davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Elbert County tribune. [volume] (Elbert, Elbert County, Colo.) 18??-1920, 1918-02-15

pared to leap into It another figure
catapulted ahead of him. 1t was Mar
tina Ainsley. Some impulse of sporting
blood, or vengefulness, or mere femi-
nine curiosity impeiled her to take part
in the chase of her Grant lover and
her also Grant jewels. The only place
left for Jimmy was the running board
Then. with thunder from the re-
leased cut-out, Bob's car dashed up
the road after the speedster.
We had been flying along wildly
with a logged attempt of greater and
greater speed. which told me even be-
fore yersale began shouting to Butch
not to let them catch us, who .'they'
were.
1 knew my question as to Jimmy's
whereabouts was answered. he was
going to save the day and the jewels
and me-after all
When versale suddenly released me.
drew a gun and fired at the pursuing
car. I had ventured one quick glance
back of us. That told me that Mar
tina Ainsley was in the car. And YER
sales bullet. fred point-biank on the
girl he had professed to 1--we, told me
that whatever else it failed to reach.
it must shatter Martha's infatuation
for him.
There was a sudden crash. What
Versailles bullet had shattered was the
windshield of the pursuing car.
But 1t came on more desperately
than ever. Suddenly 1t fairly leaped
ahead on the ribbon of road. Its front
wheels caught up with our rear ones;
they reached the hubs, and then sud-
denly the car, with Jimmy crouched
on the inner running board. came
abreast with ours.
VersaIe leaned out, put his revolver
to the front tire. and shot. With the
cannon explosion of an automobile
blowout, the tire collapsed as the car
swerved dangerously from the road.
All in one moment this occurred, and
Jimmy leaped from their running
board to ours and caught Versailles
right wrist There was quick strug-
gle, and then Jimmy twisted the gun
from Versailles inert fingers. The little
missile fell in my lap.
In the most matter-of-course way in
the world / picked it up, placed the
barrel Just back of the chauffeur's ear
and remarked in a tone which did not
fail to convey my earnestness: "Slow
down."
And promptly Butch slowed down.
Two figures were running toward us
from the crippled car which was sta
toned at the edge of the ditch just be-
hind us. They grew from tiny points
to full figures and just as Jimmy took
the gun from me and ordered Versale
and Butch to climb down and line up
before his weapon, Martha and Bob
reached us. They both were painting
and bright-eyed and each had the man
ner of having won a well-run race.
Martha managed to articutate a
scornful question directed at Versale:
"Where are my jewels, you little for
tune hunter?" she cried.
Robert Wells had discovered the
black waIrus bag, and now he opened
it and held her Jewel case out to Mar
tina. She hesitated moment and then
she seized the pearls which the Aims
ley brides always wore. A second later
she was hiding her face on Bob's
shoulder while Jimmy tied his prison
er's hands.
Then Mr.. Barton turned smilingly
to his friend, Robert Wells. "Send us
few policemen. Wen wait here"
said he
Jimmy looked after them and
smiled in amusement.
well, their little journey through
The Elbert County tribune. [volume] (Elbert, Elbert County, Colo.) 18??-1920, 1918-02-15

mad to comply. but which couIo scnrce-
ly have been supposed to appeal to
her. 1--WE elope from the ball. See that
every Jewel she owns is in her bag"
Mr.. versale swung down the avenue
jauntily and entered the apartment he
had taken In fashionable but not too
expensive district. He hurried to the
phone and called number.
A moment later he was speaking to
a square-jawed gentleman who for the
nonce wore chaufreur's uniform, and
who for all times rejoiced in the eu-
phonious name of Butch"
An eavesdropper might have. been
surprised to hear the elegant Mr.. YER
sale remark. in an off-hand tone to the
very ordinary Butch, THAT you. mon
vieux7 This is Louis"
Undoubtedly 1t was a little more
than democratic of Mr.. versale to adj
dress Mr.. Butch as my old"
The rest of the conversation took
the form of an admonition: BE out
side the Ainsley place at two a. m. and
be prepared to beat everything on the
road. Take your location at that little
road that runs along the side of the
estate. Act as If you'd had trouble
jockeying for place out In front with
the other cars, and drive around the
side with a beaten air. Have the
gray speedster-and have her ready
to speed somei'
ger boy brought Jimmy the cards
which would admit us to the sacred
portals of the Ainsley home and the
following note:
Dear Jimmy-Inclosed find cards. Have
ordered duplicates OF their costumes sent
BOB.
Jimmy presented me with the note
and with formal bow of a most elab-
crate sort he requested the pleasure
Of my company" at the Ainsley ball.
at will be rather lark-won't it?'
said /.
Calm your girlish impetuosity, Miss
Fairfax. 1t may be a lark-and then
again 1t may not. When Miss Martha
Ainsley mistakes me for Mr.. Versale
and insists on clipping over the border
into Connecticut with me in tow you
may miss your little playmate"
"On the other hand l may have
little trouble with Mr.. Versale," said /,
quite casually.
Jimmy laughed lightly. "Oh,
wouldn't worry about that" said he.
I'm not anticipating much trouble"
When 1t came to choosing masque-
rade costumes. Martha Ainsley had
very good taste. For that was duly
grateful when slipped into the SHIN
mering satin folds of the domino which
Robert Wells had assured US vas
identical with the one she Intended TO
wear.
Half an hours ride brought us to
the Ainsley gate. 1t was magnif-
cent house resembling a French cha
teau. Formal gardens sloped away
from 1t into tangle of hedges which
the grounds.
The house itself had the sophisti-
Gated air which wealth expects its
decorators to produce. AS we drove
up, low three-seated gray car which
seemed built for speed swung into line
just ahead of us. A cloaked and
masked figure stepped out.
THAT'S Versale," whispered Jimmy.
''He's pretty much my height. Wonder
what he'll think when he sees his
twin"
What Mr.. Versale thought we were
destined to find out later.
When we entered the main ballroom
n few minutes later, we found it filed
by masked dancers. They were surg
The Elbert County tribune. [volume] (Elbert, Elbert County, Colo.) 18??-1920, 1918-02-15
EIGHTH EPISODE
The AinsIey Ball
b dSIg

Jimmy Barton stopped at my desk
one morning and, as was frequently
the case of late, his gatherings began
to take sentimental twist.
In self-defense / hurriedly thrust In
to his hand the first letter / had
opened. Then complete change came
over him. Sentiment gave way to
wholesome interest in the matter I'M
der consideration.
Heres another vital question for
the young men of our day to con-
sider," said he. 1.-THE foreign invasion
of suitors."
read the letter-and then looked up
to meet Jimmy's amused glance. "Glve
me the letter-you see know Bod"
said he. "Ill tell him what to do. His
troubles find me-responsive.'
And he was so ins!stent that 1
finally yielded to persuasion and per-
mltted him to go of in triumph bearing
the letter Of mooted question.
Later events proved that 1t was as
well for all concerned that Mr.. Robert
Wells had evoked the personal interest
of James Barton.
This is the letter which involved us
in such strange adventure:
"Dear Miss Fairfax-te there any
way an honest man can prevent his
sweetheart from falling In love with a
fascinating foreioner7 Please answer.
"RoBERT WELLS"
The next morning got chapter 1 of
my sidelights on the e-barreled
romance of Martha Ainsley. She and
Robert Wells had been brought up to-
gether. Theirs had been one of those
foregone-conclusion, essentially suit
able hoy-and-girl romances. Martha
any temperamental notion that the
course Of true love was running too
smoothly.
And then. enter-not the villain, but
the rival
So much Jimmy got from his old col
lege friend, Robert Wells, when he
went up to that young gentleman's
apartment on the afternoon after he
bad elected himself manager of Rob-
ert's love affairs.
II blew into his apartment about
SIX O'clock" said Jimmy, as he related
the story to me.
bob and Misc Ainsley were riding
yesterday afternoon--they came in
from a fine little canter in the park
and Bob felt that his moment had
come. He actually thought Miss Mar
tina was about ready to end his sus-
pense. And then In comes the rival.
a chap named Louis versale, n French
man who has lot of excuses for not
being on the firing line.
Bob had to confess that he didn't
know anything definite against Versale
but that he just didn't like him and his
lack of patriotism and his tendency to
trail around after Martha. However,
Martha didn't share Bob's prejudices
and that was where his troubles came
In.
Beatrice. you and are going to the
Ainsley masquerade ball tomorrow
night to queer Mr.. Louis. Versailles
game" said Jimmy. with quiet assur
ence.
"How absurd" began.
And then Jimmy leaned over and
whispered something in my ear-and
at once / knew that we must indeed go
to the Ainsley ball.
Martha Ainsley seemed to be in even
greater need of my help than was Rob-
ert Wells
versale danced WELL talked well,
had very charming manners and plenty
Of money.
He laid siege to numberless New
York girls-and when finally his atten-
dons foscussed themselves on Martha
Ainsley she was first fattered and
then almost responsive. He was new
and dinerent-being made love to by.
The Elbert County tribune. [volume] (Elbert, Elbert County, Colo.) 18??-1920, 1918-02-15

lildu Teuully uSuTeu out tDuI Wnlle
counting the mistress Versale had not
been above philandering with the
maid.
The correctness of his deduction was
proven second later, for the girl tore
herself from his arms, caught both
his hands and whispered. Everyone Of
her jewels is in the bag-$20,0 600 worth.
Remember when she turns it over to
you, you drop her and send for me.
You will, won't you, Louis?"
Jimmy assured her that such were
his plans. But however good his imi-
tation of versale, something of south
ern warmth must have been missing
from his manner for the girl turned on
him with desperate determination to
know the truth.
Il believe you are lying. Let me
see your face" she cried.
Then she reached up quickly and
tore off his mask. At sight of Jimmy's
generally fairly welcome face, she
jumped back with uncomplimentary
horror. 1t was very evident that she
meant to scream and rouse the house,
but in an emergency like this, Jimmy
did not propose to let the fact that she
was woman daunt him.
He caught her in a vigorous clasp,
gagged her with his handkerchief and
imprisoned her on the further side of
closet door, which he locked. Then
he picked up his mask and crept quiet
ly down the grand stairway.
Next he sauntered jnuntily into Tue
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
EXPLAINS ANOTHER
PHASE INCOME LAW

A number of persons making re-
turns under the income tax law have
asked the question, Can I deduct as
a loss the cost of razing an old build
ing?" No, says C. r. Manning, local
inspector This particular phase of
the statute is explained in detail in
the appended question and answer:
Question: store or other building
has outlived its usefulness. The own
er tears it down to make room>for the
building of an improved type. Can the
value of the old building at the time
of destruction be claimed as depreci-
alton or as loss?
Answer-No. Losses due to the vol
untary removal or destruction of
buildings, etc, incident to improve
ments are either a proper charge to
the cost of the new building or to de-
probation already provided, as the
facts may indicate, but in no case is it
a proper deduction in determining net
incomes. If, however, a building is
destroyed prior to the close of its life
time, as estimated for the purpose of
making depreciation charges, that por-
ton of its cost which is properly
chargeable to the period it might have
remained in a disable condition may
be considered a part OF the cost OF the
new building when computing the
amount of gain or profit derived from
sale of the latter.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
WEEKLY PROVISION
AND GRAIN REVIEW

Chicago, Feb. 23.-Beginning today
all future delivery trading in grain
and provisions here must be at prices
which cannot exceed a definitely set
maximum limit. This result has been
brought about chiefly by sensational
advances this week in oats and pork.
Compared with week ago. every
commodity this morning showed rise
corn Il to 1s@A, oats SC to SA
and provisions Y to $2.G7.
Conditions in oats trade were said
to be very similar to those existing in
wheat a year ago, except that scar
city Of oats has been owing to made
quate portation rather than to a
lack of oats in the country. Houses
with eastern connection have led the
urgent buying which accompanied the
weeks advance, and which carried
oats to the highest values ever known
Corn sympathized with the strength
Of oats but business lacked volume
owing to restrictions associated with
the maximum price limit.
Talk Of huge requirements by the
government hoisted provisions.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
IR!.ClTlES WILL BE WESTERN TERMINUS
UN IN iKANSCONIlNENTAL HIGHWAYS IF THE
CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE APPROVES IDEA

Recognition has been given in Rock
Island Chamber of Commerce by r d.
Chaplin. chairman of the highways
transit committee Of the Council of
National Defense at Washington in It's
plans for putting through a series of
FEDERAL motor routes to the Atlantic
seaboard.
The Rock Island Chamber OF Com
merce has been working on the pro-
1ect in an effort to have Rock Island
Moline and Davenport made the west
ern terminus for line running from
the arsenal via Chicago, Toledo. Cleve-
land, Buffalo and Albany, connecting
up the Atlantic seaboard via Boston
and as a result of their efforts in this
direction the highways transport COM
mittee has announced that as soon as
the roads are passable the pathfinder
car OF the council Of national defense
Will be sent westward and will mar
out the route between the tri-cities ard
Chicago.
Within few days the Rock Island
chamber of Commerce vii! call a
meeting Of delegations from each oil
the tri-cities for conference on the
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
RIFLE PRODUCTION
IN AMERICA, CLAIM

Washington, Feb. 23.-Seven hun
dred thousand army rifles have been
produced in the United States since
this country entered the war, accord
ing to statement made public today
by the ordnance bureau of the war de-
partment. During the week ending
Feb. 3 the daily production was 1906
Enfields and lap Springfelds, or a
total of 9,247 service rifles added to
the stock every day. In addition, the
government received 1916 Russian
army rifles during the week, making
a total weekly rifle output Of 72,152
weapons of this class.
This production, the statement says,
is the greatest ever achieved by any
country in a similar period of ten
months.
I'VE have today" the statement
says, "a total of 100000 service
rifles Only about fifty per cent of the
troops carry rifles. We have in addi-
ton 100000 krags, 100000 Russian
rifles and some 10000 Ross rifles or a
total OF about 100000 training rifles
Rifle cartridge production is on a
similar scale, the statement showing
a total Of 100000 was the daily aver
age output in January.
Summarizing the work on rifles, It
is shown that s40O,000,00O is being
spent for that arm alone and that 200
army officers, $4,000 men and 10000
women are employed in manufacture
Of rifles and cartridges.
It, is pointed out that the modified
Enfield rifle has been fully tested and
more than justifies the claims that have
been made for it."
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
OMAHA PEEVED OVER
LOSS OF BUSINESS

Chicago, Feb. 23.-Complaint by the
Omaha Chamber of Commerce that
supplies for Camp Dodge are not pur-
chased at Omaha was explained by
Colonel kniskerm, quartermaster gen.
eral of the central department, U. S.
A., today.
"By an order Of the quartermaster
general at Washington on Jan. 10,
1918, supplies for given department
Of the army are purchased and dis
tributed from within that department.
When Camp Dodge, which is in Iowa,
was in the Omaha department its sup
plies came from there. Recently,
however, Camp Dodge was transferred
to the central department and the sup
plying of that camp Of course falls
within the order Of Jan. 49,"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
PERSONAL POINTS

Mrs. c. B. La Fort OF st. Louis has
arrived in the city for a several weeks
visit with relatives. She was former
ly Mice Mary Sweeney of Wichita,
Kan, daughter Of Mr.. and Mrs. r. M.
Sweeney formerly of Rock Island.
Mrs. T. J. O'Brien, 1902 Twenty
second street, returned yesterday from
six weeks trip to Houston, Texas,
where she visited her son Neil O'Brien,
who is with the One Hundred Twenty
third field artillery. She was accom-
panied by Mr.. and Mrs. Daniel O'Brien
Of Malta, ILL.,, who continued on to New
Orlans.
Mrs. Dora Hagerman, 1909 Third
avenue, left today for Milwaukee
where she will visit over Sunday. She
will attend the dressmakers' conven-
ton in Chicago next week and return
home the latter part of the week.
Mrs. Katherine Rosenfield, 1875
Twenty-fourth street, aRd Mrs. J.
Foley and son Jack, have gone for a
visit with Mrs. Rosenfield's daughter,
Mrs. Frank Mclaughlin at Clinton,
Iowa.
Miss Ella Estes, 1S271s Second ave-
nue.. who underwent painful opera
ton at the University hospital at
Iowa City last Tuesday although suf-
fering intensely is getting along we'll
| as her many friends will be glad to
know.
Mrs. E. B. Stone. 1910 Twenty-third
street. has received word of tho death
! OF her sister, Mrs. George W. Stone of
! Exeter. Neb. Mrs. Stone was known
to many of the older residents of the
county, having formerly lived at Port
| Byron.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23

matter and it is hoped through the CO.
operation of each Of the cities interest
ed this big motor project will be put
through. thus placing the tri-cities on
one OF the big motor arteries Of the
nation.
Eastern chambers of commerce and
newspapers are giving great deal Of
Alteration to the motor highway project
and it is believed that this coming
summer will find a tremendous volume
OF freight being handled by motor
trucks operating On systematic hourly
schedules.
The plan of operation locally coz
templates connecting up cities to the
south Of Rock Island. making Rock Is
land big feeder for the western ter
minal. Within the month canvass
will be made of the various business
houses in Rock Island. Davenport and
Moline, having In view the ascertaining
of the amount of tonnage which could
be directed to such motor system. AL
ready a tentative canvass has been
made in Rock Island sufficient to DEM
onstrate that such motor system as
contemplated would be big drawing
card and paying investment.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
OATS FUTURES ARE
PLACED UNDER BAN

Minneapolis, Feb. 23.-An informal
ban was placed on oats futures by the
directors of the Minneapolis chamber
of commerce today. The price was
limited to &c bushel. This follows
similar action by the Chicago board
of trade which limited the price to 80
cents.
Today's action removes the last i'm
portant item Of speculative grain trad
ing in Minneapolis.
Oats closed at 90 cents Thursday
and broke 4 cents at the opening today
but went to SO cents shortly afterward.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
REV. SCHENK SPEAKS
AT CHURCH OF PEACE

During the lenten season and until
Easter Sunday special services ars
being conducted at the Evangelical
Church of Peace, Twelfth street and
Twelfth avenue, Sunday evening at
the hour of regular meeting. At these
services the history of the passion of
Jesus Christ is the topic for discus
sion. Tomorrow evening Rev. Frei
Schenk of Parkville, Mo. son of Mr..
and Mrs John Schenk of 1905 Third
street. Rock Island, will deliver the
sermon, his theme to be Communion "
Rev. Fred J. Rolf, pastor of the
church. will have charge of the morn
ing service and his topic is Faith"
The morning services which are to be
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
DR.. MARSHA AT OAK N
GROVE SUNDAY NIGHT

Rev. J. W. Harsha Of Chicago, state
superintendent for missions in the
United Presbyterian church, who is
conducting special services at the Oak
Grove United Presbyterian church,
will speak at the church tomorrow
evening. The meetings are marked
by good interest and are accomplish
ing results. The morning service will
be conducted by the pastor, Rev. NJ.
L. Neill.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
SWEET PRODUCT is
SERVED BY PORTION
LOCAL BEANERIES

Sugar bowls are OF the past in some
OF the Rock Island restaurants.
The sweet-tooth patron who now de-
sires to partake OF more than his
share of the sweet product must pay
his extra bit instead OF taking any
amount that he desires when the wait
ress has her back turned. Each buy
er OF cup OF coffee, tea or any bev-
erage that sugar improves is served
with a little jar, very little jar, con-
tanning the equivalent of two spoon
fuis of sugar. In many of the cafes
it was the custom to serve two Jumps
OF the product, but since the shortage
this has been abandoned.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
GERMANS CAN GET
CARDS AT POLICE
STATION SUNDAY

All German citizens who registered
in Rock Island under the alien enemy
registration, are notified to call to-
morrow at the police station and se-
cure their registration cards, which
have been prepared by Desk Sergeant
Walter Flanagan.
1t is necessary that all German
aliens carry these cards. which signify
they have complied with requirements
OF the law The cards carry finger
prints and q photograph Of each reg
istrant, together with other informa-
ton.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
DIR. BLACK TO ADDRESS
ALLIANCE SATURDAY

The meeting Of the Ministerial alli-
ance that was to have been held Mon
day morning at the Y. M. C. A. is post
poned until Saturday morning, March
2, when the session will he held at
Broadway Presbyterian church and
Dr. Hugh Black will be the speaker.
The change of meeting time is made
necessary because of the fact that DR..
Black, who was to have addressed the
alliance Monday, has changed the time
of his appearance here to Friday,
March l.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
PAY $1,000 FOR MAN.

Indianapolis. Ind, Feb. 23.-Mtss
Pearl Doyle yesterday paid Mrs. Den
mis- Miller $1,000 for the affections OF
Dennis Miller. Mrs. Miller won that
amount in her suit for damages
against Pearl for alternating Miller's
affections She sued for $4,000, but
the jury decided the mans affections
were worth only one-tenth Of that
amount.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
Because of Mother.
GOV. HARDING RESTS:
CUTS CHICAGO TALK

Des Moines, Iowa, Feb. 23.-Gover-
nor W. L. Harding rested at his home
here today after a strenuous weeks
speaking tour, canceling his engage
ment to address the patriotic banquet
of the National Security league in Chi
cago tonight. 1t was said the COVER
nor had virtually recovered from the
effects Of the back sprain sustained
when he fell on the ice at Cedar Rap
ids, Iowa, early yesterday.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
Must Have Pass,
HIGH SCHOOL BOYS
TAKEN BY OFFICERS

Reports were abroad today to the
effect that three young men, students
OF the Rock Island school, rolled a
drunk in an alley on Seventeenth
street between Second and Third ave-
nues. 1t is also said that they were
placed under arrest, and released to-
day when it was found that they Sc
cured nothing. The police refused to
divulge the names of the students.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-23
SECRETARY AND BOYS
ATTEND CONFERENCE

c. c. Hartford, boys work secre-
tary of the local Young Mems Chris
tian association, left on late train
last night for Chicago with Hugh
Lawson, Roy Johnson, Paul Sommers
Ruben Peterson and Edwin Thack-
ham, where they will attend the junior
and senior high school boys life con-
ference, held under the auspices OF
the Y. N. c. A. organization of the t.
states. The conference will be held
at the Y. NJ. c. A. college at Hyd4
Park.