davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-06-22
"That was a hard fight along the

laaC W6b u ua(u uSHI alOnS the
stone wall; you came out unhurt?"
"a slight bayonet wound, sir; moth.
ing to incapacitate me from duty"
every we'll; take ten dragons as
escort. Hamilton will write you an
order. l have told Arnold our victory
is practically complete. Clinton may
slip away In the night, for he is
willy old fox, but he has lost his pow
er to injure us in the Jerseys. hope
to bottle him up before morning, so
that any retreat will be impossible.
but even If he succeeds in getting his
army to the transports at Sandy
Hook, he has lost prestige, and the
victory is ours. Goodbye, major, and
the Lord guard you on your journey"
Ten minutes later, mounted on a
rangy sorrel, my dragon escort trot-
ting behind, l rode south on the
Plainsboro road, as swiftly as its ter
rible condition would warrant.
The evidences of war, the wreck.
age of battle. were everywhere. Sew
eral times we were compelled to leap
the stone walls to permit the passage
of marching troops being hurried to
some new position; several batteries
passed us, rumbling grimly through
the night, and a squadron Of horse
galloped by, the troopers greeting US
with shouts Of inquiry,
We took to the fields, but. as there
seemed no end to the procession.
turned my horses head eastward, con-
fident we were already beyond the
British rear-guard, and struck out
across country for another north and
south road. We advanced now at q
swift trot, the sound of our horses
hoofs on the soft turf almost the only
noise, and, within an hour. came again
to parallel fences, and a well travelled
road.
This was the road running mile,
or so, to the west of Elmhurst. 1t
led as straight as any, toward Phila-
delphia, but whatever stragglers the
British army had left behind would
be found along here. However, they
would probably be scattered fugitives,
unwilling to interfere with as strong
an armed party as this Of mine. II
was alone 1t would be safer to turn
aside. Then, 1t was strong tempta-
| ton to me to pass thus close to Elm
hurst. It would be after daylight
when we reached there; l might even
get a glimpse across the apple orchard
of the great white house. Would Claire
be there? It seemed to me quite prob
| al, ~ toll IL S<1
colonel home for nursing. The girls
face rose before me against the black
night, and my heart beat fast. When
I came back, would ride to Elm
hurst-surely she would be there then.
The sergeant touched my arm.
pardon me, sir, but there are horse
men ahead"
Indeed? I was lost in thought.
Conroy. Coming this way?"
"No, sir, they seem to be travelling
south slowly. I noticed them first
as we turned the corner back there;
l could see outlines against the sky"
"How large aaparty? They form
merely a Jumping shadow to my eyes"
"Not more than three or four, sir,
with covered rig Of some kind.
They're halted, now; heard us coming,
I reckon"
I could perceive the little group.
but merely as black smudge. Then
q mounted figure seemed to detach it.
self from the darkness, and advance
toward us.
Halt your men, sergeant" I saie
quietly. "I'll ride forward and learl
what the fellow wants."
The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-06-22
CHAPTER, XVII.

The figure Of the man approaching
was hardly distinguishable, as he np-
peared to be leaning we'll forward over
the saddle pommel. yet my eyes
caught the glimmer of star along a
pistol barrel, and l drew up cautious
ly. loosening my own weapon.
"Who comeo?" he questioned short
ly, the low voice vibrant. "speak
Quick!"
IAN officer with dispatches" an.
swered promptly, riding to Philadel.
phia-and you?"
We are taking wounded man
home" was the reply, the speaker rid.
ing forward. Are you Continental?"
Eyes. Major Lawrence, of Max.
wells Brigade
"Oh!" the exclamation was half
smothered, the rider drawing up his
horse quickly. could distinguish the
outline Of his form now, the straight,
slender figure of boy, wearing the
tight Jacket OF a dragon, the face
Swallowed by broad hat brim.
Unless mistake" ventured cor
daily, you must be Eric Mortimer"
Why do you suppose that?"
Because while at General Washing.
tons headquarters he mentioned that
you had asked permission to take your
father-Colonel Mortimer, of the
Queens Rangers-to his home at Elm.
hurst. You left, as l understand, an
hour or two ahead of us. Am l right? p"
Eyes, sir; this Is Colonel Mortimer's
party"
Then we will pass on without de-
tanning you longer, as we ride in
haste. met your father once; may
! ask iw his wound is serious?"
Serious, yes. but not mortal: he
was shot in the right side when Monk.
ton fell. His horse was hit at the
same time. and the animals death
struggles nearly killed his rider. The
surgeon says he may be lame for
life."
I reached out my hand, and with
Just an instants hesitation, he return.
ed the clasp warmly.
my father is suffering too much for
me to ask that you speak to him.
Major Lawrence" he said a little stift.
~. Perhaps later. at Elmhurst-"
Il understand perfectly" interrupt.
ed. Il am very glad to have met you.
We shall ride within a short distance
OF Elmhurst. Shall leave word there
that you are coming?"
The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-06-22
wright turning to the :
"Ya vo,,r mount frouh 9D

wright turning to the
lis your mount fresh?"
appears to be. sir; belonged to a
British dragon this morning"
LET Major Lawrence have him.
Major, ride with me-"
We passed back slowly enough to-
ward the rear Of the troops, through
the field hospitals. and along the edge
OF wood. where battery Of artillery
was encamped. We rode boot to boot,
and Hamilton spoke earnestly.
"The battle is practically won. Law
renee, in spite Of Charles Lee" he
said soberly. "Of course there will be
fighting tomorrow, but we shall have
the red-coats we'll penned in before
daybreak, and have already captured
ammunition enough to make US easy
on that score. Poor, and the Carolina
men, are over yonder, while Woodford
is moving his command to the left.
At dawn we'll crush Clinton into frag-
ments. Washington wants to send a
despatch through to Arnold in Phila-
delphia. and recommended you, as
you know the road. He remembered
your service before, and was kind
enough to say you were the very man.
You'll go gladly?"
II should prefer to lead my own
men tomorrow, sir"
"Pshaw! I doubt If we have more
than a skirmish. Sir Henry will sec
his predicament fast enough. Then
there will be nothing left to do, but
guard prisoners"
very we'll, colonel; am ready to
serve wherever needed"
"Of course you are, man. There
should not be much danger connected
with this trip, although there will be
stragglers in plenty. I'm told that
Clinton lost more than three hundred
deserters crossing Camden"
Headquarters were in single
roomed cabin at the edge of ravine.
A squad Of cavalrymen were in front,
their horses tied to rail fence. but
within Washington was alone, except
for a single aide, writing at rude
table in the light of q half-dozen
The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-06-22
darkness 2

"MereIy That Tom Claire Mortimer"
and Lifting the Hat, the Young
Rider Was Revealed as My Lady.
II represented myself as Eric"
she stammered.
"And was it you also who rode into
our lines yesterday. telling of Gin.
toms whereabouts?"
"Yes," hesitatingly, her eyes lifting
to my face.
But you must listen to me, Major
Lawrence; you must learn why did
SO unwomanly an act"
First answer one question"
Gladly"
"1s there an Eric Mortimer"
There is" she answered frankly:
"my brother. 1t was for his sake
did all this"
A moment l sat in my saddle 81.
lently, our horses walking side by side
through the night. while endeavored
to grasp the meaning of her confess
sion. 1 knew that she was riding bare.
headed, her face turned away.
GO on" l said at last. tell me the
whole story"
Il WILL" firmly. her head uplifted. II
was tempted to do so at Elmhurst,
but something seemed to seal my lips.
There is now no longer any excuse for
silence. II wish you to know, and,
then, perhaps, you may feel more
kindly disposed toward me-"
"Your father is aware"
mo, not even father. He ia scarce
~ conscious of what is going on about
him. Peter knows, and Tonepah,"
with a. wave of her hand into the dark
shadows.
"They are with you, housekeeping
guard over him?"
Eyes; they have known from the
beginning; not everything, of course,
for that was not necessary. Peter ia
an old servant, silent and trustworthy,
He would never question an act oil
mine, while the Indian has reason to
be grateful and loyal to me. What
ever indiscretion, Major Lawrence.
may have been guilty Of, have gone
nowhere unaccompanied by these
two. You will believe that?"
Eyes, and whatever else you tel
me-"
THAT, now, must necessarily be
the entire story. AS l proceed 20,
will be convinced, think, that only
true confidence in you would enablI
me to speak with such frankness. II
know Of no one else in whom l coult
The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-06-22
Perfectly. I wish I might. be-

Perfectly. I wish I might bs
clothed in my own proper dress, but
with Peter and Tonopah on guard,
Captain Grant alone is not danger.
GUS. Besides, wish to learn his pur.
pose in seeking to join us" She hes.
ltated. "You must not fear for me,
but-but wish to tell you all, and
and am sure shall need your help"
you mean am to join you again
ct Elmhurst?"
rs that asking too much?" ,-,s
"Clair." I whispered. bending to,
ward her, SO Peter could not overhear,
nothing shall keep me from coming;
dear. will ride back the moment my
dispatches are in Arnold's hands. But
tell me, first, ii you are not afraid Of
Grant himself. what is 1t you need me
for?"
Eric" she answered swiftly. "He
has disappeared, dead or deserted. Oh.
cannot believe the last is true. II
was to save his reputation that I
dressed in this uniform. performed the
work assigned him. feel sure Grant
knows where he is, what has become
of him. l went to him in Philadel.
phia. but he only sneered, and said the
boy had doubtless run away. know
better; that is not like a Mortimer.
But l cannot search for him; 1 must
stay with my father. But If can only
be assured you will come" r.,
"You can be ensured"
Mistress Claire" broke in Peter.I
some one is riding up the road"
Yes. Peter, yes. Major. wait hereii
Don't move. We will go back and
meet him"
I held my horse steady. although heI
made an effort to follow. Voices came
back to me through the darkness
Grants loud enough to be clearly!
beard.
what. is this you, Claire!" he
laughed grufYly. "By all the gods, Il
thought 1t must be Brio. I never sx-!
The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-06-22

vealing the uniforms Of different
corps.
Steady, men! steady!" voice after
voice caught up the command. "Hold
your f1re!"
"Wait until they reach that fallen
tree!" I added.
Every man Of us had gun, officers,
all. Coatless as though we came from
the haying field, the perspiration
streaming down our faces, We waited.
The rife barrels glowed brown in the
sun, as the keen eyes took careful
sight. We were but handful, a single
thin line; IL the reserves failed we
would be driven back by mere force
of numbers, yet before we went that
slope should be strewn with dead.
Crashing up from the rear came o.
wald with two guns, wheeling into
position. the depressed muzzles spout
Ing destruction. Yet those red and
blue lines came on; great openings
were ploughed through them, but the
living mass closed up. They were at
the fallen tree, beyond. when we
poured our volleys into their very
faces. We saw them waver as that
storm Of lead struck; the center
seemed to give way, leaving behind
q ridge Of motionless bodies; then it
surged forward again, led by a wav-
ing flag. urged on by gesticulating Of
lacers.
"The cavalryi The cavalry!"
They were coming around the end
OF the morass, charging full tilt upon
the right Of our line. l saw that end
crumble up. and, a moment later,
scarcely realizing what had occurred
we were racing backward, firing as we
ran, and stumbling over dead bodies.
Maxwell rallied us beyond the
causeway, swearing manfully as he
drove us into position behind a low
stone wall. Again and again they
charged us, the artillery fire shatter-
ing the wall into fragments. Twice
we came to bayonets and dubbed
guns, battling hand to hand, and
Wayne was forced so far back upon
the left, that we were driven into the
edge Of the wood for protection. But
there we held, out front a blaze Of
fire. It seemed to me the horror Of
that struggle would never end. Such
heat, such thirst, the black powder
smoke in our nostrils, the dead under
foot, the cries of the wounded, the
incessant roar of the guns. Again and
again it was hand to hand; I could.
scarcely tell who faced us, 80 fierce
the melee, SO suffocating the smoke;
caught glimpses of British Grena-
diers. of Hessians, Of Queens Rangers.
Once thought heard Grants nasal
voice amid the Internal uproar. Stew
art and Ramsey came to our sup
port; Oswald got his guns upon an
eminence, opening deadly fire; Liv.
ingston's regiment charged. and, with
cheer, we leaped forward also, mad
with the battle fever, and flung them
back, back down that deadly slope.
It was not in flesh and blood to stand;
we cut the center like wedge, and
drove them pell-mell to where Lee
had been in the morning. Here they
rallied. ,fanked by thick woods and
morasses. Too exhausted to follow,
our men sank GREATNESS to the
ground.
1t was already sunset, and our work
done. The artillery still already, and
/ could see long lines of troops
Poor's and the Carolina brigade-mov-
ing to the right. Night came On.
however, without more fighting, and,
as soon as we had recovered suffi-
GENTLY, we devoted ourselves to the
care Of the wounded
The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-06-22
don Me, sIrs, but There Are
Horsemen Ahead"

candles. He glanced up, greeting us
with slight inclination of the head.
"A moment, gentlemen"
He wrote slowly, as though framing
his sentences with care, occasionally
questioning the aide. Once he paused,
and glanced across at Hamilton.
Colonel, do you know dragon
named Mortimer"
Il have no recollection Of ever hav.
Ing met the man. sir. I have written
him orders, however; he is scout at
tached to General Lees headquer-
ters."
Eyes; recall the name. He is the
one who brought US our first definite
information this morning Of Clinton's
position. I remember now, you were
not with me when he rode UP
young, slender lad, with the face of
girl. I could but notice his eyes;
they were as soft and blue as violets!
Well, an hour ago he came here for
ravor; 1t seems the boy is son OF
Colonel Mortimer, of the queens
rangers"
Indeed; Wayne reported the colo.
mel killed in front of his lines"
"Not killed, but seriously wounded.
The son asked permission to take him
home to place called Elmhurst near
Laurel HILL"
Il know the plantation. sir" said.
my interest causing me to interrupt.
1T is on the Medford road"
HAh WI, houo uoof <Ia 1,d ,,oo.fH>1,-
major" and he turned his face to.
ward me. 1.-THE boy interested me
greatly"
"No, sir; / endeavored to find him
at Lees headquarters, but failed. I
have met his father and sister,"
"A lovely girl, no doubt"
ITO my mind, yes, sir"
His grave face lighted with a sud.
den smile.
II sometimes imagine, Colonel Ham.
ilton." he said quietly. "that this I'm.
happy war might be very pleasantly
concluded If we could only turn our
young officers over to the ladies Of the
enemy. Would such a plan meet with
your approval, MAORI"
Il should prefer 1t to the present
method
"No doubt. and Mistress Mortimer?
But let that pass, until we hold
council of war upon the subject. Just
now we shall have to be content with
the more ordinary plans of campaign.
/ gave the boy permission to remove
his father, and they are upon the road
ere this. I would that all the British
wounded had homes close at hand
You have Informed the major of his
mission. I presume, Hamilton, and
there is nothing need add"
"He understands clearly, SIR"
"Then will complete the letter. Be
seated, gentlemen"
He wrote for several minutes stead.
lily, once pausing to consult map.
signed the paper, and enclosed 1t in
another sheet, across which he
scratched a line Of address.
'You will deliver this to General
Arnold in person, major; do not spare
horse.fesh. You were in the action
today?"
with Maxwell's brigade"
The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-06-22

sepeolai Service, elrl But You Are
Not Assigned to My Commando"
pected to find you logged out in this
style. BY Jove. I wish 1t was day.
light"
Whatever she replied must have
pobered the fellow. j
Everything l say you take wrongly.
Of course it's all right. for the coun-
try is full Of stragglers out of both
armies. Lord, don't care what you
wear. Is long as 1t suits you. My
businessY oh. I explained all that to
your putty-faced servant-saint Anne!
that fellowl But I'll review the mat
ter again. I'm drumming up Clinton's
deserters, but now I've met you I'm
tempted to 60 along with You as far az
Blmhurst."
Become deserter yo,irself?"
"Oh. no. or at least only tempora.l
rily. There will be plenty of fighting
yet In the Jerseys. Clinton's whipped
pll right. and is going to have time
getting away to the ships. In my
judgment there will be richer picking
for Jerseyman right here at home.
than with the army in New York"
There was a moments silence; then
the girl asked. q shade of horror In
her voice:
Surely, you cannot mean to ally
yourself with guerillas. Captain Grant,
With-with Fagin?"
The man laughed. but mirthlessly.
THAT would be horrible, wouldn't
1t? Well, personally fail to see why,
Fagin is any more of scoundrel than
some of these other fellows in gilt
epaulets. However. I've not come to
that point yet The fact is I have
private affair to attend to before I
leave this neighborhood. Can you
guess what it is?''
Il? Certainly not"
"Well, you will know shortly-ths
ambulance is coming" eM
I rode my horse slowly forward,
keeping at the edge Of the road, until
assured a sufficient distance separated
us. Then I gave the FESTIVE animal
p sharp touch Of the spur. sending him
swiftly forward. My escort would have
mile or two the start, yet that was
nothing. My thoughts were not with
them, or with my military duty, but
reverted to the little company around
the wounded man. The bearing of
the dispatch to Arnold was mere rou-
tine, involving only steady riding, hut
the relations existing between Claire,
Grant, and Eric Mortimer were full
Of mystery. There were connecting
links could not understand; no doubt
had the girl been permitted to con-
clude her story l might at it togsth.
er. but as 1t was was left cropping in
the darkness. Yet my mind tena-
ciously held to its original theory a.
to Eric's strange disappearance Tho
had been betrayed by Grant, and was
being held prisoner. But where? BY
whom? And for what purpose7
I pondered on this problem a. my
horse ploughed forward, through, the
dust, my eyes unconsciously scanning
the dark road. Grant could not have
known that Colonel Mortimer was be.
ing taken home. His meeting with the
ambulance party was altogether an %.
cident. Yet I had no faith the man
Ito DO continually So
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1912-06-05

Che years. &c gr0aned, drunk then,
drunk since? She could have saved
me. but she chose to damn me. 8 He
strove to pace up and down. hut stag.
gered and chung to the rail, while the
three watchers approached again. and
the little white figure below climbed
the upper bridge steps.
''The survival Of the 6ttest." he ram
bled an he stared into the fog-''cause
and effect. 1t explains the universe
and me-" He lifted his hand and spoke
loudly. as though to some unseen ia
miliar of the deep. What will be. the
last effect? Where in the scheme Of
ultimate balance. under the law of the
correlation of energy. will my wasted
wealth of love be gathered and
weighed and credited? What will bal
ance it. and where will be? Myra.
Myra." he called. do you know what
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1912-06-05

BE It. Further Resolved. That said
bonds shall be sold In accordance with
law at q meeting Of the Council to be
held on the 18th day OF June. 1872 at
500 p. M. at the council chambers of
said City, at which time sealed bids will
be received for the purchase of said
bonds and all proposals to purchase
said bonds must be accompanied by a
certified check to the amount Of 10 per
cent of the bid payable Internationally
to the City Treasurer Of the City of
Willmar;
The City Clerk is hereby instructed to
give proper notice Of said sale by pub
LEGATION of notice Of sale for two WEEKS
in the Willmar Tribune, newspaper
published in the said City of :Willmar,
Minnesota, said notice to be In substan-
TALLY the following form, to wit:
Notice is hereby given that at a
meeting of the Council of the City Of
Willmar, to be held on the 18th day of
June, 1912, at 500 O'clock p. M, at the
Council Chambers in said City, the
Council will receive sealed bids for the
purchase of 100000 fire station, engine
house and city hall bonds Of said City
| to be issued in pursuance of an election
held in said City on the 21st day of
| May, 1912. Said bonds are to be dated
| June LIST, 1912, and be payable June LIST,
1922, to- be in such denominations as
the successful bidder may direct. but
not less than $4,000 each, and bear
interest at the rate of 5 per cent per an
mum, unless the successful bidder shall
tspecify a lower rate Of interest in which
event they shall bear such lower rate,
payable semi annually, at such place as
the successful bidder may direct.
No bid will be considered at less than
par value and accrued interest. A GER
titled check to the amount of 10 per cent
Of the bid payable Internationally to
the City Treasurer of the City of Will
mar shall accompany each proposal.
Reasonable time will be granted af-
ter the acceptance Of any bid to pass
upon the validity of said bonds, but
any successful bidder failing or neglect
| ing to accept or reject the same within
fifteen 15) days after notice of his bid
being accepted by the City Council
shall forfeit the certified check accom-
panying said bid.
All bids must be addressed to the
Council of the City of Willmar and be
marked Bids for Fire Station Bonds "
The Council reserves the right to reject
any or all bids.
BY order of the Council of the City
of Willmar, Minnesota.
Dated at Willmar, this. ...... day of
May, 1912.
Approved May 2Sth, 1912.
r. c. WELLIN, Mayor.
HANS GUNDERSON, City Clerk.
Continued on page 81