davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19

The little face he was looking Of
contracted suddenly and painfully. ],
was the FIRST time johnnie had real
lied that Christmas meant eating
Solomon! Actually eating him! BE
was filled with the most passionate
repulsion. II won't eat him! NobOdys
going to eat him | won't let anybody
eat himl" The whIrlwlnd of defiance
ended In burst OF tears.
Mrs. Caruthers put her arm around
her grieying son. Nobody shall eat
Solomon" she whispered.
"Farver would"
"Not when he knows how you feel
about II. Don't cry any more about It
dear"
In her absorption In Johnnie Mrs
Caruthers did not hear Doctor Arnold
say to Carrie Caruthers: wouldn't II
be kindness to the child to draw at
tention from him7 CarrIe-give me
leave. won't your"
"Oh. II It's necessary for Johnnie's
peace Of mind suppose you may
said Carrie. blushing roslly.
"Say. Johnnie" said Doctor Arnold
"dld you know that I'm thinking OF
carrying Carrie Off to my house so that
there1l be plenty of room for Solomon
heref'
Johnnie noticed that this remark
seemed to strike his mother dumb. To
him, personally. 1t did not seem an al
together Objectionable arrangement
although he thought It very foolish for
Doctor Arnold not to know that thers
was room enough for Solomon and
Carrie, too, In that great house. Gar
RE amt going Off to your house to
live he said sternly. II won't lei
her."
"0h, is that sof" said the doctor. u
hardly know what to do about 1t. then
for I've asked her and she said she
was willing to CO."
Johnnie turned an unbelieving eye
on his sister 1t was shock when
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19

body was busy. TON hook a chair.
too. and then started In to tell him
all about II.
Ethel Westc0tt was q stenographer
at Billings 4 Kent's and Tom had
fallen in love with her the very first
day he had gone there. She lived
alone with her mother. her father hav-
ing died some years ago. and Tom and
she hoped to be married very soon.
just as soon IS be had saved some
thing to start on. Ten suddenly Tom
sprang up. exclaiming:
Gee. uncle. | forgot to buy the
cigarsl" and selling his hat from the
hatstand, fed. leaving Mr.. MIggs all
by himself In the parlor. For the mo-
ment Uncle Jos didn't know whether
to jump up and follow Tom or to sit
where he was.
But Tom was gone, and there was
nothing for him TO do but TO sit still.
What an awkward predicament to be
In To be left In strange house
where nobody knew who he was. Sup
posing somebody were to come In
how was he to explain hlmselfi He
was just wondering what on earth he
should say. when sure enough foot
steps sounded down the passage. They
approached the room.
Uncle Jos covered in his chair.
What stupid Tom was to leave him
like that! Suppose they took him for
burglar or something. Uncle Jos
dared not look up. The footsteps were
almost at the door. They ceased. Mr..
Miggs dared scarcely breathe. He
sat as II petrifed. What would hap
penn
A scream, perhaps, yell Of fright
No. nothing happened. Perhaps It was
only Tom standing there, after all. At
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19

Il don't understand why you are
here. Miss AIKEN. hut you are going 70
take the next train with me to your
mothers home. You have lost that
'baby-doll' expression. How strange
that the little picture girl and you
should be the same Why. one OF the
inducements that Jack offered me was
that his sister would he home for
Christmas. I'll run In and buy that
doll. and then we will proceed to Miss
HOLSTERS"
AS they entered Miss HOLSTERS
apartment. they uttered a cry OF sur
prise. for standing In the middle Of
the room was child.
"Why. here's Just the one we are
looking for. Here's beautiful doll for
you'll Look. little one p said Miss HOl-
lister.
Boys don't want dolls" cried the
tot; they want soldiers and guns. and
steam cars, and
"But why are you dressed like a lit
tie glrl?"
Because my father don't know any
better. He left me home all alone on
Christmas, so just came In here-the
turkey smelled so good"
Suddenly a voice was heard. full Of
anxiety, asking: SIS my boy here"
"Yes," said Miss HOLSTER; "como
right In"
"Johnl" she added In great aston
lshment.
"Yes, Mary" said the man ito think
] have found you after all these years.
My wife died last year, and this is all
I have" he said. pointing to the boy.
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19


ers said one day. when her husband
was extricating Solomon from tight
place In the poultry yard fence. II
begin to be afraid that having him so
much on our minds and in our COM
pany may affect our appetites for our
Christmas dinner.
AS the holiday approached the whole
yard began TO look small for Solomon.
Carrie Caruthers, coming In one day
from a walk, complained that he had
strenuOnsy objected to making way
for her on the walk. Really, mother,
1t makes me feel as II we oughtn't 10
eat him." she said, colorlng a little.
HE seems too human"
Dear me. child" said Mrs. Caruth-
ers hurrledly. Don't mention that be-
fore Johnnie"
The next afternoon Johnnie came
running into the house In great excite
ment. THE Leonard dog is chasing
Solomon" he wept. "Muvver, come
and make him go homer
Mrs. Caruthers looked out. Solomon
was certainly having perilous adven-
ture. The Leonard dog was clrcllng
about him, making vicious charges.
Nothing but the spreading of Solo
mons formidable wings and his harsh
.outcries saved him. "Myl what a
dreadful dogl" exclaimed Mrs. Caruth-
'ers, hurrying to the rescue.
There was ear-splitting squawking
from the terrified goose.
"Muvver! Muvverl" cried Johnnie,
bursting into heartrendnS walls.
Mrs. Caruthers picked up n stick
and made motion of throwing it. "Go
home!" she commanded sternly.
The dog spread his feet and shook
his head. "Bow-wowl" he returned
impudently.
She threw the stick. II seemed to be
the only thing she could do.
Yhe Leonard dog whlrled around in
an anguish of pain and astonishment.
Then. realizing that he had been
worsted, he departed on three legs for
his kennel.
"You hit him, muvveri You hit
him. exulted Johnnie.
The frightened goose sat hunched
under tree, his head buried in his
back. Some of the feathers were gone
from his tall, and patches Of fluffy
down were blowing about the yard.
"Blest IL l can see what there is
about that goose to fascinate an en-
tire family" said Mr.. Caruthers. APP
pearing suddenly behind them. IF
you don't look out, Lucy, you'll be re-
fusing your favorlte hip slice when
Christmas comes"
Hip slice! Solomon's hip slice Mrs.
aCaruthers could scarcely restrain a
shudder as she glanced at the heap OF
feathers huddled In a corner. What
"A cannlballstic vlsion "Oh, please,
.Austin, don't speak of I'll" she begged.
'''Tell father what happened, dear"
Johnnie, incoherent from agitation
told the story of the attack and res.
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19


that Josiah Mlggs had been Christmas
shopping. Oh, no. He was just on
his way from business.
He took another wistful peep at The
girl on the boarding opposite and re-
signed himself to seeing another load
ed car go by without stopping. The
fact Of the matter was that Jos Miggs
was about the loneliest little old man
In little old Manhattan. and silly as
1t may sound, he had adopted girl
on hoardng-an advertising girl
as his friend. Every day as he went to
and from the real estate Office where
he worked he always glanced up at
the boarding as he passed. and the
girl always seemed to smile back at
him in CHEEKY. encouraging manner.
Tonight he did not feel that he could
think too much about the girl on the
boarding because, when one las only
a very lonely Christmas to look for
ward to, thinking about impossibilities
only makes matters worse. So Jos
bumped his shoulders to the cold wind
that was blowing and waited for an
other car.
II was sounding thwack that fell
on his shoulders as he stood there, and
Jos had to gasp for breath before look
ing around to see what had hit him.
When he did however, all he could
see was a round, grinnlng face ever
so high up looking down into his. He
stared at It in perplexity moment,
then wheeling around exclaimed:
"Why, Tom"
The tall young man stood and
grinned while Jos looked him up and
down.
"When did you strike town, Tom? l
haven't seen you since you were lit
tie bit of a Teller"
1.-Two months ago. Uncle Jos. got
= Job with Billings & Kent. the hard
ware people. I've been looking for
lOuf uhCic.
swell. well, Tom. I'm glad to see
you. Suppose we go along and have
some dinner together. Ell? How would
that be?"
The big young man shook his head.
"Sorry, uncle" he said, hut II can't
be done. Pm-Im promised some
where else"
Mr.. Miggs gave him sly, sidelong
glance. $50 that's the way t'n wind
blows, ehT
The young man Redeemed. FL
promised" he stammered. Then a
bright idea striking him. he grasped
his uncle by the arm.
"But ! tell you what, uncle. you
come along with me-"
Uncle Jos shrank back In his over
coat. What he butt In where he was
not wanted? No, indeed. He dragged
his arm out of Toms grasp. Mon
sense, Tom." he said. But Tom held
on.
"Now look here uncle; you're the
only relative | have In this city. You
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19
BUYING UNSUITABLE TIES
Tragedy Enough In Such Christmas
Presents Purchased by Woman, but
They Might Do Worse.

= look Mt the trouble that is being
stored up there" sneered the morbid
pessimlst as he pointed to group
OF women around the necktie counter.
ut would be funny" he continued.
IF II were not so tragic. way It is
that lovely women with all her eye
for the beautiful and with all her
accomplishments cannot select neck
tie for man Is one Of the things
that rank with the unfathomable mys-
teries OF life. I would sooner send n
blind man to buy me 9 warranted
sound" hors, than would enlist the
services of woman to select neck
tie.
think OF Inc fat men That will wake
up on Christmas morning to find I'm
their stockings delicate emacIated
baby pink necktie that WIN look like
a ccnsumptivv shoestrIng when II re-
poses on their bountiful expanse OF
white shirt bosom. Then on the other
hand. Bones. the human skeleton win
probably get delirium tremens when
he IS made the recipient Of spotted
necktie big enough 10 make 4 shawl
for grandmom. OF course nothing
win do for the nice. dignIfied old gen
tleman who never wears snything but
n little black bow. but a flowing sash
OF passionate hue. While. the gay
sport. on the other hand. win get some
thing that would look nice On grandpa.
and so II viii 90 on down the line.
~0h. the Christmas necktiel What
tragedies are written in thy namef-
The pessimlst paused.
Then he added thoaghtfuiiy; -
would. though. rather have my wife
huy me a neckrie than pick out M
Observation-Disclosures Inquirer.
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19

dren again and don't need any intro
duetion. just 'come-on over"
NY name is Merton. and think Jon
must be Mrs. Santa Claus"
NO. I'm not: I'm Miss HOLSTER. and
this is Miss"
Aiken interrupted the girl.
-Why. my partners name Is Aiken.
and | was on my way 10 join him At
bis mothers house"
~Tou mean. Thomas AlkenY
-sure enoughl"
-0h. be Is my brother"
swell. | declarei Then surely /
must huy that doh for your sister.
Doesn't Il look Ike herT
= haveD'f arr little sister. That
must have been my picture when ] was
: little girl
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19

to see If can't find someone equally
lonely"
Suitlng the action to the words, Miss
Holllster donned her coat and left the
house, calling to the maid, probably
I'll bring home some guests for din
ner."
Looking along the street for some
one to share her loneliness she spied
young girl walking llstlessly along.
apparently without any destination, as
II she had missed altogether the Joy.
Gus meaning Of the holiday.
MERRY Christmas" she said putting
her hand forward. The girl paused
second. and then repeated. merry
Christmas" adding. ut may be merry
for you but not for me-"
"Why are You so lonely on such
glorious dayY said Miss HOLSTER,
the air just seems to Jingle with
radiant light"
at seems strange TO tell ones
troubles TO stranger, but l left
home because l thought l could sing,
and have been unsuccessful In my
attempt. and am too proud to let
the folks know. When | think of the
tree at home-the turkey dinner, and
only myself missing, ] just can't bear
It." Her big blue eyes filled with
tears.
"Cheer up, girliel No one can en-
JOY a Christmas day alone. You can
only have a merry Christmas If others
share 1t with you. Let's celebrate to-
gether. I have dinner already pre-
pared. but no guests.
Lets find one or two others equal
ly lonely, and maybe we can all get
together and have n good time, May
be we have something in common. |
left home years ago because thought
could write something worth while.
But the only real human interest is
not in books and magazines, but all
around u.s."
"But," questioned the girl, ''can you
go up 10 strangers Just like thatr with
a wave of the hand.
Hardly. One must be moved by
the Christmas spirit. Look ut that
man over there, staring at that doll
In the window"
The man turned at the sound OF
her voice and asked: pardon me, do
you know any little girl who would
just love to have dolf9 There must
be hundreds of little girls just aching
for one That doll Is the counterpart
of picture my partner has on his of
fee desk-dark curls, blue eyes and
all. That picture has been mascot
to me. and / would love TO buy the
doll. But ! missed my train, and
am not acquainted in the city. Talk
about a bachelor being lonely at
Christmas! Why, Christmas In a big
city alone-neyer. never again for me-"
Miss HOLSTERS face beamed with
pleasure. you are just the person we
want. We win form a triple alliance
of 'has-been' lonelies, You Just come
along to my place, it's only around the
corner. and share my Christmas din
ner. Christmas is really the ehildren's
day. so let's just pretend we are chill.
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19

INST have got to come along and be
introduced"
And as Tom was nearly three times
as big as Uncle JOS he almost lifted
him bodily into the street car that
happened to be waiting. and away
they went.
II was with some trepidation that
Mr.. Miggs followed his nephew Into
the neat little Eat where Toms fianeee
lived. He did net feel at all sure OF
his welcome. He was only in bis
business clothes. and ne knew quite
well that his collar was none too fresh.
Well. II was Toms fault for dragging
him there. BE would Just say how
DO yon DO and then escape escape
10 his boarding house and-snj-
He found himself enseonced IN an
easy chair In the suzy rarlor. uhere
vas NOBODY else about. buf SOUNDS
from the kitchen Indicated that some
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19

cue. "Muvver frew stick at him." he
ended. smiles breaking out at the en-
'trancing recollection. 1T hurt his leg
He could only run on free legs. lie
went home awful fast. didn't he. muv-
-verr
Just then Carrie Caruthers aud a
young man came around the corner of
the house and came 90 join them.
johnnie observed Young Doctor Arnold
with Interest. The day before he had
heard his Aunt Eunice call the doctor
q ''f0regane conclusion He watched
him narrowly. tryinv 10 discover how
a "foregone CONCLUSION" differed from
other men. He Thought. on the whole
that Il would be rather nice 20 be on
friendly terms with a ''foregone con.
clusion. : 50 be meved nearer and tim
idly announced that solomon was a
Christmas goose.
.-Hc's splendid big fellow said
the young doctor heartily. ~How much
at him 90 Eoa think Tou can eatf~
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19

II was Chrisireas week and the jan
ltor was on his usual round wishing
his patrons the compliments ~ the
season. hoping OF course. to be re
memhered in snme way.
He came to 5ne door OF new ten
ant and on II Icing opened he wishet
the LADY the usual compliments. at the
same time adding: "Fm the man thai
emptses the garbage can"
"Thank you. same to you." was hei
reply: .'and Tn the lady that ais t.
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19
Making
MerryWith
Others
By ELEDA LEHMAN

ISIS HOLLIS T f r
glanced up from her
paper. "That's pretty
good advice" she muir
INJURED as she read the
words once again.
I" The custom OF for
getting ones elf and
making merry with 9TH
ers and for others Is a
wise and wholesome
one. II believe I'll
stroll along the streets
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19

HE street cars were
crowded and the little
man standing on the
sidewalk hitched the
collar Of his coat a bit
higher and allowed the
women and children,
with arms laden with
parcels, to cl a m b Q r
aboard ahead of him.
II was Christmas eve,
and the holiday spirit
moe all about him Not
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19

-Oh. Mr.. FlIpPerley.~ she exclaimed
soulfully. shave you ever felt a dim
uneasy sense of oppression as II the
mere weight Of life were burden Toe
heavy % be borne By the chained
spirit painting with psychic leagins
to Be free7-
Il invariably have such a feeling
al Christmas Tine was the callaus
rezneaze hut hitherto I have attrIb
ssz1 1 = pzdtInxg-
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19
OLOMON. the Caruthers'

OL0M0N. the Caruthers'
goose. had grown so
plump and so pompous
that IT seemed as II he
must be aware that
great things were exs
pected of him at the
holiday dinner. and was
doing his best to full.
fill expectations. "Sol-
ONION is almost as much
Of a responsibility as
1Ohnnie - Mrs Caruth.
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19
The
Christmas
Goose
By CELIA E. CHUTE

O000&0S0S @0SSSSS@O
Copyright. 1913. Mcclure Newspaper Syn.
dlcate.l
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19
Uncle
JOSiah'S
Christmas
BY GRAHAM LINcFrELD

Copyright. 1918. Mcclure Newspaper Syn
dicate.l
The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1919-12-19

INST have got to come along and be
introduced"
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-30
lHt BIG FOUR WILL
REHAB|L|TATE CHINA
Railroads, Mines, Ships and
Factories to Be Developed by
the Allied Powers

Washington. April 30, -- EIabor.to
plans for the rehabilitation of China
are being made by the governments of
Great Britain, France. Japan and the
United States. it was learned here from
oticial advices from Paris. where viii
lington koo, Chinese minister at Wash
lngton, and his staff of associates and
experts have busily employed themselves
in scmioficial conferences with rcnre =
sentativcs of the great powers in addi-
tion to their work before the Peace Con
ference.
The plans include the 90 operation of
the international group of bankers. for
the American members of which j. j.
ABBOTT of Chicago, is now completing a
personal investigation of the situation in
China. Projected railroads are to be
bliIt and new lines are already in con
slderatlon. mines are to be developed
and smclters built. new steamship lines
VIII be established, docking facilities
VIII be improved and factories for the
manufacture of about everything from
heavy iron and steel castings to silk
goods are to be built and put into opera e
tion.
The governments interested in this
development work in China are not to
be the only benefciarics. as experts are
working out system whereby the Chi
ncse Government will receive substantial
benefit from the work. China will not
have to wait for long term of years.
according to the plans of the proicc
tors, but will share in the benefits as
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-30

70 give portions of the Dalmatian coast
containing good ports to the Slav popu-
lations of that region. If this be true,
as | have no doubt it is, cannot see
why this arrangement should not nave
been made.
The pact Of London, according to
the Presidents statement, provided tor
the return of Fiume to Croatia, but
the dissolution of the Austrian empire
has vitally changed the situation con e
templated by the secret treaty OF Lon , !,
don and to that secret treaty the United
States was not n party. i repeat tnat
I think Italy should make arrangemen,s
TO secure an access TO the Adrlatlc 10
tho Slavic populations which, hope,
will form a united independent barrier
state.
Cites Fiume Decision
As to Fiume, if Italy is of opin
ion that it is necessary ot her safety
aud for her protection that she s!ould
hold Fiume. ! am clearly of the opinion
that il should be hers especially, as the
people of Fiume. I understand, have
voted to join with Italy.
Italy regards Fiume as the founders
of our own Republic regarded the mouth
of the Mississippi when it was said that
any other nation holding the mouth OF
the Mississippi was of necessity an
enemy of the United States. That
which we desire to do for the Slavs
is purely commercial and economic.
italy's demand for Fiume rests on
the ground of national safety and pro
lection. Italy has fought side by side
with France. England and the United
States. and has helped foremostly in re-
pclling the German onset. She has
sacrificed 1000. 900 of her people, She
has burdencd herself with heavy debts
She has suffered grievously in her in
dustrics and in her food supply. She
has taken possession of Fiume, which
was part,of the enemy territory. by her
victory in the war.
I do not see how the United States
and the other nations with whom she
was allied can properly refuse her re-
quest. earnestly hope that Fiume
may become an Italian possession. SC
as to give her that security to which
her armies and her sacrifice entitle her
Very truly yours, a
II. G.. LODGE.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-30
100000 TONS OF FOOD
Since January United States Ha'
SHIPPED II to Europe

New York. April 3O.-Since January
the United States Government has
shipped to the hunger stricken millions
of Europe more than-1 1863, 400 tons of
food, the special relief service branch
of the United States shipping board an :
nounccd today.
This vast volume of supplies has gone
to the civilian population of Europe
through New York, Baltimore, Phia-
dclphia. Norfolk and Gulf ports for dis :
charge at Rotterdam. Danzig, Derindje,
Bordeaux. Coustantinople and other
ports on the North sea, the Mcditcr-
ranean aud the Adriatic.
TO carry this vast volume of food
supplies there has been called into
service rapidly increasing feet Of
American and chartered foreign vessels.
until today the records of the Office OF
Tarlcton Winchester, manager for the
special service here, show that a total
of 3OS ships are engaged, aggregating
more than 100000 tons cargo carry
ing capacity. e.