davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1921-05-26

.aore prosperous, q pair Of swans amt
herd OF deer are going to be intro
dnced, TO restore some Of the natural
wild life of the park. But In the sum-
mer Of 1919. n few small birds and
possibly half dozen pairs of squir-
reis were the extent and limit OF the
wild creatures. And at the moment
this story opens, one OF these squir-
rels was perched on q wide-spreading
limb 0verarching a gravel path that
slanted through the sunlit park. The
squirrel was hungry. He wished that
some one Nould come along with a
nut.
There was bench beneath the tree.
II there had not been, the life of Dan
Failing would have been entirely diff
ferent. II the squirrel had been on
any other tree, II he hadn't heen
hungry, Il amy one OF a dozen other
things hadn't been as they were. Dan
Failing would have never gone back
to the land Of his people. The little
buslly-tailed fellow on the tree limb
was the squirrel Of DestinyI
The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1921-05-26

sparkled with delight. And he forgot
NIL about the doctors words and his
own prospects IN his bitter regrets
that he had not brought pocketful
of nuts
And then Dan did q curious thing.
Even later. he didn't know why be did
It. or what gave him the idAl that he
could decoy the squirrel up to him BY
doing It That was his only purpose
Just to see how close the squirrel
would come to him. He thought he
would like to look into the bright eyes
at close range. All be did was sud-
denly ID freeze into one pOsitiOn-In
an inst,lnt rendered as motionless as
the rather questionahie-looking stone
stork Tint was perched on the foun-
tain.
The squirrel was very close TO him,
and Tan seemed to know by instinct
That the movement OF a single muscle
would give him away So he SIT Al; II
he were posing before photogra-
pher's Camera. The fact that he was
able TO do It Il 10 Itself important. t
1 Ii considerably easier to exercise
With tium6.bells for FIVE minutes than
TO SIT absolutely without motion for
the same length OF time. Hunters
and naturalists acquire the art with
fraIning Il was therefore rather CO
The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1921-05-26
CHAPTER u.


The dinner hour found Dan Failing
in the public library Of Gitcheapolis,
asking the girl who sat behind the
desk IL he might look at maps of Ore
gon. He remembered that his grand
father had lived in southern Oregon.
He looked along the bottom of his map
and discovered a whole empire, rang
ing from gigantic sage plains to the
east to dense forests along the Pa
cific ocean. He began to search for
Linkville.
Time was when Linkville was one
OF the principal towns of Oregon. Dan
remembered the place because some
of the time-yellowed letters his grand
father had sent him had been mailed
at town that bore this name. But
he couldn't find Linkville on the map.
The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1921-05-26

: 4 - 49,
rious that Dan succeeded SO well the
first time he tried it. He had sense
enough to relax first, before he froze.
Thus he didn't put such d severe
strain on his muscles.
The squirrel, after ten seconds had
elapsed. stood on his launches TO see
better. First he looked long time
with his left eye. Then he turned his
head and looked very carefully with
his right. Then he backed off a short
distance and tried to get focus with
both. Then he came some half dozen
steps nearer.
A moment before he had been GER
tain thar living creature in fact
one ct the most terrible and powerful
living creatures In the world-had
been sitting on the park bench. Now
his poor little brain was completely
added. He was entirely ready to be-
lieve that his eyes had deceived him.
Bushy-tail drew Off d little further,
fully convinced at last that his hopes
Of nut from a child's hand were
blasted. But he turned to look. once
more. The figure still sat utterly In
ert. And NIL at once he forgot his de-
vouring hunger In the face Of an over
whelming curiosity.
He c,lme somewhat nearer and
looked a long time. Then he made a
half-circle about the bench, turning
his head as he moved. He was more
puzzled than ever, but he was no
longer afraid. His curiosity had be-
come SO intense that no room for fear
was left. And then he sprang upon
the park bench.
Dan moved then. The movement
consisted of sudden frightening OF
the light In his eyes. But the squir-
rel didn't see it. It takes muscular
response to be visible to the eyes of
the wild things.
The squirrel crept slowly along the
bench. stopping to sniff. stopping to
stare with one eye and another. just
devonred from head to tail with curl
Osity. And then he leaped on Dams
knee.
He was quite convinced. by now,
that this warm perch on which he
stood was the most singular and In
teresting object Of his young life. II
was true that he was family worried
by the smell that reached his n0strfls.
But all It really did was further to In
cite his curiosity. He followed the
leg up to the hip and then perched on
the elbow. And an instant more he
was poking cold nose into Dams
neck.
But II the squirrel was excited BY
all these developments, It's amaxement
was nothing compared to Dams. II
had been the most astounding Incl.
dent In the mans life. He sat STILL
tingling with delight. And In a single
fash of Inspiration he knew he had
come among his own people at last. He
knew where he would spend his last
six months of life.
His own grandfather had been q
hunter and trapper and frontiersmau
in ascertain vast but little known Ore
gon forest. His son had moved to thu
eastern cities, but In Dams garret
| there used to be old mementoes and
curios from these savage days-a few
claws and teeth, md a fragment of ar
! old diary. The call had come to hin
at last. Tenderf0ot though lie was
Dan would go hack to those forests
to spend his last six months Of life
among the wild creatures that made
them their home.
The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1921-05-26

70 him that he could remember other
winters. wherein the snow lay for end
less miles over an endless wilderness,
and here and there were strange,
many-toed trucks that could be fol-
lowed IN the icy dawns. But of course
II was just q fancy. He wasn't in the
least mtsled about 1t. He knew that
ne had never, in his lifetime, seen
the wilderness. OF course his grand
father had been a frontiersman Of the
first order. and all his ancestors be-
tore him--a rangy. hardy breed whose
wings would crumple in civilization
but he himself had always lived in
cities. Yet the falling SHOWS, soft and
gentle but with kind of remorseless-
ness he could sense but could net I'M
derstand. had always stirred him.
He'd often imagined that he would
like to see the forests in winter.
In him yon could see reflection Of
the boy that played beside the pond
Of snow water. twenty years before.
His dark gray eyes were still rather
large and perhaps the wasted flesh
around them made them seem larger
than they were. But it was a little
hard to see them, as he wore large
glasses His mother had been sure,
years before, that he needed glasses;
and she had easily found an oculist
that agreed With her.
Now that he was alone on the path,
the utter absence of color in his
cheeks was startling. That meant the
absence Of red-that warm glow of
the blood eager and alive in his
veins. Perhaps an observer would
have noticed lean hands, with big
kunckled fingers. a rather Arm mouth,
and closely cropped dark hair. He
was twenty-nine years Of age, but he
looked somewhat older. He know now
that he was never going to be any
older. A doctor MS sure of himself as
the one he had just consulted couldn't
possibly be mistaken.
He sat down on park bench, just
beneath the spreading limb of great
tree. He would sit here, he thought,
until he finally decided what he would
do with his remaining six months.
He hadn't been able to go to war.
The recruiting officer had been very
kind but most determined. The boys
had brought him great tales of France.
It might be nice to go to France and
live in some country inn until he died.
But be didn't have very long to think
upon this vein. For Mt that instant
the squirrel came down to see II he had
nut.
It was the squirrel Of Destiny But
Dan didn't know It then.
Bnshy-tail was not particularly
afraid OF the human beings that
passed up and down the park, because
he had learned by experience that they
usually attempted no harm to him.
But. nevertheless, he had his instincts
He didn't entirely trust them. After
several generations, probably the
squirrels of this park would climb all
over its visitors and sniff in their ears
and investigate the back Of their
necks. Hut fhis wasn't the way of
Bushv-fail.. He had come too recent
" from the wild places. And he WON
dered, most intensely, whether this
tall. forked creature had pocket full
of nuts He swung down on the
grass to see.
why, you little devil!" Dan said
IN a whisper. His eyes suddenly
The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1921-05-26
BOOK ONE
Repatriation.
CHAPTER /.


. vator and was ut once absorbed in
the crowd that ever surged up and
down Brood street. He was just one
OF the ordinary drops OF water, not
IAN Interesting. elaborate. physical and
chemical combination to be studied
on the slide Of a microscope He
wore fairly passable clothes, neither
rich nor shabby. He was tall man.
but gave no impression of strength
because " the exceeding spareness Of
his frame. AS long as he remained
In the crowd, he wasn't important
enough to be studied But soon he
turned OF. through the park, and
straightway found himself alone.
The noise and hustle Of the crowd
never loud or startling, but so contin-
nous that the senses are scarcely
more aware OF them than of The heat
ing q ones own heart suddenly and
utterly died almost Mt the very border
OF the park. The noise from the
street seemed wholly unable to pene-
trate the thick branches Of the trees.
ing and Ticking together, and when
mAn can discern this, he can hear the
cushions OF a mountain Hon on trail
al night. OF course Dan Failing had
never heard maontain lion. Except
on the railroad tracks between, he
had never really been away from
cities in his life.
AT once his thought went hack to
the Doctors words. They were still
repeating themselves over and over
In his ears, and the doctors face was
still before his eyes. II had been q
kind face; the lipD had even curled In
a little smile Of encouragement. But
the doctor had been perfectly frank,
entirely straightforward. There had
been no evasion In his verdict.
1--WE made every test" he said.
They're pretty well shot. OF course,
you can 60 to. some sanitarium, II
you've got the money. II yOu haven't
enjoy yourself all you can for about
| six months"
Dams voice had been perfectly cool
and sure when he replied. He had
smiled 8 Mite. 100. re was STU r ~.
er proud OF that smile. "Six months?
Isn't that rather short :"
Maybe whole lot shorter. think
that's the limit.
there was tne s'''n'.'o'' 4 ~ n - -
ing naa Dnt slA NOUNS y w. u. ..
Deg'n 60 Mo,lu.l Mne'.,e' 20 s. -. =
aau p.'en e's'. 80 =. -
neep u'n ..v -. s.. .osS r. a. sa,,.s.,
'le uvss : s .',' -. ,,.s,ar,.a,cht
~" .na. - wv 49, x 3 10. MA
y "a ~ -. ~ $40, - .,.a -. g
.nI.s' ~. s, !, -. .''s s,,as. hovhood INT
..''u ue -, = ',s 8. ,.osr r,.h INV
sasn 49,. - ~ 81 hsa ,,a,chasI ~. :
s s,s -. ..",,r.,s. ana me doctor had
49, 49, Z 49,.
The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1921-05-26

&
BE won't come, tl.en.s he explained.
anyway, have that out with him at
the end Of his stay. He wants fish,
Ing, and you've got that In the North
fork. Moreover, you're 1 thousand
miles back"
~Only one hundred, II yon must
know. But Steele--do you suppose
he's the man his grandfather was be-
fore HIM that all the Fsilings have
been since the first days of the Ore
gon trail3 II he is--well, my hats
OF to him before he steps OF the
train"
The niountaineer's bronxed face was
earnest and intent In the bright lights
Of the club. Steele thought he had
known his breed. Now he began to
have doubts Of his own knowledge.
he won't be: don't count on It" he
said humbly. "The Faflings have done
much for this region. and I'm glad
enough to do little to pay 1t back.
but don't count much on this eastern
boy. He's lived in cities; besides, he's
sick man. He said go In his wire.
Yns, sSssrl,f ~, lyv.nSuy q hx(s1,. v,<.r, xnh
MIN /. !.
ma hron,.., y - 1880. ,,,,,-,,,,,
....,o,., e AZ. :.
- Me avas "a I'M. :, >. -. a.,,c.-
repeated. VESTS true that II he'd
been like the other Failines, he'd never
have been that Why, Steele, You
couldn't have given that old man
cola q vo,,d a., ~. 80 = -. D. pn.,.a
-svor oxerr,.n. - 49,. -, .,,..,s~s.
co,,rt 81 t,,e ,,,,s kas,,.r., 3, eo..s..
mt ri tara MI, ~ ~ ,,,.,,,a.. -
n. g,oraf.,ra ,,.,.'' - - -
.syo,,,e ~ .s,..,a go
~Afr.id MI ~ csn,t ,nfect tnos.
.t....,,... .,..,s.s.. g 60
MIA ..s s,..- =. ' h,,s.,.,. -,
ocnnd. end I. h.-a $ ..aal No..
tn1u I .icl aav 8 ~, ~. 49, -.
tray m, ~ ,,c,,,s. : :.
YES stae,. kra. MI, M, ,.,...,..a
i two hrndrad 1,c,,rds .'' .na - " ,ss.,ss
sAooaa r. h,e.a.t - en- s,,.g s..a.- ~, =.
drova ao,yr - a. ,o,-.. $500 - az -
w,rter qua t,,,..snr - 49,. ..,.. -,
rnaFe 4 Iav ave. i, II. .,,s na.,aas
t,cth - -. ...,.,...s ~,
rh,,.t ~ a,,,, =. an a.. - - -.
moIoav q So = -
1 Ana So, =. ~. 49, ..,,-.a ~.
t-.,,, 49, 49,. ~. r. ,,,. 80
hnma - ~ $3.50 49, 800 .s - 80
~ a.. &c. s7 ~. -. .s.s . s
nm. - =. .,.a. - 49,. AZ s.sss,
10 cs,,-a.,ra :. 80. ,ssa:s...s 80. r. e.
,vho,1. naab,a 8 ~ ....ssss..as . ss.s
~, -. eaa,..S - .....,.s s. s =. ''e
haS ...,.,. 49,. =. Aa sn4.s 49,. 80. y =
~ 49,. ~ - ,........' 1. :.
,... .aa a.. .."u INV" u's' -.
~ ~. ...,, 80, - .,..' $50. - 81 W.
"a, s,aa.. -. 3. 49, ~
IT, a. a' $3.50. 80 ~ II ns' :. nIs.. 81
-cssa., :. $50. s,,.,., - 80 - IL. e.
.,.s,,.,..... .,. -, 800, 49, :. -,s.p
$500 -. =. :, -. .s s. .'. ~.
49, ss.s- IN ~ 80 49, -. - 1870 -.
sx,ar = -. e.. ~" ~ s.'o
~ .~a.. s..,ss. 49,. ~ 80 8,
80 49, 49, - .-I ~ '..s, -.
tn,,,s,,s,-s -. 80, 80. s ~ ~
sta+s,,, so,,, - -. 49, s 80. s's e. 81
na1a.- ss 49,. :. ' s.aa ~ e'su easS y.
a,,,a =. ..hss,,. ' ...s,.s e - 'pl''' 80
sro,.4,.. $50. !. ~. $500 80
Il -, $50. So o.A'ss
~ 49,. s .s.s !. .n,.
,.,t hattsp a. a ~ - ' INV .o
T,,a ,.,at s,,.a,..'se - 49,. PEI ~
SET s.a hole ,hs.,,s,.s :, ,,sa,.. ". ~ :.
The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1921-05-26

Later he was to know the reason
that the town. halfway between the
sage plains and the mountains. had
prospered and changed its name he
remembered that 1t was located on
one Of those great fresh-water lakes
OF southern Oregon: so, giving up that
search. he began to look for lakes. He
found them ID plenty~yast, Hnmeas.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-07-02
NOTICE TO

Jacob j. Ganss. administrator Of Emil
]. F. Starke, deceased. by direction of the
Surrogate of the County of MiddleseX,
Hereby gives notice to the creditors OF the
said Emil ]. F. Starke to bring in their
debts. demands and claims against the
estate of the said deceased, under oath
or affirmation. within six months. from
this date. or theY will be forever barred
of any action therefor against the said
administrator
Dated. May IS. 1921.
JACOB J. GANSs.
Administrator
so1s-5-14-st oew Sat.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-07-02

ssas-e.s-is-se-:7-7-4.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-07-02

All persons concerned may take notice.
that the Subscriber administratrix etc.. OF
Henry Drissel. deceased. intends to ex-
hibit her final account to the Orphans
Court of the County OF Middlesex. on
Friday, the eighth day OF July 1921, at
10 A.. NJ. In the Term OF April 1921. for
settlement and allowance. the same be.
ing first audited and stated by the Sur.
rogate.
Dated. June 4. 1891.
ELIZABETH NEWMAN.
Administrative
Observation-Disclosures
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1921-12-29

another. The barn was stored with
grain and machinery and the insur-
ance ran out last week"
Norman was crushed with a sense
Of his culpability. He felt like flying
from home. town and all the peo-
behind n hedge as a group Of girls
came along. They were discussing
the fire so excitedly that they paid no
attention to a lone member OF their
group trailing on behind them. Nor
man noticed her. however. She was
Milly Daniels. He startled her by
stepping directly in her path.
Just linger for a moment, will you.
MillyT he spoke under high agita-
ton. "or I'll walk with you bit I'm
In terrible trouble, and I'm going to
leave town for good" and Norman re-
cited the entire story Of the evening
There's only one way out, don't you
see II, Milly?' he said. 81 don't dare
to face Farmer Logan: I'm going away
TO make something OF myself, and the
day | have got the money to make 1t
square with Mr.. Logan I'm coming
back. And Milly. dear, you have been
my truest friend and have always
stood by me. VIII you try to think
of me while I'm gone, will you-will
you wait for me? For shall never
love anybody but you"
Five years went by. Not word
Joel Hardy had forbidden even the
mention of his name In the home.
Mrs. Hardy, half heartbroken, repined
In silence. Milly Daniels became an
orphan, and when Mrs. Hardy needed
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1921-12-29

this time. I'm through with 1t. Half
the town has heard of 1t, and the
boys taunt me and the girls twit me.
Not that | care for any of them ex-
cept Milly Daniels, and she's true
blue and stands by me. and | won't
going to spend this New Years eve
with the crowd. and III be home to
breakfast"
If you don't report here by ten
o'clock III send the town marshal
after you" pronounced his father, with
fire In his eye
Norman marched out Of the house,
hung around downtown until eight
o'clock, and then repaired to the
agreed-on rendezvous Of the crowd. an
old buggy shed attached to a great
barn owned by Farmer Logan. He
felt uneasy. stubborn and nettled. Re
Gently he had been dared by his COM
panions TO smoke a cigarette. lie
had met the dare and now. with two
Of them In his pocket. he Iii one. and.
In sheer rebellion against his fathers
system. was about to pun out his re-
sentiment when the signal cry OF his
comrades echoed forth. Carelessly
throwing the lighted cigarette into
corner OF the shed, he bounded out
and for over an hour forgot all save
the excitement of the moment. The
unruly coterie rolled a giant SNOWFALL
and let II slide down the hill leading
10 the town common; they got up into
the town hall tower and rang its bell.
In the midst OF setting loose a drove
Of cattle from a live stock enclosure
they were attracted by the dash ana
rush Of the village fire cart. making
for a vivid, spreading glare.
why. it's Farmer Logan's place."
shouted a chorus OF excited voices, ana
Norman Hardy's heart stood still He
recalled the cigarette and the Uttered
woodshed. He stood dunno and
scared. The flames completely ell
quilted the great frame barn. Norman
skunk OF alone by himself. oppressed
with an appalling sense Of guilt Hts
emotions were doubly intensified when
he heard some one say:
Logan thinks II was set abIaze
Arson. pity the nrebug n he's
caught It's straight II years In the
penitentiary."
III will ruin Logan. they say SPOKE
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1921-12-29

bors. That's me-" and he looked 1t
and acted II out until Norman fancied
he had been placed in the world simply
To become the butt and victim Of rigid
rules.
When Norman's tenth birthday was
only eight hours distant, his father
gave the order. sternly spoken: You
will be In the house for the night at
seven o'clock" and Norman moped
In Il martyrllke way, envying his boy
friends who had mapped out a joyous
New Years eve program Of skating.
hill sliding. and like boyish pranks.
He wondered what was coming. but
his father simply viewed him specu-
latively and sent him TO bed at the
usual time. He was awakened To find
his father roughly pulling at his arm.
Get up, Norman. and come down
to the kitchen" said Joel Hardy
you needn't dress"
Norman arose. rubbed his eyes. and
followed his father downstairs There
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1921-12-29
The New Year

Ill .ITYHI H he whirlins and
LiA1H drifting Of SHOWS
tfhAI Cones bresthless the
ItS,fssytEl wild New Year;
ll11S'ZJ While bitter north wind
blows,
Der the fields that lie stark and
drear.
Yet hope 10 slight in her eyes
A. she looks from the heart of the
Earth sleeps in her shroud." she
cries,
But the life in her heart 10 warm.
Death 10 but q dream of the night
And the hymn Of joy 10 begun,
For slowly seeking the light
The great globe turns to the sun.
Behold. I will bring delight
In place of darkness and cold;
Safe under the meadows so white
IL hiding the buttereup gold.
"And summers splendor shall reign
In place of the winters dearth,
Her color and music again
Shall gladden. the patient earth"
Hark to the New Years Voice
Through the murk Of winter drear!
Oh, children Of men, rejoicel
Al the tidings Of hope and cheer.
Celia ThaNter.
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1921-12-29


II was few minutes after midnight,
five years to day since Norman
Hardy had gone forth into the world
to seek his fortune. Milly had pleaded
to sit up and watch the old year out
and the new year In. All three Of
the family, though In different ways.
were thinking Of the boy who had run
away from home. The bells had Just
finished resonant chime when the
knob OF the outside door turned
There stepped into the room a bronzed,
stalwart young man. at sight OF
whom Joel Hardy gasped incredu-
lousy, his wife uttered joyous
scream, and Mllly stood breathless and
fiuttering.
II waited Till I was sure the rnal
hour OF discipline and the strap was
past and gone" spoke Norman Hardy.
Mother" warm embrace. Father"
and sturdy hand reached out.
"Milly," and the young girl swayed
10 and fro ana would have fallen
nad not Norman caught her
Il said ! wouldn't come back till
could pay for the damage l did TO
good old Farmer Logan" continued
Norman. "Ive kept my word. hear
you are struggling with a two thou.
sand-dollar mortgage. father: I can
pay II on and loan you as much more
II you need II. Mily. dear. am | wei.
Gomez have come to keep my
promise true"
Joel Hardy left the room. lie re
turned with the strap that had been
so familiar 10 his son. Taking out his
pocketknife. the old man proceeded 10
cut the strap TO pieces and flung them
into the blazing crate.
you've cheated me out OF several
years, my son." he observed. but I
forgive you. It's enough 10 know that
you are bach home safe and sound
this pleased New Years dsyi"
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1921-12-29

n nurse ana then
a companion, It
came about that
she found a per
manent home with
the mother OF the
man she loved.
She and Mrs.
Hardy, with the
tyrant father, all
unaware of IT..
cherished a NUT
ual memory of
the absent youth
and took comfort
In watching and
hoping for his re-
The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1921-12-29

my boy" spoke his father after
moment Of ominous deliberation.
when l was lad Of ten, my father
taught me lesson that has left Its
Impress on my whole life In salu-
tary way. Upon the tick Of midnight
Just preceding my birthday he always
called me down to the kitchen and
gave me good sound strapping. II
hurt him more than Il did me. he used
to say. but the reminder would be
ever present with me. Until | was
twenty-one. regularly. upon each birth
day the strap played Its part and
] think II did a good deal towards
teaching me that had a master and
In making me a better man. I have
concluded TO adopt that feature with
my system. You're a pretty good boy.
but for fear you might kick over the
traces I'm going to bulk the system
until you are OF age. Now. then.
take your punishment like a man"
Joel Hardy produced a short. thick
piece OF tanned cowhide and Norman
WINGED, but did not cry out during
the unique castigation. II was Ave
years later, and with the usual routine
late In the afternoon Joel Hardy re-
minded Norman OF the pending mid
night event. His eyes bulged and his
face betrayed overwhelming amaze
ment as Norman stood up before him.
. tall. well-knit stripping. almost men
aeing In his bearing as he said:
"Fsther. there will he no strppmx