davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-25
A MATTER OF NERVES
By E. CHARLES VIVIAN

NNR. WARRINGTON PINKER'S visitor MI looked, and was decidedly nervous. It
 ~did not need such discernment as Mir. Warrington Pinker possessed to decide that Edgar N. Smith" was not that visitors esthcorrect name; he hesitated over answer ing to it, and, altogether, he was not him. self-this in more senses than one.
 "Mr. Smith," said Pinker at last, "the business of a private inquiry agent is one which does not admit of wasting over much time. May ask you-?"
 T-er-that is vel want to get the Ostrolenka diamonds out of the country" Smith replied
 "I'm shaken all to pieces," he said, land so would you be, if you'd carried half million for a fortnight, knowing that three men were waiting for chance to slip knife into you to get that half million. want to hand the case over to man can trust, and know that it will be handed back to me at the gangway of the Chronic when the shore bell rings tomorrow
 Where are the Ostrolenka diamonds?" Pinker asked.
 For answer, Smith took flat leather case from his pocket He opened it, and the gems blazed up at Pinker. Then he closed the case again and held it out
 twill you-save my nerves?" he asked.
 Pinker took the case. "The boat train?" he asked.
 told him.
 And this case is to be handed back to you at the gangway of the Caronic when the shore bell rings tomorrow
 Smith nodded assent, and looked in- tensely relieved. By the way," he said, "come and look out of the window-this isn't imagination on my part"
 He pointed, as they stood by the window, severally at three men who lounged in the street, inconspicuous in the traffic. "They have followed me all the way," he said, "and they'll be at Liverpool tomorrow"
 If you'll go now, Mir. Smith, I'll watch you out and see how these men behave," he said.
 Watching, he saw fourth individual come up to one of the three whom Smith had pointed out to him, and apparently ask for light from the others cigarette. Having got light, he stopped to talk; the other two set off following Smith, unob- trusively.
 MT. Warrington Pinker buttoned his coat over the case of diamonds, put on his hat and went out He had not gone hundred yards before he realized that the two men were following him, just as their confreres had followed Smith-and he had the dia- monds on him. Conscious of their value made him realize how it was that Smith had lost his nerve He turned a corner and walked into blanket of fog, the sud den-sweeping London fog that drops down treacherously and with danger to one placed as he was placed. Before him was biz hairdressing establishment, and MT. h;oh repister The note if such it could
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-25

of me now. Sigh, scream, crackle. It was ever-sounding.
 In the violent movements of my mouth to speak, the gag slipped away and l cried aloud. The terrible note stopped suddenly. My glance flickered here and there, but the room was growing darker and darker, until at last blackness pressed against my eyes, thick and impenetrable.
 "You've done it, you devilv' cried mad ly. You've driven me blind!'
 I heard laugh ring out, fiendish in it's triumph. My head fell forward, and, my mind reeling in that blank, stifling blackness, l remembered no more.
 "Yes," voice was saying, when l came to; "his nerves seem badly affected. But he'll be all right presently. Of course, old Gettle will have to be put away. He's con- pletely gone."
 "He wouldn't let me come in the room at first when I went up after hearing the shouting" my landlady said. ''And when did get inside the room was in darkness. But I noticed the gas tap was on. It's slot meter, and the light must have failed gradually, as it always does Of course, Mir. Gettle wouldn't know it had gone out, and as for this poor young man"
 Then I opened my eyes once more to the glory of perfect sight.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-25

rose and fell, his fingers crept the same as before. The set face betrayed no feeling, though the curve of his bitter mouth might have been more pronounced.
 Then I thought I felt burning pain at the back of my eyes, and tight iron band seemed to compress my temples. l was be- coming exhausted, and I prayed for forget fulness to come over me. But the sigh, the crackle, held me firmly to consciousness. Not once was it fainter or louder, always the same sound, piercing, soaring through my brain; one continual, awful note.
 = The pain at the back of my eyes grew more intense.
 Then-was it my fancy or was the light in the room less brilliant? "Not that. Not thatw I mumbled to myself. Ut can't be. It's impossible" I closed my eyes in fear. Sigh, scream, crackle. Sigh, scream, crackle.
 Could the light in my eyes be really dark ening? I opened them again. The pain behind them was scorching. My brain was all afire.
 At that moment had the gag permitted it, I should have shrieked aloud. My eyesght was failing. The varnish on the-violin threw back no gleam as it had done before. The madmans eyes were no longer visible to me; they were just two black sockets. My vision became dinner and dinner. could barely perceive the figure standing in front
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-25


 next morning, making one in shame-faced procession that was weighed off" with the rapidity of experience by the stipendiary. It was barely 10:30 when he emerged from the court, for g tip ana word to an in- spector whom he knew had placed him high up on the list of drunk and disorderly ones. Outside the court he looked round until he saw the two men who had fol- lowed him the night before, and then he stopped the first taxi that came along.
 "Euston, as quickly as you can make it," he ordered.
 But when he reached the station, he seemed in no great hurry. He lounged into the booking hall, looking all round it, and for some time seemed to be waiting, all though the boat train passengers were fil- ing toward their platform. Of the two man who had followed MT. Pinker so assid- uously he took no notice at all, but seemed to be waiting for some one else. Satisfied at last, Pinker got himself ticket for Liverpool and, leaving the boat train to it's own devices, went for the II o'clock ex- press. On this he found an empty apart ment, in which he seated himself, deliber- ately inviting trouble. The two men pa trolled the platform until the express was on the point of starting, and then they bundled into MT. Pinker's compartment. He regarded them with mild toleration, put his hand up to feel the breast pocket of his coat, and then folded his arms on his chest and appeared to doze.
 The two men fidgeted, and one of them put his hand in the inner breast pocket of his overcoat. Mir. Pinker took morning paper from his pocket-a kindly policeman had obliged him with it, before he paid his fine and read. Among the smaller news items was one detailing a mysterious assault on a certain Edgar N. Smith, who had been set upon by two men the preceding eve ming, under cover of the fog The mys- tery of the affair, it seemed, was lack of motive for the assault, for though the two men had had plenty of time to take all they wanted before MT. Smiths cries at tracted policeman, they had taken noth- ing. And, in the fog, they had got clear away.
 So much MT. Pinker read with the paper held up high before his face, and then he became aware of a sweetish sickly odor. He saw the shorter of the two men stand up before the door of the compartment, and suddenly the other man thrust his paper aside and pressed a cloth against his face And that was all that MT. Pinker remem- bered, until the voice of train attendant reached his ears telling him that lunch was served.
 He looked round the compartment, but he was alone. Also his boots were unfastened, his vest was unfastened, though his coat had been pulled round him so that this should not attract notice from any one passing the compartment When he came to rose and fell, his fingers crept the same as
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-25
BUZZER REMINDS TO TURN OFF
 LIGHTS

Through forgetfulness lamps are left burning in cellars, attics or closets, and current is wasted.
 This waste of electricity can be effec- tually prevented by switch and buzzer now on the market. Both are mounted on the same base. When the switch that con- trols the lights is on, the buzzer furnishes a gentle, though insistent reminder that the lamps are burning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-25

Sigh, scream, crackle, always, endless it seemed in the air. "Oh, God," prayed frenziedly, "cause him to stop" His arm
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08
SCORES OF BOYS ANTICIPATE OPENING OF CAMP WOODSTOCK
Continued from Page Four)

ber. student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
 Pomfret Center-Arthur W. vaIen- tine.
 Thompson-James Maitland.
 Meehanicsyille-Raymond D. ehub- buck.
 Holyoke. Mass.-Ernest Boys. John Boys, Carlton Boys.
 Rockville-Francis Hall, Frederick McCreery, Kenneth McCreery.
 Stafford Springs-Iack Rumbelow, Donald c. Eaton.
 Somers-Theodore W. Carroll
 South Manchester-Stuart D. Rob inSon. Kenneth May. Ruthven Bid we'll. Thomas c. Sloan. IT,. James (. McCarr. Sherwood W. House, William Aspinwali. Walter R. Holland, Jack Gordon. Francis K. Burr, Myron F. Burr, Robert D. Burr, Clarence Tur- kington, Robert L. Carter. Charles :. House, Franklin Richmond, Harry C Mohr, Rodney B. Wilcox, W. Herbert Crockett.
 Thompsonvilie-Frank A. Wood worth.
 Kensington-Ed C. Hanford.
 Southington-Fre Saunders. Shepherd c. Merrell. Robert Nelson.
 West Hartford-Ralph E. Lipps, Ward W. Scott.
 Hartford-Francis s, Selltie, Elm erson W. Thompson. William MeAul- ey.
 Berl;n-Eliott N. Gwatkin. John r. Hodgson, Wesley Gwatkin.
 Bristol-Prentice Downs.
 Warehouse Point-Alleu V. Blan- chard.
 Avon-Donald B. Eddy.
 Attawaugan-David Carter.
 Leaders Training Camp:
 Pomfret Center-William Valen- tine. Jr.
 Wocdstock-Donald B. Williams.
 Hartford-H. John Rowland.
 West Hartford-Raymond North am.
 wauregan-Owen Fryling Good rich. Clinton Child. Leslie Downs.
 This list must be trebled within the next week. Be sure that your name appears in next weeks list.
 W. E. Moss of Putnam ia chairman of the Camp Woodstock committee, and C. D. Arnold of Putnam is treas urer.
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08
UNION

Mrs. H. NJ. Lawson has been at the farm for few weeks.
 Mrs. Lucy Newell and Mrs. liar. rison Horton of Monson have been at Oiin Newelrs for a week.
 John Heck has bought the old Chaf. fee place in the east part of town. and IS making needed repairs.
 Mrs. George Thayer. Mrs. Minnie Horton. Miss Myrtle Davidson. Mrs. Eva Proulx and son Arthur. spent Sunday in Brookfield. Mass.
 Visitors at Ralza Horton's Memor- ial Day were: Mir. and Mrs. Charles Tupper and three boys, Miss Mildred Marsh, Roland and Forrest Marsh. Mir. and Mrs. Clarence Marsh, Archie Horton and Mrs. Minnie Horton. all of Worcester. Mrs. Minnie Horton spent few days there, then the week end with her parents, Mir. and Mrs. George Thayer.
 Memorial Day was observed as usu- al. A few met at the East cemetery at $50 ?. m., then to Union Center. There the parade was led by Wood $ band of Stafford. Only one Civil War veteran was in line, he being the only one living in town, George Thayer. After decorating the graves they marched to the town hall, where lunch was served to the band and soldiers at l p. m. There were exercises in the church, speaking by the school children, singing by children and choir, music by the band, and an ad- dress by Rev. MT. Coolidge. The church was packed to it's limit, many old residents coming back for the day.
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08
SELLING POWER co. STOCK
Putnam S Company Place Two Agents
 In Local Territory

T. W. Newsom and II. II. Hyde, representing Putnam X Company of Hartford, arrived in Putnam on Mon day of this week to handle the dispo- sition of stock of the Eastern Con- necticut Power Company in this sec tion. Their coming to Putnam fol lows the extensive trip made by the employees of Putnam & Company over the properties of the power com pany a fortnight ago. The young pen have met with marked success during the week in selling the stock of the company that furnishes power to this section of the county.
 Putnam & Company, in presenting this stock to their patrons. have is- sued the following statement.
 "All over the country electric light and power companies are carrying on customer ownership campaigns, whereby the users of electric light and power become partners in the business.
 I've believe that 1t would be great ly to your advantage % become a stockholder of the Eastern Connec- ticut Power Go. through the purchase of the per cent cumulative first pre- ferred stock at loo and accrued divi- dend. In our opinion a portion of your savings will be safely invested. and per cent on your money should prove attractive.
 '.The Eastern Connecticut Power Go. is making an honest and sincere effort to serve the people of the ter ritory in which it operates e<iciently and as cheapiy as possible, and the company deserves the support of it's patrons. We are sure that 1t will wei come you as a stockholder.
 "One of our representatives will call upon you soon to explain this matter more in detail, and we ask that you extend to him the courtesy of an interview.
 An order may be placed through our representative. or if you prefer il may be left with the First National Bank of Putnam, Conn.,"
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08
THOMPSON MINISTER WRITES QUEENS ODE
Rev. A. van Huizinga Is Chosen to Express Loyalty of Hol-
 land-Americans
f~enty-Fifth Anniversary of Ruler
 In September Next

In observance of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the coronation of Wilhelmina, Queen of the Neither lands. the Rev. Arnold Huizinga, welt known theologian and resident of Thompson has written a coronation poem. entitled "The Netherlands, 1" which is 70 be included in notable album to be which the Queen will receive on this occasion from Ameri- cans of Dutch descent. The ami versary occurs on the sixth of Sep tember of this year.
 The Queens anniversary as ruler of her people will be celebrated not only in Holland but by the Dutch throughout the world. The House of Orange Is we'll beloved by the Dutch and tks present Queen is a pop ular figure in the minds of people ev- anywhere
 In America the Dutch and those of Dutch descent have planned to offer the Queen an artistic coronation al- bum in which the name of the Dutch residing in this country and those of Dutch descent will be inscribed. Among the well known Americans of Dutch stock on the general corona tion committee are George B. Cortel- you, Major General Goethals, Major Theodore Roosevelt, Archbishop Cor nelius van der Ven. Rev. Henry van Dyke, and Rev. A. van Huizinga.
 Mir. uuizinga's poem is in fifteen six line stanzas and recites the his tory of the Low countries. Those four verses referring to the Dutch in America we quote below: I am a son of the Lowlands, the Low
 lands by the seal
 The Netherlands, my fatherland, Is
 ever dear to me. Myself true born Dutchman am part
 of it's homely scene, Forever it lives in my memory, un-
 forgettably sweet and serene. Just as lived in Holland, so Holland
 again lives in me,
 And I shall guard that precious pie
 ture of my homeland by the sea. This home of the Dutch, behind the
 dunes of the sea,
 Is the worlds age-long asylum, the
 cradle of liberty ficFt trt NODit DutNH Athutts W ibidttt
 of Orange, prince of Nassau, Was the first to proclaim and defend
 sweet freedoms great law. Out of trying struggles, in which the
 seeming weak the strong surprise, The world saw in wonderment the
 Dutch republic rise.
 In union is strength. small things
 united may grow strong, Thus little Holland by the sea moved
 all the worlds course along. When there religious opinions, and
 speech and press were freed. Democracy arose, and peoples rights and liberties were guaranteed. The United Netherlands then became
 the home of the oppressed, Ky Huguenat. Pilgrim and Jew alike
 in turn to be blessed. When Americas struggle for freedom
 was led by Washington's brnN c
 hand,
 Old Holland hailed it's spirit, and lent a helping hand. Effective aid to America in many ways
 of true Dutch friendship told, And Amste rdam gave boisterous ae claim to their Jones, the brave
 and bold.
 The master-role in world-politles l.
 past, but Dutch tradition is not dead,
 The Netherlands today does still her
 ancient lustre spread.
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08

Here, at last. established and secure, were peace, power. health, happy ae- tivity, length of days and beauty. All that we seek was found here, and ev cry dream was realized.
 There are some clever bits of char amusing touches of satire in the account of the conspiracy ot the earthlings, and many well-done of the cultivated beauties of q land where trees were never al- lowed to suffer from blight, or from the ravages of parasites. Men Like Gods is on entertaining story, and adds new and often ailuring Utopia
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08
WORKED BOTH WAYS

Here's a wonderful thingw said the fascinating widow. Eve just been reading about a man who reach cd the age of forty without learning to read or write. He met a woman, and for her sake he studied hard and made a scholar of himself in two yearsr'
 The disillusioned suitor smiled sour ly.
 That's nothing" he said. q know man who was profound scholar at forty. Then he met woman, and for her sake made a fool of himself in two days"
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08

rour medicine to my friends and you yasv rubbish my letter as testimonial. i'iso i bope your medicine will give others .ss s, relief if did me. Mrs. RALPH GAIr, S59i S,19 Des Moines St, Burlington, Ia.
 Iyais [. Pinkham's Vegetable Com ,onnd is a medicine for ailments com ,non 10 women. 1t has been used for sleb 1 troubles for nearly fifty years. and thousands of women have found relief ss did Mrs. Gail, by taking this splendid medicine.
 Ifyou are suffering from irregularity, nainful times. nervousness. headache, bsekache or melancholia, you should at once begin to take Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound. 1t is excellent to strengthen the system and help to per form, its functions with ease and regu- isrity.
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08

A school teacher asked her class in what part of the world the most ignorant people were to be found. A small boy volunteered quickly, Tn London, England"
 The teacher was amazed and ques- tioned the lad as to where he had ob- tained such information.
 Well" he replied, ''the geography says that's where the population is most dense"
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08
HOW,S THISf

HALLS CATARRH MEDICINE VI do what we claim for It~-rid your syoomn of Catarrh or Deafness cauped by o~ tarrh We do not recommend II for ony other disease liquid. taken internally. and acts throuuh the blood uppn ths mucoun surfAeaA 4E the system. thus reducing the infiam4A- ton and assisting Nature in reetos11D normal cundtticns
 All Druggists Circulars free.
 r. ]. Cheney < Co.,. Toledo. OhiA
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08

Cduit v Ter y tWu weeks and lasted for two weeks, and dur ling that time l would have he blues and cry. Since l have
 taken Lydia E. Pink
 |ham's V c ge table
 Compound l am so
 happy l eau hardly
 express myself. I
 have gained several
 pounds and look fine. | l have recommended
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08

to the many visions of that deleetable country transcribed for us by men of many minds.
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08
BOOK REVIEWS

(AII books reviewed in thi. col. umn are to be found in the Putnam Public Library.)
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08

Be sure you leaft enough prin1sd matter in your desk before vacation.
Putnam patriot., 1923-06-08
WOMAN so RUE SHE CRIED
e.,,use of III Health--Tells How sb. Found Relief by Taking Lydia 2 pipkham's Vegetable Compound

Harrington, Iowa.-"I used to dread ,hs time for my monthly period as it
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-22
BE: WARE TIE
 rOIIGH OR C0L.O
 THAT HlNG29 IN

Chronic coughs and persistent colds lead to serious lung trouble. You can stop them now with CreomulsIon. an emulsifted cerosote that is pleasant to take. Creomulsion is a new medi- cal discovery with twofold action. It soothes and heals the inflamed mem branes and kills the germ.
 Of all known drugs, creosots IS recognized by the medical raternity as the greatest healing agency for the treatment of chronic coughs and colds and other forms of throat and lung troubles. CreoIaulsion contains, in addition to Creosote. other heal ing elements which soothe and heal the lnfla.ned membranes and stop the irritation. and inflammation, while the ereosote goes on to the stomach. is absorbed into the blood, attacks the seat of the trouble and destroys the germs that lead to consumption
 Creomulsion Is guaranteed satIs- factory in the treatment of chrome coughs and colds bronchial asthma, catarrhal broncnitis and other forms Of throat and lung diseases, and is excellent for building up the system after colds or the flu. Money re- funded if any cough or cold no matter ol how Iong standing, IS not relieved after taking according to dI- rectIons. Ask your druggist. Creo- Enuislon Co Atlanta Ga --( (AuVJ
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-22

Madeira Napkins, $5.95 Dozen-New hand-embroid- cred and hand-scalloped Ma deira napkins of fine quality linen; new and dainty designs. Embroidered Table Cloths, $23.95-72-inch; elaborately embroidered; all Madeira hand made; selection of designs. New Madeira Doilies, 49c, 98c and $1.49-Pure linen. va- rious sizes and designs. Mercerized Damask Table Cloths, $l.98-Size 72x72; round scalloped or square hem- stitched: some with colored borders.
 Mercerized Damask, 79c-70- inch; highly mcrcerized; ten new designs.
 MAIN FLOOR
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-22
DIES FROM SHOCK

NEW YORK, Nov. 21.-Deputy Comptroller Henry Smith died this morning at his home. It was said that the immediate cause of his death was shock over the decision of the United States supreme court that his superior Comptroller Charles L. Craig. must serve 60-day Jail term for contempt of court
The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-22
Waterproof Sanitas Covers
 for $1

For round or square tables; pretty blue designs; 54 inches square; easily cleaned with damp cloth; serviceable, sani- tary and VERY economical. Underselling any store in this section at S1 each.