davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28

"S-Sir?" questioned the Young Preacher
He seemed little startled.
"Oh pshaw!' protested the laughing voice
"Oh, pshaw! If you really want to know this
thing you ask, why in thunder shouldn't you
ask it? Me, for instance. You want to know
who I am? Or, rather, mean what am?
Well, I'm a banker. Rather a hard-shelled
one too, believe I'm reputed to be. For
the last dozen years, as it happens, my bust
has brought me to this particular city
at just this season, and I've made it habit
to check in somewhere at q church service
on New Year eve. The older men, I've no
ticed are pretty apt to be of duty on this
night. Worn out, I suppose, with all the
Christmas services. So they turn things over
10 youngsters like you-who haven't had the
chance yet, I suppose, to compromise with
life. And the things you youngsters sayl Ro-
nance mostly-hardly practical! But sort of
sweet, too. Kind of takes one back, mean,
to ones own young days.
"An this right and wrong prattle of yours"
he snapped. The consummate cheek of you!
But" he capitulated suddenly, "if children
and fools don't tell us the truth now and
then, who will?"
Thanks" stamnered the Young Preacher.
"Gad" chuckled a more youthful male
voice. And never heard a word the preach
er said!' Young feet shuffied just bit I'M
easily. I'm just clerk, you know, in
sporting goods house. I'm going to be mar
ried tomorrow. And my chums are raking
the town for me tonight. Bachelor dinner,
you know" Once again he chuckled little.
They'll hardly think to look for me here, I
wager! But she's such wonderful GIRL" he
stammered, Il sort of thought I'd like things
to start sort of wonderfully with u.s. BY Jove,
III be back here again next New Years eve
and bring my girl with mel"
little awkwardness crept across the silence
A bench creaked
ooh, yes! And ~ was giving a partyl"
interposed Rhosa Waldron briskly Rather
gay, you know and all that sort of thing.
But not gay enough, it seemed They all
went, that is, to find something gayer. Even
my husband. But just all of a sudden I
wasn't with them. My mood, mean. felt
crowded. Wanted only to be quiet. But even
when things got quiet it didn't seem to suit
me. I felt uneasy. A sort of hunger-I don't
know for what. I went out in the park, just
to walk, you know Just to see what it was
all about New York eye. Just to find
something to remember. Anything that
wasn't just fooling. A man bothered me q
little. stranger tipsy stranger. I saw
the spire of church, the glow of an open
door: heard the vox humane of an organ. I
thought it would be good place. you know,
just to dodge into for moment and escape
the TipSy Stranger"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28

PEERING blankly into the darkness, the
Young Preacher made little gesture of
protest. "Oh, but surely" he Teproaclled her.
there must have been spiritual sum-
mons involved"
NO indeed" Rbosa Waldron persisted 1T
is just exactly as I told you But when
got into the church, you see, had to stay
The Tipsy Stranger followed me even there,
mean. Right into the church, right into the
pew, so couldn't get out. There
else in the pew except demure little
thing in gray-and the Tipay Stranger-and
myself
"At first I was dreadfully annoyed And
then I thought it sort of funny. But
after a while got looking up into the arches,
those great, shadowy, fathomless arches-so
deep-so far. And then, all of a sudden the
chimes began to peal-tlose beautiful terri
flying New Year eve chimes / saw that the
Little Girl in Gray was crying-and even the
Tipsy Stranger had shiver in his eyes. And
then, just all of a sudden, all three put
out our hands to each other and made the
crossing as you call it, together! It's some
thing shall never forget! Out of all time
that one strange little moment!"
In the shadows just beyond her a shadow
stirred.
1T am the Tipsy Stranger drawled the
shadow. And I came-because was ledi'
" Led?" protested the Young Preacher.
Once again he threw out his hands in
gesture of impotence. "Led? Five people
taken just at random-and not one of you
confesses the faintest spiritual reason for
being here tonight! The thing is appalling!"
WHY" quizzed the Bankers voice
1--WE got what we came for, didn't we?"
argued the Peddler. II got my hands warml"
And got the truth, didn't -" grimaced
the Banker.
And 1 found silence" stammered the
Young Clerk Nobody talking to you, I
mean or chatting you! 1t gave me a chance
to think. It waS-satisfying!
And I found the solemn moment I was
looking for," attented Rhosa Waldron.
And I found-found-" faltered the
Tipsy Stranger
With sputter and sizzle the lights came
suddenly up. little bit precipitousy, the
Banker jumped up and started for the door
of the study. With a scuf1le of feet the others
started after him.
Half-smilingy, half-frowningly, the Young
Preacher stood aside to let them pass
Maybe you're right, after ALL" he admitted.
Maybe its-almost enough-if the church
can give to the seeker that thing which ne
seeks. Even just warm hands," he admitted
One by one, with touch on the shoulder,
he babe his guests Godspeed. "Good-b y-and
God bless you,' he smiled.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28

broke the voice of the Young Preacher.
mo danger at all, am sure! Just fallen
tree probably and broken wire The damage
will doubtless be repaired Immediately. But
meanwhile 1 implore you not to venture forth
into the uncertainty. We can go back and
wait in my study There is the remains of
hearth-fire there"
Gravely he turned and led the way back,
gropingly, stumblingly, along the shadowy
side aisle. Gropngly, stumblingly, the handful
of people followed hin1z-vague, blurred, indis-
tinguishable one to the other.
Through the open door of the study dying
fire glowed its faint focus of welcome Apollo
getically, the Young Preacher raked the
dulling embers. Gravely he waved his Shadowy
guests to the shadowy benches ranged in the
far corner of the room and watched them
vanish one by one into the abysmal blackness.
Blackly silhouetted against the pale square
OF the fireplace, the Young Preacher stood just
q bit uncertainty for a moment, then started
Gecisively toward the door. I'VE can at least
have a candel" he affirmed, then stopped
suddenly, swung sharply about and flung his
young, impaSsioned arms like two prison bars
across the doorway.
'No-no!" he cried out. who can tell but
what there is Gods hand in this? All this
darkness-this delay? My one chance, per-
haps. for all time! Oh, you New Year eve
people. he cried out-"in all the year
there is no other congregation just like you!
At Christmas, at Easter, at Thanksgiving even,
people come to church in groups Fathers
and mothers and little children Beaming,
joyousl Out of the very fullness of their
heartSl
But you? You New Year eve people?
Is it out of the emptiness of your hearts
that you come? Alone-almost always alone
with taut mouths and faraway eyes. What
do you seek here? Tell me! Who you?
And what are you? Here, in the sacristy Of
this featureless darkness, in the absolute
privacy and assurance of your own anonymity,
help mel implore you'll What brought you
to the house of God tonight? Just how did
the church summon you?"
THERE was an awkward little lull Of silence,
broken suddenly by a gutteral exclama-
ton.
Summon me-nothing!" grunted a voice.
Tim a peddler, I am! What got me in here
tonight was because my hands was cold!"
The frankly disconnected gasp on the Young
Preachers lips changed suddenly to a family
reluctant smile "Yet who knows" he queS-
toned but what the church that warmed
your hands may in time warm your heart
and kindle your soul?"
well countered son!" laughed another
mans voice from the darkness.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28
IN AbbenAmg Story by Eleannr H0I1pvU AbboH

With O curt nod the Banker nodded good
night and disappeared into the street.
Whistling a gay little aria from some opera,
the Young Clerk followed him. Clanking with
tray and gewgaws, the Peddler shuffled out
Shall 1 call taxi?" questioned the
Stranger.
IF you please" said Rhosa Waldron
At the door OF the taxi the Stranger
fingered a minute adjusted a foot-rug and
lifted his family smiling eyes to Rhosa Wal
dron's inscrutable face.
"All this Christmas spirit" he questioned
this business of Peace on Earth, Good Will
to Men Do you really believe it? Think it
lasts, I mean, even for a week? Even till
tomorrow? Am 1 forgiven I mean?"
Absolutely" said Rhosa Waldron.
The Strangers eyes narrowed Tentatively
he offered her his hand Without hesktati
Rhosa Waldron put out her own hand, but
found it lifted to the Strangers lips. Family
inscrutable, family smiling, they raked each
others eyes for an instant.
With palpablc emotion the Stranger started
to speak, then flushed little and curbed
himself TO lightness and mockery again.
"Most--most gorgeous lady!" he said. They
both laughed a little in spite of themselves.
"Good-byl' said Rhosa Waldron
And God bless you'll" said the Stranger.
LIE took off his hat, shut the door The
motor started. The wheels churned from
the transient drifts into the well trampled
street. Quzzcally for an instant, through a
great holly wreath fanking her car, Rhosa
Waldron looked back and saw him still stand
ing in the fare of an arc-lght, sitting gold
dust through his fingers
Then the picture blocked and the taxi raced
her to her own door
Lolling back once more in her chaise Tongue
by the open fire, pampered with pillows she
looked up at last to greet her husbands return.
Slowly, tenderly for an instant her eyes wan
dered across him.
Good show?" she questioned.
"Rotten!" said her husband 1.-THE worst
everl But some of the jokes were screams!"
Were they really?" said Rhosa Waldr6G
Something unfamiliar in her voice made her
husband glance up suddenly.
"Oh say" he confessed IT was duffer
to leave you! I'm afraid you've had dali
EVENING""
Rather carefully for an instant, Rhoda Wal
dron seemed to be considering the question.
looked at her husband looked through him,
then back at him again-and smiled.
Not dull at all, old DEAR" she said. mot
dull at auI'
copyright, 1s3O)
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28
Director, United States BureG~
of Standards.

THE greatest thing that could happen in 1891
would be for everybody in the United
States who wants job to be able to have one
Bringing about a change or a return to nor
NAL conditions is not a one-man job. The eco
nomic depression is worldwide 1t is a situa-
ton in which not only industry itself, but
Federal, State and local Governments, other
organizations and even individuals viii have
to help
In such times it is customary for the people
to look to the Federal Government for relief.
It Is true that the Government is the Nations
biggest business but it has been estimated that
everything within the power of the Govern
ment to do would affect only two per cent of
the people of the country.
= The present economic condition is wholly due
to internal stagnation. In reality our prosperity
or lack Of it Is little affected by foreign mar
kets, because in normal times less than one
tenth Of the products of industry is exported
It is our home markets that are contracting.
Those who have money which they might
spend are not spending it. An improvement
will come about when everybody puts his sE4Aul-
der to the wheel. It is to this spirit of mutual
helpfulnesS that we mpst look If we are to
find a remedy.
Copyright 19S0)
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28
MARGUERITE NJ. WELLS,
Acting President, National League
of Women Voters.

Acting President, National League
of Women Voters.
p PRESENTING the League Of Women Vot-
ers, it is in the field of Government that
I naturally look for the best thing that can
happen in 1881. Government is simply the
arrangement by which people are able to live
together in the world with justice to all, and
the present arrangement needs a great deal of
improving.
might look for better international rela-
tions-to the adherence of the United States to
the World Court for instances the best
thing that can happen, because it is one of
the ways already provided to make it easier
for nations to exist together in the same world
with justice to each. might look to the sue
cess of plans now under way for social welfare,
because it is a sign of wisdom that a nation
shall not forget its responsibility for the pro-
lection of the young and handicapped. I might
look to better governmental protection of the
people from exploitation by economic interests.
I might look to reforms in nominating and
election procedure to make government more
responsive to the will of the people. But in
my opinion the best thing that can happen
about Government in this country in 1891 is
something more fundamental than these spe-
cific measures. If in 1891 We can make more
progress than has ever been made before to-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28
ROBERT p. LAMONT,

THE best thing that can happen in 1891 Is
return to more normal business conditions
and the restoration of employment. This is
not only national problem; it is a world prob
lem. We in this country can lead the way.
The work Of the Presidents emergency COM
mittee the efforts of our States, our munich
palties and our industries are the best assnr-
ance that we can carry on through the W<nter
and can also lay foundation for measures to
stabilize employment in future.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28
Paint and Varnish Making.

'THITY additional factories entered into the
paint and varnish business during the Pc
Rod from 1927 to 1928 and brought an aSaM =
output Of these products Of about $2O00UOS5
for the year 1929 over the year 1927 The in
dustry gave employment to nearly 29OOO
workers.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28
Continued from Third Page

sity together and told them that he wanted
them to boil down their rules and recipes for
happiness into simple form that they might
be available to everybody So the professors
went away and at the end Of year returned
with 100 volumes containing their findings
THAT is far too much" said the prince
Nobody will ever read the 100 volumes. You
must try again"
So the professors went away and at the end
Of another year the president of the university
returned with single volume about the size
of an unabridged dictionary.
THAT, too, is too large" said the prince,
who then decided that he must give his at
tention to the task himself. After some time
he resolved the whole formula for happiness
down to what in our language would be two
words-altruism and common sense.
Either without the other would produce fall
ure he said. Altruism alone would lead his
people into many actions which were foolish
and il-advised, and common sense alone might
make them too selfish.
A wise combination of these two principles
put into practice over the world during 1891
might produce great happiness.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28
.W1hatb the Best Prospect for1931?

ward intelligent participation of the people in
their Government, we shall have the best thing
that can happen.
Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1930-12-04

4 HE entire staff of The Brownsville Herald extends
sincere good wishes for q Merry Christmas to every real
dent of the Valley a bit earlier tina year for 80 believe
that a great part of the JOY and happiness Of Christmas
comes through the anticipation Of the Day the hustle
and hustle of Christmas shoppers the FUN of locking
IN windows of Valley stores Of &C iecting that gift for
him or he" Of arranging and attending parties.
church programs. etc and If the true spirit Of giving.
So why not start the Christmas season nj the earliest
possible mcment I'm order to more thoroughly ENJOY thia,
the most glorious part Of the year? You will not only en-
JOY it-but vii benefit through shopping early. Valley
stores are filled to OVERLOOKING with merchandise that 10
now to be had at the lowest prices In . decade. Your dol
lar will 60 further than usual this Christmas- IA il Ger
tainly true that now 10 the time to spend and save. b.
shopping early you may select from complete collections
OF gifts and also ayoid the crowds that will thronR the
shops the last few days before Christmas Many mer-
chants are offering a convenient -lsy-s~1y plan ~hich
enables you to have any article in their stores set aside.
for : very small deposit, until you are ready for Il. You1l
find Brownsville and Valley merchants eager 40 serve YEA
and offering as varied and complete m assortment of fine
quality merchandise as could be found i'm any of enc
metropolitan centers.
So again We wish you Merry CAristmas--and NAV
every day of the pre-Christmas season be ~ full Of ZAP
piness for you a. that day of days 18th
Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1930-12-04

}
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-05-30
DELLA

"You know, Olga" he said, affect
ing a confidential tone, I'm a
friend of yours, and there's some
thing I want to tell you for your
own good"
Olga was an attentive listener.
81 see you out once in a while
with Mary Della and that Bobbin
girl and guess you think they're all
right; but I'm going to tell you
something about Mary Della that
you ought to know. And after that,
if you hang out with her, it's your
own lookout.
81 was telling you while ago"
Joe resumed, about Mary Della
cheating on me. Well, you know
how I found out? She dropped a
letter right there where your feet
are one day and 1 got hold of it and
did some deep thinking about some
other things that looked f1Shy to me,
and after awhile it come to me that
Mary Della was the broad that
wrote the note to the coppers about
the Red Mask murder"
you're a fool, Joe Speaks!" Olga
declared angrily.
"Oh no, I'm not. Mary Della was
parked out on the Cheshire road
with some skunk when the Red
Mask did his dirt and she couldn't
keep it to herself. She wrote the
coppers, and she wrote it on a piece
of paper she tore from that letter I
found in the car"
whats got into you, joe" Olga
demanded. you know that's a lie.
1 didn't think you'd pass out dirt
like that just because your girl was
sore at you"
The car was coasting easily down
North Main street toward the
Center.
you don't have to take my word
! for it," Joe assured her. Go
ask the police. They got the note
she sent and the letter I found in
the car. and they fit. And another
thing: They already got it straight
from somebody else that Mary Della
was the one that wrote the note.
Understand, I'm not telling this
to everybody, but like you and I
don't want to see you get in bad
following Marie Della around. You
take it from me, she's mixed up in
that murder It wouldn't surprise
me any if it turned out she was
parking with the Red Mask himself
that night. Not Bit
The car came to a stop at the
east end of the green to wait for
the traffic light, and Olga pushed
the door open and jumped out. Then
she faced about and put her hand
on the top edge of the door.
"I don't believe word you're
saying, Joe," she declared. not IN
pleasantly. But anything's posi-
BILE and if I find out you're right,
why we'll, I'll thank you for
tipping me of, I guess. But don't
believe it unless Mary Della herself
says it's So
THAT suits me-" Joe replied casu-
ally. "You ask her, and if she adj
mits it"
IF she admits it," said Olga,
"the treats on me"
Joe grinned. Fair enough. And
the treat'll be a nice ride out in the
country Wednesday night with a
little loving thrown in. o. KIP"
Sure" said Olga contemplating
Joe's classic features. She turned
to the sidewalk.
Ito Be COntinued)
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-05-30
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE Con
tinued.)
OUT OUR WAY

OE1AE Efb Hill -ONE NOOIl-
tinued)
take this man into city court, +"
he directed. Then bring him back
and lock him up until I have a
chance to talk to him again .
Don't worry" he said to Joe as he
was leaving the room; I'll see that
you're treated o. k. But right now
I want to talk to this man."
"Au right, Ray" said the super
intendent; Tets have it,"
Its just this" said the G. E.
I've known who this girl is for a
week. I've talked to her and the
fellow who was parked with her on
the Cheshire road. They're both all
right and neither will run away.
I've got a conference arranged
with the two of them and McMullen
Wednesday. If you'll let me go
ahead with 1t and not scare the girl
in the meantime by bringing her
over here, I'll turn everything I've
got to you, and it's plenty. I'll be
responsible for both the girl and
the fellow.
Sounds like a holdup," the super
intendent said, smiling Sure they
won't skip?"
"Positivel And now here's the
story :"
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-05-30
CHAPTER THIRTY-Two

THE c. E. related 10 the superin-
Il tendent of police all he knew
about the Red Mask murder, which.
Tor the most part, was what Mary
Della and Robert had told him.
And he had the satisfaction of
knowing that the superintendent
accepted Mary Della'S version of
the murder.
But there's one thi; :, you ought
to do, Ray" the superintendent
said as the c. E. prepared to leave
his Office. You know this Snake
Woman we've got here for smuggling
a man out in Waterville?"
I'VE had a story on it when he
was arrested" the c. E. reminded
him.
well. he admits the charge in
that case all right, but we got him
on that by accident. We've collect
ed a good deal of evidence that
would indicate he's the Red Mask.
mo! You've been holding out on
us, too, haven't you? And all the
time we thought we had all the dirt
on our Side.'
1.-The cigars are on you," the SUI
perintendent declared. But start
ed to suggest that you bring this
young woman over and let her have
a look at Woman. She might be
able to identify him."
That's an idea." the G. E. agreed.
Sure, I'll have her come over after
she gets home from work tonight.
That be o. KIP"
Pine. And you can tell her that
she'll be asked no questions. If she
recognizes Woman she can just say
so, II she doesn't
Shell say yes or no in a min
Ute" the c. E. declared. And if
Womain'S the Red Mask she'll be all
set to 60 into court when you're
ready for her. I can promise you
that"
That's fair enough. Will you stop
by the desk on your way out and
leave word for McMullen to come
in? He'll be waiting when you bring
your friend in tonight"
TOE SPEAKS, having gotten of
y with costs in city court, was
returned to the superintendent's Of
fee and, after few more questions,
was given his liberty.
Within one hour he had his car
out once more and at II O'Clock was
parked on Clock avenue, waiting for
the crowd to parade by. Joe was
not at all sure what he wanted to
do or how he would do it, but his
one purpose was to talk 20 Mary
Della.
The mental suffering he had pre-
pared for her at the police station
was not enough. That note he had
found in his car, after taking her to
the shop more than q week before,
he had Immediately recognized as Of
first Importance. but he had thought
to fash it on her after the Hamil-
ton park dance.
Denied that opportunity when he
was arrested. developments had
been far more satisfactory than he
possibly could have hoped for. He
knew now that Mary Della had writ
ten the mysterious note TO the po-
lice: that it was she who had been
parked on the Cheshire road when
the Hicks girl was murdered. and
that the information he had given
the superintendent Of police would
involve her in more difficulties than
she was likely to get out of in a
hurry.
But he had an uneasy feeling
about the newspaper man the super
lntendent had dragged into the Ion-
terence. Plainly. he was in posses
ssor o. additional information: in
foFmation. perhaps. that would save
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-05-30

For time the two rode on through the deep
night both silently absorbed in their own reflec-
items. The girl was thinking of god-like figure
in leopard skin who came nimbly through the
trees Behind him. shaggy and powerful. swung
a huge anthropoid ape. while she, Meriem,
laughing and shouting her welcome swung from
a swaying limb before her sylvan bower All,
the happiness Of those sznny daysl The free
dom! Ard best Of ali, K0yak