davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Mystery of the Grand Canyon

a iNii lsSSlit >.
How do you explain it?" inquired one
on meeting Sir John Murray the eminent
English geoogist and president of the
Royal Geographical society. This was
briefly the answer though not In his
words: ''on either she of the wide plain
extending from 60 to 100 miles to the right
and left of the canyon, evidence of Sc
we're volcanic action are visible In the
center was a plateau, but you now look
down upon it as the vast chasm of the
canyon. Thrice the volcanic forces of
nature, operating on either side, violently
and with tremendous power, forced this
plateau upward until finally in one cy-
cloric, tremendous upheaval the plateau
parted and the Grand Canyon, the won
der and mystery of the world. was born.
Imagine a loaf OF dough rising silently
under the continuous pressure of the
Yeast until finally the crust is broken and
the loaf is divided into two. Then look
at this broken crust of mother earth. In
the early days a vast area embracing a
great portion of the interior of the Amer
lean continent was covered with water.
1t was a great sea. All over the canyon
fossil oyster shells proved this contention
The Grand Canyon opened. the waters of
the inland sea rushed through in tear
Ing flood and carved the fantastic forms
yon now see"
The questioner further inquired of Sir
John, No doubt this was all very remote,
in the early ages of the world?"
"Oh, no. said Sir John. Modern quite
modern-not more than 200O0,0O0 or 30 0JO.-
900 years ago!'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Kent a Prisoner

Frank promised his father that ne
would never disgrace him more if he
would not mention his late folly to Mr.
Somerville or his daughter That of
course, his father promised readily, as he
saw in Franks request the strongest
proof of his sense of error,
But the old gentleman, to be on the
safe side, requested the port admiral
to ship his frisky son off on some ship
bound on long voyage-some ship with
strict captain.
Such ship was about to sail, and as
there were no vacancies on board Squire
Mildmay had Frank shipped as super
numerary, and saw him on board himself
AS soon as he was comfortably settled
on board Frank wrote to Eugenia, whose
troop was playing at a nearby town. to
come down to Plymouth and see him-to
meet him at the Star and Garter Inn on
such a night. Then he went to Mr. Tai
bot, a younger man, but first lieuten-
ant. and begged for permission to go
ashore.
mo, no. replied Talbot. II am too
old hand to be caught. I have my
orders and l tell you in perfect good
humor that out of this ship you do noc
go unless you swim.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
His Old Love

And so it was decided. Frank pleaded
with the two old gentlemen, but moth
ing would move them. Frank went to
Emily almost in tears, but Emily
laughed and said: Il am sorry for
you, my hero, but you must submit"
Franks promotion was secured, and
he went to sea again, for lie must
serve a year before his promotion in
his new rank was completed.
Then, coming back from the Mediter-
ranean, his ship put In at Bordeaux,
and he got sick leave and went ashore
intending to come home by a mer-
chant ship or some man war that
might come in later
After a good dinner the lieutenant
went to the opera. a young lady sat
in one of the boxes. He saw nothing
of the play-the young lady was Eu-
genia.
Many Frenchmen came to her box to
pay her compliments. Frank asked of
the men who sat next him who the
lady was. Madame de Rosenberg" re-
piled the neighbir.
Needless to say, Frank followed Eu-
gena to the house which she occupied
where she was living as Nine. de
Rosenberg with her child-Frank =
child.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
As Others Hear Us

FROM Judge.
Placlng the family phonograph on tho
library table, Mrs. Ravenyeip said to her
husband:
I have an cdd record here Henry, and
want TO see If you can guess what it
is"
When q, weird succession of sounds be-
San to come from the horn of the instra-
meht, Ravenyelp knitted his brow and
tried to identify them.
Its a buzz saw plowing through
knot, he ventured
Guess again. said Mrs Ravenyelp.
A slide trombone in full cry
Hardly"
cat concerto
Nope"
'lioot owl with It's toes in trap
Smiling grmly, Mrs. Ravenedp shook
her head in the negative.
Give 1t up finally said Rayenyelp;
but as one last guess I'll say that IL
sounds very much like a siren whistle
with the pip"
Il will agree that 1t is as had as all
you have named" Mrs. Ravenyelp re-
marked, "and hope it viii save lot of
argument i'll the future"
But what is it?' Insisted Ravenyelp.
ITS record I made in your bedroom
the other night replied Mrs. Ravenyelp,
TO prove TO you tltat you really do snore
III your sleep and to let you know just
how awful it sounds"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Beyond Control

But to return to the position of Master
Mdmay, at the country inn He had
been entered as a mdshipman at the
age OF 70 and in the hard school of the
sea had learned the lession of courage
and hardihood.
Upon the death of his mother he had
returned to the Mediterranean, where his
ship had been cruising, a great, hulk
ing, stalwart lad of 49, of ungovernable
temper and strong passions which had
been fostered and increased by the coarse
and brutal surroundings which had been
his at sea.
He was impatient of the slightest con-
troll, scornful of advice-ungovernab
away from the discipline of the sea.
He and his father naturally did not
get along well together, so one night,
after d particularly acrimonious quarrel
between father and son, Frank did up
bundle of clothes, stealthily left the pa
ternal roof and started out-he knew not
whittier.
He tramped all day along the road.
Night was fast approaching and he was
tired. 1t became dark and he had no
fixed plan.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Mystery and Paradox

Here indeed was mystery and para
doX in copious confusion "Obliged by
circumstances to leave him!" To con-
ceal the place of her retirement, yet
commanding not only pecuniary re-
sources for herself, but Offering him
any sum he might require!
lie could not sleep that night.
But in d day or two Frank was at
ease again and the distractions of u
naval warfare in a large measure re-
moved from his mind the thoughts of
Eugenia and the mystery which now
surrounded her.
At length an attack of malarial fever,
caught while serving with a naval
force occupying the island of Wal
cheren, on the Dutch Coast, caused him
to be invalided home.
His father received him kindly. but
there was still a misunderstanding be-
tween them. When Frank was ordered
to join ship fitting out for the North
American station as soon as he was
able, his orders We're welcomed by him
with joy and his departure unregretted
by his father.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
The Outraged Parent

Frank Mildmay midshipman in his
majesty's navy, went about as a stroll
ing player, his father all the while be-
lieving he was on board the guardship
at Plymouth.
The company was playing near Ply
mouth when Squire Mildmay thought
himself that he would pay visit to
his scapegoat son, and see what the
probabilities were of his son being
sent to sea.
On the night he arrived at Plymouth
he heard of young man who had
made quite "a reputation, not only as
Rimeo but as Apollo in a classic play
then very popular.
The old gentleman thought he would
go and see the play before going to
the dockyard to inquire for his SON
He went.
Frank, in his absurd costume. was
in the act of singing the air Pray
Goody' when his eyes encountered
those of his father, seated in the au-
dience, who was staring at him like IA
Gorgeous head.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Eugenia's Story

lnheriting some money, her mother
had left the player-who abused her
shamefully and had forced Eugenia 10
appear upon the stage-and gone with
her child to France, where she had
died.
She had spent her small fortune and
Eugenia had returned to England and,
being without other resources, had
gone on the stage again. That was all
but the story charmed Frank, who
was charmed with it's narrator.
The little actress informed Frank
that her company would set out in two
days for the neighborhood of Plymouth.
AS he found they would be two weeks
in travelling he determined to make
good his promise of paying a visit to
Mr.. Someryilie at the hall.
When he bade good-by to Eugena he
told her of his love and admiration and
she seemed not unpleased. AS he rolled
along in chaise to the hall he
thought of what he had done.
He could see his wickedness and
over 1t. But the devil was
triumphant within him and he con-
soled himself with the vulgar adage,
Needs must when the devil drives"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Sun, Moon and Stars

Many were Franks adventures upon
the American station. AT length he re-
quested permission to return to Eng
land in order to pass his examination
for promotion, having nearly completed
his servitude as midshipman.
He was asked to remain out and take
mis- chance for promotion in the flag
ship. But more than one reason induced
him to prefer an examination in Eng
land; so he obtained his discharge and
went home
He had written some dozens of letters
to Eugenia directed to her agent in
London, but had received no reply.
He had had several flirtations with
the beauties of the western hemis-
phere. Emily he heard of constantly
through his father and still loved her
with a purer flame.
Emily was his sun, Eugenia his moon
and the western beauties SO many
twinkling stars of the first, second and
third magnitude. He loved them all
more or less-but their charms van
ished when the beauteous Emily shone
in his breast with refulgent light.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
A CT A S SIC
IN A P A G. E

Prank Nildmay'' was Captain Marry
ats first book. But it established ms
fame as an author. Frank Mildmay3
has as has been said this fault-.it con-
tains enough material for so novels,
1t was in a measure, Captain Marryat $
own experience. In two years and hal1,
while Marryat was serving under LORD
Cochran in the celebrated La lmperleuse'
Marryat took part in more than 90 en-
sagements and won medals for at least
90 rescues.
1t cannot be denied that Marryat 5
stories are "coarse'-not immoral but
simply coarse.
The captain was, after he left the sea.
an aid upon the staff of the Duke Of
Sussex. and died at the comparatively
early age of 56
Frank Mildmay' was begun by the
captain while he was cruising in the
West Indies-one year before he received
command of his first ship, the Aradene
But so good was Frank Mildmay' that
Coleman, the publisher gave him $2ooo
for it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Variating It
From the st. Louis Republic.
Here's a good one. Listen.

From the st. Louis Republic.
Here's a good one. Listen
"'Miss Madge, you arc SO sweet and
pretty tonight / believe / will kiss you.
Now, suppose l do?"
IF you do, Mr.. Sapley, I will scream
for father"
"Bosh. It's got cobwebs on it. Madge
screams, but It doesn't help any, because
her father is stone deaf That some an
swer The other two are: Madge's father
is dead or went on his vacation yester-
day.
But I tell you this is good one. diff
ferent from the rest Listen. When
Sapley kisses Madge she let's loose a
screech like steam caliope. In rushcs
the old gentleman, sizes up the situation
at a glance, yanks up young Sapiey to his
feet and chucks him out on the grantoid
on his ear"
.By jove, that is good zone. DO You
know that's about the most sensible finish
they've given that old joke yet"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Opie Confessed

From Judge.
While the lyceum platform has no mo-
nopoly of the bette noir business it has
it's full tale of them.
One of the worst dreaded of them is
being called to the home of some enter
prising citizen who has daughter af-
flioted with recitits.
Bob Burdette recently told me a story
that opie Read had told him, about opies
experience in trying to sidestep an ordeal
of this nature in an Illinois town.
Opie had finished his evenings story
telling, when a citizen approached him,
complimented him, and added:
''Mr. Read, we haye daughter who, I
think, is very talented in the eloeutionary
line. I wish you would come to our house
tomorrow morning, about g. and hear
her.
Opie had agonizing provisions of 'Cur-
few Shall Not" and other things, includ-
ms 'I.asca," so he said:
I'm mighty sorry, but have to leave
tonight for the west"
"But there's no train
''Yes, there's the twelve -ffty-four'
"But it goes east
"Dld I say westg I meant east"
but it is a freight, you know"
I have permission to ride it.. must
get ii to make my next date
But it is a fast freight and doesn't
stop here
Ordinarily, no: But | have permission
from the superintendent. He notified tho
local agent, and it is to STOP.
'Well-thats funny! I'm the agent.
Opie looked at the man moment in
utter defeat. then said:
There's gust one more thing can say,
ano that is I'm the biggest liar in Ili-
nois. Where is your house?'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
On Good Terms Again

He had received letters from his
father, who wished him to come homo
that he might present to him some OF
the great men of the nation and secure
him promotion to the highest ranks
of the service
After u passage of six weeks he ar
rived at Plymouth and had exactly COM
pleted his six years servitude as a
midshipman on active duty. lie was
examined and passed his exams
Elated with his success, he threw
himself into the mail that evening and
reached his fathers house in short
time.
lie found that death had made SAD
havoc there. His elder brother and
two elder sisters were dead and there
remained/ now to comfort his father
only himself and his younger sister,
Clara.
Receiving his commission as lieuten-
ant--but- being ordered to no ship
frank determined to enjoy his leave.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Love and Self Esteem

AS a matter of fact, Mr. Somerville
and the squire had arranged a marriage
between Emily and Frank and Emily had
declared herself as not averse to the
arrangement. 1t had been taken for grant
ed that Frank would be overjoyed at
the plan.
The squire Immediately wrote off to
Somervile Hall stating the case las he
understood it, and Mr.. Somerville had
no sooner received the letter than he
placed it in the hands of Emily.
A very comfortable sort of an avant-
courier for lover after an absence of
fully three years.
Frank arrived at the hall bursting with
impatience to see Emily, whose hold on
his heart and affections were infinitely
stronger than he had supposed.
He was % years old and as handsome
a lad as the royal navy could put forth.
He came into the hall filled with his love
and his own self esteem.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Protests and ExpostulatiOns

Emily rose with much agitation and in
an instant he had clasped her in his
arms. She gently disengaged herself and
gave vent to her feelings in violent
flood of tears Then she addressed him
as "Mr. Frank
What could her agitation and her aloof-
ness mean? Frank had not entirely for
gotten his conversation with his father.
Frank began to protest and to expostu-
late--to demand an explanation. Mr.. Som
erville gave 1t to him. He showed his
fathers letter.
Frank was taken back He might
have told the truth and all would have
been WELL But his ever ready counselor,
the devil, was by his side. and he lied
lied upon the spur of the moment and
grievously.
lie said that when his father had be-
gun to praise Miss Somerville he had be-
come jealous. His father was still COM
paratively young man and widower
And allow me the same lenient judg-
ment which you exercised when I first
had the pleasure of making your ac-
quaintance."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Conscience Begins to Work

This last sentence delicately recalled
the scene at, the inn and the circum-
stances of Franks first introduction.
The defense was not bad-it wanted
one simple ingredient to have made it
excellent-Truth.
But, the court being biased in Franks s
favor, he was acquitted and simply
warned to be more careful in the
future.
When Frank went to bed that night
he began to call himself to account for
his duplicity--for somehow or other
Conscience is difficult gentleman to
deal with. A tailor's bill one may avoid
by crossing the ocean, but the bills of
conscience will follow one to the Anti
podes.
letter from Mr.. Somerville to Squire
Mildmay explained Franks conduct
as Mr.. Somerville understood it--and
in reply the squire wrote back that his
son certainly must be mad.
To this Frank assented by quoting
SHAKESPEARE, "the lunatic, the lover and
the poet etc, and "got away" with IT,.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Running Away From Duty

lie arrived at Somerville Hall, was
kindly received and welcomed by both
father and daughter. He was perfect
ly, purely happy while he stayed at the
hall. Had he remained always with
Emily he would have been reclaimed.
But he was compelled to leave that
pure shrine to which he had betaken
himself His father wrote that he had
had Frank entered on board the guard
ship at Plymouth and that he must re-
port there at once. His son was for
given-but he must get to sea.
Having reported on board, he at once
obtained leave of absence from his first
lieutenant, an old acquaintance, and
fastened to the place where he was to
meet Eugenia.
lie met the fair actress; he forgot
duty and that other love; he entered
himself as a member of that strolling
company and obtained quite a fair repu-
tation as an actor and a singer.
The natural results of his constant
intercourse with Eugenia may be cas-
lily anticipated. Whenever they played
together, especially in Romeo and Ju-
liet,' they packed the house"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29

had merely been out on lark" which
he thought amusing.
Very amusing, indeed" replied
Squire Mildmay, "and may [ ask when
you intend to return to your ship?'
Tomorrow replied Frank, a ready
lie arising to his lips. MY leave ex-
p1res then, and | must return"
The old gentleman fired many shot
at his erring son, which Frank took as
he must, and next day he was on board
the Gaurio and received his father
there. The first lieutenant was a good
fellow and did not peach"
But before he went on board Frank
lad a sorrowful parting with -Eugenia.
He offered to give up family, profession
all for her, and to remain with her
always.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
A BOyish Revenge

gentleman's carriage came by. He
jumped up behind and had thus trav-
eled four miles when, as the carriage
was slowly dragging up a hill, he was
discovered by the people inside of it,
and the postillion, who had dismounted,
being informed of it, saluted Frank With
two or three smart cracks of the whip.
Frank jumped off and, waiting until the
postillion had mounted his horse at the
top of the hill that he might be more
at his mercy, discharged stone at his
head. which caused him to vacate his
seat and fall under the horse.
The animals, affrighted at his fall,
turned short around to the right and ran
furiously down the hill.
The postboy recovered his legs and
followed his horses, while Frank made
off in the opposite direction, perfectly in
different to the fate of the occupants of
the carriage.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Amateur Surgery

As Frank engaged her in conversation
She gradually unbent, showing great nat
ural talent and highly cultivated mind,
so that he was every minute more and
more surprised to find her in such a sit-
uation.
Their conversation was interrupted by
q carriage driving up to the door and
cries of Help! Help!"
Frank few to answer the signal OF
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Paving the Penalty

Eugenia explained the mystery of her
disappearance and her wealth. Her
mothers uncle had died, leaving her
his property. She had assumed name
and gone to Tive in France. She was q
rather stately person now and would
not allow Frank to imprint even one
kiss upon her cheeks.
Frank told her of his approaching
marriage with Emily and finally pre-
vailed upon her TO agree to come to
England and occupy a cottage in a VII
lage near Someryille Hall. There, at
least, they might see each other once
in while.
Reluctantly Eugenia consented. Frank
returned to England and made arrange
ments for his marriage. He rode out
from Somerville Hall and visited Eu-
genia.
AS the two stood talking, whom
should he see riding down but Mr..
Someryille and Emily. Emily, with a
woman's curiosity, began to make in-
quiries concerning Eugenia-and
learned the truth.
Frank was forbidden to visit Somer-
Vile IIall--his match with Emily was
broken off," Emily refused to sec him
or receive letters from him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Tangled Affairs Made Straight

Let me try" said he to himself,
whether a bishop can administer to a
mind diseased as we'll as country cur
ate' In a fit of desperation he rushed
to the palace.
By what inscrutable means are the
designs of Providence brought about!
Where he had expected to find pride
and scorn he met with humility and
kindness.
He told the bishop the story of his
life and the bishop commanded him to
stay in the palace while he went to see
Mr.. Somerville and Emily.
All is well that ends well--and
through the intercession of the good
bishop all was made straight. Emily
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29

1T was, sir; absolute necessity COM
pelled me to so to shore, or | should
not have taken such an extraordinary
means of conveyance"
Il must report this to the captain"
said Talbot He did. but the captain
chose to take no official notice OF the
escapade.
In few days the ship sailed away
with squadron to the Basque Roads
and again Mildmay was amid war and
carnage danger and hardship, where
he bore himself with gallantry and dis
tinction, winning many laurels.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Off to the Wars

Their time was short and they had
much to say to each other Eugenia,
while urging him to forget her, said
that they must meet no more; that
Frank must work in his profession and
marry in his sphere of life. They part
ed with tears.
When Frank took a wherry and went
off to his ship the next mornings Talbot
was on deck.
81 presume it was you whom we fired
at last night" said the lieutenant.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Lies Ready for ITse

Frank was stupefied, forgot his lpart
and ran off the stage. He ran into the
dressing room where, before he had
time to divest himself of Apollo's crown
and petticoat he was accosted by his
enraged parent.
He said afterward: 1T is impossible
to describe how like a fool | looked"
His father sternly demanded how
many days he had been indulging in
this sort of diversion.
only two or three said Frank. lie
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
BY
Capt. Frederick Marryat

consented to marry Frank and the
squire and Mr.. somervlle were nresent
when the bishop performed the cere-
mony
Frank resigned from the navy and
settled down as good, kind, patient
old man upon his fathers estate-for
the old squire did not long survive tn,
marriage.
Next weeks one-page classic will be
iiahs OF Iceland by Victor Hugo.
copyright, 1913, by Irving King.)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Beside the Grave

He was deathly sick in London where
his sister Clara tended him faithfully.
When he was so far recovered as TO
be able to travel he strated for the
continent
In Paris he plunged into all sorts of
excesses. He drew bills upon his father
until the squire refused to honor them.
Then he bethought himself of Eugenia' 5
agent and drew bills upon Eugena.
But one night in a gambling hell he
made a coup" and paid back all-both
to Eugenia and his father.
In Paris he met his former friend,
Talbot. who had become engaged to his
sister Clara-and quarreled with Tai
bot They fought duel, but nobody
was killed.
Then Frank got a letter from Eng
land. Eugenia was dead and her son
was dead.
Frank rushed to England and sought
the graveyard where the two were
buried. AS he knelt there In tears, half
crazy, he saw gorgeous carriage roll
by. 1t was the carriage of the bishop
from the neighboring episcopal pal
ace.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-06-29
Wheel. Within Wheels

Mrs Crawford--I was SO glad to find her
out when l called.
Mrs Crabshaw--I knew you didn't like
each other, so told her when you were
going to call.