davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
IRVING to Piece Out the Story

OF late years she had seen but little of
Ned, but she knew that of old she was
one of his favorites and she had idea
that he might help her patch out the
story she was seeking for.
Aunt Hannah left Ned for a little time
while she went to Lord Sark, who was,
of course, delighted at her coming so
promptly to his bedside.
He was glad to see his cousin Bob, too
and delighted to know that his sister and
Stella and Matte were soon to arrive
Then Hanah returned to Ned Clymer and
they had long and confidential talk.
When Ned learned how his wife had
been behaving. how she had been drag
ging his name all over Europe, what lin
gering affection he had retained for her
vanished and anger took its place.
Hannah told him everything she knew
about Mrs. Clymer and he told her every
thing he knew, Including the confession
Mrs. Clymer had made TO him about pro-
curing the dynamiting of SarlS and of her
afterward trying to prevent 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Fraud and Deception

God knows that I never intended that
you should understand cried the Bar
oness, bitterly. Would you know the
story of how this Richard Murlxle has
got us all into his power? 1t is a story
which you alone have power to wiring
from me-
Then listen" continued the Baroness
Ito story of fraud and deception prae-
ticed upon an unsuspecting woman by
a man whose memory you SO dearly love
and cherish
stop exclaimed Altiora in command
ing voice, do you mean my father?"
Altiora had a peculiar reverence for her
father. She had no memory of him in
the flesh, of course, for her father had
died soon after she was born. But she
she had a belief that his spirit lowered
over her-even believed that at times
she could hold conversation with him.
So, when she asked in that command
ing tone if the Baroness, looking at her
in surprise retored: "Fhy? Whom else
should | mean? Now, do you wish me
to describe the details of false mar
riage-of betrayed woman, of daugh-
ter who has no legal rights?
Shall | tell of accomplices who as
husband and husbands partner have
her and her daughter in their power? :?
Do you wish to hear the details of this
20-year-od history of crime?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Decline of the Bicycle

The rise and fall of the bicycle and the
rise, not vet reaching its crest, of the
motorcycle, make an interesting study.
as an index of the variableness of human
preferences and of the progress of me-
chanical invention. The bicycle was in
process of perfection some % years, be-
coming standardized into the Safety in
about 1890. From that time on for seven
or eight years its popularity in this coun-
try grew, and the bicycle industry COM
mensurated, says the New Bedford Stand.
ard. BY 1889 the industry had begun to
wane. In that year, however, nearly
100000 We're manufactured valued at S23,-
100000. The decline continued so that at
the end OF another five years the output
of the year was but 250.O0o, valued at ss.-
10000. In the next five years the Industry
more nearly held its own, the product Of
1909 dropping behind that of 1904 only
about half a million. In the five years of
more rapid decline, between 1899 and 1904
the number of wage earners employed in
the business fell off from about 1900 to
1900. M
A little of the bicycle decline was due
to the pushing to the front OF the motor
cycle as practical vehicle; but while
its mechanical operation discounted for
real carrying purposes and as a. sport the
man-power of the bicycle, it was not a
sufficiently serious competitor Of the lat
ter TO account for it's so general decline
The bicycle went by, partly because pop
ular fancy for it as pleasure resort de-
clined, and partly because the rapid ex-
tension of the trolley cars helped to put
it out of commission as necessity OF
travel.
But in the 10 years the motorcycle has
been gaining markedly in popularity. In
1899 100 were made, while i'm 1909 the num-
Der turned out approached $4,000, with a
value of more than $3.000,Oo0. In compar-
ison of the value of the total product of
the two years decade apart is found one
of the reasons for the increased use Of
the motorcycle. In 1893 the average value
per machine was $210; in 1909 it was Sl62,
a decrease sufficient to lure its patronage.
Another iten OF interest in the review
of the subject is the almost complete dis
appearance from the market of tandem
bicycles and tricycles for adults. Not one
of either was manufactured in 1909, the
latest year for which statistics of the
trade are available. The difference in the
ginning and end of the decade is sug-
gested in the fact that in 1899 nearly $40
100000 capital was invested in the indus
try While in 1909 the amount was lose
than third of that sum.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31

After that Altiora cried a little and
then went to her California friends, to
tell the story of her trials and ob tain
sympathy
well, that beats ALL" said Hannah.
Il knew that Clymer was hard case
as soon as l clapped eyes on her. You
must just run away from them all. my
dearie'
90 if 1 only dared" sobbed Attiora.
Matte and Stella were enthuiastie
over Hannah's plan. What a lark it
will bel" cried Matte. So they began
to lay their plans, Altiora now enter
ing fully into the spirit of the affair.
They planned to leave Paris at ..nce,
pretending to go for a day or two 20
Versailles and st. Germain-but really
to utterly disappear.
They started that very day and head
ed for London. But first they tele-
graphed to Matties English cousin
Keith Hetherington, and Bob Alderny
of their coming, and were met by these
cavaliers upon their arrival in Eng
land.
Just before they began their flight
from Paris the girls caught Hannah
sealing a letter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
ODen Rebellion

Altiora arose and touched the bell.
Mrs. clymer." she said in a firm
voice, IF you do not leave this room
Immediately l win have you turned
out by the servants
Mrs. Clymer saw that Altiora's was
no idle threat and departed, raging 70
herself as she went
Later in the day Altiora told her
mother and the baron of this little
scene. They both reproved her severely
The idea" cried the baroness, "of a
child like you flying in the face of a
recognized beauty and a society WON
an like Mrs. Clymer on the score OF
morality You Will apologize to Mrs.
Clymer at once. Furthermore you will
make up your mind to be introduced
into London society by Mrs Clymer'
Il will not apologize to Mrs. ely
mer,' replied Altiora; Il win not .ven
speak to her. And as for my makiu:;
entrance into London society un der
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
The Game PLAYED Out

When he arrived Matte explained her
little joke to him. Murkle was highly in
dignant Then in came Hannah and said:
You didn't happen to be acquainted
with the real Mrs. Peto, did you--Altiora s
mother, [ mean-not the Baroness? Take
time and don't get flurried You seem to
be poor sort of a critter, anyway she
added contemptuousy as she looked at his
ashy face and trembling hands.
i don't know anything he began:
but Hannah said, "'Taint no use living
You know the Baroness amt Altiora'
mother. That dead woman-may be mur-'
dered-was my sister. And the girl is nv
niece-and I'm a-goin to get her back il
there's necks to be wrung for it,
Murkle saw that all was discovered and
he agreed to every condition Hannah
made, provided he could be secured from,
prosecution.
That night Hannah and Clymer set out
for London, taking Murkle along. They
went to see the Grandisellas.
When Hannah rather brutally stated
the case the Baroness shrieked out, ITS
false, atrocious calumny"
'Taint no use screeching.'' replied
Hannah, I've come to talk business The.
game is played out and you've got to
pay up and clear out, or go to jail"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31

quainted. Stella and Matte and, in
fact, Hannah had no use for the baron
and his wife, but the mild and pretty
Altiora they fell in love with at once.
Also the Califorians b.tame ac-
quainted with Mrs. clymer anu Lord
Sark
Now Mr.. Murkle was a wise man in
his generation and began to think it
might be just as well for him to marry
the American heiress, Stella Walton.
But it was, of course, to the girl who
had changed names with Stella that he
began to be so vastly attentive
Mrs. Clymer took matters in her own
hands-or attempted to--at this time
She went to Mr.. Murlxle and said that
Altiora should not marry Lord Sark
She would make a row If he did
Altiora might marry Murkle and well
come if she wanted to.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Mr.. Clymer Apnears

But she had SCARCELY made the first
stage of her journey when a familiar
voice called, Polly" and looking around,
she saw her husband, Ned Clymer.
an aged relative of mine-nothing to wor-
an aged relativeof mine-noting to worry
ry YOU Polly--going right back. What's
up with your
Polly told him where She was going
and why.
We'll, well, you're the same old gal, I
see:. same sweet and gentle disposition.
hey, Polly? But I guess you are a triie
after the fair" and he showed her the
dispatch in the paper announcing the
blowing up of Lord Sark. Mrs. Clymer
read it and fell in a dead faint
Il must go on, Ned she said when
she had come out of her faint. Il must
go on and you must escort me-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Traced to England

"To whom are you writing? asked
Hattie.
!" Mr.. clymer.9 calmly replied Han
nah
"Mr. Clymerl' they all exclaimed in
chorus. ''is there Mr.. Clymer?'
"I reckon so, and / reckon | know
him." said Hannah wait and see.
Now get ready for the Journey
You can imagine that there was a
pretty row when it was found that the
Californians had vanished, flown, gone
bag and baggage and taken Altiora
with them to parts unknown.
Lord Sark at once started upon the
trail. Working-with luck. intelligence
and industry on his side-he finally traced
the fugitives to London. There he met
his cousin, Bob Alderny
Bob told him that the fugtives were
indeed in England. The only reason for
their flight had been a desire to save
Altiora from the dangers and annoyances
with which she was constantly surround
ed in her mothers house.
A retreat in a remote country village
had been secured for Altiora. All the
party were down at this retreat just
now
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
GrandiselIa and Murl1le

-Hr firm of Gandisella & Murkle had
elaborate offices in London, Paris
1 and Florence. 1t was an invest
ment firm and the senior partner bore the
title of baron"
The baron had got his start In lie
nv marrying many years before at Flor-
ence a. lady who was supposed to be the
.vidou of the wealthy Engiishnan. MI.
Peto.
When Grandisella, not yet baron-he
hourht that title later-narred the widow
peto he took o Ter also her daughter,
pho bore the unusual nams of Altiora-
A1tiora had no great love for her STEP
father. She always said that he made her
ffinls of g. great turkey sobbler with
n perpetual strut.
And what do you think of MuriSle2'
was asked.
.Mvrkle; O. he is a hawk, ready %
rouace down upon his preT."
Now Altiora had a second cousin on her
father side, one Lord Sark, and the
Baron considered that his lordship would
be lust the husband for his stepdaushter.
I'VE will entangle him." said he to
Murkle, sin the meshes of our financial
net. Then, when he is our slave, we Will
marty him to A1tiora- With rank at the
PROV and beauty at tho helm, the firm
of Gtandsella & Murkie ought to sail
the social waves in triumph
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Young Women From California

When the baron's party established
themselves in Paris, taking the premier
in an expensive house, they found that the
enthesol of that very house had been
taken by a party of women hailing from
Cedar ButteS Cal.
There were two young women, ex-
ceedingly we'll favored and abundantly
able to take care of themselves. With
them was an elder woman, Hannah Cof-
fin. She did very well as a substitute
for real chaperone.
The names of the two young women
were Matte Terril and Stella Walton.
Now Stella was multimillionaire and
was always suspicious that some one
was trying to marry her for her money.
Matte was not sufficiently supplied with
superfiuous wealth to be haunted with
such fears.
Nobody knows us here" said Stella,
when they had got settled in the entresol.
LET us change our names. You be the
heiress for a while. 1t will relieve me
from haunting fear and will also be
lots of fun
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Baby Named Altiora

Aunt Fanny recognized Ned almost as
soon as he recognized her and seemed
really glad to see him. She made him
her guest at the castle and told him her
story.
Mr.. Peto had but recently died and
the widow was undecided just what she
would do for the future. For the present
she would stay on at this castle where
the air was good and seemed to agree
well with the child.
The baby was named Altiora-a name
which Mr.. Peto had chosen. Mr.. Peto
had been man of scholarly tastes and
had lived a retired life. OF late they had
spent great part of the time in Italy.
Yes, Mr.. Peto had left Aunt Fanny a
large fortune, great fortune. She con-
sidered that she held 1t in trust for AL
tiora.
Just then living with her as a COM
panion was the widow of an English
merchant and banker who had been Mr.
Petos man of business. This compan-
ion happened to beill that day so Ned
did not see her
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Mrs. CIymer Plans Revenge

When Altiora awoke the faithful Han
nah was sitting by the side of her bed
and. the Baroness was gone.
. Stella and Matte now arrived at Copey-
dale and Matte confessed to Altora that
she had been living under a false name,
that she was not Stella the heiress, but
just plain Matte Terril, girl with a for
tune of only $4,000.
But she was determined TO punish( Muir
l1le for the bold manner in which he had
made love to her and they would see
about the arrangement for submitting
10 each other schedule of their mutual
assets
BY this time Mrs. Ciymer found that
Lord Sark was really liable to escape
her and she meditated revenge. In fact,
the amiabe woman decided upon murder
as the most satisfactory manner of dem
onstrating her undying affection for his
lordship aud healing her own wounded
heart.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
BY
Lawrence Oliphant
BY
In Full Charge

Hanah appeared before Mrs. Clyaner
like an avenging genius. She told her to
get up and clear OUT; the police were
after her dynamiter. and if she did not
wish to be took up" she must leave the
place at once.
Mrs ciymer attempted to protest and
defy, but Hanah was stern and impera-
tive. She almost forced Mrs. Clymer by
physical violence to dress. and then sheA
sent her away ineontinently in broad day
light.
When evening came came with it Lady
Adela, Stella and Matte. They found
Hanah apparently in full and unques-
toned charge of everything. Taht capa-
BILE woman had slid into power easily and
naturally. Lord sark. the doctors now
said, would pun through all right.
Matte obeyed and MurJ<le came. hei
was anxious to see what the fortune of
the supposed Stella really was.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Hannah to the Rescue

Now the Baroness was a most con-
vinoing liar-natural talents and long
practice had perfected her in the art.
Altiora sat staring, speechless at her
mother. Fear and sorrow were in every
line of her face. Finally she managed
to say:
Il shall very much regret the dis
closure of this secret. But not regret 1t
as much as l should regret the necessity
of becoming Mr.. MurlSle's wife"
Then good old Hannah-who seemed
to have the faculty of knowing instinct
lively when one of her friends were in
trouble-came into the room.
Il felt just as if you We're wantin' of
me- said Hannah. Hardly noticing the
Baroness, she put her arm around AL
tiora and led her to another room, a
bedroom, and told her to lie down and
so TO sleep.
There was something so soothing about
Hannah-or did she possess an hypnotic
power, that those she loved could be
soothed into a refreshing slumber by her.
even in the times of their greatest grlefs
and perplexities.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Missing Parts of the Puzzle

There was another matter, he said
which had long been upon his mind and
which he thought might be of Importance
Twenty years before, upon the occupa-
tion of his first visit to Europe, a rail-
road accident had left him stranded for
few days at an obscure italian town.
Not far from the town adm dominating it,
was an ancient castle surrounded by
beautiful and extensive gardens.
The gardens were famous in that Sec
tion and, in fact well known through
Italy. Clymer went to inspect the gar
dens which were open to the public.
While strolling through the beautiful
grounds he saw a woman dressed in deep
mourning and attended by a nurse bear
ing child in her arms. To his surprise
he recognized in the woman in mourning
his Aunt Fanny. sister of Hannah's and
of his wifes mother.
He knew that she had married an En-
glishman named Peto and was living
abroad, but he had not heard from her
for years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Many Things Had Happened

Soon after arrived Hannah Coffin
What was her surprise to see Ned ely
mer incoming about the place
He told her how he had been on his
way to meet her in response to the COM
mands of her letter of Paris date and
of how he had been intercepted and car
ricd off to Ireland by his former wife.
He called Hannah Aunt Hannah-and
for this reason. His first wife had been
Hannah's niece. She died and then he
married the woman whom we have known
as Mrs Clymer.
They got along we'll enough at first and
then-and then-well, many things hap
pened at last and there was a divorce.
Now lie had third wife living in Amer
lea
Aunt Hannah told Ned Clymer OF all
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Settled in Paris

rAh," replied MeriSle WITH sinister
look. that is a good scheme of yours.
nut IT won't work. I will tell you why.
/ intend to marry Altiora myself
LET me see; 1t is now some 1s years
sgo that we entered into partnership. I
resigned Laura-Mrs. Peto-to you. And
really, my dear fellow, kiowing as you
do how much know, how can you pre-
sumo to dictate to me.
"And, by the way, we had better go to
Paris. That young Englishman-. or
scotchman-Ronald McAlpne. is paying
altogether too much attention to Altiora.
So behold the Crandisellas settled in
Paris for the winter. Also Lord sariE was
there and his lordship's particular friend.
MRS. Clymer.
Mrs Clymer was clever woman-and
an unprincipled woman, with violent
temper. Lord Sark was anxious to get I'D
of his ENHANCEMENT with Mrs. clymer,
but could find no way.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Mysterious Mrs. CIymer

This woman's antecedcnrs were un-
known and her character had not escaped
rumor. And yet she was received al
most everywhere in English and French
eociety.
Mrs Cymer passed for an American,
md her husband also was said 20 be an
American. But nobody had ever seen Mr..
Clymer Society placed him in the cate
CORY Of Mrs. Harris, sairy Camps friend.
Mrs Clymer had worked havoc with the
finances of my Lord Sark by causing
him to invest in shady schemes, and the
firm of Grandisella & Murlle had profited
thereby. The baron, however. in secret
manner strove to prevent Lord Sar1 from
losing heavily through the dealings with
his firm.
Was not his lordsfip second cousin to
Altiora? And, in spite of the bluster and
threats of his partner. the Baron still
worked for a union between his step
laughter and her cousin
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
lafters of business.

tie matters of business.
you are off for Ireland" said Mrs.
Clymer, 'sand the Earl of sark. is to be
your fellow passenger"
Then by many an argument she proved
to him that it would be both for his
honor and advantage to blow up the no.
BILE earl as a side line-he would be well
rewarded. He left for Ireland that night.
The next morning the papers announced
that the right honorable, the Earl of Sark,
had been blown up by explosives placed
in his bedclothes. Faint hopes were en-
tertained of his recovery, the newspaper
account said.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Pronosinr to Altiora

Sark thought that Matte was engaged
stalled as honored guests at Castle Beau
court and Altiora and Hannah We're in
So when Matte and Stella We're in
found out the country retreat, went down
to the quiet village and proposed to Al
tiora.
Somehow he felt it to be his duty
merely his duty-so he was not broken
hearted when Altiora refused him--kind-
ly, but firm
Hardly had this pleasing little scene
ended when Sark and Aitiora saw with
astonshment-and Altiora with fear also
1.-The Baroness entering the house.
Ever since the flight of Altiora from
Paris, the Baroness had been trying TO
find out where she had concealed herself
and had at last succeeded.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
He was mot heartbroken when .Altoria refused him

''Ho no, Miss, so 1 have found you,
have I?' sneered the Baroness. What
was Lord Sark saying to you when /
came upon the scene?"
He had just proposed to me and !
had just rejected him." returned Altiora
steadily.
The Baroness was genuinely agitated.
And you refused him." she almost
screamed, SILLY girl you have sealed
your doom. You have deprived yourself
of your only chance of escape"
II do not understand you. mama, >
said Altiora in surprise, what do you
mean?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Ready Forgiven

When they found that MurlSle had
turned Queens evidence they did as Ham
nah demanded. restored Altiora's fortune
and cleared out
As for Altiora, Hannah took her niece
away to live with her.
The little deception which Stella and
Matte had been playing by jumping up
their names had to be righted now, and
when Stella, who had become engaged to
Bob Alderny, informed him with some
trepidation that she was not Matte at
all, but really Stella the heress, Bob did
not like it bit at first.
But Stella cried and said. '.just thisl<
how much worse Matte must feel? She
is now telling Lord Stark that she is
Mattie-and Lord Stark is so poori But
| tell you; go up to London Bob. dear.
and find out how much Stark owes and
! will give you the money to pay his
bills" aet -e=
But sark when Matte told him that he
had proposed to a poor girl instead of an,
heiress only said. as he lay swathed in
bandages, Darling. darling
As for Altiora. she and Keith Hether-
ington not long after agreed to get mar
ried, 'basing their resolution, they said.
not exclusively upon their love for each
other, but also on the love of a common
service to humanity.
Also Altiora said her fathers spirit had
appeared to her and told her it was time
for her to change her name. She did
have one that would bear changing, GER
tainly
Next weeks one page classic will be,
Aunt Margaret's Mirror" by Sir Walter
Scott.
lCopyright. 1913. by Irving KingA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-08-31
Murkle Plays the Gallant

Matte had an English cousin stopping
IN Paris, one Keith Hethington. and one
of the first things she did was to find his
address and write, asking him to call.
Keith came and, never having seen his
cousin before, greeted as his relative the
girl who introduced herself to him as
Mattie-whereas. CT course. it was not
Matte at ALL but Stella.
Hetherington took the girls to dinner at
q fashionable restaurant and then to the
theatre. He had invited his friend, Bob
Alderny, to make fourth of the party.
Who should be at the theatre but Muir
kle. Murlxle had known Alderny at Flor
enee. When he saw that Bob was with
two remarkably pretty girls he asked to
be introduced. Bob was, in fact. a sort
OF cousin of Altiora's, and so Murkle felt
justified in asking him anything.
Would the ladies like to be introduced
to Mr. Murkle?" asked Bob.
"Certainly--why not?"
Murke began to make his pretty COM
pliments and generally to play the gall
liant. But he felt at once that he was
in the presence of new specimens. There
was a calmness and self possession about
the two American girls which completely
baffled the designing Murlxle.