venturing 10 strike match
for the purpose. and found the hour
after three o'clock Early. | knew,
was at Sowder Church. and his adj
vance cavalry nickets ought TO be as
far west as the Warrentown road.
The distance between. by hard riding.
might be covered in three hours. My
horse seemed fresh, his breath came
naturally and without effort, and
pressed him along rapidly, for my
whole ambition now centred upon
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03

Glaze ct me. reckon, leastwise they
wus most durn keerless wita thes
shOotin' irons. an | rode one Teller
over. knocked him plum off his boss
down Their bank. kerslush inter Their
water. by thunder. an then Their dern.
ca critter wus a stradflin' bottled
Tlets bout all | know. Cap. till tit
we're
Tiere was NJ doabting the truth Of
his story. and | held out my hand.
You're a good man. Jed" said
heartily. and so long as we are both
alive. few hard joIts won't hurt us.
Let's see if the horses are in any con
dttion for service.
single glance told the story. The
black mare was browsing by the road.
side, apparently little the worse for
the shock. although a thin line of
blood triekled slowly down her flank.
But the big roam had not been so for.
tunate. and lay. head ander. stone
dead In the middle of the narrow road
Blngay gazed at the motionless fig
IRE mournfully.
Woe worth the chase, woe worth
the day, that cost thy life. my gallant
gray. he recited solemnly. only it's
a roam, an amt so durn sorry
either"
Regrets Of any nature, however.
were vain, and as the little man posi-
lively .efused to ride. mounted
again. He trudging along manfully
beside me. the two OF us set forth once
more. our faces turned toward the red
dawE.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03

tinguish the form OF my pursuer Yet
the fellow was coming, coming faster
than any speed | could possibly con.
iure out OF the weary black bestrode.
either by whip or spur. Closer and
closer upon me came rushing down
that pounding of iron hoofs on the
hard path. Heavens! how like a very
demon the man rode, AS a trooper
could not withhold admiration from
the reckless audacity with which the
vengeful fellow bore down upon me-
In spite OF my utmost efforts & al
most seemed as II we were standing
stin Surely nothing less than hate.
and a thirst for vengeance bitter as
death. implacabe as fate could ride
like that through the black night ON
the track Of hunted mani
was able to tracS dimly his out
lines now as he rose on an eminence
In my rlar. his horse looming dark
against the sky. like those giant
S, eeds that suortcd fire In my ehild's
aicture.oooks at home. and then. with
increasingly louder thunder OF hoof
beats. he came charging strHight down
toward me- In sheer desperation ]
glanced on either side, seeking some
avenue of escape. but the high banks
were unscalable; my sole remaining
hope lay in shot which should drop
that craEed brute before he struck
and crushed me Riding my best.
with all the practlsed sixth OF the
service. swung my body sideways.
hsacing myself firmly In the deep sad
die. and took steady aim. The ham
mer came down with a dun. dead
click. the revolver was chargless. and
with an exclamation OF haflled rage
| hurled the useless weapon fun st
the advancing brute. Almost a. the
instant we struck. my horse went
down with the impetus. while over
rs both, as If shot from cannon.
plunged our pursuer. his horse turn
ing a complete somersault, the rider
falling so close that | was upon him
almost as soon as he struck the
ground.
A dip Of the flying hoof had cut 8
shallow cash across my forehead. and
my hair was wet with blood. yet
bruised and half stunned as | was
from the hard fall. my sole longing
was to reach and throttle that mad
nan who had ridden me down in such
demon style.
You unclaimed devil" cried
/ savagely. whlrling him over upon his
hack. Il spared your life once tonight,
but. by all the gods. IN net DO IL
again."
Gosh, CAP is thet you" asked the
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03
NOT HERE TO BE MISERABLE
We All Have Our Troubles but Should
Learn 10 Keep Them in
Background.

IL there is anything that Is irritat-
ing 1t is the way that some people
talk OF their troubles, as II they were
kind of a treat-not cheerfully, but
with kind of gloomy Joy; In word.
they are resigned Ii is only mighty
big humbugs that will say they are
thankful for troubles We may even.
tuaily live to see that they were right
and best for US. but at the time It is
sheer hypocrisy to waggle our heads
solemnly and say: "Happiness is a
snare. anyhow; it is foolish for any
one to expect happiness in this griz-
ely old world"
People who talk that way don't de
serve happiness. We weren't put here
TO be miserable The idea that life
is for suffering and not enjoyment is
fast being shelved II the Lord APP
proved Of lamentations aud tears, he
would not have put go much in the
world 10 make US hopeful and happy
There is nothing more common than
trouble. We all have our troubles.
but it IL the wise ones Of earth that
keep their burdens in the background
II is so common and cheap and selfish
20 be continually parading ones griefs
and disappointments. Whatever our
OF. We should all learn the wisdom OF
that helpful little prayer: Help me
10 win. II win l may; but II | may not
win. make me a good loser."-Mary
Eleanor O'Donnell In Chicago Trib
une.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03

looked piteous enough. decorated as
they were with the black loan
through which he had ploughed his
coat was ripped from tail to collar.
while one of HIS eyes was nearly
closed where the bruised flesh had
puffed up over it,
1t is a fearful strife, for man en-
dowed with mortal life. he quoted
mournfully
You're right assented. NO
,oubt you had the worst of it. But
how came you here?"
Why, wus huntin fer boss
thar ct thet picket post whin ye
scared up Their bunch, an by some
sort fuie luck got hols O tibet Que,
an luke arter We, tho in course
didn't know who It was raised SIGH a
rumpus it wus so burned dark. Their
whole blame Yankee caboodle luke a
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03
LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA,
SECURES DRY FARM
ING CONGRESS
FOR 1912.

The term, "dr. farming" does not
indicate all that might be implied. 1t
does not mean a system of irrigation.
but one where all the rain fan and
precipitation is stored up and con
served in the soil, to he drawn upon
by scientific and sane processes when
il may be required to forward and in.
crease the growth of grain.
II certain sections of the Canadian
west as well as in the American
West, there is a portion of the coun-
try in which the soil is the very best
for the growing of cereals, but the
geographical locations and relative
position to the rain avenues, do net
give the advantage that other parts
possess in the matter of precipitation.
Agricultural science. however. has
been making rapid progress during
the past few years, and it is now as
certained that it is not altogether the
number of inches of rain that is es-
sential to the growing of crops, but
its conservation. and that is the
meaning of DRY farming" dry
Farming" may well be applied to dis
tricts where there is heavy rain fall
and better results will follow. The
education OF the public into these new
methods, not new exactly. but such
as have had satisfactory demonstra-
ton, is not alone the purpose of these
dry-farming Congresses. One idea is
to bring into life and into operation
the great areas Of splendid land lying
within what might be termed semi
arid, without placing them under the
restrictive and expansive process of
irrigation.
The Congresses are attended by
thousands and they bring representa-
tives from all parts of the world The
Province of Alberta, and also of Sas-
katchewan, has taken a vital interest
in the Congresses which have been
held in the past two or three years.
The Province of Alberta has made
provincial exhibits, districts have
shown their products, and last year,
several hundred dollars were taken in
prizes; this year the Province of Al
berta took prizes ten to one in excess
Of any state in the Union Alberta
has won eight out of twenty special
cups, that province taking one. Leth-
bridge one, Arthur Perry six. and
John Baxter, Edmonton, carrying off
one sweepstakes. When it cane to
a matter of location for the Congress
for 1912, the City of Lethbridge.
which had put up splendid fight for
it, secured the Congress by a unani-
nous vote. 1t is expected that the
Lethbridge Congress will be the larg-
est yet held and will be the biggest
convention in the history of Western
Canada. In emphasizing Lis invita-
ton to Iethbridge, one of the speak
ers said he had just received tele-
gram from Magrath (near Lethbridge)
stating that of one thousand acres OF
wheat just thrashed Hethershaw and
Bradshaw had thrashed 47,000 bush
els.
Literature sent out recently by the
Canadian Government Agents. which
win be sent postage free on applica-
ton. tells OF hundreds of splendid
yields in all parts of Western Canada.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03
charaeter.s commerclal valu..

Character has commercial value
and sometimes men are honest &C
cordiug TO law solely because it is
polite. or polite. according to social
requirements because it pays. But the
honesty and courtesy OF such men
are not virtues. They are handmade
ems of covetousness. They contribute
nothing 10 self-respect They have
10 moral content. and serve only to
aid in holstering up vicious char
scteriste- However. it is a tribute
to the kingliness OF character that.
either for its market value or be-
cause Of its inherent worth. men
clothe themselves in its appearance
when they do not seek the substance
From The Sixth Sense. By
Charles a. Brent
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03

One wonders why SO many novels
are written. Yet consider the state
ment Just made by the managers OF
the play adapted from Ben Hur. f"
They have paid s250,0OO in royalties
TO the estate of It's author and expect
TO pay much more before the public
tires of il. The book itself has had
sale of over a million copies, never
in a cheap form. and has probably
earned another quarter of a million
for the author.
Mrs. Wigs Of the Cabbage Patch
a little book of only 10000 words. has
paid to It's author as book and play
about SO word. and David Harum"
produced a fortune for the heirs OF
the man who wrote IT, Aside from
the glory of satisfaction. every novel.
ist. whether man or woman. is expect.
ing to create sc4e day a Ben Hur'
or David Harlm
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03
CHAPTER XXI.


Come, Wayne. wake up. mani"
Captain, say. you must turn out Of
this"
! opened my eyes with a struggle
and looked up. The golden glow of
sunlight along the white wall told me
the day must be already well ad-
vanced, and / saw the lieutenant Of
my troop. Colgate. bending over me,
attired in service uniform.
What is it. Jack?"
I'VE have been ordered north on
forced march to join Early, and the
command has already started. | have
delayed calling you until the final
moment, but knew you would never
forgive being left behind"
Before he had finished | was upon
the floor dressing with that rapidity
acquired by years of practice, my
mind thoroughly aroused to the
thought of active service once more.
Was it the news / brought in yes
t.~day. Colgate. which as stirred this
up?" | questioned, hastily dipping into
a basin of water.
Il imagine 1t must have been, sir, "
replied the Lieutenant, leaning back
comfortably upon a cracker-box, which
formed our solitary chair. Things
have been on the move ever since. and
it certainly resembles an advance Of
some Importance. Staff officers at it
all night long. Mechanic division off
at daylight, while we go out ahead of
Slaytons troops. Reede was in beast
ly good humor when he brought the
orders; that usually means fight"
Any artillery"
"Sloans and Rockies batteries are
with US; did not learn who went out
with McDaniers Longstreet has
crossed the White Briar."
yes. | know" | said. drawing on
the last of my equipments. and quick
~ CHANGING about to assure myself |
had overlooked nothing likely to be
of value. "All ready. Jack. and now
for another dance of death
Our regiment was drawn up in the
square of the little town, and as we
came forth into the glorious sunlight,
the stentorian voice of the Colonel
called them into column of fours. Staff
officers. gray with dust from their all
night service. were riding madly along
the curb, while at the rear of our men.
Just debouching from one of the side
streets appeared the solid front of a
division of infantry. We had barely
time TO swing into the saddles of the
two horses awaiting us, and ride swift
ly to the head of our command. when
the short. stern orders rolled along
the motionless line OF troopers. and
the long. silent column swung out to
the northward, the feet of the horses
raising thick cloud of red dust
which fairly enveloped us in its chok-
ing folds.
tTo BE CONTINUED
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03
The Fountain Source of Ples

The Metropolitan club-usualiy
called The Acknowledgment.
mented for a half dozen years with
pastry. Try as they might. this i'm.
portant branch OF the culinary service
vas not satisfactory The cakes, or
tarts, were not up to the standard.
The pies were impossible.
Some months ago, a native OF New
England became chairman OF the
house committee. When the pastry
ghost again walked. he said: Leave
that to me-"
he went up to Winsted, Conn. and
after much persuasion brought back
with him two maiden ladies' whom he
mad known for years. He turned them
loose in the Metropolitan kitchen with
the direction that they should take
orders from no one but himself.
Today the girls" are putting a
hundred dollars week in the Win.
sted bank, and the millionaires are
sighting the other courses to ge,
down to pie.-New York Sun.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03

voice OF the 9th sr. feebly.
started back. and lost M hold
upon him
"Bungay? in an establishment that
nearly robbed me Of utterance. Good
God mani is this really you2"
It's whut's left o me. he answered
solemnly. sitting up and feeling his
head as if expecting TO find It gone.
Tibet WIS bout Their worst ride ever
took"
q should think it likely" | ex-
claimed. my anger risiny again as |
thought Of IT, What. in Heavens
name. do you mean by riding down
on me like that?'
Holy Gee. Cap" he explained pen
itently. we don't go ter think | ever
did it purpose. do We Why. Their
gosh-durned old thing run away"
Ran away?"
Sure. We bin hangin' on ter
Their name o tibet critter fer nigh
ron three mile, an a prayin fer a
feather bee ter light on. It's my last
listment en- Their cavalry, We bet. |
never seed none o. yer steam keers,
but reckon they don't go no faster
ne. thet blame boss. Gosh, Cap, We
amt got no call fer ter git mad; /
couldn a stepped her with yoke
o steers, burned if cud. | sorter
reckon / know now bout whut Scott
meant when he said. The turf the fly
ing courser spurned.' you bet this
one did"
Jed rubbed his cheek as if 1t stung
him, and ! looked at him in the faint
Cawning light OF day, and laughed
His peaked head and weagen face
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03
SYNOPSIS.

The story opens I'm a Confederate tent
At critical stage Of the Civil War. Gen.
Lac imparts 10 Capt Wayne an important
message to Bongstreet. Accompanied By
Sergt- Craig. an old army scout. Wayne
the lines of the enemy and In the dark
ness WAYNE IL taken FOR a Federal Of
hcer and q young lady on horseback Is
given In his charge She is a northern
girl and attempts 10 escape. One OF the
horses succumbs and Craig goes through
with the dispatches. while Wayne and Ny
Lady Of the North are left alone. They
seek shelter IN a hut and entering II IN
the dark huge mastim attacks Wayne
The girl shoots the brute just IN time.
The owner OF the but. Jed Bungay, and
lis wife appear and soon a party OF
hofsemen approach They are led by
man claiming TO be Red Lowrie. but who
proves 20 be Mai Brennan. a Federal
officer whom the Union girl recognizes.
lie orders the arrest Of Wayne as a spy
and he Is brought before Sheridan, who
threatens him with death unless he
yeals the secret message Wayne believes
Edith Brennan to be the wife Of MAJ.
brennan. lie is rescued by Jed Bungay.
who starts 20 reach Gen. Lee, while
wayne In disguise penetrates 20 the ball
room. beneath which he had been Inn
prisoned. lie Is introduced TO Miss
minor and barely escapes being unmask-
ed Edith Brennan. recognizing Wayne,
says she viii save him. Securing a pass
through the lines, they are confronted by
brennan. who Is Knocked sensciess. Then.
bidding Edith adieu. Wayne makes a
dash FOR liberty
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03

bringing the information | possessed
within our own lines, Bungay, be
youd doubt. had been recaptured long
since, for my own experience told me
how extremely vigilant were the Fed
eral guards To one unacquaiated as
b was With military customs it would
prove impossible TO penetrate their
lines; hence, everything must depend
upon my getting through in safety.
Then any thoughts drifted to the
one | had left in such serious predica-
ment If | had loved her before. /
loved her doubly now. for she had
proven herself woman among wom-
en- in time of danger and trial How
clearly her face. with those dark
sweet eyes and the wealth of crown,
ing hair rose before me. white word
by word reviewed all that had passed
between us. dwelling upon each look
or accent that could eyince her pos
sible interest in me, Then reason re-
turned to my aid. and resolutely. de-
tcrminedly. inspired By every instinct
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03

Even the ash Of hubbys cigar car
De utilized In what way7 Why. a.
a polisher for gold watches. bracelets
and rings, let alone chains and q muI,
titude of other rinke;s- This comes
from e prominent ieweler. so It must
be nearly correct He even goes 70
he extent Of carrying With him 8
small case in which be preserves al
he ashes from the cigars which be
.mokes HE says that the grain is SC
ne that 81 leaves 90 mark trai Is
skceruihie 20 tie naked eve
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03

Up in Oregon Mrs. Abigail Scott
Dunway. a leader in the equal suf-
frage movement, was run down by
an express wagon in the street, and
crowd surrounded her. She was I'M
hurt and as the dust was brushed off
her clothes the express driver asked
anxiously if she would make him
trouble. NO" she answered, there
will be no trcuble-if you men all
promise to vote for woman suffrage"
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03
English of Supreme Court

would prefer the good old-fashionS-
colloquial methods of the Aistices,
even Il they do violate rule of prt
mary grammar. ''--Washington Post
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03

Lend me dollar. old chap; / get
paid tomorrow Haven't got IL oid
scout: | got paid yesterday - Puck
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03

Even if anybody accidentally hap
pened to save lite money Christ
mas or birthdays or something like
that would come along to burn it up.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03

Mechanical Kisses are the kind wom-
en- give each other.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03
Ancients Used Liohtnino Rods.

AS early as 400 B. C. the ancients
had observed that iron rods had the
power to avert lightning.