davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16
Bu OHue Roberts Barton

The mother came just then and
rescued the baby and carried II OF
The stranger moved 20 the seat be-
side Mildred.
DO tell me what's wrong. ne
pleaded.
The color was slowly returning -
her face and a ghost OF smile
was playing around Mildred's
m6uth.
"Why-why-yo see. I'm the
girl, and I'm running away from
YOU. TOTO an aunt Of mine.
You're Richard Harvey, aren Z
you ."
He was staring incredul0usly
now. Then II you're Mildred Will
son. all I have 20 say is that / was
an awful fool 20 shy so. I wonder
IL youll ever forgive me-
Il was just thinking something
like that myself" said Mildred.
Col0ring.
And after all il would be- a
shame 10 disappoint your father"
Mildred wouldn't say whether
she thought so or not. but some
how or other her companion did no.
appear 10 BE discouraged AT auy
rate. no one paid any attention 20
the cornhelds after that
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

ner last night 10 meet her-cOuldn'
get out Of it--but do YOU know, the
girl evidently didn't like the idea
any better than I did for she didn
show up. Ny. but the old folks We're
Peevish about IT,
And then 7 was 10 leave today
for the observation-disclosures. YOU
know. Had tickets and everything
But when I got 10 the station this
morning. there were papa, mamma
and the girl. l saw them in the dis
lance before they saw me. I'm
afraid Of papa When he takes a
notion. it's all Off He never falls 20
get what he wants. I wasn't going
10 have that poor child thrown at
me. So I bolted, Took the first
train in the opposite direction, and
here I am. / don't know where IN
going. but I am on my way he add
I'd fippantly. and then more sober
~. Il have some business interests
in indianapolis. though, and may as
well go there"
Mildred looked suddenly very pale
and i'll The man almost dropped
the baby in his CONSERVATION.
What have / done What have
said >"
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

said more than once to herself how
could a man like Herbert Ross be a
barber? Yet she knew the little
shop he kept just around the cor
ner.
How often had she said she would
never marry a man who could not
give her more creature comforts
than her SIS each week allowed.
Mary had always been a popular
girl. Her auburn hair, her exquisite
complexion. her soft brown eyes,
made more than one young man look
twice at her on the street. But she
never seemed To care for the atten-
tons of any particular one she knew.
For the first time in her life. she
was losing sleep because Of a man
who had never even spoken TO her.
Mary did not know just when she
fell asleep. But she did know Edna
was saying TO her the next morning,
What on earth was the matter with
yOu last night, Maize? You kept
calling out all night long i'm your
sleep. Get up, it's almost breakfast
time"
Mary sat up in bed and yawned
What the dickens did talk
about?" asked Mary lazily
why YOU kept saying something
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

Not so tired as you are" smiled
Mildred. You can go back and
rest a little and I'll see if Curlilocks
and I can't have a good time"
Curlilocks looked up into Mil
dred's face appraisingly for an in
slant with big solemn eyes. PITY
lady" she decided suddenly with
whole hearted approval and started
10 climb up into the seat.
There was nothing outside 10 dis
tract bahy's attention. just the ever
lasting corn. So Mildred took turns
With her wrist watch, the ivory mir
ror out Of her bag and the screw
top OF her talcum box. Baby liked
this best-but after baby and her
new nurse were powdered pretty
well all over. Mildred decided 10
put IL away: CurHlocks thought diff
ferently The watch and the mirror
had lost their charm. Baby wanted
the talcum box.
Mono. dear" said Mildred.
Lets see what else there is in the
pretty bag" But baby screamed
and kicked and refused a substitute.
Mildred looked appealingly toward
the mother She had fallen asleep,
Maybe these would do" said a
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

man across the aisle, holding out a
bunch of keys that jingled beauti-
fully.
Mildred took them gratefully. She
hadn't noticed the man before. He'd
probably been in the smoker all
day and came in N lille she was fuss
ing with Curliiocks. She'd seen his
bag on the seat-that was all.
Baby liked the keys. The powder
was forgotten. Blessed man,
Cutting teeth. l suppose" syma-
thized the man.
Yes" said Mildred.
Awful weather for babies" said
the man. tanning himself with his
hat. which meant that he. too. was
suffering.
Worse weather FOR mothers. %
said Mildred.
You bet il is"
Then baby discovered something
she liked in the mans voice. Daddy,
daddy" she cried. stretching out
her little arms to him.
Hush. dear. that's not daddy"
Let me have her a little while,
won't YOU? The man came over TO
the seat facing Mildred and held
out his arms.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

Mrs. Walsh had had a cottage
each summer for the past eight
years. This. however, was the first
year she had taken a few summer
boarders.
When Mary and Edna returned to
Mrs. Walsh's after their bath it was
just about supper time. AS the
girls entered the little dining room,
they noticed that Mr.. Walsh had ac-
Quired a new bOarder.
Seated beside Mary was a very
handsome young man. His immacu-
late linen. his cool Palm Beach suit.
his spotless buckskin shoes were IN
sharp contrast To the rather negligee
attire of the others.
Mrs. Walsh introduced the young
man To the diners, saying simply.
Folks Mr. Ross, the barber. has
come TO stay with us a while I
know we'll all enjoy Mr. Ross :
stay"
Herbert Ross rose slightly, bowed
smiingly and without saying a word
continued slipping his soup.
Mary could scarcely keep her eyes
off him. Once or twice she caught
his eve wandering toward her plate.
She was in bed that night when
e'Ie began 10 thing things over. She
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

about too bad he is a barber" Edna
answered teasingly.
Il have a little plan" said Edna.
Your hair is really very sticky from
the drenching it got in the water
yesterday. Suppose we ask Mr.. Ross
IL he would undertake 10 shampoo a
lady's hair some day he is not very
busy2''
Mary jumped out of bed. Why,
how could she ever bring herself TO
ask Herbert Ross a question.
"Oh. no." she said slowly, 4 think
we'd better not"
As the girls entered the dining
room for breakfast. they Immediately
recognized Mr.. Ross. He arose very
courteously and drew out Mary 5
chair with a cheerful good morn
ing 10 both girls. There was a word
or two exchanged about the weather
and then everyone seemed 10 eat in
tensely.
Essie. the negro waitress. was
handing coffee TO Mr.. Ross when she
said almost in a whisper. Mr.. Ross
Mrs Fredericks and dat udder ole
lady what sits wit her wants "a
know If YOU would shampoo her
poodle if she done bring him 10 yo
shop"
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

finished. I'll let you know by this
evening just when and Oh what
train We can start. and-thanks 80
much for deciding TO come" ne had
added awkWardly.
What wonderful two weeks OF
ant.cip patton that had been for May,
She had tCid her boarding house
keeper that very evening. Then she
had taken stock OF her clothes and
little personal belongings A few
days OF darning and menGing. a DAY
of packing and shipping. and MAY
was ready 60 begin her life as free
as bird, ss Mr.. Howell had often
put IL, in the great open west
And here she was, only in stories
had May pictured such skies. only IT
paintings had she ever seen so mary
hills and such beautiful sunsets. Her
recreations. too had been typical al
the country. Horseback riding, nix
iny. May smiled 10 herself as she
remembered how she used TO envy
the movie girls who did stunts like
these. and then how she would fall
TO wondering whenever she saw a
movie Of the west whether tic
scenery was real or only stage"
Bot that wasn't all tie wide west
ern com thy with its free spirit had
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

with pretty. pretty cows" out OF
the window. and See. darling. the
big red house. And. oh. look at
the piggies Baby say piggy This
little pig went 10 market" etc.
But now there were cornhelds
only-what could mother do? And
the big back teeth that were COM
ing through had started 10 STING
the little gums Mildred suspected
this Besides. baby wanted her
nap. but could not sleep on the noisy
train in spite OF the pillows the
porter brought. So she insisted
again on scrambling down of her
mothers knee and running. down
the aisle
The weary mother started in pur-
suit again and Mildred caught the
look OF deadly WEAKNESS in her
eyes.
Let me have the baby for a lit
tie while. won't YOU" asked Mil
dred reaching out a OBTAINING hand
for the little figure as il toddled
past
The mother looked for relief.
why if YOU don't mind she ac-
cepted gratefully Were both so
tired-5ut I'm afraid YOU are. too,r
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

TO tell somebody and I really need
sympathy. too DO you mind being
burdened with other peoples trou-
bles?"
''No-Pm terribly interested. If
you're not afraid TO trust me-
He regarded her intently for a
moment. NO. I'm not afraid. Be
sides, being married, you'H likely
sympathize with the girl. 1t was
she I was thinking of"
I'm not married, Goodness, no.
Isn't this your baby"
NO. There's its mother over
there asleep"
He showed his surprise. Well
I'm kind of glad you're not married
after all. And I still feel like tell
ing you my trOubles-if YOU still
care TO hear"
Well. YOU see its this way.
have a business partner whom
don't see very often. although I'm
terribly fond OF him. and he is OF
me. too. That's the trouble. He
took a notion, that as / was the one
person in the world he was fOndest
OF besides his only daughter that We
two ought 10 set married. She's just
out OF school. 1 was asked 10 din
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16
THE BARBER PRO TEN

"Oh. I tried so hard 10 keep my
hair from getting wet" moaned
little Mary MacCauly as she pulled
off her bathing cap and attempted
10 wiring out her thoroughly soaked
hair.
Never mind Mary" said Edna
soOthingly. I'll help you dry it. We
can sit in the sun on the beach for
a while and you can manage 10 fluff
IL up for the dance tonight
Mary and Edna were stenogra q
pliers for two different firms in a
great Office building in New York
city. They had planned 10 get their
vacations at the same time.
1t was oniy two days before that
they had left the heated city and
arrived at Mrs. Walsh's boarding
cottage at Woodland Beach.
To be sure there was not much
going on at Woodland. Outside OF a
little dance every evening i'm the i'm
provised hall. the amusements con
sisted chiefly OF boating and bathing
and fishing.
The beach. and far back into the
woodland. was livened with tiny
summer cottages. Families i'm mod
crate circumstance rented them
each summer and enjoyed not having
zto dress up" for each meal
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

Herbert Ross could not suppress
his evident amusement. He laugh
ed and said kindly, Wen. Essie, I
might try shampooing a young lady's
locks but 1 don't go in for pOodles.' .
Mary had her cue.
Mr. Ross" said Mary after a mo
ment, Il got my hair very wet while
bathing yesterday, and I should be
much obliged if you would consent
to shampoOing it perhaps, this morn
ing?"
"Why-er-yes. yes, of course. .
agreed Mr.. Ross. Come around
about thirty this morning and
I'll do the best ! can
Ten-thirty found Mary and Edna
entering the tonsorial establishment
of Herbert Ross.
II was a little low shack badly in
need of paint and repair. Within
were two barber chairs, the usual
pile Of towels, a few comic news
paper supplements cut into neat
squares 10 receive razor scraping and
a crude tank and basin presumably
for shampoOing.
Mr.. Ross, after greeting the girls
asked Mary to take down her hair
and seat herself near the basin. Then
he began 10 shampoo il gently.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16
Bu H. H. Duncan

week-nice loud ones. So long.
AIr. Frank.
Well, II all came out as We eT-
pected. A weeks music from Sans
band rehearsing "Swanee River,
each night from until Il o'clock
in the hall directly opposite his
residence. was all the music Mr..
Boyd could stand. He demonstrated
with sam in vain-he was sent TO
Mr.. Frank Lucas. The police told
Boyd. when ne complained that
they had no right 10 interfere 50
long as the band was orderly. A.
last Mr.. Boyd went 10 Frank. Frank
explained 20 Mr.. Boyd that he had
been thinking or moving his band
TO another part OF the town. but
that he was also interested IN buy
ing a certain strip in the jackson
block site. Boyd saw the plot. hut
from bone-crazy. he forgot his
jealousy and sold the property Tor
its true value. $4,000.
I'm return for the deed Frank re-
ceived from Thomas Henry $4,000.
as per agreement. Franks Ledger
read: Received fee. $1,000. Profit
10000" The band removed 10 fl
old quarter. but marched the fol
lowing Sunday in new uniforms
Then the cash account i'm Frank
ledger was credited with $500
charged To personal account. With
the $500 Frank purchased a solitaire
for Florence.
Copyright 1910
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

Mary thought for moment OF
what her friends would say if they
knew she went TO a dance with Il
barber She looked at Ross and then
something very soft and sweet in his
eyes made Mary say. II shall be glad
TO 90 with you. Mr.. Ross
Each evening from that time on
Mary and Herbert Ross spent in each
others society. Sometimes they
walked on the beach, sometimes they
rowed in a little boat far out on the
moonlit water.
1t was two days before the end or
Mary's vacation. Mary was sitting on
the beach with Herbert.
Mary" he said, quite blundy, Il
believe YOU are the one little woman
in all this world for me. ] love you,
Mary. and I want YOU for my wife.
"But Herbert Mary stopped.
She knew what she was going TO say
about his being only a barber would
hurt him As she looked UP at him
the light Of happiness in his eyes
choked back her pride and she
moved closer.
You don't love me, Nary Her
bert was asking now. his handsome
eyebrows raising in perpleXity.
Mary couldn't bear 10 hear that
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

There was nothing for it, Baby
crawled right in. Moreover, there
was something restful and protect
ing about a pair of strong mascu-
line arms and a big. broad. comfort
able shoulder TO lean on. Baby
curled up like a kitten and was
soon fast asleep.
That's perfectly wonderful de-
clared Mildred. Most men don't
know a thing about children. But.
perhaps''-She hesitated. per
haps'-
He laughed easily NO. I'm not
married. That's what YOU were go
ing TO say. wasn't it,"
Yes" she confessed.
I'm not-Tm sorry 20 say. And
yet"-he half smiled and looked out
at the racing cornhelds. What
would YOU say il I told You 1 was
running away from that very
thing?"
1T sounds interesting. said Mil
dred. but mysterious"
1T isn't mysterious at all. Its
just a case Of mistaken kindness.
But do YOU know I've more than
half a mind 10 tell YOU about il.
am so full OF 1t II would do me good
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16
OUR OWN PAGE OF SUNDAY SHORT STORIES
HER TRIP TO THE WEST

Nav Hurley opened her employ
er's desk with a little sigh. Then
she stood still and gazed around tho
little shack ne now called his Of
rec. buster poised I'm hand
Did / ever think Ia be mere 80
she said aloud. then smiled 10 her
self remipiscently.
Only a short year before Mays
horizon had teen bounded on the
north b. 42d ST., on the south
hy Eighteenth 81, and on each side
Is one OF New Norks famous rivers.
Indeed. May had all but giyen up
hopes OF ever being able L. get
away from the SCOT and crime OF
the dingy offices or Howell. Hay-
Hand e Co, where she workC q
every day as Mr. HowelTs stenog-
rapher.
She had worked for John Howell
FOR three wears, and during that
time had taken his presence as
more or less matter Of fact Nevr
York. with IFS busy life. Dustlin2
population. left no Granny where
sentiment might grow. and when
ever Nav found herself looking az
his fresh. clean-Cut profile. Just q
fraction Of second too lons for the
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

Mary's hair after five minutes was
a hopeless mass of tangles. Ross
dried it as best he could and told
Mary 10 sit out in the sunshine TO
complete the drying.
Edna had 10 mail some letters so
she left Mary at Ross and ran along
TO the pOstoffice.
Ross seated himself beside Mary
on the sunny side of the little porch
in front of the shop.
Miss Mary" he said. Il don't
know just what day l might have TO
leave here. but it would give me
great pleasure TO dance with you at
least once before I go
Mary was delighted. Inwardly she
was jumping with joy. She looked at
Mr.. Ross for a moment and then sum-
moning her self-contrOl so that she
would not reveal her inward feelings,
she replied, 81 don't expect TO be
here very long myself. But | thought
the community barber stayed for
the season"
Il only opened up here recently. "
said Ross. and if business doesn' [
improve I shall return TO the city
This afternoon I'm going out fishing
with Fritz and Gus. Tonight, may
take you to the dance"
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

welfare Of her very calm heart. she
would shrug her shoulders and
make a mental resolution Of Ito
work"
II was one morning after she had
been taking Gictation. Mr.. Howell
had told her rather informally he
had been assigned 10 take ms post
OUT west The Dayton mine needed
attending 10 with an expert enei-
neer 10 get things in shape-and he
had been ASKED 10 20. Then May
remembered. only too clearly. how
ne bad turned 20 her and asked
simply. would YOU like 10 90? They
tell me J cant get a good stenog-
spher out there-and / think the
change would do YOU good"
The whole world seemed % De re-
versai for MAY as she stood before
him that morning blinking cut the
reality OF the proposition.
She had turned abruptly and sod
denly decided. I'll 20" she said.
dCcisVely. i've never been away
from New Yc:l- ion my life. but III
90. Td'-She interrupted her own
sentence 10 ask when do We
start e."
Mr.. Howell outlined his plan 10
her Wen 20 in two weeks" nc
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

done for MAY. Her hitherto blighted
soul, crsmped into submission BY
four walls at the boarding house
and four smaller walls in the dust
trimmed office building where she
had worked. had now slowly opened
itself like a morning glory.
Nav was in love with John How =
eli. AS she sat ard watched him
studying over charts in tho little
shack office that morning ner eyes
Toasted on lis rudy. well-chiseleG
face.
how good he was 10 look AT. she
rnJsed; how wholesome. how strong
and what a brain tC think out all
the intricacies OF the new mining
plant from which some day a huge
torture would be extracted.
suddenly John Howell looked up
az Ma twinkle OF mirth in his
clear gray eyes. Guess you'll have
70 ride back alone to your boarding
place in town tonight" he said. I've
got 10 20 over 10 inspect that new
excavation. They're having troL-
bic"
"All right; ! don't mind" May an
swered pleasantly, although a little
disappointed. she had been used Ia
riding home every evening with
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16
By Catherine Battle

She was figuring, but her love got
the better Of her practical nature.
Il do love you, Herbert; I do-and-
and
Herbert finished her acceptance by
crushing her 70 him. They sealed the
engagement with a rapturous kiss
In due time Mary and Herbert
were married in New York. Mary
friends cut her acquaintance from
their roll Of invitations. They de
cided BARRIERS wife was not worthy
OF their notice.
When Mr.. and Mrs. Ross were vel
on their honeymoon trip. Edna, back
at work. bought an evening paper
renowned for faring headlines. she
read this startling piece Of news.
Mr.. Herbert Ross. detective in
the employ OF Uncle sam. while
posing as a barber AT a small sea
shore resort. apprehends two Ge:-
man spies. who in turn We're posin-
as fishermen. Mr.. Ross incidentally
won a bride Al the same time. she
is Miss Mary MacCauly OF New York,
etc"
Gee" said Edna, throwing down
the paper languidly 81 thought ha
never shampooed auyone's locks be-
fore. Can YOU beat that?'
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

man for a cue, ana found him grin
ming Frank" declared Mr.. Henry.
his brow wrinkling, I'm up against
it. ] wish you could help me out on
a little deal-a big deal. rather. But
it's hopeless. The most experienced
men i'm the business have fallen
down on IT,"
What's the deal. AR Henry -
asked the young man, Give me a
chance"
You couldn't do anything" re-
piled Mr. Henry rather sharply. Gun
less il would he TO drug the old man.
It's that Jackson block business.
Frank. You know Mr.. jackson, a
client of mine. has been wanting
that half block for an office build
ing site. He's bought every foot of
land from Walnut street clear
through TO the alley. a solid half
block. all except that little lot ON
which old man Boyd has his shack
OF an Office. That little one-story
shed is all that stands in the way
OF a new building. For my client,
I've offered him four times as much
as the ground is worth or will ever
be worth. but still he holds out
He's Jealous of Jackson. that's all.
| can't get him to give in. I've tried
every way through all kinds OF
people. Air. Henry stopped and
scowled. lie glanced around the
room. scowIed at the empty waste
paper basket. at the book shelves
at the filing cabinet. ana even out
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16
4 YOUNG FELLOW

A young fellow started ont i'm real
estate. and real estate. when one is
young and just beginning. is almost
as barren Of business as the first
years practice OF a lawyer. But the
young man had an office. with his
name in gold leaf on the glass in
the door.
As he sat in his swivel chair be-
fore the empty roll top desk and
eyed the sign. he became dissatiz-
fed. The letters seemed 10 mock 10
tantalize. 20 tease him He deter
mined to lock up the Office and go
see Florence. just as ne was about
20 put his idea into execution, a Wis
itor crossed his threshold. Ii was Mr..
Thomas Henry. father OF Florence.
and one OF his fathers most init
mate friends
Mr.. Henry. I am glad to see
YOU" stated the young man cordial
Is, as he rose 10 greet the older
man. 1T was good Of you 70 look
in on me"
II was just passing" said the
elder man. and I thought L would
drop in for a moments rest. How's
business. Frank -
Neither good nor bad" replied
the young man cheerfully. There
isn't any"
Ugh! That's rather fierce
"Oh. don't take il seriously. Mr..
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-16

bloodshoS eyes anxiously roved from
one 10 another in search or him. 80
she ran 20 his side. bent down
oV er him and instinctively put he~
head 10 his heart. IL was still beat
ing. He Was only unconscious. MAY
directed one of the men 10 carry
him 10 the camp near by while she
fastened TO get some cold water.
suddenly she found herself alone
with the man from whom she had
never received a look Of affection.
What a moment As though i'm
peHed by some inward force that
had been tugging her soul for a long
time. she bert down and kissed him
full On the lips.
John Howell opened his eyes.
why did YOU do it," he asked,
smiling May stood transfiXed, an
embarrassing silence dividing her
from him.
lie sensed her embark ssrn ent.
Then after a moment he tactfully
asked her for another sip of cool
water. When May bent over John
Howell the second time he took her
round face gently within mis- two
brown hands and drew her head
down TO his shoulder.
May" he said feebly, II never