davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1922-10-16


Mason county has been on her good
behavior for the past year. Bracken,
Fleming and Lewis, in Kentucky, and
Brown and Adams, in Ohio, have each
had one or more murder cases during
the year Mason has had no murders
and few felonies of any sort
Considerable interest is shown here
in the Congressional race in the neigh
boring district in Ohio. Both Mayor
Gabbleman, OF Portsmouth, the Demo-
cratic nominee, and Congressman
Chas. Kearns, of Batavia, the Repub-
lican nominee, have many friends and
we'll wishers on the Southern shore of
the Ohio.
A few days ago when youth was
brought to jail from the Dover court
on a cold check charge, we were just
| about to congratulate ourselves that
there were other places where the
cold check racket was being worked
when we learned that this same lad
had several bad ones in the cash reg
listers of local merchants.
Z
The members of the Boys Bands and
their Director have had thcir annual
vacations and begin work again this
week at intensive practice. The bands
had splendid season this year but
they are looking forward to bigger
things next year. The manager has
never gotten that trip to Atlantic City
out of his system.
Thursday was a good day for bur-
goo and the Country Club membership
had big time. Remember the big
Democratic burgoo feast? Quite a few
of us remember the operations of pick
pockets as the outstanding feature of
the occasion.
The travelling statesmen are good
barometers on business. Those who
call at our Office tell us that business
is getting much better. The big sale
Of pooled tobacco has wonderfully re-
stored confidence in trade throughout
Maysville's trade area.
y
The Washington theater gave ns
some OF the best comedies last week
that have ever been seen In Maysville.
The EFFORTS OF the local theater man
agements TO bring us really good
shows. should DO more appreciated by
the show-going public.
The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1922-10-16

The Sport section and the funnies
are the only parts of the big city DAHL
les read by the newsies in our Office
1t must be so generally.
The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1922-10-16

Ledger Service-Emciency.
The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1922-10-16

The fatal accident in the Sardis
neighborhood last week should be a
warning to hunters in this section.
Watch your gun. Safety first pays.
The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1922-10-16

1t looks as though the little World
Series will be frost bitten.
The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1922-10-16
COMMENT

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

come to town. I'll have her meet us there at o'clock"
 Christine's lips twitched, then stiff ened pluckily as she hung up the re- ceived.
 When they had examined the house from dormered attic to cellar they stood by the empty fireplace in the living room.
 "It's perfect!" Peter K pronounced You've earned your commission, Chris and my deepest gratitude" He laid his hand on her arm, but she moved a step aside and strengthened picture above the mantel.
 Would you be contented here he asked.
 Absolutely. And the girl who couldn't be doesn't deserve to have it, Peter!'
 'But I thought money meant so much to a woman's happinessi"
 She smiled. "A woman's happiness like man's-comes from within.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

again on the piazza, so near Edwin could almost touch her, and Edwin found himself blushing and lowing
 Then he so far forgot himself as to ask this vision to take a spin with him in his new car. and she very read fly accepted. Edwin was what might be justly termed head over heels in love" He felt himself in dream. For the fifth time he was waiting impa- tiently outside in his car to take his vision for a ride. On this particular night she looked more beautiful than ever. He could keep it to himself no longer. Riding in a luxurious car on beautiful country road bathed in moonlight with a vision of loveliness by his side seemed to Edwin about as near to heaven as he could get
 As Edwin was about to speak his thoughts the girl by his side said sweetly: T am doing awfully wrong in visiting Aunt Abbie so long, but I must tell you why am doing it.' She
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18
16 SQS 5QG209ORI6S-E

riage had appeared. Bob, stout, smil- ing and handsome, was at the gate. helping a slender, brown-clad figure to alight. The driver w1s tumbling out a trunk and some boxes.
 Ma Phelps, with fast beating heart at sight of her boy, watched anxiously the approach of his companion. This unpretentious, demure, rosy-faced girl, carrying a little handbag, must be Delicia's maid, she thought It had not occurred to her before that her sons wife would have a maid; but
 Hello, Nal" boomed a hearty voice. Here we are. And if you're not all dressed up like circus horse! Great occasion, what?"
 The elder woman yielded to his em- brace, speaking wonderingIy at the same time. Where's your wife, Bob? Nothing wrong, is there?"
 He turned to the demure girl in brown. Come out here, Del. Ma can't
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18
By Albert Fiske

was terrific screech and the creature sprang at the frightened man as though to clutch at his throat and snuff out his life. Carter srecoiled like a frightened, terrified creature attacked by a tiger. The whole house shook; Carter felt terrific pain, a stabbing in his breast; there was a brilliant flash of light; the peacock stood over him, his green eyes glow ering, his claws sunken deep into his throat!
 That was the last that Carter knew. He fell into unconsciousness. When he opened his eyes again, he heard a familiar voice. It was Davis speaking You're all right, old man, he said. ''The Peacock mansion was struck by lightning. I knew you were in the house, and I was standing on the op- posite side of the street when I saw the bolt strike. I rushed over and got you out while another pedestrian rang in the fire alarm"
 But-but-what about the peacock
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

ter, when passing the Peacock man sion you'd better do as do, pass on the other side of the street."
 Carter was plainly amused. He was practical fellow, and prided himself upon his disbelief in ghosts. But he delighted in thrilling experiences and adventures, and here perhaps, was his opportunity to have some excitement and possibly solve deep-seated mys- tery. Davis" he remarked, "your story interests me-ft fascinates me and I'm going to get the key to the old house from Johnston Realty Company and stay there tonight. If there is ghost there, or a."
 My God, Carter, are you crazy?" Davis gasped. "As sure as my name is William Davis you will never get out of there alive. I tell you that place is a death-trap, a."
 "Bosh!" said Carter. with emphasis.
 True to his word, Tim Carter visit ed the Johnston Realty Company, and procured the key to the Peacock man.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18
By Monte Darrell

alone in the house at the time, she weari1y dragged herself to the door to see who was there, but drew back in amazement when she beheld a much ruff1ed Edwin.
 "Why did you come here?" she asked, coldly. But the look in Edwfn's face made her stop.
 Marjorie" he cried, "how could you be so unfaithfu1?"
 ~Ask yourself that question:" Mar jorie replied. This never would have happened. but mother told me what you were doing. I did not enjoy my self one bit, but you did
 'sNo, Marjorie, I did not enjoy my self. I was foolish. but when I realiz- ed how things were I knew I loved you better than ever. have learned the greatest lesson of my 1ife''
 Then followed long explanations and neither heard the front door open or saw vision grinning broadly creep by. But what the vision saw proved
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18
The Peacock Ghost

rounds. Then he returned to the big front room with the red carpet. He decided that this was where he would spend the night. The couch looked inviting, and the general atmosphere was far from being foreboding. He walked about the room, not in the least nervous, and investigated every cranny and corner.
 He was on the point of lying down on the couch to sleep, when suddenly there appeared directly in front of hin-what? The man couldn't believe his eyes-it was all so fantastic, strange and unreal! Could it possibly have been the ghost, or evil represen- tation, of the old major who had lived and died here? Carter stood para1yzed and simply gazed at the apparition. A large brilliantly colored peacock stood directly in front of him, spreading his feathers and intermittently opening his mouth as though enraged because of this human intrusioni
 Carter attempted to speak, to step
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

sion. That night at about 10 o'clock he ascended the rickety steps of the deserted house, unlocked the door, and entered.
 It was a hot Summer night, and a close, musty atmosphere greeted him. His pocket searchlight soon revealed the switch button, and on went the lights. but they were dim and seemed to be blinking through barrage of heavy dust. He found himself gasp ing for breath as he ascended the broad staircase which led up to the second story.
 He entered large front room Find ing the switchbutton | e turned on the light. There was a couch in one cor ner, an old table, few upholstered chairs, and red velvet carpet was on the floor. Nothing spooly about this that I can see," he mumbled to him self.
 Leaving the light on here he started out to explore, and visited every room in the house, like 8 watchman on his
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

trying to make my million myself, you seei"
 He glanced about approvingly. "I found you in the telephone book. It's a corking office, all right. Designed to inspire confidence in your prospective customers, I suppose. How did you come to take this up, Christine?''
 There seemed to be such a demand for it, Peter. The city is full of in terior decorators; all looking for big jobs and enormous commissions. But there are plenty of people who haven't much money to spend-who don't know or care anything about period furniture-but who do appreciate at tractive surroundings. So-here I am! Are you here to consult me professionally, Peter?''
 To her surprise he assented gravely. 'tI've bought a little bungalow out in the country, Chris. I'm like the folks you're telling about-I'm going to put the few hundred dollars I've got to spend into your hands, and I want
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

forward as though to grasp the bird in his hands-but the creature instant ly disappeared dis solved in the atmospherei It was raining outside, and almost simul- taneously with the disappearance of the peacock there came a vivid flash of lightning and a terrific crash of thunder. Off went the lights!
 The dazed, frightened man stood there alone, in the center of the room. in total darkness. Cold sweat stood out on his forehead in beads; he was completely unnerved. Staggering backward he fell prostrate upon the couch, his eyes gazing into the dark ness.
 Hardly had he fallen upon the couch, when the peacock appeared again, this time even more brilliantly colored, fantastic and terrible. His eyes were green and g1istening, his mouth opened and shut; his feathers were lifted high, and spread out like a gorgeous fan. Then, suddenly, there
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

you to fix me up-a home!"
 You're not going back South, then?"
 He shook his head Its been a great experience-but I'm through. It's wild country It's all right for a man, but it's no place for woman!" '"
 The canary ran liquid scale before Christine replied. Then-very gent ly-
 You're married, Peter?''
 ''Not yet. I expect to be, soon, though When can I take you out to view my vast estate Christfne?''
 Two days later he helped her into his cara shabby little rattletrap, which, nevertheless, chugged cheerful 1y along and asked favors of no one.
 Ashamed to ride in the tin can?" Peter K. inquired quizzical1y.
 An unfamiliar wistfulness curved her lips. I've lost some of my high ideas, Peter," she replied. "I like nice things still-but I realize they're not absolutely indisputable."
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18
By Joella Johnson

Haven't we always planned it SO, you and I?'' said Bob, beaming upon her. And Del's crazy to learn to cook. She's been a little working girl and living in boarding houses, so she's never had much chance. But let's have some samples of your skill now, Ma, for we're both hungry"
 "I'm going to get dinner right away" answered Mrs. Phelps. But first there's something I want to know" She went to the desk and took out a photograph. With a militant air, she faced her daughter-in-law, and compared the pictured features with those of the unassuming, blushing girl before her.
 How did you ever come to look like that?" she demanded.
 Delicia turned a softly reproachful gaze upon her husband. "Why, Bob, that isn't the picture I gave you to send your mother! That was taken for a fashion magazine. I was man.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18
@OARlk6 1XjIILE i:

the road was wide enough to turn his car around, and when he came to such a place, that was what he did, and it was no time before he had landed-the vision at her aunt's door. bid her a hasty goodnight, and was soon mak- ing inquiries regarding the direction to a certain little village. And now as he thought of it he had received but one letter this week from Marjorie. He groaned and put on more steam. He should get to the village by 12 and the next morning he would have an under standing. funny he should have thought that girl next door was pret- ty. Now he could see where she had a turned-up nose.. her hair was just yellow instead of golden as he had thought, and-well. there was nothing at all pretty about her.
 In the meantime Marjorie was con- soling herself by motoring and trying to eat all the candy Jack brought to her. The first week she had refused
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

Peter K. What has money to do with the heart?"
 The crystal clock chimed 4. There was step on the gravel walk: ths door latch clicked, and a woman stood before them-a pumb little woman with white hair and Peter Ks steady blue eyes. Peter laid his arm about her waist.
 Come in mother, dear" he invited. "See how you like your new home!"
 Your m-mother-" Christine stam- mered.
 Peter reached for her with his fres arm and drew them both close in d tender little hug.
 'Sure!" he agreed. Mother and my old nurse, Hi1degarde, are going to keep house here together, as snug as snug can be. And I'm going to take care of them-from my new big house up or the hill. Will you come with me, Chris-and drive the gray roadster?"
 Tears were her only answer, but as they were shed into the hollow of his shoulder they seemed to suffice.
 "It was test, my darling" mur~ mured Peter K, his lips against her hair. tYour wealth-lust was sick- ness. I had to be sure that you were cured!"
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18
The Deceiving Photograph

married a girl like that, what's he go- ing to do with herr"
 Ma Phelps adjusted her gold-rimned spectac1es, and the two women bent above the printed cardboard with grave. wondering faces. Patrician and conscious elegance spoke from every detail of the picture. It seemed fiaunt- ingly arrogant.
 And your Bob's married herr" breathed Mrs. Ellis. Pretty high and mighty, ain't she? And look at all those jewels! I s'pose she's one Of those rich society girls
 Rich? Bob can't live on her mon cyl" admonished Ma Phelps, testify.
 Well, she can't dress on his either" Mrs. Ellis giggled as she inspected the picture again.
 Hes going to bring her home to- morrow" she said. "Then I s'pose I'll hear all about it, and what they're going to do.''
 She had always thought of the pos
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

One out of the city the road dipped and wound through countryside all fresh and beautiful with spring, and the little village that was their desti- nation might have been modelled from some idealist's drean Of suburban life. On the crest of the hill Peter stopped the car. At their right, in the midst of smooth hedged lawn stood a mansion, all brown shingles and feldstones, a roomy, rambling struc- ture that filled the eye like ones hearts desire. In the curving drive before the porch polished roadster glittered like a yacht in the sun.
 That's your idea of dwelling place, I suppose?" Peter K. remarked, whimsically. Well-now for the dreadful contrast That little white cottage at the foot of the hill with the green tiled roof and the pansy beds that's mine. Make it as pretty as you can, Chris. IT want Hildegarde to be happy there"
 During the weeks that followed
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

that diabolical bird-that c1utched my throat--that-''
 Carter couldn't go on. Davis laugh- ed. "Wen,' he said, you've solved the mystery of the Peacock mansion. The firemen readily put out the fire: then they examined the room 'where you were and found the remains of a glass peacock broken into a thousand pieces lying on the floor; also, an empty case in the wall that held a million loose wires, It was simply defective insulation that caused the shock, that was all. Old Major Peas cock evidently had this glass bird in the room, cleverly fitted up with elec~ tric wires and bulbs, to show his friends. When it was illuminated it was a brilliant and even uncanny spectacle. He had button hid under the carpet somewhere, which had to be stepped on to turn on the current and illuminate the peacock. You probably stepped on that button yourself, un- consciously. Then you saw the wierdf bird, and then the storm came, and the lightning finished the job!"
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18
They Learned a Lesson

paused a moment and then continued: :: T have friend who cane to visit with us few weeks ago, and brother Jack upset all our plans by falling des- perately in love with her, and they seemed to forget I was living, so I told mother was going to leave them to enjoy each others company, and I slipped down here to see Aunt Abbie. They will have only few weeks more together, as she will be returning home"
 Again Edwin was about to speak when he was interrupted with: But, surely Edwin you must have heard of this girl. for she lives right near here and teaches school.''
 And her name?" fairly gasped Ed win Something cold was clutching at his heart
 Marjorie Willis. But for goodness sake don't upset us."
 But Edwin did not hear; he was driving madly to get to a place where
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

see you, hiding behind me-
 In a daze, Ma Phelps submitted to the timid caress from her sons wife, and led the way into the living room. At sight of the masses of gay bloom, the young stranger ran from vase to vase, uttering low cries of rapture.
 "Oh, such beautiful f1owers-and so many! love them so. Isn't it splen- did to have a garden. And you have robbed it for usi"
 There's lots left' said her hostess, eyeing her In bewi1derment. But I s'pose you're used to hot-house flow ers.'
 "Yes,' Delicia's eyes twinkled at her big husband. When Bob squan- wered his money for bunch of vio- lets or a dozen American Beauties. I've always been wild about suburban places; and now that we're going to live here, I'm just too happy for any thing"
 Live here?" gasped Ma Phelps.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

Christine found herself putting her heart and mind into the decoration of the little white blungalow. Her heart ached bit sometimes and she had diff fculty in keeping her mind just where it belonged-but she spent each penny of those scanty hundreds as though she had earned it herself by the sweat of her brow, shopping in malodorous basements, dickering with indifferent salesgirls, stitching snowy draperies with her own hands to save the ex- pense of hired labor. And by midsum- mer the place was complete. in ev- cry detail-as charming nest as any two 1ove-birds could desire.
 She had seen little of Peter-forbid- den him his own home till the work was finished. Then she summoned him by telephone.
 "Al1 done?" he echoed warmly. That's finei I'll call for you this aft ernoon. We're just in time, too. The little lady who's going to occupy it has
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

sibility, of marriage for Bob, and float ing before her mental vision had been an image of The Girl, sweet, womanly. helpful. No girl she had ever seen had been so lovely, so desirable, as this cherished dream maiden. Now, the nebulous vision was plotted out by 8 figure of menacing magnifcence.
 Almost tearfu1ly, Ma Phelps set her house in order and prepared to receive her guests. While waiting for the car riage to arrive from the station, the mother grew nervous and depressed. How can we do anything to please her? It'll all seem so poor and plain! Some girls would be happy here-just a nice girl who had been working for her living, and boarding round. And I could teach her how to cook-first of all the dishes Bob likes best-and Bob'd get work in town; and we'd all be so happy together. Oh, dear!"
 She hastily wiped tear away, and started for the front door. The car
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

Lis attentions, taking a few trips in the little car, and this little sister, who had long desired to make Aunt Abbie visit, had taken this excuse to slip away. The next thing that happened was letter from Marjorie's mother telling her to enjoy herself, as Edwin seemed to be enjoying himself i'm mensely with a girl next door. Mother wrote that she supposed this sis the way young folks enjoyed themselves now, but they did not do that way when she was girl.
 Although mother meant no harm, Marjorie had her tip, and accordingly set out to enjoy herself and to accept all of Jacks invitations. while in her heart she was planning on a lonely future. living within a stones throw of Edwin and the beautiful vision moth CT had explained.
 Marjorie's thoughts were running on these lines the next morning when the door bell rang. and as she was
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-18

was the most extraordinary of 3 flee in the whole building-fur-
 nished in wicker like a young brides sitting room, with grass rugs and howery cretonne curtains. A ca nary sang in it's basket-work cage, and three sprays of peach blossoms were arranged with studied art in a clear glass vase
 Christine Dubois, interior Dec crater of Cottages read the neat let tering on the door. And behind her willow desk Christine puckered her white brow and linked her fingers as she figured financial problems with 8 leaky fountain pen.
 The buzzer thrilled, and there en- tered tall young man with tanned skin, fair hair and steady blue eyes. Christine stared, blushed as pink as her peach blossoms and held out a slim splotched hand.
 ''Why, Peter K.I" she gasped. "I thought you were in South Americai"
 Peter K. had grown quite matter of fact since she saw him last, it seemed. Five years, isn't it?' he grinned. My, Chris-how time fliesi I thought I'd find you married to the millionaire you were looking for the time you turned me down."
 Her color deepened. Not yet. I'm