davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
Anybody Want a Baby?

Branch was utterly shameless. utterly self
ish and uncompassiouate. "lm sick, too
sicker than he IL. Have q heart. Remem-
ber ] risked my life to get you something
nice to- eat"
Yes The most ridiculous procedure |
ever heard of. What ever made you do
such crazy thing?" Norine was honestly
indignant now.
II did II for you. II seems to me that
the least you can do in return"
THE least, and the most, | can de- is TO
try to save this poor mans life." she
firmly reasserted. "Now run along I'd
take the baby IL I could. but | simply
can't"
"lt'll die On me-" Branch protested.
Nonsense! It's the healthiest little
thing | ever saw, Wait until il has its
supper You'll see" She disappeared into
her tent and Branch reluctantly turned
away
Next he bore the infant to Judson and
OReillv In turn; but both gruffly refused
70 assume the least responsibility for IT,
In the matter Of advice concerning its well
fare however. they we're more obliging
They were willing to discuss the theory OF
collaborating with him as long as he would
listen, but their advice merely caused him
70 glare balefully and to curse them. Nor
did he regard II as a mark Of friendship
on their part when they collected an audi
ence that evening to watch him milk the
cSW--a procedure. by the way, not devoid
OF excitement and hazard. inasmuch as
l5ranch's knowledge Of cows was even more
theoretical than his knowledge of babies
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
Esteban Among Friends

Such eagerness. such thankfulness. such
passionate pity were in his friends hOarse
voice that JudSon drew closer. He noticed
that the fantest flame of reason flickerCd
eyes; then they began to rove again, ana
the same ruSting whisper recommended
JudsOn had heard something of O'Reilly'S
story; he had heard mention of Esteban
silent wOuderment, listening to the in
coherent words that poured from his friends
lips. OReilly held the boy tendcrly in his
arms; tears ro led down his checks as he
implored Esteban to hear aud to heed him.
"Try to hear me! Try" There was
fierce agony in the cry. where is Rosa?
Rosa You're safe now; you can tell
me-fou're safe with O'Reilly-I came
back--I came back for you and Rosa
Where Is shells she--dead?"
Other men were assembling now The
column was ready to move, but Judson
sgnaled 10 Colonel Lopez and made known
the identity OF the sick stranger The
colonel came forward swiftly and aid a
hand upon OReilly's shoulder, saying:
$50 You were right, after all, Esteban
NarOna didn't die. God must have sent US
to san Antonio to deliver HIM"
'rhose Spaniards! Look what they've done
70 him" His voice changed lie cried,
fercely: "Well, I'm ate again I'm all.
ways, Just a little bit too late He'll die be-
fore he can tell me-"
Wait! Take hold of yourself. Wen do
al that can be done to save him. Now
come, we must be going, or all San Antonio
will be upon us"
When the troop resumed its retreat Fs-
tcban Varona lay suspended upon a swing
horses. Although they carried him as care
fully as they could throughout that long
hot journey, he never ceased his babbiing
and never awoke TO his surroundings.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
The Mysterious Sound

Listen,." he exclaimed what on
I've been hearing it right along !" Branch
said II thought / had the willies,
The nearest riders abruptly ceased thelr
chatter; they questioned one another mute
ly, doubling their own ears.
Again came that thin, muhle' wall,
Leslie Why, tits in your bundle =
PIE pointed % the formless roll or neddins
which hung s~om his friends saddle-horn;
"G'wan! Yon're craZy!" Branch slpped
e. the ground. seized the bundle IN ms
arms. and bore it TO the roadside WIN
shaking hands he tugged at the knotted
corners of the comforter Pure imagina-
tion!" Se muttered. testify. There's nom,
Ing in here but bedclothes, l just grabbed
an armful--" The last word ended IN a
yell. Lesie sprang into the air as II ms
exploring fingers had encountered coiled
serpent ',Oh, my Cod" lie poised as
Y upon tSN point of flight. johnnie!
Look! It's alive!"
whats alive? What Is itY' ,
With sudden desperate courage Branch
bent forward and spread out the beddlng
There. exposed to the bulgng eyes OF
the onlookers, was a very tiny very brown
baby. 1t was a young baby; 1t was quite
naked. Its eyes. exposed TO the snaden
glare OF the morning sun, closed tishtiy .
one small hand all but lost itself In the
wide. toothless cavity that served as
mouth. Its ten ridiculous toes curled ana
uncurled in most amazing fashion.
"Oh, my God ~ Branch repeated aghast.
ITS just b-born Its eyes aren't open"
The cubans, who had momentariiy been
strlckenl dumb with amazement. suddenly
broke into volube speech. The .clamor
ssrved to attract Colonel Lopez. who was
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
Leslie Milks a Cow

Strangely enough the animal stood uuist
for tine-lost in amazement, Derhans-
and Leslie managed TO cover the bottom az
his big tin cup with milk. But at last The
outrage proved too much for her; she slovIv
lifted one hind foot and poised Il jerkily
She seemed to consider the next move f3r
a moment; then she kicked forward ara
sent Branch flying.
Can you beat that?'' oRei'ly exclaimed
in apparent wonderment why, she waIs
loped you with the back OF her hand. I" = :
Judson, too, affected great amusement.
Most cows are left-handed" he DECLARED
TRY her on the other side" -.
Branch dried the milk from his face, then
IN shaking voice cried: Have good
time with me, It's your last chance :" 80
IL seemed for while that the enter -
was doomed TO failure but at last 4 III
or more OF milk was secured. and this LtglR
proceeded TO dilute with warm water fro
a nearby campfire. Even then. however.
posed that any baby knew enough 10 dflrk
IL took him half an hour to discover M
mistake. Having long since given up ~.
hope of any active assistance from his 49,
dience, he doggedy set 10 work TO faah1Sn
a nursing bottle. He succeeded in due 49,
after making use Of a flask. the stem of ~
chief 80 80 ~ 7'|
When he finally took seat. and k>esa
drink. the Cubans voiced their appreol9 ri
OF the picture. They were courfeoug 4 ~
did not laugh; nevertheless. the eiGh&
their eccentric, frascible. rebo IfoI ~
Demonio tamely nurping Z child lu fn
light filled them With luxuFtopa ~
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
and EnerSeHc Governor

most inopportune for the purpose had in vew but rich
opportunities for remnscence In Havre de
soldier shot and killed. regiment of Maine umbermen their
way to the South halted in the and threw their
One OF the tried to his guard
the point of being overcome not
touch the offender through
Of the regiment through sides
stone wall. The stricken bed
occurrence ended when
Of the soldiers to hang German baker in the accused of
having sold them cakes filled with glass With difficulty
escaped getting fence in the his garden being
hidden by of the The charge probably
entirely unfounded
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
Washington at the Start of the War

In Washing. stopped Wizards Hotel and found the
city state of the utmost excitement and confusion expecting the
approach of the rebels The army
of the city, the of different regiments mngng together
they happened and messengers uniform were
gaopng hher and yon and indicating by
the tense of their who his
excitement directly upon the tongue of an artillery
carriage the other and the with penetrated
breast dead
Around the floors of wlards lay number of the New York
Fire Zouaves who told rather highly cod narratives their
with the Black Horse Cavalry
gathered knot of listeners whose interest heightened
antes General Winfield Scott whom upon horseback,
seemed both too old and too copuen responsibility
crisis My grandfather and his brother both concerned for
the fortunes of General Mcdowell
had married daughter of Burden Troy NJ " whom they
the business representatives in Philadelphia.
enough from Drake De Kay whose autograph apparently
made with pair of
which being rapidly constructed for the defense of the city,
We likewise drove across the Long Bridge and Arlington which
then not cemetery, and to Alexandria, where the
house which the rebel tavcrnkeeper Jackson had shot Colonel
Ellsworth and had himself fallen few minutes later 1t is difficult
for those of the day
emotion spread the land when Ellsworth killed. they
idea of by observing what living
bear the Elmer f. He young and
attractive and became earliest
the moloch of slavery At Capitol
Eheridge of the Congressman from Tennessee who remained
loyalty at his post Notwithstanding the action
eyed slight in build and vobe he tobacco juice right
left the beautiful marble which adorned the fireplace
committee also Potter of Wisconsnshort chunky
and mucularho then great rcpute because
A. Pryor of Virginia. cadaverous freeater challenged him
duel he accepted selected bowie knives
upon Pryor withdrew upon the theory that they were not the
weapons gentleman general opinion that Potter
would have Pryor. who
into In the Senate John Brecknrdg Kentucky
maintained the ethically ndensibc attitude participating
the legislation of the Government while making his
for command the rebel fight against attracted
attention Tall and of good proportions handsome
Indian with straight hair he walked and down the chamber
with slow and with his hands capcd behind him, giving
good view of his imposing Later he became
general in the rebel service number defeats
conspicuous and | believe, a soldier also
Crienden Kentucky, then DID, thin
wrinked who had made
struggle Nuch of the conversation about the Capitol concerned
those Congessmen who had gone
and had fallen into the hands of the
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29

looking on with rapt attention. applauded
this show of spirit. Branch was unwontedly
meek He acknowledged his tota inexper-
ience, and begged his friends, almost
politely to call for a substitute.
Judson explained gravely, These Cubano
don't know any more about cows than You
do"
O'Reilly agreed They're good bull
fighters, but they can't milk" NTI
Les 10 eyed the speakers, white with rage:
he was trembling. You think you're damned
funny, don't you? You're having a jubilee
with me. Well I'm game, I'll go through
with y II you'll hold her. I'll milk her
I'll milk her till she hollers."
oblgingly OReilly took the animal by
the horns and Judson laid hold of her tail
stretch her tight" Leslie commanded
Don't give her inch of slack. or ri
quit When his friends had braced them
Sc yes he moved toward the COW once mort.
but this time from the opposite quarte.
Noting the direction of his approach tie
onlookers gave vent to low murmur 4
expectancy. They drew closer -
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
An "Emergency" Recruit

We returned home having failed in the object visit
had been in the midst of the trying
the entire If rebels Washington
their at Bull Rum the whole history of the world might
have been changed The prevalent feeling Washington
time that in immediate danger and
in grave doubt.
In 1868 a private in Company the Twentysxth
Pennsylvania Emergency Regiment which Earys division
Lees army advanced upon Gettysburg coming
the Army the Potomac under Meade intend
the details and incidents Of that campaign for the that
the full description of published
my Historical and Biographical Sketches and for the further
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
The Conspiracy

Leslie had begun by this time to realize
against him; he met IL with suien resent
ment.
He deeply regretted his ignorance OF the
Spanish language, however. for a thousand
eptthets and insults clamored for transla-
tion.
Now there are cows which an amateur
can milk, and there are other kinds This
particular COW was shy. apprehensive
peeyish Branch's Impractical fumb ing ir-
ritated her. Being herself a nomad Of the
savannas, she was accustomed to firm,
masterful men. therefore when Leslie at
tempted courteously apologetically, 10 sepa-
rate her from her milk. she turned and
hooked him.
III DsmOnio's audience. who had. bssa
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29

that address the dedication of the erected
the field made thorough study of the contemporary orders
relating showing unique The address be
found the two volumes Pennsylvania Gettysburg published
by the State 1t here only to fill few additional
features and make rather philosophical than
historical went sergeant with from PhoeniXv
Harrisburg in June had been in that before and
that night slept the stone of the Capitol wrapped red
horse blanket In view of election the governorshp of the
State this incident has certain dramatic features of which the
Hon. Hampton L. Carson made good in the nominating
tion When discovered that the required to be
into the service Of the United States the with which
had friends declined and
returned to their homes. went the Posown
company, among strangers.
1t is certainly remarkable that boy should his quiet
country home within days march, wcre direct
Gettysburg not only the pivotal of that tremendous conflict
but the the all American history
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
The Gettysburg Campaign

1t almost though there fatality which deter
mined that affairs should shaped If company had
home should not have been the which
Gettysburg would have nothing
The Posown company had decided itself with
another regiment the camp and only much persuasion
change its association and with him. Had it
this change should have Gettysburg The delay
likewise essential The regiments forward organized
each further southwark than predecessor
Colonel Jennings succeeded with
his would have filled he would
the place the valley which Colonel Thomass
sent We constituted the first and Of eight regiments
into the of the United States for the existing emergency
We body the entire which
the military the period of
duration and with Lee invading the State that period we'll
have extended into the indefinite future.
When arrived Gettysburg found Major Granville
Haler of the United States command there the only
force at his disposal On the other side of the
in the Cumberland Valley, miles away
with the Army Northern Virginia. Rod being advance
marched toward Harrisburg the the heart the
State and possibly Philadelphia. Early, with a division
artillery cavalry and nfantrywas the mountain by the
Chamberburg pike Gettysburg On the twenysxth of June
the morning obedience the order of Major Haer
marched the Chambersburg pike confront the approaching
To this of had their homes
before unacqanted with their officers and comrades and unfamiliar
with the of warfare assigned the task of stopping the
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
CHAPTER Xxx
Ell DEMONIO'S CHILD

nURING the next few days o'Reilly had
- reason TO bless the happy chance
which had brought Norine Evans to Cuba.
During the return journey from San An
tonic de los Banos he had discovered how
really Ill Estaban Varona was. how weak his
hold on life. The young man showed the
marks of wasting illness and of cruel
abuse starvation. neglect. and disease had
sJl but done for him. After listening to his
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
novel of love- hidden and rebellion beautiful ys.
Cuba during exciting the against Spain

keeps time / didn't sleep any last night,
and itll keep me awake all tonight. It's
a nice, baby really Il needs a woman"
Norine parted the flaps of her tent and
pointed inside, where Esteban NarOna lay
upon her cot His eyes were staring his
lips were moving. Mrs Ruiz and | will
have our hands fun with that poor chap.
For all we know, he may have some COM
tagiGllS disease"
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29

not three leagues from here, I'll send n
man to borrow it from the owner and drive
IL to our camp. or perhaps'--his handsome
face hardened again--"perhaps you would
prefer to take this child back where you
found it?"
No = Oh, they'd tear me limb
from limb !"
Exactly"
Branch turned his head from side to side
in desperation. lie wet his lips, ITS the
youngest one | ever had anything to do
with. Maybe it isn't used TO cows milk"
he vcntured.
unfortunately that Is the only kind I
can offer it. Take care of II until 1 find
some way Of notifying its people"
o'RcilIy had looked on at his friends
embarrassment with malicious enjoyment,
hut. realizing that Branch would undoubt-
edly try 10 fOist upon him the responsibility
of caring for the baby, he slipped away and
rode over to where Captain Judson was
engaged in making a litter upon which TO
carry the sick prisoner they had rescued
from the Jail. When he had apprised the
artlleryman Of what Branch had found
in his roll Of purloined bedding the latter
smiled broadly
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
|R RATNROW'S END Il Il By REX BEACH Il

"Esteban," he cried. "Estehan! This is
oReiiiy, your friend your brotherl For
Gods sake, tel me what they've done to
you! Look at me. Esteban. Look at me
Look at me oh, Esteban."
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29

rawlings, O'Iteilly began TO fear that the
poor fellows mind was permanently affect
ed II was an appalling possibility, one to
which he could not reconcile himself. To
think that somewhere in that feverish
brain was perhaps locked the truth about
Rosa's fate, il not the secret Of her where
abouts, and yet 10 be unable to wiring an
intelligent answer to a single question was
intOlerahe. The hours of that ride were
ann the longest o'Reilly had ever passed.
t Norine Evans gave him new heart.
Sh took complete charge of the sick man
upon his arrival In camp; then in her brisk,
matter-of-fact way she directed O'Reilly TO
go and get some muCl-needed rest, Este
ban was i'll, very i'll, she admitted there
was no competent doctor near and her own
facilities for nursing were primitive indeed
nevertheless. she expressed confidence that
she could cure him and reminded OReily
that nature has Il blessed way of building
up "A resistance to environment. As "A resui.
of her good cheer OReilly managed to en-
joy a nights sleep
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
Leslie and the Baby

Leslie Branch was later than the others
in arriving, for the baby proved TO be n
trial and "A handicap. His comrades had
refused him any assistance on the home
ward journey. They expressed deep
hCarse condemnation of hs conduct. and
all claims TO their, friendship and regard
Branch took this seriously. and he was
In a state bordering upon desperation when
he reached camp, In the hope of unloading
his unwelcome burden upon NOrine Evans
he hurried directly to- her tent. But Norine
had heard the story; Lopez had warned
her: therefore she waved him away.
Don't ask me to mother your stolen
child" she said,
"Oh, but you've got to-" he declared in
panic. you've just got to-
well, won't In the first place. have
sick man in my tent"
but look Listen! This baby dslikes
me. I've nearly dropped 1t dozen times.
I'm going to leave II, anyhow"
But Norine remained firm In her refusal.
door. II you intend to steal babies you
should make up your mind to take care
of them" She was itching to seize the
hungry little mite, but she restrained the
impulse 60 ahead and keep II amused
until the COW arrives" she told him
"Keep II amused Amuse a starving
bra" tragically cried the man. "In
Heavens name, how?
"Why, play with It, euddle Il, give Il
to cry---it may injure itself"
Branch glared resentfully; then he
changed his tactics and began TO plead.
"Oh, Norine. :" he implored 'I--just can't
do It. I'm all tagged cut now, and, be-
sides. I've got the only watch In camp that
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29

forcing his horse through the ring which
had formed about El Demonio and his
bundle one startled look and the colonel
flung himself out of his saddle. Whose
baby is that?" he demanded.
"I-I-- Why, it's mine. ] mean.
the child in Mortified fascination. He
choked and stammered and waved his
hands impotently.
"Branch's Baby"
Come, come! Speak up! What does this
mean?" Lopezs voice grew stern.
she must have be,been asleep. just
GG0T Stricken Lao '"Ss Gs
shouted hoarsely shes going to cry or
lie MAS right the baby showed every sign
of firm determination to voice her indigna-
ton at the outrage she had suffered Her
hand stole out Of her mouth, her fsts
closed, her face puCkered OmlnOuslE Lopez
stopped wrapped her I'm a sheet, then took
her awilwardiy in his arms. lie bent
blazing glance upon the kidnapper, but ne
had no chance to speak before the storm Oh
News Of Leslie's exploit. was spreading.
Men were shouting and sesticuiating TO their
comrades to come and see I'll Demonlos
spoils There was a great chattering and
crowding and no little smothered laughter.
desperate device to soothe the infant, but
Without success. At last he strobe up to
Leslie and extended his burden; :,
Here" he said, harshy' shes yours l
Leslie drew back "No, you don't! /
wouldn't touch her for a thousand dollars" J"
he cried. 49,.
of command: "Do as ! tell you. rake her.
A fine outrage. to steal baby, what
are we going to do with her? We can't
send her back--the town is crazy. i've no
doubt / shall hear from this"
In spite of Leslie's choking protests, In
spite OF his feeble resistance, Lopez pressed
the noisy stranger into his arms, then turned
to his men and directed them to be on
The Quandary
Branch remained motionless He was
stupefied he held the baby gingerly, not
daring to put 1t down, dreading to keep II;
his ewes were rolling. he began 70 perspiree
freely. Stretching timid' OBTAINING hand
shall / do with herY
"c;od knows don't" snapped the Off
Ger. ~ shall have TO think. but meanwhile
/ hold you responsible for her, Come now'
we must be going" -
Leslie swallowed hard; his face became
oyerspread with a sicklier pallor. "Whatll
/ do-when she gets hungryy
Lopez could not restrain a smile. You
should have Thought about that. compadre
Wei. I know &hera there Is a milk COW
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29
Copyright. 1917. Harper & Bros.
CHAPTER XIX (COntinued)

HNH, nothing" The two men rode on
~ in silence for time, then Leslie
Sild: Queer thing happened back there
While those RorLees were popL ing at me.
VI heard baby crying"
"a baby?"
~oman's Kid. When we flushed her She
probably Vamped out and left it in the
grass. Anyhow. it let up an awful hol-
ler."
Jacket and the other loot-laden soldiers
had been sent on ahead, together with
those troopers who were sharing mounts
with the rescued prisoners; they were now
waiting perhaps two miles from town Tor
chir companions to overtake' them, AS
fte column came up and halted, O'Rellly ad-
'iressed remark to Leslie Branch, but IN
the middle of II the faint, unmlStakablo
complaint OF n child came to his ears
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-11-29

CONTINUED TOMORROW
TaÌˆgliches Cincinnatier volksblatt. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1885-1919, 1917-03-12
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