davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

shoulders. order bis breakfast and
feel be hac done AL a reasonable fate
could expect OF MIN.
Kit had told her every little char
acteristic. every little fault long BE-
fore be had returned from abroad. A
woman with charm. tact and perse-
verance could persuade Garrett %
marry her. Kit had assured her. n
only she might catch him unaWares.
OF guard
And Guen had determined tha,
never would she take a proposal o.
marriage from him for granted. he
should have every courtesy. sTsry
chance % escape. She would throw
him back IN the water
And yst-hiB eyes az be had knelt
there for that moment IN the semi
gloom OF the box, the grip OF bic
hand over hers
The tug vhiEtled astern. She stood
up, feeling the yacht slscken speed.
and saw GArret standing on the tugs
deck he was smiling Up at Tony and
the others. orowding the port rail
We thought you weren't coming
old fellow" called Tony. chesrily
love. this is great Can you make
IT."
She held her breath. Leisurely and
without embarrassment, Carrot came
aboard. She saw him laughingly greet
the crowd, bend low oyer her
mothers hand and move toward her.
Good morning"
She flashed a quick look OF cues
tioning defiance az him.
II didn't think you had Il IN you.
Garrett"
Carrot deliberately took her two
hands in his.
You told ne 70 call this morning
dear. As We were saying last night
"Givs me- my hands. The rest are
looking"
"Guen. when will you marry me-
TO hire that tug, and deliberately
chase me-"
You ran away. Don't pull won't
let 20 until you answer. WhenE"
Guen's face was flushed. Tony had
dellcstely and understEndingly CON
centrhted the attention OF the party
on the antics OF the retreating tug.
TITS FIVE minutes OF u Surely a
man may be expected 70 know his
own mind when Il is FIVE minutes Of
IL and he Is half starved Guen.
will your"
Guen's dark eyes wRvered before
bis gaze. 'TYor hurt me, please o.
botherl Yes, yes, yes"
Carrot released her. and drew out
his watch
II win We'll be married at Colon.
dear"
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

so independent. You will be able
20 Judge OF its worth without sssls-
lance" he replied. and there was still
an expression OF half serious intent
on his face.
On the evening OF the noisy Fourth
when the gAyeties OF the day we're on
the wane and the old flag on lie pole
before the West home had huttered
bravely all day long. Gloria, with I'VE
OF the signsrB Of her independence,
sat on the vine-covered veranda-
Everyone had gone but these few
friends OF Gloria, who each seemed
anxious to have the last word with
her.
In the merry Jest Of the morning
when Gloria had lsughingly presented
% her professed admirers q document
wherein she had set forth her acts
Of independence, each had felt an IN
DERIVING strain Of seriousness and
each wanted to talk with her. Jok-
ingly they had signed It, thereby max
ing themselves slaves 20 her vhims
henceforth, then, and forever-all but
John Harmon.
Even in view Of its being the YER
lest Jest. he refused. lHughingly
though Il was, 10 add his name 20 the
liEt under Gloria's perpendicular
scravli Gloria had been according
~ piQued. and though she smiled and
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

duty had been doue. And then the old
hag was drawn high on It's pole and
the various members OF the family
were allowed 10 celebrate in their
own ways
Gloria was 1s now, and though her
father had long since passed on TO
the resting place OF brave soldiers,
me old custom Of reading the declar-
alton on the morning of every Forth
OF July still prevailed IN the family
Despite the absence Of the head Of
the house the little circle bad widen
ed. for Gloria's brothers and sisters
had married.
And there we're many candidates
for the place at Gloria's side. The
young men in the pretty western town
would gladly have Joined the circle
even though II meant absolute sub
mission 20 the will OF the beautiful
Gloria.
Il wouldn't be married and submit
10 the wishes or a mere masculine
person" she said to her sister one
evening when the latter young woman
was preparing 10 90 70 make a dis
tasteful duty call for her husband
And what would you do?" asked
the sister. indulgently.
I'D assert my Independence and
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

Garret smiled grimly. On the table
among his mail lay a letter from
Tony Ashley. asking him 20 join the
party. II had lain there for a week.
unanswered. He had told Tony dur
ing the interim to leave the invita-
ton open, az he might be able 20 90,
And abe had accepted without him
gone for q months sail through the
Antilles knowing be could not reach
her
While PeteYs packed suitcase,
Carrot called up her homo again
What time did you say Miss War
ing left FOR the yacht"
About half after seven. sir
And 60 you know where the
yschts motor boat Is docking D.
yes. Thank you"
II appeared that the last Of the
party had left at nine % the motor
boat. and the yacht was on her way
out to sea
For the first tine In his life Gar
ret hustled. He ordered tug 20 meet
him, and raced IN the taxi to tho
dock
Standing out on the tugs narrow
deck nosing up the incoming tide, he
felt a ioyius reckless exhilarstion he
had never known before The woman
be desired above all others had chAl-
ienged him and he was pursuing her.
Somewhere just out beyond the Mar
rows was the Aluiette with Tony
Ashley's party aboard, and Guen i'm
ag1ning that she was out OF reach.
Kit had told him laughingly once
that Gucn did not bslisve him cap
able Of being In earnest Did she
mott He set his feet firmly on the
heaving deck and thrust his square
clean-ehaven chin a bit forward al
the gray mist that presumed TO roll
between them.
Make It before IL, won't you, cap
taIn7-
The captain pointed out over
Gravesend Bay as they slipped past
the forts. A handsbreadth IN the hor-
lion from Sea Gate Was white
yacht steaming out to sea
There she scuds, SIR. Wei hail
her in 10 minutes"
Guen leaned back IN her steamer
chair, her cap dropped on the deck
beside her, the wind ripping her hair
into little crisp curls. She had q head
ache and would try TO sleep Il OF
before luncheon, she had told the
others.
Watching the vague shore line and
racing waves between, she thought
OF Carrot. Why, why, whom ell heI
lite's happiness hung on his mind
had she had the courage 70 run away
! He would call her Up. shrus his
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

danced and made merry, still she
wondered why he had refused 90 trt-
ding q fancy on her part.
At last they were all gone and
Gloria was standing on the threshold
listening to their footsteps die away
on the old brick walk Presently she
heard one pair OF steps coming back.
Someone had forgotten som ethins-
Gloria" ssid the deep voice OF John
Harmon, lust one moment bsfore
you go"
Gloria turned and saw him n the
moonlight Yes" she scquissed IN
such q strange little voice that she
hardly recognized IL
THAT Isl have drawn up the
constitution" he said, his hand on his
pocket
Have your she asked = tribe in
differently. she was beginning 10 be
herself after the nrst unaccountsble
feeling of-fear. emotion, joy-she
knew not vhat-when she had seen
him turn back 20 her.
Yes" He said no more.
But you didn't sign the declara-
ton" Gloria reminded him, little
pout on her lips.
"I1l sign anything II you say this
Is all right-read H." he broke on
suddenly. thrusting a folded paper
into her hand Look at 1t and tell
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

They were the last to ieave the box.
She had dropped her gloves, and be
mad CROPPED for them. and somehow
her fingers had touched his head.
He had looked UP at her. kneeliRg
a most unusual and unnecessary at
titude for any man In this age, and
there had swept over him for the first
time in his life a feeling Of venera-
ton, perhaps because there was no
provocation IN her eyes. no swift
lesping understanding Of the situa-
tons possibilities.
Another woman would have known
how 20 play the next move with as
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

surance, would have given him finger
tips, the scent of her hair. the white
grace OF her shoulder, the last nut
terlng look from dropping lashes, as
she Joined the others, but Guen had
done none OF these little tricks Of
woman.
How stupid OF me! Hurry, can
slip on the cloak In the foyer"
But he had placed the long fur
cloak around her and so held her
prisoner for an instant
"Guen, listen. I-I-when can l
see you? Will you be my wife
She had stared up at him in frank
establishment, her dark eyes almost
full OF sudden pain.
do you only care that way about
mel | thought we were pals"
You understand that 1 am asking
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

moon. IL be was expecting to live on
the potatoes. tomatoes. cucumbers and
carrots from the gardens OF Hope
well he would discover his error. Let
so much as one single chicken raise
it's midnight voice and Abe should
find himself on his way TO the Gala
boose
When he was told as above he shed
tears He was no despoiler. He was
poor but honest Jails were not built
for his kind. He might not work as
hard as some, because be had been
told that the more he sweat his col
lar the sooner he would break his
back and leave his wife widow. but
ne didn't propose 10 exc out a living
by thieyery
When asked how he did propose 10
make a living he was silent He
hadn't looked the ground over enough.
II was another month before his
plans we're ready
Then one day the town was alarm
ed by the news that he had been
drowned in the mill pond Some boys
had found his clothing where he had
undressed 20 take a swim, but the
man himself had doubtless gone 10
tho bottom.
or course. they dragged the river.
or course. Mrs Singer took on some
thing awful OF course. there was q
soft-hear1ed citizen 10 put his name
down for S. and pass the paper along.
The sum OF $50 in cash was thus
raised. and there we're others who
contributed food and clothing The
widow moved from the stable into a
shanty.
Ten days after the pow-wow Abe
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

Abe and his wife were sized up as
le er-do-weils They were poverty
poor and as lazy as human beings
are ever made
Both could have found work in
plenty. but they didn't want H. Abe
waited to sit on the steps OF the post
Office and chew plug tobacco and tell
how he almost went 20 war. and his
wife went begging with a basket on
her arm and no shame in her face
Why not? She had been born with
a crooked spine and she had had
fevers. chills broken legs. weak eyes.
liver complain rheumatism and vs.
riOus other ailments until she was
broken down. she could weep 20 heat
the band. ard folks soon found Il
cheaper 10 buy her OF with broken
victuals ana Old clothes than to wipe
leT tears away
When IL was found that Abe slim
ser vas lazy By nature and practice
me constable OF the village warned
him that the eye OF justice would
ever be upon him. but more especi-
ally at night and IN the dark OF the
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

spouse.
Miss Waring, please The answer
was immediate. Miss War:ng had
left at 1880 for out Of town. No, she
had left no address.
Garrett hung up the receiver. He
felt piqued, stumped, worried, banled,
indignant Why had she run away
from him.
He had felt a reaction from the ola
ton Of dawning consciousness, almost
a reverse IN bRchelorhood, but this
stirred every dormant proprietary
male instinct IN him
He called up Kit imperatively. She
was fresh and spirited after a ride
in the park. No, certainly not. She
knew nothing OF Guen's plan. Why
He might ask her aunt.
He felt savage. No man cares to be
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

she vas so little as 10 be unable 70
get up into a chair without being
lifted, she had 10 sit solemnly by the
side OF her sisters and brothers and
listen 20 tales OF heroism told by her
father
on every Fourth OF July. a. regu-
iarly as that date rolled around. Gloria
and all the members OF her family
had been forced 70 sit patiently and
respectfully IN a circle about the old
dining room while their father read.
impressively-so she had believed
every word Of the declaration OF in
dependence
No frecrackers. 10 torpedo. no cele-
hration OF any sort took place in the
Vest family until after this patriotic
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

when you see me lying dead you will
be sorry for what you have said"
Two weeks passed, and then one
night. at midnight there were yells
and Ahots and the noise OF running.
and the people turned out TO And Abe
Singer missing. He was searched for
but not found.
Next day there was a grand hunt
but 10 clsw. Robbers had killed him
and borne his body away. Another
public subscription for tho widow.
More provisions. fuel and clothing.
She actually oGSned an account az
the village bank and put on mourn
ing
Another two weeks and the cat
came back. Abe walked IN 20 say
that he bad discovered three yegg
men about to break into the post
Office. and when he had nred on them
they had seiked and ehloroformsd
him and borne him away ia a bug
Ey. For Il days be had known moth
ing, bat now be had come back 20
take his JOB again.
Hopsweu didn't say much II didn't
threaten. II didn't bring out tar and
feathers. Il simply asked the cues
ton Of Abe Singer
How much cash will you take %
skate out Of this town end stay
skated"
"One hundred dollars" WAa the
prompt reply: and Il was raised IN
an hour. and within another Abe and
bis wife were departing for new
neldG. They were poor but honest;
bit Hopeveli preferred the other
kind.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12
BRIBED FOR A HUNDRED

Singer appeared. He had been car
ried Gown stream by the current and
thrown on an island, where he had
remained unconscious for days. 1t
was pretty fishy story. but the peo-
pie had to believe IL and congratu-
late the teller on his wonderful es-
cape.
1t was about so days later when
the next event came OF. A citizen who
owned a farm outside the village hired
Abe TO dig a we'll He had refused
Jobs not 30 hard or dangerous. but
he took this one right away. He pre-
ferred well-digging 10 even the post
office steps.
When he had been digging for two
days. and after he had thrown out
hints about Quicksand and cave-ins.
the alarm was given that the curbing
OF the well had cRven in, and that
Abe was probably a dead man is
feet down.
There is only one thing 10 do In
such a case-dig the poor fellow out.
IL living. succor him. II dead, contri-
butte a fund TO bury him and carry
the widow along.
There we're some who wouldn't
have come down but for the fact that
Abe had gone to work and made no
kick. Ills desire to help himself open
cd all hearts. II that hadn't. then
there were the widows tears and la
mentations TO fall back on. The sum
Of 800 was raised for her. and II was
more clothes and more provisions
The bottom OF the we'll was struck
at last, but there was no Abe. There
sure had been a oRve-in. but II
hadn't caught him. There was a mys-
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

test would be simple enough I never
take advantage OF a remark made be-
tween dinner and breakfast The
world is all moonshipe and enchant-
ment then, and no one is responsible
for what he says.
Last night you told me-several
things. Aren't you sorry you said
them now? You felt the touch OF my
hand on your head and thought that
l expected you to follow the lead
Wrong. sir.
And because like you very. very
much, and wish TO retain your friend
ship, am sailing this morning with
the Ashleys Won't you write me at
Colon7 We are TO cruise for a month
understand, and then 90 TO Florida
Sincerely.
"Guen Waring."
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

VIM criticised. Nevertheless the town
constable felt that he had a duty TO
perform. He went TO Abe and said ::
You went to your death IN the
river and returned. You went TO
your death in the we'll and returned.
Don't try tho little game again. II
raise another dollar for your widow.
Such harsh and uncalled-for lang
uage brought tears TO Abe's eyes. He
said Il was no use for a man to try
and live an honest, upright life
Neither was IL any good for Provt-
dence 10 step IN and pull him back
from the Jaws OF death that he might
be . comfort TO his wife and q credit
TO the town. He would try and not
have any more narrow escapes, but
II they came to him he must not be
blamed
Tho summer had departed and late
autumn had come Abe hadn't tired
himself out looking for any more Jobs,
but was now offered the position of
night Waterman OF the village. Il was
cold Job and poor pay. and no one
wanted X until he stepped forward.
Not . robbery had ever been com
mttter IN the village, but there were
taxpayers who thought Il best TO
guard against such things happening.
When the constable heard OF the ap-
pointment he met Abe TO say: mo
toolishnsss, now"
eff robbers como I shall Kill some
OF them was the reply.
But II you have them XIII you
don't make o mess OF H.
y shall DO my best TO die. and
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

terry on hand to be solved II not at
the bottom OF the well, then where
was he?
The question was on every lip for
four days, and then Abe came back
TO answer IL himself. II was easily
explained He had had warning Of
the coming cave-in, and had scram-
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

away and hiding In farmers barn
IA soon as he had recovered his
nerve he came Jogging along home.
and was ready 70 tackle the Job
again.
Hopewell shook his head IN 4 doubt
ing way, but did not talk much. Abe
Singer was coming TO the front and
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

you 20 be nv wife7'
"Of course" impstieutly; "hu; you
might ask any woman TO be that"
Il never asked any other"
Hurry. We will be late"
He barred he way doggedly. When
can / sec your"
Tomorrow morning X you like
Hurry"
Nine forty-nve, sir said Peters
gently.
Call a taxi for 10: 30 He reached
for the telephone, and gave her num-
Der II would nerve him to hear her
voice He smiled, waiting for the re-
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

made ridiculous. Was he 10 let her
aunt and all the world know that she
bad failed TO keep an appointment
With himf
Peters handed him with most often
siye cheerfulDess "A special delivery
letter. II was from her. The eternal
feminine had kept her true 20 her
orbit Escape she might from him,
but n0t without the satisfaction Of
telling him why.
MY Dear Garrett:
Have you found ne out BY THE
time. I wpndsrf Al arst-last night.
7 mean thought ne early morning
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12
BY WALTER GREGORY.

,OM the time she was
o years old Gloria
West had been i'm
bued with patriotic
feeling and a rever-
snce for the consti-
tuition OF her ooun-
try.
Her father had
been a soldier and
her grandfather be-
fore him and when
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

bled out. Such was his terror that
be had been temporarily out OF his
head.
He remembered running away as
fast as be could. but when his senses
came back to him he was 80 miles
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12
BY ELSIE ENDICoTT.

~ town Of HOpswell
didn't know there
was such a man on
earth as Abe slim %
ger until he appear
ID one day with his
wife lie mad all his
household effects in
a wheelbarrOW, and
for the first month
they lived in a
stable
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

becoming q hero. He had also moved
from 3 shanty into a cottage and was
living on the top shelf.
As matter OF fact. he did hniSh
The well, and thereby made himself
solid with all who might have other
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

y =
IL -~ESN niFlt before. Eight
49, ears OF bachelor
EsSScL-- hood. eight years Of
solid single comfort
IN all their earnings and lessons
2ad gone Up Ike g puff OF smoke
Letters, sir. and shall ! raise the
shades."
Peters recalled him. Il gave him
mastery Over himself. the self he had
always relied on. even 70 hear Peters
roice a. bis pillow for Peters went
with all individuality which had turn
Cd complete cOsmic handspring. so
20 speak under the glamor OF Guen
Warnings presence
Yes, Peters. do" Garrst reached
tor the letters eagerly.
Perhaps she had written since the
night before Sometimes they changed
their MINDS most impetuously. be had
understood, and used special delivery
stamps
Which reminded him he should have
dispatched flowers BY special messen-
ger that FIRST dawn that broke upon
their troth. 10 greet her waking
thought Of him
His mouth widened In a slow smile
Of deadly amusement. o, YES. ne knew
The usual rules OF the game. but not
when Il was played FOR keeps" as
the children say.
She bad listened TO him IN silence.
What had she weighed In the balance
during that silence-her own depth OF
love or his? And she had not answer
Cd his question: merely told him he
might call the next morning II had
eeemed ten thousand years away then.
Now he wished IL were.
After bis cold shower and coffee no
took a photograph OF her from a lock
ed drawer and set il up before him
while he smoked. leaning back in n
chair. hands in his pockets.
Presently the cigar went out. IN
touched beside him on the table edge
and he held the picture close 10 him,
frovning az the serene. interesting
face. His sister had sent him II
while he was abroad
II want you 20 love GUen Waring.
she had written him. She IS the only
woman want for a sister-ln-law. She
Is absolutely bully"
Later Kit had specified reasons
after his return
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

ne IL you think It viii insure Us a
perfect union. dear"
And IN the moonlight, Gloria IN
folded the paper. 10 ind lying tied
within its folds a ring She did not
speak
Dear, give mo your hano and let
me draw up our constitution" be
said. VIII you7
She did: and IL fitted 20 vsll-E1S
80 fitting. as Gloria put Il some long
minutes sfteTv srd-that she decided
20 accept Il
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12
DRAFTING THE CONSTITUTION


Even Gloria's quick wits failed her
for a moment There were so many
ways 10 take that
Yea" she said with a CLEAN Of
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12

daring In her eyes. as she looked
squarely at him. draw up a constitu-
ton and we'll have II put before the
whole house"
1T won't be necessary II you're 30
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12
Sensible Realization.

ouinn-where Is the yOunE poet
these daysf
DePonte-Doing well Always hGs
a dollar and wears . new suit Hes
realized somsthing"
Quinn-Sold some Of his poemA
ehf
DeFonte-Ho, realized that be 10 not
q poet and got q Job as bookkssper.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12
What He'd Bag.

Amateur-Tm going hunting q n,
great north woods. old man, and ]
will send you down my hrst trophy.
Friend-Thanks. but ! an no can.
nibal.
Cannibal7
Friend-YeA ] can't szt guiesk
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-12
ARRET avakeaed ID
b. WILL SEAT.

.RkEG awakened 10 e
rext morning with 4
most unusual feeii1 Z
~ happiness and
even citation.
nen he remem b.
bored He had Jump
ed the last fence the
niF1t before. Eight
ears OF bachelor
hood. eight years Of
solid single comfort