davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

aheadznow forty. now fifty. now six-
ty. n
"Mikei" he yelled, and the wash of
air whipped the words back into the
freman's ear like pistol shots. Mike,
.e make Mansford by one"
AN hour?' screamed the latter, IAN
hours Eighty miles? Man, yer
dr-dreaming!"
Maybe l aIn,D said Haddon grimly.
giving her another notch.
On into the night they rushed. fast
er and faster, till it was all O'Connell
could do TO keep that dancing devil OF
a steamgauge needle up TO where it be-
longed. Stripped to his red nannel
shirt. ne stood in the lurid glow of the
hre-box stoking like madman, while
the ground reeled and swayed beneath
him ana the sky hissed dizEily over his
head
Firm on the little cab seat sat the
chief gazing hxedly ahead. He was
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

before she got out OF the woods. She
turned about and wended her way to-
ward home. as she supposed. but
things began to look so differently, not
a tree or shrub seemed familiar and
darkness was~fast approaching. Ner-
yousness stole over her; again and
again she called, but only the re-
echo Of her voice was heard On and
on she travelled until her limbs shook
under Der; but no-she must not stop
she must come out somewhere.
After many miles had been traversed
she came TO a stonewall and knew
then she would soon be out Of the
woods. Many thoughts ran riot through
her mind; she could see leering eyes
pearing at her and stealthy footsteps
upon her. purely imaginary. until the
perspiration stood upon her face.
AT length an opening was reached
and she came out upon the highway;
even then the whole country looked
so strange But while she was pom
dering in her mind which way to go.
she heard the, sound of an auto, and
never had sound been sweeter to her
ear.
The chug-chug OF the machine
sounded near and nearer. and she
lsnew il was coming her way. soon
a voice said, will you ride. Miss? ?"
and she clambered in, feeling that her
strength had entirely left her. Now
her voice shook as she asked. as it far
from here 10 Littleheld?" The chauf-
teur replied. 1T IS 12 miles and we are
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

the road was?" mo" said Isabel, :"
have no idea. and didn't even think tc
ask his name was so glad TO get back
under Daddy's roof with you dear ones
again. I really thought bears were go
ing to devour me in those woods and
every twig that cracked. was post
tive q man was following Oh, but
was scared. | think. sister, not only
found something interesting this after
noon but really. truly did starr some
thing. What say YOUR
Wen, my daughter, the young man
to whom you owe SO much gratitude is
no other than the wealthy David In
graham, whose name YOU are we'll ac-
quainted with. il not Tho man" said
MIR. Graham.
''My!" though. Isabel, he viii think
| am regular chaster-boX. | wonder
if used the proper words; father says
am a good deal of tomboy and may
be talked like one. 1 hope ho doesn't
think me queer for letting my tongue
run like trip hammer
Isabel had SO often heard of MIR. In
graham, his high standing among IN n,
his popularity in the political world,
etc, but newer dreamed she could say
one word to him should the opportun-
ity present. and it wasHa big surprise
as well as a great pleasure when Nj
Ingraham called the following morn
ing and inquired for the health Of Miss
Isabel.
Weeks followed during which M~'
Ingraham was in Washington a good
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

she laughed shortly. for usually with
Gertrude Tyler laugh was very near
the surface. .I'll have light and some
dry clothes and then I'll make cup of
beef tea and see if life won't seem
brighter"
Later, cuddled upon the couch again,
with soft shaded light beside her and
a new magazine companioning the
evening paper for her diversion, Ger
trude felt an influx of cheer and cour-
age.
Il ought to be ashamed of myself, :"
she arraigned, kindling beneath re-
action. Think of the untiring women
in army service abroad. Think of the
soldiers in the trenchesr-and our own
brave boys preparing TO join them. But
If / was even helping In this great
cause-if could be of service 10 even
one-to even"
As If in answer to her thoughts &
printed paragraph seemed to leap al
her from page of the evening paper
IF any young lady wants 10 do her
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

friends were made awars OF her really
delightful mental resources.
As she wrote her first letter TO this
unknown jeffrey. Gertrude's mind was
turning 10 the days of her early youth
A slow and awkward suitor for her
girlish favor this farmers son had
been And even when he went 10 work
in the new machine shop, and began TO
show signs of inventive skill and eff
cheney which made his employers
speak well of him and his future pros
poets, Gertrude had seemed aloof and
discouraging.
And | always liked jeffrey best;
but 1t was easier TO get on with the
others" Gertrude sighed regretfully.
'I guess | never really appreciated
jeffrey then" So she wrote IN her let
ter tonight:
81 chose your name because I once
knew d very nice young man called
jeffrey And l never wrote him any
letters, either, only schoolgirl notes,
which he couldn't have thought very
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01
By Abner Anthony

much Of. because I was always snub-
bing him. didn't mean it. though" +"
In her later letters. for this new
correspondence grew and 1ourished,
Gertrude expressed every phase OF her
whimsical spirit She had come TO en-
joy this pastime deeply. But when 1t
came to receiving word from her SOL
der friend that he was starting for
the city and would call to see her. she
was seized With panic and dismay.
There was no escape, however. One
evening Gertrude embarrassed and
tremulous crept down 10 the boarding
house parlor 10 face tail stalwart
figure in khaki.
She raised timid eyes from the
brown outstretched hand to the bright,
smiling face. That square jaw. that
shock of red-brown hair. those keen
gray eyes-why should they all seem
SO familiar TO herr Then, as the mans
smile broadened. she knew.
jeffrey Dunn! Butt never wrote
TO you"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

Il see nuthinI" he shouted back
you see whatT
"I see nuthin'!"
Then look again!"
O'Connel looked again.
II see nuthin', l say-nuuthin' at
ALL"
Michael o'Conneii." muttered the
engineer you're lisr!"
They pulled into Hansford on the
stroke of 'One Hadden watched the
other express disappear into the dark
ahead. and climbed angrily from his
cab. He had been assured an open
track, He would see what they meant
by blocking the Transcontinental.
But the station master knew of no
train ahead.
Il tell you, your track is clearl' he
repeated, open and clear TO the end
of he runl"
"You can>tell me and be damned r.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

sympathy and Whimsical fancy con-
tribute a little cheer and comfort TO
another lonely, wistful heart?
Gertrude reflected seriously. She
knew a girl. younger than herself, who
was sending letters and little gifts to
an adopted godson in France. She
called herself his "merrame, and had
even sent him photograph of herself
in evening dress.
Gertrude thought she liked the term
friend" better than "nlluel' and that
it would be easier for her 10 write let
ters to an American soldier than to
foreigner. "And I never would send
my photograph, she decided. at
would seem too personal"
1t was that very evening, with the
rain pattering on the window panes
that Gertrude wrote her first letter to
Jeffrey Brinsmade, Gertrude sas one
of those persons who write bstter than
they talk. Brought into actual con
tact with people. she was shy and re-
served. and only her most intimate.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

"Didnt your" he answered heartily
II guess I've kept every one OF your
letters. know ! wrote to you"
But the other" faltered Gertrude
"Brinsmade? Why. he got other let
ters. And when he showed me yours.
l appropriated It for myself You see.
was lonesome. too. So all your let
ters came to me and answered them.
But didn't show your letters. Ger
trude"
"And you didn't sign your own
name," she retorted.
"it was SO pleasant getting 90
quainted with an old friend"
= Then you knew. You remember
me?''
jeffrey Dunn looked at her earnest
ly. II remembered you. but I think I
never knew you before. Gertrude. Your
letters were wonderful to me-"
And yours" breathed the Eirl,
Her cheeks were pink. her eyes softly
shining. -oh." she said impulsiveiy.
I'm glad II was you. jeffrey Dunn
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

tired and cold, and he thought how
comfortably his little home would be.
at the end of the run. He pictured
Mary. his wife. waiting for him at the
door-then the steaming supper-then
sleep.
He yawned. He nodded.
On and on they roared. up grades.
down inclines, over trestles, leaving
behind them long unbroken ribbon
of echoes.
Suddenly Hadden jumped and
rubbed his eyes. Then he stiffened and
peered into the dark ahead-he saw
long straight line Of racing lights.
Another express, not mile away!"
He gasped. and looked again. Then
be shrieked:
"Mikei for the love Of God, lookl"
Look where?"
"Ahead--ahesdH
O'Conneli looked
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01
By >JoeIla Johnson

swore Hadden. II tell you it's noti"
Sullenly he climbed back into his
seat. 1t was one-hve.
wen make it by two" he said,
opening her up. God, I'm tiredi"
Soon they were roaring on into the
dark again-and, suddenly the other
express doomed up ahead, ghostly
vanguard.
'tMikei" yelled Hadden, "for the last
time, look ahead!".
O'Connel looked once more.
II see nuthin-nuthin'i he exclaim-
ed. "Feget IT."
"All right Shut upi" sighed the
chief. and was silent.
Now they entered Cleft Forest VAL
ley and went laundering down a steep
incline. nlling the precipitous places
with their clamor And all at once,
following with haggard eye the phan-
tom express. Hadden saw It dive out
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

deal. and Isabel hadn't set eyes upor
him since the night OF her ride, bu
whenever his name was mentioned she
listened with such inteItness and fol-
lowed SO closely all his political move
ments in Washington
Just before ne went 10 the capital
for wider field OF service the little
town OF Littleheld got up a ball in hon
or OF their townsman TO take place on
the eve of his departure.
Imagine the excitement OF Isabel at
this time, "Oh, dear, what shall |
wear? I want to look as nice as pos
sible; wish, l knew what color he likes.
whether pink, blue. rose or yellow"
sighed Isabel; but after many misgiv-
ings she chose simple gown of white
chiffon. and as she entered the hall a
daintier miss or h sweeter face was not
seen. Her first thought was, s,-'Wonder
who he will have with him. but when
she found it was his sister somehow
everything looked bright.
As Mr.. lngraham wended his way
across the hall toward the corner
where Isabel sat, her heart began 10
hutter, then stand still-of course ho
wasn't coming TO ask her for a dance
but that is just what he did do, and
came many more times before the
evening was over. just before leaving
tor home he asked Isabel II he might
write her, with her fathers permls-
sion. during the winter.
Although the winter was filled TO the
brim With work. set each week he
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01
BY Elsie Endicott

found time 70 send letter 10 Little
field and eagerly sought the mails for
a return answer.
Eighteen months have passed. On
beautiful June day in the town OF
Littleheld could be seen old and young.
rich and poor, vending their way TO
the little church around the corner
Roses and garlands were everywhere,
and as the strains Of Lohengrin'n
march was heard from the orchestra.
every eye was turned toward the door
and look OF anticipation was on ev-
cry face,
AZ Isabel entered on the arm Of he-
father, dressed in her trailing robes
OF white satin and veil partially hid
ing her sweet face, followed by the six
bridesmaids In pink and blue. whis-
per OF "How beautiful" could be heard
from every corner. and as the bride
groom led her to the altar, hush was
felt and even a pinfall could be heard.
The ceremonv over. everyone was
invited 10 come and meet the bride
ami bridegroom. Mr.. and Mrs. David
Ingraham. for this was an informal
wedding and each made to feel they
had a part in 1t.
After the happy couple had left in
their runabout. amid shower OF con
fetti and good wishes from their host
of friends, and the last lingering
guest had departed. many and many u
heart followed Isabel and her husband
TO their golden land.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01
Getting Acquainted Surely

- HE looked like veritable spirit
Of the day as she huns the
door of her small room to its
latch and swept across 10 the farthest
corner. where her tense form relaxed
up couch cushions.
Gray and stormy the day had been,
and now, lying in the gathering twi-
Light, disdsining moist shoes and cling
ing garments, Gertrude Tyler gave way
TO mood Of mingled depression and
rebellion.
Il hate i'll The weather-the work.
such a dayl" she muttered. %And
what do | find at the end? A dark,
lonely room as ugly as the office. No
body 10 talk TO. Nowhere 10 go.
Nothing. Oh, I'm so tired-so sick
and tired of eveything."
She burrowed into the soft pillows
and drew together her relaxing limbs.
Then, she became conscious Of her
damp clothing and sat erect suddenly.
Well, don't want pneumonia and
hospital cot for q change, anyway.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

Dorothy was very domestic and could
nnd contentment anywhere. but Isabel
was vivscious little thing and found
II hard at times 20 work OFF her sur
plus energy, but was an adorable girl
and loved by everyone.
AS she donned her wraps and start
ed out for her walk. more than zone
eye glanced her way the second time.
for IL was merry face that peepad be
meath the white cap. and a trim little
figure walking along in her white
gloves. sweater and high walking
boots.
II was the fall OF the year; leaves
were rapidly falling and made such Il
beautiful carpet for mother earthi As
she entered the woods she forgot her
restlessness Of short time before and
stood for a moment in woadsr and ad-
mirauon, for never had tht woods
seemed more beautiful in their deliA
cate eolorings, or had the birds sung
sweeter. 1t just seemed as though
this was their final concert before
leaving for their winter homes; ana
they were making it the best. Isabel
called TO the birds and squirrels. and
how near they came as the crumbs
were thrown to them! On and OIL she
went, gayiy hunhing a tune, unmind-
ful Of time OF distance, but queen OF
all she surveyed,
Suddenly she realized the sun was
sinking toward the west; the wind had
risen and began 10 sob and vail; she
must hasten on or it would >be darS
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

over dizzy trestie. down into anyxrnay
darkness and utter destruction.
Then. like q man suddenly aroused
from trance. he awoke TO the horror
Of the situation In an instant be did
dozen things. and o'Connei chung
desperately to q stanchion whiio the
swaying locomotive steadied itself 30
grinding. joitins stop-just twonty
feet from the yawninE brink Of
bridgeless chasm.
"The trestle must have been swept
away by the storm--we're right at the
edge of the gulch--it's q niracie---the
engineer Is all that saved u.s." came
from the breathless crowd that poured
out of the cars and collected about the
scene.
Later, when Hadden and .o'ConneI
were brought before an investigat-
ing committee, they had nothing to
say, and took their reward in silenea
And there the matter rested
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

A Cure for RestIessneSs

~H, dear." said isabel, this fffe
is monotonous enough, streets
are deserted. nothing going
on. tho town is as dead as a door nail
and almost everyone in 1t. even the
olooh has gone to sleep. have played
Tho piano until my fingers are sore.
read all the letters have received for
the past week until they are timber.
and watched from the window for
something to happen until my neck Is
on loose pulley: if wasn't 20
yeAr-old girl, I'd Just play dolls. I
10 wish something would come along
and wake US up or shall surely start
something. On. Dorothy, how can you
SIT there and knit, knit knit with such
a calm appearance! n you don't say
something soon, viii scream. for
have thought and thought until my
brain has cudled."
Calm yourself little sister" replied
Dorothy smiling. for she was accus-
toned TO these little explosions and
lored this sister dearly for all her
EpontAneity. You are like q little
rocket that goes whiEzing through the
air; why don't you take q long walk
into the country and see IL you can not
and something to interest you. I must
hnish this sweater this afternoon, or
I'd 20, too"
Isabel and Dorothy were daughters
OF merchant, who while not wealthy
had provided literally for their educa-
rion and comfort and gave them every
hing IN the home 10 make them happy
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01
By Phil Moore

chubby hands of the little fellow, say
ing. Go. son. and give your mother
a whole heart. and put back your pen
nies ipto your little pocket"
While this scene was going on, no
body noticed that a fair girl had
slipped into the store in search of
violets. but which were forgotten as
she surveyed thepicture before her.
Billy hung on to the hand of Bob,
while he clutched the box close TO
him, and both started out of the store
with happy faces. AS they reached
the street, Bob heard>a a soft voice say,
"wait. let me add my sharei" and so
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

~ NcE, twice three times the sta
ton clocks thin steel minute
nand had traced its tortuous
circuit over in . corner of the big
room several tired itinrsnts sat half
asleep. From behind the barrel ticket
window, a telegraph instrument talked
6tfuIly. Elsewhere silence, save When
The main door swung narrowly TO ad-
NIT an occasional overcoated. sleeted
hg,ire---and a sQuall OF zero air. The
Transcontinental was late.
Boom Out Of the dark came a dull
epic sound Boom, II spread through
the air like fog. BOOM Twelve times,
till the night vas saturated with muf-
ded reverberationE.
Hardly had the last lifeless echo
faded, when a series Of shrieks an
nounced the long-wsited Transeonti-
pentsi A moment later she rolled in
TO the shed, steauing and sheathsd in
ice
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

heart that broke in two, showing the
face OF Louise, then slowly changing
to that Of a ragged little boy With ap-
peaIing brown eyes.
All the next day the dream haunted
him. and his feet seemed to drag him
back when he tried to hurry to Don
ley's after work. A fresh flower heart
had been made and put in the window,
and It was a beautiful piece of art
with the soft tinted colors of the
flowers blending together. The price
was three dollars, and Bob FASTENED
in to secure IL.
The heart was carefully placed in
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01
The Flower Heart and Other Hearts

a box by the florist. and Bob was Civ
ing the address when noise startled
him.
A nickel and three shining pennies
were "pianked" down on the counter;
and an eager. joyous voice was heard
saying, There. please mister, can
buy that heart now? Here's the mon
ey."
There was minutes silence; then
Bob, with his face wearing a resolute
expression, directed the florist to
change the address to that of a mean
street downtown. He then took the
large white box and thrust II into the
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

~ OBJ HARDING walked home
from work Wednesday even
ias with troubled mind ana
= tkin prbcketbook. To look al him,
one would think the cares OF the ma
ton rested on his broad shoulders. for
one hand was thrust deep in his pock-
ct. the other absentiy fingered but
ton in his coat. and a deep frown was
upon his usually serene face.
And Bobs serious problem was this:
What should he give Louis for her
birthday Al easy enough question 10
answer for some. but with a girl like
Louise. who hRdssverything she wish
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

no money at ALL" and at that q fresh
wall burst forth from him.
Bob's hand quickly went into bis
pocket. felt the amount there. and
ssoNiy came forth--empty. After try
ing every pocket in his suit, he finally
discovered = nickel and gave 1t 10 Bill
ly. whose tears quickly dried as he
hurried away
a flower heart" said Bob to him
self, as be hastened home. "A good
idea. I'll send It to Louise tomorrow" :"
and his face cleared as the load fell
from bis heart.
Thai night Bob dreamed Of a flower
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

ed, and pocket like Bob's. which did
not contain everything he wished, but
merely two-dollar bill and two hfty-
cent pieces. the answer seemed very
difficult.
As Bob walked a sound of zobbiug
reached his ears and soon he nearly
stumbled on a forloTn little bunch of
humanity Bob had the child up in
minute. and soon learned the cause of
his distress.
Siuvver says she has q broken heart
and and there's a big flower heart in,
Donley's flower winder." Billy sobbed.
~and want It for he. but ain't got
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-11-01

Louise folded bill and put It into the
middle of the heart and sent Billy
bounding away on happy feet
There was deep silence when Billy
left them, which Bob at last broke.
Louise. dear. that heart was 70.
you, but can give you another-a big
ger, truer, human heart-that--
that" but poor Bob got stuck and
could not go on.
THAT is far better present, dear"
finished Louise for him, and she
smiled happy smile, for she knew
she had received the best present OF
all.