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About The Loup City northwestern. (Loup City, Neb.) 189?-1917 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 21, 1902)
Ai\ American Nabob. A Remarkable Story of Love, Gold e^rvd Adventure. By ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE .AA A AAA A AAA AAAAA. AAA AAAA AAAAAAAA A A A A AAAA AAAAAAAAAAA Copyright, by Stubut & smith, New York. CHAPTER IX.—(Continued.) As the musicians struck the first low wailing notes a shout of universal ap plause greeted the fair dancer. Slow ly tho mandolins sounded the measures of the dance, and with tranquil, al most hesitating steps, the young girl interpreted the rhythm and time with her tiny feet. Gradually the chords quickened and became livelier, and the slow-moving Circo merged into a ra diant Terpsichore. Her eyes, hitherto bent timidly upon the floor, were now proudly raised and swept the crowd with half coquettish, half inquiring glances. They seemed to say: “Are there none brave enough to risk being my partner?” One of the young fellows thus inter preting the look, and perhaps eager to show his courage, quickly advanced to the estrada, and. uncovering, present ed his gay sombrero with its garniture of silver and lace for the acceptance of the bewitching dancer. Receiving it with a smile, without pausing for an instant in the evolutions in which she was engaged, she placed it coquettish ly upon her head. A prolonged viva gretted this act, while the pleased gal lant, who had thus been conceded the floor, placed himself opposite to her and joined in the dance. It Continued for a time, when, at the cry of "Cham mara!” by the spectators, the young gallant, bowing gracefully to the girl, retired to give place to the second as pirant. Placing himself opposite Circe, the new partner went through the same series of evolutions as his prede cessor, ending by unwinding the crim son China crape sash from his waist, which he fashioned into a rosette and Pung from one of the bare shoulders A . . . of the girl. This act constituted a challenge to all comers, while by permitting it to remain the girl signified her accept ance of him until such time as an other should present a better calm. It could only be answered in one way—by the knife. From the crowd arose the cry of "Machete! machete!” and in prompt response the rival lover sprang Into the estrade. and, with a graceful bow, presented himself to the girl. A slight nod told him that he, too, was welcome to the honor of bestowing his favors; and, drawing his long, glitter ing cuchillo from its sheath, he sus pended it by its bow of purple ribbons from the right shoulder of the girl, al ready carrying the sash of his rival upon her left. A new pas de deux now began, carried on as before, though with many extemporized variations. Every now and then a chorus of vivas and bravos greeted the execution of some more than usually difficult step, or suggestive figure. Suddenly a strident voice in the crowd shouted "Bomba!” and the dance was at an end. The women, now that the dancing was over, took themselves out of harm's way. The two factions, occupying opposite sides of the estrada, clamored for the fight. Dona Juanita, proud and radiant, stood in the center of the estrada awaiting the final ceremony with a tranquillity which went far to prove her indifference to the claim of either aspirant. But the pledges were still to bo redeemed, and, with a practical eye to the business features of the play, she waited with extended hand. The usual fee of each pledge is a sil ver half real, but the two gallants, ad vancing one after another, filled both her hands with silver coins, amid the murmurs of applause which such pro digality excited. The estrada was now cleared for the fight, which nothing could now avert. The sylvan temple, so lately the scene of gayety and pleasure, was converted into a gladiatorial arena. Into its midst one of the gallants advanced, and, first tracing a rude circle in the hard-beat sand of the floor, planted his knife in its center. The second promptly followed and placed his long blade close besidg that of his rival, while both courteously uncovered. A polite altercation then ensued as to who should first place his hat upon his head, each claiming an honor which, granted by either, would make him the superior In point of courtesy. The difficulty was, however, decided by both contestants covering at the samS time. The spectators were then rele gated to the outside of the estrada, the combatants placed face to face, and the signal given. The combatants stood each with his long blade grasped in his right hand, and with his left hand and arm wrapped In the folds of his manga by way of shield. At the word the com bat began. The Gautaricans know nothing of scientific fencing, and rely wholly upon strength anfi agility of body. The blows were furiously given, but wero far from dexterous. On both 6ldes It was only a series of quick thrusts and clumsy parries, of sudden lunges and hasty retreats. Their long knives strucx one another with a me tallic clang, or cut the air with a mournfu’ sough. But the're w4B a ferocity and determination about the men which resulted in much bloodshed and mutual hacking of flesh. They ■wayed to and fro upon the floor, the tumultuous crowd closing abolit them as they were successively displaced. Thus it continued for ten minutes, when, wounded and bleeding, both men came to the floor, and were carried oft ^ by their more Intimate followers. It was when the barbarous Quel In the public square had been brought to I a termination that Overton, indulging in a little bitter reflection regarding the evil that befalls man through his natural love for woman, felt a hand plucking his sleeve, and knew from the whiff of villainous tobacco smoke that his new Jonathan, the general, stood at his elbow, his face wreathed in smiles and his portly frame swelling with the Importance of the communica tion he bore. iJfcu-. CHAPTER X. The Maker of Presidents. As soon as his eyes fell upon the smiling countenance of General Bar rajo, Jack knew the latter carried a message—he seemed so pleased with himself, so desirous of doing some fa vor to the brave Senor Overton, who had saved his precious life, and made him overwhelmingly his debtor. When, however, the verbal communi cation was delivered Jack's face took on a frown and he bit his lip. For the stout general bore a message that Dona Juanita desired to meet the American at once; and he also gave Jack to understand that tills summons was to be considered a great honor, about which, however, that worthy had his doubts. He concluded to mpet Dona Juanita. He found the senorita not far away, and her manner of receiving him was peculiarly coy for one who had shown herself so bold when the rival young gallants were vielng with each other foe the privilege of her smiles. Jack, had ho known these hot-blooded crea tures of Gautarica better, would have taken warning from this very fact and studiously avoided the senorita, for it was quite patent to the astute general she had conceived a sudden and over powering admiration for the American that was very apt to blossom presently into a passion. Jack carried on a spirited conversa tion with the belle of San Jose, and could not but note the deep satisfac tion shown by the general. In the goodness of his heart, no doubt he wanted the man who had saved his life to have all the prizes there were In the lottery, and the senorita, in his mind, came within that category. So he worked the strings. Hail Jack suspected his pliilanthrop ical design, he might have deeply re gretted running those three revolution ists oft' when they had tt - general cor nered. As it wasc having in mind a sketch of some mythical goddess, wh ch the senorlta as he had seen her dancing so alluringly before her many admirers would till to perfection, he studied her while thus engaging her in conversa tion. Doubtless he forgot that in thus ex erting himself, with the purpose in view of drawing her out, he at the same time accomplished a double ob ject, and appeared unusually attrac tive in her eyes. That was where the boomerang came in. It chanced that after this night they met frequently—not so much through his inclination as an apparent com bination of circumstances. The lovely daughter of the tropics had taken a great fancy for Senor Overton, and his indifference piqued her. since she was so accustomed to having gallants go mad for an iota of the favor she bestowed upon Jack. Sometimes it appears as great a crime to be diffident as to show egotism—it may not push one into hot water as often, but there are occasions when It counts as much. And the wily general looked on. anu behind Jack’s back rubbed his hands, very much as a miser might over his gold. It was his purpose to devote his life to showering blessings on his noble deliverer—love, power, wealth, all should be his, and he would bless the day when he first met Pedro Alphonso Barrajo—indeed, it would be a red-let ter day in the affairs of the little re public as well. Overton had never taken the general into his confidence, to tell him the bit ter story of his past and how he had become a full-fledged woman haler, pledged to remain forever a bachelor. He had found a means of engaging in business. Such energy as he pos sessed was a new element in San Juan, and from the way in which he started it was evident that in due course of time, say, ten years, if nothing hap pened to overturn matters—something is always occurring in these torrid lit tle republics—he bade fair to own tne whole community, which shows what push and enterprise may accomplisn when properly applied. Ten years was a long time to wait— he had calculated on half that period when he could go back to London and pay up old scores. And then it occurred to Jack to par tially take his friend the general into his confidence, and tell him how neces sary it was that he should roll the ball of fortune faster, in order that the re sult should be hastened. Brave Barrajo had met danger when it appeared about to overwhelm him with a steady front and a flashing blade. He was equal to the occasion now. Slapping Jack most heartily on the back, he winked his left eye mysteri ously, and, looking cautiously arcund to see that they were alone, whispered hoarsely: “Carramba! Make your mind aasy, senor—it is all arranged—the train is laid and at the proper time the match will be applied then romts the explo sion, and, potif! there you are in a Jump! One thing tell me, Senor Jack, how long you have been in San Jose— on Gautarican soil?” Jack figured it out. “Just six months to-morrow—how time has flown, and I have only made a start,” he said slowly. The general rubbed his hands to gether in almost delirious joy. ‘Six months—it is quite enough. You shall be made a citizen to-mor row.” “Is it positively necessary?" dubi ously. “Undoubtedly so,” came the protnpt reply. “Then I submit—any sacrifice eo that I may attain the end to which I aspire.” “Madre do Dios! You will not call it a sacrifice, Senor Jack, when you learn what a feast of good things is being prepared for you. Never was a man more favored by fortune, I swear.” Jack smiled and shook his head. “Ah! you speak in enigmas, gen eral.” “Soon—soon all will be made plain. Wait, have patience; your loftiest dream of pomp and power could not attain to what awaits the friend and preserver of Pedro Barrajo. I do not forget—I can never forget!” with a gesture of vehemence. "Well, I place myself in your hands, my general,” Overton felt compelled to say, having concluded to go the whole thing, once started. “Aha! you are wise—you will bless me to your dying day. Love, power, fortune, nil shall be yours. . The vow is recorded. One thing I must bpg of you, Senor Jack. It is this. If. some night, after tomorrow, you should hear a commotion in San Jose, shots fired and loud cheers from the army, pray do not show yourself upon the street until I call upon you.” “Ah! prospects of another revolu tion, I suppose?” “Hush! Not so loud, please. Robla do’s spies may be about—they suspect something is in the wind. No, it is not Montejo this time—he is a dead herring in Gautarican politics now. Ask no more questions, only wait and see; great events are on the eve of transpiring. You promise—good! Go your way, my dear friend, and prepare for a grand surprise. Silence!” and with his finger on his lips the remark able general bowed, and mounting his horse galloped toward the barracks, leaving Overton a badly puzzled man. After that mysterious warning from Barrajo, Jack was exceedingly careful how he strayed from his domicile aft er old Helios dipped his glowing face in the western sea and the black pall of night descended upon gay San Jose. For he placed great confidence in the general, and that worthy's directions had been so very direct and explicit they could not be mistaken. His reward came. It was the fourth night after the flower procession, and San Jose had in a measure calmed down—that Is. re sumed the normal condition that marked the passing of early evening. The gay crowds still lingered in the plaza near by, as though having some inkling of the tremendous epoch in Gautarica’s history that was on the eve of occurring. Overton wondered howr it came that the sounds of merriment had long since died away, while the throng 6till remained abroad. He had not known so strange a thing to happen before, and he hud been half a year in San Jose, too. He had just completed his task of writing, and, utterly fagged out, filled his pipe for a comfortable smoke be fore retiring, when the sound cf a sud den shot electrified him. (To be continued.) Ye Postmen* The native runner-postmen of Natal are strikingly picturesque objects when on business bent. With their sandaled feet and head-dress of dried leaves, which rattle as they run, and a military great coat, underneath which is a garment called the mucetu. they travel for miles at a Jog trot of four miles an hour, and receive as pay ment £1 ($5) a month. In Holland the extent of the mail service routes is aver 30,000 miles. The uniform of the postmen is semi-mili tary in character, and they themselves are said to be a remarkably handsome body. In Austria the government gives to the postmen every year one tunic, one pair of cloth trousers, one pair of linen trousers, one waistcoat and a cap. while every second year a coat and blouse are given. Previous military service is considered as postal service, and each year of war counts double. Wherefore! “Huh!” growled the cynical celebate to the beaming benedict, "Huh; you seem to know all about women, you do. Can you tell me why a pigeon toed woman is always duller of per ception than one who isn't? And why would a woman rather be pretty than anything else. And why does a girl always giggle when she talks to a man? And why can’t women pass a mirror without looking into it? And why are women so much more partic ular about the outside of their heads than they are of the inside? And why do women so much more admire bad men whom they love than they do good men who love them? And why do women dislike women in the same ratio that they like men? And why is it that women, who are meant to be heaven's best gift to man, ain’t al ways? Say, tell me those, will yon?" Blood will tell—but the left some blood tells the better. I M’UFOREIGN CREDITS rHEORISTS WORRIED ON THE SUB JECT OF TRADE BALANCES. Hie One Thing I'ertnfn i* That Hut for hv Rcitrliiloii of Competitive liuportiv tluna by Hie Protective TerllT There Mould lie No Trade ltalanees. Just now there is a good deal of dis cussion going on regarding the big trade lialances piled up by the I'nited .States in the past four years of protec tion and prosperity. It Is a subject which worries the free traders might ily. Some of them, like the Spring field Republican, have gone so far as to accuse the bureau of statistics of cooking up figures to show balances that really do not exist. Secretary Uage acknowledges that he doesn't ,;now much about the matter, owing to the absence of reliable data as to the repurchase of American securities formerly held abroad. The Ixmdon Times feels sure that the trade bal mces are more imaginary than actual. :md that the i'nited States is far from being the financial power which its people flatter themselves it is. The latest contribution to the question ap pears in the New York Times, from the pen of Mr. Nathaniel T. llacon. who seems to have taken uncommon pains to get at the facts. Mr. Haron believes that European investments in the United States in long time bonds are probably $1,700,000,000, with a bil lion and a hair for the minimum and two billions for the maximum, and that we are buying back the securities, or paying off our European indebted ness, at the rate of something like $300,000,000, and If the present state of prosperity and international trade could be continued we would wipe out the entire account in five years. From July 1, 1899, to the end of 1901, a peri od of thirty months, he computes a visible balance in our favor of $1,510, 000,000. He conjectures that $625, 000.000, or $250,000,000 a year, is set tled for by remittances for interest, expenses of travelers, incomes of Am ericans living abroad, military ex penditures outside of the United States, and gifts, like Mr. Carnegie’s gift to the Scotch universities; that $265,000,000 of American capital has been invested abroad in this period, and that Americans have bought $95, 000,000 of foreign bonds and bought back $525,000,000 of American securi ties, these items aggregating $1,510, 000,000. The one thing that appears to be certain is that in the past four years this country has succeeded in placing Itself on “Easy street’’ as regards pay ments of foreign indebtedness and in terest and dividend disbursements. How we got there is easily told. The world wanted the things which we had to sell to the amount of about $1,400, 000,000 in the year just closed, and in stead of paying us back in manufac tured commodities, as would have been the case under a continuance of low tariff awd no tarifT conditions, we have had our pay in cash or its equiva lent in debts discharged or expendi tures offset. We have not only paid interest and dividends on American securities owned abroad and on for eign capital Invested In this country, but we have made good the $200,000, 000 paid to foreigners for carrying our over-sea freights, also the big sums which foreign companies tax us for marine insurance, and the big sums spent by American tourists. In addi tion we have taken our pay in huge blocks of American securities, so that this year's January disbursements of Interest and dividends have gone al most altogether to American holders, instead of going in great part to for eign holders, as used to be the case. All this has been going on for four years. It would not and could not have gone on if we had been operating under a free-trade tariff instead of a protective tariff. Ho our apparent or our actual trade balances what they may, they are ours because of protec tion. He Conld Ilf Persuaded. Secretary Gage looms lip as a “re ceptive” candidate for the seat of Wil liam E. Mason In the United States Senate. That Is. he could be persuad ed to return to official life if the Illi nois Legislature should press the hon or upon hirn. ThiB will surprise many people who had supposed that Mr. Gage's relinquishment of the Treasury portfolio was voluntary on his part, and was actuated by a desire to re sume the role of a private citizen. In view of the remoteness of the possibll lty of his being urged to revise that determination, it is perhaps not worth while to open up in detail the subject of eligibility, fitness, etc. The Re publicans of Illinois are too well ac quainted with Mr. Gage’s record as banker and financier to require any enlightenment on that point. They may also be presumed to know some thing of his other qualifications for the office of Senator. They doubtless know, among other things, that his passionate ardor for tariff reform prompted him to vote for Grover Cleveland in throe Presidential elec tions. All things considered, we may be pardoned for assuming that Mr. Gage’s receptivity is not likely to be called into active operation in connec tion with the Illinois Senatorship. Hhvw Rat Down Again. The Democratic newspapers have abandoned for the time being theii attempt to bring about a revision o! the tariff at the present session oi Congress. They have, moreover, lost Interest In the question of reciprocity That is because they have seen a new light. When the late President McKinley made, his Iasi speech at the P*n-American Fxpocftton. In Buffalo, the free traders thought they saw a i chance to drive an entering wedge. I They twisted what Mr. McKinley said into a declaration for free trade, and j his statement that duties which wers no longer needed for purposes of pro tection might lie remitted was taken by them as evidence that he was ready to abandon tho entire Protection the ory. Following up what they said about, tile late President, they tried to make it appear that President Roose velt’s St. Paul speech was a declaration in favor of free trade. Then they were encouraged to believe that a success ful assault on protection could he made this winter. They think, so no longer. President Roosevelt’s flat-*ooted dec laration in favor of Protection in his message, and his further statement that reciprocity can only be encouraged j wThen it is regarded as the hand maiden of protection, has opened th® eyes of the free traders. They now see that It is Idle to hope for tariff legislation at this session of Congress. —Cleveland leader. What They Must Show. The advocates of free sugar must show that with the almost certain an nexation of Cuba in the near future, and with that a coming condition of untaxed raw sugar, it is better now to get trade concessions with other na tions while we can. They must also show that the removal of all protec tion from the domestic sugar growing industry is so inevitable that the bene fits to ho obtained from reciprocity treaties with sugar raising countries outweigh the losses that would be caused to the American industry. They must further show why It is well for the sake of free raw sugar to abandon nArly every other form ol tax reduction. They have finally to show why we should not have free re fined sugar if we are to have free raw sugar.—Boston Commercial Bulletin. HALT I tVhnt the People Want. There is no general demand for tariff changes. The country Is prosperous, labor is everywhere employed at high wages, capital is being invested with profit to the capitalist and benefit to the country. What the people want Is to be let alone, so far as tariff tinker ing is concerned. Tariff changes by reciprocity treaties or by any other method unsettle business and disturb industrial and agricultural interests. It is a mighty good time to let well enough alone and just give the people a chance to enjoy the prosperity w'ith which the country is blessed.—River side (Cal.) Press. One of Them. One of the American industries brought into existence by a protective tariff is that of pottery manufacture. American pottery has taken its place with the best in use. The great pot teries In Trenton, N. J„ have increased their business over that of 1900 by $ 1,000,000. Tbi3 increase shows the extent of the industry and its rapid progress. The protective tariff has rendered the United States practically independent of the re3t of the world.— Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Wilt! Wait until some harm comes from the tariff, Instead of untold blessings, before we think of changing it. Thera is danger to the people and the threat of ruin to the Republican party in every assault upon the tariff.—Iron Mountain (Mich.) Tribune. A Oanneronn Person. The tariff ripper with a theory it this time of prosperity is a dangeroui person to allow in the front of affaire in Congress.—Darlington (Wis.) Re publican-Journal. Star «. al it by I.orera. They were yo..ng and romantic, and, although the minute hand was point ing to 12 o'clock, they stood upon the porch gazing at the stars. “That's Jupiter, dear, Isn’t it?” slit murmured. “Yes, pet; and that is Sirius,” he re plied, pointing to another star. "Are you serious?” she cooed. He klS3ed her. Then, pointing up ward, he sain; “That's Mars, dove.” “And that's pa's,” she whispered, as a footstep sounded Inside. And if the young man hadn’t scoot ed he would have seen more stare than he ever dreamed of. ComaiaytliA of Lnmhor. There are now more than 1,100 pulp and paper mills in the United States. They use about a billion feet of lum ber a year. The sawmills consume twenty times as much. FEES OF SURGEONS. ENORMOUS SUMS HAVE BEEN PAID BY GRATEFUL PATIENTS. iCgrnpnig Rovaltle* Invariably Itacom peii.e Their Medical Attendant* Highly —Quarter of a Million Dollar* I* the Record for One Single Fee. In the medical world some enormous .'ees have been paid from time to time, in 1762 thp famous Hertfordshire jhyslcian, Thomas Dlmsdale, was sum moned to St. Petersburg to vaccinate :he Empress Catherine If. He was in .he city less than a week, but so suc cessfully did he accomplish his task that he was paid a consideration of 1212,000 in addition to a life pension )f 12500 a year. Another costly vac illating operation was that performed t few years ago by Dr. Butler upon ;ix Indian rajahs, and from each of his yatients he received £10,000 for less .ban a day’s work. When King Edward, or the Prince if Wales, as he was then, lay at b-ath's door with typhoid fever, the amous William Jenner was called in or a period of four weeks, and in re am lie was paid at the rate of £2,500 i week and given a baronetcy into the largain. Nor was it by any means inusual for him to receive a fee of £500 for an hour's consultation with ess celebrated patients. But royalty invariably pay their nedical attendants highly. The late Jir Morell Mackenzie Journeyed to Berlin to relieve the sufferings of the Smperor Frederick during his last ill less and secured a fee of £20,000, vhile Professor Zacherlne of Moscow, vho was called to Livadia. when the ’zar Alexander III. lay dying, was presented with a check for £15,000, in iddltton to all expenses, for a two lays' attendance upon his illustrious mtient. Dr. YoWski, the famous oculist, joe ke ted a fee of £7,000 for attend ng the shah's son at Teheran some •ears ago, a figure completely put nto the shade by that captured by an Cnglish army surgeon, who paid oc ■asional visits to the Rajah of Ram mr, India, when that potentate was offering from an acute attack of rheu nutism. The patient did not wait for lim to send in his bill, for, finding his roatment beneficial, he rewarded him vith £10,000. The highest medical fee ever paid, jowever. became the property of a >lind physician, Dr. Gale of Bristol, vho cured a wealthy patient of a dis eased knee by electric treatment, and n return found his banking account icher by £50,000.—Pearson’s Weekly. Spying on Clerk*. The professional shopper i9 employ si in London in a different capacity ban her American sister, her work In ,-onnection with one large firm savor ng of dectectlve service with the :lerks as the individuals to be watched ind reported. The firm in question >wni\ over thirty large shops, and em jloys. nearly 1,000 clerks. It is the nisiness of the professional shopper to Ind out whether every customer is jolitely served by visiting the different ihops, putting the clerks to every in -.onvenience and frequently leaving vithout mailing a purchase after look ng at nearly everything in the shop, f the clerk's temper does not prove :qual to the strain and 9he answers in he fashion of the American shop girl inder similar circumstances she is •eported to headquarters and dismis sal is apt to be the result. Dmcriptlon of Lord Kitchener. An English writer lately returned rom South Africa has published the ollowing description of Lord Kitch ener: “Tall and well-proportioned ibove, he falls away from his waist lownward. It is this lower weediness which evidently troubles the man whth ashlons his clothes. A round, red and .•omewhat puffy face. Square head, vith staff cap set carelessly upon it. deavy mustaches covering a somewhat nobile mouth, at the moment inclined o smile. Eyes just anyhow; heavy jut not overpowering eyebrows. In act, a very ordinary face of a man list past his prime. Hardly a figure hat you would have remarked if it md not been for the gilt upon his hat -in fact, it was all a disappointing liscovery.” Manager Knew HU Hatlneiis. The story of how Harry Coates, the .inging navvy who has been delight ng London audiences at the music jails, came to leave his pick for the itage, gives an interesting Illustration if the keen eye managers have for iomething new. Coates was singing rally at his work one day when the nanager of the Brighton Empire lassed by, and so sweet was the man’s io\ce that he offered him an engage nent. “Here,” he said, “do you want o earn £5 a week?” The navvy jromptly closed, and although this lappened only six months ago, his weekly salary has already been in :reased to a much higher figure. Football in Japan. As early as the seventh century fapan borrowed football from China. The Emperor Toba II. was an expert Bayer and formed a club in the palace, mys Cassell’s Little Folks. Consider ng how adverse most orientals are to lard work and rigorous exercise, it nay be supposed that the game waa 'ery different from either “rugger” or ’socker.” Nevertheless, the Japanese 'orm seems to have been popular, and ve may trace the beginnings of pro ’essionalism to an emperor and his tourt, of whom it ia told that in a time if poverty they earned a little extra noney by teaching the art of foot uV