davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31

She started toward the ring Eloise
and Barbarian were already waiting ut
the entrance.
"Eloisew She took one step toward
her, then stopped at the sound of Bar
ker's voice.
Ladies and gentlemen" he called,
"although we are Obliged to announce
that our star rider, Miss Folly, VIII not
appear tonight, we offer you IN her
place an able substitute, Mile. Elolse.
ON her black, untamed horse Barba-
rian."
Eloise put her hands on the horses
back to mount,
mo, nor cried Polly.
The other girl turned in astonish-
ment at the agony in her voice.
"PollyW
'Wait, Eloise! I'm going TO rider
"You can't, not Barbarian! He don't
know your turn"
$50 much the betterr' She seized the
bride from the frightened girls hand.
'P0llyv' shouted Douglas, He had
followed her to the entrance.
81 must will"
She flew into the ring before he
could stop her. He took one step TO
follow her.
YOU'D better let her alone and get
out of here" said Strong. His voice
was like a frebrand to Douglas He
turned upon him, white with rage
"You drove her to this" His fists
were clinched He drew back to strike.
Jim came from behind the wagons
just In time to catch the uplifted arm.
Leave him to me. This amt no par
sons job" The pastor lowered his
arm. but kept his threatening eyes on
the deacon's face.
"Where's POM" asked Jim.
ain therer Douglas pointed toward
the main tent without turning his
head. He was still glaring at the dea-
con and breathing hard.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31

"What do you mean by that?" shout
ed Strong.
81 mean that stayed with you and
your narrow minded congregat ton be.
fore because believed you needed me.
But now this girl needs me more. She
needs me TO protect her from just such
injustice as yours"
you'd better be protectin' yourself
That's my advice to you"
81 can do that without your advice"
"Maybe you can find another church
with that circus ridin' girl a-hangin
round your neck"
"He's right cried Polly "You
couldn't" She chung to the pastor in
terrified entreaty. "You couldn't get
another church. They'd never. never
forgive you. It's no use. You've got to
let me go! You've got tor
Listen, Polly" He drew her toward
him. God Is greater than any church
or creed. There's work to be done
every where-his work."
you'll soon find out about that"
Numbered Strong.
$50 | will answered Douglas. with
his head thrown high This child has
opened new world to me. She has
shown me broader. deeper humanity
She and Will find the way together"
at won't be an easy one. I'll promise
you that" Strong turned to go.
"I'm not looking for the easy way"
Douglas called after him; then he turn,
ed to draw Polly's arm within his. bur
Polly had slipped from his side to fol
low the deacon. .,.
ooh, please. Deacon Strong. please"
she pleaded. you won't go away like
that He'll be all right If you'll only
wait. I'm not coming back. I'm not
honestly. I'm going on with the show
tonight. and I'm going this time for
ever"
"You are going to stay here with
mel cried Douglas.
mo, no. Mr.. John! I've made up my
mind. and won't be to blame for your
unhappiness" She faced him firmly
now. 81 don't belong to your world.
and | don't want to try amy more. I'm
what he called me-I'm circus riding
girl. l was born In the circus. and I'll
never change. That's my work-ridinR
and it's yours to preach. You must
do your work, nnd III do mine."
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31

sophisticated. and he teetered after the
fitting angel. even unto the forbidden
portals Of the big top. Dbl.
He was peeplng through the curtains
which had fallen behind her and was
getting his first glimpse of the great
sawdust world beyond when one of
the clowns dashed from the dressing
tent on his way to the ring.
The clown was late. He saw the
limp coattails of the deacon. who was
three-quarters I'm the tent. Here was
chance to make funny entrance,
He grabbed the unsuspecting little man
from the rear. The terrified deacon
struck out bllndly In all directions, his
black arms and legs moving like cen
tipeds, but the clown held him firmly
by the back and thrust him headfore.
most into the tent.
Strong returned almost Immediately
from his unsuccessful search for the
pastor. He looked about the lot for
Elverson.
Hey. there, Elversonw he called
Justify. There was no response.
Now. where's lie got too" grumbled
Strong. He disappeared quickly around
the corner of the dressing tent. re.
solved to keep sharp lookout for
Douglas.
Elvcrson was thrust from the tent
soon after, splitting sawdust and much
discounted, by the laughing perform.
ers who followed him. His knees nj.
most gave way beneath him when Bar.
ker came out OF the ring. swapping his
long black whip.
Get out of here. you bloker' roared
Barker, and Elverson got"
No one had remembered to tell the
groom that Polly was not to ride to-
night, 80 Bingo was brought out as
usual when their turn" approached.
"Take him back, Tom" Polly called
from the entrance when she learned
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31

WHAT" cried Jim In alarm. He
faced about and saw Eloise. He guess
ed the truth few quick strides
brought him to the entrance curtains.
He threw them back and looked into
the ring.
"AIy Godl Why don't Barker stop
her?''
what Is it?" called Douglas. He
behavior. and Strong was able to slip
away unnoticed.
"She's goin' to ride! She's goin' to
ride Barbarian
Douglas crossed to his side and
looked.
Polly was springing on to the back
Of Barbarian. He was poorly trained
horse used by the other girl for more
SNOWY but less dangerous feats than
Polly's.
'She's Goin' through her regular turn
with him. Shes trying to break her
neck" said Jim. 'She wants to do It,
It's your faultv' he cried, turning upon
Douglas with bloodshot eyes He was
half insane. He cared little whom he
wounded.
"Why can't we stop herr" cried
Douglas, unable to endure the strain.
He took one step inside the entrance.
mo. no; not THAR Jim dragged
him back roughly "If she sees you
now 1t will be the end" They watch
cd In silence, "She's over the first
part" Jim whispered at last.
Douglas drew back his muscles
tense. as he watched the scene inside
the ring. Eloise stood at the pastors
side horror stricken at Polly's reckless
behavior. She knew Barbarian. IT
was easy to guess the end.
'She's comm to the hoops" Jim
whispered hoarsely
Barbarian don't know that part. !
never trained him." the other girl said
Polly made the first leap toward the
hoops. The horse was not at fault; II
was Polly She plunged wildly. The
audience started. She caught her foot
Ing with an effort. One two. tire,
hoops were passed. She threw herself
across the back OF the horse and hung
head downward as he galloped around
the ring. The band was playing loud.
ly; the people were cheering. She rose
to meet the last two hoops.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31
DIDN'T MATTER MUCH.
He Had Blundered Anyhow Before Ho
Sent the Letter.

He Had Blundered Anyhow Before Ho
Sent the Letter.
The lovesick young man RIM up the
steps and was met ~ the duor 10y a
very pretty young lady
Instance he said eagerly as he
he'd out his hand to her, did you iyrt
my letter this morning.
mo" carclessly returned she, u
presume vivian took It."
"Vivianw The swain blushed pro.
fusely. why. that letter was nd.
dressed to your
Eyes. but vivian and are twins
and look alike, you know. Indeed, our
most Intimate friends often mistake
each for the other!'
But your names are nothing alike"
stammered the bcwlderea young man.
II wrote Constance Withers' very
plainly on the outside of that letter.
| don't see how any such mistake
could he made"
"Oh. II wasn't mistake! Anyhow.
It doesn't make much difference"
what? Constance. that letter con.
tanned more than you think! In II
made apology for my too ardent nc.
lions before you last night. and, fur
thermore. sent It to ask you II II
you would be my
But II belonged to Vivianr'
care you crazy? ! beg pardon. |
meant-goodness gracious! How has
Vivian anything to do with the let.
fer?"
Because when you made love last
night you mistook Vivian for mev'
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31
Christeninu the Twins.

In an English village u miners wife
presented him with twins. At the
usual time the twins had to be chris
tened, and George, his wife and his
friends proceeded to the church to Ak
the names of the children. The minis
ter asked the father the names Of the
twins. and he quite proudly replied:
"Steak and Kidney, sorH'
"Come. come!' replied the minister
These are odd names for your chill
dren"
"What dye mean. Geordie?" cried
his wife. ITS Kate and Sidney"
Aye, 1t Is, sor. Aa thout it was like
summit to eat!' shouted George
promptly.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31

shan't interfere. You'll be going on
your way i'm an hour. I'll say good
by and God bless you. but If you do
care for me, Polly" he was pleading
now. ''lf you're not happy here, won't
you come back to me? Won't you.
Polly?"
She dared not meet his eyes nor yet
TO send him away. She stood irresO-
iute. The voice Of Deacon Strong an
swered for her. .""
$50 you're here, nre your
Yes, Deacon Strong. I'm here" an
swered the pastor Ms he turned to
meet the accusing eyes of the deacon.
AS for you. miss" continued Strong,
with nm insoIent nod toward Polly. 81
mirht have known how you'd keep
your part of the bargain"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31

"We will know about 1t, Jim. Where
Is she?' His quick eye searched the
lot. His voice had regalned its old
command He felt that he could con
quer worlds.
"You can't do no good that way" an
swered Jim. "She don't want to see
you again"
"Why not?"
Il don't know, but she told me she'd
run away If ever even talked to you
about her."
"You needn't talk, Jim. I'll talk for
myself Where is sheT'
She'll be comm out soon. You can
wait around out here with me. I'll let
you know In time" He led the way
through a narrow passage between the
wagons.
Jim aud Douglas had barely left the
lot when Deacon Elverson's small,
round head slipped cautiously around
the corner Of the dressing tent. The
little deacon glanced eXultantly about
him. He was monarch of all he sur
veyed 1t was very thrilling to stand
here on this forbidden ground smelling
the sawdust, gazing at the big red wag-
ons, studying the unprotected circus
properties and listening to the tighten
ing tempo of the band.
Did you see him" shouted Strong,
who had followed closely upon Elver-
sons heels.
The little deacon started. Strong was
certainly disturbing factor at times.
Eyes, IL saw him."
"WellT"
"He--he--didn't see her"
"What did he do?" Strong was be-
side himself with Impotence.
"He--he just talked to the big IN
and went out that way" Elverson
nodded toward the wagons.
81 guess he amt gone far" sneered
Strong. HE come over to this lot to
see her, and he amt goin' to give NJ
till he does 1t. You wait here. I'll
take look round" He went quickly
in the direction of the wagons.
Elverson needed no second invitation
to wait. He was congratulating him
self upon his good fortune when he al
but collided with flying apparition
vanishing in the direction of the main
tent. Sophisticated eyes would have
seen only n rather stout acrobat clad
in pink tights, but Elverson was no
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31
"What's that to you ?"

"She isn't HIP Douglas demanded
alxiously, oblivious to the gruffness
In the big fellows voice. t..
"She's all right" Jim answered
shortly as he shifted uneasily from
one foot to the other and avoided the
pastors burning gaze.
"And she's happy, she's content2"
Sure"
tried to think of some way to prolong
her, you know"
"Us folks don't get much time to
write" Jim turned away and began
tinkering with one of the wagons.
Douglas had walked up ard down In
front of the tents again and again.
fighting against desire to do the very
thing that he was doing. but to no
purpose. and now that he was here 1T
seemed impossible that he should go
away so unsatisfied. He crossed to Jim
and came determinedly to the point.
Cant I see her. JimT
"It's agin the rules He did not turn.
There was another pause; then Doug
las started slowly out of the lot.
"Wait a minute" called Jim, as
though the words had been wrung from
him. The pastor came back with a
question in his eyes.
II lied TO you"
"She's not well, them
"Oh, yes, she's well enough. 1t amt
that; it's about her being happy"
''She isn't?" There was a note of
unconscious exultation in his voice.
mo. She amt happy here. an she
was happy with you"
""Then why did she leave me?"
'T don't know. She wasn't goin' to
do It at first. Somethln' must "a hap
pened afterwards, somethin' that you
an me didn't know about"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31

~ uuglit buu death part thee ana me"
slip of a girl in his arms just as she
was about to sink fainting beneath
the horses hoofs.
Barker brought the performance to
a halt with II crack of his whip The
audience was on tiptoe. White faced
clowns and gayly attired acrobats
crowded around Polly and the pastor.
Douglas did not see them He had
come into his own.
Hes bringin' her out" whispered
Eloise, who still watched at the en-
trance. Jim dared not look up His
head was still In his hands.
"Is 1t over?" he groaned.
81 don't know. | can't tell yet"
She stepped aside as Douglas came out
Of the tent, followed by swarm of
performers. He knelt on the soft grass
and rested Polly's head upon his knee
The others pressed about them. 1t
seemed to Douglas that he waited
hours; then her white lids qulvered
and opened and the color crept back
to her lips.
ats all right, Jim!" called one Of
the men from the crowd. "She's only
tainted" The big fellow had waited
in his tracks for the verdict
Polly's eyes locked up into those of
the parson. thrill shot through his
| veins.
at was no use. was it?' She shook
her head. with sad little smile. He
knew that she was thinking of her
failure to get out of his way.
"That's because | need you so much,
nj hnt cd Lot frn n n v
from me-" He drew her nearer to
him, and the warm blood that shot to
her cheeks brought back her strength
she rose unsteadily and looked about
her. Jim came toward her. white and
trembling.
"All right. Poll?'
ooh. Muvver Jimr' She threw her
self into his arms and chung to him.
sobbing weakly.
No one could ever remember just
how the audience left the big top that
night. and even Barker had no clear
idea of how Jim took down the tents,
loaded the great wagons and sent the
caravan on Its way.
When the last wagon was beginning
to climb the long winding road of the
moonit hill Jim turned to Polly, who
! stood near the side Of the deserted
ring. His eyes Travelled from her TO
the parson, who waited near her She
was in her street clothes now. the little
brown Quakerish dress which she had
chosen to wear so much since her re.
turn from the parsonage
81 guess ! won't be maxim no mis-.
take this time" he said, and he placed
her hand in that Of the parson.
"Goodby, Muvver Jim," faltered Pol
ly.
He stopped and touched her fore
head with his lips. A mothers spirit
breathed through his kiss.
"Tm glad it's like this" he said.
then turned away and followed the
long, dotted line of winding lights dis
appearing slowly over the hill
Her eyes travelled after him
Douglas touched the cold little hand
at her side
81 belong with them" she said still
gazing after Jim and the wagons.
"You belong with me-" he answered
in a firm. grave voice. and something
in the deep. sure tones told her that he
was speaking the truth She lifted
one trembling hand to his shoulder
and looked up into his face
"Whither thou goest will go; where
thou diest will die"
He drew her into his arms.
"The Lord do so to me and more
also If aught but death part thee and
me-"
THE END.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31

"She's swayin'W Jim shrickcd II
Rgony. "She's goin' to fallr' He GOV.
FRED his face with his hands.
Polly reeled and fell AT the horses
side. She mounted ana fen again she
rose and staggered IN pursuit.
81 can't bear IT. lrulnrd Douglas.
He rushed into the ring. unconscious
of the thousands NJ EYES bent upon his
black minlstnrinl garb, ana caught the
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31
Better Late Than Early.

There is Il certain young New York
broker whose recent sad experience in
endeavoring to pull the wool over his
wife's eyes has led him to declare
Never again"
Now. 1t is the brokers' custom To
take n $50 suburban train, thus en-
nbllng him TO reach his home in West
chester in ample time for the early
dinner that both he and his wife like,
The other day he fell. Meeting an
old COLLEGE mnte. he Welded to the lat
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31
remperament Doesn't Count.

They hadn't seen each other for sew
eral years, the two women. They
looked at each other afraid to ask
after their husbands. Finally one
spoke
You know" she said. that my hus
band and l are no longer living to-
gether. He left me fiat on my back fl
Il hospital. He wrote me that b."
thought all artists should have their
freedom. that they should not be bound
by family ties. l suppose" with n
sigh. that II was what one would call
the artistic temperament"
at is not altogether confined to art
ists," said the other woman. "My
husband was plumber, and he did
the same"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31
New Automobile Record

Louis Chevrolet in 5o-mile auto
mobile race at Grand Rvqids, Mich,
with Lewis Strang and George De
Witt, broke the worlds record for 80
miles on a circular track by making
the distance in 81 minutes, ~ sec
onds.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31

The Vermont Press Association will
ho'd its midsummer meeting at the
Speedwell farms in Lvndonviile
Aug. I9and 20 as guests OF Hon. T..
n. Vail. The outing will include a
trip to Newport and ride around
Lake Memphremagog.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31
POLLY
Of the
CIRCUS
BY MARGARET MAYO
Copyright. 1908. by Dodd. Mead and
Company

Automobiles are steadily growing
in popularity down in Mexico, and
in Mexico City there are already a
number of laxicabs with more now
on the way. The company which
operates them plans to increase the
number until the famous bluebeard
coaches are out.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31
(Lurt nued rom la t. week. J

kNCi' nueu rom la 81 WeeH.)
He looked at her with momentary In
decision. She was q good rider the
best since her mother, as he had often
told her. He could see this meant an
issue. He felt she would be on her
mettle tomorrow, as far rs her work
was concerned If he let her alone
tonight
"All right" he said sullenly. You
can stay or tonight. l got the crowd
IN there anyway, and | got their
money. I'll let Eloise do turn on
Barbarian, but tomorrow you'd better
Show me your old act"
"I'll show your she cried. I'm
show your.
"Well, see that you do" He crossed
into the ring
Polly stood where Barker had left
her, white and tense. Jim came toward
her from the direction of the wagons.
Ee glanced at her uneasily. whats
he been a-sayin' to your"
He says l can't ride any more"
Fer lips closed tightly. She stared
straight ahead of her. HE says was
no good to the people that took me in
and I'm no use here"
"It's not soy' Numbered Jim.
mo, it's notr' she cried. "T'll show
him, Jim! I'll show him-tomorrow!'
She turned toward the dressing tent
Jim caught her firmly by the wrist.
"Wait. Poll! You amt ever goin'
into the ring a-feelin' that way" Her
eyes met his defiantly.
whats the difference? What's the
dlfferenceT' She wrenched her wrist
quickly from him and ran into the
dressing tent. laughing Historically.
AN l brung her back to It," mum
bled Jim as he turned to give orders
to the property men.
Most of the first half props were
loaded, and some of the men We're
asleep under the wagons. The lot was
clear. Suddenly he felt some one ap-
preaching from the back Of the In
closure. He turned and found himself
face to face with the stern. solitary
figure Of the pastor. wrapped in his
long black cloak. The moonlight
slipped through rift In the clouds
and fell into circle around them.
"What made you come here?" was
all Jim said.
81 heard that Miss Polly didn't ride
today. was afraid she might be ILL.,"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31
Aim High.

To the formation of a good charac-
ter 1t is of the highest Importance that
you have a commanding object in
view and that your aim I'm life be ele
waited. Set your standard high, and
though you may not reach it you can
hardly fail to rise higher than If you
aimed at some inferior excellence
Joel HaweS
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31
The Tribune Farmer

Is the best Agricultural paper. II comes
every week. For $3.50 we send The AGE
and Tribune Farmer Tor one year. To new
subscribers, both papers for $1.25 tor one
year.
THE AGE
WOODSTOCK VERMONT.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-07-31

ter's entreaties for an evening in
town. The next step was, of course,
to telegraph the wife. which he did in
these terms:
Unavoidably detained. Missed the $50
Home later.
When hubby finally did show up. he
observed an expression on the counte-
nance of his spouse that argued the
failure of his little lib.
whats the trouble. DEAR" he ask
ed. with an affected nonchalance.
Without word the wife handed
him the telegraph slip, indicating with
her forefniHr the words:
Received at Alb Lippincott's.
The Norfolk weekly news-journal., 1909-06-18
Madison Comes with a Band.

Madison, Neb., June 16.-Special to
The News: Last Fourth of July the
people of Norfolk attended the cele-
bration at Madison in great numbers.
Moreover, the Norfolk Commercial
club, at it's own expense, procured the
services of the Norfolk band for the
occasion. The Commercial club, bust
ness men and citizens of Madison pro-
pose to show to Norfolk their appre-
citation by going over in body and
celebrating with them the third of
next July. The Commercial club will
arrange at once with the Madison
band, which is in excellent practice,
to accompany the citizens and assist
in making the coming celebration a
gala day for our neighboring city.
Arrangements have already been made
for additional coaches on the morning
freight, and special train will bring
the visitors home after the display of
fireworks irethe evening. At the least
calculation, If the day be pleasant, 400
people from this city will celebrate at
Norfolk.
The Norfolk weekly news-journal., 1909-06-18
Death of Mrs. Henry Kennedy.

Mrs. Henry Kennedy, who before
her marriage was Miss Anna Car
berry, died Tuesday afternoon shortly
before 6 o'clock. She has been criti-
cally i'll and her death was not I'M
expected.
Mrs. Thomas Donohue of Omaha,
Miss Lucy Carberry, who has been
visiting in Omaha, and Maurice Car
berry arrived last evening from
Omaha. DR.. and Mrs. Mclaughlin ar
rived last evening from Sioux City,
while Mr.. and Mrs. w. H. Green came
down from Creighton.
Business Changes In the Northwest.
The Edwards & Bradford Lumber
company is beginning the erection of
buildings on its property in the north
part of Osmond which, when complet'
ed, will cost about $4,000. All sheds
and buildings will be fireproof.
The Norfolk weekly news-journal., 1909-06-18
Broken Bow Man Fell $500 Feet.

Broken Bow, Neb., June 15.-The
town of Berwyn, several miles east,
was the scene of much excitement yes
terday when U. Sorenson, black.
smith residing there, assembled $500
feet in the air In balloon and then
tried to make a descent in an aero
plane OF his own construction. When
the desired height was reached Soren.
son cut the aeroplane loose, but the
rudder was jammed out of shape at
the start and the machine refused to
be guided and turned over and over as
it descended at frightful speed. -
Sorenson chung to the machine and
struck the ground in sitting position.
The aeroplane was completely de.
molished, but the aviator, although
knocked senseless, escaped with a
number of bad bruises.
Sorenson, who has been working on
his aeroplane for several months, says
he will build another at once. Sew
eral hundred people witnessed the
demonstration.