davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

well. in them days there was in Yellow Creek saloon and hotel con- bined under the headin', The Dew Drop Inn It was run by a fat, bald patei man named Elversett; and it had the faithful patronage of over a hundred miners and cowmen-at least, the saloon half did. Robert Selford got a room in the hotel half. After he'd had his supper, he walks into the saloon, which was crowded, as usual He goes here and there among the little poker tables. lookin' for. a man he don't find, a man with each ear notched.
 "Of course, he drawed attention. A big miner by the name O Shanks Mar tin finally throws down his poker hand, rises, and takes the boy by one arm.
 You've give nurse the slip says he; and big, whoopin' laugh goes up from the other fellows. Don't you think you'd better get back homer"
 Now, does little Selford begin to tremble and whine? He don't, believe me! He Hicks that little popgun from his coat, and jabs its nose against Martins ribs, and says with his teeth together:
 ' You can't poke fun at me-d'ye understand, you big beef? Keep quiet! If you don't, I'll send you howlin- to the great majority
 Martin watched the hammer O. the popgun. He saw that it lacked a good deal O bein' at the dangerous point He knocked the weapon down with one hand, and grabbed it with the other.
 Son, says he, you ain't got no sense; but you have got some nerve So I'll forgive you. and give your pop gun back butt first, like a gentleman. Three squalls, boys, for the Popgun Kid!'
 Then and there. in a baptism of noise and powder smoke from a few dozen forty-fves, the kid got a name that stuck to him as long az he lived in that corner of the globe.
 Robert Selford got behind a bunch O cowmen who was throwin' dice on one O the rear tables, and commenced to watch the door. Fate answered his prayers short off. In walks a big, bearded man with his broad-brimmed hat pushed up in front and a pair O the biggest forty-fives on earth at his hips-and his right hand rested ready on the butt of his right-hand gun. He keeps his eye on the crowd, backs up to the bar, and with his left hand losses a little silver coin across.
 "A bag of tobacco he growls.
 Then the Popgun Kid steps from behind the dice throwers; and I've never seen another such a look on a humans face as I seen on the face O Bill King when he seen Robert Sel- ford. Robert Selfcrd begins to shoot as fast as he can work the trigger Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bill King. man of steel nerves and a brother to the devil himself for darin' done a thing that almost knocked us down with surprise; he broke out at the door, jumped on his hoss, and burnt up the wind gettin' away from Yellow Creek! His pistol empty. young Selford borrowed two forty f1ves from convenient holsters without askin' for 'em, run to the door, and stood there blaZin' away until they, too. were empty!
 Everybody recovered quick. It wasn't good policy to inquire into an other mans affairs in them days. The miners and cowmen simply set the lit tie Fastener on the bar and gave him
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

feed my four stage horses the next morntn', 1 found that one of 'em was gone. Also my saddle. Also two can teens and a lot O grub from the hotel was missin'. And when Elversett knocked at the Popgun Kids door, he got no response.
 This is what happened to Robert Selford the Fastener, as related to me afterward:
 He rode straight for the CataIinas, bein' guided by their peaks, which loomed up ga'nt and black in the dim starlight. His reshness was all gone now, and in its place had come the cunntn' shrewdness of a red man. daylight found him hidin' his hoss in big gully filled with greasewood and mesquite. Then he crawled out O the gully, and began to steal up a ridge that afforded a fine view of the roIlin' country and one side of the Catalinas. When he had reached the top O. the ridge, he hid himself in a nest O. powders, and begun to watch all points O the compass for lone man on hoss.
 He lost himself in the night a dozen times. The clumps O desert scrub and the big powders, the ridges and the hollows, tangled him up bad. It wasn't until midnight that he came in sight of little pile O live coals, the rem nants of a cookin' fire, which laid in front of a little hangout under an overhangin' ledge O. rock. He smiled with his teeth shut, and his right hand frightened its grip on the popgun. He knowed that he had found Bill King.
 He crept on his hands and knees, as slow as a snail, but without maxim the least bit O noise, to where the bad man laid asleep. Bill was on his side, with his head on his saddle and his hat over his face. A big gun laid handy on the ground close by, and another big gun was in the holster that was turned up The boy confiscated both O these weapons, and with one of 'em struck Bill on the forehead and laid him out for a while.
 Now, by Henryl' he jubilates, his eyes on an ear with notch in it Now, by Henry!'
 Bill Kings saddle-cinches, of course, was made out O short ropes. With these short ropes the boy bound the bad mans wrists behind him, and he also bound his ankles together. He paid special attention to the knots, and the result was that no man on earth could "a got out of 'em unhelp- ed. He throwed little fresh wood on the live coals, and soon had a little blaze. Then he takes up one O. the demijohns, and dashed a bit O water on the outlaws face.
 Tt worked. Bill King come around with a lot of hoarse gaspin', and set up with a good deal O difficulty. He winked the blood out O his eyes, seen the boy, and remembered.
 "'Well, you've got me at last, kid, he says, and laughs low.
 "T sure have replied Robert Sel- ford mighty naughty. And I'm sure goin' to fix you, too.'
 And s'pose you'll burn me at the stake, in true Big Injun style, won't you?" says Bill King.
 "'No manner O death is quite bad enough for a man who could bring himself so lowdown as to take the life of a fellow like my brother, Thornton Selford!' exclaims the little Eastern CT. And his blue eyes was hard and pierctn'.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

might make a few dollars picking the berries"
 The man had been scanning her face, which seemed familiar to him, and when she spoke his name, he. too, recognized her. "Mollie, I've been wondering If it might be you" Hc was then ashamed of his outburst, for he noticed the shabby clothes of the pair before him. And when he knew it was Mollie, a sweetheart of former days, he was more than ashamed.
 You see, Mollie, Aunt Susan died last winter and her will left this prop eriy to me, but if the berries can be of any service to you, why you are welcome"
 With head tossed high, Mollie an swercd, "Very well, I can i'll afford the expense, but I will have the title ex- amined. Until then I will pick the ber- ries. and if I find the place is rightful-
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

ly yours. will refund the money to you"
 "Oh, come now, Mollie. don't be angry with me, didn't know it was you when I yelled. Where's Joec'
 The widow would have left him in ignorance. but the daughter gave him the desired information, "Papa's dead"
 A gleam of hope shot into the mans eyes: Where are you staytng?"
 Come, Mary, our pails are full, we must get to the barn with them," and little Mary was hastened along before she could give any answer.
 Ten years before Joe and Mollie had been sweethearts. Then Joe Lane. a young man from the city, appeared and carried Mollie away almost before she knew her own mind. Later she found cause for regret for her nasty mar riage. and little Mary was the only
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

had a right to give 1t away, wonder how it'll come out He had watched the romance of Joe and Mollie in the days gone by, and wondered what ef- feet this mixup might have on their future lives.
 Joe visited the law office and obtain ed a solution to the legal tangle. He hastened to the Blueberry Patch where Mollie was industriously work ing. and much to his relief, she was alone. Its yours. Mollie, it's yours. Let me tell you about it," but when he had finished she looked up at him.
 "No, Joe it's not mine, but ours" Something in her eyes made him for get all else, and he clasped her In his arms.
 'Mollie. I want it to be yours be- cause I love you"
 And because I love you, want it to be ours" was her answer.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29
Hers And His

comfort that she received from her short married life. When the daugh- ter was only five years old, Joe Lane answered the call beyond this world, and Mollie and Mary took up a strug- gling existence. They found the road one of many hardships, and when Mol lies uncle died they thought that pick- ing berries in the beautiful country might benefit the health of them both. So the berry season found her in the fields.
 Joe Newell had in all the ten years past never forgotten the sweetheart of his former days, and to her memory he clung. It was no wonder that he fail ed to recognize Mollie in the berry field. for although her beauty was not entirely gone, time had wrought many changes in her. He hoped that now that she was again free that he might offer his heart and hand to her, and
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29
By Walt Gregg

that she would accept them.
 Mollie, too, had for years held the face of Joe Newell close to her heart, and almost hoped that when visiting the old home town she might find him unmarried. But when he had yelled at her in such a rough manner she resolved to go her way alone. His name had slipped out unconsciously and she wished that she had restrained herself.
 Morning found Joe Newell at the of flee of Lawyer Crombie with his pa pers. The old lawyer hemmed and hawed over the papers, then said he would "see about it." ..
 Later in the morning Mollie snatch ed a few moments from her berry picking and visited Crombie. He again vowed to "see about it.''
 Among Joe's papers, Crombie found an old and faded sheet which read: "1,
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

Susan Adams, do give my rights iu the Blueberry Patch to Silas Munroe." And among Mollie's papers he found a paper of the same date which read: q Silas Munroe, do give my rights in the Blueberry Patch to Susan Adams"
 A further perusal of the county deeds showed that formerly Silas and Susan had owned the patch in oues- ton in 8 joint deed. but on considera- ton of their marriage each had un- knowingly transferred their title to each other. Then they had not mar ried and lived out their days in single blessedness. At their deaths they had beQueathed their rights in the ratch to their nearest heir, thinking that the old papers were of no value because of their failure to marry.
 well, they both owned it." the law yer scratched his head, land they both
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

Just that darling nook in the hillside and what a lovely view it must have! And such roses! Oh, Dick, I wonder if it's occupied!"
 The new husband viewed the pretty place critically. A gray-haired woman came to the door, wiping her foury hands on her clean apron, Her face was pleasant, and her voice and accent refined as she asked:
 What can I do for you?"
 The bride spoke eagerly, blushing little,
 We're interested fin that little house on the hill. You see, we're-well, we're looking for house-to live in, you know, and"
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

The woman looked at her trihe curiously.
 Wont you come in?" she asked. ''Tie your horse and sit here on the corner of the porch where we can see the house."
 We're a bridal couple" Dick said frankly, "as you've probably guessed, and we're looking for little home in the country, from which I can com mute. This little house appeals most strongly to both my wife and myself It's quite convenient to the railroad. We could buy this horse and buggy which we hired in the village, and Bet ty could drive me to and from the sta ton. But the house appears occupied. We thought wed find out if you knew
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

NN edge O the dosert I hardly ever had a full load of pas sengers. and on this particular trip I had but one. He climbed up on the seat with me. He was a slim little fel- low pink of cheek and blue of eye: his gray clothin' was fine and cut to fit. and he had one O them there little go-to-hell college hats on his head. He was mighty quiet until wed got well away from the railroad, and then he opens up sudden with this:
 Have you any bad men in thisasec- tionr
 "'we've got one.' says I. which was the truth. His names Bill King; but we've took to callin' him King Bill on account O his ways. Big man, he is. with a King of England beard and bearin'; perfect shot; has never killed anybody, but has lots O holdups to his discredit. And I adds, he's got a notch in the upper part O. each ear to prove that he's been shot at pretty bard.'
 "A notch in each earl" cries the boy, settin' up as straight as a prairie dog. By Henry, the first crack"
 Whats that? says l.
 CT said. answers the kid. words meanin' that I'd found him the first thing And glance at him shows me that his blue eyes is al fire, and that all O the pink is gone out O his cheeks
 Might inquire where you're from, strangerY I says.
 "'N'Yawk,' says he. And when I looks like don't exactly get him, he goes on fractious: New-w-w Yaurk- is that plain enough?'
 Yes I answers. But as for the plainness of the rest. it ain't- I don't somehow connect. Know Bill King?'
 No; but I will And with that he takes a little nickel-plated gun from the suitcase at his feet, and transfers 1t to handy coat pocket. When I seen that pistol, was too tickled to laugh-honest. The boy goes on, with his voice hard: How does it come that the officers have never arrested Bill King2'
 .'lt's simple says I.
 "'What's simple?
 They cant catch him
 "The boy turns up his nose. Stuff Stuff!' says he. But I'm glad they haven't caught him I want him my self. And jot this down fin your little memoranda-I'1l get him.
 Look here.' says I. you take a blamed fools advice, and forget it-I mean forget your crazy determination to ropo in Bill King Why. you little tadpole, you couldn't wake Bill King if you was to find him asleep!'
 The boy turns on me hot. It seem cd like his madness was about to choke him. Listen here says he. I had a big brother who came to this country a few years ago to hunt for gold. He was a good brother. He was the best brother any man ever had. This Bill King killed him-robbed him. pd then killed himl live talked
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

strange. how very-what was your mothers name, childf-'
 Tt was the same as mine-Betty."
 And your father's-Quick, child, your father's?"
 did not want to go. but he was blind
 "John," said Betty proudly, for 1t was a well-known name. But they are both dead" And her lips quivered.
 But the woman had gathered her in to her arms and was weeping passion ately while Dick leaned forward in amazement.
 Betty Lathrop," she sobbed. Bet ty Lathrop's daughter, Oh, it is too good-too good to be true"
 Then, drying her eyes, she turned to exD1aiA to the hevtldeyed younk cou-
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

anything about it."
 "I certainly do," said their hostess. "As 1t happens, I'm the agent for that house. It was put in my care"
 Then 1t is unoccupied!" cried Bet ty, eagerly.
 "Yes. it's unoccupied." the other ad- mitted. But" then, suddenly, Did he say your name was Betty?"
 Why. yes" said the bride in aston ishment
 Would you mind-I know 1t seems a strange thing to ask-It's mere fancy, but would you mind telling me your maiden name?"
 Why, mo-" said Betty. Tt was Lathrop." The woman gave low cry,
 Lakkroli Betty Lsthropl How
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29
B Home And Happiness
By Joe Busche

her here; that their wealth and her beauty required a city setting. She tle cottage, just as it waB. in my care. I have watched over it ever since and kept 1t inside and out as 1t was then. Some day she said to me, perhaps someone will come who will want the little house and love it as 1t deserves. Do not let 1t go till then. She dropped in the city,"-the woman'a voice broke -"and died when her little girl was born. have kept the house always. for no one worthy of 1t has come. And now. oh. my children" she cried. "I have not waited in vain, IL is yours by right. and God be thankful that you have come, For he was JohA Lathrop and Betty Lathrop was his bride"
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

pie,
 My dears, forgive me. but 1t is so sudden. Listen, while I tell you all"
 She took Betty's hand in hers. and made her yield. She left the lit
 Little bride, you will be happy, I think, when l tell you this. Years ago, when I had not lived here long, young man brought his bride to this little cottage. They lived here for brief year or two and were 50 happy so happy, They made the cottage what it Is. The little bride trained the climbing rose and cared for the other flowers. She loved it so, and l loved her. Then the young man became suddenly rich. and he took her to the ciy. He said 1t was no 1t place for
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

was the most adOr- able house-just a bit of a white cot tage on the hill- side, powered in roses. The roof was a soft green blend ing in with the sur rounding scenery. The tiny porch was shaded by low
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

~Heh, you,- showing himself to the surprised mother and daughter. Cant you read the signs around here, they say, No Trespassing!'
 But I am not trespassing, this is my own property"
 Yours. Huhl How long since? reckon I know tho boundary lines of my lands"
 "Is that so, Joe Newell. Well. Uncle Gl left this place to me. l thought
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

trees. The whole. fair, little hill pre- sented an appearance as charming as any picture.
 The bride clasped her new husbands arm ecstatically.
 "Dick! Oh. what a dream of a cot tAxsi What a perfect. perfect place!
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

IE two women had discovered a nest of berries and were filling their pails. when a young farm CT observed them from behind a clump of bushes, "Trespassers. that's what they are. I'll teach them
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-08-29

! the time of this tale l was operatin' a stagecoach between the railroad and a
 little mintn . camp called clio W Creek. which was at the lower end O the Catalinas yon- der. and on the edge O the desert.
The producers news. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1918-1937, 1919-08-22

covering nicely form the effects, so
much so that he was able to write
message home telling of his steady
Improvement in health. It will be re-
membered that at the time of his de-
parture for Rochester Enger's con-
dition was regarded as critical and
little hope was entertained for his
recovery, but it now looks as though
he would recover entirely and be
back within a few weeks which will
be good news to his many friends in
Froid.
Judd Halliday of Beach, N. D., was
a visitor in Froid a short time We'd
nesday afternoon on his return from
Homestead where he spent Tuesday
on business. He was accompanied on
the return trip by M. C. Egan who
has business matters to attend to
at Beach. Mr.. Halliday was at one
time a resident of Froid for a couple
of months in the summer of 1915
when he landed here with M. C. Cal
lahan, and the two were at that time
endeavoring to get a charter for
second bank in Froid. The deal,
however, funked out and both par
ties returned to Beach where they
have since resided.
The producers news. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1918-1937, 1919-08-22

ing employed in her place at the j.
C. Epler store during Miss Franey,s
absence.
c. E. Perkins and wife and SON
Edgar, of Westby and L. E. Perkins
Of Bismarck, N. D., were here last
week Friday, while the former at.
tended to business matters connected
with the Boundary Lumber Co.. OF
which he is general manager.
Fl. Hunter, Scott Wetzel anud j. A
Robieson attended to business matters
at Plentywood this morning.
Mr.. and Mrs. w. D. Dooley attend
ed the funeral of Mrs. John Flaxa al
Plentywood yesterday, Mr.. Dooley
being one of the pallbearers.
Mr.. and Mrs. Ben Clayton of ST
Croix Falls arrived last week Fri
day for a visit at the home of Editor
Vezina. They were accompanied by
Master Billy Vezina, who has been
visiting his grandparents for the past
eight months.
Mrs. Geo. Kablefeisch and children
and Master Dale Stenseth, left We'd
nesday for her home at Westthope
N. D. Mrs. Kaplefeisch and child
rem have been visiting her parents,
Mr.. and Mrs. o. M. johnson.
J. C. Epler and family and Mr.
and Mrs. G. C. Epler of this city and
Mr.. and Mrs. N. K. Markuson of
Medicine Lake and Miss Bessie Mott
man of Williston, N. d., left this
morning for Fish Lake, Canada, for
weeks outing.
Arthur Hensler was here from
Comertown Wednesday after binder
repairs. While returning from the
field Wednesday noon the horses be-
came frightened and ran away, do
ing some damage to the binder.
c. M. Mikkelson and Ole Hoist were
here from their farms southeast of
town yesterday. The former says he
expects his brother, Harold here next
week. Harold has been with the ex-
peditionary forces and put in over a
years service in France.
Mrs. Ed. Estes and daughter Hazel
went to sMinot, N. D., last week
Thursday to have Hazel's tonsils and
adenoids removed. The operation was
performed Saturday and she is re-
ported as getting along nicely. While
at Minot, Mrs. Estes visited with Mr..
and Mrs. r. Hastad.
G. C. Epler and family motored to
home of N. X. Markuson. Miss Mar
gerry Markuson who has been visit
ing girl friends here returned to her
home with them, and Miss Lois Ep-
Ter who has been spending a few
days at the Markuson home returned
here with her parents.
James Robinson of Winnipeg, Can
ada, visited at the F. D. Cruikshank
home the past week. Mr.. Robinson
enlisted with the Canadian army at
the beginning of the war and re-
manned in service until the end {
the. conflict.
The producers news. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1918-1937, 1919-08-22
WESTBY

Roy Arnold was a caller in town
Wednesday.
Miss Josie Phaenuf left for he,
home in Canada Sunday.
Mrs. Shaber has been cooking few
days this week at the home Cafe.
Born, to Mr.. and Mrs. Sig A. Nell
son, Monday, Aug. II, fine large
daughter.
Mr.. and Mrs. Mat Hogan of Froid
visited, at the John Schmid home
Sunday.
Mrs. Otto Stadig and the children
are visiting with her parents at OF
near Dooley.
Sig Hammer intends renting a
iouse and moving his family into
town for the winter.
Donald Bruchman of Ambrose is
visiting with his friends, Archibald
Anderson, this week.
A fine baby girl arrived to gladden.
the hearts of Mr.. and Mrs. Sig Ham
mer Wednesday of this week. The
Hammer family are stopping at the
home Of Sig's parents.
Andrew Kragrud of Alkabo was a
business visitor in town Tuesday.
Mrs. Plank of Minot, a trained
nurse, is taking care of Mrs. Sig A.
Nelson and the new daughter.
R. FL. Points of Crosby and Mr..
Morris of Shreveport, H., visited with
Dir. Blair Points over Sunday.
The mother, sister and brother of
Mrs. John Nelson. who have been
visiting at the Nelson home, have re-
turned to their home at Butte.
Alfred Helm returned on Saturday
from ST. Cloud, Mimi, where he had
been visiting with relatives. He re-
ports the crops at Alexandria, Mimi
will be very poor on account of rust.
The stand looks as though it would
go thirty bushels to the acre, but it's
a question if it averages over ten
bushels.
Christ Fegri of Alkabo brought
up a very aggravating stomach ache
Tuesday to be treated by Dr. Points.
Jack B. Myers brought in some fine
large ears of corn this week that
was grown on his farm. It was a
fine sample and shows that corn can
be raised as well as anywhere.
Mrs. Carlson has again opened up
the City Cafe, and is serving some