davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03
By Parke Whitney

The doctor fumbled in the mans pocket, and pulled out a piece of pa per- He read aloud, T don't know where I have seen you, but I know you. You must not follow this busl- ness--you will break my heart. Edith"
 My God!" Angel" gasped, and in the dim. fickeripg light of the candle the men could see their pal sink into unconsciousness, but with wonder full look of happiness upon his face. They stood over him, with the doctor, and were silent. One of them took the crumpled piece of paper out of the mans hand and laid it on the old rlckety table.
 Men, he is dying!' said Dr. Golth- waite.
 Suddenly. Angel" Jim seemed to re- cover consciousness and he looked up into the anxious faces of his pals, and smiled. "Fellers." he said. T know 1t all now--I understand. have been to the shores of the other world, and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03
"Ar Even Break"

the far end of the conservatory where Captain Trevers had led Mrs, Judson before the waltz was quite over.
 twill you go with me for a canter to Chevy Chase tomorrow? l have a wonderful riding horse for you. My sister gave him to me when I returned from France" Mrs. Lee, who had been looking for the couple, came up in time to hear the conversation. T will answer for her, captain, she sure- ly will go--and turning to her friend, she said, "Gladis. dear. you will find Captain Trevers wonderful rider, and the nights are ideal now" The fol- lowing evening the moonlight lit the road far out of Washington, 1t was nearly midnight when they turned their horses heads toward home and somehow the wonderful night, the moon and Captain Trevers' love-mak- ing cast such spell over Gladis Jud- son, that she forgot everything but that she had promised to elope with the captain the following night.
 s~ When she awoke the next morning the sun was shining in her windows and the birds were singing (things dc
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03
Getting the Miser's Coin

only sound that was heard was the hooting of an owl out in a nearby tree, and the slow ticking of clock on mantle-piece.
 Cabin" Wilkins smiled. Young men," he said. in the trembling voice of old age. T take 1t you have come to steal from an old man-to take from him the accumulations of a life time. to leave him penniless and help less. alone in these woods. without friend or relation! Boys. you do not look to me like thugs or bandits or criminals. You are just young men of the village. I take it, and this is the first attempt of this kind you have ever made. May the good God see to it that it is the last!-and that you re- pent-and resolve to live honest and upright lives!"
 Jim Pruitt moved up a little closer to the old man. That's enough of that bunk. Cabin" he said roughly. We didnss come in here tonight to hear you preach a sermon. or to listen to you
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

look different in the morning) she realized what she had done. Her per- fectly discreet past and her husbands absolute faithfuiness to her made her see the terrible mistake she had made. She hurriedly sent note to Captain Trsvers and kept to her room all that day, complaining of severe headache. She must get back to have the house in readiness for Mir Judson's return. she had told Mrs. Lee in answer to her urgent request to stay few days longer.
 So >the day following. Mrs. Judson left Washington without seeing Cap tain Trevers again, and hoping that her husband could not detect the thought of guilt in her face.
 The train was a half hour out of Washington before she thought of the bag she had found. She almost wished she had not picked it up. It must have belonged to that rude woman who rushed past her in the station. The bag contained some bills. ticket to New York and some letters. Casual ly picking up the letters, she found that all were open: one was addressed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

hand out some fatherly advice. We came in here to get our hands on that coin there on the table, and we're go- ing to get it, and"
 But wait-wait!" the old man in terrupted. Wait! I had boy once he was just like you, loving adven- ture and excitement. and he heard his country's call in England when the German emperor tried to lick the world. and he joined the English army, and now-now--he lies out there in No Mans Land in a soldiers grave! He was my own son--the only relative I had in the worldAhe paid the su- preme price-and now-now-
 The old mans eyes filled with tears. and he took soiled bandana hand kerchief out of his pocket-and sobbed bitterly. =.
 Well, I'll be blowed!" exclaimed Pruitt, lowering his gun. and almost forgetting that he had 1t. still keep ing his eye on the glitterin gold that laid on the table.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

must go, and with a careless good night, Carol ran up the stairs to her own room. The astonished Russell left the house trying to remember what he had said to make Carol feel like this, but soon began to think he had done all he could, and would have to leave the rest to her.
 Meanwhile Carol had gone to her room and fiinging the box in her sis ters lap hurriedly began to undress.
 Why, what's this. Carol?" asked Virginia, as she united the wrapper
 "Russeli's birthday gift to me.
 Why, Carol Dodge, do you mean to tell me that you didn't even open it?"
 Well, Virginia, that's exactly what I didn't do, and I wish you wouldn t ever say another thing about it. And tell mother Russell won't be coming here any more"
 Virginia opened her eyes in perfect bewilderment. Then she united the gold ribbon and lifted the cover of the box.
 "Oh, my goodness, look at this won derful box of candy" she exclaimed,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

spect. "Who is that charming woman dancing with Captain Trevers?" asked Mary Nell Lewis, one of the younger set, who's mamma at least had her eye on the handsome Captain for her daughter,
 "She is some one from Baltimore who is visiting Mrs. Lee. and cant help but notice, my dear, how she con- tinually makes eyes at Captain Ire vers." This last remark was from Betty Healds mother, who's husband died some years before, and the fam fly purse had dwindled down to the point where Betty. cute little blonde. was expected to marry we'll and re- plenish it.
 Betty wasn't particularly worried, as long as she could laugh. dance and have all the chocolate bonbons she could eat. The dance was given by Mrs. Clark Frizzell. Captain Trevers sister. widow with fortune which would be the captains some day.
 The ball room of the New Ballard Hotel was ablaze with lights and flow CTS. The beautiful strains of Lional Skaters orchestra could be heard al
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

angels have told me the whole story about myself. I am failure-a mis- erable failure!" He gasped for breath. T was once in love with a girl-in heaven--and her name was Edith! I loved her, but I could not have her because I had been murderer in my last incarnation. Edith loved me, but she could not give herself to me un-l til had paid for my sin--until had made good-made good! I begged for another chance. and I was permitted to return to the earth to prove that>I could go straight and live decent life. Edith's love was so great that she too, returned to the earth, to be near me. But upon taking physica! bodies again, our spirit life was for gotten--and we couldn't remember though we have been continually haunt cd by our shadowy other self! And nowhere am-dying--still crim- inal I have failed-failed again. miserably!"
 The man fought for breath. gasped, and his eyes stared into space. Hc was dead
 Edith! Edith!" repeated one of tho gang. T never knew that Angel had a girl! Goodby. old pal" and he touched Angels" forehead tenderly, "Goodby. and here's hopin'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03
By Joella Johnson

in that piece of candy
 Carol hurried upstaid. and then opened her hand There gleaming in the sunlight was the most brilliant dia- mond she had ever seen. Gradually hor color deepened, and then with a cry she flung herself on the bed.
 "Oh, Russell" she murmured. q see it all now. What terribly selfish girl I have been" Then with one spring she hurried to the telephone and left a message for Russell to call imme- diately when he arrived in town. She didn't have long to walt, for that night Russell came in answer to her call.
 "Oh, Russell, I'm so ashamed of my self don't know what to say. But I'm going to tell you the truth and not try to spare myself. l was very angry al you for giving me that box of candy for my birthday, especially after ,oul talk the other night" she added shy. ly.
 T know, dear, and don't blame you After telling you loved you so much and then asking you to marry me, o1 course you thought I would give you
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03
The Failure of Angel" Jim

R. Davis & Company.
 The safe was quickly robbed of its valuables, and the money and secur- ities were deposited in a bag Sud denly the girl who had so mysteriously appealed to Angel Jim took a short hand notebook out of pocket in her dress. and scribbled something on a sheet of paper and handed it to the astonished robber.
 Their work completed, they were out of the door in an instant.
 Recovering their senses. the men in the offices found their guns and opened fire upon the fleeting bandits. Angel" Jim got a bullet in his body, and fell over. His companions picked him up and they managed to get away.
 Getting into their room, they laid Angel" Jim upon an old cot in cor ner. The room was dark, having no window, and they had to light candle.
 Angel" said the boss of the gang, Well have to get the doc. eh"
 I'm thinkin' I'm pretty well shot
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

in few days for Baltimore. My wife, who is the most devoted of wives has been visiting her school chum, Mrs. Lee, she will meet me in Baltimore on my return. So we met and parted, and must forget, remembering, my dear, that you have an adoring husband and I wife who's every thought Is for me alone. Au revoir, GORDON HUDSON. Mrs. Judson remembered the sub stance of her letter to the captain:
 Washington, a. m. Dear Captain Trevers: This beauc tiful morning makes me realize howl indiscreet I was when I promised td elope with you. You were charmingl company and I was foolish woman. I am leaving immediately for home to meet my husband who is returning from Jacksonville, Fla.
 A soldier and gentleman will sure ly forget this little affair-and me.
 GLADIS' HUDSON. |. The bag slid slowly to the floor. The letters so strangely brought to- gether lay in her lap. One by one, bit by bit she tore them into tiny pieces and threw them out of the window.
 "All out, for Baltimops," shouted the porter; Mrs. Judson arose. adjusted her hat and as the smiling face of her husband appeared through the win dow, she started toward the door.
 well--she thought, it's an even hraak
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

TT was II o'clock in the morning.
 and the brokerage offices of R.
 Davis & Co., on the twentieth floor of the Hayden building, were humming with activity. A dozen stenog- raphers were pounding typewriters md MT. Davis himself was having an important business interview in his in terior office.
 Three men entered the door leading from the hall They were young, very well dressed, and rather professional looking. They swept the entire office with one glance. then approached the gate. and asked if Mr. Davis was "in." "Mr. Davis is in. but busy just now" said stenographer. "Will you be seated and wait?'
 Cannot wait! Must see him at pnce!" said one of the men. And pushing through the gate he strode i'm 10 the presidents office. The other two fellows followed their companion behind the rail. Then. suddenly and simultaneously. they pulled revolvers, and the first robber covered the aston ished president and his business call- CT, while another backed up the clerks and stenographers against the wall!
 It was all methodically done. The safe was cleaned of considerable cash and bunch of Liberty Bonds and other securities. The men were cool.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

everyone who had spent an hour in his company knew of his perfect devotion to his wife At present, he was some where on the Gulf coast, looking after his interests in orange groves.
 Mrs. Herbert Lee of Washington had insisted on Mrs. Judson making her a visit during her husbands absence. "Gladis Judson is entirely too attrac- tive to spend her time alone while Cor don is away" Mrs. Lee. had told her friends-so the two women who had been girl friends and room mates at school were again under one roof. One the hostess, the other the guest. Theater parties followed dances and automobile trips, and always Captain Trevers, who had won many honors and as many loves. was with the par ty.
 The Judsons had been married for nearly three years and though belong ing to the gay and wealthy set, there had never been the slightest scandal attached to their name.
 Mrs. Judson, who was considered the most beautiful brunette in Baltimore, was also known as the most circum-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

What shall we do. fellers?" he asked, turning to his companions. This is like taking milk from babies. bread from starving children! Shall we -"
 Old Cabin" Wilkins fell heavily to the floor, and on his knees he looked imploringly up into the eyes of Jim Pruitt. He presented strange spec tacle -an old man, feeble with age, with shaggy white whiskers, crouching there in his cabin. trembling with fear in the presence of band of robbers.
 "Ah. hell. let's tie the old man and get out of here with the moncy!" said one of the gang. decidedly. We peed it more than old Cabin does! He's been a miser here for couple of years. Nobody knows anything about him-and why should we--"
 A terrible. savage look came over the face of old Cabin Wilkins. He sprang to his feet like a panther. grabbed the gun out of Jim Fruits hand. and opened fre into the crowd!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03
The Candy Box Camouflage

box of candy and pass it to her friends. Carol turned her head away as she saw the beautiful box start on it's rounds among the guests, and with freezing coldness refused her share as it passed her
 Isn't this just glorious candy?" Vir- ginia asked as she nibbled at large caramel
 T should say so," pretty girl of 16 replied. 'I'd like to see my sister giving me box her friend gave her"
 That's right, Amy" came another voice. my sister wouldn't give me a piece, let alone a boxful"
 Well, you ought to have my sister" Virginia struck in again, as she took another piece of candy. Then she ex- claimed, "Oh goodness, what have got!" Gracefully taking out the piece of candy sho drew a hard object into sight. Excuse me minute" she add ed as she left the room.
 In second she was back and called her sister to the door. Pressing some thing into her hand, she said Take this upstairs. It's something I found
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

day, but not one in the house noticed how eagerly she waited for night to come that would bring Russell to the house. Not one even noticed that she took particular pains with her hair and dress, except with casual remark that she looked very pretty with her twenty Summers.
 Six oflock brought the florists boy with the largest bunch of roses that had ever been brought into the Dodge household. Carol carefully selected three of the daintiest blossoms and pinned them in her waist.
 Finally her patience was rewarded with the coming of Russell. Hardly had he entered the door when he hand ed her large box with, the words, Many happy returns. Carol"
 With one look Carol set the box on the table.
 Thank you, Russell" and with this she seated herself on tho opposite side of the room.
 Russell tried in vain to coax her out of this sudden change, but not word did the least good. Finally he said he
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

cabin. They located the rear window. Then. Jimmying it quietly, slowly. they succeeded in getting 1t open without disturbing the old miser. His mind was concentrated on his regular nightly sport. the counting and re- counting Of his hoarded gold.
 Pruitt was the first to crawl through the window and into the cabin. Two others followed him. Pruitt drew his gun. and waited for the other members of the gang to get into the room. Sud denly Cabin" Wilkins looked around. and either saw the intruders' shadow or sensed their presence. for he sprang to his feet catlike. and grabbed cane which was close to his chair Then, turning around. he laced Pruitt and his four companions. His face was Ike that of hupted animal. and his breath cains-fif cT'asick. Tak. short gasps.
 He was looking into tho muXle Of Fruits gun! For an instant nobody spoke. The cabin was as silent as the woods which were around Il, and the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

up," he answered. One of the men was straightway sent to summon Dr. Goldthwait, who was an old physician, living in the same tenement house, 8 man who dispensed dope quite freely and practiced largely among the criminal classes of the city.
 Angel" Jim was in fearful pain. and though he remembered the note that the girl in the eoffices of R. Davis & Co.,. had handed him. and he wanted to read it the worst way, his arms were paralyzed and he couldn't move. Gradually he sunk into a stupor or unconsciousness.
 Angel" Jim was both a mystery and a source of amusement to his pals. They had nicknamed him "Angel be- cause he was repeatedly talking about death and about angels and spirits, and was never so happy as when discussing the future life" He read books continually about spirit communication and about reincarna- ton, and more than once he had said,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

"Fellers. don't know why am here but know l don't belong in this bunch or in this line of business! I'm switched off somehow. There was a slip somewhere in my reincarnation, that's all!" And then his companions would laugh, and ridicule him. Angel" they would say. If you doped consid- erable we'd say that that was what was the matter with you, but as 1t Is. well you're just plain patty. that's all there's bats in your belfry!"
 \ There was a knock at the door. Two of the fellows jumped to their feet. Opening the door cautiously. they ad- mitted pr. Golthwaite, who came in, set his medicine case down, and turn ing to the cot, went to work method ically upon his patient.
 Angel" Jim opened his eyes. Doe tor" he whispered, I'm pretty well shot up, but I've got note in my pocket--there-re 1t to me--quick! :! I must know what it says before r. croak!" {
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

each knew his role and played it to perfection. They were bold and didn't even attempt to put on masks!
 One of the stenographers, a petite, attractive young girl, kept her eyes riveted upon one of the men. He soon felt her gaze. and he returned it. Angel" Jim Clough. as he was known by his Eighteenth. street pals. felt un- usually i'll at ease, and the more he looked at the girl the more convinced he was that he knew her or at least had met her somewhere. The girl, too. seemed to be trying to recognize or place him. and he was quite as pos itive that they had met at some time Neither could understand 1t. the draw ing to each other. the almost uncanny influence which one seemed to wield over the other. The girl appealed to Angel" Jim like an old friend or pal "a girl he had once known, and the impression she had made upon him was SO strong that he forgot for the moment his purpose in the office of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03
R MRS. GORDON HUDSON look H ed at her watch, as she sat
 in the crowded ladies' wait

II E MRS. GORDON HUDSON look l" ed at her watch, as she sat
 in the crowded ladies' wait ing room of the Union Depot in Wash ington, D. c. She had been so pre- occupied with her thoughts of the past two weeks. the ten minutes she had been waiting seemed to have fairly jumped into two.1 A woman whom she had not noticed before. must have also forgotten the passing of time, for to- gether they joined the crowd on their way to the many trains.
 The door swung back and forth as the stream of people came in and out. The woman in her excitement to get through the door, pushed Mir. Judson aside. "I wonder how any one can be so rude, even if one is in hurry" y"-she thought. as she stopped to pick up 8 magazine that had fallen. to the floor To her astonishment. a black velvet bag lay beside the book. She looked Rround--no one seemed interested in her or the bag. There was not mo- msnt to lose, or she would miss her train. so picking them up she hurried through the gate and was soon seated in the Royal Blue Limited for Balti- mora.
 Mrs. Judson belonged to the smart Set. Her husband, Gordon Judson. was well known in all the large east ern and southern cities as shrewd business man, a man of wealth and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

"Wait!" said the mysterious "miser" of the village. "I'll tell yer what I'll do! I'll make clean breast of my Identity and give you fellers half of my coin-eh?"
 We don't want your coin!" sud- denly calculated Jim Pruitt But we want you We thought you were just what you are supposed to be in this town. and we came in to relieve you of your surplus change, but we've changed our minds, You aren't Cab in Wilkins, the miser, but 'Sure-Shot Daley the bandit and bank robber! /, recognize your face now--saw you, picture just yesterday in a paper. There's reward of s5,00o out for yo,w and we might just as we'll have Dur Fellers. collect up the dough and wra"- take this guy to the police station. rather be the feller to catch bapsay; and get the reward. than to be life bandit, Eh? What do you say, fel- lers?"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03
~ AROL DODGE came into the G room where her mother and
 sister were sitting.


 sister were sitting.
 Russell went home little later than usual, didn't he?" her mother re- marked as she put up her sewing.
 Why. yes. little." Carol replied, "but only few minutes, think"
 Well. you better be going to bed, If you are going to do so much tomor- row. Good night" she added, as Carols younger sister left the room.
 Carol was not long in following her sister. and ia the privacy of their ruom she appeared very much awake. Her sister. Virginia, immediately sur missed that the bright eyes and flushed cheeks were the result of serious laik with Russell. But without sign of interest she slowly began to pre- pare for bed.
 At last Carol could resist no longer. 'virgie, do you like Russell?" she asked.
 "Oh. yes, Carol, of course do. Is that.what all the excitement is about?"
 Carol wheeled suddenly. Did you potice anything the matter?" geee
 Why. no, dear, but know some thing was on your mind. But you'd better go to sleep now and dream on It," and with this she dismissed the eubject.
 Three days later was Carols birth
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03
the ring for your birthday.

the ring for your birthday.
 "Yes, but Russell. my selfishness can not be explained. The only thing can do now is just to love you so much you will forget"
 T have forgotten already, Carol. and I think 1t will teach us both lessonN, not to take so much for granted"
 Indeed it will, but Russell.' she added, shaking her curly head. "when you give another girl box of candy, don't leave her until she has eaten every piece."
 You're the only ono now that will ever eat my candy, and shall watch you very closely"
 And then they started life together.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03
Hard to Interpret.

Private Washington Lee--Yassa, I knows most all about desc insigniums, De cross guns is for de infantry and de cross flags Is for de signallers-
 Private Stonewall Grant-Yas. and de pineapple Is for de ordnance, and de corkscrew is for de medicais, but what l cant figure out Is, does dat dere pen-i-ten-shry stand for de M. Ps.?
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

I'm sure you will be inter&sted." said the young man. "It's the vRing, you know; the Ring"
 ''The ring?' echoed the girl hope- fully.
 "Wagnerian opera" Arh f1 AA
The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-03

His Free Fancy. Are you fond of fiction?" q used to be, but my husband has got me fed up on it."