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About The Red Cloud chief. (Red Cloud, Webster Co., Neb.) 1873-1923 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 23, 1900)
. fs's'saaaaalirM'.'TilMOT 7J J ,n , ' 'K 'K 4 K ; r? Irk the Fowler's Snre btrf - Dy M. D. MAN WELL l' CHAPTER III. (Continued.) "It's our only chance, certainly! " Instantly agreed the last comer. "It we sllly-shnlly over the lolng of It much longer, we shall die like ruts In .a hole, ns the guard says!" "Then we'd better tear these ob stinate fools off the engine and man It ourselves!" suggested a frantic pas senger. "We can rush It through .somehow!" "Not bo!" was the calm answer. "Our only chance In rushing the dan ,gcr Is the speed. Now, If I and you, all amateurs, man the engine and bungle the thing, the chance Is we should roast beforo wo got quite through tho flames. "Now, ladles and gentlemen" he turnod courteously to the passengers surging round "I must ask you to trust your bodies to me, and your souls well, according to your several creeds!" With a strangely harsh, empty laugh, tho stranger ascended the engine, turning his dark face to say peremp torily: "Tako your places aboard the train Instantly, every man, woman and child! "Now, my friends. I'll tackle you!" He facod round to the engine men. So near was the train to the fir, that the heat was Insufferable tho facea of the men were almost skinned. "Warm work, my hearties, this!" the stranger said, almost cheerfully, as he beat tho hot air slowly with wav ing hands, and pressed his faco closer to the scorched visages on the engine. "You get off this englno, mister!" furiously began the driver. "I'll brain any man who tries to boss " The wrathful words endod In u sud den sigh, and the driver's urnis fell softly at his sides as tho Invader of tho engine turned to tho stoker, a power fully built man. "You heard what my mate said, didn't yer?" struck In the man. "You git off, or I'll I'll " There was the same singular collapse, the same lamb-like nttltude. Both grimy men stood motionless and meek facing tho Intruder. "Just so," observed the last equably. Then, leaning over, his strident voice clanged harshly along tho enow shed: "Every soul aboard? Keep all win dows and doors fast for your lives!" "What is it, Gervls? Are we safe yet?" faintly whispered Gladdy. The girl, who had only seemed to shako off her curious attack of insensibility within the last few minutes, was star ing vaguely round the car. She wondered idly why most of tho women were on their knees, and why tho little children were clasped so frantically to their mothers.1 Suroly the tiny creatures would be smothered in such ombraces. And why was Gervis, hor husband, breathing in that curiously labored fashion, as if he had been running hard? Then she became aware, as he laid his cheeks against her own, that his face was wet and cold, clammy per spiration. "Gervls!" she cried, a vague alarm awakening her at last, "speak to mo!" "Can't you pray, Gladdy?" whispered Gorvis, and the clasp of his arma tight ened round his wife. "Pray, Gervls? What do you moan?" wonderlngly said Gladdy. And Gervls drew his brows together. And yet was it not better that nho should know, poor little Gladdy In hor newly wedded happiness? Outside the cars, now tightly closed, the men on the onglne, who were going to fight tho flames doggedly, were grimly and rapidly making ready. The heat had become Intolerable, and redly glowing sparks were shower ing down the blazing roof. The peril was already so deadly that there was no choice. A dash for dear .11 fo must be made! Suddenly a great tongue of flamo darted along tho roof with a hissing sound. The haggard, white faces in tho cars could distinguish every tim ber in the shed's wooden walls in the new glare. The fire was gaining with a deadly suroness. "Quick, men! We are taking our lives in our hands! Hero, reach mo that bale of waterproofing! We must divide it between us to cover as much of our persons as we can!" It was a sharp, vibrating voice, with a note of command, that hastily or dered. Then came the hoarse order for which the cowed englnomen wero meekly waiting. "Ready? Then go! Top speed!" The long train, with Its large cars, creaked and groaned; tho tongues of flame darted upward hisslngly; the burning rafters crackled and snapped; the smoke rolled along in heavy clouds that choked all who rode on the 111 fatod train. "God in His mercy, help us! We're off!" The train was cutting Its way through tho sheet of flame that had 'walled it In. CHAPTER IV. It was over this daring venture and over safely! Outside In the open, in the clear cold air of the starless night, the long train drew up undor the softly falling (lakod of feathery snow. Half-paralyzod men and fainting womon In tho cars know they wero safe, and thero was a brief hush, while sobbing thanksgivings broke from lips .;c '5? sx A ?K 'K ? ? m? ? ? & W W v J AX that soldom pray. Then there was n rush to examine the care, which had, providentially, not caught lire. "So far as we know, wo are nil saved," was the thankful chorus that went round, as tho passengers stood about on the snow stamping their feot. "How on earth did wo get our hero, mate?" was the honrso whisper from ono of the blackened, smoked figures wrapped In waterproof on tho en gine. "I don't know!" was the answer. "I thought we was bound to roast in tho fire, but hero we are! Deals all!" "That's so; but wo're safo; that's good enough for me, anyhow!" "The sooner you people get aboard the cars again the better." It was a courteous, almost concilia tory voice, but it was the same that a short time before had given tho word of command that saved tho tralnful of human beings. Instantly the speaker was surrounded and a torrent of thanks assnllcd his ears. "Pray, don't overwhelm me!" Ho raised his long, lean hunds doprecni ingly. "What have I done? Merely suggested n way out of the difficulty." But his modesty was overruled. The overwrought passengers found an out let for their agitation In demanding the name of their preserver, In order, they said, "to add It to our prayers, nnd teach It to our little ones." "My name Is Paul Ansdell," politely said tho stranger. Then he added hur riedly, as If to choke off any further questions: "I nm a scientist by pro fession, nnd nm at present traveling for material regarding a subject sug gested by the society to which I have the honor to belong. I hope I have explained to your satisfaction, ladle3 and gentlemen." Under the courteous tones there was a distinct element of mockery, which served to chill the warm gratitude of the passengers. In twos and threes they disported, some to get aboard tho train Into the shelter nnd comfort and warmth; others to stand In the Hnow and watch with awe the roaring flames now mercifully behind them. "The weather tonight is so dry-cold, oven for tho tlmo o' year, that tho fire has got a Arm hold. Tho whole shed's doomed," said the guard. "It's bin a wonderful dellvorunco from an awful death, gentlemen. We've need to thank God on our knees." The man looked round on tho groups huddled together on tho snow, which tho roaring fire lighted up around them. And, Indeed, the delivered passen gers wore, each In his or her own way, thanking God. Hero a young mother, her soft arm3 round a little child, knelt In the snow murmuring. Near her a clergyman was, with lips rapidly moving, thank ing God for his safety. Here, again, an iron grny-linlred man stood bowed for a few seconds to of fer up his thanks for the frail Invalid wife, the love of his youth, whom ho had Just lifted back into the car. It was Indeed a solemn sight, the little thanksgiving service out on tho snowy plains, upon which the grim mountains frowned down through tho small, dry flakes of falling snow, "Now it Btrlkes me we should do well to be getting ahead. The night Is upon us, and I can tell you It will take us all wo can to stand the colds of midnight and early morning." It was the voice of Paul Ansdell that broke the spell. He was standing with arms folded on the rear platform of the cars, looking down with half-shut eyes upon tho reverently bowed heads of his fellow travelers. No meaning for him had this communing with tho Divlno Creator, who had stretched out a helping band in tho grave peril. Had any cry broken from his lips to ascend on high it would have beon the exceeding bitter one of the Psalmist: "Lord, why castest Thou off my soul? Why hlde3t Thou Thy face from me?" But It was many a year since this man bad abnndonod prayer. He was not an unbeliever In one sense, for no man knew better than Paul Ansdell that there exists an over-ruling Power, who moves and shapes humanity at His will. Otherwise It would havo been the worse for his fellow men, seeing that Paul Ansdell held certain ill-gotten secrets that would have en dowed himself with an Illimitable do minion over the Uvea and the fortunes of others. But as It was he guashed his teeth over the checkmates that blocked his wicked way and protected his victims. So far Uie man had faith in his larger and bolder flights. The two alms he lived for were to win a'colossal fortune, and to preserve his life as long as possible. To die, to crumble into dust, was to him a hideous prospect, and he had no other his creed forbade all such. To save himself more than his companions ho had put forth his utmost strength of will. He had succeeded strangely, even marvelously. Paul Ansdell smiled contentedly as ho leaned, strangely exhausted for a man who had simply lifted his voice, not his hands, to the rescue. He was con gratulating himself that his will pow er was increasing enormously. Then ho heard a hurried voice at his car. "Mr. Ansdell, I've brought my wife to thank you for your splendid bravery In saving tho wnolo lot of us," Gervls Tompleton was saying earnestly, and his hand was pressing tho shoulder of J Paul, who wheeled sharply around, to glance for one swift second at tho lit 'SSISSSS. tle shrinking flguro behind Gervls. 'I hou his eyes turned uwny to tho llanio-reddcned snow, "Como. Gladdy, this Is the hero of the hour. Haven't you a word to glvo him'" Gladdy must havo hoard her hus band's urgent whisper, nnd yet she spoke not n syllable. Silently and wist fully tho girlish bride was garlng up into the dark fare of Paul Ansdell. It win ns though her soul was dumbly questioning that of the man who had saved her life. "Dear, say something!" In the low eied voice of Gervls there svns a per emptory note. He was annoyed nt hi wife's extraordinary awkwardness na much ns he was puzzled. What rould the man think of her? The thought crossed his mind as ho took (Noddy's cold, small fingers In his to encour age her. But Paul's attention us well ns Pntil'n eyes were being given to the outside world. "I fear we're going to have a night of It. perhaps nnother chaptnr of ac cidentswho knows?- for the snow will be tremendously deep at certain curves I know of ahead," he said. And, under cover of his words, Gladdy drew her hand from that of hor hus band, nnd slipped back Into the drawing-room car. She was the only one of the passengers who had failed to offer thnnks to the rescuer of the train. The cars were moving off on their Journey once again, and the men wero chatting to one another. "Not so bad for the first more In tho game!" The triumphant words whlsperlngly from tho lips of Paul Anw'.ell as he sat alone In the smoking compartment, leaning back In his chulr. his dark, baleful eyes watching the smoko wreaths lazily rising over his head. CHAPTER V. Paul Andcll was right In his sur mises. The scientist, aH a rule, was right somehow. The fine, feathery snow resolved Itself into a perfect blizzard a few hours lutor, uud tho train, after plunging through deep drifts, cutting Its way gallantly, was brought to a standstill. Fortunately they were close to a prairie station when the stoppage took place. "Wo must mako the best of it," cheerfully agreed the passenger. "There's plenty to eat and drink aboard the train, thank goodness, ami we can get out and stretch our legs without any danger of being lost In the snow, for It's hard as lion." "Will you come out nnd take a turn with me?" pleasantly asked Paul Ans dell, coming over to Gorvis Tompleton, who was staring disconsolately out of the window. Gladdy hnd chosen to remain In her berth for breakfast, and showed aB yet no Inclination to leave It. "I bhould like it above nil things!" the joung Englishman eagerly said. And presently the two men, wrapped up to the eyes, were tramping over tho shining, snowy expnnso boyond the lit tle station. "Are you going to mako any stay at Montreal?" asked Paul carelessly. "Not over a few days, to see tho place," was the answer. "I am taking my wlfp to England to spend Christ mas In the old home, so our tlmo Is limited. Otherwise there's nothing I should like better than to winter In the Dominion. It's a glorious land, and Gladdy, my wife, would have rev eled In the Ice cnrnlval and ull tho other delights of n Montreal winter. But It can't bo helpted. My people are eager to see and know her. Wo have not been long married, you see," ho added, a little lamely. "I know," curtly said Paul Ansdell. "I was In 'Frisco when your wedding took place; and I knew old Hiram Falrweather, your wife's father per sonally, I mean. A sharp, astute old chap, that. Made his pile, eh?" (To be continued.) SOME ARE ODD. (leographlcnl Knnies Out In Arkansas. A commercial traveler recently re turned from a trip through Arkansas was speaking the other day of the nomenclature of the towns and coun ties of that state. "As a township name," said he, "nothing seems so popular as a name ending In 'creek.' There are Beech, Mill, Barren, Dutch, Iong, Big, Peter, Clear, Pierre, Flat, Crooked, Sugar and Day creeks teat tercd through tho state as townships. There are Eagle and War Eagle town Bhlps, and one is numed after Grover Cleveland. Yell Is both u township and county namo, but tho people are not particularly noisy In those places, In spite of the name. Many names are reminders of tho old Trench oc cupation, such as Petit Jean, Terro Nolr, Fayette, Lagrue, Do Bastrop and St. Francis, names of townships. Sugarloaf seems to be a popular name for towns In Arkansas, why, I do not know; and one community calls itself by the intensely prosaic name of Railroad. Colonel Bowie, he of the celebrated knife, has bis name per petuated by a township name, and so has Daniel Boone and' Bryan. Thp population of Arkansas Is now nine ty times what It was when the first census was talten of It, In 1820, but the increase has been slow in the last decade compared with previous ones. The population has Increused In the last ten years only 1G4 I'or cent, whiio In the ten years before the In crease was ovor 40 por cent." I'mt'loun Woods Wniteit. Rosewood and mahogany are so plentiful In Mexico that sumo of tho coppor mines there nro timbered with rosowood, while mahogany Is u&od as fuel for the engines. rojtttMHgMWg The train due at Paris Junction nt 9: .15 was ten minutes late on Thanks giving morning. Ab It halted before the little station, which Btood nmid bnrc brown fields nt tho crossing of the two railroads, a gentleman and a lady stepped to the platform. The lady gathcrod hor sealskin cape around her and hurried Into the depot. She waj a plump, middle-aged woman with a clear, dark face. When the gentleman entered tho room, she was addressing tho station agent. "How long before the next train west on tho other road?" alio asked In a voice of peculiar swetness. The man started and drew nearer. "There won't be 'nother tran till 4:10." "But there 1b one due In a fw min utes." "It's gone. Your train was late." She gasped. "What am I to do? I must be nt Lntlmcr before 2." "I don't know." She turned nppcallngly to her fcl- "LEON HARTLEY!" low traveler. Ho stopped forward, lifting his hnt. A glance into the strong face lighted by frank grny eyes, and she gave a little cry, a soft rose-pink flush stain ing her cheeks, "Leon Bartlcy! How do you hap pen to be here?" and she timidly ex tended her hand. "I nm on my wny to spend Thanks giving with my old friends, the Hcr rlngtons, nt Latimer." "And I to eat my Thnnksglvlng tur key with my cousin. Lulu Myers." A moment's silence fell between them. Tho station agent hnd retired to his little den, which contained his desk, leaving the two travelers In pos session of the room. There was a brisk flro In the stove, and the nlr was laden with the fumes of the soft coal. Aside from the stove, the solo furniture of the room consisted of a wooden bench which extended along two slles. The uncurtained windows were dingy and dirty. Outside there was only the shining tracks and the fields. At n little dis tance a solitary farmhouse could be seen. They were roused by a dash of froz en sleet against the windows. Bart ley advanced to the door of the little Inner room, saying: "I will see If there is not some wny out of our trouble. Left alone, Zoo Freeman drew her cloak around her and let her mind wander buck to tho past. Fifteen years beforo she had been the prom ised wife of Leon Bartlcy. They had quarreled and, In n fit of pique, she hnd married Robert Freeman. Wealth and social position hnd been heis, but Freeman soon became a helpless In valid, and life held little for her savo the cures and duties of a nurse. A year ago death had Bet her free. Leon Bartley had never married. They had met occasionally? but never since Freeman's death. Here hor thoughts were Interrupted by tho return of Bartlcy. "It 1b as you feared. There Is no way you can reach Latimer beforo 6. There nro fow passenger trains upon cither of theso roads, I am very sorry for your disappointment." Her face flushed, t,hen paled. "We must wait with what patience we can," she said, unconBclously using tho plu ral. He brought for hor from the Inner room tho only chair In tho building. A few moments later the station agent said: "I'm goln' to the house awhile." He strode away, and they were alone. Outsldo tho sleet contlnod to fall. Zoo turned from tho dreary picture framed by tho window with a sigh that sounded strangely like one of con tent. They talked fitfully. Both avoided referring to tho past, and tho present held little In common for them. Yet as they talked of tho events of tho day, of books, and of people- whom thoy both know, an unconscious chango camo over them. As in tho days of old, sho wna awaro of a tender dofer eucu shown toward hor, a doforenco that was genuine and had In It noth ing of patronage After n time Hartley glanced nt hla watch nnd rose to his foot. "I urn going to raid tho surrounding country and see what 1 can do In the way of a Thanksgiving dinner." "Not in this storm," she cried, and her clear dark eyes fell before his. "I have an umbrella. Besides I am used to storms." He was gone some tlmo. When ho returned, sho was at tho door to meet him. "I see you were successful," pointing to the bundles be cnrrlcd. He shook his head. "You will think It a poor bucccbs. At the agont'B home dirt wns too plentiful. I saw we could not think of dining there. I mnde my wny to another house, only to And It locked. However, thero Is n postolllcn near, where tho agent as sured me 1 would And n 'store.' Thore well, the contents of these pnner bags will tell the story." She laughed as morrlly bb a child, and began to peer liito the bngB. Soon they wore seated, sho In tho chnlr, ho on tho bench In front of hor. 8hcoU from a newspaper ho happened to havo In hla pocket wero sprend over tholr laps, and on these they plnced crackers, chccHe, peanuts and sticks of red and white striped candy. "I'm sorry," Hartley began, eyeing tho spread with evident disfavor, "but It Is tho beHt the bind affords. Hero is a pnrt of every eatable thing In the merchant's stock, save gum, molasses und nrticles Hint must bo cooked. It Is a poor Thanksgiving dinner to offer you. Zoo." Tho nninc slipped from hlra tin uwares. Sho blushed and begun to talk lightly. All constraint vanished. Tho burden of yours seemed to have fallon from them. Suddenly she looked up, an nrrh smile curving her lips. "Think of the tables ut which we expected to Bit today. Remember tho various delicacies, tho silver, china, embroidered linen and flowers, then note tho contrast. Is nut this a strange Thanksgiving?" He leaned forward, and nguln her eyes snnk beforo his. "I remember It all, nnd yet I feol like returning thanks because I nm here with you." Just then the stntlon agent entered. A freight train camo in sight and hnlted. Zoo retreated to a window while the men wont out and In tho de pot. After a short tlmo tho train went on, nnd the agent again left the travelers alone. Hartley came at once to hor sldo. "In un hour there will bo a train going bnck to your home. You will take It, will you not?" She nodded. In an hour they would be scpnrated. There would bo noth ing of this strange Thanksgiving day save a memory. He came a step closer. "Lot mo go with you, Zoe." "Whut do you mean?" "I mean I love you still. Neither have you forgotten. Why should we lose one hotii of tho happiness life holds for us? Wo will go to your homo and this very night become hus band and wife." She shook her head, although she I "IT IS A POOR THANKSGIVINO DINNER." did not draw back when ho took both her hunda In his. "No, Leon. Not today." "Why not?" "It's well, It's unconventional." Ho laughhed lightly, for he knew his victory was won. "This has been nn unconventional Thanksgiving, darling. It is a real one, though. I never know what tho word meant until I could give thunks for you and your love." iuuiii cake Cream ono cup of butter and two cups of sugiir. Add ono cup of milk, three eggs, two cups of ralsInB (stonod) ono gruted nutmeg, a tablcspoonful each of grated cloves and cinnamon, about four cups of Hour, two heaping tcaspoonfuls of baking powder. Make about us stiff as pound cake. Joy softens more hearts than tears. Madamo do Sartory, , n't I iiQ niflUM las "vnr Hi!.. - THANKSaiVINQ. To tho popular mind tho word "Thnnknglvlng" stands for n day of fertility. Hut thoy who lono Its subjective- moaning In mero crontnro on Jnymout suffer n mlofortuno nnd mUa an opportunity. To our fathers, Thnnksglvlng was a oaornmont. It was one of their acts of religion to sot npart for it an an nual day. Heaven had blessed tholr harvests, and thoy wished to express In a special way appreciation of its favors. Nothing In tholr example was uioro nano nnd sensiblo than the creation of this November family custom, now be come nntlonnl. Thero havo boon changes of our social llfo since the old tlmo. Theso hnvo made It leas easy to obsorvo tho day so genornlly with public rites of worship, but tho ordi nance holds Its place with pleasing fit ness, nnd with ample reason. Wo havo a thousandfold mora to b devoutly glad for than our father hnd; nnd tho fooling and the faith they carried with them to the "solemn nssembly" we can rndlate In brighter homes and wider activities of kind nnsn. Tho unfolding Christian axe hat given us the larger thought of tho moaning and mission of freedom nnd of civilisation; the grander type nnd Idea of bonevolenco; the tenderer be liefs thnt sweeten life nnd dtath with hope. For nil these let us thank God. Gratitude Is not only "a natural function of the healthy soul"; It la Its wonlth. Invest It. Its intoreat will onrlch tho character, and uplift th whole life. THE FIRST THANK8QIVINQ. The snow upon the hillside lay. And t hutched tho cottaKe roof. Thn web of vines by the I'llsrlm's door W'ua lilted with Icy woof. Tho bough were leaflet on the tree. Across the barren plain Tho north wind swept despairingly And moaned like one In pain. (It whimpered like some hungry child That clnaps Its purciit'a hand And plrudt fur bread when there Is none In all tho drenry land.) Above the II I tie 1'lymouth town, ClrclltiK with empty maw. Mocking their hunger, flew the crow, Bhrloktng- hit "huw, haw, haw." I'atlrnce, a blue-eyed maiden, (Her eyes with tears were dim,) Krnm hunger feeble, trembling knelt And rained h r voter to Him. "Pear Dod." she. Maid In pleading tones, Tender, plaintive nnd sweet, "W uiinont 'tuned, an' won't 'oo pleas Bond down aome flngs to eat?" Then all day IntiR her watchful eye Oaied down the village street, Not doubling but she noon would sea Somo one with "tlnga to eat." And, lol before thn aun had set. With wild fowl laden down, Four hunters from the forest drear Cume murchlng Into town. Vid taa In nnwer to Ihe prayer). To add to ull the cheer, And bunlHh famine, from the place, Camo Indiana with deer. Tho Joyoua villagers rushed out The ludened ones to meet, Hut I'utlence knelt and aatdi "Kanke. Do4, For aeudln' flnga to eat." Arthur 3. Burdlok. '4 THANK8QIVINQ MENU 1- OvaTera. Cream of dame. Tied Snapper a I'lcarienne. Tenderloin Pique a la Frovencale. Stuffed Tomutoea, Drolled Mushroom. Roast Turkey. Cranberry Baueo. Cauliflower. Stuffed Egg-plant. Buratoga Potatoes, i Bqunha en Compote Iloast Bnddle of Venison. Maccdoine Balud. Plum Puddlnr. Cheese. Coffee. Fruit ThanksglTlpg llooa Parties. The country has Its charms for not a few Thnnksglvlng lovers. Country house life has grown In popularity of recent years. Thanksgiving house par ties at the great country mansions on Wednesday (Thanksgiving Evo) last until the following Monday. Twenty-five people at least, perhaps thirty, are Invited for these festivities. Tho glrlB bring wardrobes. They must have bull gowus, morning frocks and athletic costumes. The days are de voted to sports, tho evenings to sing ing and music. There are horses, bi cycles and carriages for everybody. Thanksgiving day Itself Is marked by u superb dinner. A ball follows. Kertantt at Thankaglvlag. In the great houses of New York tha masters and mistresses do not have all of Thanksgiving. It Is generally felt that the servant should have nn hour or two. A special "Servants' Thanksgiving Dinner" Is provided, generally at midday. Tho family raukes arrangements Xa go out at this hour, so the servants may not bo called upon, Tho table In tho servants' hull Is spread wUh'jUraoat the same meal the househulu itaelf will have. It Is a long course dinner. Tho but ler takes tho head of tho table, tha housekeeper tho foot. Between come tho maids, tho mon, perhaps u down. Th Ilinlluct of Liberty. Nature imprints upon whato'er we see. That hiiB a heart and llfo In 1L "B free!" -Cowper, 1 J i - J. TO? i .,.. - ,. .-, . !. aa41iij. ,2l Aj, &, ,MI . AT' . "I fcT M Pvfti I ifd vTC A Wl w, 1? v . -i -. 5 ' . V ..s if:im. EM" I' - I. .... 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