davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29
Safe Blowers in No-Man's-Land

II was probably death if these were
robbers and he attempted to go down
to the first floor. He realized that he
must outwit them somehow.
Descending the stairs slowly while
hugging the wall, having already put
out his lantern, he got close enough
SO that he could hear the conversa-
ton clearly. He soon knew the facts
that there were two men in the Of
fee and that they were there to open
the safe and get away with the colnl
Then he heard a third man whisper
something, and move, and he knew he
was doing sentinel duty at the door.
waiting for the watchman to show up
when he would cover" him or shoot
him If he attempted resistance.
Jack now realized that it was time
for action. But he was prepared-in
fact, he made quite elaborate prep
arations for just such situationI
Going up to the second door as quiet
ly as possible. he lifted out sort of
trap-door which he had built into the
floor and which was part Of the cell
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

little Boston terrier" Good heavens.
Dot, have been an idiot. Can you
ever forgive me?"
Dot was about to say "Yes." but the
offending paragraph of wallie's letter
ran through her mind as It had a mil-
lion times since that letter had arriv-
ed. but wallie. what about the-theI
other mans wife?" "Who?" you
know the one you wrote me about"
After moments contemplation Wall
lie recalled her reference and his face
clouded. dot. dear. never dreamed
that you could misinterpret my letter
that way still love that little lady
more than anything else on earth.
with the exception OF your own dear
little self. and she is married to an
other man. too. That man is my best
pal-hes my dad; so you see you
were just Jealous of my mother. Now.
what have you to say?'
"oh. wallie. I'm SO sorry. Can you
forgive me7'
We don't know what he said, but n
few weeks later at the wedding Of this
happy pair sat the other mans wife.
fondly stroking the head of the cute
and cunning Duke.
Here's wishing Duke a long life.
even il he is my cute rival" laughed
Wallie; "and here's happiness and
long life to the other mans wife-our
mother" finished Dot.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29
The Other Mans Wife

will, too. when you know her as do.
I got letter from her today and how
I long to see her.
Another mans wife, indeed, SO don't
be Jealous. l didn't think wallie
would love another mans wife. He
never seemed like that kind. But she
can have him. that is II her hurband
doesn't object" and with an angry tug
at the sheet. she flung herself back on
the pillow for a restless sleep.
The next morning found a changed
Dot. She had decided TO go to the
dance and to make the best of 1t. She
would show wallle and the other
mans wife that she didn't care one
way or the other.
Saturday dawned bright and clear
for all with the exception of Duke,
who had discovered to his discomfort
and misery, that too much sweets werc
not good for little fellows like himself.
How he groaned and fused as Dot
rubbed his head and babied him. but
even this didn't drive away the awful
pains in his stomach. so It was that
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

mite and so cunning. know you will
love him when you see him.
Strange. never knew she was
particularly partial to small cute men,"
he mumbled to the long. gaunt shadow
that seemed to reflect and exaggerate
his huge form. "oh. we'll. I wish him
luck. It's hard to give her up, but
am no weakling, and neither am 1 a
cute little thing. so guess 1 will Just
take a back seat"
AT the same time a little, blond.
frowsled head tossed uneasily on the
pillow and two nervous eyeiids seemed
to be having a hard fight to keep
closed. then all at once she sat straight
up in bed. The all-offensive para
graph of the letter ran through her
mind.
Il am so lonesome tonight, dearest,
for two people. You are one, OF
course. and the other is the dearest
little lady in the world. She is an
other mans wife so don't be jealous.
I love her so much and I know you
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29
By Elsie Endicott

soul, but she strove to keep up her
spirits for Bills sake. Then one night,
just as she had lost hope, she heard
him bound up the steps and the next
he was in the room. II got it," he
shouted jubilantly catching her in his
arms.
Gillespie called me into the offce
tonight and offered me the job OF man
ager Of the sales department. Do you
realize what that means, sweetheart7"
She nodded, face aglow.
mot Just a paltry raise. but man
ager." he emphasized. "He had two
men OF equal ability on the promotion
list. but couldn't decide which was
most deserving. That stew and our
chat told him many things he wanted
TO know"
''Tt looks as II drudgery was a gray
angel OF success after ALL" Eleanor
enthused.
Things happen queer" reelected
Bill, as they sat down to their cooling
dinner. "who would ever have thought
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29
By Parke Whitney

pinch. SO kept one In his pocket every
night ready for immediate use!
And 1t worked! When he threw the
internal machine he had taken ac-
curate aim and 1t fell between the two
fleeing burglars, and there was fash
Of light. then an explosion-and one OF
the men fell with a cry of pain. and
the other dropped his gun and grasped
his arm as though in agony.
Jack rushed up to tho fellow. and
exclaimed. Hands up, you hun, and
don't cry "kameradi'" The man tried
meekiy to obey. but could only get one
arm up. The other hung Imply by
his side.
What the devil" the fellow tried
to speak.
That's aif right" laughed Jack.
you can come along with me! You're
in No-Man's land now, and you'd bet
ter obey orders!"
MY pal. there" expostulated the
robber. You've hurt him pretty
badl"
Don't worry about him. Jerry" said
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

them, blazing away with a gun. They
returned the fire. and Jack heard sew
eral bullets whistle close to his ears,
but he kept advancing. and shooting.
He realized that he was liable any
minute to get fatal shot, but he
hadn't played his last final card yet.
and was determined to get In close
enough to give these fellows the sur
prise of their lives-some OF the hot
medicine that was In general use dur
ing war times in Francei
Putting his revolver in his pocket,
and running forward as fast as he
could make It, Jack made one des-
perate lurch and drew something out
of his pocket and threw It with all
his strength straight in the direction
of the robbers!
1t was a hand-grenade! OF course.
it was "home-made"-just a tomato
can with the explosive in It. and made
just as the "Tommies" used to make
them in the early days Of the war!
Jack had reasoned that he could use
one of these quite effectively in tight
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

half-holiday at the office, Betty spent
pressing and mending her serge suit.
and doing up blouse in the daintiest
possible manner. She even trimmed
over her hat. freshening the straw and
substituting for droopy bow, a perky
wing on the side. She had not seen
Dick Bennett since the morning of his
invitation. In fact, today he had not
been at the office at ala business
trip to New York was the reason
passed among the girls. Funny. Belle
Thomas had been absent, too. thought
Betty. Well, she didn't mind how
often Belle stayed away.
At o'clock, Betty sat on the little
porch waiting. Her mother had gone
across the street to a neighborA but
promised to be back in time to meet
the mice" Mr.. Bennett.
At 20 minutes past 1, Betty, alertly
watching the corner where the ma
chine would have to turn. saw a bright
new runabout go by-and her quick
glance saw not only Dick Bennett,
but by his side Belle Thomas.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

take this dictation. Miss Rogers"
AS Betty. leaning over her notebook,
waited for the first words. she did not
see the twinkle in his eyes. Presently,
he began In a sonorous voice: In a
contract, II the party OF the first part
breaks his agreement with the party
Of the second part-or. In other words.
II one person accepts an invitation
from another and that other. proceed
ing to carry out his part OF the agree
ment in good faith. goes there and
does not md the other"
Betty's fingers trembled. What was
this dictation. anyway? Looking up.
she saw the laughter in Dicks face.
The laughter gave her courage. Ris-
ing. very straight .and slim in girlish
dignity. she spoke: "Mr. Bennett. !
waited and waited for you Saturday
night, and"
Bennett interrupted eagerly, yes. I
was late. and was sorry. but"
II know what made you late. You
and Miss-another girl--were just get
ting home FROM
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

little late and Jack was coming on
duty. "The company's got over
$4,000 in that safe!"
Its all the same to me-" replied the
young watchman. "I'm loaded for
themi"
ht-nine-ten-four hours
were ticked off by the big clock in the
office, and Jack did the rounds delib-
erately. Once each hour he assembled
the narrow winding stairs and made
his way through the hanging leather
on the various floors and punched the
clock at each end, and then returned
to the office to while away another
hour reading a current magazine.
At II o'clock Jack started out again
on his rounds. He did" the seven
floors without anything unusual hap
pening, and he was returning to the
office and had gotten down to the sec
ond floor when suddenly he heard
noise-it sounded like footsteps-in
the office. Stopping still, he listened
and he heard voicesi
Jack thought quick. He knew that
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

ing of the office. He had carefully
constructed this trap-door for snip
er's nest" as he called it. Nobody
knew about it but himself. Lying nat
on his stomach he was able to get a
good look at the robbers, and he
watched them for fully two minutes
bending over the safe and hard at
work drilling into 1t. Then he decided
1t was time to start the show. and get
ting a good aim at one of the men, he
began to shoot!
He heard groan and a man fall
heavily to the floor. The other two.
frightened. started for the door, but
Jack was up on his toes in an instant
and rushed down the stairs at break
neck speed. When he reached the hall
leading into the office, the two startled
men were hiking 1t out into the yard.
Jack was close to their heels, and
he opened FIRE. 1t was dark as a
pocket out there. and It was difficult
to get a true aim. The hunted men
were desperate. They looked back
and saw dark form coming toward
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

up softly behind her and kissing a
saucy curl on her neck. Now don
get yourself all in a stew over It" he
soothed. patting her shoulder. But
Il was UP TO US 10 do something. IL
was only Saturday night that asked
him for a raise and I'D like to show
him we deserve IT,"
Eleanor relented. I'll have 10
think of something more suitable in a
JifTy." she returned. smiling into his
great brown eyes.
She stepped into the pantry and se-
lected a jar OF OK tongue. she would
cut II in thin slices and garnish with
parsley. That would be vastly su
perior to plain lamb stew.
she glanced at the clock.
Fortunately. she had saved some po-
tatoes from the stew. She would
cream them. There would be time for
a tomato bisque. and with the addition
of a few egg whites whipped she
would turn her boiled custard into a
doating island snd dot ~ win currant
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

Mr.. Gillespie took the lead In the
conversation and before either Eleanor
or Bill realized II, he had them telling
him their hopes and aspirations.
After his departure. Eleanor looked
at Bill long moment. What do you
make out OF 1t all?" abe asked as she
hurried back to her ironing.
He seemed mighty interested in US
here in our home" returned Bill dubi-
ously. "But / never fattered myself
that be even noticed me in the office.
Just a drudge along with the rest of
the machinery"
For two weeks the eager look of OK
pectancy In Eleanor's eyes was met by
studied cheerfulness on Bill's part as
each night he greeted her with. mo
news yet. sweetheart"
"I'm--T'm afraid we talked too
much" said Eleanor uncertainty.
We'll. IL we did it was all Gillespie's
fault" defended Bill. He led US on"
The thought that they had made
grave blunder rankled IN Elesnor's
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29


night a much worried Dot left Duke
and started for the dance with Helen
and her brother. Dot was pretier than
ever and so radiant, inwardly she was
fighting two battles, trying not to worry
over Duke, and to conceal her jeal-
ousy for wallie, but outwardly. she
showed only the worry for Duke. APP
parently. she hadn't noticed Wallie.
But indeed. she had, she had also no.
ticed that he was alone. wonder
where she can be. Probably her hus-
band isn't as generous as he might be
in sharing his wife's affections. Won
der IL he will ask for dance. Don't
believe I'd dance with him anyway.
but then what harm Is there in a
dance, he won't ask me anyway"
wallie had long before spotted Dot,
and she was alone. What could be
the trouble. Seems rather strange,
Duke would let her go to the dance.
alone. thought Wallie. A little later
wallie caught the following conversa-
tion:
"Dotty. dear, you look SO worried.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

All right. then" said the young
man. "I1l be there about ~ He
opened the door for her. as II she had
been the wife Of the president of the
firm. thought Betty happily.
Back in the outer ofnce, she kept
thinking of the good time ahead He
had done it SO nicely. asking If he
could see her mother.
Her neighbor at the next typewriter
eyed Betty curiously. Belle Thomas
was the only girl in the office Betty
did not like. So when Belle said, hint
fng. "Mr. Benefits been saying sweet
things to you?" she returned coldly.
II don't know what you mean"
"oh. he's a great little fatterer. you
know" said Belle. AS a matter OF
fact, Belle had never received any fat
terry from the person In question, but
she could not resist taking down a peg
that "stuck-up little Betty Rogers"
Betty thought to herself that If there
was any truth in Bellies words, she
would know after Saturday night.
Saturday afternoon. which was a
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

jelly.
She slipped into pretty gray voile
house dress. and flushed and smiling :
she welcomed her unexpected guest
with cordiaiity that made him feel at
home at once.
After a few minute.5' chat she ex-
cused herself. leaving Bill to entertain.
She hurried into the pantry, but
stood petrified with horror as she be-
held the platter OF choice tongue float
ing In a pan Of milk. In her haste she
had left the platter uncertainty perch
ed on the window sill and a good stin
breeze had done the mischief
Another hasty glance at the emer-
gency shelf revealed a can of crab
meat that was too small. Salmon and
dried beef were worse than lamb stew.
She sighed. She must serve this
plebeian dish after all. She would
serve the stew en- casserole. II
wouldn't be bad. after all, with car
rots and peas.
IT wonder ~ you ever est lamb
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29
Betty Breaks a Contract

Betty felt cold all over. So he had
forgotten her! He was taking out an
other girl-and that girl Belle Thorn
as! Suddenly, she remembered the alb
sence OF them both that day. So"
thought Betty, "he went down to
New York on business and took Belle
along for company. and they are just
getting home!"
Going into the house. she thought
first she would sit down and cry out
her disappointment, not only disap-
pointment at the loss OF the pleasant
evening, but disappointment at the loss
of faith in Dick Bennett. that In the
company Of one girl he could SO read
lily forget his appointment with anoth-
er. Then she decided her pride would
not permit her to weep over anyone SO
thoughtless. Putting on the hat with
the perky wing. she left note for her
mother. saying that she had gone to
see a girl, and went out.
when she returned her mother
greeted her with the words: Betty,
where were you. child? Mr.. Bennett
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

Dicks frank eyes were puzzled. "T
don't know what you are talking about
got in from New York about s. and
was on the day to your house about z
and then-oh. yes" light broke over
his face. II met Miss Thomas. ap-
parently in great hurry. She said
she had been home all day with her
sister, who had been sick. She was on
her way TO the doctors for medicine.
and had left her sister alone. She
asked me II l would take her back to
save time. / did. and then came for
you
Betty's sweet face was suhused with
bushes. "Oh. Mr.. Bennett" she said.
IL am SO sorry. It was horried of
me. VIII you forgive me7"
"on one condition only" said Dick
sternly. that you pay penalty. That
you go riding with me this very even
ing. Saturday is too far away!"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

r Ow, Dot. for goodness sake
IN pocket your pride and plan
TO go to that dance with us.
Even II wallie is there you won't be
Obliged TO notice him, although think
you are just mean TO treat him that
way. Now please. Dot. just this once"
pleaded Helen.
well. maybe, but still won't prom
Use yet. will tell you positively in
the morning"
1t was now Just four months since
the two offensive letters had caused so
many sieepless nights for two young
people, and even four months would
not wear away the pain and jealousy
that was bound TO get the best of both
concerned.
wailie had gone TO France, leaving
behind him little girl. who had PROM
Used 10 be true TO him only. 1t had
made the parting easier TO know that
she was all his as soon as his duty had
been accomplished over there.
Some time later two letters crossed
on their way TO each of the lovers.
both intending to bring happiness ane
comfort 10 the other. but instead
brought unhappiness and even tears
Dear wallie," one had started,
-Helen has brought me the dearest
little fellow. call him Duke as he is
80 polite and gentle. He is q little
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

TT was a spooky job as well as a
dangerous one. which Jack
Graber had chosen for himself.
He was night-watchman at Phillips
tannery. located over mile from town
and considerably removed from any
human habitation.
Graber had returned from war sery-
ice in France. and had taken this job
because it was the only thing that
opened, and whatever Jack was, he
wasn't a Stacker" whether in times
OF war or peace.
Being night-watchman at the Phil
lips tannery was not a job to be en-
wed. In fact, nobody wanted it-not
since the time several weeks before
when the office was broken into, about
$500 taken from the safe, and Thomas
o'Connell. the old watchman, was shot
and incapacitated for life.
But Jack Graber didn't acknowledge
any danger. While on duty he car
ried a loaded revolver, and he went
about his work with the same delib-
crate cool-headedness with which he
had led many a squad out to advanced
LISTENING posts" in France to listen
70 the ferries" when he was ser
geant in the A. z. r.
Keep a sharp lookout tonight,
said wfnslow. the company's treasur-
er. TO Jack on one particular Friday
night as he was leaving the tannery
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

Jack. The frst aid boys will attend
TO his wants. and the other fellow In
the Office will have a decent burial!"
what do you think this is
France?" gasped the astonished rob-
ber.
ut is for you fellers. all right"
Jack replied, and he led his prisoner
toward the office. This is Just like
old times" he ruminated jabbing the
fellow gently with his gun. I'm
used to this. We used to get 4 bunch
OF Jerries most every day"
I'm no jerry" demonstrated the
prisoner.
'Sthat so?" said Jack. well, you
look like one to mel"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

- MELLS awfully good" declared
big Bill Printley. coming into
~ the kitchen from the garden
and shifting about How long before
dinner, Eleanor"
About 20 minutes" briskly returned
his tiny wife, STOPPING to turn pan of
biscuits in the oven. I'm just going
TO put the potatoes in the stew now"
"Stew's the stuff for hungry garden
ers." Bill replied appreciatiTely.
Lucky had a vacation today, that
garden needed hoeing badly. Helioi"
he exclaimed, glancing out of the win
dow. what's up7 Somebody's having
tire trouble Guess I'll run out min
ute and see " can help
Eleanor" he called In tone Of
mingled awe and excitement a few
minutes later. TITS John Gillespie,
head OF the Arm. and IT will be quite
some time before be gets dxed up. so
] asked him in 10 dinner
Eleanor stared 81 her husband in
ominous silence. In a moment she
found her voice
Bill PFintiey. what were you think-
ing Off" she demanded. To-day Of all
days. I'm ironing. too. And we've
nothing but lamb stew, biscuits and
boiled custsrd."
~T>n sorry." he whispered. stepping
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29
n RISs ROGERS" the familiar
/" voice called from the office,
and Betty arose with alac-


and Betty arose with alac-
rity. IT was getting to be a regular
thing for young Bennett TO single her
out from the other stenographers when
he had dictation.
Trim, demure and business like, she
slipped into the chair beside his desk
and waited. pencil poised. AS she
took down the words which fell so
ooncisely from his lips, she couldn't
help thinking what lucky girl would
be the one who won Dick Benefits
love. not only because he was one of
the city's rising young business men.
but because of his virility and the at
tractive way he had about him.
II Betty sighed, she did SO uncon-
sciously. thinking how few opportuni-
ties she had TO meet men of his type.
Perhaps Dick heard the forlorn little
sigh. At any rate. as Betty rose to go
he detained her.
Il say, Miss Rogers. you know I've
just bought little runabout, and I'm
very anxious to try it out with some
one. Couldn't come around next
Saturday evening. meet your mother
and take you out for LITTLE spin?"
Betty's heart thumped unmanage-
ably. but she was able to say. why.
Id love to. Mr.. Bennett!"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

the day Gillespie punctured his tire
we'd land this $4,000 Job all in = stew
that tickled his jaded palate?"
And now when the Printleys ceie-
brate any further rise in the financial'
world it's never that delicacy chicken
or choice ox-tongue. or even a digni-
ned roast that graces the board. but.
plain lamb stew.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29
-
The Mathematics OF II.

She had seven million dollars
Placed In bonds and stocks and
rents:
He had leven million dollars.
SO they merged their sentiments
Now they've raised son who's value
Is exactly thirty cents.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

Times Change.
Times have changed. A war can't
be won nowadays without money"
Name one that ever was"
why, the American people fought
for years and achieved their independ-
enee after they had given up their last
sovereign"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

Shakespeare used evefy dramatic
situation there is"
II have searched his works CAREFUL
ly, but fail to find pie-throwing
scene"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29
Chin and Chins.

Barber-Shall / go over the chin
again?
Bored Customer--No; heard you
the first time.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29
Soft-Hearted Singer.

Doe Boy-why does she close hAEs
eyes when she sings?
Pay shent-Because she cam hsaEj
TO see US sufrer.
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29

Very likely.

Very likely.
What do you suppose Mars can be
signaling us for?''
81 guess he wants an engagement as
a moving picture star"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29
His Animal Nature.

His AhAuat Nhtuts
You say Sandham leads dual
life?'
Yes. He's a bull on the stock ex-
change and a bear al home"
East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-05-29
A Hint.

She-Did hear anything fall?
He-I think not.
She-Excuse me. thought you
dropped q remark.