davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10
In Desperate Straits =. z1azzzzMa SHORT Story

the house, and think what sensa =
ton such a discovery Will make, ana
how your cleverness will be applaud
ed"
Il give it," And if looks could kin.
she would have fallen dead at his
feet.
Then I need detain you no longer
But another time, your excel-eney
when you wish to make tool OF a
woman. beware lest you burn your
own fingers"
You have got the better Of me
now" he replied. turning TO go, but
sooner or later my turn will come
and then The pause that followed
was more expressive than words.
As the sound Of his footsteps died
away. NatasCha placed the orange on
a table and burst into a fit of hys-
terical laughter, eXclaiming. ITO think
that two men could be so easily de-
ceived!"
"Natascha, what do you mean?"
Paul asked.
1t was your danger inspired me.
was desperate" she replied, taking
the orange in both hands and giving II
a slight twist, when the two halves fell
apart and she held them out for her
lover 10 see they were empty Of all
save air. IF only l could see Vladl-
Mrs face tomorrow when he finds
those deadly bombs are no more dan
gerous than this china orange!"
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10
New Residents in Towns
By MRS. FRANK LEARNED

TACT. judgment and discretion are
needed in order TO make friends
u and acquaintances in new
place. OF course. when going to live in
a strange town, where one has few
friends. cards may be sent. with the
address. to the friends who reside in the
town. as soon as one is settled, thus
giving them an opportunity TO call.
1t may be that a bride is making her
new home in town where her hus-
bands friends live. They have re-
ceived cards for the wedding or an
nounCements Of the marriage, and after
they have called and their visits have
been returned an interval OF dullness
may follow II a few little hospitaiues
have been offered they may be returned
in a simple way
4 new resident must not make sd-
vances, must not seem in haste 10 make
acquaintauces, must not make first calls
on old residents or send invitations Of
any sort To them until there has been
an exchange Of visits and some mark Of
hospitality has been shown by older
residents.
1t is well for a new resident to make
allowances for an occasional breach Of
courtesy from we'll iutentioned persons
These have been known to send invita-
tons to strangers within their gates
without the preliminary Of formal call
This has been from carelessnesS. or the
lack OF knowledge of the laws OF eti-
quette. A new resident, who may re-
ceiye an invitation Of general nature
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10

from an Old resident who has not called
need not stand too strictly on ceremony
n by so doing the opportunity may be
lost Of meeting some pleasant friends
But a second oversight Of that sort
from the same hostess, should not he
overlooked. and one may well wait on
ones dignity for the delinquent hostess
to call
Rules which apply in cities are alto
gether different from the rules in couN
try neighborhoods or small towns. In
a large city it is not the custom ever to
make first call on new resident or
near neighhor. unless a friend in COM
mon has requested one 10 do so. In
the country, or in small places. old
residents call on d newcomer II 1t is
believed that an exchange of calls would
be agreeable.
First calls should he returned within
a week or ten days at least.
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10
Stolen Fruit Not Sweeter.

A benevolent old man invited q
number of small boys from the slums
to spend a day at his beautiful old
world country home, and among the
many good things which he provided
for them was a bountiful and won
drous feast Of strawberries and
cream
As the day drew to a close, wish
ing to impress the lads with a lesson,
their benefactOr asked:
Now, suppose instead Of being in
vited here to eat my Strawberries.
you had come and helped yourself
when nobody was looking, would you
have enjoyed the fruit so muCh?'
mo, sir"
"Ahl And why note" asked the
old gentleman, inspired with a rev
faith in young Britain's honesty.
cause, sir" came the sad but
prompt reply, I'VE wouldn't ave 'ad
no cream with 'em!"
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10
True Business Instinct.

Topham's was the smartest empo-
rum for miles around. You had TO be
the last word in go" before a situa-
ton was obtained in that establish
ment Keen business men filled every
post.
One afternoon when trade was in
full swing an unfortunate customer
fell down the first floor stairs
Help he grOaned in agony. Il
do believe I've broken my Leg"
A shopwalker Immediately flew to
his side.
Broken your leg, sir?" he inquired
sympathetiCally. And then, in sharp,
clear tones: Cork legs! Third coun-
ter to the right, sir! Forward, Miss
Davisl"
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10
Up-to-Date
Jokes

A man-of-war was lying off Gil
braItar. and permission was given
TO the men to go ashore for the day,
The sailors amused themselves in
various ways, among others by riding
about on donkeys; and their want of
experience in this line caused much
merriment. An officer, observing one
of the men sitting very far back on
the animal instead of in the usual
position, called out:
II say. Jeck, get up more amid
ships"
With an injured air he replied:
We'll. sir this is the first craft that
ever commanded in my life, and it's
hard indeed if l can't ride on the
quarterback if I like"
Bismarck was on one occasion
pressed by a certain American official
to recommend his son for a diplo-
matte place.
He is a remarkable fellow" said
the proud father, He speaks seven
| languages"
Indeed" said Bismarck. who had
not high opinion of linguistic ao-
quirements. What a wonderful head
waiter he would make"
First Boy-Why are you sad. Bm?
Second Boy-Oh. I'm troubled with
| dyspepsia.
! First Boy-How can that be?
Second Boy-I got licked at school
cause l couldn't spell It
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10
Alas, That Poor Egg |!

Waiter" From the table by the
window the voice of an elderly gen
tleman rose in accents wPathful.
Waiter"
Yes, sir" replied the much ha-
raised one Fastening forward.
The elderly gentleman, overcome
by his emotions, made several vain
efforts at articulate utterances.
Then:
Take this egg away" he roared.
Take it away"
Yes, sir" said the waiter oblig-
ingly as he glanced wistfully at the
offending article. "And-and what
shall l do with 1t, sir?"
do with it?" The outraged Gus
toner rose menacingly from his chair.
DO with it?" he beloved fiercely.
why, wiring its neck"
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10
By Chas. D. IsaacsOn.

yOU have watched the crowds in
front Of the fortune tellers'
booths IN Coney Island or course,
you have never been one OF those who
have been taken In" But you may
have watched the others as they stood
amazed at the wonderful second sight
Of Professor Bondaloo, or whatever his
title happens TO be.
As he sits blindfolded he describes
exactly the articles IN the crowd, tells
the amount Of coins and the dates there
on; tells the colors Of dresses; reads
the titles ~ magazines, adds compli-
Gated figures on the blackboard, and
thoroughly mystifes his beholders
They little know that the Professor
instead Of being imported from Man
dalay, India, probably halls from that
far-distaut land OF East Fourteenth
Street or the Rowcry, and is known
in the winter and In private life by
some imported name.
The assistant. after beseeehing you
20 come closer, still closer In order
not to lose a single syllable that drops
like pearls from the lips Of the N-ray
visioued man, then announces that the
great professor win tell you your. name
for 10 cents to-day only.
When you go inside you are led to
the Professor sister, or cook, or some
thing. who asks you 90 cross her palm
with silver, which means quarter. OF
a half or even dollar, according to
how guIlihle YOU may appeal
She then proceeds TO tell YOU the color
OF your prospective wifes cousins hair
and seems to have forgotten that you
came in to tnd out what your parents
christened YOU
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10
A Watch

You hold in your hand watch"
Now what kiud2 BE quick. please %
1T IS OF silver
what is the number Look careful
~ Are You ready Ten us then"
The number ls 62Sl0"
And so on the questions and answers
went, and everything correct To the
minutest detail. A doctor who was
present proclaimed the results marvel
ous-that All Hassau was a unique
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10

answered; she knew now that she
loved him-that to lose him would be
much worse than death itself.
Then you were not really in earn
est?' the steFnness melting from his
face.
No" she protested eagerly. Il only
wished to try. The paper shall be
burned unread"
q knew I could trust you" he re-
piled joyfully. "Natascha, dearest, /
too, was but testing. The name
wrote was my own He stopped, for
her face was deadly white and her
eyes dilated with terror as she gazed
past him into the room.
Turning he saw Vladimir MirskOff
reading the fatal paper with a quiet
smile Of satisfaction on his face.
The chief of police carefully re
folded the paper, saying, Paul Go
Veski, | regret to be obliged to arrest
you, but this leave me no choice"
Indeed he is innocent" cried Ma
tascha, imploringly. 1T was only a
lest"
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10

am not at this time going 10 take
up the fortune telling mystery; but l
shall content myself with pointing out
how ! accomplished the wonderful "sec-
ond sight or clairvoyarce. as 1t is bet
ter known, to the establishment of far
more intelligent minds than my own.
Come with me. then. as l enter a
handsome private home on Mornlngside
Avenue Gathered there are about for
ty-three or forty-four eminent scholars
to study the mysterious power Of Ali Ben
Hassan, who has been educated in
English In Robert College, at Constan-
tinople, and who has but recently come
TO this country
With turbau on my head and Oriental
costume about me, step from the tax
icab that conveyed me and march into
the dimIy lighted room, accompanied
by my American guide. ! am led 10 the
front Of the apartment and seated on "A
high chair I place my hands to my
eyes, rub my temples. and then appear
10 fan into trance. being but barely
caught by my guide and propped up
again. A member Of the audience then
volunteers to blindfold me, which is
done very carefully, for l must not see
with my eyes. but merely with my
suhconscious soul.
My guide goes to the back Of the room
and SAYS Il speak. Ali. Have you your
second sight Please tell me what
this isl"
Very quickly I answer. There ap-
pears 10 me a hat"
Right Hear me now. Please watch
NE carefully. See this I ask you to
describe d."
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10

specimen for scientific research. Sew
eral motions were made, seconded and
carried unanimously that the results Of
the experiment be sent to various
psychical societies and leaflets he print
ed with fun and detailed description
and mailed to leading authorities in this
country and abroad
Really, when l dotted my turban and
sank down to a good hearty laugh with
my guide later on, / once again had
occasion to lament on the credulity Of
my nelghbors. The second sight Of all
All Ben Hassan consisted Of nothing
but good memory on the part OF my
self, an amateur Investigator into the
frauds OF mystery.
My friend and | had arranged CODE
as follows: our questions would tell
the answer to what they were asking
by tho manner in which they were
worded The first letter In each SEN
tence spelled out the answer; hut II we
had gone no further this might easily
have been detected So we turned the
alphabet topsy- turvy and made IA stand
for A, T stand for b, S stand for c and
so on, For instance, look at the first
question that was put to me;
The Solution.
"I' being the first word uttered, sug-
gested I'll" Have" IN the second sem
tence, suggested "A" Please in the
third sentence, suggesting "T''-the
three together making hat"
can not even begin to show you the
further details of the code, which went
stn deeper, and covered every possible
article. description, date, color, metal,
etc We had even gone SO far as 10 vary
our code by different signals, and had
| single words mean fixed things. SO
| that H. perchance, some one began TO
get the system, we would throw him
off the scent For instance. the sec
ond variation made SAY what stone
| this is" meant diamond. please tell
me what this stone is meant emerald,
and SO on. SAY what country is rep
resented here would indicate Ameri-
! ca, while Please tell me what country
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10
The Victory.

Does your excelIency still refuse ~
II will do what you require" he
yielded sullenly. Put that thing
away"
When you have fulfilled my condi-
tons. Give Paul Goveski his paper. "
Vladimir complied, and Paul
watched il burn while Natascha con
tiuued: Now write an order for
Boris release and make out our
passports" Then. when he had done
so, In return, If you give me your
word TO do nothing till midday to-
morrow, l will leave my china fruit
exactly as they are. You can search
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10
A Last Appeal.

"A singularly unfortunate one
why try to undo the effect Of your
work." asked Paul, scornfully
mo wonder you despise me-" she
said humbly. Listen, Boris has been
sent to Siberia unless could obtain
from you the name Of one of the lead
ers in this plot. They are only as
sassins and deserve no mercy. But
you showed me the baseness of the
part / was playing. Indeed, / would
have burnt that paper. Say you be-
Heve me?"
But her appeal left him unmoved,
and his voice was as cold and hard
as the ice in the streets outside as he
his friends would repent at the last
moment? Never" Then addressing
himself to vladimir, II suppose II is
useless to tell you | have never be-
longed to any revolutionary society
in my life? l suspected madame was
being made a tool Of, and wished to
find out; that was all"
quite useless, and / should advise
you think of a more plausible tale
for your defense" Then TO his host
ess, Madame, | wish you good even
ing"
But Natascha had regained her self
control. She was fighting against des-
perate odds for all that made life
worth the living. Entreaty was use
less. If the man before her was 10 be
forced to relinquish his prey, other
means must be used, and suddenly
the Inspiration came.
Turning to Vladimir, she said very
quietly: You spoke of woman who
had concealed a deadly explosive for
charging bombs. What if l were to
tell you her name?"
Then you may ask what you Will"
MY price is Boris's freedom and
the destruction of that paper"
You, a woman, to betray another
woman!" cried Paul. Il refuse to be
saved at such a price"
Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-10
Twice Baked.

And l refuse to pay it," added
Vladimir, decidedly.
Natascha looked at him IN dismay.
"Refuse2"
Yes, Why buy what l can have for
nothing? Sent to prison as suspect
you will soon tell me all want TO
| know"
You scoundrel!" exclaimed Paul,
and Natascha glanced at him CRATE
/ fully as she said, Il viii tell you
now" opening one of the glass doors
Of the cabinet containing her famous
collection of china fruit. Il am the
woman, and here are the bombs"
The man stared at her. too sur
prised TO speak, then Vladimir said
stiffly, rs this also some jest, ma
! dame?"
1T is deadly earnest" and. taking
a china orange from its shelf, she held
II carefully in both hands. What is
there to arOuse suspicion in the fad Of
| a society lady for collecting china
fruit, and what safer place in which
! to store bombs than a drawing room
frequented by the chief of police?"
Enough of this fooling," he said
roughly. Il do not believe you" and
he made a step toward her.
"Stop!" she cried, holding out the
orange on the palm Of her hand. IF
you move l will convince you of the
truth of my tale, only you are not
likely to live to acknowledge your
error"
What do you want me to do?"
Return that paper Write an order
for my brothers release and pass
ports for the three Of us by the mid
night train to Paris,
81 refuse"
Then as it is choice between ST.
IBERIA and death, ! shall drop this at
your feet, and there will be no one
left to explain the accident that
wrecked the house Of Natascha Alex
andrOvna and involved the highly es-
teemed chief Of police In so terrible a
fate Then, turning to Paul. Have
not chosen well2"
Yes; a thousand times sooner
death with you than life if we are
parted" And the look in his eyes
told her that the peril in which they
stood had blotted out all misunder-
standings, but she only said calmly:
The Lamar register., 1913-02-19

presence. He knew he had but to
speak to receive his answer. to sum.
mon the fortress and receive the sur
render. Her eyes dropped before his
passionately searching look. her color
came and went. her bosom rose and
fell. She thought he must certainly
hear the wild beating Of her heart. He
pressed her hands closely to his breast
for q moment, but quickly pulled him
self together again.
Il must CO." he said hoarsely; my
business is-elsewhere. I ought new
or to have seen you or spoken to you,
but / had to come to this house and
you were here. and how could I help
1T OIL couldn't for my whole-it's
only you in this" He stopped and
thrust her hands away from him
blindly and turned away. As there was
q God above him he would not do It.
Your MOTHER would like to say
goodbye to her"
No. you are not going" cried the
sff desperately. playing her last card.
Listen, they need you In Richmond;
the president told me SO himself
your orders are to stay here. You are
TO be given a special commission on
the war department telegraph service,
and you"
mo, no. won't take it, can't take
It. Miss Varney."
Cant you do that much for-me?"
said the girl with winning sweetness,
and again she put out her hands to
him.
1T is for you that I will do nothing
Of the kind" he answered quickly; eff
you ever think of me again after
well, when I am gone. remember that
I refused"
But you can't refuse; 1t is the pres
dents desire. 1t is his order, you have
got to obey. Wait a moment, I left
1t upstairs. I will fetch 1t for you and
you will see."
She turned toward the door.
mo-" said Thorne, don't get It, I
won't look at It."
But you must see what 1t is. It
puts you at the head of everything.
You have entire control. When you
see 1t know you will accept It Please
wait"
mo. Miss varney. can't"
"Oh. yes, you can," cried Edith, who
would hear no denial as she ran swift.
" toward the door.
The Lamar register., 1913-02-19

hanging around forever, did L? That's
the only way to finish them of. What
do you want me to do-string a pla.
card around my neck, saying, No pro-
posals received here. Apply at the of.
f1ce? Would that please you any bet
ter? Well" she continued, as the boy
shrugged his shoulders, IF it doesn't
make any difference to you what do,
1t doesn't even make as much as that
to me-"
"Oh, 1t doesn't? 1 think It does.
though. You looked as If you enjoyed
it pretty we'll while the Third Virginia
was in the city"
Il should think did," said Caroline
ecstatically. Il just love every one of
them. They are going to fight for us
and die for us. and 1 love them"
Why don't you accept one of them
before he dies, then, and have done
with it, suppose it will be one of
those smart young fellows with a cav.
airy uniform"
1T will be some kind of a uniform.
can tell you that It won't be anyone
mat stays in Richmond"
NOW l see what it was," said Will
!reo, looking at her gloomily. 81 had
70 stay In Richmond, and"
me boy choked up and would not
CONTINUED pax+ rr..,.
The Lamar register., 1913-02-19

exercise of the most iron self-control
and repression. you shall not have
this against me. too"
Edith drew closer to him, leaving
her hand in his as she placed her other
on his shoulder. She thought she knew
what he would have said. And love
gave her courage. The frankness of
war was in the air. If this man left
her now, she might never see him
again. She was woman, but she
could not let him go without an effort.
Against you! What against you?
What do you mean?" she asked softly.
The witchery of the hour was upon
him. too. and the sweetness of her
The Lamar register., 1913-02-19
CHAPTER ~.
Miss MItford,s Intervention

The captain stared after her depart
ing figure; he listened to her footballs
on the stair, and then came to an in
slant resolution. He would take ad-
vantage Of her opportune withdrawal
He turned back to the table, seized his
hat, and started for the door, only to
come face to face with another charm
Ing young woman, who stood breath
less before him to his great and ul-con-
The Lamar register., 1913-02-19
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES,

dated, gray uniform trousers. He hao
just lifted them up when he heard
Caroline's step on the porch, and the
next moment she came into the room
through the long French window. VIII.
fred stood petrified with establishment
at the sudden and unexpected appear
ance of his young beloved. but sooL
recovered himself and began rolling
the package together again. hastily
and awkwardly, while Caroline
watched him from the window. She
coldly scrutinized his confusion while
he made his ungainly roll, and, as he
moved toward the door, she broke the
silence.
"Ah, good evening, Mr.. Varney," she
said coolly.
Good evening"" he said, his voice
as cold as her own.
They both of them had started fol-
the hall door and in another second
they would have met.
Excuse me-" said Caroline, I'm In
a hurry"
That's plain enough. Another par
ty. suppose, and dancing"
What of it? What's the matter
with dancing. I'd like to know"
Nothing is the matter with dancing
if you want to. but must say that II
is pretty way of going on. with the
cannon roaring not six miles away"
We'll, what do you want US to dol
Cry about 1t! l have cried my eyes
out already; that would do heap o.
good now, wouldn't tit"
"Oh. l haven't time to talk about
such petty details. have some i'm
portant matters to attend to-" he re
turned loftily.
1T was you that started It," said the
girl.
Wilfred turned suddenly, his man
ner at once losing its badly assumed
lightness.
"Oh. you needn't try to fool me-" he
reproached her; 81 know we'll enough
how you have been carrying on since
our engagement was broken OF. Hall
dozen officers proposing to you-s
dozen for all l know"
What difference does It maker"
she retorted pertly. II haven't got t.
marry them all. have II"
We'll. 1t isn't very nice to 90 on
like that" said Wilfred with an all
into which he in vain sought to infuse
a detached. judicial. and Indifferent
appearance. Proposals by the whole
salei"
Goodness mel" exclaimed Caroline
what's the use Of talking about It to
me. They're the ones that propose, ]
don't. How can help TT"
"oh." said wilfred loftily. you can
help 1t all right. You helped It with
me-"
WELL" she answered. with q queer
look at him. that was different"
And ever since you threw me over
=" he began.
II didn't throw you over. you Just
went over" she interrupted.
II went over because you walked Oh
with Major Sillsby that night we were
at Drury's Bluff" said the boy, land
you encouraged him to propose. You
admit it." he said, a. the girl nodded
her head.
"of course I did. I didn't want him