davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The sun., 1916-11-12

Pcarsall. who had held the winning
hand. amt gently expected TO- to
'njoy Il a hellova lot. Question Ia,
what's gwinc to he did?"
Amt noth.n' gently did II Il hap
pens onc't or twic't." replied the
strangers pa. but mebbe they'll be
somepin' mex time"
II seemed unlikely that old man
Grc"nlaw. sitting In the next room,
would ovcrhcar those remarks. spoken
az they were in n conversational tone
so II was perhaps a mere coincidence
thar he arose when they were uttered.
and taking his bungstarter In his good
right hand stepped e tho door and
opened it. simultaneously the dove of
peace left the place.
The game went on. Blaisdell wa,
dealing. His lips were tightly COM
pressed. His movements were DELHI
crate and exact.
The betting began. On the first
round the dealer passed out. Pcarsall
and Winterbottom raised each other
several times. and the stranger and
his pa trailed along doggedly until
even Winterbottom seemed to be sat
isfied with the size OF the pot and he.
too, trailed.
Then came the draw. Each of tho
four players took one card, and none
seemed disappointed when he looked
nj II.
Pearsall bet his pile. Each OF the
Others put up all the chips and money
he had. The cards were shown. Each
had n straight flush. The stranger
and his pa each had king high. VIM
terbottom and Pearsall each held a
royal.
No question was possible as TO the
disposition OF the pot. but the
strangers pa seemed d~ispleased. 1t
has been said already that he was
spry. but he was not the only ono who
was.
AS he pulled his gun, starting up
from his seat, he exclaimed, THAT
thar amt human
Then old man Greenlaw swatted him
with the bu%ngstarter. not With excess
s.ve violence. but so firmly that he fell
down.
Not much remains to tell. More or
less hustle accompanied the departure
OF the stranger and his pa from the
saloon, but il was not sufficient To
arouse Mr.. Rassctt, lie slumbercd on
for n considerable time, but showed
dissatisfaction when he afterward
learned what had happened.
"Yo'd ought TO- to woke me-" he
said. .
The sun., 1916-11-12
They Were a Fitting Climax to the Attempt of the Stranger
and His Pa to Trife With Arkansas City

that they played together against
suckers on tho boats regularly and
successfully. Moreover, II appeared,
still on tho evidence OF Mr.. Peppers
statement, that tho two were father
and son though Mr.. Pepper was care
ful 10 say hat he had no personal
knowledge as TO that.
Assuming, however, that the strang-
er's side partner was also his father.
old man Grecn!aw felt justified in en-
tcrtaining the suspicion that was
surely cngcndcrcd by n certain state
ment tho stranger had made to the
effect that his sire had been on his
deathbed at some unspcciled time In
the past.
Having revolved these things rap
Idly in his mind the old man said:
"Yo' all pears to be In the habit o.
prcssin' the limit c'nsid'able hard.
Mebbe il ONE nachul TO- yo' to raise
hell Ike yo' been doin' ever since yo'
come to Arkansas City. but we uns
can't he expected TO- to put up with It
to no onreas'nble 'xtent. This ycr's n
Law ab,din' c'munity. an strangers
amt never lowed To- to go too fur.
instead o. which yo' all ~interferes
with n officer o. the law when he's
tryin' to divert his mind. manhandlin'
a niger. him bein' mo r less c'nfused
with troubles OF his own, an seeltin'
distraction.
"Yo' pulls a u on him, an gifts
licked an rested. Joe Bassett sein'
hi, I,tu ,ps .1nIns aP - lilo no oI'ayo
The sun., 1916-11-12

That's lone been greed to already"
said the stranger with an air OF relief.
1t seemed plain that he was content
with momsntarily avoiding n threat
cricd difficulty. regardless OF what
might impeni in tho future. and he
called for n round OF drinks as Joy
ously as II he had nothing on his
mind.
II was clear enough to all present
that friction might ensle after the ar
rival OF the strangers pa, but the pre-
dominant spirit that animated them
al tho moment was on the Carpo diem
order. and JOY was unretined from that
time till the strangers pa appeared.
The strain on MIR. Bassett had re-
suited in IA sort OF collapse, before that.
For some days he had been striving
con~scientiously TO cast or a burden
Of gloom that oppressed him by reason
Of the stagnated conditions Of life in
Arkansas city which always obtained
in the absence Of strangers. As n
climax OF this effort Just before this
particular stranger came he had shot
at the pipe Mr.. Winterbottom was
smoking. missed his aim and grazed
old man Greenlaw's ear, thereby in
curing the contempt and anger OF his
friends, and had gone out with the
purpose of killing some colored person
by way Of distraction. How all this
led up to his bringing the stranger
into the saloon has been told In an
other story.
With the aid Of a few drinks he had
rallied from the exhaustion thus
brought about and had participated
In h festivities until even his great
powers of endurance were overtaXed.
and he was sitting On n chair. comatose.
when the strangers pa came in. The
closest observer would have been un-
able to see any sign OF regret on the
part OF either tho stranger or his pa
when they saw this. II might have
been thought. indeed. that they were
rather pleased than otherwise by It.
Mr., Bassett's ability as a fighting man
was known throughout the Mississippi
Valley.
However that may have been. II was
certain that the stranger expressed
no dissatisfaction when the game was
made up five handed, His pa was a
wizened little chap. though very spry
In his movements. and had little to say.
lie set 'em up on entering. as ETH
The sun., 1916-11-12

quctte required. and Joined the pro-
cession To the back room ms IL un-
afraid. and shortly the game was on.
After having sold chips 10 the play
ers old man Greonlaw returned TO the
harroom and took hia usua! seat. near
where his hungstartcr stood. Mr.. Pep
per sat on the other side Of the o
ana they smoked along together. lis
tcninG to Bassctt while he slept.
The game in tho back room was In
tercsting from the start. II may have
been that mental reservations had
been made by one and another when
II had been agreed that there should
I've no attempt At chicancry in playing,
hut no verbal objections had been
made. Even the strangers pa declared
himself fully satisfied with the agree
mcnt.
II piers playin' t~hataway when It's
understood" was the way he expressed
1t, though he looked n little nervous
when it. was explained TO him that old
man Grccnlaw had proposed to take a
hand in case of any tnfraction OF tho
new rule.
1t being thus thoroughly understood
that stacking the cards was not al
lowed, there was some cause for sur
prise in the number of notable hands
that were held from time to time.
Thrice in the first half hour n straight
flush appeared in the showdown. and
each time the contesting hand consist
ea OF four Of "A kind.
Not un|naturally the betting was
high. but perhaps 1t might have been
even higher If some lingering doubt
had not appeared as to the reliance
that was 20 be placed in the value OF
the cards when either the stranger or
Mr.. Blaisdell dealt them. No obiec-
ton was made to the deal by any one.
They were both careful to afford no
prctext for objection to their work,
but there a certainly a fishy look
in the gaze of the strangers pa which
seemed to betoken suspicion, and on
the appearance of the third straight
flush he spoke rather d,Hdcntly. it Is
true, but withal as one who wished to
he clearly understood,
81 don't p'tcnd to say what they's
anythin' irreg'lar been did" he re-
marked, but ! amt never been in the
habit o. havin' TO- Of a kyind beat, an
! don't like It,"
Them that loses out" said Sam
The sun., 1916-11-12

Abraham's bu2zum. An ever then the
boys was 'ndulgent.
"They seen what yo' was dom an
mought a shot yo' daid 'thouten they
helm nothin' thought OF II, but onc"
again yo' wAd Mas yo' best friend.
They done postponed 'Ntrcm" measures
till alter tho game. not sayin' nothin'.
Then when Jim Blaisdcll makes a
trifin' mistake or his deal, givin' out
a cyard rom the bottom o the deck.
abscntrnindcd like, yo' all pulls a gun
In plain sight o. the house rule ag'in
shootin' on tho premises, what's wrote
up on the wall to p'vcnt party dlddin's.
But that amt ALL" he continued
stcrnly, as the stranger started to re-
ply TO tho indictment. Nigh bout the
wust thing yo' lone was to lie bout
yo' pa. Yo' done said no was dyin'
when yo' promised him yo' wouldn't
never set In at n game with strangers
no mo-. An he's the man what yo'
all now p'poses TO TO fetch in TO- to
play with yO' in a gemman's game"
Il reckon"d he vas dyin'. all right"
said the stranger sullcnly. They was
a yap shot him into a game. an he
laid senseless while | was talkin' to
him. but he come to later on. Pears
the bullet glanced often his haid."
pity It hadn't n went through said
tho old man with total lack of sym
pathy, but that amt got nothin' to
do with yo' proposition o. fetchin' him
into the game, Pears like that'l d'pend
c'nsid'ablc on how much Of a wad he
totes"
Him an me Cashed In over s., 900
In the last game We played" said the
stranger, Fan we done split even alter
the game. like We al'ays does"
We'll" said the cd man. his eyes
cleaning while he tried to assume a
doubtful air, "unler them circum-
stants mebhe itll be with while TO- to
stretch a pint, ! don't never low no.
body to play poker in my house
thouten I'm satisfied what he's a man
o. good character, not as n Genl rule |
don't. hut II he's got 1000 I'm willin'
to give him the benefit of a doubt.
"They's one thing III call to yo'
tention. though" he continued. 81
alays keeps n hungstarter handy. case
of any s~kullduggery hcin' did, an they
can't he nom interjuccd in this yer
game II | gives my c'nsent to it's beln'
played"
The sun., 1916-11-12

playfolk who hoped To catch a con-
tract with such scented bait. One
violet Offering for Venus was the
SIZE OF n barn door. The donor
evidently expected Venus 20 curl up
on IT and take n nap between acts.
What has become of the man who
used Ia sit in the stage box and toss
a red rose across the footlights 10 the
lady OF his hearts desire?
Passing within the inner portals In
exact imitation Of the ham part Of
4 ham sandwich. there was nothing to
do but Gropc hlindly forward and trust
To luck to land right side up. a
purple and American Beauty haze
hung heavy about. Cnconsc!ously one
hogan tn speak in whispers and favor
the forward part of the foot in
walking.
The sun., 1916-11-12

edged with miles OF silver fringe de-
pending from the frames ~ the pic
lures. But then Ncnuscs are not sup
posed To wear r!pples in theI skirts.
Remember the single oil painting
OF Maudc Adams rs Peter Pan that
used TO held thoatreEocrs AT atten-
ton in "A lobby for hours?
For MI | know there WAS n flower
show opening IN the theatre at the
same time as the picture. Flowers
were banked all over the place. in
every conceivable color and form ex-
cept the Gates Ajar." Most ~ these
tokens were for William Fox. the man
behind the million. and represented
the good will of friends or the entire
worldly fortune of some ambitious
The sun., 1916-11-12

"o WIZ
M had been playing poker in
the back room OF old man
Grecp,aw,. r,,oo, in Ar,.,so. c,.,,
80 '"' ""u """ou'eeo '"a'
'ncy had agreed TO postpone the con-
'lusion OF the game until a sixth
player should arrive he being expected
on the next boat the old man was
not n slightest u in finding
words 10 express his sentiments in re-
gard 10 any matter that came up for
CONSIDERATION. but this n was com-
pick.
AS 10 lour out or the hve there was
nothing in his mind that perplexed
MN. but the hfth was a stranger in
town n there had been things.
Exception a been taken by Mr..
Joe Bassett as Sheriff to the behavior
OF the stranger on the public highway,
and though old man Greenlaw. as JUS
tice OF the peace, had suspended sem
tcnce IN the case, pending the issue
or the game that was now also sus-
pended he was far from being salts
hed as 10 MS W Judgment or the
SITUATION
FIRST OH as ne would nave expressed
H. the stranger undoubtedly toted a
DIG "ad' n was therefore entitled TO
consluera.'oh. ot,hat ne mad had ocuiar
The sun., 1916-11-12

'Of course she has. I've heard he
10 young and terribly good looking"
well. he has nothing on Mary"
The last remark was a total loss TO
the blond doll with the copied curls.
She was too busy craning her swan
like neck TO get a peek at Mary. No
body asked II the man in tho top hat
following close at Ethel Barrymore's
heels was her husband. Poor Russell
Colt Such Is the evanescence OF
fame.
How long ago was II that the en-
trance OF Ethel Barrymore on an
opening night was the signal for a
murmur of admiration little short OF
applause?
do you think that dark man going
down the also Is Earle Williams"
The question came In excited sibi-
lance from the rear
Never in the world. Not handsome
enough
But Il looks Ike h,m-see, when he
turns his head. Oh. my dear, I be-
lieve their seats are right near ours.
How heavenly"
81 hope you are right. He Is 80 ro-
The sun., 1916-11-12

Shadowy ushers doomed out OF the
dusk. relieved the now thoroughly
"shushed" patrons of the precious
p~asteboards and bcCkoned silently to
their seats. found one OF the darkest
of the dark spots and took a stand.
determined TO watch for the passing
of the Who's Who"
There goes Ethel barrymore re-
marked one Of the old school right
out loud AS was the custom in former
times.
"Ch-huh," said tho blond doll with
the copied curls. giving not so much
as "a glance in the direction Indicated.
They say Mary Pickford Is here, I
wonder If her husband is with her"
Aren't You Just dying to see what he
looks like"
Didn't know she had a husband"
The sun., 1916-11-12

Once within the outer portals I was
carried forward through what at
frs, appeared to he a gallery in the
Metropolitan Museum. but what after
ward proved to he a double line of
paintings OF Annette. the diving
Venus. Evidently the tip about the
top tray OF a merma.d's trunk was
true. The subject was clad mostly in
acres OF old blue velvet draperies
The sun., 1916-11-12

~bailyhooers came booming out over the
heads Of the harassed people. They
we're warning them that absolutely no
more room, sitting or standing. was to
be had. and inviting those not already
equipped with passports to come back
a week from some snowy Sunday.
Recall the subdued elegance Of the
Empire lobby on the evening OF a John
Drew opening?
The sun., 1916-11-12
BY DAVID A. CURTIS.

w HEN the five gentlemen who
w had been playing poker in
the back room OF old man
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Boudoir sets S1 to
 S4.Ml
New gift idea

Each set consists of a boudoir cap and pair of slippers to mach.
 These boudoir sets are frilly, dainty. gifty and new. There are ali colors and 8 number of pretty combinations, Every set is practical as well as beautiful.
 Boudolr garters to matca boudOir caps and slippers, with deep lace ruffles---sOmethinE new--50c to 2.5O.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Cross fox furs
 S127.50

This beautiful set is one of many fine ones in the Fur Store. It IS one that any woman would own and wear with pride. The scarf is animal shaped and is fur lined. The barrel shaped huff is trimmed with head and brush. A more beautiful set was never displayed in our store. Cross fox you know IS a cross between the sill yer fox and the red fox, and it is a rich combina- tion as displayed in this fine set.
 Children's fur sets and muffs moderately priced, offer a complete selec- ton.
 (2nd Floor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Gift Certificates for Everybody

Especially for busy employers
 to give faithful employees A Gift Certificate will enable the boy to buy just the book or books he likes best. A Gift Certificate will enable a woman to purchase the proper size in gloves, as well as the color most pleasing to her taste. A Gift Certificate is the best thing in the world to give if you don't know what to buy.
 That's what makes the Gift Certificate the most sensible gift. Have them issued for any amount you wish, to any friend or relative, and you may be sure the gift will be appreciated because it will enable them to buy exactly what they want. Gift Certifi. cates may be charged on your account.
 Gift Certificates on sale at the cashiers office, main floor balcony.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Italian silk union
 suits S4.95

These beautifully embroid- cred silk ''undies'' in flesh or white are as sure of appreciation as any gift you could possibly choose for a woman. The luxury of silk underwear and the good service rendered by union suits of Italian silk combined, make these the one perfect gift.
 Other silk Undie suEgestions are glove silk vests at 1.5O, glove silk union suits at 2.95 and glove silk Teddies at 2.50.
 (2d FloOr)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Box Everwear socks
 for men S1.S0

Six pairs of Everwear Socks are guaranteed for six months. You couldn't give a man or boy any thing more pleasing.
 The name Everwear stands for quality, and men know ing will appreciate Ever wear socks as gifts. There is choice of black, white, gray, tan and blue.
 (Main Floer)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Boudoir caps 59c
 to S1

Caps of irresistible dainti- ness, some perfectly plain, some of crepe de chine, others of China silk. They are trimmed with en- broidery, beads, and gold and silver embroidery. Others have dainty lace inserts. In just the peachi- est of colors, each one in a separate box.
 (Main Flocr)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Play suits for boys
 SIPS and up

Play suits are gifts for boys of every age up to 13. And the play suit assort- ments in the boys store here are so greatly varied that choosing the proper one will be easy.
 Indian suits for boys and girls. Scout suits, military suits, fireman's suits policeman's suits, Cow Girls suits, and separate cowboy chaps.
 (Main FIoor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Hurnidors for men
 S2.95 to S15

A humidor is the one thing every smoker wants. It keeps a man $ cigars fresh, and as all good Humidors have locks, it protects them against pilfering. These Humidors are lined with cedar or porcelain. The cases finished in oak, mahogany and Circassian walnut. They are beauti- ful.
 (Main FIoorD
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Fine initialed pillow
 covers gifts

One of the most popular gifts this season are int tial pillow covers.
 Scalloped initial pillow covers at 75c the pair. A better quality hemstitch- ed initial pillow cover at LOO the pair, and day time pillows scalloped and initialed, at 1.25 the pair. At all prices pillow covers come in neat boxes.
 lMain Fioor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
BOudoir cut glass,
 the gift unique

A selection of single pieces at 1.25, or smaller pieces for making combi- nation sets, ranging in price upward to 12.50
 Included are comb and brush s'ays, pin trays, toilet water and cologne bottles, jewel cases, glove cases, puff boxes, hair re- ceivers and bon bon trays.
 (4th FIoorl
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Dozen Madeira
 Napkins S6
Perrin's women's
 gloves S2.5O

Here is a fine gift glove of Perrin make. Of fine French kid in white, with fancy silk stitched back in white and black, A glove of quality, a glove for gift giving.
 The same style glove with a black kid binding is very novel and new for 2.75.
 (Main FIoorD
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Perfumizers Sl to
 SIP

A Perfumizer is an Alto mixer, that is intended for the sole purpose of spray ing perfume. These are new types, in new shapes, in cut glass designs, that are rarely beautiful. The bulbs are covered with crochet silks and last much longer than those of the ordinary atomizer.
 (Main Floor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Poker sets for men
 S4.25 to S25

They are called Poker sets but also used for other popular card games. Are in mahogany, oak, cir cassian walnut, complete, some with 100 chips, others 200, others with 300 chips. Two decks of cards with each set. The better sets have unbreakable chips.
 (Main FIoor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Roman pearl neck chains S1, S1.50, S1.95

Most any woman or glrI would appreciate a string of these beautiful Roman pearls. It is something that is almost sure to please. They are strung in straight and graduated strings, with solid gold clasps.
 This permits of a moder- ate expenditure and as- sures a grateful reception.
 Main FIoor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Ra Carma cOmbina-
 ton S5

The Ra Carma line of per fumes and toilet requi- sites, although made in America, is reputed to be as fine as any of that of Parisian chemists. The combination package is beautifully boxed and con tains perfume, toilet water, face powder and face cream.
 (siain FIoor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Bath robes for men
 S3.39

Your father, husband, son, brother, is going to appre- ciate a bath robe someone gives him more than any other gift he receives. For it is a gift of comfort. Why don't you be the one to give it to him? You couldn't possibly spend q moderate sum to better ad- vantage.
 Silk lounging robes for men in beautiful colorings and patterns are luxurious gifts and are priced in the "Store for Men, at 1000 and up.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Marmalade jars
 S1.95

Here is 6 specially priced and especially attractive gift for the housewife.
 The jar is of pretty etched glass, the top and spoon are of sterling silver. These marmalade jars are attractively shaped, in ex- cellent quality, and will make splendid gifts for every woman on your list.
 (Main Fioor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Nickeled ware

Pretty gifts which con- bine usefulness with their attraetiveness, and are, therefore, sure to please women,
 CasseroIes at 200 to 600 Tea Kettles $50 and up Percolators 400 to 7.50 Chafing Dishes $50 and up Carafes A.JO and 9.J0 And others.
 (4tb F'loor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
ROys' mackinaws S5

There is one Mackinaw in particular in the Boys Store that should prove unusually attractive. It is our famous 800 number. These mackinaws are made of good heavy warm woolen fabrics, snappy belted styles, in attractive warm colors.
 Every healthy fresh-air- loving boy wants a mack inaw.
 (Main FIoor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Umbrellas for every
 body

An umbrella is an article few people buy for them selves. They are expected as gifts by men, women and children.
 The finest gift umbrellas we have ever had are here now. Beautiful new practical covers of Gloria and pure silk, and us pleasing in price as they are to the eye.
 (Mnin F1oor|
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Solid gold cuff but
 tons S3.95 to SIP

How about a pair of fine cuff buttons for him? Our stocks of solid gold cuff buttons at from 3.95 to 1900 offers an unlimi- ted choice. Hand en- graved or plain with solid gold posts. Their good quality is evident at a glance.
 (Main FIoor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Lingerie clasps SIPS
 tO S2.25

Another happy suggestion from the Jewelry store is solid gold lingerie clasps. There are plain and hand engraved styles, in polish ed and Roman gold finish. Something every woman and girl needs.
 (Main FIoor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Manhattan shirts S1.75 and S2.25

In all the years of their popularity M a II h a ttan shirts were never so wide ly purchased for gift giving as they are this year. As one woman said: "It is one gift about which a woman knows and it is always gratefully re- ceived.'
 There is an epidemic of shirt gift buying this sea- son and 1t is very sensible indeed.
 (Main Floor)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
brass smoking stands S1.49

A splendid gift for any "him" who smokes. Are specially priced on the 4th floor tomorrow be- cause we have more of them than we need.
 9th rloor,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-17
Floor lamp and
 shade S1O.95

The last ten of a special group of mahogany floor lamps are reduced from 15.00 to 1895. They arc made with two lamp sock cts and are complete with silk shades. As gifts noth- ing could give more pleas ure.
 (4th Floor)