davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1918-12-25
PRESENT THE BILL.

Fit Atkinson Union.--Fhe cost of
making religion of cruelty and de-
struction for four years will come
home to Germany and stay home for
the next 100 years. 1t is said the Bel
gian bill for thievery and destruction
of property alone is over four billions
of dollars. The German army had
been so saturated for forty years with
German kultur that the common sol
diers northumberland old Bill him
self whenever they got a chance for
rapine and murder. So the German
people haven't much coming in the
way of sympathy. In fact those at
home cheered when American babies
were blown up on the Lusitania. If
they were called upon to pay $4,000
for each case of murder, rape and mu-
tilation outside of the military fore
es they wouldn't get out from under
the load in thousand years. This
is not time to slop over with SYM
pathetic tears Germany had us
marked up with SAL ,0O0000,00O up to
last June. We haven't had a later
bill, but it was probably double that
at the finish President Wilson is
not the man to soak" Germany the
way the Germans soaked China in
that little boxer affair." but we hope
his backbone is sufficiently strong
to insist that Belgium, France, Rus
STA, Italy, Serbia, Roumania, Mont
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1918-12-25

THE FL

When your back is broke and your
eyes are blurred,
And your shin bones knock and
your tongue if furred,
And your tonsils squeak, and your
hair gets dry,
And your doggone sure you're go
ing to die,
But your skeered you won't and
afraid you WILL
Just drag to bed and have your
chill,
And pray to God to see You through
You've got the flu, boy, you've got
the flu.
When your toes curl up and your belt
goes fiat,
And you're twice as mean as a
Thomas cat,
And your life is long and dismal
curse,
And your food all tastes like a hard
boiled hearse,
When your lattice aches and your
heads a buzz,
And nothing is as it ever was
Here are my sad regrets to you
You've got the flu, boy, you've got
the flu.
What is it like, this Spanish flu?
Ask me, brother, for I've been
through;
It is by misery out of despair,
1t pulls your teeth and curls your
hair;
1t thins your blood and breaks your
bones,
And fills your craw with means
and groans,
And sometimes, maybe, you get we'll
Some call it flu; call it hell
We've had ours, have you?
BY one who had it,
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1918-12-25
BREAKS INTO RHYME.
Dread Flu Causes MuScOda Editor to
Write Pleasing jingle
Missed Paper.

Well, here is the Democrat again
after a two weeks vacation. The ed
itor and staff have been having a tus-
sic with that up-to-date malady, the
Flu" and not being able to procure
help we could not publish But we
are all back on the job again, little
weak in the joints, but still in the
ring. So our dear readers will gel
The Democrat on schedule time once
more.
Here is an is an ode on the flu the
editor composed while laid up for
repairs:
ooh! flu, flu, you sneezing flu,
A little of you will due
And / don't want any more of yue. "
-Muscoda Democrat.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1918-12-25

If the owner of big, heavy dray
horse were to undertake to train the
beast for trotter, people would say
that he ought to be tried for insan-
ity; but every day we are trying to
train boys for business for which ma
ture never intended them any more
than she intended the dray horse to
be a racer. One great difficulty about
trying to get people rightly located
in life is that most parents think
their own children are born to be
racers.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1918-12-25

enegro, and Armenia get the justice
that is coming to them. We do not
ask for German or Turkish justice.
That is too horrible to contemplate,
but we do ask justice that will go
down in history as warning to any
new bunch of idiots that absorb the
idea that they are supermen and that
"Gott ist nit uns" in super-heilish-
ness to a super-human limit.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1918-12-25
TRAINLOAD OF PIGS IOWA
COUNTY'S RED CROSS GIFT

DEBORAH, Ia, Dec 15.-The farmers
of Winneshiek county believe they
will have set a record in donations
to the Red Cross when their contri-
buttons, in the form of trainload of
hogs, are sold tomorrow at the Chica-
go stockyards. Ben Bear, treasurer of
the county chapter, started Red
Crss pig club last May, the member
ship finally reaching 2,243 members
each of whom pledged to donate a
pig. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul railroad provided a special
train which left last night. The sale
is expected to net between $685. 900
and $4,000
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1918-12-25

FOR SALE Canada Peas, good ones
See John ErtZ Jr Apps.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

she glanced in the direction OF the
clock, Il wouldn't have bothered you,
Bob, but Natalie is going in town this
morning and has offered to shop for
us. You know how hard it is with
baby"
Robert bent suddenly. rumpled the
golden brown hair. and kissed the
pink cheek nearest him.
How much?" he demanded. with
smile.
Not one cent" Helen lifted a
laughing but determined face. Il just
wanted your advice. You know you
thought the last
"Oh. WELL" Bob interrupted. with an
impatient little shrug. you know
best. of course. but Helen. you will
want" He paused. an unconscious
little frown gathering on his usual
bright face
Bob. you will lose your train, and.
as he still hesitated. Go, dear she
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

the" He was interrupted by Myrtle
Mains. who leaned across her mothers
lap to speak TO Ellen.
Look. Ell" she said excitedly.
Right over there opposite the reserv-
ed seats-the Methodist minister and
his wife!"
why. so it isl" Jim laughed. There
now, Ely. You can tell your father.
He thinks Mr.. Lewis is perfection.
Elly!" He caught her arm as his eyes
swept the circle of faces. ELY, your
fathers here, tool"
"Oh, Jim, moi"
But he is. Over there by that fat
woman in red-the Widow Avery.
He's here with her. I'll bet.
Mrs. Mains had seen him, too: then
Myrtle and Johnny, who was grinning
from ear to ear. Acrossthe interven-
ing space Ellen's startled, wide eyes
gazed into her fathers narrow sour
face. 1t was smirking as he gazed in
to the widows blooming countenance
He was quite unconscious OF Elly's
presence. AS she gazed, astonished
there was burst of music and noise
and the clowns tumbled ipto the ring
Jim's arm pressed hers. Look.
dear. at that red and white fellow" he
whispered.
Ellen broke into a merry laugh. Her
like the balloon In the red-and-white
clowns hand. Isn't it all-just-too
funny" she gasped.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

Close behind them came the little
mother herself. with a fat sleepy baby
in her arms. How like girl she look
ed coming down among them. thought
Henry. quite one of them. and he re
flected rather ruefully that John had
been married a week after he had. and
that Mary and Eleanore's ages were
almost the same. still she did not look
as Joint wife did, somehow.
Henry was ushered. rather hustled
and hustled into the coy dining room
where the awkward little maid Of all
work was placing the meal-her face.
TOO, had a welcoming smile: John had
not been half as successful as Henry.
and he had not a luxury in the world.
but Henry would have snapped his
own more pretentious home with him
this minute. Well. here was the new
baby 10 be admired. and his fat legs
were unceremoniously dragged out 10
prove to Henry what buster" he
was for his age. How proud John was
of them all, Now Henry was saying
"Good-by.'' telling them that he must
hurry. so as not to keep them longer
waiting at home.
He stepped out into the fOggy street
with feeling Of depression. No one
loved his wife and children more than
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

You are" Bob laughed happily. 81
couldn't be hired to go into a depart
ment store and buy a blue silk dress.
why, Natalie. little girl. what is
it?" For the girls dark eyes were
full Of tears.
"Bob"-Natalie's voice was so low
it was with difficulty that he caught
the words-"please say that you'll for
give me, and don't ever ask me why"
For moment the gray eyes Of the
young lawyer looked searchingly into
the pretty, troubled face; then proud
ly Robert Thurston raised his head.
Il forgive you. yes, little sister
he said gravely. "for I'm sure you did
not understand"
And now about the dress" A faint
flush rose 10 his cheek as with low
laugh he continued slowly: "I con-
TESS ] was nonplussed for moment
this morning. OF course, the kiddies
are bound to come first; but I'd set my
heart upon the blue silk dress. and"
He broke off suddenly with a rueful
little smile.
Take my advice, Natalie. Whatev-
or you do. don't marry struggling
young lawyer"
Natalie lifted dreamy, smiling eyes.
II won't, Bob she promised soft
ly.
Allan is a civil engineer"
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

eyes and ears were sharp tonight.
Why they were afraid of him of
him." that's what it was: And he had
never seen it before. A sweet faced
anxious looking young woman came
down the stairs with a pretty child OF
10 beside her. Come. children. kiss
papa. Are you tired. dear?" And the
children came obediently, but relue-
tantly-that was evident.
Now. Henry had always rated him
self pretty blamed good husband and
father, with no bad habits to speak OF,
and he really and truly loved his fam
lily. and this was the result.
He ate his supper in moody silence.
his wife sitting by. anticipating his
wishes always. a little nervously an1-
ious to please, her brown eyes follow
ing him over the rim of her tea cup
With a feeling akin to relief he re-
membered meeting of his lodge. AS
he drew his coat on. Eleanore sug-
gested taking his umbrella and brought
it downstairs to him.
Nonsense. it isn't going to rain
and Henry stepped out into the night.
Hale way down the block. a splash
of rain. and then another, brought
him back for his umbrella. AS he
stepped quickly into the darkened hall
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

Mrs. Mains. That's all talk. war
rant your father went TO circuses
when he was young, though he does
tend TO be so set against them
CirCuses were made for young
to enjoy. / wouldn't think of
keeping Myrtle or Johnny away"
do please go El." pleaded Myrtle.
There's going TO be loads of room.
And We'll pay your way"
ooh. couldn't let you do that" Ell
lent said hurriedly. I've got money.
I'll think about it and let you know. 4"
She ran all the way home her
pulses racing faster than her flying
feet. Jim Trafford was going big,
sweet-tempered Jim Trafford, with
whom she had gone to school. and
whose only fault, even in her fathers
eyes, was that he was an Episcopalian
Perhaps at the circus he would sit
near her and they could speak togeth-
er.
Her father sat in the kitchen, with
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

entreated Truly, 1 have plenty of
money for what I need
For what l need" she repeated
softly, striving in vain to control the
quivering of her chin.
"Oh, L see''-BOb gave his watch
hasty glance-certainly there was no
time to spare if he wished to make his
train.
We'll. then. good by, little woman,
Just tell Nat she'll do me a favor if
she'll lunch with me this noon-12:30
sharp. at Bancroft's. Tell her-it's
important"
hasty kiss. and he was gone.
Helen"
Helen turned quickly. Standing in
the doorway which opened out upon
the side veranda, was Natalie-hands
filled with the delicate spring beauty.
cheeks pinker than the blossoms
themselves.
Helen. didn't mean to Iisten-the
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

door was open, and I couldn't help but
hear" Swiftly she came to Helen's
side. oh" with hot resentment,
how could he-as if you were to
blame that Junior needs new shoes"
For moment Helen stood in amaz-
ed silence. steadily regarding the flush
ed. indignant face. Then. with a sud
den smile. You dear little goose"
she said gently, cit is only that you do
not understand"
A little later. in the privacy of her
own room. Natalie muttered impa
tiently. Stupid! why did 1 let her
know that l had heard. OF course. she
wouldn't want my sympathy. Poor.
proud Helen! Understand. indeed ="
with a sudden toss of the pretty head.
Il understand enough to know that
you intend to do without the new blue
silk. And so-did-he." she added
slowly, her red lip curling with CON
tempt.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

he did-not even John, but they did
not greet him like that. What was the
natter Surely he had done as much
for thcT-even more-for he had more
To do y itE. He pondered over ii all the
way IN his own door. Walking slowly
UP the steps he inserted his key into
the keyhoIe and stopped instinctively,
seeing in his minds eye the rush that
greeted John. The trim little maid,
hearing his step, opened the dining
room door. Yes. sir she said, hur-
riedly. dinner is quite ready" before
he had even opened his mouth. Five
year-old Dora was sitting on the floor
with "Freckles,' wise a fox terrier
as ever gnawed bone. and she
jumped up. smoothing her little short
frock over her dimpled knees hastily,
as if she expected a reproof from frol-
licking with him. "Freckles." with dis
Greet demeanor. and propitiatory tail.
remained little aloof.
What is the natter" Henry asked
in a sharp, irritated way, and loud
enough for the little boy who was
dragging a toy eLgine TO hear. so he
stopped the lickity-bump over the floor
and picked up his toy. cautiously,
without a sound. and sat down as still
as the proyerbial mouse. Henrv'S
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09
1T WIS ALL TOO FUNNY

I've never seen anything" Ellen
breathed. with fascinated eyes upon
the hand-bills.
Then you must go. Mustn't she
mother?" Myrtle appealed to her moth
er. who stood looking at the two girls
Father won't let me-"
He'll never know. He's going away
on the train tomorrow and won't be
back till in the night-to look at some
cattle. 1 heard him tell father"
urged Myrtle.
Ellen clasped her hands. strongly
tempted.
Jim Trafford's going, too" Myrtle
said. mot with us, though; we're all
going to be together after we get
there. He's going to take his mother
and the girls"
"Oh, is he?" Ellen gasped The col
or flowed over her smooth. delicate
face. cit can't be so bad if he-I
mean" she stammered to a pause.
"Pshaw! 1t isn't bad at ALL said
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

Coming. Helen" in answer to her
sisters call.
Natalie did not enjoy the long ride
into town that morning. Her thoughts
were most unhappy ones. She had
avoided Heien's eyes, as she took the
little list of things required, and by
tacit consent the new dress was not
mentioned. Now, she told herself,
with a bitter little smile, she was glad
that she had come to make this spring
time visit: otherwise, who knew. Her
cheeks burned.
What was il Junior had said that
very morning. as she helped him
dress?
An my papa is the best man in the
who'll wide world-an' my Uncle AL
Ian is tho mex"
And Natalie had smilingly agreed.
as she tied the big blue bow beneath
the dimpled chin, even while. deep
down in her heart. she knew that for
her. Uncle Allan must come first
The dark eyes were very wistful
now, and the smile about her lips be-
lied the tiny frown which had marred
the pretty face.
Could il be that Allan Thurston-
Natalie's thought flew back to the
last evening they had been together,
How she had scOlded him for his ex-
travagance, even as she revelled in the
fragrance OF the long-stemmed beau
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

ties he had brought. Her color deep
ened as she remembered his earnest
words of protest.
"A man would never offer you less
than the best that lay within his pow
er, Natalie. Don't you realize that?"
But Natalie hardened her heart. No
doubt Bob had been like that-long
ago-before Junior needed shoes.
Hello, little sister-keep you wait
ing long?"
Bob's cheerful tones grated on Nat
allies overwrought nerves. 1t had
been a trying morning -over-crowded
stores. tired or Indifferent clerks
nothing had gone right.
No" she answered CURLY. Then, as
Bob piloted her to little round table
in a quiet corner of the room, why
did you do this. Bob?-it wasn't at all
necessary"
That's all you know about it"
BOb's laugh was infectious. Truly, he
was good to look upon-so big and
strong and restful-and how much he
looked like Allan.
Now he leaned forward suddenly,
eager, smiling.
Natalie. are you sure you know the
piece Helen liked the best OF all?"
Bob" Natalies eyes danced. us
she-are your"
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

girl! 1t seems he deserted her c. neg
lected her. At any rate. when she
needed him-when she was dying-he
wasn't around"
You are telling me the TRUTH"
gasped Lofty.
Il always told you the truth" an
swered George, "or tried to-you
wouldn't listen-you wouldn't let me
tell you anything! You preferred to
send me away-turn me out"
George" Lofty gasped Don't say
those thinss!'
II WON'T" he bent forward tenderiy
and looked searehingly into her eyes.
a fierce, well-remembered light firing
his eyes. Come" he whispered. go
home with me-"
George"
"Well?"
1T wouldn't be proper"
why not? We've lived in an apart
ment for two years together"
That was diffeffrent-we were mar
ried them"
I'VE are married now" said George
But, George" she persisted family,
a very bright color assembled past Lot
tvs throat 10 settle in her cheeks, cit
isn't proper"
"All right then" said George. lets
do something improper. I'm sick and
tired of the proper, and Lofty. you are
thin as rail. it's simply killing you"
Il know it," said Lofty submissive
ly.
And you CONSENT" whispered
George in her ear.
Lofty did not reply and he contin-
ued in slightly imperative strain that
she knew and that always thrilled her.
II won't take you unless you do. You've
got to say yes!'
She squeezed his arm.
NO. that won't do-say yes"
Yes" in a whisper.
George now squeezed her arm and
drew her closer TO him as they turned
with very humble mien to retrace
their steps. They had been walking in
silence. and very solemnly, as bef1tted
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09
OUT OF THE SUBWAY

done. in fact, with life. And Lofty
would grow suddenly very grave and
take her seat at the win dow, a pathet-
&c little figure, who didn't even notice
when the lights were turned on.
This tragic state o affairs had last
ed three months, but of course Lofty
occasionally went about. and quite
naturally George did And so one
afternoon when the subway stopped at
Wall street George strobe in. He did
not see Lofty, who had been visiting
friend in Brooklyn, when he entered
the car. so it was entirely accidental
that he took the seat across the aisle
opposite her.
When he Aid see Lofty. only mo-
ment after Ihe car started out. he did
the most natural thing for gentle
man, whC5 suddenly recognizes a lady
Of his Acquaintance, to do; he lifted
his ha H. It had been so sudden and
Lofty, being little lady who always
acF .nowledged a gentleman's saluta-
tiSon. returned the bow. The lovely
mouth almost performed one Of its lit
tie tricks. She prevented that quick
ly enough, but was, however, power
less against the crimson flush that
spread over her face. George saw the
flush and also that Lofty had grown
thin; 1t even seemed to him the little
shoulders drooper bit. This cut
George sharply like whip-lash. but
he vowed. prefacing IL by a "By Jove"
under his breath, that he had never
seen her quite so gently, sweetly beau
tiful. He was almost tempted. in spite
of Lofty herself, in spite of anything
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

is often tired and he works very hard
for us ALL
But Middle. he is always dark and
frowny like the ogre in Dora's book,
and all the other ogres left him.
Couldn't WEI"
Unable to listen TO more, Henry
went quietly out and softly closed the
door. The next morning when Eleanore
awoke with nervous start, fearing il
was late. her husband was standing
looking down at her affectionately.
NO, little woman. you are going to
be the last one up now, for change.
We start a new rule from this morn
ing and he smilingly tucked the pink
comforters all about her
And I want you to meet me down
town today, and we will have luncheon
together and go to the best show in
town"
And kissing her, Henry went out
softly on tip-toe to the chiIdren's
room. First he inspected himself in
the long mirror in the ball from head
to foot, smiling his best smile and
showing all his fine " hite teeth. SO as
TO remove every trace of the ogre"
And indeed he looked as il some good
fairy had changed him over night.
Three tousled heads appeared out of
the coverlets at his knock and then
sheer surprise Strengthened each child
up in bed.
Its just daddy-the old ogre has
gone away for good. and he's never
coming back any more" and gatheringl
them all into his arms. he thought of
all he had been missing. in his rush
for money, the real gold had been
slipping away foreyer. Thank heaven.
he had seen his mistake in timei"
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09
N uTILATCD

"Well?" Lotty's voice was very
sharp.
Il never saw you look quite so beau
tiful as you did In the subway"
ITO follow ladies out of the subway,
persist in walking with them and pay
compliments is rather" she turned her
face towards him but catching his eye
retrieved, "ungentlemanlyi
81 know" said George, II suppose it
is but"
81 suppose" exclaimed Lofty. your
association with chorus girls has"
Don't" interrupted George paling
slightly, don't go into that. and Lot
ty." he stepped in front of her. don't
go home; turn back with me-let US
take the downtown subway"
THE downtown subway inquired
Lofty. icily, for what, pray?"
well. you see" blurted forth
George, Il have so much to say 10 you!
Won't you go TO my apartment with
me and spend the evening" 1t was
growing quite dark and he laid his
hands on her small shoulders. wincing
as he felt how thin they had grown.
Won't you?" he repeated.
Have you gone mad" inquired Lot
ty in an excited voice.
pened when l laid my eyes on you in
the subway, sitting under that queer
advertisement Yes-I am quite sure
l am mad"
Dangerously handsome" people had
called George and that handsome face,
lit up with love, was very near her
own. But Lofty broke away and
sprang back.
George" she burst forth, how do
you dare?"
George laughed II don't know" he
answered recklessly. I'm by nature
daring. l suppose. 1 dared TO go 10
see a poor dying gtrl-I've dared many
things"
Here Lotty's face paled. You re-
fer to that?"
Yes why not? The girl wasn't
anything to me Lofty. She was Halls
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-09

most as great treat to her as the cir
Gus itself. Her father, although amply
able to have one. refused to counte-
nance the infamous devil-wagon
which. he said. was corrupting the
country.
A siren footed, and Jim Trafford
flashed alongside. His mother nodd-
ed; his little sisters waved. For a mo-
ment they raced even. and then Mr..
Mains turned on more power and they
shot ahead. Ellen looked back at
Jim and she smiled when she saw
that he was smiling.
They reached the circus grounds at
about the same time. The men park
ed their cars. then they all went TO
take a look at the animals before the
performance began. Somehow Ellen
found herself on a high. narrow seat
between Jim and Mrs. Mains, eating
popcorn out of the same bag with him.
ooh, ELY, I'm so glad you're here"
he whispered. Il wanted to ask you
to go with us, but / knew your father
would forbid. What's he got against
me?"
It's just that you're an Episcopa-
liam. l guess" Ellen sighed. There's
nothing else that | know of. Don't
mind, Jim. Everybody can't be Meth
odists."
Would you turn Episcopalian ?"
Jim asked earnestly. IF you've got
scruples, ELY, I'd just as lief join