davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21
SOLDIERS ANXIOUS
FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Many Souther,4 Boys In Reg
ular Army in Panama
Canal Region

Atlanta, Dec 21--S ldiers of the
United States Army always look for
ward to the holiday season with a
great deal of pleasure.
All duties are suspended except
guard and other necessary details and
the soldiers naturally look up COM
rades from the vicinity Of their homes.
While number OF posts will have
the snow settings and accompanying
cold weather, others viii be in the
sunny south and the tropics where
snow and natural ice are unknown.
Soldiers naturally congregate i'll
their recreation centers and during
the holidays you will find them group
ed together with their Budides talking
over old-times.
During the past year approximately
$500 southern boys have been enlisted
for various posts ir. this Corps Area
and in addition about $500 have been
assigned to the Earama Canal de-
partment and other tropical counties.
A number of these boys are spending
their first Christmas away from
home, but from Company "M' of the
14th Infantry in Panama comes the
following, "the good old southern ac-
cent is very plentiful around the COM
pany since the last boat came in and
the favorite expression seems to be
we all sho' have a swell place to stay
fo' two years. We hope you keep
your good opinion. fellows, we bid you
welcome and hope you enjoy your
stay with the good old 14th."
The above is true of all organiza-
tons to which southern boys have
been assigned
All the boys wish everyone back
home a Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year and many a home town
paper will be sent the soldier boys
during the holidays which will be
passed around to all the 1--WE all" boys
in the service
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21
CHAPTER 26

JACK REID got to his feet and
saw Lady Sewerage enter his cot
tage, clad in a dripping macintosh
and CARRYING an umbrella.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21
~ = 81 WAITER $: M&sfERMAT 5
| - LOCATION
EEAu TEIS rIRS,r .

READ TEkS FIRST.
Ia =, REID, only witness to the MUIR
ser Il Sir Henry Severinge In the
cnaI~l of his ancient Abbey, is ne'er-
dow II who mas been posing as an
itInerant painter In the chapel to
seal a JeMeIed cross, Reid could raise
no Charm Ut the time OF the murder
tGr tear of lnclmlnating himself,
.icI.aru SciQcn, summoned from Scot
.ADd Yard, questions Lady Hilda, the
.,ctm $ Wioow, and Eric Colindale.
lent fol the estate, who is in love
with her. lie also talks with Colonel
Aianam, ne Ahr whose blood
hounds found the body of Sir Henry
il the coffin OF his father, and Mrs.
thornton, the hOdSekeeper. Lady
1nlda and Colindale are shocked by
Sir HenryS Will which leaves every
thing TO James, the butler, except an
allowance for the children ana his
widow PROV ED she marries Colin
dale. Reid, who has fallen in love
with Sylvia lawrence, governess of
the two SeYeringe children, determines
to help SeldCl solve the murder when
le learns her life and the childrens
are Endangered. One of the mourners
1t SIR uenlyS funeral, Mrs. Holden,
shows unusual interest in the Abbey.
After a CHAT with HuckS, the village
innkeeper, Mrs. Holden proves to be
Selden in disguise. Jack Reid, in his
cottage near the Abbey, has q visitor.
(NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21

Colindale's Office will be at your
disposal, and you can go through
the accounts and the general
scheme of things he has devised
with regard to the estate and it's
upkeep. I will help you if I can"
He glanced round the cottage
and laughed. IT am already a ten
ant of yours, Lady Severinge, but
there is nothing much here that I
should have to move. I can pack
suitcase and come almost at once
if you like"
She smiled at his urgency. II
hardly think it would do for us to
be seen walking together to the
Abbey. I came from the village
on purpose; but if you care to
come at lunch time, it will give me
time to tell James, our butler"
She bit her lip at the humiliating
thought that she would have to
consult him.
. Had she gone then-she had al
ready put on her mackintosh-a
rather embarrassing situati o n
would have been avoided. The cot
tage door opened without cere-
mony and the tall, thin form of
Colonel Graham stood on the
threshold.
He cast a look at the two per-
sons and took off his hat.
II beg your pardon for intrud-
ing''-his manner was uncompro-
missing and frigid-"I had not an
idea that you had a visitor, Reid.
I thought I should find you alone
on a day like this"
Lady Severinge called on a
matter of business" Reid said as
stiffiy. "She was just going. You
wished to see me, Colonel?'
"Any time will do. I must apollo
gize to you, Hilda."
'There is no need" she re-
marked, with a flash of anger.
MIR. Reid will explain the reason
for my presence here" She
walked out of the cottage without
so much as a good morning.
The Colonel watched her go and
burst into sneering laugh.
eve shall have our friend Colin
dale jealous soon," he said, turning
to Reid.
II hardly think So"
"Well, well! There is no &C
counting for the ways of women.
However, that's neither here nor
there. I came to offer you job
don't know whether you want
one, or whether it would suit you.
You seem to be at a loose end, and
from what I have seen Of you have
good manners and address. How
would yon care to manage my
place 'Fliile am away?"
REID was staggered. Here. with
in half an hour, were two people
seeking his services, for no partic-
ular merit on his part.
"You are going away?" he
asked.
"Oh. not permanently. not even
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21
CHAPTER 81


LADY SEVERINGE summoned
James and rather nervously told
him that she wished to employ
Reid as successor to Colindale. To
her surprise and relief the butler
was not only agreeable but seemed
pleased.
II am glad to hear it, m'lady,"
he said in the same quiet tones he
had alwa. adopted. eff I may
say so, I nix you have made a
good choice. Mr.. Reid is a gentle
man, and should imagine that he
will be able to do the work to your
satisfaction"
Eyes, James, I think So" she
said, hesitating. "But you see,
under these changed conditions it
is rather awkward for me. There
is the financial side"
! James put up deprecating
hand. please don't worry about
that, m'lady. I am glad that you
have mentioned it, because was
going to do SO myself, but hardly
knew how to put it. Your lady
ship is aware that during the life
time of your late husband was
acting for him with regard to his
accounts and the general business
side. Should you wish it., I should
be proud and happy to continue to
do so for you. That would save
you from all bother, and I can
come to an arrangement with Mr..
Reid, I am sure, satisfactory to
both Of u.s."
It was a long speech for James,
and he seemed out Of breath when
he had finished.
''I think that is most kind of
you, James," ailda said warmly.
Secretly she was amazed, for she
was certain that the butler dis
liked her intensely and was gloat-
ing over the departure of Eric
Colindale.
When Reid reached the Abbey
the rain was pouring down faster
than ever and a cold wind had
sprung up, beating against the
ancient walls and lashing the lake
into miniature storm. Seen in
these surroundings, the place
looked grimmer than even in the
moonlight, and he was glad to en-
ter the great front door which was
now thrown open. He had left his
suitcase at his cottage, not wish
ing to arrive carrying tit sa-
vored too much of eagerness to
take up his new post.
James met him in the gateway
in the tower: stone pillars at the
corners arched over to the vaulted
roof, to meet in the center where
shield displayed the Severinge
arms. Doors opened to right and
left from this gateway. and the
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21

for long; but have business in
London and that takes me to town
a goodish bit. I had a note from
Coiindale telling me he was taking
a holiday-and don't blame him.
don't know whether you have
been told, but as the estates join
he had been for some time doing
the work during my absence-it's
really nothing but supervision"
IT am afraid I haven't the neces-
sary experience, Reid observed.
The Colonel was bound to know
of the offer he had received, so he
added: tits rather a coincidence,
but Lady Severinge's unexpected
visit here was made to offer me
Colindale's petition"
And you have accepted?"
II have. If I can't manage it
properly I shall resign"
The Colonels manner became
more friendly, E Capital. my dear
fellow, that will be excellent; you
can do the two. Come along and
have dinner with me tonight and
We'll talk matters over. No, I in
sist. had meant to ask YOU in
any case. I'm a bachelor and
quite alone, but have an Indian
cook who makes excellent cur
ries."
Very well, shall be there. I
suppose your bloodhounds won't, be
loose ?"
Il never allow them out Of their
kennels except with Coats" the
Colonel said rather gravely.
''Then I shall be there-about
seve1lish ?"
THAT will do; don't be later be-
cause my chef goes off the deep
end if his cooking is spoilt. And,
by the way, Reid, I have rather a
queer request to make If YOU
should happen to see any strangers
hanging round as you come up the
drive, just have a look at them.
will you?"
II am afraid that, as stranger
myself, would hardly recognize
strangers. They might be villagers
for all I know"
II don't think any villagers
would be likely to intrude on me
they are rather too afraid Of nv
bloodhounds. And as to recog-
nizing them, I rather think they.
would get out of your way. have,
fancied the last two or three
nights I have heard people round
the house, and on the night of the
murder thought I saw some fig
ufes-may be all imagination"
It'll have a look out, certainly"
Reid assured him.
"Then I'll see you this evening""
Reid watched him swinging off
with his free, easy stride, twirling
a riding whip which. he always.
carried, and which seemed part Of
his equipment, for he was never
without it. 81
Ito Be ContiMedl
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21
IN go @AS1Ss 5: .@S 1865 a
center court lay peyono.

center court lay DeyOnd.
In the dining room pleasant
surprise awaited him. Lady Sever
inge, with Sylvia and the two chill
dren, were sitting by the open
hearth in which a fire had been
lighted owing to the sudden drop
in temperature.
The girl was evidently i'll at ease.
The new departure on Lady Sever
inge's part of having the children
and herself for meals had followed
Colindale's departure and her own
suggestion with regard to moving
the children's quarters. To her
astonishment Hilda had not only
acquiesced, but. had immediately
suggested that in future they
should all take meals together. It
was obviously right, but to Sylvia's
mind there was a hint of anxiety
about the change. Her mind, al
ready full of gloomy forebodings,
saw in this move a sinister mean
ing. Lady Severinge wanted them
all together for mutual protection
She was therefore greatly relieved
to hear that Reid was to join them
at lunch; it brought him nearer.
The twins had recovered their
spirits. in spite of Colindale's de-
parture, for the change of rooms
was quite an adventure and they
had spent the morning moving.
Mr.. Reid is kindly filling Mr.
Colindale's place as agent" Lady
Severinge said when they were at
lunch.
Sylvia's face showed no outward
sign, but her eyes met Reds, and
he saw in them a look Of intense
relief, and more, of gratitude, for
she was under the impression that
he had worked it.
The twins eyed him gravely,
summing him up in their preco-
cious manner. "Of course we shall
miss Uncle Eric, but we'll get
used to it in time. I think he'll
do" Joan said gravely.
"What shall we call you 2"
Marian said. "You must be an
uncle of some Sort"
"My name is Jack. Will that
do?" Reid said, smiling at them.
| "Wllat rubbish you children are
talking" Lady Sewerage inter-
vened. Don't take any notice of
them, Mr.. Reid
II don't mind in the least. They
used to come and look at my paint
ings and pass most uncompl-
mentary remarks on them"
"He can't paint at ALL" Marian
remarked.
| "How dark it's getting!" Sylvia
observed. to- change the subject.
There must. be thunder coming"
II think you might take the chill
dren to their new quarters, Sylvia"
Lady Severinge said with a smile.
"Mr. Reid and I are going to have
a business chat"
"Come and have tea, with us,
Uncle jack the twins exclaimed
together.
MAY II" he asked of Lady
sewerage; out MS glance stole to
Sylvia.
Certainly, but r warn you that
they will tire you out very quick
ly," Hilda answered.
Reid and Lady Severinge were
left alone, and he offered his Gig
aret case to her. She remarked:
well have coffee here, and
then We'll go to the Office, which is
in the servants quarters, right at
the back"
In answer to her ring, James
entered, and Lady Severinge
watched him carefully, for it was
rather critical moment.
Reid waited till James had
placed the salver down. and then
came towards him.
Lady Sewerage has offered me
the post of agent to the estate,
and have accepted" he said with
a frank smile II don't know much
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21

Ron1ancel Of football star and chorus
girl ends in divorce courts 1t Seems
they BON did .oo' .i1,2eh l'!:'.irg.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21

about the JoD ana snan wanr >,
the help I can get. ham, oil
shall get along together I5 E~ We
He held out his hand WIKI
gesture in which there w.
patronage, but the maxim oe no
compact, and Lady Severin9o -, "
derstood that Reid was teilino tt
butler that he knew the ciFo,, Cie
stances and hoped they wonld ha4r
stand by her and the childra,, =
The face Of the butler, nEnan.,
so impressive, underwent a chg ol'y
There was a look of pleasure ~ ~,
more, of satisfaction on his fs 81"
II am sure this is very J,;nJ I'I e.
you, Mr.. Reid" he said ~ ~ y
really delighted that YOU bo an
come here. 1 shall certainly do NJ
I can, and please don't HESITATE - -
ask; but I feel sure that Won WIN
manage splendidly."
He shook the extended hona
warmly. and then became the ri@id
butler again, asking whether any,
thing else was required.
The little scene had oocn0;.s
only a few minutes, but to Ta5u
Severinge 1t meant much; she fait
a sense of some great load boino
lifted from her mind.
THAT was very fine Of Won Nv
Reid" she said, when the door Voc
shut. 81 am grateful, and I know
James will appreciate that act ~
courtesy"
1t was almost dark in the rooro.
heavy thunderclouds had rolled III
during lunch and rain was pelting
against the latticed windows The
angry wasps trying to force their
way in.
"shall I switch on the Hght?"
he asked.
Its not worth it," she replied.
almost gaily. We'll 90 to the
Office and have a look at the papers
there. Eric kept them in apple
pie order"
It was after five O'Clock when
they had finished, for there had
been much to go through; the
question of the rotation of croDs
for next year, the pay rolls, and
the marketing of produce. Colin
dale had persuaded Sir Henry to
build some extensive glass, under
which tomatoes and early cl1rys.
anthemums were forced, and a
considerable profit had been made.
not all Of which had found its way
into the estate funds, if the truth
were known.
IT am motoring down to the vii
lage to pay a CALL" Lady Sewerage
told Reid. "You are expected for
tea" %
She conducted him to q large
room on the first floor, where the
children had installed themselves
FIilda had not exaggerated-the
twins were all that she had said,
and Sylvia let them have their
way-not that she lacked control,
but she knew only too well the
fits of depression, the morbid in
Prospective moods, and the times
Of lassitude that came to these
delicate children.
James came in at last and gazed
smilingly at the scene, for Reid by
this time had been converted into
a bear with the aid of a rug, and
Joan was mounted on his back,
while Marian led him around the
room on all tours by a rope.
ST beg your pardon, sir" he ad-
dressed the patient animal who
was half underneath the table,
"but I think you ought to dress
if you are going to Colonel Ora
hams. I took the liberty of hav-
ing your suitcase brought from
your cottage, and have laid out
your things"
Reid rose, crunpled but laugh
ing.
"I'n come at once. Thanks.
James, for saving my life"
(To Be COntinued)
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21

JACK REID got to his feet and
saw Lady Sewerage enter his cot
tage, clad in a dripping macintosh
and carving an umbrella.
- ,--~,aroMlg you, Mr..
Reia?"
MOT in the least" he said BASH
fi,lly. Won't you sit down
I --lean, won't you take your wet
things off 2"
She smiled wanly at his obvious
confusion, but liked him all the
more Tor not being a sophisticated
man of easy manners.
You will think it rather strange
that l should come and see you
here" she remarked, slipping off
her macintosh. II wanted to have
a few words with you, Mr.. Reid,
and would rather do so here than
ask you to come to the Abbey as
things are at present"
IT am sorry it's SO wet" he man.
aged TO say.
1.-THE fact is, I've had talk with
MIR. Colindaie, in which he asks me
to :" She paused as though
doubtful how to proceed.
II spoke to him yesterday, Lady
Severinge; 1 understand the posi-
ton entirely. He told me that he
was going to recommend me for
the post Of agent during his alb
Sence."
She gave him a look Of graft
tude for the way he had spared her
from explanations.
Eyes; you see, he will be away
some time and 7 must have some
one"
I'm afraid : haven't much ex-
perience--" he began, but she
interrupted him.
Let me put it straight to you,
Mr.. Reid. No great experience is
needed, but what 1 must have is a
man who is gentleman in the
true sense of the word-not one
who will come here and gradually
get hold of bits of gossip and
weave them together. You have
been here while this terrible affair
has. been happening and know all
aDout it. A stranger would want
to 1i.ld things oft for himself and
get an entirely wrong idea"
Her face turned from white to
re6 IS she spoke, and he under
stood her meaning.
nd tfen," she went on, as he
waited, "Mr. Colindale told me
you were a man of private means
Wjlo had no particular occupation,
arc that would be all the better,
Cor if you. wanted to go at any
tine no harm would be DONE"
Quite So" Reid replied, wonder
ing what all this was leading up to.
'"The difficulty is that I am not
really in the position of being able
TO appoint anyone-at least I don't
know quite where stand. Mr..
Reid" she said in a sudden burst
Of candor, "T'nn going to be quite
frank with you. My late husband
has left me totally unprovided for.
All I shali have is the allowance
for the two children. You see, I
don't know how far can spend
that on salaries and so on"
you have been very good in
speaking openly with me, Lady
Severinge. I will do the same. I
have nothing to do, and am roll
ing stone, without kith or kin or
home Of my own. 1 have, how
ever, money of my own" A smile
f1ickered round his mouth at the
thought of the method by which he
had acquired the said money.
And told Colindale that if YOU
offered me the job would take it,"
When do you wish me to
core?" he-said simply.
THE sooner the better Mr.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21
YoHm Telling NET
By WILLIAM RIFT

OChUA dI WTlCeT
1t appears what the Spanish revolt
needs more than anything else is
good press agent. No sooner does
king of England got his abdication
over with than China pops up and
grabs the front page again.
Japan is rapidly becoming civilized.
A new law prohibits small children
from being forced to work between
IL p. m. and 5 a. m.
Europeans must think we are an
awfully backward people. Not q sin
gle American home, to their qurnrisa
IS completely equipped with gas
masks.
Astronomers have just Photographic
ed a star 326yO00.Oo0 light years dis
tant. There's THEN spot-if Edward
and Wally are really seeking. seclusion
In wisconsin policemen now, Lecture
school children on traffic safety Ina.
CINE great, big herman COPS standing
there and telling kids - fairy tale!
We've at last located the little bow
who liked to scare smaller children
by telling them the COLLINS would get
them. He's now grown up and gets his
name in the newspapers predicting, ex
ira severe winters.
Romancep Of football star and chorus
girl ends in divorce court. It seeus
they BON did zoo much l;:.,.irg.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21

New York, Dec. 2t.-The day of the
pushcart peddler, long : colorful ole
ment in East Side and uptown Re,
may be about to close. There is a
movement, I am told, backed by vari-
GUS organizations and politics, to ban
the curb vendors; or rather to drive
them into huge central markets as
concessionaires.
Many swank PARK Avenue and
57th ST., shop grew from pushcart
beginnings long ago. The average ped
dler is genial soul and TIE only mys
terry is how some of them get rid of
the merchandise their carts carry in
profusion. The pushcart is the haven
of the doo-dad the useless object to
please a vagarious fancy.
I noticed one practitioner On -Four
teenth Street the other morning who
was doing a land-e ffice trade in flat
tened pennies upon which the Lords
Prayer was inscribed in several
languages.
Now the hotels and ssy bottles are
preparing for New Years. Eve, at
tariffs lowering are und S12 per per-
son which includes supper, music, en-
tertainment and in some cases n
draught of hubby fluid The tonv.
Marguerey offers celebrants supper
and "all they can hold to. drink' for
a top price of $40 per person., the
years high in announcements thus far
l have no brief gairst New Years
Eve gales, although 7 have never join
ed ia them for the waning year fills
me always with a feeling of sadness:
1t is extr acrdinary that people should
spend enough. on single evenings
festivity, in some cases, to blow them
selves to West Indies cruise of fort
night. But the spenders are the best
Judges of value received
New Years Day is my time of iov-
BUSINESS. For, having rotired at Ii 0.
m. the night before and got sound
rest, can wake with a slightly re-
prehensi5le delight iii the. fact that I
feel better than some 100000 New
Workers who kicked up their heels the
night before.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-21

READ THIS FIRST:
Jack Reid. only witness to the muir
der of Sir Henry Severinge in the
chapel of his ancient Abbey, is ne'er-
do-Well who has been posing as an
itinerant painter. In the chapel to
steal a jeweled cross, Reid could raise
no alarm at the time of the murder
for fear Of incriTinating himself.
Richard -Selden, summoned from Scot
land Yard, questions Lady Hilda, the
victims widow, and Eric Colindale,
agent for the estate, who is IN love
with her. He also talks with Colonel
Graham, a neighbOr whose DloOd-
hounds found the body of Sir Henry
in the coffin of his father, and Mrs.
Thornton, the housekeeper. Lady
Hilda and Colindale are shocked by
Sir Henry's will which leaves every
thing to James, the butler, except an
allowance for the children and his
widow PROVIDED she marries Colin
dale. Reid, who has fallen in love
with Sylvia Lawrence, governess of
the two Severinge children, determines
to help Selden solve the murder when
he learns her life and the children S
are endangered. One of the mournerS
at Sir Henry's funeral. Mrs. Holden,
shows unusual interest in the Abbey.
After a chat with Hucks. the village
innkeeper. Mrs. Holden proves to be
Selden in disguise Jack Reid, in his
cottage near the Abbey, has a visitor.
Lady Hilda engages Reid to fill Colin
dale's post and Colonel Graham in
vites Reid to supervise his estate, too,
and to dine with him, but to look out
dow Go ON WITH THE sToRY)