davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Bogalusa enterprise and American. (Bogalusa, La.) 1918-19??, 1919-08-28

COME GROCERS WHO DO A CREDIT BUSINESS
- very frankly admit that where they are beaten out of
$50 by one customer out of $40 by another and out Of
other sums from 81 to $780, somebody must absorb or
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
Her Clever Escape to Captivity

Over to Helens with this borrowed
costume and then up to the club with
the crowd"
WELL, be back in time to rest up for
tonight" and the older woman settled
back to her task
Evelyn sent the car back from one of
the downtown stores and glanced at her
wrist watch. Five minutesl Picking
her way along the icy pavement she
found herself at the railroad station just
in time for the train she was expecting
To the conductor she handed her mile
age book and murmured "Westport,"
then settled herself down to watch the
suburbs of the great city hy past and
the long stretches of open fields and
snow laden trees grow more and more
frequent Noon found her on the little
unprotected platform of the Westpoft
depot" the chill northern air biting her
nose She glanced at an old bus stand
ing near, then shook her head to the
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
Taking the Steps to Happiness

in the activiies OF the common people.
ITS rather like the split milk axiom.
There's no use crying"
IT'S better than milk. SIR" Lester ex-
claimed, coal can be picked up
That's so, of course. Where is your
containerf"
The bag is broken don't know
what to do" He looked around anxi-
ously for a stray paper. But I'll surely
find way. Mother mrst have the coal,
and I'm the only one to get it for her. .
wait moment I'll find pail" and
Jameson. wondering what possessed him
to bother about others, hastened to his
mansion house. 1t had been years since
he trod the cellar stairs, but instinct lead
him to a pail; and as he passed the
huge coal bins he hesitated, turned back,
filled the pail to o~erhowing, and after
seeking another receptacle for Lester,
hastily returned to the waiting boy.
Lester gazed doubtfully at the black
offering. 81 don't know" he hesitated,
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

suit, which, ii tidy, was not particularly
well pressed Florence guessed he had
pressed it himself When girl secretly
loves young man it hurts her for him
to exhibit miser-lilxe tendencies, and
she'd covertly watched him all evening,
and he'd bought nothing.
Over by the candy booth Harry Cass
was spending his hardware clerks
wages like water, and Fred, as director
of the towns linemen. made as much as
Jack and Harry together
With an intensity that was real pain
Florence hoped that he would buy her
some flowers, il only to show Lillian
White and the others he wasn't the
"tightwad" they thought him. But she
was putting ON her hat when he came
TO her with his offering--a tiny ten cent
bunch of sweet smelling dried lavender.
"For your handkerchief box" he said.
with the smile Florence loved, and added
in wistful apology, Il wish it were a
better offering. but it's the best that
can do
At home, in her room Florence care
lessiy thrust Jacks splendid roses in a
vase on her dressing table, but she
kissed the humble lavender, crying mis-
erabiy as she laid it among her choicest
handkerchiefs.
There wasn't any need for him to
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

pinch 50, she was sure he was always
in the gayest of humors, like man who
had nothing troubling him. and he was
so charming and pleasant all the girls.
everybody liked him.
He lived in cheap room on Smoke
street, where only the very poor live,
and they Harry Cass and her brother
Harry said he was too CLOSE" to
spend for board. but took things to his
room and cooked theml He wasn't
saving to be married. either. That she
knew Florenee's olive cheeks famed.
He went wherever she did, and talked
to her oftener than to any other girls,
but that was all
Some weeks after the Belgium re-
lief fund fair" on a brilliant warm
day in late March. Sunday school
fishing party" and picnic. with all the
towns children present, was held on
Ward river
In the afternoon a group of young
girls, assisted by three young men. were
gathering violets on the rivers brink
Suddenly there were frightened screams,
and two white spots for an instant
flashed on the deep waters surface. Be-
atrice and Lottie Felt, little sisters, had
lost their balance and fallen in the river
In second Fred Graham had torn off
his coat, and Jack Murray and Allen
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

we are not charity folks. Mother
wouldn't like it in the least You see.
since father died we've had to live in one
room. That didn't give US chance to
get in any sort of a coal supply, and
now there's this shortage. You know
all about that, don't yor?"
Seems to me did come across some
mention of lack of coal, in my reading" :"
"Mentionl My goodness, where have
you been, sir? Guess you haven't stood
in line for hours as have, just for a
little bag full, like this. We have only
two to warm Think of the hundreds of
families full of babies and sick people !"
"You don't say" Fascinated by the
truthful brown eyes, the earnest face,
Jameson fingered at his side; and when
the boy bent TO collect the fallen Goals,
Jameson found himself doing like
wise
$50 you are short of coals"
Rather We didn't have any tre yes
terday. And mother isn't awfrlly
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

sonal responsibility and all that stuff.
She's discovered new mana Chaun-
cy Smith, the son of an old friend.
Money. government commission, every
thing desirable, and his mother and aunt
Mibs have arranged 2 party for tonight
He has two weeks and they are bound
well elope, or some other romantic
thing, before he goes back to Washing
ton" She leaned forward, dropped her
apple core into the FIRE and shrugged her
shoulders. Aunt Mibs will begin to
look for me at about six and the guests
begin to arrive at eight"
Aunt Mary laughed heartily and de-
parted leitchenward to get supper. Eve
lyn followed and enveloped in huge
apron was helping lay the table, when
another knock sounded at the door. Z
will you go to the door, honey;
mist get these biscuits in," aunt Mary
called from the pantry.
Behind the heavy wind and the whirl
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
When She, Loved Him So

Newell had of theirs, Murray and
Newell leaped together. Then Florence
felt the blood flowing away from her
heart. leaving II dry as marble. Fred
Graham, as though he suddenly re-
membered. stopped and picked up his
coat. Florence noticed there was a
mended place in its lining as he slowly
put it on again. Then he ran to the
waters edge, yards below, where the
bank sioped, and helped the chilled
reseuers out with the unharmed hrt
thoroughly frightened children
That evening. when he asked Florence
IL he might not walk home with her, she
refused icily.
After that day she saw little OF Fred.
One late morning, after stormy
night--an unseasonably cold. windy day
she met him going out with another
iineman. He tipped his cap silently in
response to her nod. and Florence saw
that his eyes were weary. Surreptitious-
ly Florence wiped her eyes.
About ten that morning Fred Graham
and William Cram, a lineman somewhat
older than himself, worked upon tele-
graph pole many fee. above the rail-
road. The pole rocked to and fro. as
the high wind blew 6ercely, Suddenly
a heavier gust caused Cram to turn in
his position. He pushed Fred. who,
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

could get up. Take it easy, I'll have
help here directly"
Fred managed to get to the station
mile away and to tell his story. Then
he tainted,
Both arms broken and rib or two"
the doctor announe later. Some man
thatp
At Or. Perry's house that week Fred
Graham held high ievee. When Flo
renee beaverton came in to see him on
the third day, she meant TO be very dig
nihed. very conventional, but at sight
OF his hollow white cheeks, and his
helplessress, her fine composure fed. 81
am so glad" she stammered III you
had been killed--oh, IL you had been
lSilled-we--I-"
"Brt | wasn't killed, you see" he
smiled, "and It's good-of you toto be
glad"
I'D have had no chance TO ask you to
forgive mel" she went on, trembling.
For what?" he asked. She blushcd
and whitened.
"I-oh, Fred-I've thought since that
time at the river"
"You've thought / was. coward as
well as a miser." he finished for her
well, don't blame you, but there was
Nettie-" He hesitatcd.
"Nettiei" she echoed, and her cheeks
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

driver, turned and took the hard trodden
road leading away from the town.
She gloried in the crisp air. the deep
snow, the very tingling of the blood in
her cheeks but her toes and fingers
were glad when she turned in at little
white farm house and knocked emphat-
ically on the door.
why, bless my soul alive, where did
you come from?" exclaimed the mother
ly old lady who answered the knock,
drawing the girl into the warm kitchen
and closing the door
PA, do come and see who's here"
We'll, il it amt Eve" the old man
calculated joyfully. "Bless me, ye must
be cold"
Eve ate ravenously of the lunch set
before her and then answered Mrs
Wiley's questions.
well, aunt Mary, you know what
aunt Mibs is. She just simply insists
that / marry well-coniders it per
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

answer; then he supplied shortly, Rob
crt English"
Evelyn smiled. you see, to- be a
boarder here in the winter is TO be en-
listed III the service of the house and
looking at him frankly she caught a
curious answering gleam in his eye.
A week passed A week of snow
shoeing mornings. sleighine afternoons
and corn-popping. nut-cracking even
ings-a week of unfeigned pleasure TO
both---a week of which both knew in
their hearts the inevitable result
The night before Evelyn's departure
English came into the room and sat
down by the fire opposite her.
May l ride back to town with you
tomorrow" he asked.
why, of course; shall be. glad"
She tossed him an apple, and the glow
of the FIRE bronsed the wind-colored
cheeks, and touched her hair.
Suddenly the man leaned forward.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

As he neared his lonely home, his de-
termination grew stronger. He realized
what he had missed during all the days
and weeks that he had lived in state
alone. I'm too old to marry" he
unused, blowing great wreaths of smoke
to the sky THE man who hasn't found
a woman to suit him by the time he
reaches tho age of 80 might just as well
give up looking. But I world like a
child, boy, that boy. So the little
chap wouldn't eryi He'll make man.
he will"
By morning his mind was fully made
up. He took the coal road that he had
taken the day before, with the one idea
of asking the mother-who would be
coarse and untidy and vulgar. and who
would be glad enough to put the boy
into a good home-to let him have her
son.
Lester saw him coming and eagerly
welcomed him Mother is so grateful, >"
he began, and noticed that the visitors
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

surprised. fell backward, involuntarily
ciutching at his companion. and both OF
them tumbled over among the wires.
After one tense moment Fred eau
tiousIy put out his arms, but he could
not reach the post Billy" he said,
"it's no go. If move the wires will
break"
AS he spoke one of the wires snapped,
IN the half moment that they hung
there in imminent danger of falling 10
the track the four little curly heads he
had seen looking over Grams fence that
morning passed before Fred's mind like
figures on frieze. "Billy,' he said
"you're married man with four babies,
and these wires won't hold both of u.s.
It's big drop. but I'm going to let 60"
"Don't Fredi" besorght Cram.
You'll be killed Let's both hang on
a little longer"
Another wire snapped. THE insur-
ance will keep Nsttie," Cram heard
Fred murmur, "and she's nearly well
now. thank God Pm going, Billy" he
spoke aloud, "Good-byw
The tears rolled down Grams checks
"Good-by," he groaned
II was fall of forty feet and more.
Fred fell among some rough sturps Of
bushes and rolled down an embanixment
"I'm all right, Billy" he called when he
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

senseiess questions or kept murmuring
is that soi" or ~Oh. how too bad"
We'll take our snowshoes and our
hexvy gloves and our worst boots. Won't
h be fun, Patsyf And won't Aunt Aibs
b. boilingl"
Thus clad in her furs, her snowshoes
tucked under her arms. she peeped eau
tiot.sly into her aunts room on her way
downstairs.
Where are you going with that bag
and those shoes, chiid3" the matron of
40 inquired from over her morning mail.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

strong" He choked back the SOB III
take your coal, sir, if you are sure you
can spare it, and if you let me pay for
it
Jameson thought of his eoslbins, full
TO the top. and for the first time in his
life he quivered with shame. The tre-
NOR was very small, hardly noticeable.
but while it lasted he felt strangely un-
comfortable
Suppose you let me help you pull the
Sled. I'll take the rope. Yor follow and
steady the pals, Tomorrow we can set
lie the bill"
Had any of the mans club friends
met him they would have vowed that he
had lost his mind, tugging on the slip
perry sidewalk at we'll worn sled with
its ragged rope, while poor but neatly
patched lad of eight was pushing behind
They had not very great distance to
go. Jameson left the boy at the tene-
ment house door, resolved TO keep in
touch with him.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

face wa: white and his eyes we're big
with establishment. For mother had
followed her boy jameson stared at
the exact replica of the boy, save for
the added daintness, winsomeness,
grace. The heavily lashed eyes were
soft and seducing. the hand that found
itself wrapped Up in his was just as
slender and white as his own.
I'm thankful to you," she smiled. and
her voice and lips thrilled him through
and through we had the money. but
simply couldn't secure the coal"
Later he found that she didn't have
as much money as she had pride. He
spent long hours maneuvering how TO
make her receive the luxuries she was
evidently used to. but necessity COM
PEELED her to give up. 1t was not long
before his own needs changed, and al
though he still wanted the son, which
desire he had not dared to breathe to
the woman, he wanted the mother even
more.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22


cess even beyond expectations.
And 70 you are here, Florencea ?
What does your iadyship prefers"
Jack Murray, smiling, held his open
pooketbook in his hands. Across the
wlliseness of Marion Lethrop's wais,
cleaned dozen carnations Jack had
bought Nettie Bronson held a great
cluster of heliotropes, and Gladys Ste
rens buried her nose daintily in a big
bunch Of violets-Jack's offerings.
Florence Lesverton, weary with her
exertions OF the -art booth" touched a
Killarney rose. 'NOne or two of these,
Jack. just one or twoi''
But Jack laid two dozen of the pink
beauties In her arms.
Jack. your name is generosity Flo
renee cried; then, for a heeting in
stant her beautiful gray eyes rested ex-
pectantiy almost entreatingiy, on the
pleasant face of IFred Graham-Fred,
who was wearing worn bire serge
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
By Abner Anthony

grew a degree palcr. Tell me about
her"
ats my cousin" he explained. "She
could not work, aud her-life depended
on an operation some time this year
She and ] are alone in the world except
for each other. and Il was saving mon
cy for the operation. At the river ]
hadn't saved quite enough-and she
was waiting knew somebody'd save
Judge Felts children II didn't. But
Nettic--lm a poor swimmer---I didn't
care, once thought" he paused.
Florence was looking at him, her lips
dry, her soul in her eyes. Your cousin
---you arc going to marry her, Freds"
Marry NettieP The words came
from him wonderingiy. why, Nettie
is the same as my sister. There's just
one girl I'm waiting to marry" his eyes
rested eioquentIy upon her working
face, "and for months. she. the girl I've
had the presumption to love. has thought
me miser and eowardl'
Florence was sobbing. "Dont re-
proach me Fred. love you SOL love
you SOL
Freds fine eyes glowed. IF just
had the use Of my arms" he inourned.
"But yor--can't you--sweetheartf"
FIorence's arms went round his neck
and her lips to his.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22


of snow that came III Evelyn heard a
pleasant masculine voice--a strong nu-
sical voice-good to hear.
"W-won't you come INF" she ven
tured, at which aunt Mary appeared.
"Of course-come right in out of the
cold" she seconded heartily, failing,
however, to conceal the question in her
eyes.
The stranger hcsitated, hat in hand.
IL thank you" he said gravely; II ar
rived in town late looking for place
to board for few days, and ! was ad-
yiscd to come here. Can you accom-
modate me1"
Aunt Mary glanced at Evelyn. and
hesitated. why, yes. if you are willing
to put up with what we have. We do
take boarders in the summer, and one
of our guests has come back now for a
few days. This is Evelyn Osgood
Mr.. -"
For a moment the stranger did not
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
Some New Funnybone Ticklers

the conversation; but the food was not
10 be stayed.
In short" the boaster went on, Il
can do anything ! undertake.
The other had lost patience. "Ah,
that proves one thing oBly--that you
have excellent judgnentP
what do yor mcsns" the young lady
asked
In undertaking nothing you can not
do" was the reply.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
By JoeIla Johnson

One day, when ice instead Of coal was
Occupying peoples minds. three people.
handsome man, dainty woman and
chap who cIung tightly to the mothers
hand. stepped into limousine.
Happy. dearl" whispered Jameson. as
he drew her close TO him. after draw
ing tight the door.
"Indcscribably. And yoni"
There is only one day that | can be-
gin to compare with this in the way Of
sublime joy"
And that?-
Was the day met our young chap.
the day when ! woke up, to the fact that
] was too selfish to live. the day I took
my first step on the eoal-road, to happi-
ness."
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
BY Elsie Endicott

Evelyn. why did you come here now ?"
She looked at him frankly. ITO cs-
cape"
me" he finished. Drawing a daily
paper from his pocket he srayely passed
it across to >hef. Startling headlines
proclaimed the mysterious disappearance
of two young society personagcs, and
underneath were the pictures. The
girl, of course, was herself; the other
Chauncy Smith, written unmistakabiy
under; but the picture was that of Rob-
ert English
/Did you nun away. tool" she looked
up.
Il did, too" he answered.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
Neither Satlsfied.

This is the way certain commercial
traveller received lesson in manners.
He called at business Office and saw
nobody but a prepossessing though capa-
ble-looking young woman.
where's the boss" he asked, abrupt.
ly.
: Whats your business5" she asked.
politely.
None OF yours he snapped. I've
got proposition to lay before this hrm,
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

turn at making the days entries in the
log-book, and the mate. when making
his entries, was very surprised to find,
in the captains handwriting, the
words:
June I'd, 4ol7-Mate drunk"
He stared at it wIathfully a moment,
then slow grin broke over his face. He
took his pen and wrote:
June Jrd, 19l7-Captai:i sober
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

wise grve way TO his feelings, as he
looked upon the pieces of coal and the
big tear in the -four bag. out of which
the valuable black nuggets" had tuni-
bied.
Welt" he declared dehantly. Il
won't cryt"
No, l wouldn't" Lester stared in
surprise at the speaker. He saw a tall.
weIl-briit man. whose cold, cynical fea-
lures were lighted up with the faintest
trace of interest He did not know that
Mr.. Jameson was the egotistieal, un-
emotional rich man who lived around
DE corner, who never took any interest
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
what II Proved

YOUNG lady vino
prided herself On her
energy and capabii-
ties was one day talk
ing to a neighbor at
@saner Of her various
occupations. can
play the piano and
trim a hat with equal
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

abiiny, she asserted rather boastfully.
Your energy does you credit" re
plied the listener. politely.
Il can cook. mend. read German.
speak French
German literature furnishes large
heid OF study. does it noti" said the vic
Tim OF these condolences hoping 10 turn
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

and want TO talk to somebody about
it."
"And you would rather talk to a gen
tleman"
YES"
Well answered the yorng woman,
smiling sweetly, 80 would !. But 1t
seems that it's impossible for either one
of us to have our wish. so we'll have
to make the best of it. State your
business, plcasew
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
Here, Men.

A showily dressed woman was sit
ting in tram, when quiet-loolcing
soldier in getting in accidentally trod OF,
her dress.
She talked at him for about ten min
utes and wound up by saying:
"A gentleman would have apologized."
Salutine. the young man bowed and
said
"A LADY would have given me
chance
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
So Did He.

The other evening George Robey was
walking towards the 'Hippodrome when
a powerful man whom he did not know
came up from behind, slapped him heav-
ily ON the shoulder, and exclaimed:
We'll. now goes it, Diciy, old mani"
Robey, eyed the stranger and the
stranger eyed Robey, and then the
stranger said
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
Not That Far.

Two Engiishmen who had been bosom
friends went to America. They met
with poor success, drifted apart, and one
finally took a position as waiter in a
cheap restaurant He hadn't been there
long before his friend appeared at din
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
Unusual.

The captain and the mate on board
the Pretty Polly were at loggerheadS.
They soowied whenever they met. and
seized opportunities Of scoring off each
other with fearful gIee Each took =
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
Bessie's Idea,

Bessie had just received bright new
penny and was starting out to invest in
strawberry ice cream.
Why don't you give your money 10
the missionaries asked the minister,
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

ner The meeting was not er-joyful.
Why. old man, you down TO wait
er, ehl Gracious, how yor- have fallen !
And in restaurant like this, too5"
YES" replied the waiter. turning to
his friend, sarcastically; but l don't
eat here, thank goodness"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

who was calling at the house
u thought about that" said Bessie
but | think l will buy the ice cream
for myself and let the ice cream mar
give the money to the missionaries
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

stood IN sile gutter
and gzxcd helplessly
at the wreck which
vas spread at his
feet. The sturdy
young lad squared
his shoulders and
made 4 mighty effort
not 20 cry or other
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

CROWD OF young
people stood around
the flower booth at the
fair" which was be-
iug held by the Stew
artviIle' churches, II
was a benefit" for
the Red Cross. and il
was nrnvinp a sue
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22

Oh, sorry; thought you were some
enc else.
II wish | had been,' said Robey as
he departed, hunching up the injured
shoulder.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-03-22
Pocket Adder.

A pocket adding machine, which
weighs but two ounces and may be car
ried in the vest pocket. fits in the palm
Of the hand when calculations are being
made