davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

board and stirred. schooling herself
10 be rational, laying fast hold OF her
Keeling brain, she called up the SUI
perintendent's office. Would the Op-
orator never answer-perhaps she
Margaret-was already past human
aid
Finally Margarets voice barely
recognizable, 50 hoarse and terrified
reached Milly.
That isn't you. surely Yes! Yes
We are safe here. but don't you know
you are cut on by fire, they say.
Poor. poor Milly-"
The receiver fell from Milly's
nerveless fingers. She had finished
her work She had fought the good
fight She
Red FIRE danced before her reced-
ing vision, something snapped IN her
overtaxed brain and she lurched for
ward insensible. as a volume OF smoke
poured into the room.
The fire was a thing Of the past
when Milly, in the gray dawn. strug-
gled back to consciousness
She was on the lounge IN the SUI
perintendent's office. where she had
been borne by Carl. after he had made
a desperate dash through the blind
ing smoke 70 rescue her. His usually
full rosy face vas blanched and ghast-
" as he knelt beside her
Was everyone saved?" she whis-
pered
Dearest"
why are you crying. Carl" She
made an effort 70 rise: her eyes were
pathetic IN their terror. Was Mar
garet not saved after all?"
Everyone was saved everyone.
But. Milly. how near I came 70 losing
you"
1T was worth while" Delicate
color wavered across her white face.
Worth while, o. Millyi"
I Yes, Carl; because I found you.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

strings
AS Milly brooded over her troubles,
which had kept her awake all that
day. a pretty laugh rang through the
office, and Margaret pushed open the
swinging doors and entered. followed
by Meurer.
They made a simultaneous rush for
the clock to register on time. Marga-
ret did not speak TO the operator but
with another l-.ugh passed through
the door OF exit, followed by Meurer.
who had taken no notice OF Milly
either
AS the night wore on, Milly's dis
traction increased. She imagined that
she heard sounds that had no basis
CARTS footsteps. his voice In her very
ear-but when she started and gazed
around there was only the vacant Of
fee and the incessant murmur from
the great city, which could not even
sleep quietly.
The bodiless whispering had ceased
at last, but at about o'clock IN
the morning a dull. persistent roar
began to hammer her ear drums. Her
half-dazed brain became gripped by
spasm of terror. Was she going
mad7
She abandoned the switchboard and
moved across TO one OF the windows
glaring palely with the reflection Of
the street lamps. She looked down
on the sidewalk far below-noted the
stagnation, saw a solitary pedestrian
and heard the tramp OF his feet on
the pavement. Still the roar surged
against her ears. IL was sinister.
She swung away from the front
window and turned her attention to
those commanding the freight yard
Down somewhere in that intricate
mass OF men and machinery was the
yard foreman. Carl Meurer. There he
was king. Her heart swelled with
pride. but as abruptly contracted with
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

You ought to get her out In so
ciety more" she said
That Is the reason that the little
woman, much against her will. found
herself at the next reception OF Penn
berton's class. She realized that her
hands had become coarse and red
and that her dress did not fit She
was glad 10 shrink back into a cor
neT
She was thinking OF the time when
Jim would have the kind OF fame
with the long adjective, and be should
be so happy, when she heard someone
mention her husbands name. She
was 80 far back in the corner that the
two young women who were talking
did not see her.
When his turn came 20 give a quo
tation IN the German class this morn
ing" the girl with the spectacles was
saying. he proceeded 10 air HIS do
nestle affairs. He rolled UP his eyes
and quoted from Schlller's Song
OF the Bell:
The passion is short and the re-
greet Is long /"
Being. as I take II, continued the
girl with the yellow hair. "a public
announcement IL the fact that he is
tired OF his wife"
For DAYS thereafter the carriage
OF a physician was seen before the
door CT Pemberton's little cottage.
The news sDread through the colleS-
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05
~lTM% F@nTHaBp~
IDEALISM
fTTITIIIIIIugped @IIIlELIIun~

considered himself a literary genius.
A year went by and the summer
vacation came. An ambitious young
educator, with the assistance OF sew
eral students, organized the Horizon
university summer school.
Then IL was that Pemberton's wife
took a decisive step. She appeared.
with books under her arm, as a Stu
dent In the summer school.
For three weeks Mamie Pemberton
walked every day 10 the institution
on the hill. Then she was seen no
more In the recitation rooms OF the
old college
I'm sorry" she said. but I find
that the baby takes all my time"
The next day Pemberton appeared
on the scene. He attended the sum-
mer school for the rest Of the term
as a special student II could never
be expected chat a genius should de-
vote himself 10 the care OF baby that
his wife might get an education.
The new college year opened A
look OF discomfort seemed 70 have set
tied upon Pemberton's face. He grew
daily more distracted in bis manner.
Jim" said his wife one afternoon
as she came into HIS study, you
don't seem 10 be happy You've got
your mind on something
sit down" answered Pemberton,
and there was such condescension In
his tone that the woman blushed for
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

him. but only for the moment.
II will do all the work and take
very good care OF you" she promised,
with the note Of laughter he loved in
her voice
When later he Joined her on the
dock OF the yacht club a light, grace
full little Graf. swayed on tie water
in readiness. The girl gave Jeffery
a cordial handclasp. but as her eyes
rested upon his wasted face and she
felt the slimness OF his fingers she
could not repress her CONSERVATION.
She knew he had been III but that 10
weeks could work such havoc seemed
almost inconceivable. II was a shock
TO her.
20" she cried in her distress. i'm
pulsively putting her other hand over
the one she held. how sorry ann"
Jefery at that moment felt so far
from requiring sympathy that he
laughed. What about? l am not
sorry for anything. I'm so eminently
glad. in fact, that I am not polite
enough even to be sorry that you're
sorry"
Then I shall not waste time trying
to console. you" and dropping his
hand, her natural manner returned
I advise you to be very polite ta me.
however, for I shall have you at my
mercy In a few minutes"
You have me so completely at
your mercy always. June. that won
der you have the heart to jeer at me, {"
be answered.
The girl made no reply as she
dropped into the boat and steadied II
against the pier while jeffrey took
his place in the stern
They were soon sweeping smoothly
along under strong, regular strokes.
A skilled adept himself at any sort
OF athletic exercise. the freedom and
grace OF motion which characterized
his companion always charmed him.
He unused contentedly. At least
for the moment he would be happy.
She had not forgotten him and the
old comra deship could be taken up
again intact
Well. he said at last, tell me
the news. Since my retirement from
the world I know very little about
what's going on.
Why. hear Gu have been petted
and spoiled by a perfect stream Of
visitors. laden with gossip and flow
ers and fruit. that the postman has TO
come with a push-cart. and you've
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05
g. &S 5 + = 50

community that in spite o. al, that
had been done Pemberton's wife was
very low" The forces OF her life
seemed spent.
Her constitution had been under
mined by OverwOrk and lack OF
sleep" said the physic N.
she has broken hea I. be might
have said. had he only known.
Even the great epic poem, which
was the corner stone OF the new
American school OF literature, was de-
serted. Pemberton. face 20 face with
the reality OF life. knelt at his wife
bedside and between sOts prayed that
she might be spared 10 him.
There came a day whsL Pember-
tons wife felt that the I'D OF all had
come.
jim" she said. 4 haven't forgot
ten about Harvard and that fame with
the long name that you wanted so
bad. Unbeknovnst 20 you I have
been saving money. There ought 10
be enough 70 get through a year az
Harvard. allowing that IL cost twice
as much as Z does here Never mind
about the baby My folks has agreed
10 take care OF him. Goodby. jim
and God sle-s you"
Don't. Nan" moaned the man as
be clutched his Vife's thin hand
Can't you see that ~oC are killing
me? Come back F0g Coo s s2ka.
CONE back"
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

is fond OF you. but he's like the rest
Of us. He won't stand for nagging
nor being hectored. | once was young
and now that I am old 7 haven't for
got the girl loved first and best. We
had a little difference Just like you
and Carl. We never made IL up. We
were both too spunky."
He sighed and slowly quilted the
room
Thank heaven. she 5ss at last
alone; How her head ached She
closed her eyes The salty tears stung
the lids. Only two more OF the night
shift must register. They were late
already. Why didn't they Gomez
Carl Meurer and Margaret DonnelIy
There was time when Carl had
always come first and fingered as long
az possible That was before-before
Margaret Donnelly came to act as
typewriter in the superintendent Of
fee
The essence of bitterness lay in the
fact that II was through her efforts
that Margaret had come She had
been sorry for the girl-one OF a big,
shiftless family.
Till her advent. Milly had been
queen Of the freight house She was
Willingly worshiped. Little wonder
that she became domineering even to
Carl Meurer
Margaret. on the contrary was
bright and obliging, with a seductive
tongue. and when Mllly sent him TO
the right about for some trifing
matter he promptly awaited himself of
the other girls ready smiles and
good-humored comradeship.
The other men in the yard where
he was foreman had widened the
breach by teasing him about being
"bossed." This was all 70 the high
spirited German. He would have
been willing 10 die for a woman. vet
he would not submit to leading
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

young shoulders into the stroke,
righted the boat and eaded inland.
Each moment the wind was rising
The lake was covered with whitecaps
as far as the eye could reach, but the
frail little boat rose and fell bravely.
For q few moments neither spoke.
but as the girls color deepened with
her exertlons. Jeffery groaned.
June. IL Is torture for me TO sit
here and do nothing"
Now, Jeff. don't be fussy. II we
get IN before the rain comes we'll be
lucky, for you are a very I'll young
man, even yet" she answered light
ly.
As she turned to look back at the
distant shore line her heart sank.
however. II did no. seem foot near
er than when she had first headed to-
ward II.
I've always scored at people who
called lake Michigan treacherous,
and held that II one were observant
and knew anything about the water,
II was safe enough But this blow
came before one could say Jack Rob
inson." Silence once more fell be-
! tween them.
AS the wind increased the waves
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

Joy. THE fact is. Anna, l feel that
Horizon is too small a place for me. l
am determined 10 bring before the
world a new American -chool Of lit
erature. / can do II best from the
classic shades where Longfellow
walked. l wish 10 go 10 Harvard. "
And you will. jim" said his wife,
as she went reverently away.
The poet nodded and did not even
tell her that her grammar vas faulty.
She went 70 tailor shop that aft
ernoon and brought home a large,
square-looking package. All through
the winter term Pemberton's wife
toiled every night until after mid
night.
While Pemberton lived IN cloud
land a bank account in his wife's
name was steadily growing. The man
did not notice. as others did. that the
bloom had left his wife's cheeks and
that her form was bent and shrunken.
Il am not so sure" he said 70 her
during my lifetime. But OF one thing
am certain. and that is that / will
have posthumous fame"
"I'll help you get II. JIM" said his
wife.
A widow who made Horizon her
home and had rothing 70 DO especial
~. buttOnhOled Pembertcn one morn
ing and ted hir0 be was act doing his
duty by hi. wife.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05
MIIEY

jealous pain.
She suppressed the outcry Of agony
that pressed against her clinched
teeth and forced itself to sit once
more at the switchboard. For a full
half-hour she settled down to routine
work. but at list the near-ending roar
that seemed 10 permeate every cor
ner OF the room became intolerable.
With a desperate gesture she spr2ng
erect and began TO pace the floor.
This could be no mere hallucina-
ton. She halted in the center OF the
office, then suddenly shrieked aloud
as the reason for this dreadful tur-
moil swept across her faculties. clear
Ing them instantly.
The freight house was on fire,
A panther-like spring across the
floor and one glance through the
doors revealed sinuous coils OF with
ing smoke ascending the air currents.
How long had the f:e been at
work? Had she time 10 escape by
the stairs? Her foot was OF the land
ing when II occurred to Milly that all
OF the workers in the yard were In the
greatest jeopardy-tIa appel literally
by the towering walls OF the freight
house. And Carl was there-Carli
She dashed across TO the switch
board and began notifying the men in
the yard Of the fire. She called up
Meurer as calmly as the others
heard his slow. deep voice merging
into a shout Of excitement. Sudden
ly her blanched face went whittier than
ever.
Call up Miss Donnelly; you can
get her before any OF the rest OF us.
Hur-"
But Milly flung the receiver from
her with a maniacal laugh and leaped
toward the door once again.
So the little senseless chit was in
peril-extreme peril perhaps. SO be
IL, The grou-d floor might be a mass
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

asked Jeffery, with mock reproach.
ITO ease your conscience and yet
escape the consequences7"
NO, | really wanted you this
time" she replied. You see l knew
the excitement your illness caused
among your friends would begin TO
Elbside as soon as you decided neith-
er 10 die nor marry your nurse. and
I merely waited until you grew lone
some and bored, so that my atten-
tions should be fully appreciated.
But / have some news" she went
on. bob Raynor is here and we are
going 10 play together in the tennis
tournament next week. | wish you
were we'll enough TO coach me a lit
tie"
II wish I were" echoed Jeffery,
absently. 80 Raynor is here again.
be thought. 81 suppose It will hap
pen this time and I'll be invited to
the wedding. Well. it's been hang
ing over me for the last 100 years
and II might as well come"
20. June" he burst out. cant you
care for me? Are you very sure you
never CAM" His eyes searched her
face and as he gazed a startled look
came over IL.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

gown which caused Pemberton 10 fail
in love with the girl.
He talked 10 her about the merits
OF his book. The girl had never seen
any one so handsome before and she
had never listened TO any one who
sisooursed IN such mellifiuent tones.
Pemberton remained for few days
IN The neighborhoOd and wrote a SON
net about peach blossoms and some
body IN dimity who stood beneath
them. The girl capitulated and they
we're married.
Peuberton mad no definite idea OF
what be intended 10 60 In life. He
thought that he would be willing 20
settle down In a cierkship He found
a. the end OF three years that the
thirst for learning was strong within
him. His head was full of unrealized
ideals
I know how you fee. said Nan
Sic one day. You think thai IL you
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05
No Invitation Necessary.

There was a gentleman burglar az
our house the other night" said no
suburbanite with the snow shovel
why do you call him a gentleman
burglar asked his neighbor
Because he was so soCiable. Aft
er he had gathered up all the valua-
bles he came over 10 me and said:
Shake"
HIN The one that visited me lasl
week woke me up wish a six-shOoter
and I shook without any invitation. "
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

turning vigor. a full appreciation Of
her own detestable conduct passed
through her heart like the thrust OF
a sword.
Had she time left In which TO warn
the girl?
She wheeled and took the stairs
with frantic speed. The ascending
flights seemed endless. To breathe
meant acute pain: her muscles re-
fused 10 obey, her limbs 10 bear her
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

ing calls taking down messages, ring
ing up different Offices in the yard.
she attended 10 the necessary part of
her work only. For once her voice.
in repeating a call. was sharp and
even impatient In al OF her five
years as chief night operator in the
Chicago freight house this had never
before occurred.
As the men passed through the Of
fee that evening, a few minutes be-
fore %, 10 register on the big clock,
each called out some salutation to
Milly who was a great favorite. In
stead OF responding. she shrugged or
frowned or bit her lips. In pretended
absorption.
Don't suik, Milly." bawled out the
superintendent, as he paused on the
threshold. Carl won't come back any
the quicker for your scowls, when lit
tie Margaret has smiles 70 spare"
She returned no answer. but ap-
Piled herself more closely 20 her du-
ties. Despite her self-control. a tear
splashed on the message she was re-
cOrding
"Snags. my child"
The grun voice OF Banks. father"
or the machine shops-the oldest man
az the works. was kind and did not
wound Milly raised her wet eyes
muteiy-
He shook HIS head.
Men are funny brutes. Milly. Carl
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

OF flames before she had an inkling.
No one could reach her, either, at
this hour except over the switchboard
IN the main office, and Milly con-
trolled that.
She hung for moment above the
well-like stairs, then SKINNED down
the broad steps, One flight was &C
mplished-another was begun
now she was at the third landing.
Here the smoke was more dense.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

She could hear the rending snarl
OF the flames catch a sickening Whit
from the cellars where the stored
merchandise was burning. A burst Of
fresh, outside air dispersed the smoke
clouds an instant. Milly gulped
greedily, was refreshed and, with re-
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

up. Midway on the last flight she
sank 10 her knees.
A hot gust swept up from the in
ferno beneath, but It stirred her
heavy limbs so that she could crawl
the remainder OF the distance
Somehow she reached the switch
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

was wan
dering through the
south as a book agent
when he met Mamie
Richards.
She was standing
IN a peach orchard
Perhaps IL was the
peach blossoms. per
haps II was the pref
" face. or IL may
have haan the dimitY
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

quiet home, the
breeze swaying the curtains OF his
high windows against the screens, he
felt so utterly lstless that be won
dered II the fight had been worth
while after all
Still. people had been very kind.
he had not known before that he pos
sessed so large a number of friends.
But today existence seemed to him
dreary enough. as he discontentedly
surveyed the housetops. beyond which
line or blue water melted into the
horizon.
Soon be turned impatiently and
went 10 the book case In search OF a
substitute for his fruitless brooding.
and when he reached IL his eyes were
on a level with another's looking at
him from photograph standing on
the shelves
Jeffery took the picture in his thin
hands. How we'll he knew the oval
contour OF June Bradley's face, from
the smooth. untrOubled brow TO the
faint shadow OF the dimple in her
chin She had refused him the win
ter before and. though their life
long friendship survived, there had
been times when the young mans pa
thence was sorely tried.
The sharp ring Of the telephone
broke' in upon his reflection and he
lifted the receiver with a sigh. But
suddenly the color mounted under his
white skin and he dropped into the
desk chair with shaking knees The
voice was June's, low pitched full
and very sweet.
To her first question he answered.
%, yes. I'm coming along, but it's
SLOW work. OF course. Yes, I've been
out several times No. not today.
I've been too dull TO make the effort.
DO I? Well. rather?"
She had asked III he felt equal TO
going out on the lake with her for
an hour or two. He was weak
enough to be easily shaken. and the
prospect OF seeing her had unnerve ed
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05
AFTER ALL

had to muffe your telephone 70 get
any peace at all"
is that why you used that par
ticular method OF communication? ,"
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

"There is a change coming" she
said quickly. we must go back"
Jefery turned. The western sky
was a deep purple, banked with scud-
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

the blow struck them II seemed next
TO impossible.
But June frightened her lips and,
putting all the strength OF her broad
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

youngsters IN the preparatory de-
partment He also wrote a sonnet
which he sold TO one or the maya
ZINES. Upon the strength o. this he
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

had not married me you might have
gone 70 college Ne and the baby
drag YOU down. Now. there is no use
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

LILY HOPE had not
slept well. as her
dull. puffy eyes indi-
Gated. Even the coil
OF auburn hair, usual
" arranged with tan
TALKING grace. be-
trayed the disorder
OF her mind IN its
careless disaTray.
Seated before the
switchboard. answer
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

YOU HAVE NE so COMPLETELY
AT YOUR MERCY, JUNE"
ding. racing masses OF clouds. and the
water was breaking into choppy
waves as the wind swept across 1t. Al
ready II was difficult 10 bring the
boat about, and as the full force Of
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

The Pembertons had little money
when they came 20 Horizon universe
~. Pemberton tutored two or three
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

in your saying no. jim. / know I
amt worthy OF you but"
Am not" said PembeTtOE- Don
say ain t"
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

FIERY STEVENS
long siege OF ty-
phoid fever had left
him disguised with
his own weakness.
None OF the vitality
belon Eing 20 his
former health and
siren 9Th had yet re-
turned 20 him and
sc he sat idly in the
quiet home, the
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-05

Jim. i know I
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The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1919-12-10
COZY BABY
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The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1919-12-10
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