davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

planning on it?"
And right here, like felon, the
trouble came to head. The wonder
of Lawrence's success was forgotten.
Words. Sulks. Tears. Then Law
renee, devoid of the spring in his
step and lacking the happy light in
his eyes, had banged the front door
and gone to the club. On business
trip with his wife and baby! Ridicu-
lous! And unnecessary.
But one cannot shut ones thoughts
behind a banged door. Like contor-
tionists they turn and twist them
selves into appropriate shapes to fit
through the keyhole and through the
cracks in the door. An hours dis
cussion on the League of Nations
and a game of cards failed to scatter
the cloud on Launnie's forehead.
Then, as the evening grew late and
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

He raced through the hall and was
about to enter Julias room when
once again, piercing and shrill, the
cry was repeated. The echo through
the quiet house sounded weird and
uncanny and it was with supreme
effort that Lawrence compelled his
limbs to race downstairs from which
the sound had penetrated.
Through the library and into the
hall, and there, prone on the floor,
writhing and crying, lay the house
kitten. She had evidently gone adj
venturing and in her explorations
had encountered the telephone. Play
ing with the wires she had become
entangled in them and with the in
stinct Of an animal had struggled to
regain her freedom, The telephone
had fallen to the floor, the receiver
had been released from the hook, and
poor kitty's cries, so like human
beings, had been broadcasted.
Subconsciously this explanation
communicated itself to the limp Law
renee. His sense of humor and his
incoherent JOY at the mistake he had
made saved him. She was safe.
Nothing else mattered.
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09
Mother Finds a Way
ssQsSga1 go 61eTG
09xhlaElGe1GSZ69Emk

coming to see her evenings and
smoking in my clean kitchen!"
Alma, the second, took up the
cudgels with her cultured Bostonian
air. II really wish you showed
more desire for the refnements and
social privileges of life, mother. How
can you choose to stay in this Ncom-
monplace neighborhood, when you
might be improving yourself by con-
tact with people who are mentally
and socially your superiors?"
Mothers eyes wandered to sim
pie monument in a corner of the
distant cemetery, but her expression
was inscrutable. Rather would she
die than reveal the sentiment that
stepped every familiar object and
foot of ground about her.
Maud, the financier, chimed in.
"You are crazy, mother, not to take
the sum that factory owner offers
you. He wants to build tenement
houses here. Think how foolish 1t is
to keep this place up and pay taxes,
just for you, when boarding with us
in turn would be so much cheaper"
Mother saw in fancy the walls of
that dear home being laid low by
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09
By Joella Johnson

centrated. The delicious fragrance
of newly baked pies floating out
from the kitchen was a timely re-
minder. She stamped her foot. "I'll
show them! I'll marry Peter-that's
what III dot"
A mile away in the Seamen's
Home. ex-Captain Peter Preble was
giving the final pats to his tie and
hair. He and Miriam Bayne had
been friends since they were in go
carts, IS years ago. School days
over, Peter had left home to follow
the lure of the sea. A secret was
locked in his heart by an agonizing
shyness, so when John Ray made the
most Of his opportunities in Peters
long absence, nobody was to blame.
All through the years Peter kept
his secret well, even when, diyorcing
Lady Ocean at last, he found Miriam
alone with memories. Every Friday,
regular as sunrise, he hied him to
the little house among the lilacs.
Every time he said good night and
stepped outside, he turned back as If
to ask a question, but the minute he
met mothers inquiring eyes he
choked, stammered something about
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09
Over the Wire
y @S12GE9@A1EE aaSzn 81

his anger cooled somewhat, he real
lied. with the usual conjunction and
remorse Of a lover, that he shouldn't
have made quite such a rumpus. The
poor darling had looked forward to
this trip. 1t was great disappoint-
ment to her to be told she could not
go. And he would miss her. It
would be their first separation. What
If she did come along?
But Junior. No, it would never do.
They could never take Junior. What
to do with Junior? Suddenly the idea
came to him and with a bound he was
at the telephone booth. Eureka! He
had it!
A wait for Central, then he gave
his number. Another wait. He heard
the click Of connecting wires, and out
from somewhere beyond, penetrating
through the receptive wires, scream
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

any, and real lace"
Grandma! / wouldn't care what
it was, if it was my own teeny-
weeny home! I'd eat off board and
sleep on-sleep on a blanket-so
there!"
why, why, that ought not to be so
hard to manage. Surely Jimmie could
pay a moderate rent
ut isn't the rent, it's the furni-
ture, Grandma! Everything costs so
much, and it takes such lot of
stuff
Grandma always loved contriving.
When she was girl, she said, just
managing somehow was lot of fun,
and everybody did it. Everything
good, but plain. Begin as you can
hold out; that's my idea," she chat
ted, as she put on her things and
took Dorothy on a tour of inspec-
ton. Nov you go right home, and
you tell Jim what we found"
Jim came at his usual time, little
anxious. This question of q house
was troubling him. His mother had
been so sweet to want him there, and
he did want to please them both. His
face cleared as he saw >Dorothy's
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

desecrating Workmen, and every fall
ing brick and board made a separate
bruise on her heart. She suddenly
remembered a far-off day when
three small, pink-clad culprits had
unWisely defed her, and were in turn
laid across her knee. She heard
again the bowls of surrender as she
administered some good old-fash-
Toned spanks, and a desire surged up
within her to repeat the perform
anee now.
But Leila was fastening her gloves
and Strengthening her eyeglasses.
I'VE must go. James gets impa-
tent if he waits long. and good
chauffeurs are hard to find. One
week from today we will come for
you. You may take few little
things the rest we'll dispose of.
You'll come to me first, while Dora
is at school. Good-by."
She dropped cool kiss on, moth
er's cheek, which was duplicated by
Alma and Maud. The autocratic
James handed them inside the i'm
posing car and they rolled away.
Did mother sit down and waste
time in crying? Not she. She con-
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

those sobs were but choking coughs :?
They are my girls and I'm proud of
them, but can't be happy in their
homes, for can never do as I like.
and I'll have to leave all my friends"
A brave captain. Peter had once
stood on the deck of his sinking ship,
inspiring his crew with courage till,
all were saved. Through fiercest
storms he had never shown a sign of
fear, but this calamity unnamed
him, and he started for the door.
Mother, peeping hopefully through
her handkerchief, saw him pause and
turn. His mouth remained open
fully a minute before the fateful
words would come.
Don't go. Mirry." he pleaded,
huskily. Marry me. ! can't live
without your pies-besides I love
you. I've wanted to tell you for over
so years"
"A week AdlcI, JdulSS' ZIG Adu5ASy ,
stopped again at the gate. The
daughters of the House of Ray alight-
ed. Before their fashionably shod
feet touched the ground they
scented the unusual in the air.
Whatever? Crowded in the drive
way were all sizes of cars, from the
most expensive to 9 little tin run
about from which freckled face
popped.
Hurry" it shouted, cor you'll be
late. Ma made me stay out here so
nobody could steal our machine"
They slipped inside. Leila tried to
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

Gently he lifted the kitten from
the crossed wires and replaced the
receiver on its hook. Then with the
kitten still in his arm, he walked
into Julia's room. A note on the
dresser explained her absence. Have
gone to mother. Julia"
Fifteen minutes later Lawrence
stood facing Julia.
"Launnie, dear. I've been think
ing it all out" said Julia. You're
right. You must go alone. 1T was
very foolish Of me-"
Honey, I've been thinking, too!
don't want to go alone. I want you
to come with me. I wouldn't be
happy away from you. I've got it all
planned"
'"No, dear. We would only be in
the way. Junior would spoil every
thing"
ooh, that's all in my plan. Listen!
Well leave Junior with mother!"
"Launie! How clever of you.
Shed love to have him. Why didn't
we think Of that before?"
"Why, indeed?" said Launnie
YEARLY as he wiped the sweat from
his brow.
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

with the Cup of Honor was waiting,
waiting with hope as fervent as a
prayer for the coming of a lone old
man. At last, the stately form OF
Herbert Hartley appeared slowly.
half-grudgingly making his way
through the crowd. At last, faltering
still, he held out a trembling hand to
Bob.
"Do you know me? I'm your
grandfather" he announced alb
ruptly.
eyes, sir" said Bob, easily. II
know that. And i am very proud
that you came to see me today"
The old man seemed surprised ana
disgruntled.
Don't fiatter yourself I came to
see you! I did not suspect you were
in this state, or this town, much less
this school! Why should I? My sons
disgraced me! Why should I keep
tabs on their families? owe them
nothing-nothing!"
"But I, sir, I owe you something.
was lonely till saw you. You
braced me up lot. A fellow needs
man Of his own family at time
like this, you know"
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09
By Monte Darrell
ESSZSG NSSSZS1aEG

I've given from time to time prize
"a scholarship, It's hard to believe,
but that Cup of Honor you are hold
ing is-well-your own grandfather's
Offering"
Bob's face was all a-sparkle. He
almost shouted with enthusiasm.
That's the best piece of news I
ever heard! We've been working
together, and didn't know it,"
Eyes, 1t is rather remarkable. I'm
getting old. 1t almost unnerves me,
yet I'm more content than I've been
for years. 1t may be a good omen.
I'm a lonely fellow, Robert, but If
you knew me you might not think i'll
Of me-"
Wistfulness invaded his tones, and
the boy seemed to understand.
Grandfather" he cried. tits
great to know you like this. Now
I've got somebody to work for! Be-
lieve me, I'll make good! And here's
the Cup of Honor to start with! It's
a grand prize, I'll say"
"And l." echoed the old gentleman,
"have a prize, too. Mine is the Cup
of Happiness, for I have found a
grandson"
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

Whats that? You're not pretend
ing you're glad I'm here?"
why shouldn't I be glad? Terms
of intimacy with my grandfather
have been denied me, but still-to my
mind-family ties are binding"
Old Herbert Hartley stroked his
white mustache. Once a master, he
stood in awe of a mere boy who had
done credit to his name.
Expecting me 20 do something for
you, I presume" he said, testify.
II can do for myself" said the lad
pridefully, but without resentment.
$50 / see," mupnhled the old man,
a trifle more pleasantly, "since
you're carrying off the prize! may
be mistaken, but I'm almost inclined
to think you're more or a Hartley
than your father ever was.
"Humph! I'll tell you something,
boy, but see you don't repeat it.
Folks call rue an old fool, ] admit it.
/ used to idolize the best in life. I
wanted my sons to meet my stand
ards. They didn't. They disgraced
me out and out! And yet-just by
way Of encouraging some other lad
who might win where my lads failed,
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

after scream was heralded. The
blood froze in Lawrence's veins. He
signalled violently for the operator,
yelling "Hellos!" into the mouth
piece and receiving screech after
blood curdling screech for his an
'swer.
Operator, for heavens sake, what
number are you ringing?"
Legion 9675. You're still con-"
Another scream and loud crying
interrupted. Lawrence, mad with
terror, dropped the receiver and
dashed from the booth. Oblivious of
the surprised questions which were
being flung after his feeting form by
the club members. Lawrence covered
block after, block which separated the
club from his home.
= 1t seemed he would never get there.
His brain on fire. he imagined the
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09
RSg6lagSs 500

a fine day tomorrow, and fed.
Today mother, watched till he came
in sight, then marched into the pam
try, and, holding her nose, heroical-
ly swallowed a spoonful of horse
radish. Peter arrived, and stood
aghast. No. counterfeit tears were
they which greeted him. Mother sat
huddled in her chair, woe personified,
water raining down her cheeks,
shoulders heaving convulsively as
she struggled for breath.
"Miriam!" faltered Peter. "Are you
sick?"
ooh, Peteri" came a strangled
wall. I'm so miserable! The girls
say I'm an antique, not fit to live
alone, and they're going to ship me
off on each other whenever they feel
like it, and try to improve my mind"
Great Gibraltar!"
Peter was dazed. Like magnet
those fasky pies drew him.
why, Mirry, what'll I do? I can't
stomach the apple pies that cook
makes at the Home. She's bound to
put nutmeg stead Of cinnamon in,
every time"
ooh, Peter!" Who could guess
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

dancing eyes.
Get on your hat" he urged, hold
ing her so close she could not move.
Well go for a walk before dinner.
You look as though you had good
news"
''Oh, 1 have, have! Will you go
just where I want you to?"
"Of course, dear" He released
her, and held her short coat. She
was bewitching in walking suit.
They turned into an old street that
led directly into the country. Dor
othy suddenly stopped before brown
front, once a stately home, but now
evidently cut into numberless apart
ments.
Jim looked puzzled, but Dorothy
took key from her bag and turned
it in the lock Grandma and I were
here this morning" she explained.
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

Vt was Bob's shoulder upon which
fell the authoritative tap of a
faculty member, separating him
from his fellows and sending him to
the platform with those conspicuous
ly participating in the events of the
day.
You are in line for honors," was
the curt but kindly comment.
Honors? Publicity? What as
founding news! Precipitated self-ccn-
Rciousness flushed the shy lad to the
hue Of his rose, and as he obedient-
~ proceeded stageward his knees be-
gan to manifest an unfamiliar and
most peculiar weakness. With such
effort as becomes a youth about to
cross the threshold to manhood,
power, and conquest, Bob steadfed
himself. But all the while rapid
speculations concerning this unex-
pected curve in the even tenure of
his way blazed his mentality. Curl
osity was not to be denied; yet cdd-
BY enough, it did not kindle joy.
From open windows sunbeams Of
June tripped across the stage, giving
powers of fascination to silvery
object on the table. Bob's eye was
inevitably drawn! All! The Athlete
and Student Prize!" Most glorious of
all trophies! Year after year, this
magnificent cup, the hundred dollar
bill it contained, and the unknown
donor, were the talk of the town.
Many lads had woven their aspira-
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09
By Claire WeSson

lots Of girls are using them for din
ing tables in apartments. That was
from Cousin Faith. and grandma gave
me two rush chairs from the kitchen
chamber-we can paint them up or
something.
"And look!-there's a built-in
china closet in the kitchen! Well
keep all our china there-not one
piece more than we need. And 1 can
get lot of cooking things at the 10
cent store with Uncle Andrews
check"
4 week later Jim and Dorothy gave
a first peep to two favored persons,
grandma and Jimmie's mother. BE
cause If 1t hadn't been for you two
we couldn't have done it." cried Dor
othy. and flung open her door.
why, why" cried grandma.
what isn't here, I'd like to known"
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09
"A M OTHER never bothered her
1V head much about such matters

"A MOTHER never bothered her
1W head much about such matters
as peace plans, political scan
dals, or bonus bills, for, as she ex-
planned, there were lots of others
with more brains and less business
of their own to mind, who could set
tie such problems better. But the
dread tribunal before which she had
just been hailed called for the COM
bined diplomacy of House of Par
lament and Congress, if she was to
escape the sentence. In most cpl
sodes of her busy life she had been
able to enjoy the comedy, even
though she had to hunt for it; but
this was stark tragedy.
For Leila, her eldest, was laying
down the law with a beautifully ac-
quired New York accent. "Abso-
lutely, mother, you cannot live alone
any longer at your age. People
criticise us for neglecting you, not
understanding the situation. If you
even kept maid"
"Maid!" echoed mother. ITO chip
my best china, and leave the soap
soaking its life away in the SCRUB
water, besides having her sweetheart
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

~ RANDMA, / am very unhappy"
Everyone who was unhappy
came to Grandma Bunting.
She was the wisdom of the town of
Rosewood. So it was not strange
that Dorothy Rollo came to sit be-
side her friendly fireplace two weeks
before her wedding day.
Grandma, who seldom registered
surprise, certainly was surprised
now, Unhappy, Dorothy!-right
before your wedding day, and man
like Jimmie Stedman! Why"
ooh. Grandma, of course I just love
Jim, but I do so want my own little
house, and Jim says it will take $500
to buy enough furniture even to start
with, although we have been pick
ing up little things for two years. I
do love Jim's mother, but l don't
want to live with anybody Grand
ma, dear, want my own little home
from the very first, or, else, / don't
want to get married at ALT" At last
she had said it. But Grandma did
not look shocked only thoughtful.
"Hm-m-mi I suppose you want a
whole. big house on the best street,
and silk curtains, and solid mahog-
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09
sasT asa9aSS SaSNR
3sSg%ES SISSSm 20 4

ct was their first quarrel, and, like
all quarrels, was "much-ado-
about-nothing. 1t started at
the dinner table when Lawrence,
flushed with excitement and bursting
with the wonderful news, forgot to
praise the hot buns and the we'll
cooked roast which was a MASTER
piece in the art Of cookery.
RAW Bones appointed me for
that trip" Lawrence's attempt at
composed modesty was ill-concealed
in the shining twinkle in his eyes and
the ring in his voice.
"Launnie! Not really!" Julia's
eyes reflected her husbands joy. az
knew you'd make it. oh, I'm so
tickled. I'll have to get wealth of
new things for the baby and me. Oh,
when do we start?"
1--WE! Dearest, you haven't been
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09
To Begin With
6sG l0eGSSe<l

1T don't mind the stairs, you goose!
See-two whole rooms besides a
kitchenette and bath! Isn't it just
ducky?"
Jim's face fell. "I thought you had
discovered something" he complain
ed. IT told you we couldn't buy a
stick of furniture until I got my
raise next year. And we don't want
to spend money on lot of shoddy
stuff"
Dorothy pulled him into the broad
window seat, prepared for a long
talk. Listen, Jimmie. You do want
our own home, don't your" Jim
nodded. They had been all over this
before, but there could be but one
answer with Dorothy so fragrantly
near.
well, grandma has been telling
me how she used to manage. She
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

tions about it, but Bob Hartley had
not scared quite so high.
Two old maiden aunts had given
him board, lodging and a chance at
school. These providers, kindly in
their way, were all he knew of relas
tives. Their own youth forgotten,
their minds warped to simple rou-
tine, they lacked sympathy with live
lier interests and failed to satisfy
the needs of a progressive boy.
1t wasn't Bob's custom to contem-
plate himself, but in this unique sit
uation delicate, sensitive little stir
within him made him feel ridicu-
lousy childish. Never had he been
SO overwhelmingly conscious of his
isolation, his hungry affections and
unfulflled longings. Now they came
cropping out to ensnare what should
have been exuberant spirits. With
difficulty he forced the retreat 81. de-
spair. AS soon as he was graduated
he would go forth and make good
alone if need be.
Fortified by this decision, Bob took
his appointed place Internationally
coldly indifferent to what fate was
serving him. The assembly hall was
filling with graYe-eyed seniors, dot
ing lower class men and expectant
guests. Bob's gaze, being launched
disinterestedly upon sea of faces,
found itself mystically piloted to a
compelling personality in the center
of the balcony.
There an iron-gray man, aged but
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

adjust her eyeglasses superciliously.
but the attempt ended in plebeian
stare. For the house overfowed
with flowers and persons Of all
classes, from the Governor and his
lady to "Iit" Banks, who worked out
by the day-mother's friends.
Under an arch stood mother-and
Peter. Just then the awe-inspiring
bishop, who had come all those miles
to perform the ceremony, said the
final words. And Peter kissed the
bride.
She beamed upon the bewildered
trio. "Glad you could come, girls"
then was lost amid the congratula-
tons of the crowd.
But" demanded Maud later, have
you two enough to live on, or must
We provide for both?"
Mother laughed. "You needn't
waste a thought on us. Have you
heard the song that's just out? Keep
the Candles of Your Love Burning
at My Memory's Shrine? / got my
first royalties yesterday, and the
publisher thinks they'll run up into
the million. And Peter" proudly,
has invented a spark plug that new
er needs cleaning. So we're quite
capable of looking after ourselves.
Come and see us after we get back
from Niagara"
Ten miles were sped in silence.
Then Leila, disregarding accent and
culture. "Girls, do we hand the
palm to mother?"
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09

says people are just as poor as they
used to be, only they won't manage
any more-and it is such fun, honey.
Listen. You've got that old bed
your mother gave you, and have
my old school cot, and there's your
chiffonier. And l can paint the old
kitchen looking glass frame white
grandma said / could have it. Then
I'll make ducky dressing table out
Of a box, with muslin covers, and
hang the mirror over it, like girls
did so years ago. That finishes the
bedroom. We've just got to get ev-
erything in those drawers" She
spoke with mock severity. sa
Then we'll have this big closet,
and with a rod lengthwise we can
hang ever and ever so much in 1t.
And just this morning there came
the loveliest pedestal hall table
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-10-09
A Remarkable Animal.

MAS compliments" Quoth the
small boy, but she sent me to show
you this bone brought with the beef
this morning"
The butcher smiled sarcastically.
"Trot back, my little man, and tell
your ma that the next time 1 kill a
bullock without bones I'll give 1t as
a present to her."
MAS compliments" said the boy,
"but the next time you get beef with
a mutton bone in it she will buy the
whole carcass as curiosity"