davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

take a second for the mind TO traverse
years or miles, and back across the
years a. frightened child heard that
same pIaintive cry and ran stumbling
and breathless into the sweet home
freight. Again she heard her moth
er's voice, perhaps you wouldn't have
laughed happily again II you had boon
a coward when o knew mamma
needed you"
Again she took up the package Of
medicine and went home along the riv-
er road, went home to win the victory
for herself and the boys young IA
Their.
One warm evening the baby, now .
big boy" sat playing on the piazza.
Listen. papa" he said, Mammals
laughing. 1t sounds pretty, doesn't
it,"
His father dropped the paper and
sat listening until the sound OF laugh
ter from the house died away.
"Your mother has the prettiest
laugh in the world, son." he said and
resumed his reading.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

the driver. Take me homf
quicki" And they new through
lent streets" -
She paid the man and darted up ~
three long lights Of stairs no her
poor little room and n~uns/opsn the
door.
"shs's sleeping. marrYt tn. maid
whispered. she's been sleeping for
an hour"
The pima FASTENED iuto the room
where the little one lay. The childs
breathing was even and natural. The
fever flush had gone from the little
face. The worst had passed. and the
mother knew that her child would
live. The long suppressed tears burst
forth. and she dropped upon her knees
with q prayer of Thanksgiving.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

and determination to win. to find a
place. somewhere.
At length Mrs. Croy obtained a posi-
ton with q company to sing the minor
parts, and she hired a maid to look aft
or the baby. But the pay was small.
She must do better. must become the
leading lady; nothing else would do.
Day and night she worked, practicing,
and one evening the manager said to
her: You are doing It better keep
on and I will give you a chance at the
leading part; there is an ope'ing there.
II you can fill it 1t is yours"
Feverishly the mother worked. with
renewed hope. der voice grew strong
err; she could reach the high notes now.
and hold them. For the baby's sake
she must succeed. Every day she sang
to the little one, and the baby cooed al
the sweet sounds of the music. Hope
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

manding voice seemed to compel an
answer.
Il wish this vision might be a real
ity," replied Doris and it seemed as
though, even as she spoke. her wish
was granted. She looked around to see
If everything was as she had mag
ined 1t. She examined the books. rest
ed for a while in the luxurious arm
chairs, and then went back to the
desk, which was beautifully fitted up
with pearl-mounted writing materials.
She sat for a long time, holding her
pen, but for some reason there seemed
to be nothing to write. None Of the
pretty fancies which so often filled her
thoughts came to her now.
81 think I'll take a walk" she de-
cided at last. But where? For the
first time she noticed that the room
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
By Phil Moore

part she was taking; and the crowd
that filled the great hall listened.
b~reathless. Sweet and clear and true
the tones rang out with a thrill of
pathos that touched every heart
When she finished there was a burst
of applause. Then suddenly she cam
to herself. and staggered from the
stage.
you've done nobly-beautifully!"
the manager was saying to her. your
success is wont" but she needed not
They we're cheering and she must go
back and bow. II they would only
stop! If they would let her go home!
Perhaps ever at that moment her
child might be dying. and what would
it matter. then. all this applause-the
success?
At last they let her go and she hast
ened to a taxi. Hurry" she said to
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

why, Joan!" her astonished mother
cried.
20, mamma, I can laugh just as hard
as ever! I thought I never could
again, down there by Emery's fence"
Mother always understood. Per
haps you wouldn't have laughed hap
PLY again If you had been a coward
when you knew mamma needed you.
Come now, dear, put Hall to bed, then
hold baby while m gets supper"
Fifteen years fly swiftly, when one
is happy, and they had been very hap
by years for the little girl in the house
on the river road, very happy until the
last. That last year the father and
mother had followed the youngest to
California. the other boys were In
Africa; and again. it is evening and
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

"Oh, no. But I've had such a dread
full dream! I'll tell you about it some
time. I want to finish this hem now"
When the hem was done. she hunted
up little brother" and gave him a big
hug, then sat down and wrote all
about it. And the check she received
from the publishers proved the truth
of her stateemnt that ut is the people
and events of everyday life that fur
nish inspiration" for the would-be au-
thor.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

ripping along beside banks blue with
v~iolets, and the bushes on the meadow
side beautiful in their Spring hnery.
The long mile through the village was
full OF SO many interesting things.
new to the city child, that Joan came
to the doctors house in quite good
spirits.
But the doctor was out. and when
at last Joan left the office the soft
dusk hsd fallen and lights were twin
king in the windows.
II wish folks would put lights in
the front windows and not N two little
bits of ones, way back. where they
don't show in the road" Joan whis-
pered as she neared the old Emery
place, the last house before she began
that dreaded half-mile.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

h - ORIS. dear, please finish this
al hem while l see what little
brother wants." was mothers
request.
"Oh, dear! Little brother doesn't
want anything except to bother. as
usual" replied Doris impatiently. as
she took the work from her mothers
hand, after reluctantly putting away
her writing materials. II felt just in
the mood for writing. too, and l had
lust begun. Now there won't be an
other chance today" she sighed when
she was alone.
To tell the truth. the two pieces OF
mince pie which Doris had eaten a
short time before were having the in
evitable effect which that delicacy has
when partaken of too late in the day.
In plain English, Doris was cross. She
felt very much injured, for she loved
to write, and. though Interruptions
we're really %infrequent when she was
thus engaged. her present Etate OF
mind (and digestive organs) made
them seem very frequent indeed.
II don't have much time. aside from
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

She stopped, leaning against the
tumble down old fence. Some wild
creature stirred in the bushes, and too
terrified to stand Joan dropped IN the
wet grass and clapped her hands owe
her ears.
IT can't, I can't. 1 shall die, I never
can," she moaned, tcrouching there
forgetful of everything but her terror
of the lonely river road which stretch
ed between her and home.
The package Of medicine slipped
from her lap, and as she stopped to re-
cover it, clear and plaintive on the
Spring wind came the call of the
night bird, "Whipporwill," "Whippor-
will" he called, over and over again.
Startled, Joan lifted her head and
listened. Then, as the call came
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

derer and touching his black sleeve
with one slim finger. said:
You are very hungry. sir. Come
with me and have your lunch"
The tall man turned abruptly. and
for a moment looked quizzically at the
purposeful. resolute little face. Then
with a Thank you, ma'am, I'd be most
pleased to-" he allowed Miss Allan to
lead him to a nearby restaurant.
"Er-what would you like?" she said,
somewhat embarrassed by his I'M
tramp-like manner. She handed him
the menue, which he refused on the
grounds that he couldn't read 1t.
Cant read it," she repeated. Then
with a shrug of her little shoulders, she
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

money-what it will mean for you 20
fail!" the maid replied. II will take
care Of the baby"
Yes, my baby! For her sake ! ought
to go-1 must try-but, oh. God! help
mel" And the mother went, though
her heart was breaking.
Behind the scenes the woman wait
ed till the curtain should rise and she
should go before the footlights. Hor
heart throbbed; her head swan. and
she could scarcely stand. Her baby's
life. perhaps, depended on her success
she must not fail-and yet-She
placed her hand over her heart to still
its beating.
Everything else was forgotten hen
she stepped upon the stage. She was
the, artist now. and she sang as
before. She forgot her audience-for-
got herself-forgot everything but the
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
Leading Lady

The mother sprang forward into the
room where the child lay moaning In
pain. scarcely able to breathe. GO
for the doctor. quick!" she command
ed, and the maid went.
The doctor came and did what he
could. and left medicine. All night the
mother watched by her sick child, and
all through the next day. The doctor
came in the morning. and again in the
afternoon. The baby was easier. but
the crisis was not yet passed.
All through the day the mother had
not thought Of her singing, or Of the
great part she was to take that night.
Suddenly 1t came to her She looked at
the clock; it was already time to dress,
but her heart sank Il can't sing" she
moaned, II can't leave my baby-1
can't 60"
But think how much you need the
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

May went to school in the city. and
became a great favorite. being ready
at all times to join in any sport, moth
ing being too risky for her.
One day Laura was wondering why
May was so late in returning from
school. and decided to walk out and
see if she could find her. She put on
her hat and coat, locked the door, and
started down the steps when she saw
a small boy running down the street.
A sudden chill passed over her. leaving
her faint and weak. as she seemed to
sense that in some way it concerned
May. The boy stopped and called to
her. saying, May fell off the pieF and
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
finally consented, admitting that he did
think a great deal of May but holding

finally consented, admitting that he did
think a great deal Of May but holding
Laura in his arms. he said, II can
never love anyone but you. DEAR" then.
going to May. he asked her to become
his wife. They were married soon
after. and lived with Laura and her
father.
Laura began to droop and grow thin.
and at last her fathre noticed it and
called the doctor. He told her father
that the girl was hiding some great
sorrow and must be made to forget ii.
Upon being questioned by her father
she told him of the sacrifice she had
made, whereupon he gathered her in
his arms and said. my brave little girl
will get her reward in heaven" but
heaven raw At to reward her on earth.
In a few short weeks May passed in
to the Great Beyond. and another year
found Laura happily married to Tom.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
Forbidden Fruit:

Once when she stopped to speak with
him he told her he was looking for
work. Then 1t was amusing to see her
straight. little form grow business-like
and her face assertive as she advised
him to appear neat and always brush
his clothes before applying for work.
A week later Miss Allan received a
telephone message to come to Travers
avenue. which, az everyone knows. Is
where the blue bloods reside. The lady
had never heard of-or rather she
could not think who lived at that par
ticular house; so gathering up her ma
terial, she smilingly wendell her way
to Travers avenue to see the new Gus
toner.
Her gray eyes took in the quiet, Sub
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
By Parke Whitney

spring time and Joan Is leaning In the
cool dusk against the fence of the old
Emery house. II can't" she said. i
can't go on with 1t. / can bear
it."
Tonight It was not the lonely road
with its mysterious noises and shroud-
ing darkness whose terror bound her.
None of these things, but the flushed,
disheveled man whom she had locked
in the pretty sitting room she had
planned with such high hopes.
e" can never bear it, all the rest OF
my life with a drunkard, she muttered.
I'm toe young, I'll take baby and go
away"
A whir of wings in the tree beyond
the fence. and clear and lonely the
whippoorwill's cry rang out. 1t doesn't
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
Voice That Called.

again. she sprang UP. "Oh, poor Will.
poor little Will! I must hurry" and
clutching the package she ran %gasping,
stumbling. ran until turning the cor
ner she stopped. breathing hard be-
fore the lighted window. Her mother
sat in her low rocker before the open
fire with little Will In her lap and Ha"
in his little chair beside her, waiting
till DAME" should come to put him
to bed.
She opened the door and ran through
the entry, and standing in the door
way, laughed and laughed. a clear
ringing childish laugh. Joan had a
pretty laugh, "the only pretty thing
about her. except her hair and feet"
her brother said. Q
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

school work." she went on to herself.
And when I do have a minute, little
brother or someone else spoils 1t all.
Wouldn't 1t be lovely to live all alone.
with no one a but the people OF
your fancy, and nothing to do but
'scribble' to your hearts content all
day long!"
A sudden vision rose before her
fancy. She saw herself sitting at a
desk in one corner Of a beautiful room
lined with books.
Nothing was heard in the room but
the h~urrying PEN" she quoted. with a
rapturous sigh. Then she closed her
eyes for a minute, to hold tine pleasing
vision a little longer.
II wish, oh. how I wish"
What do you wish?" asked a voice.
No one was in sight, but the COM
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
ORIS, dear, please finish this
hem while l see what little
brother wants." was mothers
! HE was forty. but she was slim
. and dainty. The gray hair
was soft and becoming and her

- HE was forty. blu h was slim
- and dainty. The gray hair
was soft and becoming and her
eyes we're unusually large. with
streaks Of gray in their depths. But
she was lust Miss Allan. dressmaker.
who worked by the day and often late
into the evening for her rich custom
ers. Her work. however, to her was a
beautiful art. and it was never long
before her wealthy patrons recon-
mended her to their friends.
AS she paused at the corner of Win
ter street her attention was called TO
the figure of a man OF about so years.
who looked, to her sympathizing gaze.
unutterably tired and pale. A wisp OF
his iron gray hair was pushed care
lessly from under a cap, and the gray
uncared for beard tended to prove him
a tramp.
In all her 40 years Miss Allan had
never hesitated to follow the generous
little impulses by a kindly little heart
So In her positive woman's way she
marched up to the middle-aged van
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

When May was sixteen, a friend OF
hers brought a young man named Tom
Wilkes to the house. He became a
steady caller and both girls were so in
terested in him that neither noticed
the others growing affection for him,
but after a few months Laura walked
into Mays room one day and found her
weeping over Toms picture.
For q moment Laura grew faint. but
shaking the feeling of. she asked May
why she was crying. which only
brought on a fresh outburst Of tears.
When she was somewhat Gained she
said. ~Oh. Laura. I love aim SO. but I
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

came INTO the mothers heart. and she
smiled once more, YES, mamma will
'',nst sArling," she would say. "she will
A. ami, please the people. and we will
I've me- ey. Mamma will buy you
sAtty cpthes. jlnd presents-and a
all. .p%reSious!"(
lAalasth0sme came when she was
readE and 10 manager said to her:
tomorrow night you shall sing the
part-you shall b the leading lady. Do
your best-please the people. If you
succeed, the position Is yours, and
will pay you we'll"
Joyfully the mother heard his words.
Yes, she would succeed. 1t was for the
baby. She went home with a glad
heart, and joy in her large, dark eyes.
At the door Of her home the maid met
her with a frightened face; Baby is
very sick, marm." she said.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
By Joella Johnson

But l can't write here, and l will
not stay" and Doris struggled against
the horrible weight which held her
down. who are you, anyway, to hold
me here against my wish? Who are
you, l say?"
And the hooking answer of the
voice echoed again and again from ev-
cry corner. "Mince Pie! Mince Pie!
Mince Pie!"
"Mince Pie! Why, how-what-,"
and Doris sat up and looked around ut
the familiar objects in the Twin. room.
with a bewilderment not diminished by
the gathering dusk.
What Is the trouble? Is it you who
have been crying and calling out?"
asked her mother. coming in with a
light. Are you Ill"
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
By Joella'Johnson

he said gently. Il am Robert Brown,
whom you must be familiar with. You
see, l have been going out that way. or
rather in that disguise. for the last
year or so. No one recognized me and
I was free to stand and watch the
world without the world being aware
Of the scrutiny"
Then" he continued, coming near
er to the indignant little woman whose
gray eyes were flashing. you came
and 1 kept it up because it gave me
back a new faith when I saw you so
dear and helpful in your efforts to be-
friend. an old tramp"
But you said you couldn't read" she
said, her face not yet resuming its nor
NAL pink.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

dued beauty of the house. Evidently
this lady, who ever she was, must be a
musician. since a piano occupied one
part of the
Then as her interested little face
wandered about she saw a tall figure
standing on the threshold Of the door.
AS 1t came nearer. Miss Allan gasped
and grew pink. 1t was none other
than her unknown tramp"
There he was looking the typical
handsome. w%ell-bred, middle-aged gen.
tleman. His hair was combed back
smoothly, showing a low. broad fore
head. under which an amused pair of
dark eyes gazed at the huttered little
lady.
II really didn't mean to deceive you."
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

ordered for him and arose from the Ia
BILE to go to work.
IF this is not enough. order what
you wish and charge 1t to Miss Allan.
They know me here. And here is my
telephone number in case / may be OF
assistance to you"
She forgot to ask him his name,
chiefly because in some subtle way he
embarrassed the little lady. His poise.
his self-possession. his gaze. while not
offensive, nettled her and checked her
philanthropic motives.
After that time she saw him many
times. In fact, he seemed to have a
particular fondness for that corner,
and to her smile and bow responded
always by lifting his old. black cap.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

struck on the deck of a boat which
was moored there, and they took her
to the hospital"
Many mothers would have tainted
upon hearing such had news. but such
was not the weakness Of u little
mother" She sent the boy to tell her
father, while she and a neighbor went
to the hospital, arriving at the same
time her father did.
When they reached Mays bedside the
doctor was there. May still being I'M
conscious, and he told them it would
be impossible to learn the extent Of
her injuries before morning. Taking
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

proving satisfactory" was the mock
ing question.
mo, they are not. 1t Is the people
and events of every day life that fur
nish inspiration. walled Doris, de-
sparingly.
II haven't denied that" returned the
voice. in a derisive tone. 1T is you
who didn't believe it. You have your
wish and what more do you want?"
II want to go back. I shall die
here" And Doris started up wildly,
but was held down. by invisible hands,
while a hooking laugh rang through
the room.
"You must stay here until you write
something. so resign yourself" said
the voice in the same compelling tone
which it had used when she first heard
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
The Inspiration

had no doors Or windows. A soft,
clear light and an abundance of fresh
air flooded the room. but there was no
indication of their source. She was
'all alone" even as she had wished. 1t
was as If this room were all the place
there was in the world. No n could
enter 1t; no one could leave it. Alas!
how true she found the latter In the
next few minutes. al she sought vain
ly for an exit.
"Oh! this Is in~tolerable," she cried
at last. throwing herself on a divan
and bursting into tears.
Ibid you speak?" asked the voice,
which she had almost forgotten.
What do you WISH"
II want someone here beside my
SELF" she sobbed.
Are the people Of your fancy not
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

1T didn't, little woman" he denied
laughingly. II said I couldn't read the
menu. which was and is true. I am
forbidden to look at fruit for at least
a month. Won't you forgive what de-
ception there was, dear. when you
know that through that experience !
learned TO love your"
Miss Allan-or more truly Mrs.
Brown (Which really answers the
above question: is unusually fond Of
her tall, middle-aged tramp husband.
He still has a little trick of bending
over her chair before kissing her, and
whispering mischievously. Yes.
ma'am. I'd be most pleased to-"
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
By Elsie Endicott

am only a cripple and he will never
love me-"
Laura could not stand 1t, 50 she said.
There's the bell-I1l be right back"
and she few to her room. to cry as she
had only cried twice in her life. once
when her mother had died and again on
the day when May had met with her
accident.
After a while she Gained down and
began thinking. 1t would neve do to
let May know that she herself was in
love with Tom, and that he had almost
proposed to her; so that night when
Tom called she told him the truth. At
first he refused to give her up. but
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
Rewards On Earth

Laura's hand, her father led her out
and home. Early in the morning they
were back at the hospital.
May had regained consciousness. but
was only allowed to see them for a
few minutes. The. doctor took them to
his office and as gently as possible
broke the sad news to them that poor
little May would be a cripple for life.
1t was . sad blow to the dear ones,
but they thanked God that her life had
been spared.
Three months passed before May
could be taken home, and then Laura
devoted every minute Of her time to
caring for her.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
How to Get Rich.

your friend seems to improve on
acquaintance"
HE improves financially, if that's
what you mean. Every time he meets
me he generally manages to borrow a
sovereign"
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08

~ H. mamma. 1t will be dark COM
" ing home. and the river road
is horrid-all those noises,
and it's so long!" Joan Haynes looked
at her mother beseechirsgly.
But there is no oyie else to go. dear"
Mrs. Haynes SAID! land willie must
hrve the medkAne. Come. make haste.
IS Mother can't you
ThG Hayneses had been but a few
weeks in their country home, and to
little Joan, coming from the lighted
city streets, the darkness and the
strange noises Of the nights were ter
rible.
Come, daughter" Mrs. Haynes said.
as Joan still fingered. you must go;
has nc one else to send; papa
can not get home tonight. You'll for
get all about the dark road when you
get home and sit here in the freight
again. Kiss baby and run along after
little Wills medicine. Poor Will, poor
Yttle WILL" she said, under her breath.
fGhyovvt wasn't so bad, that river road, in
hol, sunny Spring afternoon, h river
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-04-08
AURA'S mother had died when

- AURA'S mother had died when
Laura was IL years old, leav-
~ ing her to keep house for her
father and her 4-year-old sister. May.
MAY was full Of mischief; in fact. she
was a regular "tomboy."
1t was next to impossible for Laura
to watch May and still keep house for
her father as she desired. but she new
err complained. knowing. as she did.
what the result would be. May would
he sent to an institution or home.
which would have broken laura's
heart. as she dearly loved her little
sister.
At the end of three years, Mr.. Ly-
man decided to move into the city, and
he had no trouble in letting their cot
tage in the country to a family of three
who had tired of the city and were en-
thusiastic about getting back to ma
ture."