davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-11-17
CHAPTER xv.-Continued.

But in striking contrast to thi
mystery was the person. character
snd cold-blooded action of Poggin ant
Kneii, the chiefs lieutenants. The.
were familiar figures in all the town
within two hundred miles of Brad
ford. knell had record. but as gun
nan with an incredible list of victims
Poggin was supreme. If Poggin ha(
. friend no one ever heard of him
There were a hundred stories of hi:
nerve, his wonderful speed with a gun
bis passion for gambling, his love Of
. horse-his cold, implacable, inhu
man wiping out of his path any mar
that crossed 1t.
"Cheseldine is name, a terrible
Nance" said Colonel Webb. "Some-
Dimes / wonder if he's not only q
name. In that case where does the
brains of this gang come from? No
there must be a master craftsman
behind this border pillage; master
capable of handling those terrors,
poggin and Knell. OF all the thou
sands of outlaws developed by west
ern Texas in the last twenty years
these three are. the greatest. In
southern Texas, down between the
Fecos and the Nueces, there have been
and are still many bad men. But
doubt if any outlaw there, possibly
excepting Buck Duane, ever equaled
Poggin. You've heard of this Duane"
Eyes, little," replied Duane quiet
~. "Pm from southern Texas. Buck
Duane, then, is not known out here?"
why, man, where isn't his name
known?'' returned Colonel Webb.
I've kept track of his record as l
country appears to hang on his match
less gun-play and his enmity toward
outlaw Chiefs"
HAS -Cheseldine's gang been busy
IatelyY" asked Duane.
mo. Probably all the stock that's
being shipped now was rustled long
ago. Cheseldine works over wide
section, too wide for news to travel
inside of weeks. There are some
people who think Cheseldine had
nothing to do with the bank-robberies
and train hold-ups during the last few
years in this country. But that's poor
reasoning. The jobs have been too
well done, too surely covered, to be
The work of greasers or ordinary out
laws
What's your view Of the outlookf
How's all this going to wind upf
VIII the outlaw ever be driven outT'
asked Duane.
"Never There will always be out
avs along the Rio Grande. All the
armies in the world couldn't comb
he wild brakes of that fifteen hum
lred miles Of river. But the sway
II the outlaw, such as is enjoyed by
hese great leaders, will sooner or
alter be past. There's talk of Vig1-
antes, the same that were organized
n California and are now In force
q Idaho. So far it's only talk. But
he time will come. And the days OF
and Poggin are numbered"
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-11-17
$50 snecker! He Hit Me-"

quiry had brought him the fact that
Ray Longstreth had just come to live
with her father. Longstreth had
originally been a planter in Louisiana.
where his family had remained after
his advent in the West. He WAS q
rich rancher; he owned half Of Fair
dale; he was cattle-buyer on large
scale. Floyd Lawson was his lieuten-
ant and associate in deals.
On the afternoon of the fifth day
| of Duane's stay in Fairdale he re-
turned to the inn from his usual stroll.
| and upon entering was amazed to
have a rough-looking young fellow
rush by him out of the door, Inside
Laramie was lying on the floor with
| a bloody bruise on his face He did
not appear to be dangerously hurt.
"Bo Snecker! He hit me and went
after the cash-drawer," said Laramie,
laboring to his feet.
Are you hurt much?" queried
Duane.
II guess not. But Bo needn't to
have soaked me. I've been robbed
before without that"
well, I'll take look after b."
replied Duane.
He went out and glanced down the
street toward the center of the town.
He did not see anyone he could take
for the innkeeper's assailant Then
he looked up the street, and he saw
the young fellow about block away,
hurrying along and gazing back.
Dune yelled for him to stop and
started to go after him. Snecker
broke into run. Then Duane set
out to overhaul him. There were two
motives in Duane's action-one OF
anger, and the other desire to make.
a friend of this man Laramie, who
Duane believed could tell him much.
Duane was light on his feet, and
ne had a giant stride He gained
rapidly, kept him in sight, In the
shade, on the paths, and up the road
INTO the courtyard. and ne saw Sneck-
r go straight for Longstreth's house.
Duane was not to be turned back
y that, singular as 1t was He en-
cred the first door and burst into the
'resence of Miss Longstreth and I
lumber of young people. Evidently
he was giving little party.
Lawson stood leaning against oao
the pillars; at sight Of Dunno ~
ACE changed remarkably, expressing
Consideration, then 6oar.
tro ~ coMr1nuxnj
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-11-17

4
Duane. When she looked at him
drawn by his rather persistent gaze
there was pride, fire, and passion il
| her eyes. Duane felt himself blush
ing in confusion.
1 After supper the guests assembled
in a big sittingroom where an oper
fireplace with blazing mesquite sticks
gave out warm and CHEEKY glow
Duane took a seat by a table in the
corner, and, finding paper, began
| to read. Presently when he glanced
up he saw two dark-faced men
strangers who had not appeared be
fore. They were peering in from 8
doorway. When they saw Duane had
observed them they stepped back out
of sight.
1t flashed over Duane that the
strangers acted suspiciously. In Texas
in the seventies 1t was always bad
policy to let strangers go unheeded.
Then he went out into a patio, and
across it to "a little dingy, dim-lighted
barroom. Here he found the inn
keeper dispensing drinks to the two
strangers.
6 s"Hev somethin'7" one Of them ask
ed, leering. Both looked Duane up
and down.
mo thanks, I don't drink" Duane
replied, and returned their scrutiny
with interest. ~How's tricks in the
Big Bend?"
Both men stared. It had only taken
close glance for Duane to recognize
a type of ruffian most frequently met
along the river. These strangers had
that stamp, and their surprise proved
he was right. Here the innkeeper
showed signs of uneasiness, and
seconded the surprise of his custom
ers. No more was said at the instant,
and the two rather hurriedly went
out
"Say, boss, do you know these fell
lows?" Duane asked the innkeeper.
"Nope. They nooned heah, comm
from Bradford they said, an trailed
la after the stage"
When Duane returned to the sitting
room Colonel Longstreth was absent,
also several of the other passengers
Miss Ruth sat In the chair he had
and across the table from
ler sat Miss Longstreth. Duane went
directly to them.
Excuse me-" said Duane, address
ng then. Il want to tell you there
ire a couple Of rough-Iooking men
lere I've just seen them. They
mean evil. Tell your father to be
areful. Lock your doors-bar your
windows tonight"
"Oh y cried Ruth. very low. Ray,
o you hear?"
THANK you; we'll be careful said
fiss Longstreth. gracefully. The rich
dior had faded in her cheek. II saw
lose men watching you from that
cor. They had such bright black
yes. Is there really danger-herew {
Il think So" was Dhane's reply. N
Soft swift steps behind him pre- /
.ded harsh voice: Hands upI"
No man was quicker than Duane to
the intent in those words |
Is hands shot up. Miss Ruth utter |
I little frightened cry and sank
to her chair AIm LongStrsth
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-11-17
CHAPTER XVII.

| Duane followed the stage through
| the town, out into the open, on to 8
wide, hard-packed road showing years
| of travel. 1t headed northwest. To
the left rose range of low, bleak
mountains he had noted yesterday,
and to the right sloped the mesquite
patched sweep of ridge and fiat. The
driver pushed his team to a fast trot
which gait surely covered ground
rapidly.
Early in the afternoon from a ridge
top Duane sighted Fairdale, a green
patch in the mass of gray. For the
barrens of Texas it was indeed a fair
sight. But he was more concerned
with its remoteness from civilization
than its beauty. At that time, in the
early seventies, when the vast western
third of Texas was a wilderness, the
pioneer had done wonders to settle
there and establish places like Fair
dale.
1t needed only glance for Duane to
pick out Colonel Longstreth's ranch.
The house, not more than few min
utes' walk from the edge of the town,
was a low flatroofed structure made
of red adobe bricks. All was green
about 1t, except where the fenced
corral and numerous barns or sheds
showed gray and red.
From all outside appearances Fair
dale was no different from other
frontier towns, and Duane's expecta-
lions were scarcely realized. As the
afternoon was waning he halted at
a little inn. A boy took charge of his
horse. Duane questioned the lad
about Fairdale and gradually drew to
the subject most in mind.
Colonel Longstreth has big out
fit, eh?''
Reckon he has," replied the lad.
sDoan know how many cowboys.
always comm and goin'. II
amt acquainted with half of them"
Much movement of stock these
days?"
Stocks always movin'," he re-
piled with a queer look.
"Rustlers?"
But he did not follow up that look
with the affirmative Duane expected. T
Lively place, / hear-Falrdale is?"
"Ain't go lively as Sanderson, but
It's bigger
Eyes, heard it was. Fellow down
here was talking about two cowboys
Who were arrested"
"Sure. l heered all about that.
Zoe Bean an Brick Higgins-they be-
ong heah. but they amt heah much.
boys"
Duane did not want to be over-in-
uisitise, so he turned the talk into
Their channels.
After getting supper Duane strolled !
p and down the main street. When
arkness set in he went into a hotel, ,
ought cigars, sat around, and watch !
Then he passed out and went I
ito the next place. 1t was full of
zen coming and going-a dusty boot +
] crowd that smelled of horses and :
noke. Duane sat down for while, $
it'll wide eyes and open ears. Then i,
} hunted up the bar. He stayed in .
lere for while, and knew that
rangers were too common in Fair h
lie to be conspicuous. Then he 4
turned to the inn where he had =
gagged room. n
Duane sat down on the steps Of q
e dingy little restaurant. Two men
re conversing inside, and they mad q,
noticed Duane. =
Laramie, what's the strangers :,
mer asked one.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30
THANKSGIVING DAY.

Tomorrow, throughout the length
ana breadth Of our land, there viii
assemble in the various churches hun.
dreds Of thousands Of people, all for
the same purpose to celebrate the
day that has been set apart by our
President as the day Of Thanksgiving
unto God for His many blessings
throughout the year. The ThankSgiv-
ing custom Is one Of the most beau'
tlful Of the institutions left us by our
forefathers, and the fact that it is
observed each year by our people,
characterlzeS the nation as one that
recognizes a supreme being who. con.
trolls our destinies and 10 whom we
owe thanks for our prosperity. Orig
mated by the Pilgrim fathers who
had found a haven in their new
homes, where they could worship as
they pleased after enduring a siege
Of persecution in their old, they chose
a day in harvest season when the
abundant fruits Of the New England
autumn were a reminder to them of
the goodness Of God.
The evidence Of our blessings are
around us this year as they wore
around the Pilgrims nearly two CEN
turtles ago, and no nation on earth
has rs much reason to be thankful Us
has our own. While the greater part
Of the civilized world is embroilei in
a mcrcilcSs and cruel war and suffer-
ing all the hardshipS that war means,
we have been spared the awful hor-
rors Of it all. ana yet have maintain
ed our national honor. Our prosperi-
ty is unequallcd ty that Of any pc
Rod of our history. our industries
have made wonderful progress, and
our fields and groves are laden with
the rich fruits Of labor.
Let MS therefore, tomorrow, be we
at home. At our DAYS recreation. or
gathered i'm our churches. rcvcrently
observe the day and praise God from
whom all blessings flow.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30
DIXIE HIGHWRT RAISING LAND
VALUES.

1t is always Il source Of regret that
proper credit can not ue given 20 all
articles used but we failed to note
what paper the following was clipped
from, and it is too good to be hidden
under a bushcl:
"The Dixie Highway sections Of
which are Icing surfaced with con-
crete, has in some localities caused an
Increase in farm values from % 20
100 per cent. according to reports
which are being received from Flor
ida, Georgia, Ohio and other Dixie
Highway states. That these increases
are being watched elsewhere along the
route is evidenced by the active inter
est the farmers are taking in the
states traversed by the Dixie High
way in improving the road and in
which have been started
by women Of the Dixie Highway Aux
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30
SPEEDING UP.

The American government Is break
Co.,. the record for speedy work i'm
the handling Of the different phases
of the Adlm>on measure. In the first
place it was Matched up and pushed
through congress with such speed as
perhaps never before was a measure
Of such importance passed. Now the
courts are laying everything else aside
ana pushing the test case through to
the court of last resort. the supreme
court Of the United states. Judge
William 9. Hook, Of the federal dis
trict court, sitting at Kansas City.
Missouri has held the law uucon>titu-
iicnal hut it is Understood, and his
opinion bears it out. that his decision
was not founded on the merits Of the
case. hut that he decided it as he
did because it would at once he APP
pcalcd TO the supreme court, and an
parties want it expedited so that a
final decision 10y that court can he Oh
tanned before January I, when the
law goes into effect. Which all dem
onstrates that congress and the
courts can get a hustle on them when
they like.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30

iliaries' for the Identification Of the
roadside.
a specific example of the increase
in farm values is given by W. Il. Roy.
ster, Secretary-manager Of the Grit
fin and Spaulding county board Of
trade, Griffin, Georgia. A farm of
$50 acres, located on the highway
was optioned I'm 1914 at $50 per acre.
1t was sold this year for 500 an acre
Another case in point Is a 100 acre
farm which sold in 1915 for S31 per
acre, ana was rcsold this year for $50
per acre.
"Mr. Royst0r not only gives the
Dixie Highway movement credit for
bringing about an increase in the
value of farm lands directly on the
highway, but Of those farms
throughout the county which have
benefited by the general good roads
activity created and stimulated 10y the
Dixie Highway.
There is no doubt says Mr..
Register, that the good roads move
mcnt in Spaulding county created 10y
the Dixie Highway has increased the
value Of lands from % TO 100 per
cent Spaulding county has 'caShcd
in on the value of the Dixie Highway
to itself by providing roads which are
equal to any in the state.
"Hon. Ralph D. Cole, Of Findlay.
Ohio. states that the Dixie Highway
has increased farm lands along the
highway in Butler county, Ohio, $50
per acre
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30

1t is planned by the United Daugh-
tiers Of the Confederacy of this city 70
send a huge no filled with Christmas
goodies" and other articles to the
boys Of Company X, now stationed at
Laredo, Texas, and it is sincerely hop
ed that every Arcadian will make
contribution for this box. In order
that YOU may know just what articles
will he Of service to the boys, the
following list has been prepared:
Pocket knives, looking glasses safe
ty razors combs, hair brushes, black
ties. handkerchiefs, clothes brushes,
shoe shine equipment, cigars and
money enough to buy candy, nuts and
raisins to iii "A bag for every man.
While as yet no articles have pecn
solicited, yet few knowing that such
a plan was on foot have already re-
sponded by handsome contributions,
among them being r. +. Whidden,
who gives $40 in cash, and j. V. Ba-
kcr who contributes a fine box Of
HavanaS. OF course everybody will
want to have a part in this privilege
Of helping to make the DcSoto boys
happy at Christmas time, and for your
convenience will say that contribu-
tons IF any character may be for
wardol to Arcadia, care of Mrs. Del
In Robertson, Mrs. Lila G. Smith or
Mr.. G.. S. Gardner. All contributions
must reach one Of the members of this
committee on or before the 10th day
Of December in order TO insure the
arrival of the box at Laredo before
Christmas day.
The following named Officers and
men Of Arcadia and DcSoto county
compose Company X "DeSoto
Guards" Second Florida Infantry:
Captain Rupert Smith
First Lieutenant. John II. Wild
den,
Second Lieutenant p. Houstoun,
First Sergeant s. G. smith,
Sup. Sergeant. +. ~ Stanley,
Mess Sergeant. II. G. Durrance,
Sergeant, $. S. Barron,
Sergeant Sam Lawton,
Sergeant, II. A. OSteen.
Corporal, G. =. Bates,
Corporal, ]. s. Barron,
Corporal. Frank Lanier,
Corporal, Ed. Surrency,
Corp oral. G.. G.. Duncan,
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30
HURT IN AUTO ACCIDENT.
tFrom Tuesdays Daily.l

tFrom Tuesdays DailyD
Louie Fuller, young man Of Noe
aztec, was seriously injured in an au-
tomohilc accident near the school
building in Nocatce yesterday. From
reports, Louis was probably running
between twenty-five and thirty miles
nm hour, when the car became unman-
aseablc, and the rear end rose clear
of tho ground. This sent the front
wheels crooked, and the car crashed
into the two-foot ditch at the side.
Louic'S collar bone was broken in two
places and his leg is badly bruised.
Other than being very sore, he is get
ting along nicely today, and unless
complications arise he will he out Of
bed in a week or ten days. The dam
age Ia the car was comparatively
light the front wheels being crushed
and the steering gear torn up. The
car was 4 Ford truck.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30
BUSTED LIBEL SUIT

4 great many people will be so'i
to hear the stars libel suit mas w,
dismissed. There were at least wv
ty citizens of Ocala anxious 70 t'9'
fy against Cash, bunch coming '''
from Lake county and several cOin''
up from Polk. There were some ~.
who were not anxious to testify ~
they would have had to go on =
stand. And everybody wanted 70 "
the fun. --Ocala star.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30

A crowd Of 1900 people in Cali
fornia the other day ate ten tons OF
cranes at one sitting, 1t would have
taken less than an acre Of Carmen
grapes at an aveage yield to feed
that crowd, but enough grapes would
have been left from the acre yield to
pay the entire cost Of production and
marketing. Armalga grapes, at the
present market price in Tampa for
Malaga. which is the same grape
with a native combination, would have
cost that crowd $1,000. Armalaga
cranes yield about the same per acre
as the Carmen. Plant an acre OF
grapes in Florida Of the right kind
Tarpon Springs Progressive
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30
BUYERS
OF Live Stock Should Know Int
State Quarantine Regulations.

Buyers CF live stock should ad
quaint themselves with the interstat
quarantine regulations before Al
tempting % ship animals from oH
state to another. BY doing so the1
will save themselves a great deal q
trouble and expense. C. /. Willougu
10y. professor Of animal husbandry 4
the University of Florida College q
Agriculture. cites a recent instane
thar illustrates the application Of IN
regulations.
A group of dairymen from eent'
Florida went to Georgia to buy any
mails. The federal ruling requires qua
all animals not intended for imneal
ate slaughter he dipped for ticks 2
fore they can he shipped interstate
the tics territory. The state REQUIRE
that they he given the tuberculin 'e'
These dairy animals were sh'piF
without dipping or without undelk'
ing the tuberculin test.
\ federal inspector held up 'n
shipment just over the Georgia 'ins
The cattle wer unloaded, dipped an
help for n second dipping. TINS cau'
deseveral days of delay as wen i
considerable expense. 1t was also ne1
essary to test the animals for tu0e
culosis, which caused further expe's
ana delay.
No trouble would have been ila9
these men Mad apprised themse''9
of the REGULATIONS.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30
HAPPY IN MANATEE'

Our winter residences are HUI" =.
elections over, celery's grown ~ =.
Thanksgiving and Christmas -,
close at hand, fish are -bitin' nun.
season opens Monday, Manatee eo ~
ty will again take first prize a. +
South Florida Fair, we don't own =,
property to pay, taxes on = m
should we worry about the neN' -
ernor?-Manatee Record.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30

The interest being manifested in
the Community Christmas tree in
Sures it a big success from the begin-
hing. one man became SO enthusiasts
tic over the matter and fearing that
he might not he able 10 he here on
that occasion, asked the News to Uut
him down for 90, as he Just must
have a part i'm it. This man ha, a
proper conception Of Christmas On
ioyment. that Is, maxim. somebody
happy.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30
TRUTH AND LIBEL LAWS.

Talking about libel laws, the law
should allow a newspaper to tell the
plain truth, and it should severely
punish the scalawag who prints plain
lies. That's simple basis for all leg.
islation Of this kind, and on it could
be built laws entirely satisfactory TO
every honorable newspaper man.
Lakeland Telegram.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30

The Tampa Tribune gives three well
written paragraphs in commentator
Of the following sensible words from
the pen Of editor Jordan, Of the Pun
tn Gorda Herald:
"Christmas has become nightmare
TO most bread winners who have to
pay the cost. why not quit giving
presents to any persons over fourteen
years old and let people over that age
merely exchange Christmas cardST'
We do so much wish somebody
would send all of 'em a marked copy
Of what the Tribune and HeTld say
on this subject and do it qS'lly $"
they'll understand our action is back
ed mp by good authority.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30

A. b. Tucker. our builder Of good
roads, met with an accident. last
Thursday, that might have been So
rious He was working underneath
his auto with a torch in one hanr.
when some one placed near him n
gallon oil can that had contained gas
olcne., Enough Of the exploSice was
left in the can to blow it to pieces. as
it did, and Mr.. fuckers whole face
was badly scorched. ITS wonder
his eyes we're not destroyed.-Pmta
Gorda Herald.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30

A SUCKER is born every minute.
But they would not be suckers If
they patronizel our advertising col.
umns.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30


The Pensacola Journal has the fol-
lowing to say in regard to the lncreaS-
cd interest in the production or corn
that should he an example to other
Florida counties:
GadSrcu county, i'm former years
imported corn, but--ncvcr again! This
year GadSlm not only raised enough
for its needs, but has already export
ed twenty-five carloads Of the golden
grain, ana before the season Is over
it will probably have shipped a hun
drcd ears to the less fortunate re-
sions. The saving on imports ana
the profits on eXportS-ii sounds like
slang. but Gadsdcn county farmers
are literally making money coming
ana going.
Being 50 efficient in this line. # l.
hardly necessary to 81" that GadS-
den is successful in other fields Of
agriculture as we'll The can crop
yield is expected to be greater than
usual We haven't the details, but
would be willing to wager DIETING
hcing hargcdD that the cattle and the
hogs and the gardens are better than
usual, too.
It's as easy to know this rs II was
for the Arabian Nights tale 10 de
scribe the camel and its load without
ever seeing it,
Corn raising is barometer Of ag-
ricultural success: it is the farmers
financial pulse If ne raises corn he
is prosperous; if he buys it, he isn't.
Raise corn!
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-11-30

Bales Of cotton compressed at tn
gin e;rive at their destinations in
better condition than do other COM
pressed bales