davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Cottonwood chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1917-current, 1921-07-15
CARD OF THANKS.

We wish to thank our friends
and neighbors for the floral of,
ferings and the many other acts
of kindness and sympathy shown
us during our recent bereave'
ment.
Mrs. II. b. Blake,
Edward Blake and family,
Harry Blake and family,
Mrs. Nellie Summerfield
and family.
Cottonwood chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1917-current, 1921-07-15
TO SET WAGE SCALE.

A meeting will be held in the
|. o. o. F. hall on Saturday.
July 23rd at 2 p. m. for the pur-
pose of setting a uniform scale
for harvest labor and threshing
prices. Farmers. threshermen
and laborers are urged to attnd
this meeting. A similar meet
ing was held last year and a
scale set which proved to he a
great advantage not only to one
element but all-farmer. laboreE
and threshermen.
Cottonwood chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1917-current, 1921-07-15
ON SHORT VACATION.

Frank Simon accompanied by
his wife and dauphter, Margaret,
and Mrs, Randall, mother of Mrs.
Simon, who has been visiting
here for the past month departed
Sunday morning in car for
Garfield, Wash. to visit with re-
latives and friends for some
time.
The Washington herald., 1921-09-25

kind IL you will help me let people
think that nothing is wrong be-
tween US. This evening uncle saw
me crying, and he asked what was
the matter. He was angry and
blamed you; he said he would speak
to you about it, and could not
bear that! So. please, no matter
how you really feel towards me, II
You could let everyone think 1t is
ali right for little while longer
it will help me a great deal
Anne"
The Fortune Hunter dropped the
poor little note and hid his face in
his hands. mo matter how you
feel towards me. -"
Had he. then, acted SO we'll that
he had really deceived her into the
belief that he did not care?
He longed to answer her letter
with all the passionate despair of
his heart, but he did not dare. He
could only think bitterly that she
was cleverer than he when, the
next morning she met him with a
gay little smile and asked how they
should spend the day.
Tommy and Mr.. Harding were
both in the room, and the Fortune
Hunter felt that they were watch
ing him, as he answered with an
effort that he felt lazy, and that
the river would be the best place.
She laughed at that.
We've spoilt you since you came
home" she said. And IL you come
on the river with me you'll have to
do all the work, I promise you.''
She chatted away all breakfast
time, but the Fortune Hunter was
rot in the least deceived. She had
not forgiven him or forgotten! In
reality things were just as unhappy
and strained between them, but for
the sake of what the others in the
house would think che meant to
play the game.
do you really want to go on the
river?" he asked her as soon as they
were alone, and she looked up with
raised brows as she answered.:
do ! really want to go? How
ungallant, John! Why. of course.
do"
But before they could start a
heavy shower of rain came and
made It out of the question.
How very unkind of the wealth
err" Anne said as she stood looking
ping garden. But never mind!
Wen go for a walk instead"
When he protested that the rain
was too heavy she would not listen
ITS good for the complexion, and
like getting wet. II you're afraid
to come say So She looked a,
him with laughing eyes.
But the Fortune Hunter could not
fall in with her mood: 1t made hei
seem farther from him even thar
Yesterday, when she had made hel
broken appeal that they might star,
again.
II found your little note in m,
room last night" he said with al
effort as they left the house.
"Oh, did your She spoke as i
the matter were of no Importance
81 thought it would be better If W,
had some sort of understanding. w
The Washington herald., 1921-09-25

might just as well, pretend to be
good friends don't you Think
Don't talk like thatw he said
agitatedly. -.
..Why not?" She laughed a little.
you take things far too seriously
you know"
You were serious yourself-yes-
terday," he reminded her painfully.
~ know! But I've got over IL
and I'm going to be ever SO clever.
1t will be much easier after time
Toto"
Send me about my business" he
interrupted. as she paused;
II was not going to say that. We
could-come to some sort OF ar
rangement.
Arrangement" he echoed the
word blankly.
Yes. After ALL" she broke out
vehemently, 'there must be some
thing else in life besides-disap-
pointment! seem to have had
very little else SO far" They walked
q little way in silence. then the
Fortune Hunter said suddenly
"Anne-when you knew ! was
ccming-back-wer you-were you
honestly-glad?
"I think I was-more afraid
you see, uncle and everyone were
= SO sure, first of all. that you would
not come and then that IL you did
I should not care for you"
And you did-care for meT ne
said, rather hoarsely. She looked
up at him with hard eyes.
IT cared for you SO much, sne
answered, that 1t seemed as IL l
had got everything in the world
wanted; but now-if I could tear
every memory of you out of my life
and forget that We had ever met.
would do it-gladly! / hate suf-
fering-I want to be happy. / want
-" Then she laughed lightly.
But now we're serious again, and
made up my mind 1 would not be
serious again, Look! There's ram
bow, Isn't it pretty over the
water?"
Yes" But he hardly glanced
where she pointed.
There's just one thing" Anne
said presently. and there was a lit
tie nervous note in her voice as she
spoke. Il think-I am almost sure
that Uncle Glenn is going to ask
you about-about our wedding.
She caught her breath. IF he does,
premise me-please promise me
that You won't tell him-anything!
Not anything
is there anything to tell?" the
Fortune Hunter asked bitterly.
Their wedding, In his maddest
moments be had never allowed his
thoughts to go as far as that IL
was a wild. impossible dream which
would perhaps haunt his lonely pill
low in the future when he wandered
hack again down the road by which
he had come into this girls life.
Anne Throws Away Her Ring.
Promise me-please promise me
that you won't tell him any
thing"
Annes words, with the curious
little tremble of anxiety in them
came back to the Fortune Hunters
memory several times during the
The Washington herald., 1921-09-25
By RUBY AYERS

stiu I'm that same careful sort Of
voice, as II he were feeling MS
way
..If there IL anything I can 90
to help you-either of you-l hope
you will tell me. I want 20 zee the
girl happy! ] want that more than
anything In the world. She's az
dear 70 me as II she were my
own daughter, and IL her hsppi-
ness lies with you-weil, what 10
there to wait for? Why not get mar
ried7"
The Fyrtune Hunter had been
cleaning the stem Of his pipe with
q straw he had picked up from
the flower-bed. but he turned his
head slowly now. and for the first
time looked at Mr.. Harding.
His mouth was set in q hard line.
and there was a furrow Of pain be-
tween his handsome eyes.
"Get-marriedr' he echoed stiffiy.
Yes Mr.. Harding laid a hand
on his shoulder. You're neither
of you 30 young that you don't
know your own minds. and I UNDER
stood from Anne before you came
home that you would be married al
most Immediately"
He smiled family. Il think she
even went so far as TO tell me I
should not be consulted in the mat
ter" He paused and added slowly.
''She IL very fond Of you. Johnr
Il was only with q great effort that
the Fortune Hunter At last found
his voice
T will speak TO Anna. sir-I VIII
speak to her this morning, and
and-see what she says"
His voice shook a little. but Mr..
Harding seemed not to notice.
That's right" he said heartily.
"As soon as everything is comfort
ably settled for all OF us the bet
ter. All! here she comes Well I
hope you'll have a nice morning.
The sunshine looks as IL IL means
to last"
He waved his hand to his niece.
who was coming across the lawn.
and turned away, leaving the For
tune Hunter to go and meet her.
Her dark eyes saw the agitation
of his face immediately. What
has uncle been saying?" she asked
swiftly.
The Fortune Hunter laughed
mirthlessly.
only what you expected him 20
say-he asked when we were-wers
going to be married.
He was not looking at her. or he
would have seen the burning nush
that rose to her face.
"well-what did you ssyT sh'
asked slowly.
'T said / would speak 20 yor
about IT," he answered.
They walked q few steps silently
rs that-all7" she asked then.
-AlI!" he passed . hand across hii
forehead. what else, could I say
when things are-as they are?
The color faded from her cheek
as suddenly as IL had arisen
NO. Of course. What else coul,
you say7" she echoed
(Ts Bs ceptinusd Tenorrcv.)
The Washington herald., 1921-09-25
THE FORTUNE HUNTER

WA. what he was! Whilst she. VINO
loved truth ,,a
never once deceived you. She hau
said that to. him just now; now,
then could he confess to the many
lies he had told her-the many
times he had deliberately oeceiNeu
her?
He broke out desperateiy:-
'If you'd only try to trust ne
God knows / love you-lo si'e ny
life for you" ,.h.r
.Tben it's no good-we must eitner
30 ON as. we are-or say goodbye.
It's for you to choose, John. 80.
you to say. But l thougnt-ai.s
all that had happened she eoo'~
not finish. ~.
She went back to her seat on the
couch, and closed her eyes wea
Her head ached-her whole ooay
seemed to ache; she had mace he
appeal, she had sunk her prioe an
held out her hand to him. anu
had all been useless.
The Fortune Hunter stood look
ing down at her for moment, VT"
with despair. He longed to ten ne.
the truth, to bare his unhappy
=,
her, of seeing her love turn "
scorn, held him back like grip Oh
iron.
He went down on his knees pc
side her, encircling her with MS
arms.
Don't throw me over-dont send
me away-I've had nothing in INV
life but your love-don't SEND mo
away, Anne-don't send me a"dI'
He was like a child crying in the
darkness: for the moment ne was
quite unnamed. but. though ner
face quivered as IL with intoleraple
pain, she would not look at him or
even touch him. though she said:
I've offered you everything
want to give you everything! But
you don't love me well enough 10
trust me-"
Il love you, and IL you love me.
what does the rest natter" he said
recklessly. kiss me. Anne. and
love me-oh, my dear, it's an eter.
nifty since held you in my arms
She shrank away from him.
warding him off with trembling
hands.
II will never kiss you again until
you love me enough to tell me
everything" she said and breaking
into bitter sobbing, she started up
and ran from the room.
The Fortune Hunter stood where
she had left him. too wretched to
think or move. The world had gone
awry, hut the fault was his. ana ne
must get out of his trouble in the
best way he could.
But 1t set him trembling like a
girl when he found a note on his
crossing table that night. addressed
in Anne's writing, and for long
time he stood looking at 1t, afraid
to open 1t and read.
Why had she written? Was 1t a
real dismissal this time? His hand
shook when at last he unfolded it.
Dear John-I am just writing to
ask you IL you will please let things
go on for a little while longer as
they are, and to say that 1t will bs
The Washington herald., 1921-09-25

of them spoke, and the Fortune
Hunter began to move slowly to-
wards the door.
He felt like a man in a dream.
This was the end of everything;
nothing had happened to put things
right for him, no miracle had come
about, his luck had failed.
He put out his hand mechanically
She had risen to her feet. and
her face was as white as her frock
when he turned and went slowly
to open the door when Anne called
his name across the room.
! John, please, come here"
back to where she stood. but her
eyes were unfaltering as they met
his.
That was not true. What SAID
just now" she said. and her voice
was shaking so he could hardly
hear what she said. All my life
because II seems all my life that l
have known you-I have never told
you a lIe-never once deceived you
and I can't do 1t now Tnlngs
have gone wrong between US.
know that; though I don't under
stand why. No. please don't speak,
as he made a quick. little gesture
It's not-not easy ror me to
say what I want to. The last few
days I've tried to make up my mind
to send you AWAY to pretend
didn't care any more
She drew q long sobbing breath. l
suppose I'm not a good actress-at
any rate. i can't-go on trying to
hnr In I
Perhaps 1 ought to be ashamed TO
admit IL. hut it's the truth. 1 know
you've lied to me, and l know you've
deceived me
"Anne-"
She shook her head, moving back
a step from him. "Oh, please. what
is the use of denying 1t. l know!
something in my heart knows and
yeti can't stop loving you. I've
tried-Tve wanted not to care, ana
it's no good, and sol want-I want
to make one last appeal to you-you
don't know how hard 1t Is for me,
butts because do feel that there
is something behind it all that 1
can't properly understand; l want
to ask YOU IL we can't-begin all
over-again?"
Her voice broke. and she dar6d
not look at him, for fear that the
tears would overflow.
The Fortune Hunter stood with
his hands gripped behind him, ano
the veins stood out like cords on
his forehead as he tried to answer
her. Garry Cannon's words came
back to him urgently.
Tell her the truth, man-tell her
the truth, and IL she cares hans
about you,
He looked down at her, his race
twitching. Would she forgive him
She looked so sweet and desirable
How could she take such vaga-
bond as he was to her heart, ano
ever believe in him again?
A liar and an imposter! Thai
The Washington herald., 1921-09-25

day and he wondered what exactly
she had meant
What was there for him to tell
Mr. Harding? What could he have
told? Only that there would never
be wedding. Only that he was a
worthless vagabond, going back
whence he had come.
The following morning the rain
had cleared and the sun shone out
again warm and bright.
Don't you think we might 20 on
the river today?" Anne asked rest
lessly. THE house seems to stine
me-"
lust as you LIKE am ready
when you are" the Fortune Hunter
said.
She gave a sigh of relief.
"Iu just get my hat" She hur-
ried upstairs and he wandered out
into the garden Just as the gate
opened and Geofry Foster came In.
The Fortune Hunter changed
cclor o little. but he went to meet
him cody enough.
Good morning! Mr.. Harding is
in the study II you are looking for
him."
Foster flushed and bit his lip.
Much obliged for the informa-
tion," he answered. but knew my
way about this house long before
you did, I fancy" The words were
spoken with apparent good temper.
but the. Fortune Hunter knew the
underlying meer and his eyes
cleaned.
Besides" Foster went on. st
was Anne I wished to see"
The Fortune Hunter drew him
self UP stiffly.
II will give her a message IL you
care to leave one."
For a moment the two men looked
at each other steadily: then Foster
shrugged his shoulders carelessly.
mo. thanks all the same" he
drawled. 1T will keep. I'll look in
at some more convenient time. Good
day. He nodded carelessly and
went on down the road again.
The Fortune Hunter turned back
into the garden.
He hated the fellow, hated his
superiority and veiled insolence. IL
ever he got the chance to get his
own back. he checked that
thought drearily. Such a chance
would never come, he knew.
Hello, John! 1 have been look
ing for you," said Mr.. Harding.
at his elbow. and the Fortune
Hunter turned with a start.
I'm sorryr' he answered. in
coherently. I'm waiting for
Anne. We're going on the river.
It's like a return Of summer to-
day. isn't it?'
It's about Anne want to speak
to you," Mr.. Harding said. slowly.
His eyes never left the Fortune
Hunters face. and there was a
steely coldness in them. She's not
looking so well as / should like To
see her, John! And / am afraid
I've been wondering II. perhaps-if
perhaps. things are not quite as
satisfactory with you both as they
might be-"
He paused, but the young mar
made no reply. and he went on
The Washington herald., 1921-09-25
(ceatinusd From Ysstsrdsy.)

She was naturally impulsive. and
she broke out TREMENDOUSLY. almost
before she was aware Of IT.
John! what Is the matter with
this house tonight? There is some
thing-terrifying about It to me-
as IL something dreadful is going
to happen. I dare say you'll laugh
at me. but-oh. I'm sure-sure that
am right"
He stood behind the sofa, looking
down at her with eyes that tried to
be only impartial. as he answered
quietly:
II think you're tired and un-
strung. People often imagine things
when they are not very we'll" She
shook h@ head impatiently.
It's not that-and you know It's
not. It's something to do with you!
I've felt it all day. It's as if-as
if-Oh. I can't explain myself
can't"
Don't try, my dear" the For
tune Hunter said harshly. BE a
fatalist like I am, and say. What
Is to be, will be- Life is too short
to worry about anything too much"
Yes, I think you're right" she
said slowly II only wish-I wish
you'd taught me that-10 years
ago"
Anne's Appeal.
Ten years ago." The Fortune
Hunter echoed Anne words blank
ly, then he flushed. ''Oh, you mean
that If you had been as wise as you
are now. you would not have waited
for me-is that it?"
She clasped her hands in her lap
to hide their trembling, but her
voice was even enough when she
spoke.
."Yes-I think that is what 1 do
mean"
There was a terrible silence.
So II had come! The climax TO
which he had been SO deliberately
leading up was reacned AT iast' anu
although the Fortune Hunter had
sometimes thought that 1t would be
a relief to have things finally nm
ished one way or another, his hearv
seemed to stand still now, as he
tried in vain to find words with
which to answer her.
You mean-you no longer
care for me. You mean-you wish
me to go away?"
His voice sounded strange to his
own ears when at last he could
speak, and the following silence
seemed an eternity until she answer
ed. Il think-it would be best-rol
both Of US"
And then for q long time neither
The Washington herald., 1921-09-25
THE SPORTING CHANCE

TT takes a brave man to do a thing Ike
this" he said to the tall stranger who how
cred over him. 1T takes . perfect dare
devil"
How far II It to the end of the bridget"
ITS about one hundred feet from here to
the end Of the span. I can't 90 any farther
than that on account Of the structural work"
well, that's far enough" said the other.
IF you 90 that far. we1l call 1t . days
work. By the way. I forgot to ask you:
would you like me to- drop your wife . line
and tell her how brave you were and that
you died like . hero7"
"I don't want her to know . damn thing
about me-" said Mr.. Crumley strongly.
That's the right spirit" said the stranger.
approvinsly. "Now. you're beginning to talk
like q man that ought to live. Are you
ready?"
yes" said Mr.. Crumley. arising. do
you know. I'm beginning to take . lot OF
interest in this undertaking. II Il rather an
exciting way to do it. isn't 1T Kind Of like
a game. OF course, I shall fall on the instant
stand up. but it won't be quite the same a.
Just deliberately jumping or"
I'll steady you till you get your footing"
said the other reassuringiy.
You see." connded Mr.. Crumley. i've
only been married q week."
well" unused his companion. that's long
enough sometimes"
II didn't intend to be married." went on
the doomed man plaintively. Il was sort Of
r,,sh>d INT vot, knovS
u know-I know. What shall DO with
these shoesf"
"Are they too small for you to wearf"
-I should say 20. I've got . foot like an
elephant"
"Confound you. why Will you keep on talk.
ing about elephantsf Say. do you know that
It takes ten grains Of strychnine to kill an
elephant"
"Now you're beginning to get morbid"
growied the robber. Before you get up
there on that rail I want to explain some
thing to you. By rights I ought to do my
level best to prevent you from committing
suicide. But what would be the use? II
saved you from yourself tonight you'd be
going At 1t again inside Of q week. I believe
in letting fellow get . thing out Of his sys-
tenn, once and for all. Besides II took you
home to your wife. you'd probably curse me
to your dying day. I'm not heartless. old
man. It isn't that want to see you die. I
want you to understand that What I'm try.
ing to do 10 to give you a sporting chance.
It's the only way. Every time you contem.
plate committing suicide-that is in case you
don't meet with an accident tonight want
you to promise me you'll give yourself .
chance. Don't shoot yourself. Just skir-
mish around and do something that viii give
some one else q chance to take q shot at you.
Don't take poison deliberately. Go get . box
Of candy and then slip = little dose Of poison
into one Of the chocolates, shake 'en all up
wen SOS you won't know which ID which. and
then leave the box around where both you
and your wife can have the same chance at
It. II ever you think Of hanging yourself.
commit some sort Of an outrage and take .
chance on the mob lyching you. Aiways-
sI.cays give yourself = sporting chance. Just
- you're doing tonight. that's my idsa of
The Washington herald., 1921-09-25

playing the game. Now. II you fan on that
well and good You've done your best to
upset the dope. hope you understandf"
"I do." said Mr.. Crumley. passing bis hand
over his brow. :" can't help saying. how
ever. that its horrible to think Of standing
up on that rail all alone. in the dark. with
nothing to grab at in case but, come on.
let's get It over with. I wish. however. you
would let me tell you all that has happened
to me In the past week /"
mol" said the other firmly. II don't
want to hear anything that might resurrect
my own married life. I've told you twice
now to take your troubles with you. Don't
leave 'em with me. Now, step on this lower
rail FIRST: put your hands on my shoulders.
That's tie stun. Now. up to the next rail.
Now. wait q second. Let me think. What
Ii the safest way for you to get up on the top
rail without making . mess Of IT. Give me
time to figure 1t out"
at seems darker up here where am"
mentioned Mr. Crumley.
"I have It." said the stranger, relieved.
one foot after the other on the top rail,
bracing yourself against me. Then III stoop
down till my shoulder 10 level with the rail.
You put one foot on my shoulder and then
stand up straight That will get you into
An erect position without chance Of falling
overheard. Slowly viii shift my shoulder
over quite close to the rail, and then you
step on onto 1t. But for Gods sake don't let
your foot slip"
I should say mott" gasped Mr.. Crumley.
Il think I'd better shut my eyes, 1t will
seem simpler with my eyes shut IL wish
youd walk along close beside ms-erNin
case should fall"
Il thought that w.s just what you wanted
70 do"
"I mean in case should fau inward in.
stead of outward. I'd probably break an
arm or something II I landed on that con-
crete walk. 1t would be Just like me to
strike my sore head asainst-whoap! Steady
stea-d-d-y!"
"say when." came from the oblisins
stranger.
Mr.. Crumley took his foot from the sturdy
rail. He had recalled the experience Of youth
tho balmy. carefree days when he used to
walk tho rails of the good old Lake Erie
and Western. He remembered that 1t was
much easier to stick to the rail II you walked
rapidly-it was fatal to take It slowly. So
he started on briskly. his eyes shut. his arms
outstretched. his bare feet coming down
firmly upon the cold. curving steel.
The stranger .strode along beside him.
amusement filing his benighted soul. Mr..
Crumley began to run!
-well-IIl be damned" gasped the foot.
pad, breaking into . trot.
Suddenly Mr.. Crumley missed: His foot
failed to hit the rail!
The stranger pulled him to his feet. Hs
was blubbering.
20 my God-my 0odl I've smashed ny
knee cap! o! OF o-o-oi"
Smashed nothins!" roarsd the other
you're all right! Stand upl Hey! You're
not going to faint on nas. are youf Buck up
BE man. Which ks.ss = 1T Let me- rui