davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20

him with little, forced smile. He
longed to save her from Barker 8
threatened rebuke.
How you feelin' tonight?'
I'm all right" she answered cheer
fully.
Anything you want!'
"WantT' She turned upon him with
startled eyes. There was so much
that she wanted that the mere men-
ton Of the word had opened a we'll of
pain In her heart.
II mean can do anything for your
"Oh, Of course not" She remem-
bered how little any one could do.
What is it, Poll?' he begged. but
she only turned away and shook her
head with sigh. He followed her
with anxious eyes What made you
cut out the show today? Was it be-
cause you didn't want to ride afore
folks what knowed you-ride afore
him mebbe?"
Him" Her face was white jim
feared she might swoon. You don't
mean that he was
"Oh, no." he answered quickly, LOT
course not. Parsons don't come to
places like this one. | was only figur-
In that you didn't want other folks &c
see an to tell him how you was rid
In She did not answer
WAS that it. Poll?' he urged.
81 don't know" She stared into space
WAS it?'
Il guess it was" she said after a
long time.
Il knowed it, he cried. Il was a
fool TO a brung you back. You don't
belong with us no more"
"Oh. don't. Jim. Don't. Don't make
me feel I'm in the way here too,''
Here too" He looked at her in as
constituent You wasn't In his way.
was you, Poll?"
Yes, jim" She saw his look of un-
belief and continued hurriedly: "Oh. |
tried not TO be! | tried so hard He
used to read me verses out of a Bible
about my way being his way and my
people his people. but 1t isn't so. Jim.
Your way Is the way you are born. and
your people are the people you are
born with, and you can't change it.
Jim. no matter how hard you try"
You was changin' It," he c"Swered
savagely. You was gettin' : like
them people. 1t was me what took You
away an spoiled 1t all You oughtn',
to a come. What made you after you
said you wouldn't?'
She did not answer. Strange things
were going through the mind Of the
slow witted Jim. He braced himself
for a difficult question.
Will you answer me somethin
straight" he asked.
why, Of course" she said as she
met his gaze.
do you love the parson, Pollr'
She started.
us that it,"
Her lids fluttered and closed: she
caught her breath quickly. her lips
apart, then looked far into the dis
J fancp.
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20


IN there. Dousi"S poine -,
the mann. tent Mi',iou' W. us
head he was sun CURING a. 'ne ue"
con and breatnlh. haru-
.vrha+r. cried lin in alarm He
&c.. oho,+ ord cow Fio;so he ruess.
=, 49, ,r,,,h -a,v ou;ct strides
s.rh, ,,;r, IN t,,a entrance curtains
IIo thra-,- ,,,o,, hact ard looked into
..a ~
ar. ca, ur,., dom. Rorker sion
ho.9.:
.yv,,, g ,.:.. c,,,et DouaI,S he
f,r,,,. ,1,a loo, in h;s rerrcr =, Inns
,ah,,-;o. "a ..-,,r ras ohio r, slim
,,,,. ,,,,,,,oa
.ch,... CO.,, ;, -;a.. S,a.s gin. IN
r,ao p,-h,.r,r,-
Do,,.,,. ros-o., ,o h;s s;aa and
| ,oo,-od
pill. u.os sn,;,,-;.,,, r, 70 rho boc,.
| of p,rb,ri.o II, VS. n noo,,y tr,ines.
horse ns,d hv tho o+hos rir, for mora
show hut lose dorrerorS fa,ts ,h,n
| ucur,S
.Sbo.s coin, throuyb her re~n,,r tnrn
Nth him She's try;py to hre,t bar
| n.cl. So;d Tim .Sho v,r,s tn do I,
It.s rorr for1tr. bo cr;od ,ur,;rr uno,
Do,,c,os r-;tb h,oodsbo, oras nc y.,S
| ho,f ;,s,pe he cared u+t,a whom no
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20
Numbered Strong.

Numbered Strong.
$50 I WILL" answered Douglas, with
his head thrown high. "This child has
opened q new world to me. She has
shown me a 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.
''Tm not looking for the easy way"
Douglas called after him: then he turn
ed to draw Polly's arm within his, but
Polly had slipped from his side to fol
low the deacon.
"Oh, 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
met" cried Douglas.
mo, no, Mr.. John! I've made up my
mind, and won't be to blame for your
unhappfness" She faced him firmly
now. Il don't belong to your world,
and don't want to try any more. I'm
what he called me-I'm a circus riding
girl. 1 was born in the circus, and I'll
never change. That's my work-riding
and it's yours to preach. You must
do your work, and I'll do mine.".
She started toward the ring Eloise
and Barbarian were already waiting at
the entrance.
q Sfa fnr n
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 Polly, will not
appear tonight, we offer you in her
place an able substitute, Mile. Eloise,
on her black, untamed horse Barba-
rian."
Eloise put her hands ON the horses
back to mount.
mo, no:' 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 betterw She seized the
bride from the frightened girls hand.
Polly" shouted Douglas. He had
| followed her to the entrance.
II must! / willr'
She few 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 firebrand 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 Poilf" asked Jim.
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20
GR &aE%&s5G3
y 49, p !!!.s!i .s '... s Z! '....~
BY pIARGARET WAYO


Yes, lin. I'm afraid that's it,. The
little figure dropped, and she stood be-
fore him with lowered eyes. unarmed.
Jim looked at her helplessly. then
shook his big. stupid head.
'Ain't that h-l"
1t seemed. such q short time to Jim
since he had picked her up. cooling
babe, at her dead mothers side. He
watched the tender. averted face.
Things had turned out SO differently
from what he had planned.
An lie don't care about you-like
that?' he asked after a pause.
mo, not in that way" She was an1-
ious to defend the pastor from even the
thought Of such thing. He was
good and kind always. but he didn't
care that way. He's not like that"
81 guess I'll have a talk with him."
said JIM and he turned to go.
Talk" she cried.
He stopped and looked at her in
establishment. 1t was the first time
that he had ever heard that sharp note
in her voice. Her tiny figure was
stiffened with decision. Her eyes were
blazing.
"If you ever dare to speak to him
about me. you'll never see me again"
Jim was perplexed.
Il mean it. Jim. I've made my
choice, and I've come back to you. II
you ever try to fix up things between
him and me. I'll run away-reallv and
truly away-and you'll never. never get
me back"
He shuffied awkwardly to her side
and reached alphabetically for the lit
tie clinched fist He held it in his big
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20

the ring. The band was playing loud
ly: the people were cheering. She rose
to meet the last two hoops.
She's swayin'r' Jim shrieked in
agony. "She's goin' to fallr' He COW
cred his face with his hands.
Polly reeled and fell at the horses
side. She mounted and fell again. She
rose and staggered in pursuit.
81 can't bear itv' groaned Douglas.
He rushed into the ring. unconscious
Of the thousands of eyes bent upon his
black ministerial garb. and caught the
slip Of a girl in his arms just as she
was about 20 sink fainting beneath
the horses hoofs.
Barker brought the performance to
halt with 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.
SIS it over?" he groaned.
Il don't know. / can't tell yet"
She stepped aside as Douglas came out
Of the tent. followed by a swarm OF
performers. He knelt on the soft grass
and rested Polly's head upon his knee.
The others pressed about them. II
seemed to Douglas that he waited
hours; then her white lids quivered
and opened, and the color crept back
to her lips.
Its 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 looked up into those of
the parson. 4 thrill shot through bis
veins.
at was no use, was itT' She shook
her head, with sad little smile. BE
knew that she was thinking Of her
failure to get out of his way.
That's because need you so much,
Polly, that God won't let you go away
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.
"An right, Poll"
"Oh. Muvver Jimw She threw her
self into his arms and chung to him,
sobbing weakly.
No one (couid 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
moonlit 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 ltttls
brown Quakerish dress which she had
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20

"So that's itv' cried Douglas. 1t
was all clear to him now. He recalled
everything = her hysterical behavior,
her laughter, her tears. "It was you
who drove that child back to this" He
glanced at Polly. The narrow shout
ders were bent forward. The nervous
little fingers were clasping and unclasp-
ing each other. Never before had she
seemed so small and helpless.
"Oh, please, Mr.. John. please don't
make him any worser'
"Why didn't you tell me?" he de-
manded.
sobbed- ooh. why-why won't you
leave me alone?'
ut would have done all the good In
the world. What right had he to send
you back to this?'
Il had every right" said Strong
stubborn1y.
"What?" cried Douglas.
at was my duty"
"Your duty? Your narrow minded
bigotryw
Il don't allow no man to talk to me
like that, not even my parson."
'I'm not your parson any longer"
declared Douglas. He faced Strong
sQuarely. He was master of his own
affairs at last Polly chung to him.
begging and beseeching.
"Oh. Mr.. John, Mr.. John!
what do you mean by that?" shout-
ed Strong.
II mean that 1 stayed with you and
your narrow. minded congregation 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"
II can do that without your advice
maybe you can find another church
with that circus ridin' girl a-hangin
round your neck"
Hes 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 to-
Listen, Polly" He drew her toward
him. God is greater than any church
or creed There's work to be done
everywhere-hisw work"
you'll soon find out about that, .
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20

shan't interfere. You'll be going on
your way in an hour. I'll say good
by and God bless you. but II you do
care for me. Polly" he was pleading
now, IF 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-
lutte. The voice of Deacon Strong an
swered for her.
so you're here. are you?"
Eyes. Deacon Strong. I'm here" an
swered the pastor as he turned to
meet the accusing eyes of the deacon.
LAS for you. miss" continued Strong,
with an insolent nod toward Polly. 81
might have known how you'd keep
your part Of the bargain"
Bargain echoed Douglas. what
bargain?"
''Oh. please, Deacon Strong. please. !
didn't mean to see him-I didn't, tru-
.y'' She hardly knew what she was
saying.
What bargain:" demanded Douglas
".She told me that you and her
wasn't ever goin' to see each other
agin." roared Strong. IF I'd knoved
she was goin' to keep on with this
kind of thing you wouldn't have 20,
on so easy"
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20

Here is q circus romance red
client Of the fresh sawdust of
the ring, vibrant with the inces-
SAINT clansor of The band, piano.
ranic in its ever moving display
of clowns, acrobafs, horses and
captive wild animals. You will
read of Polly the daughter of
the circus, and of Bfngo, on
whose broad back she rode of
the leap of death" girl; of
Mupper Jim, F" the boss canvas
man, and Toby, the clown, who
loved the circus orphan and
cared for her like father and
mother; of Deacon Strong, who
hated a circus, and of Rev. John
Douglas, who grew to love q cir
Gus girl You will read of COS
sip that threatened to divide a
pastor and his flock, Of Ruth
and Naomi, of q snow girls re-
nunciotion and of Polly's first
and last ride on Barbarian, the
circus horse.
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20
SEABOARD
AIR LINE RAILWAY

"A
In charge of Mr.. c. II. 0ATTIS, Dis
trict Passenger Agent, Raleigh, N. &,
and chaperoned by Mrs. c. II. uATTIS
over the entire trip.
Leaves July Bird, returns August 9th.
circling the United States in solid Pull
man train composed of the highest
grade and most modern design of sleep
ing, compartment observation cars and
Pullman dining car.
The mOstinexpensivet trip ever operated
from the Southeast. through Atlanta,
Birmingham. Memphis stopping at Kan
sas City, Denver, Colorado Springs, Sal 1t
Lake, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara.
Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Francisco,
Portland, Seattle. Tacoma. Spokane.
through Yellowstone National Park, st.
Paul, Chicago, returning home through
Cincinnati and via. the G. i -. through
Richmond.
Trip cost will include railroad and
Pullman fares, hotels, dining ear meals,
stage ride of five and one-half (5h) days
through the Yellowstone National PARK,
transfers. side-trips, carriage and auto
mobile rides at stop-over points and all
actual expenses necessary.
Side-trips will be arranged at all stop
over points to places OF interest, all de
tails being arranged in advance and
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An attractive 33-day trip through the
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in a modern Pullman train with superb
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the best OF hotels, Sightseeing The
Wonders OF the West" leisurely, with all
details arranged in advance, is a luxury
OF n life-t time.
Write at once to the undersigned for
cost OF trip, schedule and itinerary. II
maps, timetables and booklets of the
lines over which the party will travel
are desired send 30 cents in stamps.
G. II. 0ATTlS,
District Passenger Agent,
Raleigh, n. 6.
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20

looked at him blankly. If she would
only complain" he said To himself:
IF she would only get mad. anything
anything to wake her" But she did
not complain. She went through her
daily routine very humbly and quietly.
She sometimes wondered how Jim
could talk so much about her work.
but before she could answer the Ques-
ton her mind drifted back To other
days, TO Il garden and flowers. and Jim
stole away unmissed and left her with
folded hand and wide. staring eyes.
gazing into the distance.
The memory of these times made
Jim helpless tonight. He had gone on
hoping from day to day that Barker
might not notice the "let down" in her
work, and now the blow had fallen.
How could he tell her?
One of the acts came tumbling out
Of the main tent. There was n mo-
ment's confusion as clowns, acrobats
and animals passed each other on their
way to and from the ring; then the lot
cleared again, and Polly came slowly
from the dressing tent. She looked
very different from the little girl
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20
CHAPTER XIII.

I'M was slow tonight. The big
show was nearly over, yet
many Of the props used in the
u early part Of the bill were still
unloaded.
He was tinkcring absentmindedly
with one Of the wagons in the back lot,
and the men were standing about idly
waiting for orders when Barker came
| out of the main tent and called to him
sharply:
Hey, there. jim, What's your cx
cusc tonight"
Excuse FOR what" Jim crossed
slowly to Barker.
"The cook tent was started half an
hour late, and the sdcshow Top amt
loaded yet"
"Your wagons is on the bum; that's
what, No. IS carries the cook tent,
an the blacksmith has been tinkerin
with it ali day. Ask him what shape
it's in"
You're always stalln'," was Bar
ker's sullen complaint. ITS the wag
ons or the biacksmiths o" anything but
the truth. | know what's the matter
all right"
What do YOU mean 10y that" asked
! Jim sharply.
81 mean that all you times took up
a-carryin' and a-fetchil' for that girl
! what calls you 'Muvver Jim"
What have you got to say about
herr" Jim eyed him with a threaten
ing look.
II got a-pIenty," said Barker as he
turned to snap his whip ut the small
boys who had stolen into tie back lot
to peek under the rear edge of the
big top. She's been about as much
good rs sick cat since she come back
You saw her act last night"
Yes" answered Jim doggedly.
Wasn't 1t punk? She didn't show at
all this afternoon; said she was sick.
And me with all them people inside
what knowed her waitin' to see her."
Give her little time" Jim pleaded.
"She amt rode for year
Time" shouted Barker How much
does she want? She's been back n
month and instead of bracin' mp she's
a-gettin' worse. There's only one thing
for me to do"
Whats thatI" asked Jim uneasily.
I'm goin' to call her, and call her
hard"
Look here, Barker" and Jim squared
his shoulders as he looked steadily at
the other man. you're boss here, and
i takes orders from you, but II
catches you abusin' Poll your bein'
boss went make no difference"
You can't bluff me!' shouted Barker
Il amt bluffin. I'm only tellin' you"
said Jim very quietly.
We'll, you tell her to get on to her
Job. If she don't, she quits; that's all"
He hurried into the ring
Jim took one step to follow him,
then stopped and gaZed at the ground
with thoughtful eyes. He, too, had
seen the change in Polly. He had tried
TO rouse her. 1t was no use. She had
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20

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 q 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.
whittier thou goest will go: where
thou diest will die"
He drew her into his arms.
1.-THE Lord do so to me and more
also II aught but death part thee and
me-"
THE END.
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.
1"lHE leap Of death implements
were being carried from the
ring. and Jim turned away to
- superintend their loading.
Performers again rushed by each
other on their way to and from the
main tent
Polly stood in the center of the lot,
frowning and anxious. The mere men
ton Of the pastors name had made It
seem impossible for her to ride to-
| night For hours she had been whip
ping herself up to the point Of doing
1t. and now her courage failed her.
She followed Barker as he came from
the ring.
Mr.. Barker. pleasew
He turned upon her sharply.
well, what is it nowg'
Il want to ask you to let me of
again tonight" She spoke In a short.
jerky, desperate way.
"What!' he shrieked. Not go into
the ring. with all them people inside
what's paid their money because they
knowed your"
That's it," she cried. Il can't! /
can't.
You're gettin' too tonyr Barker
sneered. That's the trouble with you
You amt been good for nothin' since
you was at that parsons house You
| didn't stay there, and you're no use
here. First thing you know you'll be
out all round"
OUT
Sure. You don't think I'm goin' to
head my bill with a dead one do
YOU"
Il am not a dead one" she answer
ed excitedly. I'm the best rider
you've had since mother died You've
said so yourself"
That was afore you got In with
them church cranks. You talk about
your mother: Why. she'd be ashamed
to own YOU
"She wouidn'tw cried Polly. Her
eyes were flashing: her face was scar
let. The pride of hundreds of years of
ancestry was Quivering with indigna-
ton. Il can ride as well as l ever
could. and I'll do 1t too. I'll do 1t to
morrow"
Tomorrow Z" echoed Barker. What
10 you mean by that?''
Il mean that can't go into that
ring tonight, she declared, "and /
won't"
She was desperate now and tradins
upon a strength beyond her own.
he looked at her with momentary in
decision. She was a good rider, tn.
best since her mother, as he had ofte.
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20
Notice of Administration.

HAVING Qualified BEFORE THE
IL Clerk of the Superior Court Of Vance
County administrative with the will an
nexed OF the estate of the late Bette J.
Blacknall, deceased, notice is hereby given
to all persons holding claims against said
estate to present them to me or before
the LIST day of May. 1910, or this motto" viii
be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
This the 9th day of April, 1909.
GTSSIEr. BLAkNALL.
Administratrix with will annexed.
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20
PERSONALLY CONDUCTED
"ATound the Continent, +"

Over the Rocky fountains TO the Pa
cific, the AIaska-YukOn Exposition,
Los Angeles during the EIks National
Convention and through the Yellow
stone National Park-via. the
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20

chosen to wear SO much since her re.
turn from the parsonage.
II guess l won't be maxim no mis-
take this time" he said. and be placed
her hand in that Of the parson.
"Goodby. Muvver jim" faltered Pol
".
He stopped and touched her fore
head with his lips. A mothers spirit
breathed through his kiss.
"Pm glad it's like this" he said,
then turned away and followed the
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20

, rough hand. toying nervously with the
tiny fingers.
II wouldn't do nothin' that you
wasn't a-wantin'. Poll. l was just
e-tryin' to help you. only IL never
seem to know how
She turned to him with tear dimmed
eyes and rested her hands on his great
broad shoulders. and he saw the place
where he dwelt in her heart
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20

I'M was slow tonight. The big
show was nearly over, yet
many Of the props used in the
u early part Of the bill were still
The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1909-05-20

In charge of Mr.. c. II. 0ATTlS, Dis
trict Passenger Agent, Raleigh, N. <. -,
and chaperoned by Mrs. c. II. uATTIS
over the entire trip.