davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-06-20

State Senator John Beacham.
of West Palm Beach, and City
Solicitor Abe ArOnovitz, of Mi
ami, who were in Key West Thurs
day in the interests of the
candidacy OF Raleigh Petteway
for governor, left on the after
noon plane for Miami.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-06-20

Mistress Ann Painter, oldest
inhab tant Of LGoe, Eng, who
celebrated her hundredth birth
day recently, received a message
of congratulation from King
George and Queen Mary.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-06-20

Border patrol inspectors Of the
San Antonio, Tex. strict
made 800 arrests, seized "a
automobiles and 81 boats with
cont:aband. took 357 animals and
1854 quarts of liquor after IL
legal crossings in 1885.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-06-20

A Springfield, Mass, firearms
manufacturer is trying out Texas
ebony as a substitute Tor walnut
on revolver stocks. The tough
wood is plentiful in Rio Grande
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1936-06-20

The United States post office
department plans to exhibit al
the Texas centennial exposition
the largest collection of rare
stamps it thus for has assembled,
with an estimated value of ST.
100000.
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16

went back to the side Of the young
man, and gently lifted him from
the floor to the couch. But how
ever careful and gentle he might
be, it was not gentle enough for
Walter Mayis. He had tainted.
Already Miriam and her uncle
had noticed that Walters left
arm hung limp.
But here was the doctor. Miriam
went to the door and ushered him
in. He was very queerly dressed.
His night shirt was on under his
trousers. and his hat was on back
wards. For shoes he were an old
pair of mules. He swiftly and deft-
ly bandaged Mr. Mavis' left arm,
declaring that it was broken and
that his patient had better come
to the hospital He asked no ques-
ions, but merely nodded and help
ed carry Mr.. Mavis out to the wait
ing car.
yea can settle up with me
later the doctor said.
Somehow Miriam and her uncle
managed to sleep the rest of the
night.
In the morning when Miriam
awakened it was to look out into
a grey world of mist. She heard
the sound of chairs being moved
about This puzzled her. Sc she
dressed as quickly as possible, and
hurried to where the sound SEEM
ed to come from. This proved to- be
the living room. After a few mis-
givings, she walked boldly in.
There was Mr.. Cantwell-sweeping.
She could not help noticing a
bulge in his pocket. Upon seeing her
gaze riveted there, he proudly pro-
duced from the pocket a large
sheet of paper, which had been
tightly folded. The writing was in
a large angular hand. She glanced
through it and gaSped.
Plans For Death
This, my niece, is the very elab-
crate plans for my death. No, you
needn't read them. I'll tell you.
Yea see, I've kept my eyes and
ears open. Through a slip this
Mavis chap made, gathered that
he, Spencer, and some others. were
making counterfeit money. had
suspected as much. When they
discovered that I had found them
out, they decided to do away with
me. They reasoned that I was
very weak and that a great shock
would mean the end for me. Well
they planned to chloroform you
and take you to my room, tell rile
that you were dead, and leave me
to die of the shock. But their
plans went wrong from the min
ute that you screamed. For I woke
up and went to see what tbs
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16
PURETANICAL ELEMENT GIVEN
SHARP BLOW BY COURT TESTS

magazine containing "Hatrack" as
announced test of public prudery
after the lapse of a decade,
The magazine was sold all day on
news stands The Mercury said no
one objected.
William P. Mccarthy chief clerk
of the inspectors department of the
post office, said that a complaint
would have to be made before the
government would be interested. He
added:
Just because it was barred 10
years ago, that doesn't necessarily
mean it would be barred today.
Times have changed, you know"
The Reverend Chase died six
months after his court battle over
"Hatrack" in 1876.
"Hatrack" was written by Herbert
ASbury, a New York newspaper man.
1t criticized severely pastors and
piouS brethren" of the midwest who
assured their Small-town listeners
that their town was over-run by
harlotS, and that brothelS abound
ed"
Not Profitable
Asbury said that harlotry did not
and could not exist in the small
towns described because there were
not enough cash customers to make
the scarlet career profitable" He
did say, however, that most villages
had one harlot Just as they did one
town sot and one town idiot
He described in detail our har-
lot in Pennington" called various
ly Fanny FeWclothes and Hatrack.
He said "Hatrack" was simple do
mestic who attended church regu-
larly.
She was always hopeful that
someone would speak to her and that
the brothers and sisters who talked
so volubly about the mercy of God
would offer her some of the religion
that they dripped so freely over ev-
eryone else in town." Asbury wrote.
But they did not, and so she went
back down the street swishing her
skirts and offering herself to all who
desired her"
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16

This young lady was a healthy,
robust, person. but lately had been
under quite a mental strain, and
was beginning to show the signs.
She now tired quickly and seeIil-
ed always to want to rest-to think
The reason for all of this thought
and worry on the part of the once
gay Miriam was due to anxiety
for her Uncle Jonathan, with whom
we will soon become acquainted.
Slight Heart Ailment
Old Mr.. Cantwell, for all Of his
seventy-eight years, was not as
weak and as sickly as his neighbors
suspected. In fact, he had but a
slight case of heart trouble, as is
not uncommon among people of
his age. And as for his being weak
well, he weighed 157 pounds and
had the constitution of one weigh
ing 180 pounds. He was rather
stocky of build and had soft, gray
eyes. His hair was soft and gray
and a trifle scarce around the
crown.
Jonathan Cantwell lived in a
Vine-coyered white house, just on
the outskirts of town. With him
lived Miriam CantWell, the daugh-
ter of the late Arthur CantWell
who had died but a few months
previous.
Jonathan, in his quiet awkward
way was as gentle as any woman,
though to look at, one never would
even guess this. He was regarded
by the people of Bremhen as a
quiet old man, though his tongue
lashings were a thing to- be feared.
Miriam soon found out about
her uncle, by experience. And
though he only showed to her the
kind, gentle side Of his personality,
she readily discovered that this
was not the side he showed the
public Indeed, she nad been there
only week when she overheard
some back-fence gossip that went
10 prove the point.
The snatches she heard were
such as this: land they say he
stood right up to that Walter Nav
is and contradicted every thing
ne said straight to his face. -
And in reply: g. L hear he's be-
gun on that little old Mr. Spencer
now. You know I never did trust
that Spencer fellow. I'll bet ne
met his Waterloo, though, wher
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16
PLAN OFFERED
TO GROW FOR
CANNING PLANT

Ell Centro chamber of commerce
has received a communication from
George o. Smith, secretary of the
Long Beach chamber of commerce.
inquiring whether or not Imperial
Valley farmers could be induced to
grow peas, corn, pumpkins, and
cabbage for canning purposes. The
Long Beach organization made
similar inquiry about a year ago
and they now have two packing
concerns ready to erect vegetable
canning concerns at Long Beach if
a supply of vegetables from I'M
perial Valley can be forthcoming.
1t was pointed out that this ar
rangement would mean lower prices
for valley vegetables than that Of
fered by the table market. How
ever, it is the commonly believed
that the canning industry is a
steady one, and if the usual prac-
tice is followed out, the canneries
will contract in advance of grow
ing for the delivery of vegetables
produced in Imperial Valley and
name a specific price in advance.
Smith stated, several recent in
quiries would seem to indicate a
revival of interest in the matter
and I am wondering if you would
give me your off-hand opinion as
to whether or not a satisfactory
arrangement could be worked out
with the valley operators if and
when one or more of these con-
Germs should locate in Long Beach.
Meanwhile, the Ell Centro cham
Der is endeavoring by every means
possible to establish a local cam
merry in Imperial Valley so that the
labor payroll may be of local bene-
fit. One institution which has for
a year given some thought to es-
tablishing itself here would use
one hundred workers with a daily
payroll OF about $500, and the Ell
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16

NEW YORK. April Is. W.R)-The
Puritanical strain is fast disappear
ing here if two test cases today are
an indication. Public prudery was
set back on its heels in court action
and in a test of public reaction. The
first involved photographs of the
nude human figure. The second
concerned a published description
of a village harlot
On Nov. 10, 1882: The New York
Society for the Suppression of Vice
had Nathan Freedman arrested for
displaying Illustrations in the nudist
book, Lets Go Naked" A magis-
trate freed him, and Freedman sued
John S. Sumner, secretary of the So
ciety, for false arrest.
Today a supreme court jury
awarded Freedman damages of $500.
Ten years ago this month, H. L.
Menchken, then editor of the Amer
ican Mercury, was arrested in Bos-
ton common for selling copy of the
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16
Scream Heard

r-i-g-h-tl You be careful toG!"
Scream Heard
Mr. CantWell was out Cf the room
in a monent. He ran down the
hallway and through all the rooms,
switching ca the lights as he ran.
In one hand he carried a revolver
like Miriam's. Then he slowed
down to a walk. The silence grew
oppressive. Then a shrill scream
broke the stiffness. Cold shivers
ran up and down Jonathan's back.
He was shaking. Suddenly, he
slumped forward. The strain was
too great for him.
If the experience of that awful
stiffness = that shrill, terrifying
scream had been too much for
Miriam's uncle. then how is Mir
lam faring about this time?
As we return to her, we find her
standing in the middle of the
room, firing the revolver in all
directions. Then, gaining her wits,
she runs out into the hallway. At
ter looking in all directions to the
right and left, she spies the inert
form of her uncle.
Miriam sped toward her uncle,
dropping down to her knees as
she reached his side. She placed
his head on her lap, hunting an
Xiously for a wound In a moment
MS eye-lids flickered Miriam sigh
ed. Then his eyes opened and he
gazed into her face.
WHO Screamed?
"Oh, Uncle! Are-are you hurt
badly? lin Sc glad that you
screamed, or else I'd never have
known that you were hurt. But
oh! You did give me a scare!"
Why why, Miriam! I didn't
scream 1 thought that something
terrible had happened to youl
Come, now, Miriam, this is no time
TO fool-for if you didn't"-But he
was cut short by the look on her
face. No, Miriam hadn't screamed
She wasn't fooling. They gazed
at each other for awhile, then
both graVely rose to their feet.
Miriam, this is serious! That
scream wasn't just a hoax. Who
ever screamed was in real agony
Come, that sound came from the
living room, if I recall"
Together they cautiously made
their way toward the living room
The sight that met their Mortified
eyes was awful to behold. Fol
there on the floor, writhing in pair
was-Walter Mayis!!
He was evidently in great agony
He did not speak, nor did he have
to, for his torture-filled eyes spoke
for him.
Doctor Called
Quickly Jonathan Cantwell went
to the telephone and murmureo
few hasty directions. Then he
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16
Jonathan started on him"
Begins Observing

Begins Observing
Miriam did not wait to near the
rest, but in the weeks that followed,
things kept adding up, until one
day she CHANGED to come around
the corner of the house just in
time to see the retreating back
of what appeared to be very
angry man.
And don't forget what I've
said, Walter Mavis!' shouted Un-
Gle Jonathan.
The man turned and with an
evil leer upon his face replied,
Don't you worry, your little
speech shall not be forgotten"
Then with a CLINT of malice in his
eye, he turned and stalked off!
Miriam turned questioningly to
her uncle. He only laughed and
scornfully said: Don't be alarmed,
Miriam. That was just the real
Walter Mavis cropping out. Though
I dare say he meant what he said
when he spoke, the incident will
soon be forgotten"
But that night Miriam locked
her door securely and, on second
thought, did the same thing to
her windows. She was not so sure!
In Mavis Home
In another house, about four
blocks away, there was someone
else that was not at all sure that
the incident would be forgotten.
This was at the house of Walter
Mavis. Since 800 o'clock men had
been gathering there. Now at last
there were seven men. At $40 o.
clock Mr.. Mavis led the way to
his den. When they were comfort
ably seated Walter Mavis took
charge.
Gentlemen" he said, "It's time
that we do something about this
Jonathan Cantwell!"
Say, if you could have been
there and heard some of the
things that he said about our city
being run SO crooked! WheW! And
he started talking about counter
fiet money! Well-all Of you know
this can't go on-something has
to be done!"
Plotting Begins
Then came the scheming. 1t
seemed as if everyone was talking
at cnce. When the final arrange
ments were made cocktails were
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16
Mrs. Homer Shirk
In Indio Hospital

Mrs. Homer Shirk still is in an
Indio hospital recovering from
painful injuries received in an au-
tomobile accident near Indio last
Weekend If her condition will
permit, it is expected she will be
brought home Saturday or Sunday.
She received bad scalp wound
when she was thrown through the
top of the Shirk automobile when
her husband was forced to turn
off the pavement to avoid an on
coming car which attempted to
pass a truck the Shirk's were fol-
lowing. She also was cut, scratch
and bruised.
Shirk was able to return to the
valley this week but is unable to
work because of painful leg in
jurieS.
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16

served. Walter Mavis led in a
toast.
Here's to the health and future
success of Jonathan Cantwell".
This was followed by shouts of
laughter and approval. Then, each
went his own way after a few
hurried good nights.
Had Jonathan Cantwell read the
grim purpose that lay in the minds
of these men he could not possibly
have slept as soundly as he did.
AS nearly a week passed by and
still nothing happened, Miriam
grew uneasy. Each night she had
watched and waited She stayed
awake as much as possible and
caught up with her sleep during
the day.
She reasoned that the delay
could mean nc good, and that it
was just to throw them off guard.
So Miriam was more watchful
than ever.
Intruder Enters
1t was Friday night at about
1l:30 that she thought she heard
muffled footsteps going down the
hallway. Quick as a flash, but
without making a noise, she was
thrusting her feet into mules as
her hands frantically searched on
the dresser for the door key. AS
the footsteps grew fainter, she
had no fear of being seen. But
when she had unlocked her door
She felt icy hands clasp her
shoulders! Then something was
pressed to her nose. She tried not
to breathe, and struggled, hitting
| blindly, but to no avail She
screamed! Then as the drug begar
to take effect, she became quiet
She took deep breath, she strug-
gled no longer-she wanted &c
sleep. Then with a smile on hel
face, she crulipled to the floor
The next thing Miriam knew
her uncle was bending over her
his face white. She smiled at him
and then, suddenly remembering
what had happened, started up but
was pushed very gently back or
her pillows.
Are you all right? Didn't they
get you? Oh-where did they go?'
Her uncle looked at her question
ingly.
Are you sure that you are al
right? If you are, then that is
what l will find out-where they
have gone"
yves, please go and find
them" said Miriam. But don't
leave riIe here alone!"
"Tll have to, I'm afraid, but
perhaps this will keep you COM
pany' said Jonathan as he pressed
a cold revolver into her hands
"All you have to do is pull the
trgger. Aim at a leg, though, DOM
kil nyone."
Miriam laughed huskiliy, "A-l-
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16

trouble was. Then. when they
knew that [ was awake. they all
left on high-that IS. all but Ma
Wis. He was nearly mad with furyi
Finally. seeing that he could do
nothing about it. he decided to
l:Iake tracks. But here was the
next thing: as 1 was close on his
heels. he went in the living room.
There he stumbled over a chair
and broke his arm. I think that If
he would have screamed like that
at first. it would have had the de-
sired effect on both OF usl"
Miriam shuddered at the thought
of that scream. Her uncle laughed
hiiariously, and thus We leave
Jonathan Cantwell laughing over
his own death plot
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16
Sones Lumber Co.
Giuen Appointment

The Westco Pump Sales Compa-
ny of Los Angeles has just an
ncunced that the Sones Lumber
Co., has been appointed local dis
tributors for the entire Westco
Pump line.
Westco Pumps in the Imperial
Valley have long had a record OF
accomplishment and satisfaction
behind them. One of the Westco
Pumps has been in service, accord
ing to Mrs. Annie M. Schwartz,
for the past IA years on their ranch
near Brawley. 1t has been in daily
service for the entire period and
has never been shout down for re-
pairs.
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16

general headquarters said today.
Their immediate objective was
believed to be Borni, Ethiopian
frontier town commanding more
caravan routes and another tribu-
tary of the Nile, the Rahad river,
% miles down the frontier from
Callabat which they took several
days ago.
Next they were expected to go
on another 17l2 miles to Zair, to
consolidate beyond question their
control of every important caravan
route betWee the Hole Tana region
and the Sudan.
The Military situations preoc-
cupied everyone to the neglect OF
the diplomatic negotiations at
Geneva where the league council
is trying to persuade Italy to agree
to an immediate armistice and
formal peace negotiations.
Premier Benito Mussolini's de-
mand was complete cancellation of
league penalties against Italy for
attacking Ethiopia. He is under
stood to have instructed Baron
Pompeo Aoisi. His envoy to Gen
eva, to accept no offer, however
favorable TO Italy, unless it entails
withdrawal of penalties.
With Italian soldiers in Dessye
and dominating the entire north,
talk today was on Marshall Pietro
Badoglio establishing his head
quarters at Adds Ababa during
May.
1t would be possible from a Mill
tary standpoint to occupy it within
a week, it was learned, because
Italian engineers have found the
road between Dessye and Adds
Ababa, ITO miles distance, is in
sufficiently good condition to bear
the weight of the sort of flying
motorized column that would be
sent.
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16
Two Traffic Law
Breakers Pay Fines

Two traffic law violators paid
fines in Judge j. E. Simpsons justice
court in Ell Centro Wednesday af-
ternoon.
E. E. Richards paid a $50 fine on
a drunk driving charge. He was ar
rested by Bill Tackett, California
Highway patrolman
A. M. Khan was fined $25 for
reckless driving California Highway
Patrolman M. P. Brown arrested
him.
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16

Centro chamber and other groups
are trying TO have this concern To-
cate here. The firm has for sew
eral years purchased surplus toma-
toes from Imperial Valley and can
ned them at one of their coast
packing plants.
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16
MOVEMENT MEANS
TREADING TOES
OF JOHN BULL
-OO-
COrWright 1896 by United Press

ROME, April 16 (UP)-Itaan soldiers have resumed
their advance southwark along the Sudanese frontier of
Ethiopia moving farther into vital to Great Britain
because it is the of the Nile dispatches from Italian
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16

Miriam Cantwel in mood for fun. She tossed
herself the foot of the bed To anyone who knew
Miriam this would have meant but one thng-Mram was
thinking Miriam had in fact, been thinking quite bit
lately deep thinking. This rather unusual circum-
stance-but then, Miriam a rather unusual girl
Miriam pretty girl of thirteen, going four
teen She had dark brown wavy hair which usually
combed neatly but which towsled about her face
and made her becoming Her large brown eyes
fringed with dark, long lasheS.
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16
ITALIAN TROOPS MOVE DEEPER INTO AREA VITAL
I'll Centro School Girl u Writes Mystery Story

Editors NOte:-Lucille Bridgers,
author of "The Play Weakling", is
12-year-old student i'm the 7-3 grade
of Wilson school who wrote the story
as part of her work i'm creative ex-
preston under Miss Frances Bartee.
Lucille is an able student, likes sports
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16

and takes an interest in class activ-
tiles. Her hobbies are tennis, read
ing, writing, stamp collecting and
her work with Mrs. Margaret Rad
cliffe in teaching lip reading to hard
of hearing persons.
Imperial Valley press., 1936-04-16

See the important announce
ments in today's advertisements.
Evening star., 1936-11-30

diately on hot platter, garnished with
watercress and toast points.
FROG LEGS WITH MUSHROOMS.
Skin six pairs Of frog legs and put
them in a bowl with salt and pepper
to taste. Pour over them one-half cup
white wine. Let them soak in this for
two hours. Pour into q saucepan, add
one-half pound small mushrooms,
peeled, and one-fourth cup water.
Cook for one-half hour. Blend l table,
spoon butter with l tablespoon -four
In a double boiler and when smooth
stir in one-half cup tomato Juice. To
this add the frog legs and the mush-
rooms. Beat together two eggs with
one-half cup cream and add them
to the mixture. Cook altogether for
10 minutes longer and serve at once
in a hot dish.
FROG LEGS, TARTARE.
Skin the frog legs. Scald for a
moment. Drain and dry. Dust lightly
with salt and pepper and a little
lemon juice; dip in beaten egg, then
in rolled cracker crumbs. Let stand
for 10 minutes, then fry quickly in
hot, deep fat. Serve Immediately with
tartare sauce, made as follows:
cup mayonnaise.
tablespoonful chopped capers.
1 tablespoon tarragon vinegar.
l tablespoon chopped green olives.
tablespoon chopped dill pickles.
Mix all ingredients well and chill.
Serve sauce cold with hot frog legs.