davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

said turning toward the house "Win
you waltz"
'Yes, thank you"
He sat down on the step and removed
his hat. Above him, on one side OF the
table, strewn with magazines, papers and
sewing materials, sat an elderly woman
with carefully dressed white hair. On
the opposite side of the table was
vacant chair. Miss Crawford paused be-
fore 1T, looked at the unconscious Mr.
Lynde with a slight frown-and sat
down After all, there was not such
wide breach between the status of
a footman in a millionaire's household
and professional member. Besides,
under existing conditions at the Lynde
residence, tired footman might be
forgiven a slight breach of discipline.
She clipped her thread thoughtfully
Dame Fortune moved in a mysterious
way. There was young Harry Lynde,
brother Of the bride, insignificant and
stupid, and here was a footman nodded
on the lines of Gibson model. with the
easy grace which no end of dancing les
sons could impart to the unfortunate
Harry.
The little garden was very quiet, and
Elsas needle flew in and out of the lacy
weave. Finally Mrs. Cranford's curiosity
triumphed over her dignity.
wedding?"
Everything. I believe" He frowned
slightly.
''It is a great occasion, with Lord This
and Lady That coming all the way from
England. but every time I think OF that
poor child
do stop that nonsense. mother" ex-
claimed Elsa sharply. she does not de-
serve pity. no matter what comes to her
in the future. She marries Lord Har-
wood with her eyes open. She knows the
mans past, she knows his need Of her
money and she knows"
The "footman" crushed his riding hat In
his hands.
my dear, you are so positive"
well. mother dear, we ought to know
The papers have contained no other news
for weeks. And they will be full OF II
again when she sues for a divorce. II
is all 30 very silly. Everything that man
can give her she could buy with her own
money. The one thing he cannot give
her money cannot buy, yet that one thing
I or any girl without dollar to heI
name may have some day-the honest
love Of an honest man. 1 may be old fash
ioned. but believe that with some WON
en- love still counts, and when It does II
is everything-far, far above titles, coro-
nets, castles and corner in he Queens
throneroom."
Silence once more fell upon the, trio
The shining needle fairly flew. The girls
bright eyes were fixed on her work The
man. gazing through the vista OF prin
gardens and close cropped trees, was muir
muring under his breath, "the honest love
of an honest man."
Would she understand the difference be-
tween that little affair of three months
in old Japan and an honest lover" Their
there had been Madeline! But that could
not countl Why, he had even forgotten
her last name!
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

ing distance Of the machine. Parties who
had witnessed the scene reported it vari-
ously. Some said that Ben had appeared
to enjoy the proceeding, more fool he.
while others maintained that he was be-
rating Nan for unfatthfulness, even In
the presence of his rival.
But Bens love affair was utterly for
gotten in the face Of more momentous
events which came with the roundup.
The H o Cattle Company, with which
Ben had worked before branching out
for himself discovered what It chose to
designate as shortage III H o calves,
and a corresponding and suspicious in
crease in calves with the Heth brand The
H o brand was a bar with an o on the
end. The Heth brand was a dumb-bell.
Rumor-and ruInor In Buena Vista Coun-
ty is an ugly customer-declared that It
was easy to change the % to the dumb
bell. The air around Fort Norton became
rife with things other than mere rumors,
including some very bad whisky. And
justice, as drink -crazed cow-punchers
sometimes see it. works with appalling
suddenness.
Rumors travel faster than half-drunken
cow-punchers. who stop at each saloon
to drown their threats in bad whisky and
a twenty-five horsepower machine will
travel faster than either That was why
the mob that had started out to hang
-
annual roundup came upon The Comet,
it's owner, his valet and his chauffeur
two miles beyond Heth's ranch. They
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

garding her with a sort Of amaZement.
And look here" Bainbridge put in,
well put up your shanty, and do your
breaking, and shan't cost you anything.
We always 90 that for our new neigh
bors, and I guess we, can rustic UP some
calves for you, and you return them when
you're all here, and your herd grows"
The tears rushed to her eyes and she
exclaimed: "Oh. what big hearts you
have out here in this big countryI I'll be
the best neishbor you ever had. There's
lots can do for you If you are alone"
Yes. ma am; reckon there is," he said
awkwardly. a wistful pity mingling with
the embarrassment in his face.
He Ftrolled away presently, and Lee
followed in obedience to a sly sign, and
she relapGed into dreamy contemplation
her heart warm with the kindness of
these new neighbors
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

ranch. because Of Mans horror Of the
pesthouse, and the three had endured the
relentless quarantine together. Then the
intimacy had apparently been broken of.
old Bearce going back to his bench, Nan
to her poverty-stricken life and Heth to
his lonely existence on the cattle range.
All this was before Thatcher and The
Comet came to Fort Norton. After old
Bearce had slrillfully mended some rents
in Thatcher's leather robes the friendship
between the dashing automobilist from
New York and the humble and beautiful
daughter Of the village shoemaker became
town gossip. Women discussed 1t over
their back fences and at the sewing cir
Gle OF the Union Church. Men shook their
heads around the stove at Gilberts gem
eral store and the news spread out on the
range. Thatcher was making fool of
Nan Bearce, and there were mutterings
that boded III for the owner OF The Com
ct. The only man who declined to discuss
the situation was Ben Heth and that even
after Nan and young Thatcher had ridden
out to his ranch twice in the DEVILS wag-
on, as one old woman called 1t. To be
sure, the chauffeur was in attendance,
but what is a chauffeur, perched up in the
back seat with Nan, enticing, alluring
Nan, her soft brown hair tossed by the
wind, her eyes dancing with the excite
ment Of the run, urging the young New
Yorker on to higher speed.
Once they had been seen coming back
to town at a slow pace, with Ben trying
to keep his astonished pony within talk
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06
CUPID THE PLUNGER
By John Barton Oxford.

you ever see the orphans and foundlings.s
do yOu2 Just turn over the money to
'em and let it go at that Ell? Say, Man.
he said with sudden seriousness, which
rather surprised her II don't believe all
this giving money to charity is the best
way of doing it."
Indeed" she remarked with something
like challenge in her voice.
mo. / don't" he asserted with en-
phasis. There are plenty Of old money
bags trying to buy a chance to heaven
who'll look out for that end OF it. I say.
for those who are fitted for it, personal
work among the needy is the most prac-
teal thing"
Perhaps a few details would make
your suggestion more explicit. Robby,"
she said.
Undoubtedly" he assented cheerfulIy
Now, for instance. take a case know
about. There's an orphan, and he's cold
and hungry and lonesome. It isn't so
much money he needs as some one to
take an interest In him. to stand behind
him. as it were. You see, they won't
take him into a home
why nOt7" she interrupted
''Well," he said slowly, Ito begin with
his age"
What Is his age?"
''Thirty-one."
"Graciousl I should say he wouldn't
get into home. The age limit at st. Ag-
atha's is hfteens Thirty-oneP'
II realize it's a crime for him to be
thirty-one." he said. Still. that really
isn't his fault"
What's the matter with hinn?' she
asked sharply. Doesn't he work? Is he
lazy?"
THE LATEST rascal alive" he said But
he really doesn't have TO work. you know.
He's got money enough, as far as that
goes-keeps a horse or so and an auto
mobile. When 1 said he was cold and
hungry I meant he was cold for lack OF
interest and hungry for sympathy and
oh. hang it, You know well enough what
I mean. The orphan Is me- he burst
out ungrammaticaIly, ''and-and-for
heavens sake, don't send all your charity
to ST. Agatha's, but save little for the
lonesome. thirty orphan"
Bobby" she said severely, you're pro-
posing again. and you promised me- you
wouldn't-not for a year"
IAN ability to tell the truth never did
run IN our family, he said dismally IT
assure you l won't offend in the proposal
line again, however"
mo. don't think you WILL" she said
laughing.
Something in her eyes made him sud
denly slip an arm about her and draw
her close TO him
what makes you so sure" he asked
very gently.
1--WE been thinking It all over. and I've
concluded that charity-nOw Bobby. let
me go. And you stand over there By
the rail. Yes. that's right I've con-
cluded that charity begins at homA"
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

bors, who had a right TO know the pros
poets and intentions Of the newcomers.
We think II will be easier for Tom, and
we've heard it was more profitable than
ordinary farming"
TON is, maybe, your husband?' Lee
insinuated.
Land, nor' she laughed, her plump
face rosy. Hes my brother-all the folks
I've got. I raised him, and, like me, he's
been factory worker all his life. He's
married and has two little tots, so smart" :"
Thomas II. and A. Burton; that was
the names you bought under?" Bainbridge
queried, with a warning glance at Lee.
why yes; how did you know? Oh, l
expect you saw 1t in the agents list of
sales"
'Yes, ma'am. and noticed particularly
because that quarter is right next me; in
TACT Juts into mine. OF course, 1 felt an
interest in such near neighbors."
why, I'm real gladl" she said, heart
ny; real glad. don't feel at all as II
1 was going among strangers, meeting
my neiEhbors this way"
Are you going to live there alone?''
Lee inquired boldly.
Her face clouded. Il must for a while
am going to hire dugout, or some kind
of shelter, put up, and I want to start
things as soon as I can. Toms sickly,
be alone out here; glow Of confidence
lighted her eyes, and she continued:
We've been saving a long time to get a
home out In the country somewhere. Tom
was never strong and the last year or
two has developed consumptive tenden-
cies, and the doctors advised him to come
out In this part Of the West and live.
They say he'll get well and be stronger
than ever. We got this land real cheap
through the agent. and it's all paid for,
and enough over to bring me out and get
some sort Of a shelter, and q start in cat
tie. thought I could buy some calves
cheap, and I'll hire some breaking done
and raise some grain and get chickens.
Iheyu come out as soon as we get
enough to bring them. / hope It won't be
long, m so anxious about Tom''-there
was thrill Of apprehension in her voice.
He coughs bad at times, and some days
can hardly get to his work Annie, his
wife, goes in his place part the time and
makes him rest off and stay with the
children. 1 must get them here as soon
as possible"
''Yes, he needs to come" Lee said, re-
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06
Cousin miner

Cousin miner
viii you please go"
Il will. responded the young man, run
ming UP the stairs, anywhere you wish"
Bless you, dear" said Suzanne. drag
g1ng Frank into her mothers room, where
six pairs of feminine eyes rested despair
ingly on a hideous, three-cornered tear
In Suzanne's wedding veil. THAT must
be mended, and only one woman In town
can do such work-Elsa Crawford. Now,
if"
Where does she liver Frank picked
up the cloud Of lace, yellowed by time,
and looked at It critically. IT suppose
that II you were not marrying lord you
would wear a nice, clean, new veil that
would not tear when you looked at it.
This Is rotten"
Mrs. Lynde was shocked.
But this Is an heirloom. It isn't every
girl who can be married in the veil worn
by her mother and her grandmother be-
fore her."
Frank bit his lips. He wanted to say
that the average girl who married a title
through the more or less fragrant media
ton Of a social matrimonial broker did
not care to discuss her grandmother.
When he had heard In Paris of his cous-
in's engagement to this heir Of an Inn
poverished English name he had discov-
cred that. even after two years, wander
ing on the face OF the globe, Americansm
was strong within him. and he hated to
see the bulk of the Lynde fortune go to
build up a decrepit English estate.
*You will nnd Miss Crawford at 21a
Elmhurst avenue. Tell her she must do
it at once and wait for 1t. We cannot
take chances at this hour. Pay her any
thing-everything-b have 1t done. Tell
Forbesno the brougham must meet the
II 20 train and the
Don't apologize, Suzanne" laughed
her cousin, taking the package. IF you
had a whole racing stable at your COM
mand to-day every horse would be out.
I'll use my own mount and enjoy the
ride"
And so he rode away-past the stately
manors of industrial magnates, past the
less pretentious homes of real suburban
ites-into a sleepy. Countrywide lane.
lined on either side with small cottages
and gay gardens. At 213 he tied his horse
to the cap OF a near bronze jockey and
stalked up the path. A slender, graceful
young woman was training a climbing
rose on the shady side of the porch. She
drew off her garden gloves as Frank
stated his errand and stood in the warm
June sunlight. studying the torn veil crit
ically.
''It will take at least an hour" she
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

were still hunting for Heth. after having
raZed his ranch cabin. The Comet was
piled high with luggage, couple of
dress-sult cases showing above the boxes,
and rubber blankets, which filed in the
body of the machine. Thatcher explained
in a casual way that he was trying some
new roads and might be gone a week or
more. The cowboys sent him on his way
with a volley of shots They were bent
on more serious work.
The Comet shot along the country road,
through the soft twilight and the limpid
moonlight, straight across the State line
into Nebraska. At precisely the same
time the Overland Limited was carrying
a white-faced but determined girl over
the same State line.
Thatcher insisted upon giving away the
bride and receiving the first kiss after the
ceremony He said it was due for excess
baggage on the best run The Comet had
ever made. Then the great red machine,
It's owner, his chauffeur and his valet
rolled back to Fort Norton, without the
impressive array Of luggage. and Harvey
Thatcher, tenderfoot from New York, an
nounced that when a certain bunch Of un-
mitigated fools had finished their annual
spree and had recounted their blankety
blank calves, the bride and groom would
come back to Fort Norton, at which time
the damages claimed by said groom for
injury done his property and his reputa-
ton would be paid or the Sheriff of Buena
Vista County and one Harvey Thatcher
Esq would know the reason why
Whereupon said Harvey Thatcher
promptly rose in the estimation of the
cowboy element and his horseless vehicle
was forgiven him.
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

Look here" Bainbridge said savagely,
when they were out Of sight, 'If you let
1t out I'll kill you!"
Lee gravely shook his hand, then burst
out: But, Lordyl Lordyl the innocence
Of 1t! Cattle raising on a quarter section
and all the rest Of it-them's the kind
that fatten the rascals. But she's good!
I've got good woman; know one when
l see her."
Yes" she's good" Bainbridge assented
absently. Makes you feel like Sunday
morning, and all the bells ringing"
Hol no! 1 must tell Ellen that. She
says you're a born poet, and only need
a good woman to bring It out"
Reckon I've found her." BainbridRe
grinned, sheepishly, turning away
The moon was difusinR a mellow day
light when he returned from a long walk
In communion with himself He found
her still on the porch, and sat down in
awkward silence: then he began abrupt
ly: Don't be frightened, Miss Burton,
at what I'm going to say. My head n
level; anybody round here'll tell you
that. I always know what I want, and
we do things quick out here. Once when
l was young l was going to be married,
but she died." he paused an instant.
Since then I never found any one I
wanted till right now, and-and-Tm
Nd4lAu6 W OO AldITlcQ any minute YOU
say so.~ If It's too quick I'll keep on wait
ing, but I'm not going to let anybody else
have you
"Mercy" she gasped, In helpless sur
prise. but with appreciation OF his sturdy
manhood cleaning in her eyes.
II mean anybody out here" he
amended. "Of course, II there's one back
there I'm out"
She shook her head, her face one vivid
flame.
well, then, think you can trust me, %
he leaned toward her coaxingly, his
strong hand swallowing hers TON and
Annie and the kids'n be our next-door
neighbors. and If you get tired of me
you can go back to them," his eyes
twinkled.
She was still silent and he went on:
We've been together several days, and
have pretty good notion of each other
and I'll feel like the bottom had dropped
out Of everything If 1t isn't a CO."
IL guess it's a co." she stammered.
"Glory" he exclaimed, taking posses
sion Of her.
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

which presided young women in white.
who strove to sell you all sorts of
dainty, impossible things.
For something over half an hour Robert
Weston had been wandering about, max
ing almost reckless purchases at the ia
bles and playing the lottery with all the
abandon of born plunger. To all ap-
pearances his course about the place was
very like that of ship without a rudder.
Yet there was method in his madness, and
all the time he was being outra geously
gwindled at the various booths from the
corner OF his eye he was watching for
certain white dress and a crown Of cop
per-colored hair. Presently his patience
was rewarded. Far down toward the palm
screen he saw her sink into lawn chair.
He deposited his bundles in an undignifed
heap on a neighboring table and made his
way to the lawn chair.
Man" he said gravely as he came up
to her. you're tired to death, poor child"
"Oh, no." she said, "only I'll be glad
when it's all over
Come away from It for a while" he
advised. 'I'll take you down to the boat
house."
She rose and slipped her hand through
his arm. Together they descended the
slope to the river and went out to the
GHO VI liio lAIAlC plCA Dy tie DOdluOuScg
where they sat down on rustic bench.
''Wen," Weston said. was 1t a sue
cess?''
''It would be If everybody spends money
as recklessly as you have been doing"
she replied.
He laughed. '1 was particularly fortu-
nate in the lottery" he explained. II
drew four bags of peanuts. a doll and a
box of hairpins My last purchase was
three aprons and half dozen hatiron
holders. Imagine it." he chuckled
Anyway" she said, you've done your
best to- help us out. You're dear, good
boy"
'AhH' he said solemnly. 'T knew
would be discovered some time
Tell me, Nan, what this is for he
went on after a pause: ''prayer-books for
the Esuuimaux or blankets for the Fiji
Islanders?'
1.-The money goes to st. Agatha's Home
for Orphans and Foundlings. We support
1t mainly" she explained.
Hmm" he unused. Don't suppose
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

paAan was a revelation OF the vastness Of
- Goo'g domain. and she brooded over II in
silent, dreamy contemplation. She smiled
and answered pleasantly when spoken TO-,
but had volunteered no Information con-
: cerning herself, and Lee and Bainbrfdge
felt some curiosity as to her destination.
They knew nobody IN the sparseIy set
lied region beyond who were expecting
company, and such an event would be
news for fifty miles around.
She had accepted the OBTAINING accident
without worry or impatience. and after
supper sat on the porch Of the small hotel
her eyes fixed IN wondering awe upon the
distant mountains, beyond whose peaks
sueamed the glory Of the setting sun.
"she looks like home" Bainbridge said,
indicating her with a nod
"She's that kind" Lee returned, with
the assurance OF knowledge gained by ex-
perience. He was married man
They lounged out and took bench near
her.
Going on with the coach, na'an7" Lee
ventured after a while
why, yes" she replied, pleasantly,
rousing. I'm going out near Wallace"
why, that's our postoficel Just q
shack. you know-store and postoffice to-
-.gether. Are you locating in that neigh
-borhOod2'
Yes. quite near And you are some Of
. our neighborsi That's goodl seem to al
most know you. I'm Almira Burton" She
laughed ike a pleased child and put out
her hand as she introduced herself
The men exchanged startled glances at
:the- name, but they shook hands cordially.
. 7 an Bob Lee; have a wife Obest IN
the world. and four tow-heads. This is
.Wilsie Bainbridge, the old bachelor who
lived by himself" Lee went on loqua-
ciously.
I'm glad there are children near. L
am going TO miss ours at home so dread
fully" she said.
Maybe they won't be what you'd call
near" he laughed. "Anything's near out
here inside OF twenty miles"
.'Our quarter section is two miles south
Of Wallace. and the agent said there'd be
a railroad soon I hope you're not far
.away."
You bought. reckon" Bainbridge
said. Land all been taken UP round here
ever so long"
Yes, that's what the agent said; though
Il doesn't seem possiblei Why, it's just
. one great ocean Of land out here. didn't
realize there was so'much-and all taken.
But some folks own miles. don't they?
Bainbridge nodded, and she went on
with deprecatory smile at her former
ignorance. 'Our place seemed so big
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

gasoline engine, when there arose fresh
cause for dissetisfaction. Nan Bearce
took IN riding IN The Comet. And Nan
was the prettiest Eirl in Buena Vista
County, or all the adjoining counties for
that matter. She had been the toast Of
every camp on the range, the belle at
every ball. the queen Of every county
fair tournament in which the cowboys
had fought for honors after their own
peculiar fashion. Her favors had been
evenly distributed and her devotion had
gone TO her worthless father, who ran
the one shoe shop Of which Fort Norton
could boast A drapidated. evil smelling
den he kept. at the end Of the street
leading north from the postofhce, but the
three rooms behind the shop were as fresh
and sweet as Mans stout arms and sun
shiny nature could keep them
There were men, dozens Of them In
Buena Vista County, who would have
been willing to overlook the father, mis-
erable, drunken wretch that he was, for
love Of the girl, but she seemed too proud
to foist the old man on any Of her anxious
suitors. The only favor she had ever
been known to accept was at the hands o.
Ben Heth, a stolid. almost morose young
ranchman. who had started into the
stock raising business in a small way.
and who held himself aloof from the roll
licking, registering element which had
terrorized Fort Norton at regular inter
walls. When old Bearce had been smitten
with smallpox, Heth, under cover Of
darkness. had removed him to his own
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06

man-and-and-well, I'm glad heard
your frank opinion on such things any
how"
They were at the pew door. She slipped
In without a word, but as she raised her
eyes she caught the pleading look In his
and the rose color came back to her
cheeks.
The wedding party and guests had left
the church Reporters with notebooks
and sightseers crowded around the chan
eel. Elsa walked slowly toward the side
entrance. The vestry room door opened
suddenly, and Frank Lynde stepped out.
He bent his head gravely and there was
no laughter in his eyes now.
''WiH you tell your mother. please. that
directly this Internal excitement is over
/ am coming to call, persOnne propre, for
I understand that she and dad were good
friends-in the old days, and-and I want
you to think Of mean honest man"
But 1t was six months before she would
admit the fact, and then she simply re-
iterated her statement that she did not
envy the Countess OF HarwoOd.
The San Francisco call., 1903-09-06
FINDING OF HER
By Louise J. Strong.

a hundred and sixty acres-and that is
big when you've never had even a garden
spot-just rooms. and a tiny mite OF 4
dooryardT
1T does" Lee assented. IT came from
that kind Of a home myself-hardware
clerk, and wife a teacher back in Ohio
Tell you, we stretched out herel'
He did not say that their stretch" COW
cred several miles. as he might
We're going TO raise cattle as soon as
we get started" She seemed suddenly TO
feel herself among friends and neigh