davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01
CHAPTER xV-Continued.

EVAN a drink mumbled Ward
with blanket over his mouth and 6
raveled thread tickling his nose so thai
he squirmed.
Billy Louise wen. over and laid hel
fingers on his neck. 81 can't tell
whether it's grease or perspiration,'
she said, laughing little. "What are
you squirting up your nose for? Sure
iy to goodness you don't mind that
little, harmless raveling? If you
wouldn't go on breathing, it wouldn't
wriggle around so much!" Neverthe-
less, she plucked the tormenting
thread and threw 1t on the floor.
Gimme - drink" Ward mumbled
again.
There's more sage tea"
<'Waughw
st suppose that means you aren't
crazy about sage tea p! Well, l might
give you teenty-weenty speck more
of coffee. You can't have water yet,
you know. You've-you've got to
sweat like a niger in a cotton patch
first
Ward grunted something and after
wards signified that he would take the
coffee and call it square.
The next time she went near him he
was wrinkling his lean nose because
beads of perspiration were standing
there and slipping occasionally down
TO his cheeks.
Fine! You're two niggers in cot
ton patch now" she announced cheer
ingly. "And Mr.. Hookin' Cough will
have to hunt another home. l reckon.
You weren't half as hoarse when you
swore last time"
1t was physically impossible for
Ward to blush, since he was already
the color of a boiled beet; but he
looked guilty when she uncovered the |
rest Of his face and wiped off the |
gathered moisture. 81 didn't think |
you'd hear" he grinned embarrassedly.
Il was listening for it, buckaroo. I'd
nave been scared to pieces if you
hadn't cussed little. I'd have thought |
sure you were going to die. A man."
she added sententiously. always has
chance as long as he's able to swear,
It's like horse wiggling his ears"
The comparison reminded her that
she intended to shut Rather in the
kay corral; she dried Wards hands
hastily, pulled the wolf-skins off the
he'd. and commanded him to keep COW
cred until she came back. She ran
down bareheaded to the stable, saw
Ikttler industriously boring his nose
Ihto the stack, and put up the gate.
When she went into the cabin again,
ward gave start and opened his eyes
IKE one who had been doing. Billy
Louise smiled with qualification. He
WIS better She knew he was better. :
She did not speak, but went over to I
he stove and pretended to be busy
.6ere. though she was careful to make S
40 noise. When she turned finally and '
danced toward the bed, Ward was
Isieep. S
Billy Louise took deep breath, tip c
oed over to the bench beside the table. t
at down, and pillowed her head on S
.er folded arms. She wanted to cry, a
I'D she needed to think, and she was a
eadly, deadly tired. Il
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01

| Marthyin' nor no sympathy. Well, ole
man, you're. here to colleck, 1 s'pose
Take what's in sight; faint none of II
yourn, fairs know, but anything you
claim you kin have, fer all me. I've
lived honest all my days an worked
| fer what got. I've harbored thieves
in my old age and trusted them that
want fit to be trusted. I've allus paid
my debts, Seabeck. I'm willin' to pay
now fer bein' fool"
"W-where's Charlie?" Billy Louise
leaned and whispered the question.
II dino, and I don't care. He's
pulled out-him an that breed. I'll
have t. pay yuh for seven growed
cattle I never seed till yist'day, Sea-
beck. You can set yer own price on
'em. I amt sure, but I've got an idee
they was shot las night an dumped
in the river. You en- set yer price.
I've got rheumatic so bad / couldn't
go m put stop to nothin'-but-"
"Oh, Marthy!" Billy Louise was
shivering and crying now. "Marthy |!
Don't be $3.50 hard. 1t was all Char
lie"
"Yes," said Marthy harshly, sit was
all Charlie. He was thief, an / was
sech a supplemented old fool l never
knowed what he wae. / let him go
ahead, an / set in tie house with
white apurn tied on me an thought ]
was havin' an easy time. 1 set here
and let him rob my neighbors that !
amt never harmed err cheated out of
a cent, and soon's he thought he was
found out, he-left ole Marthy to look
after herself. Never so much as fed
the hogs or done the milkin' first
Looky here, Seabeck! You'll git paid
back, an I'll take your figgers fer what
/ owe, but if you git after Charlie,
yuh. You let i'm go. I'm the
one he hurt most-and / amt gOin'-"
She laid her frOwsy old head ON her
arms, like one who is utterly crushed
and dumb.
"Oh, Marthyi" Billy Louise knelt
and threw her arms around Marthy's
shoulders.
Marthy's chin began to culver. Her
lips sagged with the pull of her aching
heart. For the third time in her life
Billy Louise saw big, slow tears gather
n Marthy's hard blue eyes and slide |
Town the leathery seams in her cheeks.
Billy Louise looked, found her vision
)lurring with her own tears, and
urned from the room.
Seabeck was gone somewhere on his
horse. Billy Louise guessed shrewdly
hat he was down in the meadows,
ooking over the cattle and trying to
,stimate the extent of the thievery.
She put Blue in the stable and fed
lin, with that half-mechanical habit
# attending to the needs of ones
Mount which becomes second nature to
he range-bred. She would not go on
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01

or if you'd rather ride on, I'll Overtake
you"
"I'Il ride on, / think. Blue hates
standing around, and he's little warm
too. You're awfully good, Mr.. Sea.
beck"
"Oh, not at all" Seabeck stubbed
his toe on the stable doorsill in his
confusion at the praise. "Ill be right
along, soon as can slip a saddle on"
He disappeared, and Billy Louise
turned and loped slowly down the
lane.
you must have some lightning
method of saddling, Mr.. Seabeck," she
smiled over her shoulder at him when
he came up.
"We learn to do things quick when
we've handled cattle few years." he
admitted. He had diffident manner
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01

that pardons and condOnes a mans
sins.
I'm glad you came and told me
this" he said at last. every glad, In
deed, Miss Macdonald. Certain steps
have been taken lately to push this
wipe out this rustling and general law.
lessness, and If you had not told me-
I'm afraid the mills of justice would
have ground your-friends. OF course
the law would be merciful to Mrs.
Meilke. No jury would send an old
| woman like that By the way, that
| breed they have had working for
them-he is in on the deal, too, l take
| It,"
Eyes, of course. They had to have
someone to help. Marthy can't do any
riding"
"Hm-mm-do you know, Miss Mac
Donald, whether there was any init
macy between-your friends-and the
man we had for stock inspector, Mr.
Olney?"
I-can't say as to that" Billy LOU
Use, you see, did not know much about
details, but the little she did know
made her hedge.
"There's queer story about Olney.
You know he has left the country.
don't you? 1t seems he rode very hur-
riedly up to the depot at Wilmer to
take the train. Just as he stepped on,
a fellow who knew him by sight no.
ticed piece of paper pinned on the
back of his coat. He jerked it loose.
1t was a-m-m-very peculiar docu-
ment for a man to be wearing on his
back" Seabeck pulled at his whis-
kers. but it was not pulling which
quirked the corners of his lips. "The
man said Olney seemed greatly upset
over something and had evidently for
gotten the paper until he felt it being
pulled loose. He said Olney looked
back then, and he was the color of a
pOrk-rind. The train was pulling out.
The man took the paper over to
saloon and let several others read 1t.
that it should
be placed in the hands of the authori- |
ties. -m-your-friends ever
mentioned the matter to your"
mo" said Billy Louise, and her eyes
were wide.
"Hm-mm! We must discover, If we |
can, Miss Macdonald, whether they |
are in any way implicated with this
man Olney. I believe that this is at
present more important than the re-
'overy of any-m-m-cattle of mine
which they may have appropriated"
Billy Louise looked at him for min
lite. "Mr. Seabeck, you're awfully dear
bout this !" she told him. II haven't
'een as square as you; and I've been
listen here, Mr.. Seabeck! don't love
;harlie Fox a bit. / love somebody
Use, and I'm going to marry him. He's
o square, I'd hate to have him think
even let you believe something that
wasn't true. It's Marthy I'm thinking
4, Mr.. Seabeck. / was afraid you
7ouldn't let Charlie off just for her
axe. but thought maybe if you just
bought WANTED you to do it for
line, why, maybe-with two women to
e sorry for, you'd be kind Of"
''Hm-mm % Seabeck sent her a keen,
lue, twinkling glance that made Billy
ouise turn hot all over with shame
nd penitence. "Hm-mm" he said
gain-if one can call that a saying
nd pulled at his grazing whiskers.
am-mmm 7"
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01
CHAPTER XVII.
Marthy.

N lilly LOUISE led the way down
ID the gorge, through the meadow,
and along the orchard to the little
gate. The Cove seemed empty and
rather forlorn, with the wind creep
ing up the river and rafting the dry
branches of the naked fruit trees.
She stopped for a minute on the
doorstep, hesitating before she opened
the door. Behind her, Seabeck drew
close as If he would shield her from
something; perhaps he, too, felt the
deadly quiet and emptiness Of the
place.
Billy Louise opened the door and
stepped into the kitchen. She stopped
and stood still. so that her slim figure
would have hidden the interior from
the eyes of Seabeck had he not been
SO tall. AS it was, she barred his
way so that he must stand on the step
outside.
By the kitchen table, with her ell
bows on the soiled oilcloth, sat Mar
thy. Her uncombed hair hung in
wisps about her head; her hard old
face was lined and gray, her hard eyes
dull with brooding. Billy Louise, star
ing at her from the doorway, knew that
Marthy had been sitting like that for
a long, long time.
She went over to her diff1dently.
Hesitatingly she laid her gauntleted
hand on Marthy's stopped shoulder.
She did not say anything. Marthy did
not move under her touch, except to
turn her dull glance upon Seabeck.
"C'm in," she said stolidly. "What'd
yuh come fer?"
Miss Macdonald will perhaps ex-
plain"
"She amt got nothin' to explain"
said hard old Marthy with grim final
Ity. "Pll do what explainin's to be
done. C'm in. Don't stand there like
a stump. And shut the door. It's
cold as barn here, anyway"
"Oh, Narthyl" cried Billy Louise,
with the sound Of tears in her voice.
"Don't oh Marthy me-" said the
harsh voice hatly. II don't want No
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01
CHAPTER XVI.
nHm-mmIn


TLOYD CARSON was phlegmatic
~ young man, but he swore an as
tonished oath when he saw Billy
Louise galloping along the lane that
led nowhere except to the womanless
abode of Samuel Seabeck. He walked
f-ery fast to the stable, which was the
drst logical stopping place, and so he
met Billy Louise before she had time
to disznount, even supposing she in
tend to do so.
"Hello, Floyd! Is Mr.. Seabeck at
homer"
".Sure. Get off, and I'll put up your
horse. We're just through eatin', but
our grub carpenter will rustic some
shing for yuh, all right"
mo, I can't stop this time. I'm not
hungry, anyway. Just give yell for
Mr.. Seabeck, will you? want to see
him a minute"
Floyd eyed her uncertainty, decided
chat Billy Louise was not in the mood
TO yield to persuasion, and tactfully
hurried OF to find Seabeck without
shouting for him-lest he bring others
also, who were evidently not wanted at
all. He took it that Billy Louise felt
some dif1idence about visiting a strict
iy bachelor outfit, and he set himself
to relieve her Of any embarrassment.
Presently Seabeck himself came
from the dirt-roofed, rambling cabin
which was his home and strobe down
The path, buttoning his coat as he
came. Floyd's face showed for a min
nte in the doorway before he effaced
himself completely, and not another
man was in sight anywhere. Billy Lou
Use was grateful to circumstance; she
had dreaded this visit, though not for
the reason Floyd Carson believed.
"How de do, Miss Macdonald? Pref
~ nice day, but I'm afraid it's a
weather breeder. The winds trying to
change, notice"
Yves, and so mustn't stop. Could
you ride part way home with me, Mr..
0eabeck? want to talk with you
about something. And can't stop
ninute. l must get home"
.Why, certainly, I'll go. II you'll
Unit TIA !. minute while saddle up
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01
smaIIe,t Farm. in the World.

On the islands of Re and Oleron,
near La Rochelle, France, according to
Popular Science Monthly, are found
the smallest farms in the worlds Some
of them are only one or two square
yards Nm area, yet these iny domains
are cafefully planted with variety
Of crops even including vineyards. The
soil is extremely fertile. The repeat
ed subdivision of estates among heirs
and the dense population Of the u
lands explain the existence 1t thaoe
LtlliputteA prGpertjes.
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01
Not a Hero.

"a fellow came into my Office this
morning and persuaded me to give him
a dollar. He said he had seen service
on British tank"
''That's interesting. Did he tell you
about his experiences at the front?"
mo, and for good reason. / dis
covered later that he had merely
helped to paint the thing before it left
the factory"
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01
Catarrh Cannot Be Cured

by LOCAL APPLICATIONS, as they
cannot reach the seat OF the disease.
Catarrh Is local disease, greatly infiu-
snced by constitutional conditions. HALLS
CATARRH MEDICINE will cure catarrh.
1t is. taken internally and acts through
the Blood on the Mucous Surfaces of the
System. HALLS CATARRH MEDICINE
is composed of some of the best tonics
known combined with some of the best
blood purifiers. The perfect combination
Of the ingredients In HALLS CATARRH
MEDICINE Is what produces such won
derful results in catarrhal conditions.
Druggistss75c. Testimonials free.
F. ]. Cheney & Co., Props, Toledo, o.
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01

of receiving compliments which
pleased Billy Louise and gave her con
, fidence a needed brace.
"Mr. Seabeck, I've always heard tina
you're an awfully square man." SHE
said. Daddy seemed to think tina
you could be depended on in any kline
of pinch. 1 hope it's true. I'm
banking a lot on your squareness to
day."
'Why, don't know about my being
any better than my neighbors," he said
with a twinkle of humor in his eyes,
which were a bright, unvarying blue.
"But you can bank on my doing any
thing l can for you, Miss Macdonald.
1 think I could be even better than
square-to help a plucky little girl
who"
Il don't mean just the ordinary
squareness," Billy Louise put in quiz
city. 81 mean bigness, too; bigness
that will make a man be more than
square; bigness that will let him see
all around a thing and judge it from
a bigger viewpoint than mere JUS
tice-"
"Hm-mm-if you could trust me
enough to"
'Tm going to, Mr.. Seabeck. I'm 60
ing to take it for granted you're big
ger than your own squareness. And If
you're Motif you're just selfish,
weak, letter-perfect, honest man, I'll
feel like-thrashing you" Without a
doubt that was the Billy of her which
spoke.
'I'll take the thrashing If you think
I need it," he promised, looking at her
with something more than admiration.
"What have you done, Miss MacDon-
aid? If 1 can help you hide the
body"
"Therer Billy Louise dared to
wrinkle her nose at him-and don't
know which of her did it. 81 knew |
you'd play up like a good sport. But |
what If it isn't a body? What if
what if you found some of your cattle |
with-with a big Drum over your |
brandt" She had perfectly white
line around her mouth and nostrils
then, but she faced him squarely.
"Hm-mm Seabeck gave her a
quick, sidewise glance and pulled
at the grazing whispers
that pointed his chin. Il would have
been glad to lend you money, or help
you in any way"
Eyes, 1 know" Billy Louise snapped
her reins impatiently. "But what
would you do about the-cattle?"
"What could do? What would you
want me to do? should do whatever
would help you. would"
would you-be as ready to help
somebody else? Somebody Thought
Seabeck evidently saw light. He
feared his throat and spat gravely
nto bush. II see you don't trust me,
after all,' he said.
II do. I've got to; I mean, I'd have
o whether did or not. It's like this,
Mr.. Seabeck. 1t isn't the big D brand;
If course you knew 1t couldn't be. But
t isn't yours, either. Some one was
empted and was weak. They're sorry
low. They want to do the right thing,
md it rests with you whether they
Van do 1t. You can shut them up In
all II you like; you have a perfect
tight to do 1t. Some men would do
nat and be able to sleep after 1t.
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01
Not Where Aoe is Concerned.

The little twins, John and Jennie,
were questioning as to which was the
older.
John Strengthened himself up and
said, Jennie, / am the Oldest"
mo, john" said Jennie, calmly; ia
dies first"
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01

to the Wolverine; that needed no de-
cision; she accepted 1t at once as a
fact. Marthy needed her now more
than anyone. More even than Ward.
though Billy Louise hated to think
of him there alone and practically
helpless. But Marthy must have her
tonight. Marthy was facing her bit
terest sorrow since Minervey died, and
Marthy was old. Ward, Billy Louise
reminded herself sternly, was not old,
and he was facing happiness-so far
as he or anyone knew. She wanted
very much to be with Ward, but she
could not delude her conscience into
believing that he needed her more
than did Marthy.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-01

Money talks conclusively, but oc-
casionally it gets ratified.
New Britain herald., 1918-03-27
TO HONOR GUESTS.
Polish People Plan DcnOnSt ration
 for Polish Mission.

Extensive plans haVc been com- pleted for the reception to the rep reScntatiVeS of the Polish Mission on the occasion of their visit to this city next Tuesday. The distinguished visitors are coming here in the in terests of recruiting young men with in and below the draft age. Invita- tlons have been extended by Rev. Lucyan BOjnoWski to prominent men in the city to participate in the re- ception to the guests.
 A street parade will be one of the features, and the line of march ar ranged is as follows: At $40 o'clock the parade will leave the Sacred Heart school on Gold street for tho depct to meet the representatives who will arrive on the 1:20 o'clock train. The procession will proceed to
New Britain herald., 1918-03-27
TOLD TO POILCT1NIEhN.

Bruno Burk of IA Grove street told the police last night that he had been assaulted by a bartender. He was referred to the prosecuting at torney.
 AdOlph Hinc of 295 East street re- ported the theft of his bicycle to the police last evening.
 While driving his automobile homo last night T. J. Simons of Cedar Hill farm collided with the silent officer'' at the corner of Park street and Franklin Square. He ruined the silent one" and expressed willingness to pay for the damage.
New Britain herald., 1918-03-27
FCkinsoA 5l0y
 t69-171 Main .strsal
CITY ITEMS

-offmann's Hot Cross Buns daily. dvt.
 Aolice Officer William J. Morris of lhburg, Mass, is visiting his aunt. John Fitzgerald of Smalley kt.
 Siss Virginia Leland is home from keham Rise school, Washington, Ma., for the Easter vacation. #le Red Cross rooms will be closed ASday Good Friday. The all-day 8Rng session will be omitted this A and the next one, will be held
 5, in St Marks church. x ss Ellean Needham of Wakefield M Is spending a few days in Nor l8 ckeye Incubators for sale. Rack < lz Bros, Park and Bigelow Sts.-- a @ rning meat in an overheated NH of tho pr. Clary house on Lin- 8 street, last evening, made so 6 smoke the occupants thought ouse was aflre. The fire depart
 
 ||NaS& n into the yard.
 ta Review, W. B. A. M., will
 tonight at PIT Main street and M member is requested to be pres.
 s matters of great importance #s e discussed. State Com. Clara 1S8SA .rkin of Ansonia will be present. Inner Furs at Meshken's.-advt. #Aa replevin writ in tho suit of A1atus against Constable George lBBBssXs rk has been made returna ble city court. Attorney l. H.
 n, counsel for Stark, now
 the auto under attachment aot the property of Mrs. Ma tus.
 X Glover are counsel for the
 If.
 x sizes wool flags. Eddy Awning
 2orating Co.-advt.
 81B k Nair, through Judge r. B, ss rford, has brought suit against
 w Britain Builders corpora r $250. The writ is returnable
 city court.
 Friday, Hollanders' Hartford.
 weekly short calendar session lefty court will be omitted Fri account of its being Fast Day.
 S he Company No. put out q
 re at the Pit last night.
 el Berson of the firm of Der
 ps. has been called to service
 ordnance departm He has
 nployed recently in New York
 accountant.
New Britain herald., 1918-03-27
EVENTS TONIGHT

class photop1ays, Foxs thea. 2e and superior photo m theater.
 lures and vaudeville, CT.
 Rrd caucus.
 K. of P, meets at I. o. o. r.. meets in hsll.
 I. X o, F, meets in RK1on meets at 24 @ Nest, Order of Owls, ent. K. o. T. M, meets at
New Britain herald., 1918-03-27
NEW AMBULANCE
Authorities Negotiate With Commission Regarding Serv- arrangements.

av ambulance for use princi- \ the conveyance of patients New Britain General hospital Nj be placed in commission. authorities have negotiated & board of police commission live to the arrangements for B ce. The proposition under # ton is to have the hospital he ambulance, which will be the patrol building near the # tiers on Commercial street. #ce department will furnish r for the car and the neces- < dine and oil and keep it In The practice of charging the for every call will be con- The compensation received long way towards the main harge. The ambulance calls hbout one a day.
 Understood that the hospital ave purchased a high priced is and have fitted the body d am bulance to it.
 ltiona1 car is necessary. Ere here have been delays in be in the past. Objection < made from time to time be use of the patrol as an by private patients. The
 will remove these objec- E rd of police commissioners
 to receive bids for the
 of a new patrol for the partment. Representatives To cars being sold in this
 sent in communications
 their product. The police hers had at one time fn-
 purchase of particular
 sentiment Is Tn favor of
 he contract to a local deal
 re interested. A choice will
 be made soon, so that q
 iation can be made to tho
 ng of the common council.
New Britain herald., 1918-03-27

ent, K. o. T. M, meets at StAeet.
New Britain herald., 1918-03-27
TWo M,okE MEN CALLED.

It was statoN at the office Of tho Hrst exemption \board this morning that Frederick V Tya schade of Green wood street and F'ranklyn smith, formerly of tho Lyceum musical stock company, have been notified to hold themselveR in readiness to go to Camp Dovens o1f, Saturday if called upon. Both men have low numbers and, it was explained, they have been called as possible alternates. At the present time the board is trying to locate Smith who is believed to be in Boston.
New Britain herald., 1918-03-27
DELANEY SOUNDS WARNING.

Postmaster W. F. Delaney today asked the Herald to publish state ment regarding the sending of matches to the soldier boys in France. He said that the postal regulations prohibit the mailing of matches, and under no cir cumstance would they be accepted.
New Britain herald., 1918-03-27
INCREASES CAPITAL, STOCK.

W. W. Leland has returned from Springfield, where a meeting of the incorporators of the Besse- Leland Co. was held yesterday for the purpose of increasing the capital stock of tho concern 10 $50,000. The papers will be- filed with the secretary of the state of MassaC ChuscttS in a few days. Tho incorporatcrs are l.. w. Bessc, w. W. Leland and T. H. Carpenter.
New Britain herald., 1918-03-27
POLICE GET LIQUOR.

John Perry of 168 Washington street telephoned to police hoadquar- ters that he found five full quarts of iuuor on the veranda of his homo when he went out this morning. Tho police told him to bring it to head ouarterS which he did.