smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1873

ABOUT the meanest little thing that has
come under our notice for some time was
perpetrated the other day by Spicer, at the
drug store, upon two timid and reserved
gentlemen. One of them our friend
p, is following the legitimate, and we
dare say lucrative, business of lightning
rods for the protection of his fellow men.
With almost Christian fortitude he had
argued the erection Of these life-preserving
rods-the only safe and reliable ones in
use-upon the house of friend Spicer.


How vividly did he picture the horrors
that are liable to present themselves to
Spcer or any other man whose house does
not wear rods-as he returns to his family
after hard thunder. shower. Wife, child
all passed into eternity in an instant, and
perchance house burned down, and the
heavy weight that would forever lay up
on his heart that he was the cause. For
the sake of a few paltry dollars he had re-
fused the protection and caused the death
of beloved wife and dear child. For
the ninth time he sat down for few hours
talk with the hard-hearted Spicer upon
this subject, which at the time being was
nearest his heart. Just as he had got fair
ly engaged Spicer jumped up, ran to the
door and calling in stranger, brought
him forward and said:


"Mr P, allow me the pleasure Of
acquainting you with Mr.. Il, agent
for the Chicago Life Insurance Company.
Mr.. II, Mr.. P is reliable
lightning-rod man of our town."


Dear reader, pause for moment. Imag-
inc, if you can, the situation. An insur-
ance agent and a lightning-rod man met
face to face in mortal combat. What a
gleam of satisfaction flashed over the
countenance of Spicer, as he drew back
from the scene that would inevitably fol-
low, and as he was near the door he was
heard to say flight it out on that line,
boys, if it takes all summer. I am sorry
can't be with you, but matters at home de-
mand my immediate attention." Neither
agent has been heard from since.-Albeat
Lea (NSnn) Enterprise.
Year: 1873

was so great as to make his presence pain
full to his family and friends. This grad
ually lessened, but did not entirely die
away, and it was hoped that the dismal
feelings would soon entirely cease.


Yesterday morning his restlessness had
alarmingly increased, and in the early
hours of the forenoon his family were
Mortified by the discovery that the awful
disease, which he had so dreaded, had
made its appearance. Drs. Shoppers and
Williams were sent for as soon as the dis
tressing nature of the attack was made
manifest, and all known remedies were
applied, without the least effect. The poor
man foamed at the mouth and raved with
all the savage fury of rabid beast, and
endured agonies that sent thrill of hOr-
ror to the hearts of those who attended
him. The doctors from the first stated
that there was no hope, and at one time,
it is said, the medical gentlemen proposed
that, as death was inevitable, it would be
a merciful act to adopt some method by
which to shorten life.


But while there is life there is hope,
and the physicians were overruled by the
relatives and friends of the unfortunate
man, whose shrieks could be heard for
blocks, and who frantically begged of
those who surrounded him TO blow out
his brains, cut his throat, or administer
some powerful drug that would consign
him to the sleep that knows no waking.


The hours advanced, and the frenzy Of
the sufferer increased, until serious con-
sultations took place, and the advice of
the authorities was about being sought.


At four o'clock, however, an authority
higher than any on earth was asserted,
and Peter Keil suffered no more.-Ch6cago
Pnof -
Year: 1873

dient't to thee, that they will go wherever
thou wishest to send them. Therefore
send workmen thither, and change the
barren fields to fruitful ones; build cities
and fill their granaries with provisions.
In a word, prepare thyself a new king
dom, the inhabitants Of which, after thy
Punishment, will receive thee with joy.
But hasten, permit not moment to pass
idly, for the time is short, and the more
thou doest to the building of thy future
dwelling, the happier will be thy resi-
dence there. Think, thy year is rapidly
passing, make use Of thy liberty, as one
flying from destruction. If thou de-
spisest my advice or delayest, thou art
lost, and prolonged misery is thy fate"


The king was wise man, and the
speech Of the spirit gave wing to his res
olution and activity. He Immediately
sent thither multitude of subjects. They
went with joy, and zealously laid hold of
the work. -


Soon the island began to be embellished
Before six moons had passed, cities stood
upon its blooming pastures. Notwith-
standing which, the king did not abate in
his zeal. He continued sending thithel
more inhabitants. Those following were
still more joyful than the first, since they
went to a country well cultivated and in
habited by their friends and relations
Meanwhile the end of the year drew near
The last king had trembled with fear at
the approach of this moment. This one
awaited itwith calm feeling of pleasure,
tor he was going to a country, where
through his wise activity, he had con-
structed for himself lasting dwelling.


Finally, the appointed day appeared.
The king was seized in his palace, de-
prived Of his diadem and kingly apparel,
and placed in the inevitable vessel which
was to guide him to his place of exile.
Scarcely had he landed upon the shore of
the new island, when the inhabitants hur-
ried with joy to meet him. They re-
ceived him with honor. Instead of that
crown which humanity endured only for
year, they adorned his head with an un-
fading wreath of flowers. The Almighty
rewarded his wisdom. He gave to him
the Immortality of his subjects and made
him their eternal king.


The rich and benevolent man is God;
the slave whom his master sent away is
man at his birth; the Island where he
landed, is the world; the inhabitants who
come joyfully to meet him, are the pa
rents, who take care of the naked and
weeping infant. The vizier, who warns
him of the sad fate which awaits him is
Wisdom. The year of his reign is the life
of the man, and the desert island, whittier
he is approaching, is the future world.
The kings, however, who have gone be-
fore him, without rejecting upon the un-
happiness which threatened them, are
those foolish men who occupy themselves
only with worldly joys, without thinking
of the life after death. They are pun
ished with eternal misery, because they
appear before the throne Of the Almighty
with their hands empty of all good works


You see, therefore, that man is judged
through his works and not through faith
from the German.
Year: 1873

A YOUNG gentleman of Concord recent.
ly received the present of birch bark
canoe and the following evening he
launched the frail craft, and invited few
friends to witness the trial trip. After
carefully parting his hair in the middle,
and dividing his small change equally
between his right and left vest pockets, in
order to preserve an exact equilibrium,
he stepped on board. The vessel "walked
the waters like thing of life," but the
young man, just at that time, saw some
thing on the bottom of the river that he
wanted, and went down after it with
terrific splash, whereat his friends on the
bank, stupidity supposing he had acci-
dentally tipped over, INDUCED in un-
seemly mirth. The navigator, however,
swan ashore, and administering cutting
rebuke to his friends, started again. The
next time he tried it, he acknowledged
that the frisky little boat did tip over, but
felt confident that there would be no
trouble after he had got the hang of the
thing. Finally he made fourth and last
attempt, the boat turned over as usual,
and he came up under it. His frienos,
seeing that he did not put in an appear
ance, plunged in after him, snaked MIN
out, and then, under the impression mat
he needed resuscitating, stood him on ms
head, rolled him on barrel, burned Iea-
theirs under his nose, pounded his BACK,
lanced his arms with penknlie' aIo
otherwise mal.reated him. As soon as ne
could get out of their clucthee he selzeu
an oar !. went for " the amateur doctors
with SO much energy that they vacateo
suddenly, and left him master OF the STU
alton. He is now anxious to find some
pretty toy manufactured of nitro -glycerine
to send to his friend in return for the ca
noe.-Bost0p Globe.
Year: 1873

NEw YogK. March 22.--A number Of the
creditors of the Bull's.Head Bank to-day
petitioned to have the bank adiudicated as
involuntarily bankrupt, and Judge Blackford
granted an order for the bank to show cause
on fine 10Th instant why the prayer Of the
petitioners should not be granted; and he
also granted provisional warrant for the
United States marshal to seize and hold the
property of the bank pending the issue Of
the application.


In the proceedings which had taken place
previously in the State Court receiver had
been appointed, and there was race be-
tween the Marshal and the Receiver asto
who should first get possession Of the pro-
perty. The Marshal won, audi now has pos
session.
Year: 1873

LAcEs, BUTTONS, AND BoWSa


Black velvet and lace promise to be tue
fayolite garniMre OF The season. In fact, the
rage for lace, both black and white, Is on the
Increase.
Buttons I'm an sizes are used TO an almost
Year: 1873

New York city is smackng its lips over new
revelation in the already long chapter of Tam
many Ring frauds


Nine thousand European emigrants arrived at
the port of New York last week.
Year: 1873

"If the wind blows this way for an
other hour" said a captain on board OF
ship i'll danger of being wrecked, to
passenger who was a clergyman, "wc
shall all be in Heaven" "God fOrbidH'
was the prayerful answer OF the divine.
Year: 1873

FEMALE LOvELINEsS.-Do you


think you can make a girl lovely il


you do not make her happy There
is not one restraint you put on a
good girls nature-there is not one
check you give to her instincts OF
affection or of effort-which is all
the more painful because it takes
away the brightness from the eyes
of innocence, and the charm from
the brow of virtue. The perfect
loveliness of q woman's counte-
nance can only consist in the ma
jestic peace which is found in the
memory of happy and useful years,
full of sweet records and from the
joining of this with that yet more
majestic childishness, which is still
full of change and promise opening
always, modest at once and bright
with hope of better things to he
won and to be bestowed. There an
old age where there is still that
promise-it is eternal youth.
Year: 1873


Let Itlay boast of her bright sunny skies,
Give Spain her own vne-covercd vallys to prize,
Give gold-sanded streams to the sons of Chilli,
The Red Heather Hills of the Highlands for me
CHoRus-
Come drink we health to the old Highland


Beans
Whose heads cleave the welkin, whose feet press


the glens,
What Scot worth the name would not toast


them with glee
The Red Heather Hills Of the Highlands for mel
The hills whose wild echoes delight to prolong
The soul'stirring pibroch, the streams gushing


song;
storm-vexed and mist-mantled though often they


be,
Still dear are the hills Of the heather TO me
The hills where the doe loves to roam with her


fawn,
And sweetest the skylark sings Joy TO the dawn
I'd live where blue lakes mirror scour, cliff and


tree,
Then o give the hills OF the heather to mo
'Tis there meath the tartan beat hearts the most


leal,
Hearts warm the sunshine, yet firm as the


steel,-
There only this heart can feel happy or free,
Then q give the hills of the heather to me
Year: 1873

Our genial friend Hart Harris has jus


been on little tour to Denver, and some
other sections of the country off in the
neighborhood of sunset. True TO his in
stincts, or from force Of habit, perhaps, be
went little into the collecting business


He is considered here one of our best col


lectors, and perhaps wanted to keep his


hand in. He returned to GAINESVILLE, Wis.
consin, with quite museum of rare things,
which we will permit the Republican of that
charming little town to describe:


II. II. Harris, of New Orleans, who has
just returned to this city from a few weeks
visit at Denver and adjacent country, has
exhibited to Us various attractive speci-
mems of the agricultural and mineral pro-
ducts of that wonderfully productive local
ity. Potatoes, one of which would make a
square meal for family with an ordinary
appetite, and some of the finest club wheat
that ever grew among the agricultural con-
tributiOns, while samples of rich silver
bearing quartz and lead in the bar are indi-
cations of what Colorado does in mineral
way. Mr.. Harris was so thoroughly con-
vinced of the superiority OF Colorado wheat
that he brought home a sack of -four from
the mill of Mr.. Little, formerly of this city,
and a sample of both -four and wheat have
been left with US for the inspection of
Judges of the article. These
Colorado products are interesting to look
upon, and we shall take pleasure in exhibit
ing them, not emitting the Indian black
bear trophy taken from a slain denizen of
the mountain forests.
Year: 1873

One OF the numerous aegrieved patrons
of Roundabouts stock Of sympathy appears
in that column of the Times under the s:g-
nature of Blackstone" His commune a.
ton Is not modelled on the style of a COM
mentator, being neither clearly nor ele-
gantly written. We suggest that he
wouldn't have had any grievance if he had
done his duty to his client and served her
until she was out of danger. He perhaps
was in hurry to GO and iaves: the fee he
had received. We would further suggest.
if he be true disciple Of the jurist whose
name he ambitiously assumes. that he has
another duty to perform. He should call
the attention of the court in which the case
was tried to the conduct of its officer. 1t is
also his duty to inform the superiors of this
officer of his ofense. that he may be
properly punished. When he does this he
will come to the bar with clean hands.
Until then we shall take the liberty of be.
iieving his acquaintance with Blackstone is
limited to knowledge OF how to spell his
name.
Year: 1873

Some of the passengers jumped from
the steamer into ii, while others who were
in the water were drawn in by those al
ready within it. In an attempt TO jump
into It one passenger was struck by the
wheel and sustained slight Injuries.


The origin of the fire seems TO be a
question of doubt. The Captain thinks 1t
originated in the forward end of the bow,
but his opinion conflicts with the state
ment of others. He thinks sparks from
the smoke-box were blown into the hold,
and, coming in contact with the dry wood,
easily ignited into flames, and the boat
being almost as dry as tinder, was soon
ignited. Taking all the statements pub
lfshed, it is generally conceded that the
fire broke out in the hold amidships, and
spread with alarming rapidity. From the
time of the discovery of the fire, the boat
was burnt to the main deck and waters
edge within less than twenty minutes; in
deed, as the engineer told a reporter of
the Star, "in less time than l can give you
my statement"


The excitement which existed can be
Judged from the fact that the boat had
nearly five hundred life preservers aboard,
and only two were used-one placed by
Mr.. Emerson upon q small child his
daughter) and one which he used him.
self They were both saved. Mr.. Emer-
son felt so grateful for his preservation by
its means, that he took it with him to AL
exandria, and said to several friends who
congratulated him upon his lucky escape,
that he would keep it as long as he lived.


From the statements of those on board
the boat, it seems that the officers stood
firmly by their posts and did everything
in their power TO save lives and allay ex-
citement. On all sides their conduct has
been commended, and no blame for the
disaster seems to attach itself to any of
them-W Washington Star, August 8.
Year: 1873

ASIAN evidence that the qualities of nerve
and downright pluck are not confined ex-
clusively to the heroic men of creation,
there is here offered a narration of a cir
cumstance wherein young girl bore
herself bravely under such trying circum-
stances as would have severely tested the
most dogged determination ever shown
by the average genus homo. On Sunday
last this young lady was at church, when,
during the delivery of the sermon, she
suddenly became aware that something of
a crawling nature was making an expedi-
tious journey up her leg. Startled, as
may well be believed, she was for the
nonce bereft of the power of action, and
there forthwith chased each other through
her mind extremely lively and fearful ap-
prehensions touching snakes, rats and a
host of disgusting creatures, but with a
determined effort she recovered her pres
ence of mind, and by the time the thing
had got short distance above her knee
she clutched it, through her dress, with a
vise-like grip, and held on like grim
death. Since the first revelation of the
distressing circumstance, she had not
uttered a sound, nor indeed given any
outward sign of the mental torture which
she must have suffered, but sat rigid and
Eo.lPoscu, hIhiy SrasplnS that hoIIlple
thing" which she knew was some living
creature, when, upon being clutched, it
gave forth squealing sound. For full
three-quarters of an hour the girl sat
| there, as composedly as ever, still retaining
her hold to the close of the service, when
she departed homewards, never relaxing
her grip until reaching home, when, Civ
ing hurried explanations to her mother,
she tainted dead aWay


A quick examination by Ia mere re.
vealed the presence of a rat, rs dead as a
door nail, as the cause of the unhappy
adventure, which, for lively interest, and
the revealing of remarkable spirit in
the mind of a young girl, is not often
matched in this latter day,-Ne,o Orleans
| Times
Year: 1873

A MAN living in the vicinity of st. Louis
recently forwarded to the Post-office De-
partment eighteen three cent stamps,
which, having been carried about in hi
pocket, were nearly reduced to the condi-
tion of their original pulp. Accompany
ing the dilapidated stamps was letter in
which the writer says: "You can see that
they have not been used, and that is the
reason why send them to you, If you
can, send good ones back; if not, you can
probably make it good some other way
for instance, by appointment to some good
position, or some other way"
Year: 1873

How true is it that little act of
kindness will often have a rich re-
ward Many years ago merchant
in this city took into his house a
poor, friendless orphan boy, and
clothed and fed and educated him.
The boy grew to manhood, and the
merchant obtained him a position
in which he rapidly rose to influence.
Years alterward the merchant failed
and lost all he had. His family
died, and lac was reduced absolutely
to beggary. One night, soliciting
aims from door to door, he reached,
without knowing it. the house of the
boy whom he had befriended. Now
mark the generous act done by this
man in his days of prosperity. That
boy, as he gazed on his benefactor,
and saw the degradation to which the
once rich and happy man was re-
duced, remembered all the kindness
received in his house, and all the
love and sympathy bestowed upon
the friendless orphan. and without
a moments hesitation paid a color
ed person seventy-lve cents to wheel
the old man out to the almshouse in
a push-cart
Year: 1873

A well dressed young man stop
ped at Vermont hotel last week
for few days, and made acquain-
tances. The evening of the second
day of his arrival, nice young lady
came along. unattended, and instant
ly attracted the attention of the
impressible youngsters, who canvass
ed her charms freely as they sat
apart from her at supper. The
stranger youth even went so far IS to
say that he would marry her if she
would have him. and offered, for a
substantial wager, to pop the ques-
ton and have the marriage ceremony
performed right away. The wager
was accepted. and also the proposal
OF marriage. made so suddenly to her
10y the young man, and the parson
called in, who soon united the twain.
The sum wagered was paid over to
the happy bridegroom. and he and
his bride set off next day on their
marriage tour. What lends romance
to the circumstance is the fact that
the young couple had already been
man and wife for q year.-ConGord
Daily Patriot
Year: 1873

a story is told, says the New York
Tribune, of a French gentleman, who
having lost the bulk Of his property
through the rascalities of friends in
whom he trusted, crowned it all by
the loss of his mental balance, and
for the remainder or his days fonnd
his only delight in riding in omni-
buses and passing fares from the
passengers to the driver, taking care
when change was returned to add to
it a son or two from his own pocket,
and watch the effect on the receiver.
In nine cases out of ten, as the story
goes, the passenger, counting over
his change. and finding, as he sup
posed. that the driver had cheated
himself, would look bewildered for
moment. and then pocket the
change with quiet chuclxle. The
special delight of the lunatic was in
satisfying himself in this way that
nine.tenths OF his fellow-men were
dishonest if they only had the OPP
portunity.
Year: 1873

A young man fashionably dressed
and with the air Of one who would
he at home in society, reached Bos-
ton, towards evening, by the Fitch
burg railroad. He proceeded at
once to a hotel, not wishing to in
trude upon his relative at that hour,
and teok a comfortable supper
After tins he read the evening pa
pers and then went for a leisurely
stroll on Washington street. On
his way he passed Ninton's well
known establishment. and being
warm event g decided to go in and
have an ice cream


He accordingly ordered one, and
while waiting to have it served, had
an opportunity to look about him a
little and take a quiet survey of
the company assembled. These
were chiefly ladies. and to those who
are at all familiar with Boston ladies,
l need not say that the faces were
very well worth looking at.


Our hero's attention, however,
was chiefly attracted by two young
ladies who sat at the table nearest
his own. They were apparently
about the same age, which could not
have varied much from Eighteen
Both, too. were quite attractive in
personal appearance.


They were conversing together in
quite an animated strain on a variety
of subjects. At length one said:


by the way, Emma, have 1 told
you about the visitor we expected?'


No" said the other.


ITS a cousin from the country.
who. | suppose will be a perfect rus
tic in every respect. Such fun as
expect to get out Of him =


''What is his name?''


Jeremiah OnthanIz. I expect he
will want rs to call him Jerry"


The other Young lady laughed.
His name is rustic enough. certain
"" she said. you must be sure to
give me a chance to see him. You
must not keep him all to yourself,
Alice"


u don't intend to. I want some
body else to enjoy the fun


do You know how he loolls?"


No; but I can imagine. In the
first place, lie is tall and awkward.
not knowing what to do with his
hands and feet, wearing cowhide
boots and full suit Of blue, inclu-
ding swallow tail studded plentiful
~ with BRASS buttons. There, what
do you say to that picture?'


Emma laughed.


Il say this" she replied, '.that if
he at all answers your description
lie will be decided accession to
our society When do you expect
him p


Tomorrow. Uncle Jerry wrote
that Jerry. as he calls him. will
probably arrive at that time


Il will call"


DO so. by all means


With these words they rose from
the table aud left the store.


The young man had listened to
their conversation with an air of
amazement and vexation.
Not to keep the reader in suspense,
we will tell you what has probably
been surmised, that the chance lis
tener to the young ladies' remarks
was none other than Jeremiah On
thank himself. He was quite the
reverse Of the picture which his
cousin had drawn, being. as we have
said, very gentlemanly, both in dress
and address. He was born in Yer
mont, where his father, good, honest
farmer. stilLlived, but had enjoyed
The advantages of education in q
college in the city Of New York,
where he had an opportunity to min
lie in -society.I This fact was quite
unknown to his cousin. In fact,
hey were not first Cousins, although
,he indefinite relationship was most