davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

worm out of the engagement somehow.
And I'm sure he would have, tool" she
added conyincingly.
Now for the scheme" she smiled
wisely to herself as she came quietly
upon her little brother and sister.
When she accused them of listening
the night before, they both looked so
guilty and sorry that Helen's heart re-
buked her. Then she held open her
arms, and with a mad rush the two
culprits pounced upon Helen and
smothered her with their loving, inn
petuous kisses.
Softly and smiling she told them
why she had refused Dick She told
1t slowly so it would sink in" Gas she
explained to herself. In the first
place, she didn't think she could ever
care for the type of young man that
Dick representation conceited and
too sure of himself; and in the. second
place, she had different idea Of life
partner. She then released them, sure
in her conviction that more than one
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

Stretcher, guardian OF the order file,
"to just go in and pick out what you
want? Why I can't even get the kind
of gloves I'd like. / went uptown
yesterday and paid So for just plain
black kids. I was dying for pair of
those white gauntlets, but wouldn't I
look senseless tripping in to T. & C.'s
every day with white gloves. ! could
not afford two pairs. but heavens,
what's the use of kicking?'
The new stenographer shrugged a
fur-coated shoulder and replied:
Kicking is the only thing that ever
gets you anything. tried it the place
1 was before and they gave me three
raises in a year. I didn't like it,
though, and left when got back from
my vacation. Why don't you try it?"
Tom noticed that the color came
swiftly to the others face as she an
swered quietly:
II suppose IL / was worth 1t they'd
pay me more, and anyway I couldn't
take a chance on losing my job. I
guess I'll have to be satisfied with
black kid gloves and 30-cent lunches
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

and the cows were very prompt in ar
irving, whether from fear of the dread
full Fraid or some other reason; but
one night when o'clock came and no
sign of the boy, six stroked from the
tall hall clock and still no sign of him;
at $3.50 grandpa reused into action.
He'd show folks that when he set out
to brighten a child into obedience he
would not be baked by boy only 10
years old. So hurriedly changing his
soft house slippers for a pair of stout
boots, he vanished into the bedroom.
Jocko, who had been quizically OBJ
serving the old man. seemed to wonder
what was in the wind. When grandpa
reappeared with cleaning white
sheet hanging over his arm and slipped
silently out of the open door, Jocko
appeared to decide some excitement
was on foot and that he had better be
getting busy Snatching the white
linen cloth from the supper table, he
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21
When All Is Fair

child would repeat with some varia-
tion) to more than one parent, who in
turn was sure to repeat to some neigh
Dor, ETC., the story until it reached the
ears of young Baker himself. Then?
oh, everything depended con that
persons actions.
She welcomed with more than her
usual plasantness the elderly lady who
was making her way quickly, albeit a
bit painfully, up the gravel walk. In
the course of the evening Helen had
"confided" to Mrs. Wishcomb (or
Whisper" as everyone nicknamed the
town gossip all about Dick Bakers
proposal She divulged her feelings,
the same being that she couldn't see
what the girls" could see in Mr..
Baker. To be sure, he was handsome
and fascinating; but what is that COM
pared to real manhood?
Nov, I know of a young man." she
continued. whom I think the world
Of" (She had the grace of blush, in
asmuch as she was speaking of young
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21
The Prize Winner
- 80 MR - - - - - a

thought when my stories were praised
by people they did it just because they
knew was trying beyond every
thing
$50 you wrote stories" breathed the
listener excitedly. All traces of her
imitation of thoughtless youth had
vanished. She seemed just an older
sister stretching hand in a Crisis.
YES came the sorrowfu1 answer.
And that's the trouble. left home
to succeed, and now know that all
my suspicious were correct. The folks
in this office took me for what I pre-
tended to be. They take me for a silly
powder puff without any brains. It
breaks my heart to read the stories in
that prize competition in the daily pa
per because I've tried so hard and my
stories aren't even considered. Every
thing I write Is returned. You see, 1
weighed myself in. the baance and was
found woefully wanting. I'm a fail
ure."
The face opposite her, softened in
tender smiles, seemed transformed.
'Let us WORT together" said a voice
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21
turn the page.

turn the page.
1t was 1888 when Tom finally slipped
into his chair and plunged into batch
of invoices and express vouchers. He
was conscientious lad, in spite of the
fact that he secretly hoped he looked
just a little like the chap who pro-
claims They Satisfy" from every bill
board around town, and, the truth is,
he had smile not unlike the winning
expression of that gentleman.
Twelve o'clock and the adding ma
chimes and typewriters had ceased to
clip, clip and snap, for all the en-
ployes of T. & G. lunched from IL to /.
Tom was whistling "The Vamp" as
he snatched UP the morning paper
from his locker, jammed his hat over
his eyes and just missed the elevator
as it slumped out of sight.
He was about to turn to the con-
tinued story he had been reading for
weeks when his eye caught Gloves
a real bargain" "That must be the
one they're talking about" he thought,
and glanced carelessly down the sheet
that described capskin, overseam,
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

beautiful heroine, does he!" she
Knocked dramatically and laughed
merrily. I'm show him I'm not crazy
about him.. He's too sure that all girls
are the same. I will make him want
me--love me-crave mel" Thus ended
bad half-hour for "our Helen" as
her family were wont to speak of her.
Dinner-time found Helen bright and
CHEEKY. Her eyes were like deep, still
waters, One would not think of this
serene beauty In connection with the
teary person OF the afternoon.
AS she stepped softly into the twi-
light of early June her ears caught
the very words she had spoken to
Dicky the night before, when she had
refused him. She laughed quietly as
she recognized her small sisters voice.
So they had heard! How glad she was
that she had said those words! What
if she had answered, Eyes"
Those young kids would have had
1t all over town by now, and people
would begin to pity me and say he'd
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

his great height of six foot three, be
frowned upon the tip-tilted marcelled
head uncertainty.
Say" he began laboriously. There
was the best story of the competition
the one that got first prize-in this
mornings paper. 1t was entered in
your name-Dotty Wynn-just coin
cidence, of course. 1t was deep stuff.
but just the same seemed to hear you
speaking in the words, and the words
seemed to speak to me-"
In his earnestness he failed to dis
Germ the quick blush that mantled the
cheeks of he listener. Suddenly, to
divert his attention, she pointed to the
door of the room.
"See," she exclaimed. miss Paul
inc has a lover!"
Unaware of watching eyes, oblivious
of the world, the twittering little Miss
Pauline was lost in the embrace of a
kind-faced, middle-aged stranger.
Gently releasing her, the man
drew from his breast a newspaper
to show to the happy woman at his
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

whats the matter? A falling out
between you and your baby boy?"
The brown head lying so abjectly
PROSTATE on the inactive tipping ma
chine lifted slowly, while one tear
filled eye looked warily out. After a
quick inspection the eye was again
concealed, but the head bowed brief
acknowledgment.
Billie the college graduate, who was
addicted, 1T was reported, to con-
slant reading of Shakspere in his spare
time, turned on his seat in front Of
Powder Puff to scowl upon the two
belligerently.
Her Baby Boyi" he mumbled, half
audlbly. "Such tomfoolery for grown
women in the goth century. And yet
they have the vote. Heaven save the
country"
This fervent prayer was lost in the
hurry-scurry caused by the noon hour
release. Miss Polly seated herself by
the now quiet girl in the deserted Of
fee and looked contemplative.
81 know I'm not much for consola-
ton in a case like this" she admitted
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21
By Joslla' Johnson

halfway between town and her home,
and she was obliged to walk home. A
lovely day, all sunshine and laughter.
Everyone at peace with the world.
Walking slowly along. Helen was
conscious of an automobile drawing up
at her side. Her heart leaped as she
recognized the driver. Dick Baker!
Wasn't he handsome? What a chinE
1t was rather a sullen young fellow
who asked Helen if he could give her
a lift, and rather a triumphant brute
when he persisted in turning the car
onto a lonely, mot much used" road,
instead of taking his companion home.
Il must stop. There's something i'm
portant," she cried. I'm expecting a
telegram, Richard Baker!" She spoke
his name with dignity, she was far
from feeling. Inwardly she wanted
nothing better than a ride and talk
along quiet road with young Baker.
He stopped the car before he spoke.
II suppose the telegram is from your
fance?" he asked bitterly. We'll, he
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

awkwardly. Il had only one affair or
the heart and it came out all wrong.
1t caused such hole in my life that I
never had the courage to try another.
But if lived to get over it, you sure
ly cant"
At that, Powder Puff raised her head
and looked straight up into the eyes
of her kindly comforter. Her face,
usually so roughed and powdered,
looked strangely altered now that the
tears had wiped away these aids to
beauty. There was wonderful,
wistful appeal in the girlish eyes that
were softened by their bath in sor-
rows waters.
at isn't any quarrel with anybody
but myself" she confessed almost
breathlessly. "You see, I'm just dis
couraged. I'm not really just Pow
der Puff. When / was at home every
one said was brilliant and bright, so
studied so hard to be clever and ia
nous and amount to something. Some
times thought people laughed at me
because was so much in earnest
Anyway, I lost faith > in myself. I
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21
WhitesGauntlets

till Dad gets on steady again
But 1t doesn't get you anything,
just the same. letting them"
Park street, and as Tom made hur-
ried exit he lost sight of the two girls.
He almost caught up with them
again on the escalator, however, and
as they crept slowly up he compared
their appearances.
The new stenographer was certainly
as the boys would say, "all set" but
he thought aimlessly, Miss Stretcher
wouldn't be so bad looking, either, if
she had the clothes.
They had reached fremont street
now, and as the girls hurried on ahead
he heard wistful, "I wish I could
have a pair of those white ones.
though. They're bargain at SIS.
Tom swung through the door of the
big office building and hastily unfold
ed his paper as he waited for the
starter to give the elevator girl her
signal.
"Gloves-a real value" The car
shot upward, and he continued to stare
at the ad.,a for there wasn't room to
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21
The Scare Grow

What? A bear?' asked Johnny.
only half interested, reaching down to
hand a morsel of food to his pet mon
key and inseparable chum, Jocko.
"Somethin' worse than that" said
grandpa soIemnly. "A big Fraid,' and
he sank his voice to slow and myster-
tous whisper.
Johnny pricked up his ears. Here
was something new Whats a Fraid %
he asked with show of interest.
ooh. a big white thing that can pick
you up and carry you way off. and
it's got big white wings and can run
like a deer" explained grandpa, ex-
citedly.
HUH" he said contemptuously. Il
wouldn't be scared of any old Fraid."
Grandpa subsidized at this show of
bravery, and mother looked up from
her work with an II told you so" ex-
preston on her face
For a few nights after this the boy
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

theater to get tickets for tonight's
performance. Gee. it was tough hav-
ing sister like his. You couldn't even
treat your girl decent. Taking up his
time when he ought to be getting two
good seats for the showi
Suddenly he heard voices behind
him; some of the people from the of
fee had evidently overtaken him. He
glanced back and saw the girl in the
fur coat and the little file clerk. He
saw that the latter was in the act of
fastening the much talked of new
gloves. An idea made Tom flush and
hesitate. He drew out the offending
envelope and looked at the contents.
Sure enough they, were white and
gauntlets, with dainty little straps and
clasps at the wrists.
In an instant his mind was made UP.
He managed to get behind the two
girls, meanwhile stealthily drawing
out the gloves. Now Tom was not a
slight-of-hand artist, nor had he ever
been charged as a pickpocket. He
was, therefore, a trifie nervous as TO
the outcome of his plan. He noticed
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21
By Parke Whitney

washable and special lot Of white
gauntlets.
The red light cleaned overhead and
Tom was gulped out of sight just as
the rest of the office force appeared.
AS he stepped out of the big office
building Tom came face to face with
his sister. With brotherly nod and
grin he was about to pass on to the
pay day lunch he had in mind when
Alice caught his sleeve.
do me a favor, will you. Tom?
I'm in an awful rush and / haven't had
time to return these gloves. Oh! be
a sport, will you, and take them back :?
You won't have to wait; Just tell
them 1 don't want another pair and to
refund the money. They don't fit.
They were SIS.
Without waiting for his protest she
slipped through the crowd, and Tom
was left Indignantly regarding a
crumpled clasp envelope. He thrust
it into his pocket. Alice was such a
boob, anyway.
Here she was spelling his lunch
hour and he wanted to go up to the
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21
By Phil Moore


deepened and charged with a great
emotion. II will tell you the expert
ence of my life for you to weave into
a story. Write of young ambitious
girl, lover of youth and life, it is
true, but an adorer of my own true
knight. I trusted the world and my
knight and they both failed me. I was
robbed of my future husband by a
step-sister's lies.
"They said my light-heartedness was
wilfulness and he believed me false
when he saw me in my young unc1e's
arms. He thought was attracted by
another lover while I thought he de-
serted me. My pride kept me silent.
Write the story as I tell it from the
heart that has suffered this bit of hui
man life. Perhaps you can submit it
for the prize"
A few days later there was great ex-
element in the office where Powder
Puff toiled for her daily bread. The
young college student who worked in
front of the care-free little typist sud-
denly rose and stood beside her. From
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

Baker himself.) "He is the soul of
manhood, kind and true; and I love
him." she ended simply.
After patting and telling Helen she
was good girl and deserved all hap
piness with the young man of whom
she had spoken, Mrs. Whiscomb took
her departure rather hurriedly, the
reason being that Mrs. Somebody
might retire before she had a chance to
talk over Helen and Dick.
Mrs. Somebody was up and soon was
very much excited over Helen's en-
gagement to some young man.
"He lives out of town and is quite
wealthy, l hear" crowed Mrs. Whis-
comb sagely.
Helen went to her room that night
feeling that "all is fair in love and
war"
It was two days before Helen reaped
her harvest; and, to repeat her exact
words concerning it, ooh, boyi what
a harvest"
Helen's motor had broken down
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21
By Abner Anthony

silently crept through the door in the
wake of the fleeing old man.
Through the dusk the two figures
glided swiftly down the long, darken-
ing length of road. Deep silence pre-
vailed. Far in the distance a doleful
night owl could be heard. Then from
afar off came the familiar rollicking
whistle, gradually coming nearer,
which foretold the coming of Johnny.
He's coming, and just in time"
cried grandpa, excitedly, and draping
the sheet over himself and extending
his arms until he resembled an enorm-
Gus white bat. he seated himself on a
tall stump. Ten feet behind him a di-
minutive figure wrapped in white
linen tablecloth gravely seated himself
in exact imitation.
Carefree Johnny swung along in the
moonlight, the ever present musical
sound from his boyish lips keeping
time to the swing of his brown tanned
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

moonlight, and catching a glimpse Of
two cleaning yellow eyeballs, grand
pa gave one leap from the stump and
fed. the monkey close behind him.
run, run, big Fraid. Little Fraid
will catch you" shouted Johnny de-
lightedly.
Hurriedly urging the cows on, he
turned them into the barnyard and
bolted for the kitchen, eager to tell
grandpa about the two Fraids and how
he wasn't bit scared. Bursting into
the room he stopped. spellbound.
Crumpled up in the big rocker, his
head bent back, sat grandpa. Mother
was bathing his head with one hand
and holding the camphor bottle to his
nose with the other. Draped around
grandpa's feet was one Of mothers
best sheets, while huddled in the cen
ter OF the kitchen table. still tightly
enveloped in his snowwhite draperies.
was Jocko, his little monkey face So
lemnly viewing the proceedings.
Johnny decided that his presenc.
just at this time was rather inoppor-
tune, and silently he slipped out tho
door and retreated to the woodshed
Il guess We won't tell grandpa We
seen Fraid," he remarked to himself:
1t might make him feel bad"
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

blouse like a watch chain? And only
yesterday found mud turtle in the
wash basin in his room"
I'll bet 1 kin scare him." said
grandpa, slow, summing smile lifting
the corners of his thin lips.
You go right ahead and try it." an
swered the mother. but the tone of her
voice said; You'll have your labor
for your pains"
Half an hour later Johnny sauntered
home behind the cows, his hands sunk
deep into his pockets, his hat on the
back OF his head, while from his pursed
lips came the clear, thrilling whistle
of happy-hearted. healthy boy.
why didn't you come home with the
cows before dark" asked grandpa.
Couldn't" said Johnny, skipping
into his place at the table.
IF We don't mind yer mother and
come home afore dark somethins ago
ing to sit ye."
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

can't have you. You're mine. D'you
hear? Mine!" He did not wait for an
answer. but plunged into a confession
of love for her. How, when they told
him she was to be married in Septem-
Der ("thanlks to Whisper,'O mentally
commented Helen, he had realized
how he needed and loved her.
He grabbed her in bis arms and
kissed her until her head swan. Still
she resisted, but only until she saw his
eyes and realized that he was as near
to shedding hated tears as he could
ever be, and heard his voice pleading
with her to love himl To love him!
why. I've loved you ever since you
proposed to the first girl in town, or
the world. for that matter" she added
mischievously.
Darling, you are the only girl I've
ever loved or proposed to-" he re-
preached. Nevertheless he ended the
argument conYincingly.
"well, I'll see that you never pro-
pose 70 another girl as long as we
both may liyei"
Amen" came a husky masculine
voice as its owner pressed slip Of
girl against his rough tweed coat
It was long time before Dick knew
why his wife thought so much Of Mrs.
Whiscomb. and why she had said on
her welding day, BLESS those childreH.'
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

that the object of his attention va
carrying muff and as the day was moi
very cold, or perhaps because Of the
neat new gloves, it dangled from
loop on her wrist
He managed to get back to his desk
before one, and heard the girls come
IN. but did not look UP. They were
evidently excited over Miss Streeher's
story.
What I can't understand is that
they're just my size"
The new stenographer stopped at his
des.s to tell him all about it and added:
ut makes 1t kind of nice for the
kid. She's going out tonight and is
tickled to pieces to get them"
That's great, isn't it?" he said. with
a smile that was little sheepish, il
anyone had noticed.
That night, on a flying trip from his
room on the way out he tossed his sis
ter a SIS bill, turned deaf ear to her
thanks and was off TO meet 1.-The girl.
AS they took the seats, that were
not so bad. If the purchasing OF them
had been a little delayed, Tom noticed
a familiar figure being escorted TO
seat across the way. A radiant little
girl whose Violating white gloveb
added a touch Of style 10 her neatness.
She did not see him, but Toms girl,
looking up at his suppressed chuckle,
wondered IL his usual grin wasn't
especially lovable tonight.
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21

feet. Suddenly he paused, his lips still
pursed, and his eyes staring at some
thing new and strange. A great white
birdlike figure rocked to and fro as IL
suspended in the air. A few PAGES be-
yond similar figure. but much small
er, did the same. Fascinated, the boy
gazed while the long white figure slow
ly rose and began tapping its huge
wings as if preparing for fight. Ev-
cry movement was repeated by the
smaller apparition.
Suddenly light spread over john
ny's countenance and his shrill voice
broke the stiffness OF the sleeping for
est.
"oh," he cried, Il bet that's Fraid.
There's two Fraids, big Fraid and a
little Fraid"
Apparently confused as to the mean
ing of Johnny's words. grandpa turned
his head. Seeing behind him terrify-
ing apparition wildly dancing in the
The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-21
r\HE sound OF chopping wood
ceased and q woman appeared
= from the woodshed with her

T%HE sound OF chopping wood
ceased and woman appeared
from the woodshed with her
apron full OF kindling. She gazed for
a moment down the long brown lane
and an anxious look came over her
face. AS she entered the spotless
kitchen a troubled sigh escaped her
lips.
I wish I knew what to do to make
Johnny mind about the COWS. He's
pretty good to mind other ways. but he
won't get them cows home before dark
noways."
Seating herself beside grandpa, who
had laid down his paper and pushed
his glasses to the top OF his head at
his daughters entrance. Mrs. Dunbar
continued:
cit won't do no good to whip him.
and he didn't mind at all when / kept
him home from the picnic to punish
him, and Jest get all petered out
with that boy"
did you ever try TO scare him?"
asked grandpa.
Scare him!" she said, scornfully.
~I don't believe anything would scare
him. He amt afraid OF nothing. You
remember last week when he brought
'aFysa that striped snake tied into his