davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-12-16
1NsTALLs NEW VAULT

The State Savings bank has opened
q vault for customers safety boxes,
containing $50 boxes. The customer
has his own keys and the box cannot
be opened by anyone but the owner of
the box or his authorized agent.
The box provides secure place
for deeds, abstracts, insurance pap
ers etc.
The charge is $500 per year and
for the convenience afforded you can
not trust your valuables in less Sc
cure place.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-12-16
HARD COAL

Just received car of furnace
hard coal. D. Milligan Co. DIT
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-12-16

VIM. Miller and daughter, Miss
Ethel, are in Omaha today.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-12-16

Wagon lots, Good Sows-----$7.25
Extreme top, Omaha, today----s6.65
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-12-16

The condition Of c. P. Brandriff
remains about the same
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-12-16
Missouri Valley Market Report
December 16, 1920

Wagon lots, Prime Hogs, $50 lbs.
.,,o. 90 m
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02
Is It Not a Mistake?

Alberta now instead of making beauti- ful dresses for happy brides to wear, And it wouldn't have made any differ ence to mother-not for long anyway. Well, I try to think everything's for the best" She sighed as she boxed the dress tenderly and closed the win dow and went out to supper.
 Christy had her dressmaking shop in the two front rooms of Mrs. Feels house and she boarded with Mrs. Peel. After supper Christy told Mrs. Peel that she would find the dress ready to hand to Delina's messenger when she sent after it; then she made ready and went to Mary Lakes.
 Did you know that Doris is carry ing on perfectly awful over Harry Crane?" Mary asked. Being an in- valid, she cherished every bit of gossip she heard seriously. "Her Aunt Han was up here today complaining about her. She says she don't know what she will do with. the girl"
 "rd let her marry him." said Chris ty promptly.
 Well, I guess it would be the best thing. But Han Atwell's awful set in Der way. I didn't say much to her, for knew it wouldn't do any good, By
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02
By Phil Moore

read aloud slowly, Tut I had to haTs that dress to be married in. So I got in through the window after you vent away and took it. I only had 1t on an hour, but looked dandy in t. You ought to have seen old Justice PaE- sons bug his eyesl I put it back in the box just as careful, and tomorrow morning Davy Coates is going 10 take 1t to Delina. Maybe you think I'm aw- ful, but did so want real Fedding dress. Maybe it's the last chance I'll ever have to wear one"
 An hour later DeIina Ray 'phoned her thanks to Christy. I'm sending you check in the mornings Enail." i" she ended.
 The mail brought something else 6s- aides the check to Christy-a letter from Rush Mcknight. Could you stand it here in the wheat country with me for couple of yearsr' hs asked. You see I'm stalking all on the chance that maybe now your mother is gone you'll have me. after all If you will. I'll come and get you in- side of a month"
 The next dress Christy made was an other wedding gown. And she wore ir herself.
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

certainly had improved in dancing dur ing the past year. She danced like a fairy now. Then she was shy; but of course that was part of her play. Sev- eral times the Watteau shepherdess slipped away and Hutton had to search for her.
 During the merry hours Hutton looked for some one figure that might be the girl he had quarreied with long ago-years ago, it seemed He ad- dressed few masked guests; but took care that they were of proportions that could not possibly belong to Sybii Ware. There was a chubby Yama- Yana girl and tall gaunt Joan of Arc. For the rest, he remembered the advice of his host-"stick to Louise" {" Besides, there was strange delight in dancing with this wing-footed shep- herdess, and in pursuing her when she eluded him.
 Bruce Hutton's mood was softening It was in this house he had passed some pleasant hours with sybil. He recalled curtained nook on the first
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

over forever" As she neared her own door she met girl hurrying toward her from the opposite direction. She was housemaid of the Rays whom Christy already knew slightly because Of several errands which had brought her to the house.
 "oh, good evening, Miss Thain," she said, I've come after Miss Delina's dress"
 All right" Christy answered. Its ready. Come in" She led the way into the sewing room and switched on the electric light. As she cast quick glance around she saw that the box was gone. Why, somebody's been here before you and got it," she ex- claimed
 "oh, no" replied the girl quickly Miss Delina sent me herself, and I've come straight from there here"
 "I'll ask Mrs. Peel" Christy said Her heart was going fast. She ran to the back of the house and found Mrs Peel calmly beating up bread sponge in the kitchen. Who did you give De. linas dress to?' she demanded.
 T didn't give it to anybody. No body's been here" Mrs. Peel answer
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

"Jim, you blunderer!" Bruce Hut toms smooth voice was vibrant with feeling. T just heard Miss Ware is here"
 >"Oh, yes. Oh, yes. Just like me, muttered the remorseful king. "But-'' ''No buts! I wouldn't address her for worlds. How would she know it was not all prearranged? How can I avoid her? That's what 1 want to know"
 He cast a puzzled glance over the gay scene. lively with moving figures. King Flower had one of his brilliant inspirations.
 "I'll fix that See that pink and sill yer lady near the door, with her hat on her ear and a stick to keep Mary's little lamb in order? That's my wife There's your cue-stick to Louise and you'll be all right. She'll under stand"
 Hutton followed his friends advice and stuck to Louise. It seemed strange to him to find the Yivacious Mrs. Flower in silent mood; and she
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02
By Elsie Endicott

Bungalow! Building-lot! Donna tiptoed away and leaned trembling against the wall. Dear Tom! A little home, ali their own! She knew now why he had said "No, not yeti" She looked steadily down at her ring moment, and then, leaving a message that she would be back sooni she left the office and hastened to the jewelry store. She asked the proprietor. whom she knew, if she might see him "on iin- portant business" for few minutes. Soon she came out smiling, with a folded slip of paper held tightly in one hand.
 Donna hurried back to the office and immediately telephoned Curtis. the real estate dealer. She managed to evade Tom whenever he came near the office all day. But that evening she met him with outstretched hands and eyes full of love and longing. Tom stared hard at her left hand, on which sparkled no diamond ring, and at the
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

ulster and took up his hat. Draw your opera cloak up about your throat more, Pearl. You don't want to take cold" he added.
 "oh. I never do," the girl cried. Well. suppose we must go. Mother is waiting outside in the limousine. Goodbye, dear Mrs Lawrence. I'm awfuIly sorry. Mother is, too. Weli bring him safe home. And I'll play his accompaniments the best can."
 Good night, Anne" he said. with scarcely backward glance at her.
 And they went out together, leaving Anne alone upon the divan.
 It was a wonderful night--a recur- renee to mellow October in the midst of January. She thought of the Heaths' yellow limousine slipping through the calm streets toward the
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02
What She Req fly Wanted

debating the thing in his mind all morning, he hurried through his din ner and spent the rest of the noon
 hour at the jewellers, ihqufring the prices of diamond engagement rings. To his disnnay he found that the price of the one he wanted was exactly the amount required before the building lot could be his But he had made up his mind; and that evening he present ed the surprised and delighted girl with beautiful diamond engagement ring. "Just as big as Belle Daw- son's!" So Donna exclaimed proudly.
 Bubbling over with happiness. Don na tripped down, to work the next morning, proudly conscious of her dia- mond ring, but stopped in dismay out side the private office, as through the partly-open door she heard these words: How about your bungalow
 Tom? Have you bought that lot iron Curtis yet?" And Toms disappointed voice replied slowly, 'No; not yet" :.
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

Masks off" cried the watteau shepherdess sitting beside him in the curtained alcove, and turned her facs to the moonlight Happy New Year, MT. Hutton"
 "sybil!" Hutton caught her hands ia uncontrolled fervor. Then he drew back. But Jim told me you were his wife"
 Louise and I changed costumes" Sybil's tones were demure but encour- aging. T wished to avoid a certain party"
 "Oh, you did. We'll, 10 did l." Then Hutton laughed happily. Well. you've heard my confession, but not all, n,~Sybil. Good Lord, girl, how I've missed you!"
 A moment later Hutton opened the window and tossed a pair of masks into the dusky garden. Masks of forever with us. And now shall we go down and say Happy New Year to our friends?" Then, as they descended the stairway together, he spoke as if to himself, Bless dear blundering Jimi"
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

landing, an embrasure with window looking on side balcony. A faseinat- ing idea came to him toward the eve7 ning's close. It obsessed him and would not be thrust aside. =
 Let's be hbnest," he whispered to the Watteau masker. You've kept it up splendidiy, Mrs. Flower: but I want a word with you in private. Please"-as the pink and silver lady seemed to be poising for instant flight. I'm. going away again tomorrow or next day, but, if you're my friend-and a good little sport, as know you are you'll do something for me"
 Hutton's smooth voice was rich with an appeal that won his cause. A moment later they were seated in a curtained alcove in the upper hall, with the sound of revelry shut out and silgery moon shining in through the low window.
 You see Jim told me to stick to you and I'd be safe" explained Hutton. But find there are some things I can not forget. You are sybil Ware s
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

that when the pine tree ieved the palm there was more than distance to make one a~ mystery to the osher. He was still very much of a mystery to her, but she was determined ta seive him. And that Hrst affair Of his with Agatha Riehiand helped her immeastir- ably to do this.
 For he tired of Agatha Richiand in six weeks. and came taek to her just as he bad gone away.
 Now for the first time in years ahe was not altogether sure inst he would come back. Pearl Heath was unlike any one she had ever seen him care for.
 ing to his vanity, which in such men requires d large yard stick. "I'm not any more sensible thsn l was when I first married him." she
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

course, she ought to have one, as well as Miss Dawson, Tom told himself. But it would make bad hole in the bungalow fund. Still he loved Donna dearly and if she really wanted dia- n1ond he would get her one, and they would have to wait for the bungalow. The little ring with the blue stone didn't seem to appeal to him any long, CT.
 < Tn the office. Donna sat down at her desk after Miss Dawson had left, and slowly began to open the morning mail with a troubled look in her blue eyes. She told herself that Miss Daw- sons fiancee, who was a broker, could well afford to give her diamond en- gagement ring, while it would be fool ish extravaganza for Tom to buy one. So she resolutely banished the thought of that glittering blue-white stone from sher mind and turned her atten- ton to the days work.
 Tom was not so fortunate; and after
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

arms and laughed shyly. T might You can never tell. Seems to me if Deiina Ray can get man ought to be able to. You going to take it home, Christy?"
 'fNo. Delina's going to send after it some time this evening. I'm going to put It in box and leave it here for whoever comes. Mrs. Peel said she'd see to it, I've got to go out"
 Doris turned away. Well, I've got to go home or Aunt Han will be jay ing me. I'm getting just about sick of Aunt Han. She won't let me have a single beau. Just because she's an old maid she seems to think that's the proper lot for all of us. And it isn't. I'm going to be married, if I have to run away. You'll see"
 The girl was gone. Christy saw her running across the open yards toward home, flying, Huttering little shape full of youths buoyancy and folly.
 T suppose she referred to Harry Crane" Christy thought. "I don't think she'd do so bad if she were to marry him. but she ought not to dis obey her aunt. Yet. if had disobeyed my mother that one time about Rush Mcknight I'd have been with him in
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

the way. Christy, Carrie Coleman 'phoned over here yesterday and said she'd had a letter from her cousin. Rush Mcknight"
 Christy turned pale clear to the edges of her brown hair, where gray thread or two was beginning to run like silver. But she kept the usual grip upon her emotions that she al ways did when that name was mem toned.
 Hes just cleared up s2S,000 in wheat. It'doesn't seem possible, does il? He expects to do as we'll next year if prices hold up. Then he says he's coming back to civilization. Car rie thinks there's somebody in Mime apolis he's interested in. Probably he'll settle down there"
 "Mary"-Christy's voice was sharp as she interrupted you want your dresses made loose or tight around the waist?"
 She walked back home in the soft dusk. She smelled lilacs all the way, and she walked on her heart-her poor. starved heart that Rush Nc Knight had left behind him desolate when he went to the wheat country That's all oyer,' she thought-eall
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02
By Abner Anthony

good friend, and guess you're mine, too Will you tell me if there's any truth in the runors of her engage nent to-well, to anybody
 4 brief hesitation and the head with it's powdered wig and slanting hat was shaken violently.
 I'm trusting you. Mrs Flower" ," went on the mans voice, growing in intensity of feeling. "I'm telling you what I couldn't say to Sybil herself Tonight in your house has opened all the old wounds. It came to me that perhaps she, too, has not forgotten. Will 'you-can you find out for me and let me know before I leave? Be cause"
 A distracting noise suddenly assail- ed them; the loud reverberations of a great gong, raised voices. hurrying feet, crashing music and, laughter. The signal had been given for the mid night unmasking. Hutton had scarce ly time to realize that this signal could not have been given without the pres enee of the hostess when
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

hair. "Yes, I'm home early" he said. T only sang once."
 Why, Percival!"
 Once oniy.p His tone was eyclenis. Do you know what she did, that Heath girl? She played a discerd in- stead of dissonanee and threw ms of the key. So much for letting an amateur accompany you,'
 "Ah! You were angry?"
 "of course, was angry. Who wouldn't have been? With that idiot or an Andrews, who fancies he's my rival, grinning at me? She tried to apologize. and her mother-" To avoid a scene escaped. came back to you"
 You always come back to ma Anne thought happily. Aloud she said very softly and tenderly: Poor boyis
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

question in his eyes she put both arms around his neck and whispered, as hs drew her fondly to him:
 "oh, Tom, dearI You silly boy! Did you think I'd rather have a diamond ring than bungalow? Why, would n't take it for the world! You spent the money you had saved to buy the building-lot. Tom, dearest! Think Of having a home, all our own!"
 Before the surprised young maA could say word, she thrust an ofns eial-looking envelope into his hands, containing the deed to his cherished lot And when he began. "But, Don na, darling,' she wouldn't listen to him, but pulled him down beside her in the hammock, where he kissed her aAl held her close.
 The next evening Tom brought her a little ring with modest blue stone (the color of Donna's eyes, he thought.
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

OTHING was left to be done M now and it seemed to Christy Thain, as she stood back and surveyed her work, that it really al ready held the bride for whom 1t was intended. The adjustable form which suppored it had something of Delina Rays slight, young contour. It was quite easy to imagine how the dress was going to look on that wonderful morning now only one day distant.
 The dress was her masterpiece. Nothing remained but to fold it in a box and wait for it to be taken away. Outside the open window which let in the June air, there was a step and rustic and girl leaned in over the sill. She was a pretty girl, in 8 dimsy. fancy way, like some gay little wayside flower
 "Ohl" she exclaimed. 50 it's done huh?"
 How do you like it, Doris?" Chris ty asked, smiling. a
 It's just sweet I wish it were mine9f
 Why, do you need wedding dress?' Christy looked up in surprise.
 The girl hid her face on her folded
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

house where the musicale was to be given. She thought of Pearl Heath sit ting there beside her large, placid, stupid mother and opposite Pereiyal. She thought of how the three would
 enter the house together. and how
 presently Pearl would be sitting at the piano. playing for him while he sang.
 She had had her heart broken dur ing the first six months of her mar riage. Another woman had intruded. She had not conceived that she could beso jealous, and yet she fancied she had kept it all away from him. q will wait" she had bldden herself. Aft CT all. she was his wife, and this wona- an was no better than score Of oEh- CTS he had rejected because of her. She did not understand him, but she wanted to keep him. Some one says
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

cd. Why, what's the matfer?" For Christy was turning haggard white.
 "It's gone"
 Mrs. Peel laid 3 hand on her shoul- der. ''You go home" she said to the maid, "and tell Delina it wasn't quite ready. That1I give us time to inves- tigate this" When the girl had gone she turned to Christy. "Now, brace up and let's talk this over. Amt you got an idea. Christy."
 But Christy had none. After they looked the house over without avail they went to bed to sleep if they could, upon the mystery.
 It was near dawn before Christy fell asleep. She was awakened by Mrs. Peel standing over her.
 "Han Atwell's been here. She says Doris ran away last night with Harry Crane. They were married by the jus tice before they went. Doris said SC in a note she left her aunt, She Jeff one for you. too. Han just gave it tc me. Read 1t quick. I've suspicion we're going to find out something about that dress"
 ChflAty sat up in bed and opened the note. Don't tell Aunt Han,'' sh'
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

in. Instead, he turned and left the of ice before the girls noticed his pres ence. He crossed the yard and sat down on pile of lumber behind a shed to think over this disturbing question of diamond engagement rings which had been so suddenly forced on his at. tention. For some time he had seen plainly, in his minds eye, the pretty little bungalow which he was going to build for Donna. His employer, who wanted to help the young foreman, had promised to give him the lumber to build it, if Tom would secure the building lot.
 At his employers suggestion, Tom had already paid down half the price of the lot, and by careful saving was now ready to make the final payment and secure the land; and it seemed to him that his cherished dream of a home was about to be realized at last. But now came this dismaying fact of Donna's desire for diamond ring. Of
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02
Thanks to a BIunderer

You can't Everybody knows you are here. Except Hutton" Mrs. Flow CT laughed childishly. "oh. forgive me, dear, I know it's serious for you. Why, you two haven't spoken for a year, have you? Imagine you two, of all the people, seeing the Old Year cut together!"
 Sybil faced her classic image deE- perately. "I won't go down in this gown: It's not enough of a disguise, and some one may know what I'm wearing. It would leak out. Louise, you must change costumes with me. That wig-those panniers-oh, nobody would ever suspect me of being Wat teau shepherdess. And when time comes to unmask, I'll be suddenly i'll or disappear like Cinderella"
 Mrs. Flower, always good natured and obliging, was out of her brocade by this time and. assisting her young guest to dress. About the same time a tail masked figure in a monks cloak was reproaching a rotund image of royalty.
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02
Her Method of Keeping Him

or any other glowing, bright-hued hower. Moreover, it was patent that she knew how she looked and how great was the effect she was produc- ing.
 "oh, you poor dearl" she said to Anne. You feel horribly III, don't you?"
 Colds are 50 disagreeable." Anne nurnured. unfolding another hand kerchief from the pile she had brought downstairs.
 "And to have one on this evening of all evenings" Pearl Heath vent on. "It must be great disappointment to yeu nSt to be able to hear Ms. law renee dnE." She glanced at him.
 "she hears me practicing," he said, "and, anyway. she doesn't know one note frsna another" He slipped on his
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02
By Joella Johnson

thought. "All the lessons I've learned do not seem to apply here. It's like having an education in Sanscrit and finding suddenly that you need some everyday French. At least I'll keep en being patient and trust in the Lord"
 Being religious woman she prayed 3 little and then fell asleep.
 It seemed to her that she had bare ly closed her eyes when she opened them again. Instinctiveiy, she knew that Percivai was in the room.
 q thought you were asleep
 She sat up against the cushions and he came and sat down beside her, dropping his head into his hands.
 How Is your eold?" he asked.
 "Bettes.- Aren't you home early?"
 He Taa his fingers through his thick
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

displayed in the show window Of the local jewelry store. and he had fond visions of placing 1t on Donna's hand. But since that heavenly night a week ago when, to his stammering words of love and longing, Donna had confessed that she loved him, too, nothing like rings had any place yet in his blissful mind.
 So that morning when Tom stood outside the office of the lumber com pany, his blissful heart received jolt as he heard Donna's beloved voice ex- claiming in delighted accents, and he got there just in time to catch the look of utter longing with which she was regarding the diamond ring on Miss Dawson's hand. Also, he was just in time to hear the latter's condescend- ing:
 Hope you'll soon have one like it, dearie."
 Tom changed his mind about going
Norwich bulletin., 1920-01-02

"AHERB probably was nothing
 that annoyed her husband
 any more than the sound of a sDeeze, and for about the tenth time she quickly applied her handkerchief b her nose in time to prevent the out burst. As 1t was, he went calmly on srapping his music bag. Ills back, slim and straight in evening dress, was toward her. He was very handsome and healthy. And she had cold. No woman can be even ressably good looking under such conditions. And If she is very plain to begin with
 The door opened tentatively and Percival turned. His face lit up. No wonder. The thing he saw was enough to brighten any mans fa6e-s girl, young. vivid, gay in the freshest of frocks. She looked like . red rose