davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10

bears had built a house as dull as
themselves and the water was so
chalky that as soon as you were old
enough tC be a professor, it upset
your liver and made you cross. Still
d hope Pm not telling you too
muchD the creature had title.
Quite a good one. and he war rich. He
doled out money to his wife about as
impetuously as stalactite drips
drops; but somehow CT other she
dressed like a dream and was allowed
to wear the family jewels. pearls.
among other things, for which many
women would think few sacrifices
too great.
The question was. what did she
think?
The husband never came to Lon
don unless for some appalling con-
Vention CT conference, or whatever
it was, once a year or so; but she
managed to run up to town for part
of a day, or sometimes a day and a
night, every few weeks and when she
was planning almost plotting, you
might say one of these flying visits
he would find at his club a purple
sealed envelope, the very sight Of
which made his heart give an extra
beat
She would begin with MY Dear
Friend" often she underscored one
of these three words and which one
IL was always seemed more thrilling.
more intimate, more subtle in mean
ing than the other) and she would
go on to explain that If he could
be bothered" with her on such and
such a day. she would find time be-
tween dressmakers and milliners and
mere 'friendless"-her name for ac-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10

likely as not George would step down
first from the platform and help
them off. But 1t was with the boys
on the afternoon trips back from the
lake that he was at his gayest. For
then there was always room for one
more on the platform, and sometimes
he would even allow the nearest to
clang the bell with his foot SOL
emn privileged office. while the other
went Tn humminG and singing.
However. one day the accident &C.
cured At last. And 1t was just on
one Of these very trips back from the
lake with q raft OF boys on board.
They were . little late a. usual and
the old car was rocking ana buzzing
along. when like q whirlwind out Of
cross street came q swell auto.
and though its chauffeur Instructive
ly tried to- veer roundup tho road
over the tracks. bang, bumped the
trolley into its side amidst dust and
cries and the splinter Of glass.
Fortunately, 1t was not 80 serious
after all, only mud guard smashed
off and a window broken.
Eyes. I guess it was my fault" &C
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10

this time, by being diaphanous. He
squared his jaw.
He gave her iced champagne. She
slipped slowly her big eyes smiling
at him over the rim Of the glass. How
sweet she was-how sweet
AT 10 o'clock she said, Dear man,
you must take me home now. l am
tired. Be kind
He made no protest He had a
taxi called.
Where to, sir?" asked the chauf
feur.
'Oh-er-out to Hampstead Heath"
he directed. And drive slowly"
Her lashes lay on her cheeks, She
melted into her place and let him sit
down beside her, without a word.
But then gently pulling her hand
from his, she murmered, Dear, |
couldn't make a scene or cry out that
l wouldn't go, butt can't. II
care too much. Now you know.
daren't do it,"
He had never guessed before that
"a man can almost faint with joy.
Now you know she had said.
"Darling!"-he spoke that word
for the first time. lie caught her
hands and pulled her towards him
Gently, very gently, she resisted He
let her resist, because-she being
herself-he wasn't yet satisfied. He
wanted to ask her question and
hear her answer.
why daren't you go with me?"
"Because-just because"
you must tell me-"
II will. If you'll take me home
mean to my hotel-now. III tell
YOU there. l promise. You know
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10
How He Found His Fate

I perhaps something far better and
pore like what he wanted from her
for himself?
AS time went On his doubts be-
came unbearable; because his real
object was to tear her from the pro-
fessor person and after few social
and legal worries, get her for his
wife He felt that he must learn
what was really in her heart for him,
and whether, as her eyes sometimes
said, she was willing, indeed longing,
to fling away title and pearls in or
der to become plain Mrs.-never-
mind who.
There came at last a summer eve
ming made for poets and lovers. She
was in town. She had been busy with
futile things and people all the aft
ernoon, but she was to dine with him.
Il shall be tired" she'd writer n,
"and it will be a heavenly rest to be
with you in quiet little place with
no prying eyes, where we can talk,
or not talk, as our mood bids-and
just smile at each other. 1t will be
wonderful. But you must bring me
back early to my hotel so / can have
a good long sleep and dream of you"
"By God, I'll find out one way or
other tonight, whether Sne uOeS care
or whether she thinks I'm her useful
tame dog." he vowed.
She met him at the quiet little
place" where he was waiting for her
at the door. She looked even more
ethereal, more-somehow --diaph-
anous than usual. in gray chiffon
and-oh, hang them.-those two
ropes of pearls.
But she wasn't going to slip
through his fingers like sea foam
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10

quaintances who did not matter com
pared to him-ftr a luncheon, con-
cert or a dinner.
This was delicious. as far as it
went. But there were several things
that worried him. She always
wanted him to take her to some quiet
out of the way little place where no
one she knew was likely to see them
together. She sailor if she didn't
exactly say, she limited and init
mated that she cared for him ter
ribly. Yet she wouldn't be brave
about it. She wouldn't for instance,
let him take her to a popular theatre
when she ran up to town for a night.
She wouldn't dine with him at fash
ionable restaurant where the every
bodies went.
She defended herself from his re-
proaches by saying. BOLD Is the
word for what you want me to be,
dear. not brave And I'm net the
kind of woman who can do be Id
things. l just can't. Our-frend-
ship is too sweet. too beautiful to
spoil. It's like lovely music. We
mustn't bring in false note-a
crash."
He always looked forward with
passionate eagerness to their stolen
meetings. and he was happy with her
though not as happy as he wanted
tC be. But when they parted, there
came always that question: rs she
playing?" and then like a stab, an
other: Am l the only one? Or does
she come to town oftener than she
let's me know? Do other men get
those notes with the purple seals at
their clubs--the beasts? And does
she call them My dear friend?' or
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10
By Mrs. c.. N.
Williamson

Everybody gone to bed at 10. every
body who isn't at the theatre.
Please!'
His heart was now humping and
he called out new directions to the
chauffeur.
The hotel, where-supposedly by
her husbands wish-she always
stayed was deadly respectable; one
Of those smartly decorated, unli-
eensed hotels. where you have to
whisper overwhelmingly to the head
waiter and ask if he can somehow
manage TO get a bottle of claret He
then gets it with surprising prompt
ness. He has probably kept it in
his trunk.
Through the rose and silver dusk of
summer the two drove, the tips of
the woman's fingers in the mans
eager grasp.
Thank heaven, the last old lady in
a cap had tottered out of the draw
ing room to bed A canny manager
ess had half the electric lights
turned off. He and she didn't turn
them on again a pinkish twilight
filtered through silk lampshades. lie
let her choose cushioned sofa. He
was past noticing that it was in
sight of a half-open door
Now" he said. "The time has
come. Keep your promise"
"What PROMISE" she echoed.
Don't pretend that you've forgot
ten"
"Ah. l have to pretend so many
mean things! But you mean"
Il mean why wouldn't YOU dare
drive in that taxi with me out to
Hampstead Heath tonight"
Cant you guess?"
You always answer question of
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10
One OF The Gods

see what it was. A man in eve
ming dress, a little disordered, his
face flushed with wine, was quar-
reling with the commi ssionaire
who guarded the stage door. He
tried to force his way in, and was
the Sidewalk. abusing the man, who
took no notice.
Just then she came out
The commissionaire vanished for
moment AS she crossed the
sidewalk. the man who had been
elected planted himself in her path.
She drew herself up and tried to
pass him. He laid his hand upon
her arm and he began to speak. Her
angry voice reached the ears of the
man who crouched back amongst the
shadows
Let me go at once, sir, How dare
you touch me?"
She looked around for the com
missionaire, but his back was
turned. She tried unsuccessfully
to wrench her arm away. Sud-
denly pale, ragged figure, with
eyes all ablaze with anger, seemed
to leap up from the very ground.
There was short angry cry, and
the sound of a blow. The man
who had been holding her lay on
his back. sprawling in the mud. Her
rescuer stood a moment, then van
iSHeu lHlO the SHADOWS.
The woman locked after him with
transfixed eyes, as though she had
| seen ghost.
| "Dick!" she cried, family. Dick
But there was no answer. The
tall. gaunt figure had vanished COM
pletely. With broad grin on his
face the commissionaire came hurry
ing up and opened the door of her
| cab.
II am sorry madam" he said, but
he has gone. l had turned the man
out twice, and l thought he had gone
away. l hope that he will not an
noy you?"
He did annoy me-" she answered.
but he was punished for it, 1 wish
l could speak to the man who
knocked him down. Do you mind
crossing the road and seeing if he is
around?'
The commissionaire obeyed and re-
turned in moment or two shaking
his head.
Il am sorry, madam" he said,
"but he was gone I know the man
quite well by sight, though, and there
will be no difficulty about rewarding
him. if you wish to-
What is his name?" she asked
Il do not know, madam" the man
answered. He must be very sin
gular person. Every night he comes
around from the gallery and stands
In tnat dark corner over the way
until the ladies have me out He
never attempts to speak to any one,
though. and he always goes quietly
away"
The woman leaned back amongst
the cushions and closed her eyes.
Thank you," she said. Good
night"
He was there again the next
evening, in the same place amongst
the throng. She had never seemed
more charming or more beautiful, and
she was playing not to the pit, but
high up to the gods" in the gallery.
Once or twice he could almost feel
her eyes upon him, and the color
came and went in his poor, thin
cheeks with excitement
1t was a love song she had been
singing, her arms were appraised
straight to him--her eyes seemed
to seek his, some familiar note in
her voice brought a great lump into
his throat.
The last glance-the wave of her
white jeweled hand.-ah. he must
be going mad, His throat was thick
with sobs his eyes burned with I'M
shed tears. Turning around he forced
him way savagely out, receiving sew
eral blows and much abuse in pa
tient silence. Then some girl. more
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10
Along The Road

only then. il there was really no one
coming, off the old car would rCck
full of speed for town, in the wasted
and faded condition not unlike .
prehistoric stagecoach
Naturally every one knew him.
His platform was always crowded.
And you stood there behind him.
friends all together. because you
were each his friend, and talked and
laughed. and George occasionally
breaking in himself with some new
gossip of the road and a merry word
for every newcomer.
Halo, old son! Hop on! How's the
boy Yes. 1t is hot-at least Sc I
hear. And the kids? Say, how many
you got now? Well. what's that old
girl ahead going to do? Does she
want to get on or not? Doesn't seem
to know her own mind. Guess I'd
better step. though. on the chance.
She does. Well, a little more and I
might have kept her waiting there
another half an hour. But it's often
like that with women; you never can
tell"
As for aged people and invalids, as
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10
By Alden Brooks

yes sir"
well, see that it's obeyed. The
platform of a trolley car is not a
reception room, nor a juvenile club,
nor a gymnasion. Just you mind your
own business in future and let the
people behind you mind theirs.
You're the motorman and nothing
else. And a good motorman travels
on time, says nothing, listens to no
body and keeps his eyes always fixed
on the road ahead. He's an integral
part of the mechanism, as it were"
George is back at work. though
it's another line, and he's not the
same man. Everything is changed.
No boys, no friends, never a turn of
the head never a moments hes
itation all along the road. "Ah, old
COW. trot if you like and wave your
umbrella. If | get fired, a lot you'd
care. Get there on time
All this is as it should be. How
could it be otherwise? We can't go
back now to leisurely old fashioned
ways. Still, 1 have found Georges
case sad one, and I haven't been
able to prevent myself from writing
about 1t.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10

George had an almost unnatural
sympathy for the weaknesses Of
others Possibly this was because
he possessed some II those weak
nesses himself. In any case If any
one came running out to stop the
trolly, George would always put the
brakes on quick and stop. And at
the end of the line. way out in the
country down there by the lake.
where the boys all went bathing in
summer, he made a point Of waiting
two CT three minutes after the con-
ductor had changed the bell. AS there
is always some poor devil late in this
world. so did George like to wait for
him, or rather he didn't IKE to leave
him behind. One could even count
on the fact. Come on. hurry" we
used to say to enc another. "if it's
George, there's still time" And in
deed, often before starting. George
would get down in the road himself
take a last look, stand there waiting,
shoulders slightly bent. Then and
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10

boys. or whoever they are. sometimes
climb all over the front platform and
even fooll with the bell at times?"
We'll. perhaps-well. yes, they do"
Nov. listen Thompson. for several
years you've been In the companys
service and your record has been
satisfactory. This 10 your first mis-
demEanor. But an accident has oc
cured. an accident that might have
cost the company a great deal more
than 1t has, and we want nothing
more OF this kind from you. An
other accident. and you're fired"
Yes" answered George. bowling
his head, tears almost in his eyes.
And let me remind you of several
things. First, you're there to start
on time"
Yes, sir"
Second. you're to remain always
at your post and attend to your job.
There are invalids in this world. l
know, and it's very regrettable. but
We are not an ambulance, nor you an
ambulance driver. Third, there is a
sign over your head. Have you read
it2"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10

good -natured and quicker witted
than her fellows, cried out in a
shrill undertone:
Let the old buffer get out, can't
you. chaps? Don't you see he amt
well?"
They let him pass. Round and
round the stone steps he descended
until at last he stood in the street.
A fine rain was descending He
turned up his coat collar and hesi-
tated.
THE last time" he said softly to
himself Tonight shall end it,.
1t is like burning torturer
He did not move for many min
utes. The thing which he was de-
batting within himself was whether
he should take his usual place in the
little dark back street. and see
her once more. or whether he should
take that song of hers fer her fare
we'll, and die while it's memory was
still thrilling his heart and ringing
in his ear.
AT last he decided for the latter
course He moved steadily off. cross
ing the Strand and going riverwards
Suddenly he changed his mind He
must see her once more. quarter
past eleven struck. There was time
if he ran all the way He turned and
hurried blindly back through the
throng of pleasure seekers.
At the corner of the street he was
GREATNESS. Perhaps he was toe late,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10
80
$50 80

knowlsdsed George guilelessly, stand
ing in the road in the middle Of his
friends and the occupants OF the car.
~ was speeding her up q bit and I
ought tC have runE. / thought the
boy there was going to do It,"
As they moved on into town.
George half hoped the incident might
end there. But few days later he
was called up by the superintendent.
The proprietor of the car had claimed
damages for some hundred dollars.
Now. Thompson, between our
selves. exactly how did the accident
happen?"
well, sir, believe me, we were just
coming through the woods there at
the foot Of the hill and as we were
little late and I was putting on
more power to take the hill. all Of a
sudden"
Late! Why were you late?"
"Because.-because@ often we
wait little for the boys there at
the lake. You see. If they miss a
trolly, they have to walt a whole
other half hour down there"
REALLY! And don't these same
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10

Can't walk? Who says I can't
walk2 I'm all right. Good night
chaps."
A man came staggering over the
threshold of a cheap frontier inn,
shaking impatiently from his
restrain him. On the sidewalk he
paused, steadying himself care
fully, and looked up and down the
broad. empty street. fringed with
it's rows of ugly, irregularly built
houses.
Balancing himself first on one
foot and then on the other. the
man felt carefully through all his
pockets. His face grew blacker as
his search continued unsuccess-
fully. At last he gave it up.
Not a cent" he muttered saw
agely. who cares? l don't want
one of their cheap beds. Pine needles
are softer and sweeter, too. Pooh!
what breeze"
He Strengthened himself care
fully. and stepping from the high
sidewalk, made his way down the
broad street. He walked with the
curious elaboration and slight I'M
man. Nevertheless. he made way,
and very soon he was in the open
country. The road narrowed; on
either side was rough wooden
fence. and before him a high hill.
At the summit he paused to take
with half closed eyes. presently
climbed over gate at his left and
trees Choosing a spot where the
fallen needles were thickest and soft
est on the ground, he curled himself
up and slept.
1t was broad daylight when he
awoke. From a wooden chapel on
the outskirts Of the town came the
persistent changing of a bell. Ding!
Ding! Ding! There was no vari-
alton, no second note. The man
looked downwards curiously 1t
must be Sunday, he thought. Some
how he had lost count of days down
in the depths In which he had been
dwelling.
A small automobile came down
the road as he lounged against
the gate. and the driver passed
him a brief salutation. Two girls,
sitting at the back, looked pleas
antly at the man. for though he was
shabby he was handsome, and he
had not the air of tramp.
AS he returned their gaze care
lessly, his heart gave a great leap.
For as one of the girls raised her
saw that she carried a white
prayer book. 1t was like the prayer
book Hilda had carried on their
wedding day.
The man turned abruptly back
into the plantation, and threw him
self face downwards on the spot
where he had slept. His eye-balls
were burning-sCon the hot tears
forced themselves out-his thin
frame was shaken with sobs. He
lay there for an hour or more.
When he rose up he was very
pale. but there was new light in
his eyes-the light of purpose!
I'm going to see her" he muir
mered II have been a beast. but
she loved me once. What-if she
were to forgivet"
His whole frame trembled with
conference.-the rvously >. he clasped
and unclasped his hands. Then his
face darkened. He was looking
dlwnwards into the settlement.
What a fool I am" he cried.
IT was drunk last night, drunk the
night before! 1 wonder" he said
slowly, what devil it is that
tempts men to pluck and throw
away all the good that was in them !!
was gentleman once! few
hours ago l was a drunken sot!
A look of unutterable disgust crept
into his face.
He looked steadily down the hill.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-10
Check No. 101
By Beatrice York Houghton

bet want it. And I'll do it. sir, on
time"
The next two weeks were trenzied
ones for Osgood. The splashing on
of the paint was the least of his diff
ficulties. Surveying the roof, sketch
ing in the huge letters. arranging
white canvas over chimneys and
gaping sky-lights-all took endless
care and time. But Osgood worked
from dawn until dark and in
week was ready to apply his paint.
As he dashed it on with a big brush
he wondered If he were not in tho
employ of a man who was losing his
mind. What object could old Better
have for wanting his roof painted
with an advertisement in white? Two
weeks would make it black social
ready the tiny particles were settling
on the paint. And at night when he
went to see Marion the mystery be-
came their conversation.
Marion was more conscientious
than Billy. She was a saint to whom
nothing matters but right She wor-
ried about old Better and this i'm
possible job.
sheer idiocy to pay $3.50 for
sign upon his roof" declared Marion's
father. And at last Marion, after
many prayers fer light, told Bill
he must not take the money.
But, Marion darling. then we can
get married"
I'VE can't be married on money
that isn't honestly earned" said the
girl firmly.
But I'm earning it honestly"
you are not. You ought to have
refused the work. You are taking
it from a lunatic-"
"A rich lunatic, dear"
That makes no difference" ex-
planned the girl.
Billy thought this over while he
completed the huge letters. White,
and shining they decorated the roof
of Belter's. The city passed by be-
low unheeding. Not an areoplane
had passed above. Better was away
but his head bookkeeper inspected
the job and paid Billy $3.50 for it.
What is it for?" asked Billy an
Xiously.
lord knows" replied the book
keeper, and touched his forehead
significantly. Even Belter's en-
ployes thought he was crazy.
Billy deposited the check to his
credit. transferred his modest saw
ings to the same account and loi
there was the first payment on the
house. In his new check book the
first check was numbered 101, but
he did not make it out. Again he
and Marion argued out the matter
but the girl Was unshakable in her
conviction. You have no right to
the money! she insisted. "Belter's
heirs ought to be warned" J
Three months of agony and then
Billy walked into Marions parlor one
morning with his head lifted as if
burden had rolled from his shoulders