davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-23

The afternoon was spent In learn
Ing his new duties; for the expert
enced potman he professed to be,
he appeared singularly ignorant.
But he, was quick and deft. and the
customers who flocked In during the
evening had no complaint as to the
way they were served.
When the last stragglers left, and
the mugs and glasses washed and
polished, were arranged in shining
rows behind the bar. Jakes was at
liberty to seek his hard and bunny
couch. But beyond throwing off his
boots with clatter, he made no
further preparations for bed. Open
ing his bag, he took from it a pair
OF rubber-soled shoes, dark Ian
tern. Il Jimmy. and several keys
These he stuffed into the pockets OF
shabby Norfolk, which replaced
the coat he had been wearing all
day; then. pipe in mouth, he seated
himself beside the open window.
The night was very still; there
was not sound inside the house
or out, and presently the old clock
on the stairs wheezed forth twelve
quavering strokes. AS the last one
died into silence he quietly lowered
himself to the roof below, and from
thence to the ground.
Once on the road he walked
swiftly through the village, showing
for one so unacquainted with the
neighborhood wonderful knowl.
edge of various short cuts which
brought him out before a large
country house apparently deserted
The place looked unkempt and
forlorn, though in perfect repair so
far as the outside was concerned.
and Keeping we'll in the shadows he
prowled around, intently examining
every window until he found a
small one unshuttcred His jimmy
made short work OF the hasp, the
sash slipped up. and he was in. An
hour later he emerged, and returned
to the inn as unobstrusively as he
had left it.
To Miss Eunicc Pryde, owner of
the rosy checks and younger Of the
two ladies occupying the Dover
House, it seemed that the new pot.
man at the Bull and Bush had plenty
OF time on his hands, Judging by the
frequency with which she met him,
either In the cottages she visited,
where he appeared to be a general
fayorite, or wandering, pipe in
mouth. about the country. side talk.
Ing TO all and sundry.
When one is constantly meeting
person it is difficult to maintain
the keep your distance air that Gus.
tom declares Is necessary toward
potmen, no matter how attractive
looking they may be; and before
long, Eunice had shamelessly CAPT.
tulated. replying cordially to his
respectful greetings and gradually
allowing him TO accompany her on
her way home.
During one OF their ever lensthcn-
Ing walks they paused before a pair
OF handsome wrought iron gates
sadly in need Of repair. and looked
up the neglected. wedding drive to
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-23

looking youth who seemed extreme
u flush.
Has much Of this stuff been
going about lately?" he asked as
Crimes with groan ferreted out
three more offenders.
"Ay. that there has; off an on
Tor the last two years, here an all
Ger country. They're rare smart
chaps a does 1t. T. police hasn't
been able to lay hands on 'em yet"
Who was the chap in the dashing
checks with face to match?"
Jakes inquired after thoughtful
pause.
why. that war Benny Crooks. T.
agents lad. A real bad egg
Looks it." assented Jakes. re-
placing the cleaning glass and pew
ter. Added from his birth, [
should say. Look here, boss, I'll
buy those coins from you. 1t was
my fault for being so green, and
they'll remind me to be moro care
full in the future"
Grimes demurred, but was finally
won over, and later Jakes sat by his
window. smoking. and thinking
hard. Finally he wrote two letters.
going out by his nightly exit TO post
them.
a few days later. after an unusu-
ally interesting post, he requested
leave to go to the market town to
visit the dentist, declaring he hadn't
been able TO sleep a wink from
toe thache. Grimes gave sympa-
thetic assent.
The Misses Pryde were among the
crowd waiting for the train, and
Eunice smiled with sweet gracious.
ness to him as he lifted his cap; but
MISS Pryde stared through him With
glacial eye, and evidently rebuked
her sister for recognizing the pot.
man. Judging by Eunices angry
color.
Once in the little town Jakes de.
liberately loitered until he lost
sight OF his neighbors. then made
his way. not TO the dentists. but to
the county police station, where. on
giving his name, he was promptly
admitted Half an hour later he
came out, attended by the chief con-
stable.
IL think that's ALL so far" lie said
on parting. "Ill let you know
directly they begin working again,
and with any luck we should catch
them redhanded. Tell Balm to keep
his eyes open and his mouth shut"
There was just time for hasty
lunch before catching his train. and
as he cycled back Jakes unused over
his days work, his face saddening
as he reflected how it must inevita.
bly, drag down one who hitherto had
walked straightly among his fel.
lows. but owing TO over indulgence
OF a degenerate son had been
dragged by him into the mire.
.
The following days, varied by an
occasional meeting with Eunice,
passed with uneventful monotony
for the potman. The nights were
chiefly spent In haunting the Manor
until one morning Balm, the village
constable. received visit from
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-23

slbly we'll consider"
Il want TO settle it now with YOU"
Walter Gilston persisted.
he was overawed by the magnill-
cence OF the big premises, and the
sum he quoted was considerably less
than the minimum he had settled
upon during the train journey. But
even when he mentioned this price
MIR. Leeke gave an ironical, half-in-
credulous smile
Why, when we've been open a
month, you'll be glad to take half as
much. Goodday!"
Walter Gilston Redeemed as he
stood up.
ITS my living you're taking
away" he cried. "That shop was
nay father's-my grandfather's, too.
You come everywhere you and your
stores, an dyou crush men like me.
You don't care If we starve. All you
think OF is your profits, I'd have
fought you. wouldn't have given
up without struggle" His voice
dropped. But Im-I'm helpless"
business is business. But, per-
sonally, I'm not hard-hearted
man. Mr.. Leeke leaned forward.
Why, now / come to think OF it,
know your shop very we'll. come
from that part of the country myself.
Twenty years ago | was boy at
school there. Let me see, what is
your name? OF course, now | re-
member you!"
Walter Gilston swung round.
You're Charlie Leeke? Your
father was John Leeke Of the Manor
Farm? Yes: | can see the likeness.
| never guessed-never dreamed"
lle opened the door abruptly.
we were boys together. You'd
forgotten that. Well, go on and do
your worst"
With an angry wave Of the hand
he passed out
"Oh, haven't been waiting min.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-23

come. and on my arrival, seeing
Grimess advertisement for a potman,
| applied for and obtained the post.
believing that In that character there
was more likelihood Of finding out
Things than in my own"
AS Jakes, l was most successful:
| soon won the villagers confidence,
whose stories OF neglect were appall-
ing. The whole property was in
shocking state. Repairs had sane.
toned we're left undone; the Manor
usually we'll let. was empty, and the
neighborhood full of wild tales OF
ghosts. spent nights there trying
to find out the reason for these
hauntings. but it was not until
Grimes told ne of the counterfeit
money going about and had taken
four wrong 'uns from young Crooks
himself that the truth dawned on
me-
"Then inquiries showed that his
father had been specializing and
losing heavily, probab bly, trying to re.
place money appropriated by his
vicious cub. and was altogether In a
bad way. At last, by aid OF the old
ventiating shaft into tho cellars,
which they had cleverly enlarged,
discovered the Manor's ghosts 1t
was haunted by gang of coiners.
and directly | knew | went over to
see the chief constable"-Huldah
colored uncomfortable. remembering
how she had looked blindly through
the potman on that occason-"and
arranged matters. The raid came off
last night. when we bagged the lot.
And that's the whole story" he
ended, laughing.
How splendid" Eunice burst out.
eyes and cheeks glowing
And what are you going to do
now?" asked IIuldah.
I'm going to take my friends ad-
vice-settIe down and look after the
property myself" he replied. THE
people like me- I've promised TO lay
their grievances before myself and
they'll appreciate the joke and for
give my little deception of them
when they find their creature COM
forts looked after
Presently Huldah woke to the fact
that it was growing late:
You will stay to dinner, of course.
Sir James?" she said graciously.
land If We can offer you a bed
Thanks very much. I'll stay to
dinner with pleasure" he declared
with flattering eagerness. But
must return to my job; I'm still
Grimes's potman, you know"
When Huldah left the room he
turned to Eunlce with dancing eyes.
II believe you suspected all the
time and never said a word You
are pal! And now" he added more
soberly, I'm going to do something
to justify my existence. Only can't
do 1t alone. want you to marry
me. Will you, Eunice?"
Eunice blushed again, then raised
her candid eyes to the eager ones
above her.
CT rather think will" she
answered softly.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-23

Jakes which resulted in much tele.
phoning to headquarters.
When the inn was closed for the
night Jakes let himself out and
made his way to Bain's house,
where he found the chief constable
with a dozen picked men, who had
motored over earlier In the evening,
awaiting him. Silently. they fol.
lowed him through unfrequented
paths to the Manor, and here he
directed how they should proceed.
six men had better be posted
outside. in case some escape US;
you others follow me-"
He led them through the pantry
window down to the cellars, and as
they approached the one which Eu-
nice declared was full of Sir James's
papers. faint thudding could be
heard.
The stamp" he whispered to
Chief Constable Parkes. "They are
in full swing; we'll collar the lot.
Now, where is that son Of Anak?"
And as burly constable pressed
forward with ponderous axe, Let
her have it lad. for all you're
worth" he said glcefully.
The heavy lock gave beneath sew.
great door swung open they poured
in on the astounded coiners. They
we're all taken, Benny Crooks among
them; even those who escaped up a
wide ventilating shaft we're caught
sthey dropped to the ground, by
the Gordon outside.
The next afternoon while the vii.
lage buzzed like hive over the cap
ture of the counterfeiting gang
which had enjoyed the run of the
Manor for the last two years. "Sir
James Heston" was announced to
the Misses Pryde at tea in their com.
tortabie drawing room; and to the
ladies' amazement. in walked the
pohman from the Bull and Bush.
True. his suit was Of the latest
color and cut, instead Of the shabby
brown one he usually wore; never.
theless, it was Jakes familiar
weather beaten face, with the IRE.
sistible twinkle in the blue eyes, that
beamed into their surprised ones.
At least, one of the two gasped
genuinely astonished: the other met
the glance with a demure smile and
nm air Of having seen through the
masquerade from the beginning.
i thought it was time TO pay nv
respects to my tenants and neigh
bors, he began in his pleasant
voice. circumstances, l regret to
say, having made it impossible to
do so before"
But why'-Huldah had no imagin-
ation--"what possessed you to pre-
tend you were potman. Sir James p"
"Ah,' he said, as he accepted cup
Of tea, that needs a lot of explain.
ing, and IL shan't bore, you
We'll. 1t all comes from letter
received. from a friend in this
neighborhood, in which my-my kind
correspondent implored me to return
at once and see to things, which were
fast going from bad to worse. 1t
seemed so urgent that I decided TO
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-23

ute!' Lily Coleridge stammered
Now'-she laughed uncertainty
can't think what l came to buy!"
Walter Gilston's embarrassment
kept him silent.
II didn't like the Cranthorps n
bit. so | haven't even stopped the
full week"
Robert Hurley-he found you?'
Quite easily. He was glad you
told him where to come Lucky |
mentioned It," She hesitated. ..He
had some news for me-"
Good news. | hope?"
Yes" admitted the girl reflective
ly. 1t was good. A little bit unex-
pected, though. was surprised
when he showed ME her photo
graph. His wife. you know" she
added jerkily.
"Hurley's? He's married?" Oils.
ton gasped.
Only three months ago. But he
couldn't bring her over to Eng
Walter Gilston stared at her as II
through mist.
But ] understood"
1 said he was very brave to bring
the news here. where he must have
firted with no end Of girls"
She smiled. Her eyes were shin.
Ing. They met Walter Gilston's,
and the glance thrilled him. Then
he repressed an eager inquiry. and
lowered his head.
you know about Leeke's Stores?
They're coming here"
She nodded
Things mustn't be as bad as they
look I'm in trouble, too. I've no
where to go. My father and mother,
that is-they we're angry when left.
They're worse now. They say it
serves me right, and I must try to
flrd another situation somewhere.
They don't want me at home any
moro"
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-23
THE LORD OF THE MANOR

will be more convenient for my work
than living elsewhere"
And what is your work." in
quired the other. with chilly con.
descension.
An artist or author in search Of
copy" she mentally decided.
I'm the new potman at the old
Bull and Bash" he replied, with
promptncss that was positively ef.
fronting.
oh"
1t is impossible to describe the
horror and disgust contained in that
one small word The very car
seemed to share in the shuddering
distress, for it swerved violently,
and brought up at the inn door with
harsh grind.
Bless us. Here already" ex.
claimed the culprit. apparently quite
unabashed by these signs of dismay.
And mine host himself hurrying to
meet me. Vastly pretty attention
on his part, l must say
Sprnging out, he thrust the bag
into tho innkeeper's burly arms;
then, hat in hand. advanced TO the
driver.
its most awfully good OF you
to have given me lift" he said,
beaming gratefully. ANY time you
are passing, p
His speech was cut short. the
hand he had extended was hur-
riedly Withdrawn, while he skipped
agilely back as the car leapt for.
ward and disappeared In a cloud OF
dust.
My aunt! What a daughter OF
Jehu." he mu7mured.
NO, sir; from Americky. The
young ladies up at Z Dover House
they are. Pryde by name and by
natur' eemingly-leastwa her
that drives" commented the land
lord at his elbow. We'll off, too.
they say. You require room,
sir?' he added respectfully.
Well, naturally, Mr.. Grimes.
since | am TO live here" replied the
young man, with an engaging smile
"Eh?" Mr.. Grimes doubtfully
scratched a stubby chin. II hadn't
no warning"
"Oh. yes. you had. I'm Jakes,
your new potman,' was the stag.
gering answer. Mr.. Grimes gasped,
his face turning a deep and most
unbecoming purplish red He let the
bag fall with crash TO the tagged
passage, and faced his potman with
truculent air.
Then I'm hanged If carry your
portmantle," he snorted; took you
for a gentleman. I did Pick t bag
up an come wild me, young Teller.
me-lad, and mind, none O. thy sauce"
With an amused smile Jakes
shouldered his bag and followed
meekly up a flight OF rickety steps
10 the room assigned to him. 1t was
small and bare, but scrupulously
clean, overlooking the kitchen
garden and giving on to an clubhouse
which stood but few feet from the
ground-a fact which seemed to
give the new potman decided salts
faction.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-23

These premises. when alterations
are completed, will be opened as a
branch Of Leeke's Universal Stores,
Limited.
He caught his breath. Amusement
and CONSERVATION choked him. Al
ready he was pressed for money, and
now what chance would he have?
Leekc's Stores would undersell him
.-swamy him entirely.
He sat down heavily behind his
counter For a moment his head
dropped forward He covered his
lace, then bitterly he reviled Leeke's
name.
I'm be ruined" he whispered
presently. This settles every
thing"
He realized that nobody would lift
a hand to help. Alone and unaide,l
he would have to fight Leeke's
Stores.
81 haven't friend in the world"
he told himself. Not a soul will
worry il / so under"
BY the morning he had decided
that there was only one course to
pursue. and immediate action was
necessary. Closing the shop. he
travelled to town.
At Leeke's head office. when he ex-
pressed wish to see the head of the
firm, he was kept waiting an hour or
more. At last clerk showed him
srudgingly into the inner office.
You're Mr.. Leeke?' he blurted.
I've come to make you an offer.
You're going to open branch just
opposite my shop. wondered
wondered whether you'd care to buy
me out-you understandings as to
avoid competition"
The well-dressed man frowned i'm
patiently.
Yes. yes. yes! But you needn't
have come here wasting my time.
You could have written. Leave de-
tails with my secretary, and state
your lowest terms, and then state
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-23

Waiter Gilston was celebrating.
Suppose he let Robert Hurley go
back to Canada without meeting Lily
Coleridge at all? His former jeal-
ousy returned. Why should he assist
this rival? Perhaps Lily would for
get Hurley as time went on.
The temptation was Irresistible.
She left few days ago." he said
abruptly, but naturally she doesn't
write TO me-
you can't help me. then?" Hurley
answered. Hin! That's a pity"
He turned away well, good.by!
Glad TO have seen you again
Gilston stood motioness outsiie
the shop. watching. 1t was not until
Hurleys figure disappeared in the
dusk that he realized what he had
done. In his selfishness he had not
given a thought to Lily. He loved
her. though; she must be made happy
at all costs.
Flushed with shame he locked the
door behind him and set off at run.
Big milliner's = Cranthorpes
that's where she is" he painted, as
he overlook Hurley at last. al re.
member she mentioned"-
Sure? BY jove. then. know their
place we'll" He patted Gilston's
shoulder Thanks. awflly!"
Walter Gilston gave a gasp OF re-
lief as he moved away. He felt very
glad that he had spoken.
While retracing his steps he met
an acquaintance.
Have you heard that Joe Hardman
opposite you-has given up MS
business? And that other shop next
door-the one that's been empty so
long-that's let as we'll"
who's taken them?" asked Gils.
ton. in some curiosity.
His informant did not know, but
next day the secret was out. Walter
Gilston became aware Of a large
placard. Even from his window he
could read the words:
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-23

Her lips trembled.
I've been discharged from Gran
thorpe's. IS a matter of fact. I
wasn't good enough. $3.50 I've no.
where to co." she repeated shakily.
If only had home to offer YOU"
Walter Gilston heard himself an.
swering, 81 could ask you to marry
me. But as 1t is"
II made believe 1 was tired OF n
country life returned Lily Cole
ridge in whisper, "but I went away
-partly-because I thought you
didn't love me even little bit. Are
You going to make me say any
more?"
He took her hand which lay on
the counter.
Lily he said indistinctly, re
member I.eeka's Stores are coming.
and I'm hard up. even now"
Cant we share our troubles to.
gctner?"
They drew apart as the postman
entered. AS the envelope lay fao,
downwards she read the name on
tho flap.
Why, here's letter from Leeke's.
Cren it! See what they say!"
y moment later Walter Gilston
gave cry. He stumbled round,
pointing excitedly:
Dear GilstOn, For old times sake
J hope yomH accept the offer of u
permanent post. VIII poH 0iue I'd
Donr oWn shop and manage our
neio brnnchf You knoo all tho
people in the ncighborhood, their
likes and dislikcs. The SALARY tDtU
DO
More than enough for two!" Wal.
Ter Gilston exclaimed. Lilly, do you
understand"
At her low answer he slipped an
arm about her.
"And | thought had no friends"
ne laughed aloud in sheer happiness.
What mistake | made"
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-23
:" THIS SHOP TO LET"

teen months previously, seeing her
regret at Robert Hurley's departure,
Walter Gilston had realized that he
had no chance; his dreams could
never possibly come true.
Hurley was in Canada now, and
doing well, they said. while he-he
was still struggling on with his little
shop. with disaster in sight. Vie
wondered when Hurley would write
&c claim her. 1t would not be long
before she. too, left England for the
home her lover was providing.
II was three nights later, after he
had closed his shop and put up the
shutter, that some one raped on
The door.
Your He had to stare before he
recognized the caller. Then he gave
All exclamation. Hurley! But why
I'm back" returned Robert Hur-
Icy, nodding.
but It's quite unexpected. No
one Knew
Hadn't any time for letters. I
was sent off in a hurry. It's bust.
ness trip, really. but as I've day
or two TO spare l thought I'd run
down here. The old place looks
much the same"
"Will you come inside?" Walter
Gilston suggested awkwardly
mo: thanks. There's one thing
I wanted to ask, though. What's
Lily Coleridge's address? hear
she's gone to town; but her people
won't tell me the firms name. They
were never very keen on me, you
know. I've been to their house to-
night" He laughed shortly. Their
welcome wasn't ELUSIVE"
Miss Coleridge's address," echoed
Gilston hesitatingly.
Yes; wondered II you knew 1t,
being such an old friend Of hers.
I've got to catch Fridays boat back,
so there's no time 10 lose"
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-11-23

usual mannerisms of circus artists"
and poor actors.
He told me that he had been born
In circus in England. He did not
learn to walk until he was three
years old. His father, daring bare.
back rider. was rather worried about
him. but when he was six he had al
ready become an excellent acrobat.
Toto told his stories as If he we're
picking bright yellow flowers along
the roadside.
a very amusing incident happened
to me the other day. A colleague OF
mine, negro, tried to initiate my
laugh with his deep bass voice. Then
/ laughed, too. Well. n thing like
that Is heard mile away. A police
man came running up and hit me on
the shoulder with the fiat of his