davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-10-18

Jerry" she begged, don't go with
that man. Penzie doesn't like it."
Jerry Winston fixed her with look
such as she had never before received
from him. Keep still, Lettie. and
mind your own business"
But, Uncle Jerry" she gasped,
you mustn't. It's making her un-
happy. oh, please don't"
"Lettie," he returned, in tone that
pierced her heart. ''you tend to your
own business, tell you. You're max
ing big mistake. I choose my own
friends. and choose good ones. too"
"Oh-oh-oh ~ she screamed, wiring
ing her hands in agony. "I can't have
it. I can't stand 1t. 1t makes her
so unhappy. Oh. Uncle Jerry, you got
me going. Come back, or III" She
reached over and gathered up a hand
full of nails; then dropped her hand.
The nails fell with jangle on the
board walk.
She was alone. Uncle Jerry had
gone with Frank Bosley. During the
moment that she realized her failure
to Illustrate this friendship, her
SlODDCu. lIODl tlt u1OSI dCuIe
despair. Then her anger rose. mount
ing to rage-against Uncle Jerry.
against Frank Bosley.
"I'll show him: ri show hIm!" she
vowed in a fury. On a mad impulse
she tore around the hOuse-then
whirled and tore back again. 20
Lord" she groaned, "why can't I re-
member? I gotta remember, cause I
gotta stay with Penzie."
Again she pelted into the kitchen
and reached for the toy rolling-pin
Vicious blows rained on the board
blows Of rsec against rne two men,
blows Of exasp'.rntiOn over her fall
ure. blows of wild wrath against her
own temper.
"Devil. you shan't have me. You
shan't: you shan't. Devil, do you
hear? You-shan't-have-
Over and over she uttered this def
ance, and with every word she struck
the gong till the heavy board swung
against the wall
30 Penzie." she sobbed brokenly,
'T'm trying-I'm trying. Honest.
I'm"
On and on she pounded. her emo
tion reaching frenzy. n frenzy like that
of the worn piper who dances till he
falls. Her arm acbed. but her energy
did not relax. Her blood went queer,
like great wave, leaving her head
cold. Then another great wave that
flooded her with heat, rolled over her.
shut off her breath, recededi A black
wavel
She was still lying there on the floor
beneath the temper gong when Mrs.
Penf1eld came in-her face white in
its frame Of black curls, her right
hand limp on the rolling-pin that had
come down with her on its broken
string.
Ito be Continued)
The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-10-18
CHAPTER XII
A Busy Day for the oono.

"Fil Caesar. be still" commanded
Lettie severely. you can't have this
chicken, cause I'm going to raise 1t
for Penzie. Poor little feller" she
crooned. Were going to grow you
into a nice hen. amt we7 Get away.
Filibuster Caesar Penfield. tell you.
This here chickens been chawed into
already. Think I'm going to let 1t be
ct any moreT'
Her hands being fully occupied with
the injured chicken. she emphasized
her attitude toward Fill by vigorous
thrusts Of her foot. She was sitting
on the back steps, binding up long
yellow leg, the accidental bruising of
which had been the basis Of this gift.
No one would have thought Of giving
her a whole fowl; but when she had
been found lavishing sympathy upon
this manned specimen. the owner had
bestowed 1t upon her with relieved
carelessnesa
The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-10-18

ness "We don't wHnt yon here: hon
est, none OF US do. We don't think
you're good friend for Uncle Jerry
and"
An insolent laugh interrupted her
plea.
II mean it," she continued with
growing vehemence. 1--WE don't like
you to come here. Please go away
DRY up. you little fool. I'm tired
of your patter. All, there you are.
Winston. Say. old man, l thought
you'd never come. How does 1t lookT'
Jerry Winston walked into the yard.
pretty good, guess. Let's get
somewhere and talk it over
Lettie had risen and was watching
them anxiously, her large eyes wid-
ening as her dlsmay increased.
Come on over to my house." sug-
gested Frank Bosley.
"All right"
Lettie stepped forward. "Uncls
The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-10-18

liked Frank Bosley, and the feeling
his treatment of her as a superfiuous
thread in the fabric Of humanity.
She made no reply.
where's your Uncle Jerry?" he re-
peated.
II don't know" declared Lettie
briefly, tying the bandage into a hard
knot.
rs he at homer"
"Didn't I tell you I didn't know
where he was?" inquired Lettie tartly
He shrugged his shoulders in a way
Penfield might say.
She glared at him, started to speak.
then paused. A plan was springing
into being in her mind. She would
do something for Penzie. More than
once she had seen Pennies face grow
sad and troubled when this man and
Uncle Jerry went out of The Custard
Cup together, and her lightning intu
ition had told her that Penzie disap
proved of the friendship between the
two men. Now here was a chance to
show Frank Bosley how the family
felt toward him. Then perhaps he
would let Uncle Jerry alone. Penzie
would he delighted.
you'd better go home" began Let
tie directly. She tied a string to the
well leg of the chicken and fastened
the other end to a nail on the outside
wall of the kitchen.
in amusement as in lazy defiance
"Winston" he called, with his eyes
on the loft. "Hoo-hool Winstonw
Lettie turned on him. "What d'you
mean? Didn't I tell you he wasn't
here?'
you did not" denied Bosley coolly
leaning against one of the clothes line
poles and smiling at her scornfully
you said you didn't know where he
was"
'Tf he was here, I'd know it,
wouldn't II" she returned, with equal
scorn. "He amt to home. Do you
get 1t now?'
Looking up. he gave shrill whistle
"Hoo-hoo. there! Winstonw
Lettie, tying FIJI Caesar to the new
wire fence to forestall further interest
in the injured chicken, frightened
the knot with jerk and wheeled
around. Her lean brown fingers were
working. Don't you b'lieve what
say? When 1 say he amt here. don't
you b'lieve meT
He gave her an impudent look from
his prominent, heavy-lidded eyes. mo,
I don't. If you want to know. What
do you think you are, anyhow? You
amt anybody. And stop sassing me,
darn you"
A flush rose in Lettie's pale cheeks.
body, too," she stormed. am going
to be a fine woman sometime. Penzie
says I'm to be. Sow
Frank Bosley threw back his head
and laughed. Strengthening to catch
his breath, he suddenly bent forward.
as If limp from merriment. Lettie,
watching, felt her rage turn to fear,
to cold terror. Was 1t possible that
Pennies love had held up false hope
to encourage her and that everybody
else looked down on her?
"Oh, geew he gasped. recovering
himself. who'd think Penzie'd string
you like thatY
At the words, the childs fear was
swallowed up in recurring anger. Her
beloved Penzie had been criticized.
Don't you dare talk bout Penzie,"
she flashed. Get outa here. you
nixy stiff Get outa-" She dashed
toward him with outfiung arms, as
one might to frishten a small animal |;
The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-10-18

And Lettie had accepted it eagerly.
The half Of a persons kingdom was
az mucn as she ever expected, and
that half considerably battered and
tattered. The time had not yet come
when Lettie would wonder why she
was living; SO far her brief years
had been filed with a desperate
struggle to keep that life existent
without regard to its purpose. and
until recently there had never been
anything but the merest scraps to do
1t with
"Awk! Awkr complained the
chicken.
"Woofl Woof!" worried the dog.
shut up, both of you," advised Let
tie sharply. "My landy patience, amt
you both the limit? Keep still, hen,
can't you? Don't you never want two
legs again?"
Hello. spitfire. Where's your
Uncle Jerry2"
The childs black eyes flashed as
she looked up. Instinctively she dis
The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-10-18
CHAPTER xI
Duo to the Neiohbors.

Duo to the Neighbors.
"Mis' Penf1eld, be you there? I've
brung back that half yeast cake l
owed you."
"Come right in, Mrs. Wopple How
are things going with your
pretty fair" Mrs. Wopple smoothed
her afternoon gown complacently. ~
had heavy day. I been cleaning the
best silver. I got so much, It makes
my arm ache"
Mrs Penfeld could not decide
whether 1t was good to have these
many riches or bad to suffer for
them. so she made no comment.
IT don't clean the kitchen silver
reg'lar," continued her caller. 81 just
keep the sandsoap handy. But the
other gets cleaned once a month. I
keep house methodical."
"Ain't 1t fine you canr' remarked
Mrs. Penf1eld genially.
ITS cause I plan," sniffed Mrs.
Wopple. A shrewd CLEAN came into
her eyes. II understand the Bosleys
had quarrel this mornin'. was told
you was there, Mis- Penfeld."
"Oh, Mrs. Bosley called me in to
see bout the kitchen chimney. II
don't draw. She thought mebbe-"
Mis- Catterbox says they fit like
Wild animals. She heard 'em. Wasn't
you there when 1t happenedY'
"Mr. Bosley came in while was
there" admitted Mrs. Penfield.
We'll. must say they got nerve,
TO fight fore outsiders" snapped Mrs.
Wopple, who had rigid ideas about
the privacy Of this domestic privilege
Il s'pose you tried to interfere, Mis-
Penfeld."
"Me3 Land, no. 1 never interfere
believe that all family fights are
private. even If they're held in pub
lie. l don't scurcely think they knew
was there-and 1 wasn't, very long"
I'll bet 1t was int'rustin'," said
Mrs. Wopple enviously. But you
needn't tell anything If you don't
want to. Mis- Bosley told Mis- Cater
oox lot; said he struck her and
she wouldn't stand 1t forever. Some
say they're talkin' of goin' to Seattle"
"Oh. are theyY
AIRS. Wopple, highly dissatisfied
with the outcome of this excursion
INTO neighborhood news. tried once.
more. Mis- Percy run in this NOR
mn. She's awful low in the dumps.
She says she'll break up here If Lo-
rene gets married"
IF! Amt Lorene going to be mar
ried next weekY'
s the talk. But, as Mis- Percy
says. there amt nothin' sure till II
happens. It's easy seen she amt
struck with that young Chase. She
uont blieve he's much in love. says
mes jusi as calm as Vegetable soup.
ne tends to business just as STEADY
aS II he'd never heard OF love, ana
he gives right in to all Lorenes no
IONS He amt impetuous 'nough 10
sui lis Percy"
AIRS Penfield was amused. "Ihat
red-hot unreasonablepess never made
any hit with me. My observation u.s.
'he lover that pursues the hardest
The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-10-18
Ito be ContinueD

Object lessons in which the stu
dent makes the acquaintance of real
things, either in the classroom or by
actual experience, are as indispensa-
BILE feature of educ alton as the les
sons which assume concrete knowl-
edge of subject and proceed to help
the student to Systematically concep-
tualize the precepts which he already
has>-Ernest Carroll Moore.
The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-10-18

fees the fastest. What I like bout
Dick Chase is that he keeps his head.
The love tween those two young
people has grown naturally and stead
lily, and it stands ten times the
chance to last"
Mrs. Wopple bridled with faded CO.
quetry. "Me, don't know nothin'
bout that slow kind. Josiah was aw-
full eager"
A vision of Mr.. Josiah wopple-
with the sneaking gait and the crafty.
peering eyes-flashed into Mrs. Pen
fields mind. She prodded her imagi-
nation to picture the resistless lmpetu-
osity Of his younger days, but found
herself lacking in the requisite visu-
alization.
There's all kinds of courtin'," she
said, with polite vagueness. yes
yes, Lettiel I'm in the bedroom"
Mrs. Wopple rose hastily. "Fll be
goin' If that heather young'uns comm
In. You got big job to civillze her.
Run over when you can, Mis- Penfield :;
you amt very neighborly. I got a
brand-new dress to show you. and I'm
embroideryin' beautiful table cover
know you'll like to see EN-"
"Yes. thank you. I'd just love to
see 'em. I'll be in as soon's can
get minute"
20 Penzle," cried Lettie, when the
caller had gone, II got the swellesr
pickings" Proudly she exhibited an
old pasteboard box well filled with
ink bottles, each containing small
residue-India inks, red, black. "Ain't
it grand? I guess 1t was a school or
somep'n-mebbe a feller that draws
these here pictures in the paper"
Mrs. Penfield surveyed this charm
ing find with some dubiousness 1--WE
hain't got any immediate call for ink.
Lettie. And, honest. dear. hate to
see you so set on prowling."
Lettie gazed at her reproachfully
1--WE always brung in things. I told
you I would when you said you'd keep
me-"
things that would suit me better.
You've got to get over this habit. In
January you must go to school and
learn things out of books, so't you can
grow up smart"
"Jiminy" exclaimed Lettie, In dis
may. 'Tll bet I can't never sit still.
I wisht they taught school by running.
And look here, Penzie, you just give
these here ink bottles another up
and-down. They're grand. and I'll be
switched II I can't think Of somep'n
to do with EN-"
Mrs. Penfield, washing potatoes for
supper, decided to accept Ink bottles
with polite graciousness. Put 'em
on the lower shelf in the cupboard.
Lettie. Sometime well play an INK
game. I'll show you how" She put
the potatoes In the oven and regulated
the drafts.
"Mis' Penfleld." called voice. the
gunner of which was nowhere visible.
mis- Penfeld, can you come overT
"Thats Mrs. Catterbox." said Mrs.
penfieId. Something's happened.
You watch the fire, Lettie. the way
I've showed you"
She dashed through the house,
toward the driveway. She was USED
to these calls out of the atmosphere
and had become very accurate IN dis-
tinpuishing one voice from another
rrenants of The Custard Cup were
prone to shrill their crises and their
demands in the direction of NUMBER
AZ without taking the trouble to SEND
tbe,r bodies with their voices.
1t seemed that Mrs. Catterbox mao
become exasperated because her very
Young son Timmy. when sent upon
The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-10-18
A Matter Of Addition

Farmer Corntassel: "Hi, Henry, the
next time you send me crate of
chickens, fasten the top. On the way
from the station they all got out and
only recovered fifteen Of them"
Son Henry: "Why dad, only scnt
you eight"
The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-10-18

CHAPTER V111.-Calming a tenant,
Mrs. Sanders. on the verge of a nervous
breakdown, Mrs. Penfield reveals the trag-
10 story of her own life, the sudden loss
OF her three children in an epidemic and
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
The sociability Club gave t


The Sociability Club gave the
monthly supper Saturday evening at
the hall, in honor of the birthday an
niversaries of Mrs. M. L. Chase and
Mrs Ernest Croker. Pretty gifts
were presented each of these ladies,
a good program carried out and a
social time enjoyed.
The ball game played between the
Hinckley Midgets and the Canaan
team Saturday on the diamond in the
Good Will Pines, resulted in VIC
tory for Hinckley with score of 10
to 4. No scores were made until
the first of the fourth inning. Henry
White, pitcher, struck out twelve men
and got two two-base hits. White
pitched eight innings and retired in
favor of Croker. There were two
doubles and one triple play made
by the Hinckley team, Mills got
one two-base hit. Strickland got
q three base hit. Canaan played
clean game, but Hinckley was too
strong for them. The return game
is arranged for May 18th to be played
at Canaan.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
EAST MOSCOW

Mrs. Thomas Courtney was calling
on her sister in Bingham Saturday.
Mr.. and Mrs. Guy Berry from The
Forks was calling Sunday at the home
of James Mclaughlin.
Mr.. and Mrs. Frank Gleason are the
happy parents of baby boy. born
May 9Th.
Emma Steward was in town Sunday
calling on her mother and children
The friends of Grover c. Knight Will
be glad to learn that he Is still living
in Rockland, Maine.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10

Sabbath. All regret the loss oil Mr..
Robinson who has been most heipfui
and progressive in church and COM
munity.
The Aadies' Aid Society will meet
this Thursday afternoon at the nome
of its president, Miss Addie Fenalson.
All members please try to be pres
eht.
On Thursday afternoon the Womah's
Home Missionary Society held a Mite
Box opening at the home of Mrs. L.
L. Caswell at which nineteen mem
bers and invited guests were present.
There was short business meeting,
Mrs. VIII Felker. the president of the
society, presiding. An enjoyable
feature of the meeting was the story
of How l Earned My Dollar for the
Mite Box. told by the members. Mrs.
Fannie Spearin won much applause
by reciting an original poem of how
she earned her dollar. At the close
of the meeting refreshments of coffee
and delicious cakes were served
Two surprises were ~ order for the
afternoon when Miss Addie Fenalson,
the president of the Ladies' Aid So
ciety. and Miss Addie Walker were
each presented with birthday cake
and a beautiful bouquet of pinks and
jonauils, in honor of their birthday,
which fell upon the day of the meet
ing of the society. 1t was an ex-
tremely pleasant occasion, much en-
loved by all present, This society
is working hard to raise money much
naeded tn carry on ifs home M sion
airy work. Watch for posters of the
Progressive supper or Feast of Seven
Tables to be held soon.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
KINGFIELD

About thirty Rebekahs gathered al
the home of Mrs. Raymond Murray
Monday evening and from there went
in body to the home OF Mrs. Verna
Taylor on Maple street. who goes
soon to Records Camps, Carrabassett,
for the summer. Several pieces OF
Pyrex ware and other gifts were pre-
sented Mrs Taylor rs an expression
Of appreciation of her faithful and ef-
ficient service In the lodge and regret
at her departure The members served
home made candies and peanuts and
with music and lively sociability
most delightful evening was passed In
Friendship, Love and Truth"
Saturday noon o. B. Hutchins set
out a wash basin. eight inches bottom
twelve inches top and four inches
deep Sunday morning 1t was even full
then he set dish pan out and Sunday
night there was an inch of water In
It, Is was estimated that four or five
inches of rain fell Saturday night and
Sunday. During the day Sunday II
was cloudy asd misty and rained all
night clearing Monday morning.
Will Gould died Wednesday morning
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
HINCKLEY

DR.. Llewella Morrow of Chilling Col
lege. Marking, China, who has been
passing the winter in New York In
the interest of her profession, Is the
guest of her sister, Miss Georgia. Mer-
row at Good will Farm. She ex-
poets to sail for China the latter part
of August.
Mrs. Eva Grace Joy and daughter
Edith of the Clinton side, was the
guest of Mrs. e. J. Bruce, Monday.
The Sunday services at Good viii
Farm will be held In the Moody cha
pei, beginning next Sunday. Owing
to the shortage of coal, the services
were held in Prescott hall during the
cold weather.
The ball game. between Unity and
Good Will proved victory to Good
Will with a score of 5-3. 1t was an
interesting game.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
BIGELOW HILL

Mrs. George Rowe and III
Floyd returned home frlaay
Somerset Hospital.
Mr.. and Mrs. Levitt plohn
Sunday at the home OF MIS- :,
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. Cyrll Y
Octave Vigue, Mrs. Annie |,
son Arnold spent Sunday al J
of Mrs. Libby's father, Geo. n y
|, Frank Brooks of CornVll'
at the home of Mr.. and MIS-
Austin last wednesday.
Linwood Rowe returned
to his home, after spending y
with his grandparents MI
Milton Rove. -.
Frank Moore of Norriage ''
at the home Of Mr.. and M
Bailey last week shearins =
Mr.. and Mrs. Amos stni'n
hogan spent Sunday WIN
Mrs. Walter Haryie. :,
Mr.. and Mrs. Edmund WOW WOW
visitors Sunday at the ho' !,
violette's parents, Mr.. ana
Violette.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10
BROWNS CORNER-CANAAN

Mr.. and Mrs. II. l.. burlington were
in Skowhegan. Monday on business.
Leonard Dobble who has been in
the home of Ivan Padham during the
winter has completed his work.
We learned of the death of Column
bus Martin which occurred at his
home in>West Hartland Friday. His
remains were brought to the slab
City" cemetery Sunday and buried In
the family lot.
George Ogden a Hartland was at
the Hall farm in this place, Saturday
Mr.. and Mrs. Frank Martin of Corn
vile went to Skowhegan Saturday,
,, where Mr.. Martin will be employed
by Walton and Fall and Mrs. Martin
will board in the home of her sister,
Mrs. Edwin Barter on Russell street
John Wyman from VIM came Fri
day for visit with his daughter Mrs
Hattie True.
Mrs. Ethel Cover is assisting Mrs,
Virgil Holt with her housekeeping.
Mrs. Mabel Foster and Mrs. Lovina
Smith from the village were in the
place Saturday on business.
Mr. Guadrian and son have pur-
chased Ford touring car.
Mr.. and Mrs. Ivan Padham and
children Joseph, Katherine and baby
John Bernard went to Skowhegan,
Sunday to attend the Catholic service
and have baby John baptized.
Mrs. Caro- Wheeler passed Thursday
with Mrs. Ivan Padharn.
Mr.. and Mrs. Andrew WEIGH .yisitSd
Sunday with her son, Edwin knights
Oren Cover has purchased a Ford
touring. car.
Mr.. and Mrs. Schylur Burrill and
Mrs. Ethel Groves went to Norridge-
wock Thursday. They were accom-
panied home by their aunt, Mrs.
Florence Whiting, who is in feeble
health. Mrs Whiting will remain In
the Burrill home Indefinitely.
We understand that James Mosher
has engaged the H. J.. burlington rent
and will occupy same next Saturday.
May u.
Mrs. Dora futile is working for
Mrs. Margaret Lancaster.
We are glad to report that, Arthur
Ghadbourne Is much improved in
health.
The home of Mrs. Halle Hubbard
has been under quarantine for the
past ten days owing to the scarlet
fever case of her son, Floyd Hubbard.
Master Floyd Is much improved and 1t
is earnestly hoped that no new cases
will develop. Our school was closed
| for a few days but has resopened.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-05-10

several days with her brother Willie
Rolfe and family.
Arland Williams was in Waterviiie
Thursday. where he hired to COM
mence work Monday in the Harris
Bakery. ..
Mr.. and Mrs. Rannie Shores. of
Winslow visited his brother Walter
and Asa Shores, Sunday.
Miss Minnie Williams of Waterville
was a week end guest of her parents
Mr.. and Mrs. George Williams.
Mr.. and Mrs. Leland Kicker and
daughter louisa of Hinckley were
callers at Merle Fosters Sunday
Mr.. and Mrs. Clyde Decker of Show
hogan were week end guests Of Mr..
and Mrs. Elmer Decker.
William Clark who works in Madi-
son passed Sunday with his family.
Mrs. Martha Davis and daughter
Edna were guests of Mrs. Ida Abbott
of Clinton one day recently.
ANSON
PAGEANT GIVEN BY GARFIELD
+ CHILDREN
Those who had the privilege of at
tending the pageant given by the
school children of Arson, at the
Town Hall, Friday evening, May 4,
certainly had an enjoyable time. The
pageant entitled America. Yesterday
and Today consisted OF three cpl
sodes. The first represented "The
Spirit of Indian Days" and consisted
of Indian dances and songs and was
very realistic. In the second episode
"The Spirit of the Wilderness little
misses dressed in dainty costumes
representing daisies, roses and pop
pies, gave some very pleasing dances
while little tots dressed as butter
flies, fitted among them. Several
boys representing trees appeared
among the blossoms while young
maiden as breeze" was also present.
At the close the pioneer group ar
rived. The third episode was 1.-THE
Spirit of Patriotism" In this girl
as Little Arson" forms the center of
the stage while boys and girls repre-
senting Little Town Interests" as
farmers, grocers, school, church and
minister, surrounded her. Next is
represented Arson with its "Grown
Town Interests" The Spirit of Yes
terday and Today were represented by
members of the G. A. r., the Tardiff
Post, American Legion Auxiliary and
the Red Cross. AT the close six chill
dren as France, Holland, England,
Ireland, Scotland and Spain appeared
to pledge allegiance to our Flag. Mu-
sic between episodes was furnished
by Mr. McElhineys orchestra. AT the
beginning of the entertainment Supt
Bradbury read an original poem which
was greatly enjoyed. The proceeds
of the entertainment went towards
maintaining the milk lunch which is
served each day to the pupils in the
first four grades. Much credit is
due the teachers for their training and
the parents for their earnest coop
Grafton.