davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-05-25
CHAPTER XVII.
The Judge Extends His Credit,


That afternoon Judge Price walked
out to Belle Plain. Solomon Mahaffy
had known that this was a civility
Betty Malroy could by no means es.
cape. He had been conscious of the
judges purpose from the moment 1t
existed In the germ state, and he had
striven to divert him, but his striving
had been In vain, for though the
Judge valued Mr.. Mahaffy because OF
certain sterling qualities which he
professed to discern beneath the hard
crust that made up the external man,
he vas not disposed to accept him as
his mentor In nice matters OF taste
and gentlemanly feeling. He owed 1t
to himself personally to tender his
sympathy. Miss Malroy must have
heard something Of the honorable
part he had played; surely she could
not be In ignorance of the fact that
the lawless element, dreading his fur
ther activities, had threatened him.
She must know, too, about that re-
ward OF five thousand dollars. Ger
ta1nly her grief could not blind her
to the fact that he had met the situ-
alton with largeness OF public spirit
that was an impressive lesson to the
entire community.
These were all points over which
he and Mahaffy had wrangled. and
he felt that his friend, in seeking to
keep him away from Belle Plain, was
standing sQuarely In his light. He
really could not understand Solomon
or his objections. He pointed out
that Norton had probably left a will
no one knew yet-probably his es-
tate would 90 to his intended Wife
what more likely? He understood
Norton had cousins somewhere in
middle Tennessee-there was the at.
tractive possibility of extended Iitiga-
ton. Miss Malroy needed a strong.
clear brain to guide her past those
dificulties his agile fancy assembled
In her path. He beamed on his friend
with a wide sunny smile.
You mean she needs a lawyer.
Price?" insinuated Mahafy.
That slap at me, Solomon, is un-
worthy of you. Just name some one.
Will you, who has shown an interest
comparable to mine? | may say I
nave devoted my entire energy to her
AFFAIRS, and with disinterestedness.
have made myself felt. VIII you men
ton who else these cutthroats have
tried to browbeat end frighten? They
slons are menace to them. I got
'em In a panic. sir-presently some
fellow will lose his nerve and light
out for the tall timber-and It will
be just Judge Slocum Price who's
done the trick-no one else,"
Are you looking for some one 10
take a pot shot at you?" inquired Ma.
haffy, sourly.
lon$ remark Wcovers my tondest
hope, Solomon-Id give five years or
my life just 10 be shot at-that would
round out the episode of the letter
nicely; again the Judge hramed on
Mahaffy with that wide and sunny
smile of his.
Why don't you let the boy go
alone, Price?" suggested Mahaffy. He
lacked that sense of sublime conf
dence in the judges tact and discre.
ton OF which the Judge. himself. en-
tertained never q doubt.
i shall not obtrude myself Solo
mon; | shall merely walk out to Belle
Plain and leave civil message
know what's due Miss Malroy in her
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-05-25

hands on him! I'll send him either
up or dov the river and place him
IN safe keeping where you can get
him at any time you want"
This must be done without yio-
lence. John!" stipulated Fertress.
Certainly, understand. Which
shall 1t be-up or down river?"
Could you take care Of him for
me below. at Natchez?" inquired
Fentress.
LAS we'll there as anywhere"
Good" said Fentress, and took his
leave.
Three-quarters OF an hour slipped
by, then, piercing the silence, Murrell
heard shrill whistle; 1t was twice
repeated: he saw Bess go down to
the landing again. A half-hour
elapsed and q man issued from the
scattering growth OF bushes that
screened the shore. The newcomer
crossed the clearing and entered the
cabin. He was young fellow OF
twenty-fOur or five, whose bronzed
face wore reckless expression.
We'll, captain, what's doing?" be
asked.
IF anything's to be done, now is
the time, Hues. What have you to
report?"
We'll, I've seen the council OF each
Clan division. They are ripe to start
this thing off"
Murrell gave him a moment ot
moody regard.
Twice already I've named the day
and hour, but now I'm going to put
1t through" He set his teeth and
thrust out his jaw.
Captain, you're the greatest fellow
in America! Inside of week men
who have never been within five hun
dred miles OF you will be asking OF
each other who John Murrell Isl"
Murrell had expected to part with
Hues then and there and for all tima
but Hues possessed qualities which
might still be of use.
"Hues, you must start back across
Tennessee. Make it Sunday at mid
night-that's three days Off" Uncon
sCiously his voice sank to a whisper
Sunday at midnight" repeated
Hues slowly
When you have passed the word
into middle Tennessee, turn south and
make the best of your way TO New
Orleans. Don't stop for anything
push through as fast as you can.
You'll find me there. I've notion
you and | will quit the country to-
gcther."
Quit the country, Why, captain
who's talking of quitting the coun
try?'
You speak as though you were
fool enough to think the niggers
. would accomplish something." said
Murrell coOlly. There will be con.
fusion at first, but there are enough
white men In the southwest 10 han.
die heap better organized insurrec.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-05-25

capacity of friend-or professional
ly-l trust you Will not hesitate 70
command me-" The fudge backed
toward the door.
Did you walk out. Judge Priceg'
asked Betty kindly.
Nothing more than a healthful ex
ercise-but We Will not detain you
maam; the pleasure of seeing you is
something We had not reckoned on!',
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-05-25

At Thicket Point Charley Norton,
greatly excited. hobbled into the H.
brary In search of Darlington. He
found him reading by the open win
dow.
Look here. Bruce!" he cried. Its
settled: she's going to marry me!
Can't you wish me joy?"
Darlington held out his hand.
you are not going to take any
risks now, you have too much to live
for" he said haltingly.
mo. I'm to keep away from Belle
Plain" said Norton happily. "She in
sists on that. Everything Is to be
kept secret until We are actually
married; It's her wish"
ITS to be soon. then?" Darlington
asked, still haltingly.
"Very soon."
There was Q brief silence. Caring.
ton, with face averted, looked from
the window.
II am going to stay here as long as
you need me-" he presently said.
Miss Malroy asked me to. and then
l am going back to the river, where l
belong"
.
Betty ate supper with big Steve
standing behind her chair and little
Steve balancing himself first on one
foot and then on the other near the
door.
The long French windows, their
curtains drawn. stood open. She
wandered down to the terrace. There
was the sound Of step on the path
Betty turned. 1t was Darlington who
stood before her, his face haggard
Without q word he stepped to her
side and took her hands rather rough
ly.
What am to do without your
his voice was almost q whisper.
What is this thing you have done?"
Betty's heart was beating with dull
sickening throbs.
IF you had only comet" she
moaned. Now l am going to be mar
ried tomorrow. l am to meet him at
the Spring Bank church at ten
O'clock"
How can I give you up?" he said,
his voice hoarse with emotion. He
put her from him almost roughly, and
leaning against the trunk OF a tree
buried his face In his hands. Betty
watched him for q moment In
wretched silence.
TITS good-by-" he muttered.
She went to him, and as he bent
above her, slipped her arms about his
neck.
kiss me" she breathed.
He kissed her hair. her soft cheek,
then their lips met.
Another hot September sun was
beating upon the earth as Betty gal
loped down the lane and swung her
horses head In the direction of Ra.
leigh. She would keep her promise
to Charley and he should never know
what his happiness had cost her.
Norton Joined her before she had
covered q third of the distance that
separated the two plantations.
we are to go to the church. MIR.
Bowen will be there; I arranged with
him last night; he will drive over
with his wife and daughter, who will
be our witnesses, dear"
.
Afterward Betty could remember
standing before the church In the
fierce morning light; she heard Mr..
Bowen's voice. she heard Charley's
voice. she heard another voice-her
own. though she scarcely recognized
Il.
"Ill tie the horses. Betty" said
Norton.
He had reached the edge OF the
oaks when from the silent depths OF
the denser woods came the sharp re.
yXclHEH3HVHxYWUEg1sJn
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-05-25

Norton had ridden down to Belle
Plain ostensibly TO view certain OF
those improvements that went so far
toward embittering Tom Wares ex-
istepce.
do you think Belle Plain Is ever
going to look as II did, Charley?-as
We remember II when We were chill
dren?" asked Betty.
why OF course. II is. dear. you are
doing wondeB!"
Ware stalked toward them. Hav-
lng dined with Betty as recently as
the day before. he contented himself
with Q nod In her direction. His
greeting to Norton was q more am
bitious undertaking.
Il understand you've new over.
seerf"
Then you understand wrong-Car-
rington's my guest" said Norton.
He's talking OF putting In crop for
himself next season. so he's willing
20 help me make mine"
Going to turn farmer. is her"
asked Ware.
80 he says" Norton was extreme
u disappointed when the planter
manifested a disposition to play the
host and returned to the house with
them. where his presence was such
q hardship that Norton shortly took
his leave.
Issuing from the lane he turned his
face In the direction OF home. He
was within two miles OF Thicket Poinr
when. passing q turn In the road, he
found himself confronted by three
men. One OF them seized his horse
By the bit. Norton had not even q
riding whip.
"Now. what do you wish to say to
nef" he asked.
I'VE want your word that you'll
Keep away from Belle Plain"
We'll. you won't get IT," respond
"a Norton.
In the same instant one OF the men
raised his fist and struck the young
planter In the back OF the neck.
You curt" cried Norton. az he
wheeled on him.
Damn him--let him have I'll"
.
Il was mid-afternoon OF the day fol-
lowing before Betty heard OF the at
tack on Norton. She ordered her
horse saddled and was soon out on
tAe river road with groom In her
wake. Betty never drew rein until
she reached Thicket Point. As she
gniloped into the yard Bruce CARING
ton came from the house.
How Is Mr.. Norton?" she asked,
extending her hand.
The doctor says he'll be up and
about inside OF week. II you'll wait
IA tell him you are here"
Darlington passed on into the
house. He entered the room where
Norton lay.
Miss Malroy Is here" he said.
"Betty?-bless her dear heart!"
cried Charley weakly. Just toss my
clothes into the closet and draw up
q chair. There-thank you,
Bruce-let her come along In now"
And as Darlington quilted the room.
Norton drew himself up on the pill
lows and faced the door. This is
worth several beatings. Betty" he
exclaimed as she appeared.
He bent TO kiss the hand she gave
him. but groaned with the exertion.
Then he looked up into her face and
saw her eyes swimming with tears.
"What-tears?" and he was much
moved.
ITS perfect outrage!" Betty
paused irresolutely. Charley"
Yes. dear?"
Cant you be happy without me?"
~No."
But you don't try TO be-
mo use In my making any such
foolish EFFORT. Id be doomed to fail
ure."
"Good-by. Charley-I really must
go"
He looked up yearningly into her
ynCe and Welding IN N eudJon I'm
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-05-25

port OF rifle. The shock of the bull
let sent the young fellow staggering
back among the mossy and myrtle
covered graves.
For moment no one grasped what
had happened. only there was Norton
The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-08-24
REGARD FOR THE OLD.

Nothing is more beautiful or Christ
like in the character of the young
than kind and gentle regard for the
old, says the Young Folks Catholic
Weekly. They whose failing steps are
slowly descending the sunless slope OF
age have but one consolation as the
years speed by them, and that is the
tenderness and consideration Of those
on whose lives the beauties OF the
morning are breaking. Age is a sea-
son of physical infirmity, of mental re-
trospection, of shattered dreams and
earthly disappointmen No more for
the old is there glamour in the roll
ing stars, no more freshness in the
spring, no more a triumph in the
years. The thousand melodies of the
present sound far of to their aged
ears, and their charms are blurred in
the dimmed eyes whose tears fall on
the graves of old affections. Treat.
them gently, youth and maidens, for
by. their travail and their sacrifice are
We the possessors not only of existence
In the world in whose splendor We
exult, but also of the prosperity and
The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-08-24
BRAIN FAC.

There is very close connection be-
tween the mind and body, says the
New Zealand Tablet Good bodily
health does much to keep the brain in
good working order. To keep the
brain in good working order special
attention must be given to the condi-
ton and quality of the blood. The
blood is rich or poor according to the
quality of food taken, and it must not
be overlooked that the quality of food
is not so much a question OF cost as
of wise choice. A glass of milk does
more for the blood than a glass of
champagne. The first thing is to
learn what is nourishing food, and to
choose that instead of what is indi-
gestible and unwholesome. The blood
must be pure as well as good. Pure
blood depends to great extent on
pure air. Open air is part of the cure
for nervous breakdown, and it is GER
tainly one of the preventives. Brain
flag cannot be prevented by idleness,
for idle people are more liable to
nerve trouble than busy ones. Work
with a will to keep nerve trouble
away. Take interest and pleasure in
work, which always tighten the labor.
The brain is frightened by use, but
becomes dull and rusted with neg
lect, but care must always be taken
not to exceed ones powers. AS soon
as there is trace of exhaustion change
the occupation, so that another part
of the body is set to work. Let the
hours of sleep be fairly long, and
avoid brain work at night; always re-
member to spend every available mo.
ment in the air and sunshine when
possible.
The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-08-24
THE MOTHERS STRIKE.

Such dream / had! So dreadful!
That I never heard the like;
For I dreamt that on a sudden
The mammas agreed to strike.
The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-08-24
TRUE FRIENDSHIP.

Did you ever hear of girl who had
a chum-a very special, favor1te chum
whom she loved very dearly? And
one time this girl was walking with
another girl-one who did not care
much for the chum. So she was talk
ing about her-saying little disagree
able things, that girls sometimes think
of each other. And the girl-well, she
just kept quiet. She did not agree
with the girl, but she was afraid of
making her angry if she disagreed.
oh, false friend. True friendship
means perfect loyalty.
Remember this, girls. 1t Is not
necessary to lose your temper and
quarrel, but when you hear words
spoken of your friends which
are unkind, and which you know are
not quite right-stick up for the alb
sent girl. You cannot be true to your
friends if you hear them spoken I'M
kindly of, and do not say a word in
their defense. True friendship means
perfect loyalty.
Fortunately, however, the school
yard boasts of other girls. There is
one who goes a long way toward
Strengthening out the tangles, squaring
up the difficulties, soothing wounded
feelings, and making things generally
nice and comfortable. This is the girl
you can depend on "all the time" as
the boys say. This girl has so much
sympathy and good will and kindli-
ness, that her words hold not the
faintest suggestion of sting. Yet
she is a real live girl, with individu-
atty, originality, and great heaps of
enthusiasm. She is a girl who can do
things in such a way that no one takes
offense. Or if she does offend, she
has charming little way of adjusting
the difficulty.
If she says she will do anything, it
is done. If she calls you friend, it
means friendship.
On the campus, in the schooIroom,
at class meetings, at parties-wher-
ever that girl is, she is wide-awake in
every respect, She knows just what
is going on, and she takes an active
part. Yet she seldom "steps on her
companions toes"
Oh, blessed girl that is dependable!
What would school life be without
her!
The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-08-24
THE CHILDREN'S HOUR.
TEDDY's HOME.

Come in, Teddy" called the little
boys mother.
ooh, I don't want to-yet," whined
the child, making another dash around
the corner for the jewelwinged fire
flies.
At the same moment another moth
er-the one who lived in the big beau
tiful house next door to Teddys ugly
little brown cottage-called to her
boy:
Come in, my son; it's your bed
time"
And, strange to say, he went in at
once, with a pleasant, Eyes, ma'am,
I'm coming"
Nov, Ted, why can't you answer
that way?" questioned grandma, 'and
ooh, l amt got a pretty house like
him. said Ted. eff l had a big, fine
home to live in, I'd want to come in,
you see.'
Grandmamma shook her head.
"The difference is in the boy, not
the house! Why one of the sweetest,
most obedient little follows I ever
knew lived under a stump-or inside
of one"
20, grandmamma, you don't mean
it,"
But I do And the boy never COM
planned because it was all the home
he had, but when called to come in
his bedtime in summer was eight
antly as Nat did moment ago. So
you can see for yourself it was not
the house"
well, 1 don't see how anybody
could live under a stump, much less
like to do it," said Teddy, thought
fully, coming close to her side.
"Ill tell you. A long time ago
some people came to the Northwest to
take up 'claim'-some land they had,
and they were too busy to build a
house at first; and so with the help
of kind neighbor or two, the father
followed out the big stump of fir
tree, just leaving enough for the walls.
Then they made rude roof of boards
over it, and cut two holes for windows
and two for hoors. Then the family
move right in, and set up the scanty
furniture they had brought along-a
bed on one side, a cot on the other,
for besides the parents there were
two children, a girl and boy. And
they put two thick rugs on the floor,
and tackled red curtains to the win
dows, and a table with a lamp on it
in the middle of the room, and"
ooh, my! How big was the stump"
asked Ted, his eyes full of wonder.
well, the room was fourteen feet
one way and twelve another. And
how the little boy loved his new
home! There were some folks out
that who lived in tents, some in dug
outs, and some in the sides of the
mountains-'cliff dwellers,' you know.
But Theodore-that was the boys
name-thought his home under the
stump the incest of ALL
my papa's name is Theodore" said
Teddy, musingly.
Eyes, and it was your papa who
lived in the fir tree stump, too, and
who was contented, good little boy.
| It's not the kind of house you have
that makes you whine, you see, Teddy
lad"
The boy looked about the neat,
cheerful room for moment, then he
said:
tits the kind of a-boy, and I'll
smile next time, grandmamma."
The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-08-24

Such dream I had! So dreadful!
That I never heard the like;
For dreamt that on a sudden
The mammas agreed to strike
1--WE are tired heard them murmur,
sTired of working night and day,
And not always hearing, Thank you!'
Such long hours and such poor
pay!"
So they would not mend the jackets,
Nor the holes in stockings small,
No one ran to kiss the bruises
When poor Tommy caught fall.
No one bound up wounded fingers,
No one glued the broken toys,
No one answered all the questions
OF the eager little boys.
No one tied the little bonnets,
No one brushed the little curls,
No one basted dolly dresses
For the busy little girls.
No one heard their little troubles,
No one held them on her lap,
No one sewed on truant buttons,
No one hunted Johnny's cap.
And there were no bedtime stories,
And no loving hands to tuck
Blankets soft round little sleepers;
For their mothers all had struck.
o, SO lonesome and so dreadful
And so queer it all did seem!
Aren't you glad, dear little children,
It was nothing but dream.
The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-08-24
A PRUDENT MOTHER.

The late Cardinal Newman relates
that one day his sisters complained
to their mother that their dresses
were so plain and homely, while
others were always in the latest fash.
ions. This is what she told them:
eff you are something you do not
need vain dresses; but if by vain
dresses you want to be something
then you plainly prove that in trutl,
you are nothing"
The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-08-24

happiness We thoughtlessly enjoy.
Never mind If she and he be old and
feeble and of humble garb-they look
to you in their helpless years to aid
with gentle courtesy their tottering
steps. Gods blessing will reward you
if you do.
The Oroville weekly gazette. [volume] (Oroville, Wash.) 1905-19??, 1912-01-26
ECCEMEHAM ITEMS

F.llerleham Change held It's regular
meeting Saturday evening. There was i
good attendance and IL lively meeting. The
lecturer provided an exceptionally good
program. After the meeting The ,:ei tie
men had surprise for the ladies in the
way Of Chilly Reception ice cream
and cakes Some OF the men proved them
selNee highly Proficient in the culinary
art, or else they did good JOB of swiping
\ lew eggless cakes were amongst thu
bunch. However, they were all devomed,
and as yet we have heard of no causuall
ties After the feed Il good old fashioned
visit WAS enjoyed and everyone went home
j :. Henderson and famii' and Miss
Melcher visited at the HON" ii Chas. ;.
Lewis Sunday.
Florenc. Jones called ON Mrs. Hotch-
took trip up towards the sky line t.,
visit Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Hutchngs. and
f. II. Hershherger was swapping stories
with the lliX's Sunday So LOOK out there
must be a storm brewing.
Chas. AntOnsOn has gone 70 West SUI
perior. Wis, where he formerly lived and
where he still owns some property.
w. W. Scott is taking advantage of the
good sleighing to rake IN a few evta dol
lars by making regular trips 10 town with
wood
We wonder where that brass band to be
has gone.
Master Spencer Lewis had birthday
party Tuesday afternoon. Tne pupils of
the school. and their teacher. Miss O'Keefe
We're invited and of course nice little
lunch and games were enjoyed until dark
ness notified them to adjourn.
\ dance is to take place at the home oil
w. o. Steele Friday night. Music by E
lemeham orchestra. Mr.. Steele has quite
Il large house. and being IA rovll enter
tainer no doubt it will be the great event
Of the season.
There is some talk of hold;I,s a grand
political meeting at the school house
where it is expected thai every political
party will b. represented, even the staEd
pat republican.
We hope that some good farmer vii
asi Sears ROebuc to keep right ON Joline
out this good weather
Subscriber.