davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17

hung them up at the end OF the man.
tel he could hardly keep back the
tears. How disappointed he and his
mother would be when they got up in
the morning and found the stockings
empty! She leaned over and kissed
him tenderly. Are you tired, dear?"
she asked you don't seem as happy
as usuall"
Teddy assured her, as well as he
was able for the lump in his throat,
that he was perfectly WAl. His moth
err, like the wise one that she was.
didn't press the question. She merely
drew up her low rocking chair and sat
beside the bed until she thought Ted
dy was asleep and then she crept
quietly down stairs.
Teddy lay for long time after she
went, watching the freight flicker on
the walls. He couldn't go to sleep and
besides what was the use. when there
wasn't anything to wake up for2 A
good many tears rolled out OF the COR
ners of his eyes, but he didn't care
now.
He must have lain there for about
four or ten hours, he thought. and had
just shut his eyes to rest them from
the light, when he heard sound,
very little bit of a sound. He sat up
quickly In bed and listened eagerly,
because 1t sounded, 1t really did sound,
as IL 1t might be sleighbells. In min
ute, he didn't know Just how, he was
leaning out Of the window
He didn't feel as II he had walked
there at all, but more as II he had just
skinned along without any effort on
his part, as IL he had been some sort
Of delightful fish bird. He leaned away
out of the window, not feeling a bit
afraid Of falling, and looked down up
on the street.
Yes, down there ON the street, an
plain as day, he could see the reindeer
shaking their long horns and prancing
until the bells that seemed almost to
cover them filed the air with their
musical jingle. And then there was
CLEAN Of red. Somebody was climbing
into the sleigh! There was the echo
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17

silver tea caddy of quaint design.
After a seconds hesitation she opened
the door and walked bravely into the
little shop.
1.-THE tea caddy2" she asked of the
woman who greeted her inquiringly.
How much is it?r
THE little silver one?" The woman
looked her surprise. as she noted the
shabby black coat and much-worn
skirt You wanted to buy it?9 she
asked kindly. for something in the
girls eyes made her know she was In
earnest 1T is s25"
TWENTY-FIVE dollars!" the girl
gasped, and as suddenly as it had
come the brightness left her eyes.
twenty-five, she repeated. "I'nr
afraid | could never afford that She
gripped her pay envelope firmly and,
tuning, walked out Of the shop.
In her tiny room, as she cooked her
meagor dinner over the gas plate, and
later, when lying wide awake in her
narrow bed, abe thought Of the beau
tiful tea ca6ay She thought until 1t
became cherished ideal, vested with
wondereg, scenes among the great
people Of the world.
The following Hay she neglected her
lunch, and hurried to the shop 10 once
more view the wonderful caddy.
When she entered the woman greet
ed her warmly. for the expression in
hpr ewes had nrovad hsrntiuV tn fha
woman all the past night.
Did you really want to buy the
caddy?" she asked, as she handed it
to the girl, "for If you do"
Il must buy it," she interrupted, as
she took it reverently in her two
hands, 'but / can't pay the money all
at once" She besitated.
"How much could you pay?" The
woman suddenly understood the girls
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17

need, and great kindness came to
her. Perhaps we could come TO
terms"
Il have So that have saved, and !
think | can spare so cents each week.
only make &c." she added, apologet-
ically.
six dollarsl" tie woman gasped,
as the enormity of the girls project
came to her. you may have it at
your own terms" she said impuIsively.
OH For a moment the girl held
1t to her breast, then she handed the
money without regret to the woman.
In the days that followed the woman
became very fond of the girl, for she
came often to gaze with awe upon the
silver caddy Of quaint design, and in
the short visits the woman learned
to know what difference an ideal
can make in life. In watching the
girls love for the thing that kept her
poorer than she need have been the
womax found her own life broadening.
On Christmas eve young man per-
sistently tried to buy the caddy, until
the woman finally told him the story
of its sale He listened in wonder,
and then asked for the name of the
girl, who seemed so great a marvel
that he wanted his mother to see and
help her.
The same evening, after the young
man had left, the girl made her final
payment, and with wild Joy throb-
bling in her heart carried the tea
caddy home. and with it beautiful
bunch of holly. festive touch from
the woman.
She had pinched hard to save the
so cents each week, but her reward
was great, and worth the happiness
the ideal had always given her.
1t was again Christmas eve, and a
dainty woman, wrapped in soft fur
coat. opened the door Of the little
shop, and with extended hand came to
the woman. Merry Chrismasi" she
exclaimed Don't you remember me?"
In the deep, winsome eyes there was
something familiG, and suddenly the
woman threw her arms about the girl,
and peering over her head espied the
man.
1--WE have just been married" he ex-
planned. MY mother found her for
me, and we wanted to come to thank
you for what you have done"
Il have missed your example So"
The woman held her very close. laugh
ing softly through her tears, for they
were suddenly all so happy, and It
was Christmas, for outside faraway
Ssils were rs@ ging.
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17

out, and was soon whirling toward
Jacks home.
Suddenly the auto stopped, and he
got out telling the chauffeur to re-
turn in an hour, not longer.
IF am finished before, can spend
the time somehow" he thought.
Up the steps " the great apartment
he went until he came to a door la.
beled AZ. Then he knocked, and get
ting no answer, entered very quietly.
finding the door not locked.
He looked round the tiny hall. and
then stepped into the fiyst room.
Are, you Santa CLAUSE"
The timid little query stopped him
in his wanderings, and he looked
down to his feet to see a sunny
haired. blue-eyed little mite grayely
regarding him.
But no, you cant be Santa Claus.
for he's9 ever SO old, and has got a
white beard and long coat, and a
big bag full of toys, and comes down
the chimney, and doesn't come till
after I've gone to bed, and-and-"
She paused in her list of details for
want of breath, and, the first time for
many years, Churton laughed heartily.
"You queer little mite he said, I'm
not Sanity. Who are you,''
"I'm Gladys Churton, and I'm not
queer. I'm very well, thank you"
so you are Gladys" he said.
Where are your father and mother ;"
They've gone out to buy some
things for me, and they told me to be
ever SO good They will be back SOON"
Churton looked around him 1t was
SO pleasant, so happy, evidently, and
the home he had left seemed to lack
great deal. He sighed.
What's the matter, strange man."
Nothing, dear"
But there must be something I
always go like that when want
doll, and mamma won't buy it for me.
Is your little girl naughty"
II haven't got little girl"
Poor strange mani" With a cloud
ing of her sunny face. Then, sudden
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17

It's of $25 each in two Of our banks
there. One Linden J. Lane opened the
account % years ago."
Linda laughed softly.
MY father used always to fear bank
failures, and put small amounts in
many banks" She turned sparkling
syes upon Goodwin. 1--WE thought we
had collected all his savings" she
said.
cred" the man laughed, "and the hens
have been laying golden eggs. You
have, at this very minute 5000"
Three hundred dollars! OH" she
impulsively held out her two toilworn
little hands, 1T is a fortune! The
children! They can have their Santa
Claus!"
Goodwin found himself feeling hap
pier than he remembered having felt
before. Was it the knowledge that he
had been the Good Fairy in this small
family, or was it something more sub
tie. more wonderful that had crept
into his mind?
Il am going to ask for immediate
payment for the joy have found for
you" he said and when Linda's ques-
tioning eyes met his he said impetu-
ously: Let me come tomorrow-and
help make Christmas glad for the
children. May I Gomez"
Linda glanced at him with new
shyness. EYES," she said. simply. 'If
you like will go with you to help get
that Christmas tree"
Next morning Linda and the chill
dren were up early.
The cracking of the fire as it roared
up the stovepipe created spirit of
cheerfulness that greeted Marvin
Goodwin when he presented himself
at an early hour.
"Oh!" shouted Bobby, here's our
own Santa 1laus!" His eyes were
glued to the armful of packages Good
win deposited ON the table.
Bobby" cried Linda.
Haven't you ever been Santa Claus
before?" queried Peggy.
Never! This is my very first ex-
perience. hope will acquit myself
with proper dignity"
And Linda's eyes, over the heads Of
the children, looked down deep into
Goodwin's big soul, and unconsciously
she let the man read what her heart
was saying.
Next Christmas" he was saying In
his mind, LINDA will have permanent
roses in her cheeks. and her eyes will
be mine, and that will be all the hap
riness one Santa Claus could have'
Lindenette smiled.
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17

stay away, just this once, from this
Christmas party I've been invited to!
"And think of the good I'm doing
to other people, tool" he added. How
grateful the public will be to me for
pointing out the way to their own re-
lease from this idiotic custom of sac
rificing themselves!
'eWhy, | shouldn't wonder If there
would be a statue erected to me as
the first man who stayed away from a
family reunion at this holiday! | can
see it now. labeled: The Peoples
Santa Claus-TIe Gave Us What We
Wanted Most for Christmas'"
And so, in pleasant reflection upon
the perfection of his plan as he had
carried it out, Mr.. Simpsons thoughts
ran until Christmas morning.
1t was Mr.. Simpsons idea to eat his
Christmas dinner, ordered in from a
nearby restaurant, in the solitude Of
his own home, bare as it was of his
family.
At one o'clock the waiter brought
in the heavy tray. Mr.. Simpson super
intend9,Ls the arrangement of its con-
tents G-SAe table in the dining room.
And it was just ons-fifteen, as he
stood rubbing his hands at the pros
pAct of eating alone on Christmas for
the first time in his life-when the
doorbell rang.
'Doggone its' burst out Mr.. Simp-
son. What's that ?"
For a moment he decided not to
open the door. Then he changed his
mind and went downstairs, two at a
time. 1t might be some bad news
from his absent family.
He threw open the PORTLAND stag
gered back into the hall.
And after hin trooped gayIy
shouting and lsTshing party of sixteen
Mr.. Simpsons relatives!
I'VE came to eat our Christmas din
ner here!" cried one of his aunts.
You poor man-we knew you'd be
all alone! gushed a first cousin
We didn't want you to eat your
Christmas dinner all by yourself"
chortled another female relation, $50
we brought ours here in baskets to
eat with you'll
Mr. Simpson looked over the crowd
still streaming into his front hall. His
lips pursed tightly as he led the way
to the dining room.
But all he said, unintelligibly to his
unexpected guests, was:
We'll, guess they won't put up
that statue of me as Santa Claus this
year!"
Copyright, The Frank A. Munsey Col
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17

would have found you If the beautiful
lady hadn't"
But Rosie didn't finish the sentence,
for Sanity hadn't heard word she was
saying. He was staring with deep,
strange eyes at the lady, who had
drawn nearer the sick mans bed.
''Sis," ne whispered
'Bob," she answered.
There Rosie sat with shining eyes
and little heart humping and lis
tened to the wonderful story of her
Sanity man and the lady Sanity was
none other than the ladys brother,
whom she hadn't seen since the day.
years and years ago, he ran away to
sea. And the lady? She was the beau
tiful fairy Of the toy-shop.
"And did you know all the time she
owned it?"
Eyes"
@Why didn't you go and see herr"
Because was too poor, sick and
proud"
Now, of course, like all stories where
fairies and Sanity hold forth, every
body was glad and lived happy ever
afterward. 1t was wonderful day for
Rosie and Pietro.
And up and down Rosie's street, too,
there was gladness; for the good news
had spread to the children, Rosie and
the sparrows told. that the Sanity man
Of their street had found sister.
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17
BY IRENE BEACH

could Rosie see the kind Sanity man of
her street, who had told her such won.
derful tales of toys. fairies and of the
real country " deep hills and red sun
SETS
Suddenly she thought OF something,
a something so different that 1t made
her heart go thumpty-thump. She
would 90 TO the wonderful toyshon
just around the corner and see for her
self, If her friend was there.
But not tired, hurried clerk of the
shop had time to answer Rosie's ques
tions. Finally she approached tall
gray-haired man standing in the center
of the long aisle. She felt certain he
would know something about the San
ty of her street.
Please, do you know our Sanity
man."
"Who?" asked the man.
THE Sanity man, who wore red
coat. cap and carried a sign2"
mo, don't. What is it you want to
buy. little girl?"
Il don't want to buy nothin I'm
lust lookin' for the Sanity man Of my
street. He" Then Rosie could say
no more The Jumps would stick in
her throat, no matter how hard she
swallowed.
Just what might have happened is
hard to say, II lady standing near
hadn't heard what Rosie said and
wanted to help her. She knew exactly
what to do.
An hour later after seeing Petro at
his little shop, Rosie rode away with
the lady, who was very beautiful, by
the way, in her big automobile, TO the
hospital, where the poor Sanity had
been taken the night before.
1t was a wondering, curious little
Rosie. who followed her friend down
the long, cool hall to the ward where
the sick Sanity man lay. Tjmidly she
walked to the mans beside. He saw
her. He held out his hand. Rose
grabbed it and held it close and fast
in her own little hands.
"Oh-Pm so glad you're found. Me
and Pietro love you SO much. never
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17

ly, look out, here come mamma and
dad! Let's hide"
"All right, dear, tell me where"
Hastily she drew him behind a cur
tain, and followed.
Where's my girlie?" in a clear,
happy voice.
The mite ran out and struggled in
her mothers arms.
You don't know who else is here"
she said Importantly. There's a
strange man, and-poor dear!-he
hasn't got little girl, and he isn't
happy"
She ran back to the curtain and
dragged out a somewhat dusty, shame
faced individual.
Il came to see you-felt a bit lone
" Hang it all! Jack, want a
taste of home life, and escape from
the eternal accounts. No." as tbs
clear blue eyes of the baby were fixed
on him, that's a lie. came here
to show off my wealth, and to make
you envious; but your little ray Of
sunshine here took the conceit out OF
me- Hang it, man, take me in. for
pi s sake, and let me be human this
Ct, Iistmas tide. The money can go.
n+rpt stay here"
When Churton's man came back, he
Y as told that the master would not
Y home for gone days.
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17

Of jovial voice calling, the horns Of
the reindeer qufvered joyfully, their
little feet paved the ground, then the
whole turnout seemed to leap into
the air, and like flash was gone!
Teddy rubbed his eyes. 1t was fun
ny! He thought he was at the win
dow, but here he was in bed
He sat up and looked around the
room. The fire in the CRATE had gone
out, but the gray light of the morning
was beginning to steal through the
curtains. Teddy slid out of bed and
crept softly to the fireplace.
The stockings were bullying in all
directions, as had been their exhilaras
ing wont in other years. He put out
his hand and touched one Of them
gently. 1t was no dream! The stock
ing was full to OVERLOOKING!
With little signing, Whispering
wfeeze Of joy and relief Teddy clasped
his hands until the knuckles showed
as white as the snow outside. Then
with cry of absolute delight he
dashed into his mothers room
She opened a pair of sleepy eyes at
the sound of the pattering little feet.
Teddy threw himself upon her, laugh.
ing and sobbing.
"Oh, mother, mother, motheru he
cried He come after ALL Santa
Claus did come! Santa Claus did
come! He did, he did. he did! ~. Chi
cago Daily News.
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17
sp.ea -
Ylrntu 1T Hrnnf

9iSsz sSQSs<1 gSSa
3sSASNaI eddy sat upon the top step
Of the stairs that led to the
~ street and rested his chin In
the palm Of his hand, Some OF the fell
lows came along and hullooed to him.
but Teddy didn't answer, He didn't
want to play with the fellows last
now, for he was battling with great
SORROW
Tom had said 1t, so 1t must be true,
for Tom was eight years old and didn't
have to so to bed until o'clock Ted
dy's hour for retiring was half past
Z, and he realized that the extra half
hour made man Of the world out OF
Tom. while 1t left the unfortunate Ted
dy still baby.
Tom had stuck his hands into his
pockets Toms trousers were lovely
and rough, just like his fathers--and
had staggered around telling all the
fellows that there wasn't any Santa
Claus! When questioned further, be
had said that there used to be- but
that this year there wasn't going to be,
and there never would be again.
No Santa claus II Teddy hadn't
been six years old, he might have
cried, but of course one as old as he
never cried.
Teddy wondered If he'd better tell
his mother He decided he wouldn't.
Why should his mother. whom he
loved so dearly, be made to suffer any
longer than was necessary?
Il was hard, though, during the next
two weeks, which seemed like years.
not to tell and when Christmas eve
came and his mother gayly brought
out his biggest pair OF stockings and
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17

When Churton's man came back, he
is told that the master would not
I home for come days.
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17

ruG UIuSttCN uSE Teal :
aside and arose to answer an unex-
pected summons from the knocker.
She looked her surprise at the great
man who stood on her tiny porch.
Il have come in search of one Linz
den Lane the stranger said with a
smile to which tie girl responded.
The name Is unusual" admitted
Lindenette, and my own. is even more
mpossible-being Lindenette Lane.
May ask you In from the cold?" She
opened the door and Marvin Goodwin
entered the pitifully barren room into
which she led him. His eyes followed
the girl rather than the contents OF
the room.
Two small, pale faces peered at him
from the kitchen door, and Goodwin
smiled at them.
DO look like Santa CLAUSE" he
asked them by way Of breaking the
ice.
mo, you DON'T" returned the boy,
bluntly. Besides, Linda says 1t may
be too cold for Santa Claus to come
out this year" There was wall from
the little sister and the boy strove
vainly to conceal his disappointment
at this announcement.
Linda gave them each hug and
told them to run along When they
had gone she turned to Goodwin with
inquiry in her eyes.
MY errand is a pleasant one" he
said quickly, for his own voice was
none too controlled. 1T will add to
your happiness, ! know" He drew
a memorandum from his pocket. and
after consulting it, asked Your IA
rher, Linden Lane? Did he live in
Saltwater Mimi, 20 years ago."
YES" replied LYDIA, with flush Of
excitement lending roses to her
cheeks. Il was born there"
Then, to come directly to the point"
Goodwin told her, 1--WE find two depos-
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17


lently around in the air at arm S length
as he continued muttering.
They send you one Of these paper
doiiies from madhouse dining ROOM,
went on Mr.. Simpson to the listening
walls of the room of which he was the
only occupant with Peace on earth,
goodwill to men on one side, and on
the other an invitation to take six
hour trip out into the sfushy country
for rotten meal with gang of
people who drive me crazy at the
thought of being related to. every
time see EN-"
Here ] am" he said, regretfully
shaking his head over his hard lot in
life, here l am, planning that I'll be
comfortable for at least one Christ
mas, anyway. Family away in Florida
for the winter; me here all alone, to
do just as | like-and now along comes
this-this summons to spend day be.
ing miserablei"
Suddenly Mr.. Simpson sat up
straight in his chair.
~ JCAA AC CJdCuldlCu OdlQCiAly
by jerry-what's to hinder me from
being the martyr in the cause? What's
to prevent me from putting an end to
this dad-dinged practice-huh?
Suppose ] don't go to this Christ.
mas reunion? Suppose l stay home
here and enjoy my day of peace on
earth in the way want to? What
will happen?
why, next year there won't be a
single, solitary soul of my relations
that will get together in an affair of
this kind. I'll have pointed the way
I'll be the example they've been wait
ing to follow away from custom and,
by jerry, I'll BET you the thing will
spread, too! Z
And I'll be responsible for it,"
added Mr. Simpson joyously-"if !
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17
s,1 - ~
GaIrh q GntthprHinu
BY HAZEL OSWALD
BY HAZEL OSWALD

cNa =Ag NJ
91 I WAS Christmas eve, and
~ TA Caleb Churton. the money.
4 1B lender, sat in his great din
ing room, surrounded by all that
makes for luxurious living.
so Jack preferred his artists work
to this" he unused, chuckling con-
temptuously while he half spoke the
words.
Ten years before. his elder brother
had told their father that he was not
cut out for Shylock, that he pre-.
ferred to get living by pleasanter
means than his fellow beings flesh
and blood, and had gone out into the
world cursed by the father and
laughed at by his brother.
1t was three years later-and IL
months after he had announced his
marriage to a fellow artists daughter
that old Churton died, leaving all
the business to Caleb, and not men,
tioning Jack Churton by so much as
a single word in his will
To do him justice, Caleb had re.
belled against this as much as he
could, but he had found out that his
brother was able to keep his head
above water, and, after offering him
a share-only to be Indignantly re-
sed-Caleb applied himself to the
task of doubling his fathers wealth.
All these things went through his
brain AS he sat by his fire. OF sud.
den a thought struck him.
I win go and parade my wealth
before them--will make the wife bit.
terly envious and Jack sorry that he
ever refused met"
With this amiable intention he rose.
ordered his automobile to be brought
Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17
~ 3 -. .SSssSsM
Stnts1Hntt'H GlIriafataH
By KENNETH RAND

2 96LSl" said Mr.. Simpson.
! eidiots!" he added. Even
. If they are my own rela-
tives." he supplemented
with a logged shake Of his
partially bald head.
The souvenir postal card
which called forth bis op-
probrious language had just
arrived.
Look at this, will your
J He turned the card over
in his fingers.
"'Peace on earth, good
will to men!'" Mr.. Simp-
/ son read the inscription.
Then be turned 1t over.
I'VE want you with us
day after tomorrow for a
good. old-fashioned family
reunion around the festal
Christmas boardi'" he read
in three lines of handwrit-
ing on the other side of the
card.
There you are." he ex-
claimed wrathfully. There
you are, doggone itip