davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17
CHAPTER III

A tramcar took Benning from the
Colonia Station in Mexico City to
Plaza Mayor, whence he crossed the
broad Mexican thoroughfare to the
great stone hulk of the Palacio Ma
cional. He accosted gendarme and
asked directions to General Van
Hassek's headquarters.
The policeman shook a puzzled
head and answered, 1--WE heard of
no such general in Mexico, senor."
Perhaps" Benning suggested,
"you can direct me to General
Ruiz"
The Mexican's face lighted up,
and he spoke almost in awe, Isl,
senior, if your credentials are inn
portant enough you may find Gen.
eral Ruiz in the Presidents suite at
the palace"
Benning smiled inwardly as he
turned to the Porto Mariana and en-
tered the palace. Many times since
arriving at Vera Cruz he had in
quired about Van Hassek to find the
name unknown. It meant that Van
Hassek, q real master Of the Next
can forces, was entrenched behind
a stout incognito, moving his pawns
in the name of young Ruiz, the new
dictator who had been placed in
power by swift, furious, and mys-
FERROUS coup d'etat of European
planning.
An elevator shot Benning to the
fourth floor. He presented his Gre
dentials to a staff officer with easy
assurance. So far, his carte d'iden-
tite had passed him without ques-
ton. The staff officer directed him
down tiled corridor that rang with
the clatter of military typewriters
and all the hum and buzz of a gen.
eral headquarters.
He was escorted into a large re-
ception room at the far end of the
palace. The staff officer got to his
feet grudgihgly.
"I'n see II Excellency wishes you
to report to him personally" he said
in German. He left the room, but
was back in a few moments to say,
General Van Hassek will see you
at once, Major"
Benning found himself in an inn
mense chamber whose rich furnish
ings ran a riot of vivid colors. His
eyes conferred in some perplexity
upon the solitary figure in the room,
a man sprawled In a deep crimson
leather chair placed at one side Of
an immense blackwood desk.
Was this Van Hassek7 The re-
cumbent mans figure was lost In
shapeless folds of fat. His wide,
squarish head was as bald as q bill
lard ball, his face was q network of
wrinkles, thick towls cascaded from
jaw and chin. Moreover, he ap-
peared wholly tnanimste, . hstless
gaze fixed IN some strange detach-
ment on the beautifully frescoed
ceiling.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17
CHAPTER Nv

Benning found himself assigned to
a stuffy little room that was piled
high with American newspapers and
magazines. Half a dozen other Off
GERS we're engaged in reading these
publications.
Each day this group was required
TO make summary of American
press opinion as affecting Mexican
relations. Outwardly peaceful
enough job, but one that Benning
knew to be vital part of Van Has
sek's war machinery.
During the next few days Ben
ming kept pretty much TO himself,
though cautiously making friends
with the Austrian, Captain Fincke,
who sat at his elbow. A bit at a
time ne meant 10 gather the infor-
nation he had come for. II long risks
had to be taken in order to secure
important secret infornations, that
would have to wait until he had the
lay Of things at headquarters.
Mexico City, Benning observed in
his off-duty strolls. was serene and
untroubled.
Mexican troops themselves had
undergone a transition. They had
shoes on their feet and discipline in
their ranks and were used largely
as labor troops Except for patrols
and a daily guard-mountinE there
was no daily martial display in the
city.
Ruiz, holding the military rank OF
colonel-general, was an imposing
figure, erect, lean. dashinR. His uni.
form was always vivid and he was
forever attended by fashily uni.
formed aides and orderlies. Ben.
ming thought Ruiz must have been
picked for appearances az well AZ
his susceptibility to control, In order
to put on a show that would catch
and hold the Mexican irnagin alton.
RIO BE CONTINUED
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17

but they are only spies and traitors
who must die by one means or an
other. For some months I've been
watching them at the moment they
leave the world, yet I'm more mysti-
fed now than ever. So you tell me,
Bromlitz, if you can, is death the
end of us?"
"Your pardon, Excellency," Ben
ming answered. "I'm not a chap
lain"
The other chuckled, and with a vi
tality in his mirth that was not that
OF an ailing man.
The profession of arms is so vast
and intricate, Bromlitz, I've given
up all hopes of mastering it in de-
tall" Van Hassek rejoined. BE
sides, find occasional diversion in
other lines Of thoughts. So many,
many people must die of violence
within the next year or two that I've
been trying to satisfy myself wheth-
er that will be the end of them"
You mean that many will die in
war, / take it, sir" Benning suggest
ed.
Millions" Van Hassek answered,
sitting yawn.
His pudgy arms thrust into the air
over his head, his heels stretched
forward, and he squirmed erect in
his huge chair.
You were, I'm advised, an Amer
lean army officer" Van Hassek said
now speaking briskly in German.
I'm told there are serious charges
standing against you in the United
States"
Benning said: II hope you'll not
judge me by that, General Van Has
SEX. Despite my past misfortunes
I'm soldier, sir, and hold the view
that there Is no other profession
worthy OF q man. That being so
when circumstances beyond my con-
troll placed a price on my head in
one country, haven't l the right to
find service in another7"
ia, a soldier is always a soldier,
Bromlitz," Van Hassek answered
with an approving nod. II enioyed
my three years in China as much
as my station in Vienna: and Mex-
leo Is even more TO my liking be.
cause there are big events shaping
up. Tell me In your own way, Brom.
htz, what you think of the Ameri.
can army's fighting capacity"
Benning pondered briefly and de-
cided upon the full and unequivocaI
truth which, after all, could only con
firm what Van Hassek must already
know.
If you mean the American readi.
ness for q sudden war, that is moth
Ing short Of pitisble, sir. The United
States land forces are scattered In
small garrisons, are not properly
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17
Must Have His Shirt

A young Italian boy knocked one
day at the door Of an artists studio
in Rome, and when it was opened
exclaimed: please, madam, will
you give me the masters brush7"
The painter was dead, and the boy,
inhamed with a longing to be an
artist, wished for the great master 8
brush. The lady placed TIE brush
in the boys hands, saying: This
il his brush; try it, my boy" With
q flush Of earnestness on his face he
tried, but found he could paint no
better than with his own. The lady
then said to him: you cannot paint
like the great master unless you
have his spirit" So it is with US In
the Church today; il Christians have
not the Masters spirit they cannot
successfully carry on the Masters
work.. M. Townley.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17
INSrALLMENT TWO

Sir, Major Bromlitz. reporting
from Luxembourg for duty with
General Van Hassek." Benning said
briskly.
sit down, Bromlitz," the other
said without lowering his eyes. I'm
Van Hassek."
The Van Hassek uniform was the
simple brownish-tinted cotton khaki
of this new Mexican army. At the
collar was a silver crescent, insig-
mia of a lieutenant general. The
only other ornaments on his severe
ly plain uniform were a glittering
order Of merit at his left breast and,
under it, the iron cross.
Some moments passed in which
the only sound was the heavy ticking
Of an immense German clock and
the vague hum of traffic in the street
below.
Perhaps you can tell me, Brom-
litz," Van Hassek unused without
change Of voice or posture. Eyes,
perhaps you can tell me-"
A faint smile passed his thick lips
as he went on: 1--WE just come up
from the Salon de Espera on a low
er floor of the palace where I've in
stalled hospital. Perhaps should
refer to it as my laboratory. In any
event. no one ever leaves it alive.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17
AROUND
| THE HOUSE

Overstirring and mixing causes
mullins to rise in peaks and burst
open.
Onion or fish OdOrs can be re-
moved from the hands by rubbing
them with dry mustard or salt and
then rinsing them in clear water.
As potatoes get old add little
sugar to the water in which they
are boiled. They will taste as good
as new ones.
Gold or silver cloth shoes will
not tarnish il they are wrapped
in black tissue when not in use.
A black stocking pulled over the
shoes may be used instead Of black
tissue paper.
When washing cut or etched
glassware use warm. soapy water
and then rinse the dishes in guam
titles Of water of the same tenn
perature. Hot water Is likely to
crack the glass. To avoid chipping,
set the articles on a towel in dish
pan or on the draining board.
Biscuits need a preheated, hot
oven. Then you have to bake them
only 10 or Is minutes.
Grease can be removed from an
iron by rubbing corn meal over 1t.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17

o!OuTS like this are happy
idea to be used for plants you
grow indoors. You can add inter
est to the flowers you keep in the
house and to the attractiveness of
your rooms as well if you use
boxes in clever designs like these.
Bits OF plywood are cut out with
Jig or coping saw, painted and
nailed together to make the boxes.
Pattern Z9207. l5c. brings the kitten.
pup and hen and rooster motifs together
with the needed directions. Send order 10:
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17
CHAPTER H-Continued

CHAPTER H-Continued
Bromlitz, stretched out face down.
ward on a cot. raised his face as
the steel door opened on the little
hole to which he was confined. His
alert beady black eyes searched the
face OF his visitor, and he sat up
as recognition came to his face.
Hello, Benning," he said, his face
unaccountably Frightening. SO it's
you come after me, Ell? Well, I'm
glad, if ! must be hanged, that it's to
be an American job"
Merely little visit, Bromlitz,."
Benning answered. Pm not to take
you home, but you'll understand my
confession Of qualification that you We
been run down at last. Corporal Hill,
the man you killed, was a member
OF my company"
They engaged in a strained con-
versation. Benning prolonged his
visit while he studied Bromlitz for
his own purposes. He asked many
questions of the Bromlitz stay in
Luxembourg, which the prisoner an
swered freely. He was sharply puz-
zied by the evident good humor that
his visit had brought to the fellow.
But Bromlitz' parting words cleared
up that enigma.
May I ask you a special favor,
Benning?" Bromlitz asked as Ben
ming rose to 60.
The prisoner was suddenly SOL
emn, there was pleading note in
his voice, beseeching look in his
black eyes.
II owe you no favors, Bromlitz,"
Benning said brusquely.
"a very little favor to man who
must die" the other implored. LET
me tell you, Benning, and you
mustn't say no. Your coming here
has greatly relieved my mind.
was-suspicious that I must have
been betrayed to the French, but
now I know it was the American
secret service that caught up with
me. A small distinction you say?
But an important one to me. The
one fine thing in my life has been,
Benning, a girl, whom hoped soon
to marry. Please will you take a
message to her at Luxembourg? Tell
her was killed by a train, drowned
tell her anything but the truth. She
must think me dead. Out of her
loyalty she might wait for me
through empty years, and she's too
fine for that ordeal. Please let her
think I'm honorably dead and can't
ever return. You'll do that for me,
please, Benning!"
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17

nNE special beauty Of this de-
~ sign (No. 8836) is that you can
make 1t up in household cottons
for home wear, cutting the sleeves
of short. and in spun rayon or
thin wool for runabout, cutting the
sleeves long! And it's so easy to
make that you're certain to repeat
It many times.
Belted only in the back. with
frightening bodice panels that &C.
cent height, thus making you look
simmer, and gathers beneath the
yoke portions. this dress is clever.
ly detailed to give exactly the ef.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17
Finland's Debt

After the First World war, Fin
band borrowed 8,281 ,926.17 from
the United States for rehabilitation
and relief purposes. So far she
has paid back a total of $780,
391.T. However, due to the speed
with which the interest charges
mount, she still owes almost as
much as the original-$8, 1875, 622. SO.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17
Vatican Currency

Under the terms Of financial
convention ratified between the
Vatican and Italy in January, 1891,
the Vatican state issues currency.
Recently, new coins bearing the
head and armorial markings Of
Pope Plus XII were put into cir
culation. The Vatican coins are
OF the same value, material and
dimensions as the Italian coins, the
only difference being in the mint
ing.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17

equipped. and have very little train.
ing in the team-play of the larger
combat elements.
What do you know of its
strength"
There are four army infantry d.
visions and eighteen National Guard
infantry divisions together with
some four cavalry divisions. All
are at peace strength and it would
take months to put them on a war
footing, fully equipped. In total
manpower count on 100000 men
within the territorial limits"
ia. very good. What about their
fighting equipment
"Pitiable, when you consider the
whole picture. Their artillery is
largely World War vintage stuff.
They're short on ammunition, anti
aircraft, instruments of precision,
modern rifles. Their anti-tank weap-
ons aren't out of the factories yet.
1t would take them year to make
the weapons they'd need, if they
couldn't purchase them in foreign
markets as they did for the World
War. But they have high-class Of
ficer personnel. thoroughly trained
and"
ia, know Of that" Van Has
SEX interrupted with dash of inn
patience. "But It takes modern
equipment and plenty of training to
fight a battle these days Now, tell
me another thing, Bromlitz, would
the mass Of Americans stick togeth-
er in event Of invasion?"
Benning pondered briefly and an
swered, "I'm sure you can count on
it that they will, sir"
"But what If they were overrun
suddenly? How long would they
stand up under terrific military pun
ishment when they had their chance
offered them TOTO buy their way
back to peace?"
"Excellency, is it probable that
anyone would be audacious enough
to attack the United States on her
own soil?" Benning asked. 81 mean
when her potential resources in
wealth and manpower are taken into
considerations"
Van Hassek snapped out, That's
precisely why she must be attacked
on her own soil, because of her la
tent strength. /" ISIS
Benning pretended perplexity and
countered, "I'm not sure I under
stand just what Excellency means. !"
II mean it was Americas stupid
Intervention that wrecked the world
in the Great War"
But didn't her strength turn the
balance in the last war, Excellen-
cy?"
Strength, bahl" Van Hassek
scoffed. mot for more than a year
after the United States jumped into
the war did her soldiers fire shot
in battle. Then only after the French
supplied her with cannon, the Brit
ish with rifles, helmets, and gas
masks, and both sides conducted a
military kindergarten to instruct her
divisions in the art of war. ia,
that was her latent strength"
Van Hassek got up abruptly and
with an amazing agility. He went
to his desk and touched a call but
ton. The captain from the anteroom
responded promptly. s.
Captain Schroif," Van HasHs&sA
structed, I'm very well satisfied
with Bromlitz. You may have him
report for the time being to Colonel
Bravot. Later | may have more
important use for him."
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17
IMPROVED
UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL
CUNDAy
OCHOOL Lesson
BY HAROLD L. LUNDOUlSr, d. D.
Dean OF The Moody Bible Institute
of Chicago.
tReieased by Western Newspaper Union.)
Lesson for January IS

Lesson subjects and Scripture texts 20
tected and Copyrighted by Internationa
Council OF Religious Education: used b.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17
333H94|43433|3l|:
PAINT FORMULA

Lfsten Farmers: Make durable paint from
rome Of your own farm products at trifiing
NAIL S5c for this simple FORMULA. A.
Sankas, 1901 Canalport Ave-. Chieafo, M.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17

had planned - work with the foreign
agents In Mexice. Expelled from the
U. .. army. - ~ desired to get rs-
vsngs for ~ ''insult." Fortunately,
Bromlitx had been captured. SO BenninE
prepared 70 visie him In his cell TO
study his mannsrlsms.
Nov continue VIA the story.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17
ST,.JOSEPH
HE WORLDS LARGEST SELLER AZ l0tl
VASPTRIn9
Visible World

The visible world Is but man
turned inside out that he may be
revealed to himself. - Henry
James.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17

THE STORY SO FAR: Colonel Flas.
wiz. acting assistant chief OF stan CO.
In charge Of military Intelligence, esd.
mated from secret inform ation that there
were 100000 European troops In Mexico
eeing prepared for an attack on the
United States. Both he and the President
were poweriess to act because of public
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17

LESSON TEXT-Luke l<:l5.A
GOLDEN TExT-Come: for all things ART
now ready.-Luke N:l1.
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17

NEXT WEEK
A.seELss AIAeaII..O 1~4kaAA-.-.t
The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-01-17

Biscuits need a preheated, hot
oven. Then you have to bake them
only 10 CT Is minutes.
The Nome nugget., 1941-03-07
Army Food Is Better Than
 U. s. Average

NEW YORK The United Stat es Army now eats better than the great majority of this coun- try's population, pr. Mary Gar mo Bryan, director of institution al management at the Co'ua bia University, told the Associated Grocery Manufacturers of Am erica in convention at the Wal dorf-Astoria Hotel Tt is safe to assume that hundreds of thou sands of American young men are now about to increase their present food consumption to a remarkable extent" she continu- ed.
The Nome nugget., 1941-03-07
MINERS AND OPERATORS

You can obtain at the Nugget Office the following forms which ire carried in stock, thus avoid ing long delays and incomplete blanks obtained in the States, Write or call at the Nugget Of flee for:
 Time Sheets for Employees
 Lode Location Notices.
 Placer Location Notices.
 Proofs of Labor Banks.
 Cold Water Thawing Logs.
 Dredge Shift RepOrts-2 types. N0n-Lia bility forms printed ou cardboard. for posting on claims when owners lease property. 50t each CT three for S1.00
 Prospecting Drill Field Logs. Deed Forms.
 Voucher Forms.
 Special Power of Attorney s'anllS.
The Nome nugget., 1941-03-07

Subscribe for The Nome Nugge
The Nome nugget., 1941-03-07
Big Defense
 Measure Is Given Boost

WASHINGTON - The House passed and sent to thc. Senate fhe s1,533, 100000 Emergency De fense appropriation after over whelmingly defeating the anti closed shop amendmenf which opponents said will tie the de fanse program in knots"
 The measure carries funds for completion of the Army's big housing program and vast eXpan ion of Navy shore establishments. The bill was passed without a record vote.
The Nome nugget., 1941-03-07
NOTICE OF ELECTION TO RATIFY ORDINANCES NOS. 291, 292 AND 293. TO THE FL ECTORS OF THE CITY OF NOME, Alaska:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Ordinance No. 291 entitled An Ordinance granting to The Northern Light and Power Company, its sue cessors and assigns. a franchise to construct, equip, operate, maintain and use an electric light and power plant and system within the City of Nome, and providing for the ratific- ation hereof" and pursuant to Ordinance No. 292 entitled "An Ordinance selling to the Direct ors of the 'Drifters Club and w. H. Kelsey the South and North one-half (12) respectively of Lot IA, Block 90, and providing for the ratification hereof,' both or dinances having been passed and approved by the Common Coun- cil of the City of Nome on Jan uary 13, 194l, and pursuant to Ordinance No. 293 entitl An Ordinance to convey to James E.. Hewitt a portion of Lanes Way, and providing for the ratification hereof passed and approved by the Common Council on January 27, 1941, all of those 3 ordinanc- es will be separately submit ed for ratification al the annual City Election to be held in the City of Nome on Tuesday, April 1, 1941. at which election the qualified el- ectors and voters ar invited to vote for ratification or for refus- a of ratification of the ordinanc es. The submission of each or dinance will be separate from that of the others, and each voter or ell ctOr can declare himself for or against each ordinance separ- ately. Qualification of electors, place of voting and the time for voting, and all other rules, regu- ations, laws and ordinances re- specting the conduct of annual city elections will apply to the election as to the ratification of these ordinances. The original or dinanceS showing their exact pro i visions are on file in the office of the City Clerk, and are available to the public for reading and in spection at all regular office hours. The time of election shal . be between the hours of A. M and 6 P. M, April l, 1941, the place of voting the City Hall To. cated on the South side of From Street. As to Ordinance No. 29s the property to be disposed of l, the South one-half and Nortf one-half of Lot IA, Book 30 terms cash, consideration $100 as to each one-half As to Ordinance No. 293 the property to be con veyed is the East ' feet of that portion of Lanes Way lying be- tween Blocks "H' and "J', and being the feet directly adjoin- ing on the West and paralleling the Western boundary of Lot 1 Block "J', for the entire length of 100 feet thereof.
 DATED AT NOME, Alaska this 2lst day of February, 1941.
 M. J. Walsh, City Clerk
The Nome nugget., 1941-03-07
Indo China Is To Fight

VICHY, France - It is author itatively reported that massing troops along the French Indo- China Thailand border has been resumed and hostilities will re- suit if the armistice is ended.
 This statement is made on re- ports of action by Japan declar- ing final" proposal by mediation pust be accepted by Indo-China at once.
The Nome nugget., 1941-03-07
ONLY 3 NEWSBOYS
 IN GRAND CENTRAL

NEW YORK = New York s great Grand Central Station has but three neWsboys Pete As tral 0, Willie Masscallon and Ar thu Cc9nato.
 Tasir franchise $ a family heri tage araated by Commodore Cor ncliu= n r@ilt in 1896. He did it to halt daily battles between neWsboys for space in he sta ticn.
The Nome nugget., 1941-03-07

ce. |.
The Nome nugget., 1941-03-07
CIVIL GUARDS
 TAKE NOTE

Want to change your double barrel shotgun into a repeater, or your single-barrel gun into a double? There's a device on the market that does just about that. It is metal contraption that grasps 2 shotgun shells by their primer ends and is in turn attach ed to a leather strap that en- circles the wrist. After the gun is fired and empty shells ejected, you r-load by pushing the left wrist forward over the gun bar rels, pull the device from the shells, and close the gun. It is made for 12, Is and 20 gauge guns.
The Nome nugget., 1941-03-07
Eskimos Register

POINT BARROW - Eleven Es kimos and four whites have reg istered here for the draft with receipt of the first blanks for selectees.
 The notices were posted in tae stores and aroused much interest among the ESkimos.
The Nome nugget., 1941-03-07
For That Party

Chop Suey, Chow Mien or any Oriental or American Dish. Call Frank Suzuki, care POlet's Store. All cooking and serving done at your home.
The Nome nugget., 1941-03-07
SOURDOUGH STATIONERY

Thr unique and humorous md typical Alaskan stationery Sourdough Roadhouse Letter heads and Envelopes. have bee: }rooght strictly uptodate, and ar' .oW available at the Nugge; ofi IA