davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-08-16
CHAPTER VII.
The Blacksmith.

| had come up gasping f&r breath,
Well out in the stream, either shore
mere darker shadow showing above
the water. How far l had been swept
below the barge could not be guessed,
as could distinguish no outlines
clearly, excepting the bare spars of
vessel, tied up to the west shore. AS
this ship had not been in sight previ-
ously | concluded the drift had been
out quickly toward the opposite bank,
fearful lest l be borne down as far as
Gloucester before | could finally make
land 1t was hard swim across the
swift current, and / was nearly ex-
hausted when ] finally crept up the
low bank, and lay dripping and pant
ing in the shelter of some low bushes.
Except for the bark of a distant dog
there was no sound more disturbing
than the rustic Of leaves, and the lap
ping of water. - my breath came
back | sat up, wrung out my clothes
as best l could, and. with difficulty,
drew on the boots had borne across,
slung to my shoulder.
possessed but a dim conception of
where l was, yet knew I must make a
wide detour to the east so as to escape
British foraging parties.
l must have plodded doggedly along
through the darkness for fully five
miles, without perceiving the first sign
of habitation, or even a wood into
which l could crawl for concealment.
when I suddenly came upon a long.
one-story stone building standing at
the left Of the road, grim, silent, ap-
parently deserted structure, one end
of the roof caved in, and several of
the windows smashed. | tried the
doors, but they appeared firmly fas-
tened. Far in the east there was a
faint tightening of the sky promising
the approach of dawn, and thus
aroused to a knowledge that I must
Immediately attain shelter. | clam
bered through one of the broken win
dows, and dropped to the earthen
floor within. l could see nothing, not
carefully felt my way forward through
a tangle of rubbish, wheels, scraps of
iron, some casks, a number of plough
handles, and a riffraff of stuff | could
not make out. The place had evident
ly been used as a repair shop. but
must have been closed for months, as
l could feel the grit of dust every
where, and cobwebs brushed against
my face as l moved about Finally /
felt the outlines of large box half
filled with paper, and, for want of
something better, crept in and snug
gled down, intending to rest there I'M
til daylight should reveal my sur
roun0ings.
l was warm enough now. my cloth
ing practically dry. but thoroughly
tired from the long tramp over the
dark road, and exhausted by the ex-
element through which I had passed.
Even my mind seemed duIled, and IL
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-08-16

for it. | was closest down the bank,
an somethin' hit the water"
But them's the Jerseys over yon-
der; if he was spy he'd be headin'
the other way"
Its little he'd think of the way
with the gang OF us yelpin' at his
heels. Besides, there's plenty of his
kind over in those Jerseys who'd take
good care of~the likes Of him"
But there's guard stationed
across yonder."
"Pish. a corporals squad, just about
opposite at the ferry landin', an a
company of Yagers down at Glouces-
ter. There's plenty room between Tor
bold lad to find free passage"
The two fell silent, staring out over
The water. They had set me thinking,
however, and this knowledge Of where
the British pickets were stationed was
exactly the information / most re-
CURED l had no desire to cross the
Delaware, yet apparently in that di-
rection lay the only remaining avenue
of escape.
At the lower end of the float l man
aged to silently remove my boots, and
then waited, listening to the move
ments of the men above. l must have
chung there ten minutes, expecting
every moment the party securing the
shore would return, yet not daring to
make the venture with those fellows
cittin0 thoro and Si1optlv oa1ioo ont
across the water. At last | heard them
get to their feet, and tramp about on
the fat deck of the barge, the low
murmur Of their voices reaching me,
although words were indistinguishable
| could hope for no better time. Fill
ing my lungs with air, l sank below
the surface of the river, and then,
rising, struck boldly out into the full
sweep Of the current
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-08-16

appeared useless to think or plan /
had not intended to sleep, yet drowsi-
ness came. and lost consciousness.
know not what aroused me. but it
was already daylight. a CLEAN of sun
through the windows turning the fes-
TONED cobwebs into golden tapestry.
One side of the box in which | lay
had been broken out, and / could see
the full length of the shop, which ap-
peared Uttered from end to end with
all manner Of implements of hus-
bandry, and woodworking and black
smiths tools. All this | perceived
with my first glance, but it was the
distant sound Of a voice which as in
stantly held my attention At first
could not locate the speaker, nor COM
prehend the peculiar singsong of the
utterance. But IS l lifted my head,
listening intentiy, | knew the man to
De beyond the wooden partition at my
right, and that he was praying fer
vently. Somehow heartened by this
discovery l crept out from the bed of
papers, and stole silently forward to
the narrow door which apparently led
into this second apartment. The voice
never ceased In it's monotonous ap-
peal, and | ventured to lift the latch,
and take cautious glance through the
slight opening.
1t was blacksmith shop of fair
size, fully equipped with all the tools
OF the trade. The man was facing me.
but with eyes closed, and upIifted. as
his lips poured forth the fervent words
OF prayer. | was not religious man
in those days, yet the faith of nv
mother was not forgotten, end there
was something of sincerity about that
solitary kneeling figure could not but
respect. The words uttered, the deep
resonant voice, and above all. the ex-
preston of that upturned face. held
me silent, motionless. He was a man
of short, sturdy limb. but great bulk,
massive chest. and immense shoulders
evidencing remarkable strength. What
was this man, this praying black
smith? A patriot surely, from his
words Of petition; one who had suf-
iN'- 1huShJ Out W. WiIllAS W Suncl
more. The strength chiselled in that
upturned face, those deeply marked
features, revealed no common mental
equipment. Here was real man,
with convictions, one who would die
for an ideal; without doubt a radical,
ready to go to any extreme where con-
science blazed the way.
AS he finally paused, his head bowed
low, | stepped forward into the light,
confident of welcome, utterly forgetful
of the uniform l wore. At the first
faint sound Of my approach on the
floor he was upon his feet fronting
me, the shortness Of his limbs yield
ing him a certain grotesque appear
ance,. his deep-set eyes regarding me
suspiciously. Before | could realize
the mans intent he sprang between
me and the outer door, his hand grip
ping an iron bar.
"a son of Baal!" came the roar from
his lips. How came We here in that
uniform? Are you alone?"
"Alone, yes" and l hurled the scar
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-08-16

let jacket into the dirt with gesture
of disgust. II had even forgotten |
wore it. Wait a moment. | heard
your prayer, and know you must be
with us. / am Major Lawrence of the
Maryland Line"
He stared at me motionless.
Then how come ye here?"
81 was sent into Philadelphia by
Washington himself, but my identity
was discovered, and there was no way
TO escape except across the Delaware
| reached here during the night, and
crept into your shop to hide The
sound of your voice awoke me from
sleep, and I knew from your words
that it was safe for me to come forth"
You may know it, young man, but
| DON'T he replied gruffiy. Were
bit suspicious of strangers here in the
Jerseys these days. The minions of
Satan encompass US about. What
have We to show to prove your story?"
| shook my head. extending my
hands.
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-08-16

ing them back" his face darkening
Every man who rides with me knows
what war means here in the Jerseys:
they have seen their homes in flames,
their women and children driven out
by Hessisn hirelings. We fight for
life as well as liberty, and when we
strike we strike hard. But enough Of
that. We have sufficient confidence in
each other by now to talk freely. What
did you discover in Philadelphia? Nc
more than | could tell you myself, I'll
warrant"
told the story, while he listened
silently, his eyes alone expressing in
terest AS / ended, he slowly Lit his
pipe, and sat there smoking, apparent
ly thinking over what had said.
Have / learned anything of impor-
tance?" | asked finally.
For Washington. yes; but very lit
tie unknown to me. So you met Mis-
tress Claire, Ell? The little MINK y
is a month since / heard OF her."
CTO BE CONTINUED.)
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-08-16

'Onfy my word OF nonc,. s'aa :
pass from Hamilton, but destroyed
that before entering the British lines
II tell the whole story, perhaps you
will understand its truth"
The expression of his face did not
change, yet l thought the deep-set
eyes were not altogether unkind.
You are hungry, no doubt?"
4 Being human, yes"
Then Well eat and talk at the same
time. You're only one man, an I'm
not afraid of you, an if We are Brit
Usher | wouldn't starve you to DEATH
There's little enough, the good Lord
knows, but you're welcome to the half
of it. Make yourself comfortable
there on the bench"
He threw open a cupboard in one
corner, and brought forth variety OF
food, placing this upon wide shelf
near at hand
Help yourself" he began gravely.
ct is rough camp fare. but doubtless
you are used to that. Do you know
me?"
l scanned his face again intently.
surprised by the question, yet recog-
nized no familiar features.
NO" l replied. with some hesita.
ton Have we ever met before?"
mot to my remembrance" and the
mans language and accent evidenced
education above his apparent station.
But | have won some repute in this
part of the Jerseys, an thought my
name might be known to you. You
would recognize the signature Of
George Washington?
II have seen it often"
He drew a fiat leather case from a
pocket inside his shirt, extracting
therefrom a folded paper, which he
opened, and extended to me across the
table. With glance l mastered the
few lines written thereon, recognizing
its genuineness.
Hamilton penned that" said in
quick surprise, "and( it is signed by
Washington's own hand"
The deep-set eyes twinkled.
Right" he said shortly, that bit
of paper may save me from hangin
some day There are those who would
like well to see me swing if they only
laid hands on me at the right time
and place. You know what the paper
is?"
"a commission as Captain" and
bent over it again, ISSUED to Daniel
Farrell, giving him independent com
mand of scouts-by heavens! aresy you
Bull Farrell?"
He was eating quietly, but found
time to answer.
There are those who call me by
that nickname; others give me even a
worse handle. IT Is my nature to
make enemies faster than friends. You
know me them"
81 was with Maxwell at German.
town." the remembrance Of the scene
coming wildly to mind, when you
came up with your ragged fellows. You
have certainly taught them how ia
fight"
There was no teaching necessary:
all the trouble ever have is in hold
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-08-16
CHAPTER vi.
The One Hope.

Inc one rope.
AS he stopped and faced about, as
Instantly halted.
Perhaps this spot may satisfy your
requirements" he said sarcastlcally
otis far enough away at least. and
the light is not so bad"
"It will do" l replied, and threw my
scarlet jacket on the grass. Strip to
the white. sir, /; nd then we can see
fairly well whe1< 70 strike. That's bet
ter. On guard"
He came at me fiercely enough, con-
1ident of his mastery of the weapon,
and. no doubt, expecting me to prove
an easy victim of his skill. His first
onslaught, a trick thrust under my
guard. caused me to give back step
or two, and this small success yielded
him the over-confidence | always pre-
fer that an opponent have. l was
young, agile, coOl-headed. instructed
since early boyhood by my father, a
rather famous swordsman, in the mys-
teries Of the game, yet preferred that
Grant should deem me novice. With
this in mind, and in order that | might
better study the mans style, / re-
manned strictly on defense. giving way
slightly before the confident play OF
Eis~stSel, content with barely turning
aside the cleaning point before it
pricked me. At first he mistook this
for weakness, sneering at my parties,
as he bore in with increasing reckless
ness.
"a club would be more in your line,
l take it. Mr.. Lieutenant Fortesque,' u
he commented sarcastically, "but I'll
play with you a while for practice
all! that was lucky turn of the wrist!
So you do know trick or two? Per
haps you have parry for that thrust
as well! Ah an inch more and I'd
have pricked you-your defense is
not bad for boy! BY all the gods,
tasted blood then-nOw I'll, give you a
harder nut to crack!"
was fighting silently, with lips
closed, outstanding my breath, scarce
ly hearing his comments. Every
stroke, every thrust, gave me insight
of his school. and instinctively my
blade leaped forth to turn aside his
point. He was swordsman, stronger
than l, and of longer reach, yet his
tricks were old, and he relied more on
strength than subtlety of fence. He
countered with skill. laughing and
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-08-16
SYNOPSIS.

Major Lawrence, son OF Judge Law
renee OF Virginia, whose wife was a Lee
is sent on perilous mission by Cen
Washington. just after the winter at Val
ley Forge. Disguised in a British uni
form Lawrence arrives within the enemy's
lines. The Major attends great fete
Rose" from mob. He later meets the girl
at a brilliant ball. Trouble is started
over a waltz, and Lawrence Is urged by
his partner, Mistress Mortimer (The Lady
Of the Blended Rose). to make his escape
Lawrence. is detected as spy by Captain
Grant OF the British Army. who agrees
to q duel
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-08-16
w. N. u, MILWAUKEE, NO. 3s-1s12.
FOR SAFETY TO THE DRIVER
Mirrors Installed on Streets of English
Towns Have Proved of Material
Benefit.

Mirrors at street corners to provide
for the drivers of vehicles view or
the cross streets have been Installed
In at least two towns in England. In
Folkestone there Is an acute angle
street crossing where one corner Is
built up close to the curb. On this
corner IL placed 24x24 inch mirror
supported on gas pipe standards at
such an angle that drivers of vehicles
coming toward the built-up corner
from either of the two opposite streets
can see up the streets at right an
giles to their path.
The engineer In charge states that
owing to the impossibility of motor
lists seeing any on-coming traffic sew
eral accidents and narrow escapes
have occurred at that point. Since
the mirror has been fixed he has not
heard of anything approaching an ac-
cident The damp, mist, rain or frost
have NO Ill effect on the mirror,
which is occasionally cleaned by a
passing lamplighter when cleaning his
lamps.
At Malmesburg, In Wiltshire, mir
ror five by eight feet in size, support
ed on standards so that It's top is Is
feet above the street, occupies an an
gular position at the apex Of closed
right-angle curve. The engineer in
charge says: 1.-THE mirror requires
scarcely any cleaning; only a wipe
over once in about three months
Engineering News.
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-08-16

! Had Gained Hunoreo rect BEFORE
Those Behind Me Had Grasped the
Meaning of My Unexpected Flight.
haunting me, until his jeers made me
fight grimly, with fresh determination
10 end the affair.
"By God! you have a right pretty
thrust from the s1oulder," he ex-
claimed. Been out before, / take it.
But I'll show you something you never
learned. Odds, I'll call your boys
play!"
Better hold your breath, for you'll
need it now" / replied shortly. The
boys play is over with"
Step by step began sternly to force
the lighting, driving my point against
him 10 relentlessly as to hush his
speech. Twice We circled. striking.
countering. fighting, our blades gilt
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-08-16

Once in great while loves labor Is
lost, but more often it is misplaced.
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-08-16

Their Place.
Where are marital rods in pickle
kept?"
Il should suggest in family jars"
Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1912-10-12

close to him, leaning down, staring at
him in the dim Iamplight, and as Jan
lifted his own eyes he knew that in
the pale, eager face Of the man above
him there was written grief which
might have been a reflection Of his
own. Something reached out to Jan
and set his tired blood tingling. He
knew that this man was not forest
man. He was not of his people. His
face bore the stamp Of the people to the
south, Of civilization. And yet some
thing passed between them, leaped all
barriers and made them friends before
they had spoken. The stranger reach
ed down his hand, and Jan reached up
his. All Of the loneliness, the clinging
to hope, the starving desire Of two men
for companionship, passed In the long
grip of their bands.
"You have just come down." said
the man half questioningly. ''Tha,
was your sledge out there"
YES" said Jan
The stranger sat down In the chair
lext to Jan.
From the camps?" he questioned
eagerly.
what CAMPS, m'sieur?"
1.-THE railroad camps, where they are
putting the new line through, beyond
Wekusko."
II know Of no camps" said Jan sim
ply. Il know of no railroad except
this that comes to lie Pas. I come
from Lac Balm, on the edge of the Bar
rem lands"
You have never been down before?'
asked the stranger softly. Jan won
dered at the light in his eyes.
"A long time ago." he said, "for a
day. / have passed all Of my life up
Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1912-10-12

YAIST deep in the light snow.
IA Jan began the ascent. drag
!" ging himself up by the tops
of the slender saplings. stop
ping every few yards to half stretch
himself out in the soft mass through
which he was struggling, painting with
exhaustion. He shouted when he gain
ed the top of the ridge. Up through
the white blur Of snow on the other
side there came to him family a shout:
yet. In spite Of its faintness. Jan knew
that it was very near.
Something has happened to Ledoq'
he told himself. but he surely has
food, and we can live it out until the
storm Is over"
1t was easier going down the ridge.
and he went quickly in the direction
from which the voice had come. until a
mass Of huge powders doomed up be
fore him. There was a faint Odor Of
smoke in the air, and he followed it in
among the rocks, where it grew
stronger.
"Ho. LedoQ!" be shouted.
A voice replied n dozen yards away.
Slowly. as he advanced. he made out
the dim shadow of life in the white
goom-a bit of smoke climbing weak
~ in the storm, the black opening Of
a brush shelter-and then. between the
opening and the spiral of smoke, liv
ing thing that came creeping toward
him on all tours, like an animal.
He plunged toward it and the shad-
ow staggered upward and would have
fallen had it not been for the support
of the deep snow. Another step. and
q sharp cry fell from JAMS lips. 1t was
not Ledoq. but Dixon, who stood there
with white. starved face and staring
eyes IN the snow gloom.
My God. | am starving-and dying
for a drink of water" gasped the Eng
lishman chokingly. thrusting out his
Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1912-10-12

there" Jan pointed to the north. and
the Others eyes turned to where the
polar star was fading low IN the SKI.
q "And ! have passed all Of my NE
down there he replied. nodding bis
head to the. south. a year ago came
up here for--for health and banplness."
He laughed neryousIy. 4 found them
both. but I'm leaving them. I'm going
! back tomorrow. Ny name Is Thorn
ton." he added holding out his hand
again. Il come from Chicago.
.My name Is Tloreau--Ian Thoreau.r
said Jan II have read of Chicago In .
book and have seen picturesof Il Is y
larger than the city that Is called Win
nipeg!"
He looked at Thornton. and TiiorH
ton turned his head q little % thu
the light did not shine In his face. III
grip Of his fingers frightened about Jnnt
hand.
Yes. it is larger
The officers OF the great compan.
are at Winnipeg and the commissioner
are they not, m'sleurf'
. "Of the Hudson's Bny company
yes
and If there was business to do
important business. m'sieuf, would +
not be best to go TO the COMMISSIONS?
questioned Jan.
Thornton looked hard at the tenss
eagerness In JAMS face.
There are nearer headquarters-at
Prince Albert" be said
THAT Is not far" exclaimed Jan. ris
ing. And they would do business
there-importan businessY He drop
ped his hand to Kazan's head and half
turned toward the door. So
Perhaps better than the commits
sioner,". replied Thornton. at might
depend on what your business is
To them. as each stood for q mo-
ment in silence. there came the low
waiiing Of dog out In the night.
They are calling for kazan." said
Jan quietly. as though he had not read
the question in Thornton's last words.
Good night, m'sieur!"
-
Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1912-10-12

through the deep SHOWS into the south.
On the fourteenth they came TO LIE
Pas, which Is the edge OF civilization.
1t was night when be came out OF the
forest, so that he could see the faint
glow Of lights beyond the Saskatche-
wan.
For q few moments. before crossing.
be stopped his tired dogs and turned
bis face back into the grim desolation
Of the north, where the aurora was
playing feebly In the skies and beckon-
Ing to him and telling him that the old
life Of centuries and centuries ago
would wait for him always at the dome
If the earth. ---z..s~... g.. .s.-v r..
The good God bless you and keep
you and care for you ever more, my
Melisse,'' he whispered. And he walk
cd slowly ahead Of his dogs across the
river and into the other world.
-
There was music that night In lie
Pas. A door opened and man and q
woman came out The man was ours
Ing. and the woman was laughing at
him-Iaughing as Jan had never heard
a woman laugh before. and he held his
breath as be, listened to the taunting
mockery In It. Kazan. the one eyed
leader. snarled. The trace dogs skunk
close to the leaders heels. With a
low word Jan led them on.
4. -. rNshr a
saskatchewan swung In half moon
to tie south and west. he found low.
SQUAT building with light hung over
the door illuminating a bit OF humor
IN the form Of printed legend which
said that II was king Edwards ho-
tel" The. scrub bush OF the forest
grew within hundred yards OF II.
and In this bush Jan tied bis dogs and
left bis sledge. II did not occur to
him that now. when he had entered
civilization, he had come also into the
land of lock and bolt. OF robbers and
thieves. 1t was loneliness and not sus-
picion that sent him hack to unleash
Kazan and take him with him.
They entered the hotel. Kazan with
suspicious caution The door opened
into big room lighted by an oil lamp
turned low. The room was empty ex-
cept for solitary figure sitting In q
chair facing a wide window which
looked into the. north. Making no
sound that he might not disturb this
other occupant. Jan also seated him
self before the window. Kazan laid
his wolfish head across his masters
knees, his one eye upon him steadily
and questioningly. Never In all his
years of life had Jan felt the depth Of
loneliness that swept upon him now
as he looked into the north. he did
not know that he was surrendering to
hunger and exhaustion. the cumulative
effects of his thirteen days eight In the
forests II was the low. heartbrokeE
sob of grief that fellfroni bis own lips
that awakened him again TO q con
sciousness OF the present.
He jerked himself erect and found
Kazan with hls fangs cleaning. The
stranger had risen. He was standing