davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21

derby. occupied the squalid apartment Into
which the strangers entered.
From the resemblance of their features
they appeared to be sisters. but the ex-
preston of their eountenances was very
different. One, evidently the younger, was
seated q. the further side of great fire.
place in which a small fire was burning.
1t needed but a look to see that her
mind was unbalanced.
In the face of the other sister was
look of sullen discomfort and her eyes
had the look of greed in them. The
younger woman looked up at Ellen and
said: DO you bring news of him? Shall
I see him before 1 die? Will he return
To rna?,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
Suddenly Sober

Ellen hesitated and then allowed her
self to be taken home by the doctor.
Glover, the student, who had drifted in
with Edward, and Fanshawe left the
house as soon as the doctor and Ellen
had departed.
Edward returned to the taproom. The
wine was still upon the table. He
drank heavily and fell into state OF
fury--a drunken fury. He began by
upsetting the tables, throwing the
decanters and wine glasses through the
windows and trying to smash the fur
niture.
Hugh put his head in the door and
attempted to soothe his inebriated
guest massive andiron came whiz-
zing by him.
II might as well take my chance in
a battle" said Hugh, withdrawing and
speaking to man who stood behind
him in the passage
Let us return his fire, Hugh He Is
In want of ammunition. Let us send
him back his own" returned the man
The sound of the mans voice pro-
duced singular effect upon Edward
He put his hand to bis forehead and
seemed to recollect himself. He ad-
vanced with firm and steady step
His countenance was dark and angry
but no longer wild
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21

"Ah,' said he, you are the unknown
fisherman | have found you, villain.
1t is you who has done this"
1t was indeed the mysterious angler
whom Fanshawe and Edward had met
when with Ellen on the banks of the
stream the day before-the old COM
panion In crime of Hugh Crombie and
the man who now desired to abduct
and marry Ellen.
THE drunken wrath of boy does
not disturb me- said the stranger
"The boy will require mans salts
faction"
will you take it now?"
The stranger advanced holding pis-
tol in either hand. zone of these is
yours--if you wish it," he said.
Willingly. Choose your distance,
replied Edward.
But now the alarmed host interfered
and loudly called upon all the other in
habitants of the inn to come to his as
sistance. 1t was impossible to fight a
duel amid riot, and so the stranger
delivered up his weapon to Hugh and
said: IT wish only satisfaction. See
that this young man meets me in the
morning."
IT shall be wherever you make the ap,
pointment." replied Edward-and went Out
into the night.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
Companions in Crime

When, after an absence of 10 years.
he returned, he was a man secretive,
stern-not the same wild youth who
had gone away. He was bronzed by
travel and the suns of both the Indies.
So now he sat as authority in the
inn where. formerly, he had been but
young roisterer. Into this inn came
the stranger who had accosted Ellen.
This, then, is your living SELF" said
the stranger. II little thought, when l
last met you, that we should meet
again in the flesh. Your prayers were
said and you were bound for better
world"
Hugh recoiled from tie man. There
would have been little danger of you
meeting me there he said.
ut seems that / am not welcome
guest at Hugh Crombies' inn"
THAT depends upon your errand ant
the length of your stay
What II / come to settle dowI
among these quiet hills where ! wal
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
From Her Father

That evening Ellen sat at a window
which overlooked the garden which DR..
Melmouth had constructed-accordI to
his own fdeas-back of the house.
The stranger had demanded a secret
interview with her in behalf of her
father. The dim form of man came
beneath the window.
DO you still refuse an Interview which
is of so much. importance-both to your
self and father?" said he in low voice
II you would avoid danger now and
regrets hereafter come and hear what
have to say"
Ellen descended into the garden
What Is it?' said she; speak quickly.
What is this mystery? Why, if you
have message from my father, was 1t
not told to DIR. Melmouth?'
Your father is in great danger. IT
depends upon you whether you will
ever see him again or no." was his an
swer
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
The Sisters of the Cottage

Fanshawe, starting from his reverie.
looked long and earnestly at Ellen and
then seemed weary and dispirted. He had
ridden all day--it was a holiday at the
college-and was famished and tired.
There was cottage nearby and, after
formally introducing Ellen to Fanshawe.
Edward said: ''Shall We dismount here.
Ellen, and see If we cannot procure re-
freshments? We have had a long ride"
1t was a fredericksburg COTTAGE and
the interior of 1t was in keeping with the
exterior. Two women. both or them ell
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
The Fine Gentleman of the College

From the day that Ellen entered DIR.
Melmouth's habitation the sunny days
seemed brighter and the cloudy ones
less gloomy. She was the very blessing
of the doctors life-to whom fate had
denied children of his own-and the
students fell in love with her zen
massee" as it were.
Even Mrs. Melmouth was conquered
by her-after awhile.
Now Harley college was not a great
university. Rural youths came there
came russell and hearty and went away
pale and mostly wearing spectacles.
Edward Walcott was certainly much
superior in many respects to the ma
jority of the students-and he was
better qualified to attract the favor OF
a girl like Ellen.
Being nearly related to DR.. Melmouth
he had been sent to Harley instead of
to one of the great English universe
ties to the expenses of which his for
tune would have been adequate.
He was tall and his manner had been
polished by an early intercourse with
were handsome and promised to be
manly and dignified when they ceased
to be youthful.
His character as a scholar was fair
and his general character good
though some youthful follies were laid
to his charge. He was in short, the
fine gentleman of little community
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
Surprised at the Inn

DR.. Melmouth drank a glass of wine
with the benevolent intention of allaying
the anxiety of Hugh Crombie and the
students and then started to depart. A
strong wind had partially dispelled the
clouds and occasioned an interval in the
cataracts of rain.
The three students and Crombie ac-
companied the doctor along the passage
leading to the door at which he had
alighted, Hugh bearing a lamp. DR.. Mel
mouth laid his hand upon a door. 1t
was the wrong one
mot there! not there!'' cried Hugh:
that is Nine. Crombie's bedchamber.''
But it was too late-the door had
opened and there, in little chamber of
the inn, stood Ellen Langton. At first
the girl was overcome, but In an instant
her sense of her pure intentions came
to her aid and gave her strength and
courage.
Edward Walcott pressed forward and
cried out, ELLEN! Elem in an agitated
and quivering voice. Ellen burst into
tears.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21

called Harley college-and Mrs. Mel
mouth was chief of the worthy doctor.
One morning DIR. Melmouth said to his
masterful spouse.
MY dear, have just received let
ter from my old friend, Mr.. Langton.
He has, as you know. been long
resident aboard.
HE has one daughter, Ellen. who,
having been, since her mothers death,
living in the house of distant rela-
tive-who is now no more-he re-
quests that I take her under my roof
and into my care until his return to
this colony"
Mrs. Melmouth saw at once that the
doctor had made up his mind for once
to insist upon a compliance with the
wishes of his early friend, But by long
disuse she had lost the power of COM
plying graciously with any wish of her
husbands.
Il see your heart is set upon this,
doctor" said the lady. but, In truth,
! see very little good of such friend
as Mr.. Langton, who never let's you
know that he is salive until he has a
favor TO ask
IF the girl were country bred we
might give her houseroom and she
might be of some help. But I warrant
me she knows nothing of domestic af-
fairs-any more than you do, doctor"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
Killed by His Own Fury

At this moment a fragment of stone,
thrown from the top of the cliff, fell
very near them. They both looked up
Upon the summit of the bluff stood FAM
Shave.
In pursuing his investigations in tha
neishborhood of the village he had coma
to the cottage where the widow Butter
lay dead, and her sister had, for a con-
sideration, told him of what had hap-
pened there-and of the way in when
her prying eyes had seen Butler lead
Ellen.
He had followed the trail. And now
in the morning light he stood looking
down upon Ellen and her abductor. ]
The appearance of the slight form or
Fanshawe upon the top of the cliff f1iled
Butler with wild rage.
by heaven. I will cast him down at
her feet. There shall be no semblance Or
form of a man left in him." he cried-and
began frantically to scale the cliff
But when within a few feet of the sums
nit Butler grasped a twig too slenderly
rooted to sustain his weight. 1t gave
way and he rolled back down the preci,
pice.
His head hit heavily against detached
portion and when his body reached the
bottom there was no life in 1t. With all
the passions of hell in his heart he
had met the fate he had intended for
Fanshawe.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
A Husky Practice

From the Washington Star.
How is your boy doing at college?'
Well" replied Farmer Corntossei. IT
don't s'pose he's much fur Greek an
Latin, but they tell me he's mighty highly
considered by the boys when they have
a little job o HAHN on hand" !,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
News of Disaster

Scarcely had a word passed between
DR.. Melmouth and Ellen on their way
home and the same tenderness of his con-
nived at Elken's stealing quietly up to
her room unseen by Mrs. Melmouth-who
might have required explanations.
At breakfast the next morning the good
doctor opened a bundle of letters and
papers which had just arrived. The news
was a fortnight old. But that was in
colonial days.
In one of the papers Mrs. Memouth
read an account of the loss of the brig
upon which Mr.. Langton was supposed
to have embarked for home. She read 1t
to the doctor. He looked shocked and
helpless.
Contrary to her usual custom. Ellen
was not at the early breakfast table
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
To Her Fathers Arms


Undeterred by the danger and the aw@
full example of what he had just wits
messed, Fanshawe descended to where
Ellen lay in a fainting condition beside
the body of the man who had plotted
her destruction.
He sprinkled water over her form from
a neighboring spring and as she revived
said: Fear not Ellen-you are safe"
In the meantime as DR.. Melmouth had
ridden out upon the quest of Ellen he had
met Mr.. Langton, who was journeying
toward the village. The heartbroken doc
tor told Langton of what had happened.
The fathers face was stern and grave.
Let us go to the village and carefully
consider this matter" said he.
Scarcely had they reached the village
when men came running in saying that
Ellen and Fanshawe were on their wav
home-they had met youths and sent them
on ahead with the good news. And so
Ellen was restored to her fathers arms
and the kind heart of DIR. Melmouth was
filled with joy.
Admitting Fanshawe's Claim
The tale of her adventures was soon
told. She had been completely deluded
by Butler and had gone that night to
the inn to meet him and, as she thought,
to be taken to her father. When DR..
Melmouth had discovered her and takeny
her home she had again fled to meet
Butler.
After her adventures Ellen was for
some weeks confined to her chamber by
illness.
During that illness both Edward Wall
colt and F'anshawe exhibited the greats
est anxiety. But Edward though he
haunted the house of the doctor like an
uneasy ghost, felt that now Fanshawe'n
claim to Ellen was greater than his.
Mr. Langton had expressed to Fan-
Shave most earnestly his gratitude for
what he had done for the rescue of
Ellen. He looked upon him as her pre-
server.
The stranger who had come to the
village with Butler disappeared. The
part that Hugh Crombie had played in
the affair could only be surmised-only
guessed at And what was guessed at
he most strenuously denied.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
opened

Melmouth. who seemed grateful for the
advice given and said True, it Is the
better way. Ellen, my child, let us re-
turn home and defer an explanation
until tomorrow. There, there. Only dry
your eyes and we shall say no more
about it."
'And that will be the wisest way, old
man." muttered Hugh Crombie.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
Safe for a Time

Fanshawe took Edwards arm and
whispered: "She has been deceived. She
is innocent. You are unworthy of her
If you doubt it,"
why do you interfere, sir?" demand
ed Edward. What right have you to
speak of her innocence? Perhaps you are
acquainted with her neutrality-suspicious.
you are the deceiver."
uously away.
Good DR.. Melmouth had been so over
come with surprise that he had not said
word, and the face of Hugh Crombie
also bore look of astonishment-a look
he assumed because, on the spur OF the
moment, he was unable to think Of d
plausible lie.
Fanshawe spoke in a low tone to DR.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
Ellen Langton

1.-THE child is of tender years and will
profit much by your instructions" re-
sponded the doctor.
"She is Is years Old retorted Mrs.
Melmouth, "and she has cause to be
thankful that she will receive better
instruction than yours"
And so, with this prelude, there came
to Harley college the beautiful Ellen
Langton. If pen could give any ade-
quate idea of the loneliness of Ellen
Langton 1t would achieve what pencil
cat least the pencils of the colonial
artists who attempted IT'D never could.
For, though the dark eyes might be
painted, the pure and pleasant thoughts
that peeped through them could only
:, be seen and felt. But descriptions of
beauty are never satisfactory.
1t must therefore, be left to the i'm
agination of the reader to conceive of
something not more than mortal, nor,
indeed, quite the perfection of mortal
ity--but charming men the more be-
cause they felt that lovely as she was
she was of like nature to themselves.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
Alone with Her Abductor

His aunt said to him, after awhile,
"Will you not stop and attend your
mothers funera1?"
Let the dead bury the dead" he re-
piled. you were ever greedy and
hard. But this purse will serve to lay
my mother In her grave
He threw down a purse of gold and.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21

one to another of the party which, much
to the surprise of the others, began with
and was communicated from Fanshawe
At length, however, there was a pause
the deep pause of tagging spirits that
always follows mirth and wine. The land
lord was striving to renew the revel
by a song of his own when the door
opened and in came DIR. Melmouth.
He had been on a visit to an aged fe-
male who was supposed to be at the point
of death and sent to rsquire his ghostly
offices.
Hearing the sounds of revelry from
Hugh Crombie's inn, it occurred to him
that these midnight rioters might be some
of the young mens of his own charge
and he was urged by sense of duty
to enter and dispense them.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
Searching for Ellen

Mrs. Melmouth went up to Ellen's room
to break to her the sad news
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
Resisting Temptation

And now the day come when Ellen,
restored to health, met Fanshawe and
placed her pale hand in his.
How can I express my gratitude to
your she said. you are my preA
server"
you have a tender and gentle heart,
Ellen" said Fanshawe, land a weak;
one"
How is 1t a weak one?"
You know its weakness"
Fanshawe saw at once that, in an
excess of gratitude, the girl whom ha
loved would accept him as husband should
he ask for her hand.
But he made strong effort and re-
piled in a grave voice: ELLEN, do not
tempt me. If I yielded it would mean
years of misery for you"
do me not this wrong she replied.
blushing. Can it be misery? Will Il
not be happiness to be your guide-an
humble one 1t is true-but one of your
choice-to the quiet paths from which
your proud and lonely thoughts have
estranged you? o, know there will be
happiness in such a lot from these and
a thousand other sources"
The animation with which Ellen spoke,
and at the same time realization of the
singular course to which her gratitude
had impelled her. caused her beauty to
grow brighter with every word.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21

the life we have led?'
IF you choose this valley for your
habitation, Dame Crombie and 1 must
seek another habitation. You have a
purpose in your coming here"
Threats =
"Yes-and you wish to know 1t? Well,
you married, Hugh, and became pos
sessed of a comfortable habitation. l
also would do the same.
You remember the East Indian mer-
chant, Langton, who once had me in his
employ-until I went wild with you on
the seas, the story of which had better
be left untold to any one? WE'LL he has
a daughter living here whom I propose
to marry.
He amassed large fortune. The ship
upon which he recently sailed for home
was wrecked. All hands were lost. Ellen
is the wealthy merchants heiress
II was always good at forging and have
constructed letter which, apparently.
comes from her father. If you do not aid
me I will betray your past to this most
respectable community
did you pass the cottage where your
mother still lives as you came here?"
II did--but I did not stop. My father
is dead-and I have forgiven him. What
could hear of her but of miseryT
Wasted Sentiment
And I remember you as boy when
you stood on the hill in the moonlight and
looked back at your home and wept. As
often as I remember that repent that
7 did not turn back instead OF leading
you on"
''Tears--were there? Well-there have
been none of them since. Why, Hugh,
you must be getting sentimental. You
could not have turned me back.
Don't let that worry your tender con-
science. had taken my resolution and
YOU did but show the way to execute it.
Hugh Crombie drank deeply of the wine
which was before him and said: II sup
pose there are none beside you who will
ever call upon me- Our trade was not
conductive to long life"
His companion of the old pirate days
saw in the eyes of the landlord that old
CLEAN which he had seen before and
laughed.
'sWhy yes, Hugh; do you think trust
ed myself to you alone. brought a
man of our old tribe with me. He Is
nearer than you know
Breaking the Rules
This pleasant little conversation be-
tween the two ex-followers or the Jolly
Roger" was followed the next night by
another unusual scene In the inn.
It was wild and stormy night. The
rain fell in torrents. Edward Walcot'
was in the inn drinking. His Jealous
pride had been touched by the attention
which Ellen had given to the stranger
fisherman whom they had met the DAY
before.
He scented mystery-and was resent
full Then there was Fanshawe. Eller
had paid altogether too much attention
, to Fanshawe Of late. So, in spite of the
, rules Of the college, Edward was TAX
ing his ease in the inn" And the land
, lord encouraged him.
A newcomer entered 1t was Fanshawe
, He looked at the men gathered in thu
taproom and said: my intrusion is, evi
IDENTIFY, owing to a mistake. came herr
[ to seek some other person"
t 1T thank heaven for the chance which
> sent you to me- said edward, rousinl
r himself from the 1ethargy into which tn,
liquor was beginning to throw him.
e "And as for the man you SEEK" h,
4 added in a whisper, II was looking 70
him Also / understand that he left tn,
e inn last night. Come, make one of on
company"
TTr~od bu Dufv
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
Easily Gulled

Silence fell over the company at the
entrance of the doctor. who said: This
has apparently, been very merry meet
ing, young gentlemen-but I fear my
presence has cast damp upon it,
Your reverence's coat is wet enough
to cast damp upon anything" respond
ed Hugh.
1.-THE fact is that your long absence
from home had alarmed these young
men and they rushed forth in the rain
and darkness to seek you. heard them
without and rushed forth to rescue them
from the fury of the storm. You little
know the love these young men bear
you"
rs this, indeed, SOP said the Doctor
who was one of the simplest and most
gullible of men-''but then, methinks their
anxiety did not long endure
Il was but, as you come in, singing
them a song upon the evils of drunken
ness" said Hugh. Now, just sip of
my good wine, doctor-for you are cold
and wet-and to show that you appreciate
my humble efforts In the cause of So
briefly, and to allay the anxiety of these
youths"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-06-21
A MESSAGE From an Old Friend

HYV1N those "old colony days. when
I9tE we were under the King"
k1 DR.. Melmouth was chief of
l&HsEJ an institution of learning