davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

one VINO was called, opened wide the
door and went out and stood with
hands appraised in stran 9 way
When she came in again. nothing
would do but that she must aSain have
on the red dress that was put on her
the night she came ..rst. Cuddied In
with little Mary's doll in her arms, she
would then listen to the rain and talk
to- it--talk as IL II had life and many
voices--and when the rain wind blew
she sang airy songs such as Mary and
Silas Warner had never heard.
Were there answering songs? The
Rain Baby would listen as II she heard
q response from above. II there were
other voices Silas Warner could not
hear them. Mary Warner, with her
finer sense, thought she heard a part
of what the Rain Baby heard, and it
was very sweet and comforting.
SO that she listened in the hours Of
darkness when the lights were all out
In the cottage, and the wind, blowing
through the whispering trees, rocked
the cottage as II It would put that to
rocked to sleep in little Mary's crib by
Mary Warner.
A whole winter passed. There were
many rainy days and nights. In the
fields the grain sprouted and grew
green and handsome The fruit trees
gathered strength through their roots
that were In tho mellow ground. On
the hills the wild flowers dreamed Of
the spring and of the glorious time
when they would blossom and make
all the land look like garden of
Paradise.
When the almond bloomed and the
days were longer and there was all the
promise of a good year for the farm
ers that could be asked. q stork flew
into the Warner home and little girl
was added to the family circle. Then
there was Joy. II there was poverty.
With little to call their own. the War
ners rejoiced In the abundance of love
which. towering In their own hearts,
glorified this home with a light AMI
tenderness seldom known elsewhere
except upon the Eternal Hills.
She must be called Mary" said the
pretty Rain Baby, and SO the new
conner was Mary.
She must have Mary's dollie. for
am going to give it to her" said the
Rain Baby and she put her dearest
treasure beside the little one.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

away--if the Warmers could have seen
had in 1t an image OF the Rain Baby,
with the Rain Baby's face looking
steadily and lovingly backward toward
the cottage as 1t floated away.
Silas Warner rose and found the door
of the cottage ajar. He opened 1t and
looked out on the blackness OF night
and whiffed the smell of the rain that
was sweet and pleasant. But where
was the Rain Baby? She was gone and
never was found again.
But. when Silas Warner stepped out
side the door In the morning he found
fastened to n rose bush. pierced through
with briers that held 1t from blowing
away and kept 1t out OF the wet. a
small piece of paper on which were
written the words:
"Good-by. dears. Be happy now. I
was only lent to you by the Fairy
Queen. She made me to look like Mary
to comfort you when she found how
true-hearted you were. The new Mary
will look the same.
Thank you for always being so good
to little stranger like me. On the first
birthday OF the new Mary look in the
spring by the willow tree. where
liked to play. I have gone back to my
home in Fairyland. under Tamalpafs
Mountain. will come and visit you
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

She must sleep in Mary's crib. too
said the strange Baby of the Rain, and
she moved her bedclothing to the floor
and would not go back to the crib even
though the first little Mary's picture
seemed to be coaxing her from its
place on the WALL
In the dead of the night Mary War
ner heard the Rain Baby say softly to
the doll. once more: "Margie, I am GO
ing to leave you: are you sorry?''
There was a sound as IL the Rain
Baby had kissed the doll. Then rust
ling as OF the wind drew near. The
Rain Baby was there beside her, kiss
ing her and kissing the new Mary.
Silas Warner on his couch smiled as
he, toe. felt the soft kiss of the Rain
Baby on his forehead.
Il am going away, everybody; are
you sorry?'
Was that the sound OF the grooming
wind in the rose bush or the voice Of
the Rain Baby? 1t was so dreamy as to
seem unreal Were the other sounds
that followed laughter and cries of Joy
of elves--if there are elves?
From cloud the rain fell strongly
and insured the growing crops. The
creeks were covered with ripping bub-
bIes where the raindrops beat upon the
stream and every bubble that fioated
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

most anxious about. for though he
thought a great deal of Jack. he wasn't
sure how he would carry himself in
company If he should come If there
had been any way to do it he would
have had Jacks visit postponed.
There was a ring at the door and
Mrs. Marsden, who was standing near
the hall, did not wait for the maid, but
went herself.
Mr.. Marsden," she said. holding the
portieres aside. "a gentleman would
like to see you," and stepped back as
he went out.
In the entry was a man in even
ing dress, everything about him in per-
feet taste. Mr.. Marsden himself, in
his dress suit. did not look half the
real gentleman that this one did, from
the tip. of his patent leather boots to
the curly neatness of his hair, while on
his immaculate shirt front glistened a
tiny diamond stud.
II am Mr.. Marsden," said that per-
son. as he stepped up, wondering what
this clean-shaven. clear-eyed gentleman
wanted OF him.
rs there anything T. and then he
stopped.
He caught a glimpse OF the eyes
smiling at him. recognized them in
stantly, and stepping forward he
Grasped the others hand.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

II may be set down as an incontro-
vertible fact that in the opening UP OF
market In China for new goods OF
whatever description OF foreign manu-
facture the first chop or trade-narx
in the field meeting the tastes. the re-
quirements. the whims. the prejudices
and the purchasing power OF the
natives will become so nrmly estab-
lished and so popular that subsequent
attempts to dislodge It BY competing
nations will be a long. tedious and In
all probability an unsuccessful task.
The feasibility OF the Introduction OF
American-made boots and shoes OF
Chinese patterns for Chinese wear was
freely admitted by the business men
OF the empire, irrespective OF nation
ality. and they found IT difficult to
comprehend why experts had not al
ready made a more thorough investf-
cation OF the conditions with a view
to taking advantage OF this enormous
and constantly expanding market
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

Vow ws'u TX the door mosquito
proof.
'of course the edges are hemmed.
but now along one edge OF the door
work small buttonholes about two
inches apart On the other side sew
buttons to At and then. sewing a square
OF canvas (r) at the top OF the door SO
IT won't tear easily, sew q piece OF
mosquito netting between. Then when
you button up your door at night and
the buttons, OK course, must face in
you can button the netting into the
holes with the buttons and Mr.. Mos
quito must lunch outside
But won't he come In around the
bottom or the tent?" asked Harry.
laughing.
Wen fix that. too" answered Jack.
for all around the bottom we sew a
flap r OF cloth on which we pile dirt
at night when we dig our trench to
Keep the water out
That will finish the tent
ITO put 1t Up. arst stretch your rope
between the trees you have selected
and at the proper height; then drive
your stakes into the loops at the four
corners OF the tent. stretching it tight:
then dig a trench around the whole
tent and pile the dirt on the nap F.,
taking care, especially at the corners.
that not the smallest hole Is left.
This done. spread your blankets out
inside over hay or straw for a mattress
and put piece OF sod on the door flap
or pull II inside and pile dirt on It
there-any way to close 1t to the mos
quitoes. for that's the main thing.
IF you've made your tents OF sheets.
like we did. you'll have to paint the
roof to make 1t water tight.
That folding stove I spoke OF is
shown here and he turned to the next
picture. Fig. III. II don't need to tell
you much about it. for you can see it
all from the picture.
TITS cut out OF sheet iron. and the
way it's hinged you can see easv
enough.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

$4,000 Chinese troops in the field This
was regarded as the nucleus OF stand
Ing army which the empire purposes
to maintain in the future. The size
OF this army 1t Is obviously impossible
even approximately to estimate. but IL
may be safely assumed that II will be
sufficiently large to make a calculation
as to the minimum number OF pairs OF
boots that will be required and the
amount that will be expended there
for annually both interesting and in
structive to American manufacturers.
The Importance OF an immediate In
vestigation OF this market by an expert
cannot be too strongly emphasized II
his knowledge of the cost OF produc-
ton, transportation. handling and in
cfdental expenses convinces him that
boots and shoes, similar in all respects
to those now used in China. could be
laid down there at a price comparing
favorabiy with that now paid. no time
should be lost in introducing them.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

Ia joke at which they all laughed)
nothing was said. To all appearances
things were the same as before. though
Harry and Ray were a trife more ex-
cited than usual
Among the boys were the two older
ones. Lucky and Tom, and as interested
as any OF them.
Our boats all done now they said.
And were going to start 1t UP the
river next Monday. All the boys are
crazy over it, and they're all teasing
to go long. but we've only got room
for two
Well. so far as that Is concerned
what I'm going to tell the boys about
today would make room for two more.
for they could sleep on shore every
night" answered Jack.
When I was smaller than I am now
we fellows used to go OF on long
tramps or trips on the water, and we'd
carry all we used with us.
I'VE had a shelter tent just high
enough to sit UP in and large enough
for two. and folding stove we had
made. and our supplies we put up In q
small canvas case. The sugar. salt and
baking powder and such things we
put into covered tin cans. and then
we'd tramp till we were tired and at
night pitch our tent. 1t was great
fun and didn't cost any more than Nv
Ing at home, either. The sleeping on
the ground with a blanket for a bed
did US good. too.
I'll tell you how we made our out
ut. Before I begin. though, Harry. do
you know II the Major Is comingT'
No. sir: he went downtown with
father"
"All right. then: wen start right in
and make shelter tent.
Here 1t Is in Fig. I, complete and
put up You see. it's strung between
two trees on the ropes r. and that
saves carrying any poles along.
The first thing to do is to get the
cloth, and for this we boys used sheets.
Two of them we sewed end to end for
the top or roof. and the other one we
cut into sides. This we did as In Fig.
H. and he showed another figure.
First selecting the point tai to give
the necessary shape to our finished
pieces. we drew from ii to the opposite
corners, making the lines (a-c) and
(a-b), on which we cut, thus maxi
ing three pieces, A and B and c.
You can easily see that when the
pieces B and c are put together with
the edges (c-d) and (b-d) touching they
will make q piece just the shape OF A.
Instead OF sewing them together
on this side we leave them disconnect-
ed for q door.
NOW alonS tne line (D-a-CJ We sew
a piece of clothesline, making a loop
Gig. ID at each end at OBJ and (c)
Gig. I'D to which our pegs will be
fastened. Also on and c we sew a
rope with a loop at ta) then run the
rope along (a-c) and down c on (b-a)
with q second loop at (a).
Thus the pieces 3 and c are con-
nected into the piece the shape of A
Now taking the cloth we are to use
for the roof and beginning at (b). we
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

whenever I can. Here is a kiss for
every one OF you"
Even as Silas Warner read these
words they faded and were gone. When
the neighbors heard OF the going or the
Rain Baby and OF the letter that faded
while Silas was looking at il they
shook their heads and didn't believe a
word Of it. Mary Warner believed it
all.
When the new Mary's birthday came
the Warmers looked In the spring as
they had been told to 40 by the Rain
Baby. There they found gold nuggets
enough to buy them farm machinery:
new furniture for the house; for an
addition to the cottage that they need
ed. and they also found by the spring.
under the willow tree. curl OF brown
hair that they knew must have come
from the head OF the Rain Baby. so
they were sure that the Rain Baby had
visited them again and would come
again and again.
The curl was put in the old chest.
along with the red dress and the doll
that thu new Mary was too young vet
to play with. and to the dress was
pinned a piece Of paper on which Mary
Warner wrote:
ut Is blessed to entertain an angel
unawares."
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

sew along the edge (b-a) on A and Ia
b on G; A being on one side OF the
roof OF course and c on the other.
When we have sewed both pieces to
(a) or the apex here we run a rope r
across the roof sewing IL in place. This
rope. shown In Fig. 1. will be used. you
see. to string the tent up.
The roof piece Is sewed down the
short or sleeper part (a-c) on one side,
and (e-a) on the piece B, on the oppo-
site side.
This done we can see what our tent
Is to look like and we can string 1t be-
tween two trees to finish 1t.
II might say right here said Jack.
turning around toward the boys, that
you want to be careful in your sewing
and not leave the slightest hole in the
joints. A little hole can let in lot OF
mosquitoes In a night. especially IL
you're In bad mosquito country" and
the boys all laughed. for they had ex-
pected some more serious reason.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09
THE RAIN BABY

rooms. A faint perfume of wfthered
flowers and herbs came stealing out as
she opened the chest lid. Tears dripped
upon the contents of the chest. Fin
gers trembled as they were brought
forth to the light. little garments-thc
first time they had been handled since
little Mary went away.
Mary Warner was a heroine without
knowing it. She found things that the
newcomer needed. She put on her n
little red rose dress that was stained a
little, as If it had been played with by
some child who liked mud puddles for
its playground But it fitted the
stranger perfectly. Mary Warner but
toned the dear dress around the form
Of the little one. then Rugged the
stranger to her breast and rocked TO
and fro very fast, hiding her face from
her husband
Not but that Silas knew. Into his
face came a light of love and longing
and he reached out his arms after a
little and took ale stranger in them
and kissed her. So the Rain Baby of
the San Joaquin was welcomed. No
one could tell where she came from.
Mary and silar treated her as their
own.
When night fell the Rain Baby slept
in Mary's crib. AT the humble meals
of the small family she, sat in little
Mary's place. Day by day, to the won
der of Mary and Silas Warner, she
grew to look more and more like the
little Mary for whom they had grievcd
so sorely. She spoke words soon and
toddled around the house and the door
yard. her brown eyes growing darker
and darker, and wider and wider
One day she wanted a doll and little
Mary's precious doll was handed to
her, just as it had been dressed for
Mary so many months ago, and bunch
Of ribbon that Mary had pinned to its
dress was not removed.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

So completely did Mary and Silas
Warner put away self and selfish sor-
row that the shock was less than one
would suppose when, lying in little
Mary's crib, one afternoon, the Rain
Mary that had always hung over the
crib since little Mary went away and
said: That is me-"
How like she was TO little Mary!
Like enough to have been her twin
sister" said the kindly neighbors
Il wouldn't know her from little
Mary at the same age" said the cler-
gyman, who was a close friend of the
Warmers.
So everything made the little Rain
Baby dearer and dearer to the hearts
of the Warmers. They were amazed
to hear the child sing the little songs
they had taught little Mary. Where
did she learn them? No one knew.
Once they overheard her as she talked
to the doll.
"Margie," she said. II am going to
leave you by and by. Are you sorry?'
Then they tarted with new pain,
for those were the same words they
had heard little Mary say to the same
doll when she was i'll. After this they
wondered more and more where the
Rain Baby came from and why she
came to them, and no one could answer
either question
Silas Warner fell and was badly hurt
He could no longer work. and ali the
money in the house Mary Warner
earned.
Better send the Rain Baby to the
childrens home" said the neighbors.
You cannot afford to keep her now"
Never" answered Mary Warner
and her husband from his couch said
I'VE will stay or go away together to
the almshouse.''
When the sun shono the Rain Baby
played gayly When the rain came
to splash on the roof and gurgle in
the caves trough the Rain Baby. like
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

In the left and lower corner Is the
way the piece OF stovepipe 10 fastened
on. This piece Is put on the stove TO
stay and then the regular piece OF pipe
slips over this when you set the stove
up You pile dirt around il at the bot
bonn TO keep IL In place when you build
a fire.
Fig. ~ here shows the way we
used to carry our stun Wed pack ft
in sack with a strap over each
shoulder. and then some OF as used a
third strap to pass around our fore
heads, like the Indians do.
You can see that head strap here
hanging down behind
This finished the talk for the day
and the boys went OF. thanking Jack
for pleasant time and something new
to work on
'Ttll help you out II you intend to 20
camping" said Jack. as he packed his
drawings.
(To Be Continued.)
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09
AMERICA HAS A CHANCE TO MAKE CHINA,s BOOTS

7 seems capable Of demonstration
81 that an enormous market will even
tually be developed for what may
be termed army boots. These boots
are cut on the same pattern as those
for ordinary wear, but are made mostly
OF leather. The soles consist OF two
pieces of thin leather with third piece
inserted at the heel to give spring
while walking. Above this is a layer
of rags or paper, and cotton cloth is
placed next to the foot. Smooth, WELL
tanned leather, presumably imported, Is
used and, like all other footwear worn
by the natives OF China. these boots
are handmade. The retail price is
$3.50 (Mexican) a pair, but . reduction
is made when wholesale orders are
placed.
In recent army maneuvers near Tien-
tsin it was estimated that there were
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09
By David H. Walker.

FEW raindrops danced riga
doons on the roof. A few others
II knocked at the windows, and.
failing to be admitted. ran down
on the red geraniums beneath. A gust
NJ wind tried the front door and ratified
A. once or twice, but the bolt held.
Then a tiuid rap upon the cabin door
was heard.
Mary Warner went to see who asked
for entrance, swung wide the door, bent
suddenly over and with an exclamation
OF surprise took up in Ter arms baby
that was dripping with rain. but who
did not cry or make any noise or seem
20 notice her, although wide brown
ewes looked from the tiny face as if in
wonder.
BLESS us" said Mary to her husband,
~where on earth could this baby have
come FROM Go and see"
Silas Warner, the head OF the house,
took from 2 nail lantern, lighted its
wick. pulled his coat together. but
toned it at the top and went out. He
searched all over the farm and along
the near highway. and, wondering
much. came back to report that he had
found no one. nor were there any foot
prints 10 show that any one had been
near.
1T doesn't matter said Mary War
ner. the child shall oe sheltered here
tonight-only I have no clothes that
win 1T her, unless
what terrible "unlessv' In an old
sea chest were articles OF baby's cloth
ing, never thought OF in that poor cot
tage-the home of poverty-without
falling tears.
silas nodded. 1T must be-" he said.
Mary Warner made no answer in
words. but her eyes replied.
Then she opened the chest that stood
in corner OF one Of their three small
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09
Gan Rights Reserved.)
Jack Shows How to Make a
Shelter Tent and a Fold
ing Stove
CHAPTER vi.
All Rights Reserved,
CHAPTER VI

HE Major and Mrs. Harmon had
driven Up quite unexpectedly a
few minutes after Jack had left
and given Mr.. and Mrs. Marsden
q complete but pleasant surprise. for
the Major and Mr.. Marsden had known
each other since they were boys in
school together. At the present time
the Major was interested in Journalism,
owned a leading newspaper and was
connected with several others.
Il dunno when I've been so glad to
see anybody said lac, in his peculiar
way. as he grasped Mr.. Marsden's hand.
Seems as though twas ages since we'd
seen each other" and It had been a
good while.
After the first greetings were over
the women went upstairs and Mr.. Mars
cen and the Major went into the parlor.
and there they talked, recalling incl
dents OF the old days and telling anec-
dotes of later times since they had
been separated.
"Oh, by the way" said the Major.
finally, settling himself down into his
chair, i met Hiram Messer on the way
here, he and his wife, Just going to
Europe for the summer. Looks the
same as ever and seems to be control
ling things as much as he usually does.
Has steel in his fist, as you know, OF
course, and one OF the biggest auto
mobile factories in the country. Had
his son in it for a while, I understand,
and a smart chap too. Worked along
till he thought he'd ought to finish
college. then picked up and off he went
and he's there yet, guess
Say, do you remember old Eph
Wstts?" and with that the CONVERSE
ton drifted TO other lines. till Mr.
Marsden found himself telling about
Jack and his work.
Il don't know who he is he said,
finally. though he's a royal fellow, I'm
sure. If he'd just cut OF his whiskers
once 7 believe he'd look every inch
gentleman, but when I first saw him
he looked like a regular tramp. Hes
improved though a lot, and | like him
Immensely, and the boys here think
there's no one like him. / asked him
here 10 dinner tonight, not knowing
that you were to be here, but he won't
come now. It would be lark If he
does"
Just then message came, a telegram
saying that Dorothy Marsden would be
home on the Clio.
Then all was excitement again. and
Ray and Mr.. Marsden went off to the
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09
AzzIIYG LAEIpA/k WITH 4 rack SICK

why, Jack.' he said. jack and
stopped in amazemenr
''Sh-- said Jack, in whisper,
holding his fingers to his lips and roll
ing his eyes toward the parlor. Don't
make any scene about it," and he
laughed a goodEnatured laugh, in which
Mr.. Marsden Joined with Eest
Well, 1 never" he calculated, and
taking Jacks hat, coat and umbrella
led him into the parlor.
On entering the Major saw him first.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

station. which was but two squares
away, while Harry was sent 10 tell
Jack how things were.
7 hope he can be as interesting to
The other people as he is TO me and the
boys" said Mr.. Marsden to himself as
lie left
And finally Dorothy had arrived and
Mrs. Harmon had como down into the
parlor with Mrs. Marsden, the gentle
men being already there with the eN-
ception Of the visitor Mr.. Marsden was
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-12-09

Well. IL you do think So answered
the father. 1T wouldn't do to say any
thing about 1t. so you two keep your
secret II there is one. Can't your"
The next day Jack met the boys as
usual and except for a remark made
by one OF the boys about his shaving