davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

less malicious gossip.
More than if Mardy had express
ed herself in words did the con-
gresham make a habit of studying
her face, and before many months
had passed there was need for very
little tablet writing in their CONVEX
sation. He could detect in the most
minute variation of expression her
meaning and this constant studying
of her face came TO be as much a
pleasure to him as anything else
that made up his busy days.
Then as spring came on the
became more than or
dinarily pensive. Even at the capt.
tol il was commented on that PragG
had some cause of worry and
Mardy's most inquiring and sympa-
thetic look Of entreaty did not draw
his secret from his lips.
One day when Mardy arrived in
the morning she found the con-
gresham already at his desk
something entirely unprecedent-
and Mardy seemed to know when
she first caught his glance that at
last the time had come for her TO
know his secret care.
Il have something to tell YOU" he
began abruptly, not looking at her
though he usually studied her face
with such keen interest. 4 have Sc
cured the services of one of the
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02
b. Mona Cou)Les

60 home and tell the family I had
lost out. I had promised TO send
home part OF my salary-and-weI
I pretended 1 was deaf and every
one in Washington thinks / am. 7
have never spoken 10 any one.
though / do talk 10 myself in my
room at night SOS not TO forget
how. Then when YOU spoke OF
Spiggenheim 1 thought YOU sus-
pected me and would dispise me for
the deception and would dismiss me
il you thought I really could talk. 50
well, I told Spiggenheim the truth
and promised him a hundred dol
lars-aH my savings-if he would
tell you the case was hopeless"
The congressman sat back in hts
desk chair and let out "a hearty laugh
that showed that his melancholy
had been forever dispelled and for
the first time he heard the con
tageous tones of Mardy's laugh
which she had been supressing for
months.
zone thousand. one hundred doh
lars" he reflected; well il was
worth that ten times Overland a
hundred times over II 7 had IL I
never thought that il would take a
throat specialist TO cure me Of a
life long melancholy-for. Mardy. L
have never been completely happy
in my life until this minute
Copyright 1910
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

greatest of throat specialists-Dr
Spiggenheim-perhaps you have
heard of him. He is coming down
TO Washington as a special conces-
sion. He'll be here this morning. I
want him TO examine your vocal
cords, and see if something cannot
he done for them. He says it is a
marvellous case-that your dumb
ness hasn't affected your hearing or
any of your other senses.
Had the congressman been watch
ing Mardy's face then he might have
seen that she started and then
turned perceptibly paler. She made
no written reply or acknowledge
ment of her gratitude to her would
be benefactor and they were both
uncommunicative for the rest Of the
morning.
At Mardys written request she
saw the great specialist alone and
then the specialist saw the congress
man alone and then the congress-
man, having handed the specialist
his thousand dollar fee, saw Mardy
alone.
The congressman looked pensive
and grave Very tenderly and, try
ing to conceal his own disappoint-
ment, he told Mardy of the special
lists verdict-that strangely enough
Mardy's speechlessness was incur
able. This time the congressman
studied Mardy's face but it showed
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02
BIZ Olive r. Barton

bravely and then quietly tainted.
Now. what the major did 90 get
help takes too long TO tell. But Nan
opened her eyes in the hospital
her crushed foot skilfully cast and
bandaged
Downstairs the major was having
a seance with the Carstairs Il new
er saw any one so brave" he said
That's Nan" declared Flora 10y
ally. THAT girls had enough trou-
Bile for 10 people-but she laughs
at il all It's her way. She didn'e
tell you last night that when the
horse threw her she was nearly
killed she just told the funny side
We all love her for it,"
II do, too. declared the major sud
denly She's the dearest. finest girk
I've ever known. I wish more sob
diers had her philosophy"
Then for goodness sake let's -
up and tell her So said Flora.
But Dick said. 'Toolsie. DOM
you think you had better stay here -
And the major didn't insist
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

nothing save a studied inmObility.
They both tried TO go back to the
work Of the day, but unnecessarily,
and then the congressman broke
the silence I'll have TO tell you
what is worrying me-and torturing
me-" he said. I'll tell you and then
you can decide what we ought TO do.
Mardy, L want to marry you. I had
never thought Of marrying before
and 1 don't want TO make you my
wife unless it is going 20 make you
happier. I am tortured with the
doubt whether your infrmity-
wouldn't be such a handicap in your
life as my wife. with all the social
duties that il would be bound to
bring you, that we would both be
unhappy because of it. I had hoped
Spiggenheim would be able TO hold
out hope. but he tells me there is
none. Mardy, what shall I do?''
There was a short pause and then
in a soft low voice Mardy answered
his question. Forgive me-" Then
she went on talking rapidly and
fiuently and the congressman hung
upon each word as il hearing a
woman talk had always been the
joy of his life Il came 70 Wash
ington, hoping to get a position in
one of the departments. but others
more influential crowded me out
Then 1 saw your advertisement Ny
funds were exhausted and I couldn't
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02
BIZ Isabel Frost

stumbled and came up with a
sprung tree. slim welcomed the de-
lay as a gift from the gods He
stood beside her as she sat on a
great boulder, overlooking the coun-
try for miles. and even with her
teasing. provocative blue eyes mock
ing his earnestness. ne told her
what life might be like If she re-
NAMED in the Yukon country as
the sherins' bride
You'd make a wonderful pal for
somebody, Mr.. Rogers. but how
about being a husband? We're al
most strangers. You men OF the
north do your wooing rapidly"
we have TO, said Slim short
~. "or they get away. It's a fear
tul climate up here. A woman $
got to have a dosgone good reason
or she'd never stay in at all"
He stopped short. There came
the sound OF rapid firing above
them, then the crashing, sliding
grind Of hoofs, as a horse and rider
dashed recklessly down the noun
tain trail Slim whipped his pistol
out and aimed as the boy shot past
them, but Evelyn's hands gripped
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

room into which he stepped was
furnished eXQuisitely with William
and Mary period furniture. and set,
there was decidedly something lack
ins. His Japanese servant greeted
him. salaamed respectfully and be-
gan in his convential Oriental Gus
tom 20 quietly prepare serving din
ner
All that evening Jim sat alone in
his apartment ponderins. He finger
ed his after-dinner ciIaret linger-
insly. then impatientIy tossed il in
10 the open los fire His eye wan
dered toward the glowing Goals. He
imagined he saw all kinds OF beau
tlful situations in their illumina-
ton. and Mildred simpsons lus-
trous blonde head was always there.
smiling up at him. just like she
did when she showed him some
thing interesting or greeted him
mornings
Suddenly Jim jumped 10 his feet.
That was what the trouble had be-
san all along Jim was in love,
In love with little Mildred Simp-
son. and he had tried al along 20
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

his lawful guardianship. There had
been no killings since Christmas,
when Lone Duck, from Nome. had
jubilantly picked off two harmless
salmon trimmers from a tribe down
river
The Golden Eagle had been do
ing languid business. supported
only by local patronage and the
citizens CT Three Arrows were be-
ginning 70 take a civic pride in pre-
serving the peace. Therefore, Sims
occupation was gone. and he had
the more leisure TO observe Evelyn
May.
II was this observation which an
noyed Evelyn. She felt herself
under suspicion and did not hesitate
to show Slim that she was aware Of
his official scrutiny. she had taken
up quarters at the only abiding
place for transients. Mrs. Raner-
tvs lodging house and cafe. Mrs.
Rafferty, had ruled public opinion
in Three Arrows for many moons,
but even she was placed aloof from
Evelyn's confidence. she would
stand in the door of her kitchen
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

after lightsomely turning fried eggs
and bacon for her star boarder's
breakfast. and try her best TO CLEAN
some personal information.
It's a long way for a girl of
your age 20 be travelling alone" she
said one morning.
Il love 10 travel" said Evelyn.
pleasantly rs it very far up Kas-
ka?" She looked from the wind-T
at her right hands at the great peak
that seemed to touch the morning
clouds.
There's nothing 70 see when you
get up there" said Mrs Rafferty,.
You want 10 90 up or down the
river if you're looking for sights.
There amt nothing up there but
Indians. II gets pretty bare past
timberline. You wouldn't hnd pick
ings for woodcnuCk"
Evelyn glanced at her with her
first show interest.
DO you know woodchucks?" she
asked eagerly. It's the first time
I've heard the word since I came
west, and 1 guess there aren't any
out here"
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

Were both OF us from Connect
cut responded Mrs. Rafferty,.
Come from down east. do you?"
Evelyn retreated into her shell at
once. and only nodded. From the
corner of her eve she could see
Sims tall figure shadowing She
doorway.
Better put me up lunch. Mol
lie" he said 10 Mrs. Rafferty,, try
ins 10 ignore the presence at the
able by the window. We're going
up Kaska again today. Benson blew
in last night, and they think they've
struck a new scent"
Mrs. Rafferty, hustled around,
carving deep slices of boiled ham as
she talked.
Wen, 1 hope TO the lord, Slim
Rogers, that you never come with
in a mile of shooting at him. If
ever a man deserved what he got,
it was Lone Duck. He got so he
thought he owned the whole river
front II wasn't just those two
fellows from the salmon fishery.
He'd about eight more TO his credit,
Tom says, and then some. Did you
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02
DESTMY,S WAY

The major sat back in a corner
watching Nan. And the rest of the
crowd watched the major, furtively,
It's true, and unsupported, but with
al. anxiously.
Inside the club an orchestra was
playing. and through the windows
one could see perpetual youth fox
trotting insatiably. II was Satur-
day night and the regular country
club hop.
IL had all started one day when
Flora Carstairs had declared to her
husband "Dick. it's a shame Nan
isn't married, She's the smartest.
prettiest, wittiest girl in the whole
set VIII YOU tell me why it is q?
Why didn't you marry herr"
Because you tagged me first,
dear"
That's exactly what Bob told
Mabel when she asked him. But il
is a mystery to all Of us girls-how
many OF US could have been chosen
with Nan IN the same state"
Mans a peach, all right" said
Dick. But no one ever thinks of
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

her and matrimony. She's not that
kind-she's never serious. What's
the use of worrying, anyway? Mans
happy"
4 know she is, but some time
she'll be old and lonely and she
ought 10 get married, and I for one
am going 20 try my best to get some
body worthy of her"
The result was the major. He was
somebody's cousin home on a fur
Tough after an illness and was in
stantly requisitioned by the crowd.
He was not so old nor so digni-
fed as his title would indicate. And
he was splendid looking, most ex-
cellent hammered and quite agree
able. But with il all he wore a GER
tain gravity. an underlying serious
ness that came probably from con-
slant association with death.
Poor fellow. ne needs some one
like Nan 10 cheer him up" said
Dick. Mans the best medicine 1
know for the blues. That was a
good move OF yours. Flo. to bring
him here They were made for each
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

said. Whereupon ii naturally befeu
that Mrs. Rafferty, introduced slim.
Never in the sherin's rs years of
life had he encountered such a
subtle spell as that which lay in
the girls personality. Didn't he
think the view from Kaska was
wonderful? He sure did And when
she begged for the privilege of rid
ing up with him and the rest of
the posse slim was not the man TO
say her nay. They were going eight
miles around the mountain. He
told her she could ride until he ask
ed her 10 turn back. and she agreed
TO obey orders. There is a witcnery
about Alaska scenery in June. and
suddenly, without warning. the
whole land shrows aside its frozen
cloak and blooms in splendOr
Slim had only known her for four
weeks, but before they had reached
the timberline he had forgotten the
vital Importance of catching the kid
and was absolutely at the mercy OF
Evelyn May. 1t didn't worry him
much. Benson had gone ahead
with the other men. He could af-
ford 20 loiter. When her pony
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

dering just what il was she under
stood. or whether it was because his
car needed new tires and was unable
TO take the sharp turn around Hill
without skidding. no one viii ever
know-probably both were account
able. At any rate, the car slid over
a bank, crashed through "A thicket
and turned over.
II was quickly and quietly done.
and the major jumped up instantly
10 see if Nan was hurt. He was
relieved to see her smile and then
laugh aloud. 1T seems that its my
destiny to upset army officers" she
declared.
1T was my fault" he deprecated.
Z was silly ass 70 go around
turn like that so fast Are you quite
sure you aren't hurt? Can you get
upo"
But Nan grew tense when he
touched her. Tim afraid I can't
move TIL the car, YOU see, is on
my foot Isn't it perfectly ridicu-
Ious2" She smiled up at him again
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02
THE UNFINISHED LETTER

but that was Mildred's secret and
10 would never do 20 let him know
IL. Every one in and out Of the
firm knew Nh Dawson as a stOlid
old bachelor who never even as
much as glanced twice at a female.
TO say nothing of showing any at
tentions 10 an attractive little fem
mime creature like Mildred SImp-
son
Mildred hesitated a moment while
these thoughts ran through her
mind. then as she heard some Of
the girls in the outer Office closing
their desks for the day. she hasten
ed TO finish her own work before
going home. Ii was a habit Mildred
had formed never 20 leave any
work unfinished. and for this she
sensed untuitively Mr.. Dawson was
proud OF her
That evening Jim Dawson went
home 20 his suite of rooms occupied
by himself exclusively on the drive.
As he slipped his key into the door.
as was his custom for the last three
years, a peculiar wave Of drab sor-
didness greeted him. His living
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

hear what the hght was about? 1
mean the one with the kid
slim helped himself 10 a large
cup OF black coffee, knowing full
well that he had an audience.
They fought over an Indian girl.
Lone Duck came into camp drunk
and started 10 beat her up. Billie
had been prospecting around there
for several weeks, and 1 rather
think the Duck was afraid he had
heard too much from Neonta. Any
way. he tried TO silence him for
ever. and the kid got in first shot.
Laws law, Mollie, you know. Nice
citizens you women folks would
make. wouldn't you, if you let every
urly-haired, blue-eyed youngster
get away with murder, There's nine
Of us going after him today and
Benson says he can lay his finger
right on him"
No one will ever know just what
took place in Evelyn's mind at that
moment. She rose from her table
and went over TO Mrs. Rafferty's
side.
Cant 1 help you cut these sand
witches? I'd love to help" she
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

self. Il wonder if life ever looks
serious TO you, Miss Everand?'
L don't quite know what you
mean" she replied.
Little things amuse you So"
You mean I'm silly. is that it?'
"No-you misunderstood. That
isn't it. I'm just wondering if the
habit Of eternal cheerfulness doesn't
blind one sometimes to greater
things. I'VE got into the habit my
self of philosophizing and I've been
wondering about you, you interest
re very much"
Thank you. War evidently is 60
ing to benefit the world in one way
at least. It's teaching its soldiers
TO be truthfully frank"
"Oh, Miss Everand, please don't
be hard on me. 1 must seem rude,
but really | don't mean TO be. It's
because you interest me so very
much To me the fun seems all
knocked out Of life. I can't un-
derstand it any more, that's all"
Were told to look on the bright
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

evade confessing il even 10 him-
self. What in the world had hap
pened 10 him, Jim Dawson, TO fall
in love? Wouldn't the boys in his
home town slap him chucklingly on
the back when he had 10 confess
that he. Of all men. was in love!
TX seemed prepCsterOus, and yet il
was true. Jim realized il fully to-
night for the first time. His little
apartment where only two years be-
fore he had enjoyed himself so
much in his solitude and where a
card game with some mutual bus
mess acquaintance, seemed the full
hllment OF his pleasures was all
like a burned-out fire 20 him now.
And il took something newer and
brighter now 10 kindle the flame
The spark was Mildred simpson
life was a cold monotOny without
her
But how" Jim argued 10 himself
after he was recOnCiled 10 the truth
of the situation. how am 1 going
10 tell her / love her. and ask her
10 marry me? I never made love
to a girl in my life. It seems i'm
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

denly. then just as abruptly. asked
her 70 take a letter - his mother
Dear Mother" il ran:
81 want TO tell you a great big
secret just like 7 used 70 tell you,
my troubles when a yOunsster. I've
gone and fallen in love.
shes the most charming little
feminine creature YOU could posi-
bly, imagine with oceans OF fluffy
blond hair But don't be skeptical,
Mother dear. when / describe her
as such she is also a level-headed
little business woman. and I have
got to the stage where simply
cannot do without her she is ms
life last night my little apart
ment seemed dull and lonely with
out her sparkling personality 70
grace H.
Il couldn't endure il any longer.
so this morning when I reached the
office / proposed-risht while she
was taking my dictation. she look
ed a little frightened at drst, bu-
she answered me. saying
He broke off there and looked UP
az Mildred. Her hand was shaking
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

his and she buried her teeth in toe
wrist thai held the revolver IL
was over in an instant The Kid
was out Of sight already. bound for
safety. and slim stood over q sob
bling girl. looking az the blood trick
ling from his wrist somehow his
arm found its way around her
shoulder. while she told him OF her
mission 20 Three Arrows
The Kid was just her brother. Is
years old. and the baby Of the fam
lily back east They had not heard
from him in months, and she had
come out alone 70 learn the rea-
son
I'm sorry. sim she said. that
+ hurt you I didn't mean to. I sup
pose it's wrong 20 want him 20 gsf
away when he broke the law
Slim smiled peacefully; the head
of Evelyn May leaned willingly
against his shoulder.
'I guess he'd better pct up
plea Of self-defense and come back
home" he said, so as 20 be in time
for the wedding"
Copyright. 1919
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02
SOMEBODY'S PAL

II was not that Three Arrows
vas naturally suspicious. but nature
had placed il so seclusively. all by
itself on the shoulders OF Kaska
mountain. that IL regarded strang-
ers in the light Of interlopers.
Therefore. II kept one eye on Evelyn
May from the moment she stepped
from the river steamboat
Another thing that did not add
10 her immediate popularity was
her reticence. She absolutely re-
fused from the beginning TO take
Three Arrows into her confidence.
Whether she had come north drawn
by the lure OF gold. or merely from
the love Of adventure. no one could
tell.
Slim Rogers sized her up at long
distance from his point OF vantage
on the lean-tO porch OF Raherty's
shack IN Three Arrows he was ac-
counted not only local sheriff but
also the hnal court of appeals on
the standing OF strangers. Slim
had been rather idle Of late. A pail
Of monotonous morality had fallen
over the land Immediately under
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

possible for me to make little Mil
dred realize how I feel about her.
I'm not an emotionalist' then he
threw himself down on the heavy
upholstered couch and began TO
think up some plan. II had been in
just such moments as these that ne
schemed the big things Of business
that made him now one Of the most
successful and much respected men
in the manufacturing world.
His mind wandered TO home. His
home i'm the south, where he had
been reared under the personal
guidance Of his dear Old aristo-
cratic mother. He recalled how he
used 20 tell her his troubles when
a yOungster. and then, as he grew
older. how often her own good
judgment helped him out Of diff
culties. That's it," Jim shouted
audibly a few moments later IN
ask mother about IL? Mother viii
know. she will understand - dear
old mother, who knows everythins-''
He had made his plan. The neU
morning he walked jauntily 20 the
office, ready, first thing 10 put into
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

other"
But every one soon noticed that
the major never Joined in the laugh
that followed Mans sallies, and aft
er some of her snappiest repartee he
looked on with a sort of grave won
der that so much lightness still
existed in the world. Just now she
was telling OF a visit to a camp on
the border when a gunshot made
her horse shy and she landed on
top of an adjutant. Really" she
declared, they had to pump his
arms and use a pulmotor to make
him breathe"
The crowd had hoped this military
yarn might elicit some response. but
the major gave no sign Of apprecia-
ton.
Flora sighed with disappointment.
He thinks she's foolish, I've no
doubt. Oh. if he could only know
her he'd change his mind. I do
wish sometimes Nan wouldn't be so
irrepressibly happy"
But Flora didn't give UP. She had
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-02

action.
But his heart welled within MIN
and his brain whirled a bit, drawing
all his spirit Of doubt TO the sur
face. suppose. after he had con-
fessed his love for this girl to his
mother. suppose then she wouldn't
accept him, What a fine mess he'd
he in. having 10 explain and creep
out OF il. And what if his mother
told some OF his men friends down
home about the affair before IL had
really been decided? wouldn't
they have a gay time jibing an old
bachelor for being bachelor not
Of his own accord?
He swung around and gazed at
Mildred for a few seconds then as
she looked up with her customary
good morning smile and found him
staring, he proceeded 10 summon
her for dictation 20 relieve the ten
sion OF his own emotion.
Just a few letters this morning,
he said a little sravely as though
regretting the fact. In the midst OF
his dictation bright thought flash
ed into his mind. He stopped sud-