davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1913-09-04
CHAPTER XII.
THE LAW STEPS IN.


"Y YERE they come again" called
Lie as the hurry Of fee,
along the walk threatened
4 4 another attack. Ross Cava.
nagh again drew his revolver and
stood at guard. and Lie. recovering
her own weapon. took a place by his
side.
With the strength of bear the new
assailant shook the bolted door LET
me In he roared.
Its dad"' called young Gregg. go
away, you chumpr'
Let me in or I'll smash this door,
retorted Gregg.
you smash that door, old Bullfrog,"
announced Lie. land I'll carry one of
your lungs away. II you want to get
In here you hunt up the judge OF this
town and the constable"
I The old rancher muttered fierce
curse. while Ross explained the situa-
ton. I'm as eager to get rid Of these
culprits as any one can be, but they
must be taken by proper authority.
Bring a writ from the magistrate and
you may have them and welcome"
Gregg went away without further
word, and Lie said: Hell find Hig-
ley IL he's in town, and he is in town.
for | saw him this afternoon. He's
hiding out TO save himself trouble"
Lee Virginia. with an understanding
Of what the ranger had endured. ask
ed: Cant get you something to eati
Would you like some cOffeer'
81 would indeed" he answered. and
his tone pleased her.
She hurried away TO get II, while
Cayanagh disposed his prisoners be
hind a couple Of tables In the corner
Il guess you're in for night Of 1t"
he remarked grimly. 80 make your
selves as comfortable as you can.
Perhaps your experience may be a
encouragement to others of your
kind"
Lee returned soon with a pot Of
fresh coffee aud some sandwiches. the
sight Of which reused young Gregg to
the impudent remark: "Well, notice
that! And we're left outr But Ed
wards shraak into the shadow, as II
the light hurt him.
Ross thanked Lee formally, but
there was more than gratitude In his
glance. and she turned away to hide
her face from other eyes Strange
place II was for the blooming OF loves
roses, but they were in her cheeks as
she faced her mother. and Lie. with
fresh acknowledgment Of her beauty.
broke out again: "Well, this settles II.
I'm going to get out Of this town.
dearie I'm done. This ends the cat
tie country for me. | ought to have
turned you back the day you landed
here"
The feet halted. A sharp rap sound
cd on the door.
who's thereT' demanded Lie.
THE law" replied a wheezy voice.
"ODen In the name OF the law"
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1913-09-04

THE EYE OF her REVOLVER STARED
STRAIGHT INTO HER PRISONERS FACE.
my word is any good now. but II you'll
let me do It III go out and round up
Judge Higley. think / know where
be is"
To this Lie objected. "You can't
do that, Ross; you better hold the fort
here till morning"
Lee was rather sorry, too, for young
Gregg, who bore his buffeting with
the imperturbable face Of the heroes OF
his class. He had gone into this en-
terprise with much the same spirit In
which he had stolen gates and mis-
placed signs during his brief college
career, and he was now disposed lin
the presence Of pretty Crib to carry
II out with undiminished impudence.
1T only means fine, anyway" he as
sured himself.
Cayanagh did not trust Gregg.
either, and as this was the first time
he had been called upon 10 arrest men
for killing game out OF season he could
not afford 10 fail OF any precaution
Tired and sleepy as be was he must
remain on guard But you and your
daughter must go 10 bed at once" be
urged
Lie, under the spur OF her dram,
talked on with bitter bOldness. berat.
ing the town and its people Gregg
listened TO her with expressionless Wis
age, his eyes dreamily fixed on Lees
face, but his companion. the old herd
er, seemed 10 palpitate with shame
and fear And Ross had the feeling at
the moment that In this ragged un.
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1913-09-04
ma nded. and ye, something I'm the cir,

manded. and ye, something In the girl
defended her. defeated him
"You must call me II can be OF
any help" he repeated, and his voice
was tremulous with feeling
81 will do So" she answered.
Still they did not part His voice
was very tender as he said: Il don't
like TO see you exposed to such e1pe
riences. II angers me TO think that
the worst Of these loafers. these
drunken beasts, can glare NJ you. can
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1913-09-04
SYNOPSIS.


Lee Virginia wetherford. who has been
TO an eastern school for years. returns
TO Roaring Fork. Her mother, a coarse
masculine woman. is running q shabby
boarding house. where whisky Is sold
without license.
Lee meets Ross Cavanagh, forest ran
ger, and Forest Supervisor Redfeld- Cav
anagh and Lee become interested In each
other.
Lie Wetherford, Lees mother. becomes
Ill Lee starts In TO improve the charac-
ter Of the boarding house. Cavanagh and
Redfeld compliment her.
Gregg. a ranchman. threatens Cavanagh.
Lee is Disguised with her surroundings.
Lie ceases her elicit whisky selling Mrs.
Redfeld invites Lee to visit Elk Lodge.
Redheld tells Lee about Cavanagh's in
teresting career and explains the work
and troubles OF the taiEssl ssgyicA
Lee Is delighted with the culture shown
at Elk Lodge. Cavanagh rides sixty miles
to spend the evening with her.
Cavanagh's love for Lee grows. Mrs
Redfeld likes Lee, but dislikes her moth.
er and thinks Cavanaghs love affair is
foolish.
The doctor orders Lie TO cease work
and diet herself She rebels. Cavanagh
arrests Gregg's son and a stranger named
Edwards poachers.
Roaring Fork rowdies attempt to rescue
the prisoners. but Lie and Lee arm
themselves and help Cavanagh
Joe. who had been boasting Of the
smiles he had drawn from Lee, did not
relish this tongue lashing from her
mother; but, assuming careless air,
he said. I'm all out of smokes; get me
q box, that's a good old soul"
Lie regarded hin with the express
sion of one nonplused. You impu-
dent little cub she exclaimed. what
you need is boOtingr'
The ranger addressed himself TO Lee
81 want to thank you for a very OPP
perfume intervention. ! didn't know
you could handle a gun so neatly"
She flushed with pleasure. oh yes,
] can shoot. My father taught me
when was only six years old"
AS she spoke Ross caught the man
Edwards studying them with furtive
glance. but upon being observed he
resumed his crouching attitude, which
concealed his face beneath the rim OF
his weather worn hat. IL was evident
that he was afraid Of being recognized.
He had the Sinking air OF the convict
and his form, SO despairing in its lax
lines, appealed to Lee with even great
Or poignancy than his face. I'm sor-
~" she Sd d 10 him. but II was my
duty TO help Mr.. Cavanagh."
He glanced up with quick sidewise
slant "That's all right, miss should
have had sense enough to keep out or
this business" lie spoke with Difficult.
". and his voice was hoarse with
emotion.
Lie turned to Lee. THE doc said
no liquor but | guess here's where
] draw one. | feel faint"
Ross hurried TO her side. while young
Gregg rendered handsome flask.
-Here's something"
Lie put il away. mot from you.
Just reach under my desk. Ross: you'll
ind some brandy there. That's IT,"
she called as he produced bottle.
Clutching II eagerly, she added. They
say it's poison, but it's my meat to
night" Little remained OF the woman
In Lie, and the old sheep herder eyed
her with furtiye curiosity.
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1913-09-04
CHAPTER XIII.
THE OLD SHEEP HERDER


THE ranger was awakened In the
first faint dawn by the passing
Of the girls light feet as she
= went across the hall 20 her
mothers room, and a moment later he
heard the low murmur of her voice.
Throwing OF his blankets and making
such scant toilet as he needed. he
stepped into the hail and waited for
her TO return.
Soon she came toward him. a smile
Of confidence and pleasure on her lips.
How is sheT' he asked
"Quite comfortable"
"And your His voice was very ten
der.
II am a little tired" she acknowl-
edged. Il didn't sleep very we'll"
''You didn't sleep at ALL" he declared
regretfully.
"Oh. yes. did" she replied brightly.
These two ardent souls confronted
each other In absorbed silence with
keener perception. with new daring.
with new intimacy. TIL he recalled
himself with effort you must let me
help you II there's anything ! can do.
Remember. I'm your big brother"
81 remember" she answered smiling
ly. "and I'm going out 10 see what my
big brother Is TO have for breakfast"
Cavanagh found the street empty,
silent and utterly commonplace lie
went forth TO his duties with deep
ened conviction OF the essential law
lessness OF the state and OF America in
general. for this spirit OF mob law
out the land. lie was disgusted. but
not beaten. His resolution TO carry out
the terms OF his contract with the
government remained mistaken.
He carried with him also final
disturbing glimpse OF Eliza Wether
ford's girl that did indeed threaten his
peace OF mind There was an invol,
untary appeal. a wlstful depth. to her
glance which awakened In him an In
dignant pity and also blew Into flame
boultiulnS uot ~ Cftulldblt- sOlut-
thing which smoldered beneath his
conscious will She had not escaped
her heritage Of passion. and her
glances. innocent AS they were. reused
even In him something lawless
His pony plodded slowly. ana the
afternoon was half spent before he
came In sight Of the long. low log cab
In which was the only home he pos
sessed In all America. For the first
time since he built IL the station seem
ed lonely and dlsheartenlng. Would
any woman for love OF me come 10
such a hearthstoner' he asked him
self And II she consented 10 do so
could be so selfish us to exact such
sacrihcef No; the forest ranger In
these attitudes must be young and
heart free; otherwise his life would be
miserably solitary"
lie was just dlshing out his rude
supper when the feet Of a horse on
the log bridge announced visitor
With feeling Of pleasure as well
as relief he rose TO greet the stranger.
ANY visitor Is welcome this night"
he said
The horseman proved TO be his for.
mer prisoner, the old man Edwards,
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1913-09-04

kempt old hobo was the skeleton OF
one OF the old time heroes. He was
wasted with drink and worn by wind
and rain. but he was very far from
being commonplace.
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1913-09-04

"Y YERE they come again" called
~ Lie as the hurry Of feet
along the walk threatened
u Il another attack. Ross Caya-
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
SHADOW OF THE MOON.
Its Rapidity Of Motion sn Shown ln Q
 Solar EeliPBo,

Its Rapidity Of Motion sn Shown ln Q
 Solar EeliPBo,
 Probably the fastest motion that man can perceive with his eyes is that oi the shadow of the moon across the earth fin a solar eclipse. This rate Is practically that of the moon in it's or bit. which is about 2O0O miles an hour. This is roughly half a mile a second Now, fl a person were to be stationed on a mountuin whence he could see for some miles he could actually watch the approach of the shadow and keep bis eye on its edge. Of course the shade would cover the whole landscape for any one person.
 From the testimony of many men who have witnessed the phenomenon in such circumstances it ts a terrible and awe inspiring spectacle. Thus Forbes Of Turin: "I confess it was the most terrifying sight ever saw. AS always happens in the case of sudden silent. unexpected movements, the spectator coufounds real and relative motion. I felt almost giddy for a mo
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
FUN FOR TIE ROWDIES.
Rsvslriss Of ths Mohoeks ln London In
 Che old Days.

Revelriss Of ths Nohoeks ln London ln
 the old Days.
 Some curious particulars Of Che dan gers Of London streets iu the old days are given iu uu article on The Scow- rcrs and the Mohovks" iu a British magazine. The favorite practice Of the Scowrers was Co Invade some tavern ln the evening, drive out the GUS toners. Hl treat the proprietor and bis attendants. wreck the premises and, above aW. roar" Steele tells of the MohOcks, one of whose pasumes was to "IncIuse women in casks and roll them down the street" In l7l2 a roy, al proclamation was issued offering a reward Of ElOO for the apprehension Of any MohocE,
 Soon after the accession ot George ". to the throne lu 1890 there was recrudescence. though in milder form. ot Mohock rowdyism, and at tncks on the watch-"boXing the Char. les" as the phrase went-once more became fashionable among the wilder spirits of London. These reyelries however. were rudely disturbed by the establishment in 1929 by Sir Robert Peel of an efficient body Of police,
 Yet again in early Victorian days there was another MohoCk outburst under the u2SpiCes of the Marquis ot Waterford, and once more knockers and bell handles were wreuched od, public monuments injured, lights eE- unguished and crockery smashed. This form Of humor, however, was quite wasted upon the local authorities, the marquis being promptly knocked down by watchman and taken up halt dead. The same authority tells us that in the following year be and some oth- or men of fashion were convicted at Derby assizes Of trying to overtun a caravan. sCrewing up a toll barkeeper and painting houses and people red. For these recre0tiOus they were aned flOO apiece
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

me7t. as tnougn tue masave Durmug ppdpr me bowed On the side Of the coming eclInse" Another view is de scribed by Langley: ''The bright cloud | saw distinctly put out Ike a candle The rapidlty Of the shadow and the In- teusity produced a feeling that some thing material wuE sweeping over the earth at a speed perfectly frighuul ! involuntarIly listened for the rushing noise Of a mighty wind"
 There are. of course maUy veiocities greater than this that oc,ur on the earth. which. too. are measurable, such as the speed of light which is lS0ooO miles a second. aud the speed Of mole cuIes of hot gases, but they are not d. rectIy percertIbIe to the human viston Lawrence Hodges in Chicago Record Herald
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
rrnn.t ni N.nu.-

The transits of Venus came in pairs with Hn Interval Uf eight years be. tween them. A pair occurred in lI8l and I76g and again in 1874 and lSs2 The whole of the twentieth ceutufy will mss without another transit Not until the years 2UOi snd Nl2 will pos rsrity have the opportunity nf witness ing it It was long supposed that transits of Venus over the suns diss afforded the only accurate mcthod Of determining the distance of the sun. but Intterly the suced Of fight has be. come the more favored method Tor that purpose New nufE American
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
DON'T ENrEEnENT
You Win Make No Mistake n HUu
 Follow This Advice.

You Win Make No Mistake n HUu
 Follow This Advice.
 Never neglect your kidneys
 If you have pain ln ths back, urinary disorders, dizziness and nervousness, itB time to act and no time Co experiment These are frequently symptoms of kidney trouble. and remedy which Co recommended Cor the Kidneys should be taken in time.
 Deans Kidney Pills are a good remedy Co use. It has acted effect lively in many cases lu this vicinity.
 Can Alaskan residents demand further prJof than the following tes- umonial2
 E. c. Beaumont. 685 c g., Eureka. Cal, says For long time I had a bad case ot kidney and bladder trouble. The kidney secret ions were too frequent In passage and I suffered a great deal fron backache that was especially severe at night. applied plasterT Co my back and used other remedies, but without receiving any noticeable benefit. Happening Co see an ar uole ia the papers about Doans Kidney PTs, procured the rem edy. I began using It and in a short umo my Kidneys were restor- cd to a normal condition [ have used five boxes of Doans Kidney Pills and can say that I am cured. As I did not take any other remedy at the same time, I give the full credit for my cure Co Doau's Kidney Pills"
 For sale by an dealers. Price 50 cents. Fostor-Miburn Co, Buf- falo, New York, sole agents for the United stbgss.
 Remember the nams-Doan's- and take no other.
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
BABY IN GREAT MISERY WITH RASH
On Face. Spread Until Nearly All Over Body. Crust on Head. Hair Fell Out. Itch Terrible, Cuticura Soap and Ointment Cured.

Monroe. Wis" When my hahy vac sls ussls old there came O Tash On hif fsce which finally spread untl .t got neafiy al over his body. ft forred a crust ou his Ee{d. hair frf duf and the itch w1q terrible. When hc would scratch ths crust the vatsr would core out In big drops On fsoe and t,5iy It was in a dry form and wouid Eralo of. He was in great mis1ry and at nivhts | would lay awake holding bis hands sD tbsf he could not scratch and ditiFurs him slf. | tried simple remedies at hrst. then got medicine. but Co did ro gooh Finally n friend rurrrst6d Cutru-a Rerneiias. sD I sant f0r O sample to ses what they would do. when Co my surprise after a f9w applica- tons I could sce an Improvement. and hs uould rst better ' bought b0U of Gun. rgIra Ointment and cake df CIficura soap and bef1rg I had them h1If ussd my tahy ans currd. His head is uCu covered with a lurrrfant Er1vt Cd Cf hair and his c1ulplsHion fs admired by everybody and has no fis- ngurumeuts. hope other m1thcrs wil rr1at by my experience and u1t be worn out with poor babies vho arc tortured with slyIn and =-aIp afe~fions fslEuedl Mira Annie saunders. Sept. Za, 1911.
 CutcUa Soap and Ointment f1 s' much for poor c1mplsyi1ns. nd. r1uEh hand ard dry, thin and falling hair and c1st s1 Eftls that it Is almost criminal n1t to uzn tdrIn. Sold by dealers throughout thc world Lib- e-al samplo of each mailed frge. vith z2-p. E,7x on Che skin and scalp. Add-gss posf- card "Cutirura. Dept. q, Boston
 aE-Tender-fsccd men Ea0Ild ua1 Cutlr1ra Soap Shaving stick, 25c, Sample f-Ue.
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
Acursus Church.

The mast -ru'rr church In The world f- probably Sr IuHus. st Uavo7 PIatz. In Switzerland iaEHs IHtz .s over 5.uu Fsuf above S4H irEei and ls famous ra winter ra-nrt for con sumnrfvr. an Hruunr af fs great pu rfty of nir anI uwtart'nn from high winds. S. IuHus church is vfry small hrHHIna rut HrrgrfHr'ess t has two stprrr- One 0r these Is murh larger uan f", other. towering hiEh above tTr .rHrh and presenting a most singular rrHnnurr being twist rd after f.r w#rr7r uf .urEs row The stcculss .u0fam sruc fuC chimes which ln ancient ifmDa were nsod Co sound Give rI7rm whom tharr was a threatened invasion ur vi'I animals
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

There is an interesting story of real life in the Seattle Post-Intel- Hgeucer oi Sunday, February o. This story is a sketch o' the Coch- ran family Of wheaton. Y. IT. and deals particularly with Marion Coch- ran aged n years and her sister Mayis aged II years These two pIucKy and energetic little women are house Keepers for their father ana have been since the death of their mother a year or more ago The story is well worth reading The Cochraus are well known by many in SEaEway.
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Tho Eagles Mask bah at the W. p. club was e very successful social event. There were many merry maskers and many spectators The committed in charge is Go be con- graduated upor the success of their undertaking.
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
n... X. Lost Hi, pen.

"I've lost me mine dBchsbuud," said A German resident Of Brooklyn Those dog catChers EOi him
 "Meybe dey have got him by der pound How dH they come Co tock himY" asked hi1 friend
 ''They took him by der yard" re- piled the loser sadly New York Press
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
P.rhap, shs wa, sk,ptioal.

"JUst my luck
 whats the matter nowf
 'I promised my wife I'd bs home ai 10 o'clock Inst night
 And couldn't msEs it, [ suppCsaT "No: got in at just 0.40, but she was sound asleep, Cud ] failed Co get credit for It"-Detroit Free Press
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Mir. Jerry uauinlun Is home from a visit of several months in south ern California and in northern coast cities. 1lr. Culnlan reports a good tune and perfect health He has resumed his duties with the W P. and Y route.
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
rh. ot-.r Way.

"If [ were younger said the rich old man, 'l believe might win you for my wife
 "Yes." replied the cold beauty ireamily considering his sixty years, "or say, fifteen CT twenty years old. r.@-Phnadelphla presa
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
+%%++++++#%% %+ %$ %F f%AS zee
 SKAGWAY SOCIETY
%+ %&%%%&&&k+$&4$$ {

Miss Mary Q Hindsbaw sailed on the R. M s. "Carmania' the 5th og February and ls now dOubtiess enjoying the society ot much loved relatives iu Middleton. England
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

The springs Of hope are never dry. They are replelished contin. ually from those dews Of Heaven which fGI upon the harrenest desert of despair. At these immortal wells th, heart may slake lts thirst, and .take new stregnth and courfEe for the way.
 Nj. Byron, in "Fair Thoughts
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Mrs P. H Gmty made high score on the Elk Club Alleys this week making an even 200 pins on Wed nesday night.
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
cnnliruou, psrf,rmsnes.

Wlgwag--My wife is a suTragetta She is going on the lecture platform Henpeckke Huh! My wife doesn't need huy platform -Pbugdeiphia Record
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Bonded whisk.cs-Guaon. Noun vs-uon and Belmont The best of Beer-Bhie Ribbon. Budweipsr and Fais Rsinior. st the Mssoot Teie phone 67. q
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Mir P. s. Murray ad little son Henley came from Whi.ehorsc on Thursdays train and returned home on Friday. They visited with friends while in town.
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

S5c Tor home cooked meal quick. clean service. Whersl At the New Home Rsstaurant. Fifth Avenue. haR a minute from BroadvS
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

In honor of Mrs. Elizabeth Blanch- ard. Mrs. F. J. Weber entertained at tea on Monday afternoon. The guests brought their sewing and enjoyed thc afternoon in a good old fashioned visit Those present were Hrs C. V. Ziuk1u. Mrs. E J Shaw. Mrs C. W. Ask, Mrs. w H MulvihW, Mrs n. H. Uraper, Mrs W c. Blanchard and Master Ken. ueth Blanchard
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Mir. and Mrs. W. B. Batson are at home to their friends in tho lin- kan cottage on Third Avenue and Nam street
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

II you wish for a glimpse into tho heart as we'll as the life among ,hc Iowly, read Sandy Lana Lilies" by Barry Bcnefield, in the February Scribner's Magazine.
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Miss Aleta Robison was an arrl- val on the Jefferson from Seattle where she has been visiting for a number of weeks.
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Mrs Harriet s. Pulleu Las TO turned from Portland to Seattle After a wish in the latter place Mrs Pullen win leave for home
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Mrs. W. s. Sparks and Mrs. H. D. Clark were tea guests of Mrs IL. H. H. Draper on Tuesday afternoon.
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Miss Bernice DahIine is home from a vizft of several months with friends and relatives in Minneapolis and st. Paul. Minnesota.
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

None potter and purer than Gib- Rye. Rainier and olympia Beer Orders by phone promptly delivered
 The Mascot
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Mrs. Bert Howdoshell returned on the Jefferson from an extended yis- it Co Seattle and Ketchikan.
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Mir. and Mrs. W Warren are oe- cupying the Behrends cottage on upper Seventh Avenue
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
CHEAT CLEARANCE sALE

Sold at a loss! Mait Rainier. 90 cents per bottle. Especially prepar. cd for sick people and invalIds, and excellent for nuriing mothers. Only two barrels left. After that. price win be 35 cents per bottle
 Pack Train Bar
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

FIVE GOOD ONES TO DRAW TO.
 Pebbleford and Gibson Rye. Bud wsiser, Blse Ribbon and Pale Rain Ter Beer at the Board of Trade
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Nc samuel Coulter or Whitehorse was a skagway guest this week
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15
TIE PAMPERED ONES

II lhs fondrs, o' vsr.iy o la- thsr or mo,h-r has F-rt a man from hard wor < a7- r-r has s- ways he'1sd him ou. sJ .he end ol his trouble. f what was Hghi sL war 'sn Co hn sa5 what ps' heavy to some one e'ss. d hs has been permitted ro rk uaI shrs- inF has become a bsbr hs D wN be a d.s.-aucrnv '- lure
The daily Alaskan., 1913-02-15

Mir. Robert M Becken is home from a visit in Seattle Mir Becker reports a good time in the states but is glad to be at home again with old friends.