davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05
THE WORM TURNED "A True Story

! "Glen's an r1gnr, and anyhow, I've
got no time to chew scandal; must
hurry as 1t Is"
I started again towards the hall but
again my mother stopped me.
Mabel" she said calmly, II think
you had better give up this party
tonight"
"Oh, don't be a crab, mother" I
pleaded, II have been going all along,
anyhow, and :"
Mother cut my sentence short
That's the trouble now, you've been
going all along and I'm going to put
stop to a girl at nineteen racing all
over New York after midnight, with
a married man."
"Well, It's mighty funny that sud-
denly you decide that can't 90 out
to party" protested. I paced the
floor, scraping the carpet from under
foot and yelling at top voice:
I'm going out. I'm old enough
I'll have you understand. AS an in
dividual, I have the right to live my
own life. You can't lock me up or
treat me like an infant. I'm going,
tell you, and that's all there Is 70
it."
"Not quite ALI there is to it," my
mother corrected. 1t was evident that
she had nerved herself to meet the
crisis.
st, too. know a parents rights and
duties, and intend to observe them
7 have been very weak and foolish
mother, Mabel; but hereafter I in
tend to take a different stand. -.
"You can disobey me, Of course, u
you choose. You can go out tonight
with this man and his fast crew. But
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

Her usual sang-froid seemed to desert
her, and she looked at Theo with a
furtive expression. I'll think that
is very personal question:" she an
swered, attempting to repress her
confusion.
THAT is true, Miss Oliver, and yet
I believe it would be to your advan-
tage to help us clear up this situa-
ton, rather than to have 1t done in
court"
"Why is it necessary for you to
know my actions? am sure have
committed no crime"
1--WE don't believe you have, lady"
the other officer interviewed, "but
your car was used by bandits last
night, which necessarily involves you.
We must trace the cars movements
and yours"
Like a deer brought to bay, the
naughty society girl wilted as she
realized her plight. Fear showed in
her eyes and she became nervous and
unstrung. Scandal stared her In the
face, and her bravado was gone. Il
l-I-called for a party at his club
and we drove to an address on the
Parkway. We parked the car there
at eight-thirty, and remained inside
until-about one o'clock" Tears
cleaned In her eyes a. she made her
! confession,
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

colored water had been turned OH.
Only a single bulb burned at the
back of the store to serve as night
light. BY its dim Illumination, the
labeled jars Of the drugs along the
shelves and the fronts OF the cabi-
nets filled with toilet preparations
stared CLASSIFY down at me.
Indeed, there was a sort Of tomb
like silence in the place. Outside.
the taxicabs were chugging up and
down Lenox Avenue, a string OF
|bobbing lights, and the occasional
football of pedestrian passed along
the sidewalk.
The only sound that reached my
ears was the measured ticking Of a
clock on the wall that, as stood
There, struck the hour.
One o'clock, and the place closed
for othe night Not exactly an agree
able predicament for an innocent
stranger
But at the moment was not fright
ened. When I had gone into the
telephone booth, the druggist was
back at the cash register, casting up
his accounts for the day. I couldn't
I I whirled excitedly away toward
the hall; but was stopped at the door
~ protesting Mabel" from my
mother.
"YesP" I turned impatiently.
my child, who will chaperon this
party2" mother asked softly.
why, no one," said supposedly
"I'm going with Glen Reston."
"And Mrs. Reston2" persisted my
mother.
but why the cross-examination"
7 flung up my head ehallengtng1y. :.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

l-Orgot to note when returned from
dance or indeed whether I had re-
turned at all. I was aware of this
consequently often spent the night
at the home Of girl friend or at
the girls club.
was very sef-willed. Everything
To my young mind was q grand dis
play and went into 1t with q whirl
OF excitement like a mischjevous boy
ON circus merfy-go-round. And
whenever mother was approached
with bad reports of my public and
private conduct, she would come to
me cackling a thesis Of admonition
ike fuSsy hen who has unsuspect-
lngly Matched a duckling. She made
the laws by which the house was to
be governed but seldom thought Of
When or how they were broken.
simply went on and on-a little
foolish girl Of sixteen, doing any
thlng, going ever. where with any
body until met man at the Plaza
Club, whose name was Glen Reston.
AT first I called him pretty good
Fellow. He said he came from Lin
com University in Pennsylvania
though when we were with 9TH
er Lincolnites he could never think
OF any boy In his class whose name |
the others could recall. Nevertheless
he could discuss problems in science
almost to perfection, and his Ian
ifuage was rather elegant save when
me Was 10 q ut Of anger.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

Nancy Burrs, my cousin VINO nVeo
next door. detested the sight OF num-
but since that was her attitude o-
ward most young men, I didn't give
IL much attention. Nancy was one
bf those "would-but-cant" girls wl1n
a mother who kept her within Vle"'
and a face that was positively VICE
proof" We never expected her az
Ititude toward men to change any
sooner than her face did. .u,
One night was surprised 70 kHom
that mother too had learned soi'e-
thing about Glen Reston, for as soon
as I opened the door, she began:
mabel, that Glen Reston phoneo
Cor you tonight
what did he say7" I nerVousl5
asked.
II didn't get al the message pu'
he said something about joining INF
party at the Plaza Club at twelve.
well, it's half past eleven nowF
I flashed hasty glance at my wrist'
watch. "GeeI I'll have Just aoou'
time to Jump into dancing frocs
W. make Il"
face % face with a terrible situation.
The lights In the store were out, and
the place was empty.
With difficulty, made my way
among the showcases toward the
front door, then paused with start
at the SOLDERING realization that con-
fronted me.
glanced about mo IN confusion.
In my perturbation I had failed to
notice before, that tho lights In the
windows behind tho hae hotnea OIL
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

the Oliver residence a strange feeling
crept over him, and he regretted the
discriminating evidence which was be-
ing brought out.
"What do you know about this
daughter of DIVERSE" asked one OF
the detectives.
Clarice Suspected
"She's supposedly my fiancee, but ]
haven't seen her for weeks" Thee
admitted.
IT don't want to make 1t appear
worse than it is, Ashton, but this
young lady has got some explaining
to do. Sorry to drag you into this"
Theo and the officers were admit
ted by the maid, and subjected to a
lengthy wait before the society girl
descended to the library where her
early visitors were seated.
Clarice was attired in a black satin
coole coat under which cleaned the
shimmering folds of suit Of red
pajamas. Her splendid legs were bare,
and her feet were encased in mules
to match her suit. She wore a rather
blase and impatient expression as she
made her naughty entrance. o Her
careful makeup could not hide the
dark lines under her eyes, and al
though she was vitality attractive,
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

there was a droop about her carrisge-
What does q call at this uneartaly
hour mean, Theo?" she greeted pro-
testingly.
Miss Oliver, these gentlemen wish
to ask you a few questions" Theo in
formed her.
"But you ought to know by this
time, if anyone should, Thee, that I
don't grant interviews at this time Of
day."
eve are police officers, lady," one
of the detectives told her, "and this
gentleman is in no way responsible
for this call"
At once there was noticeable
change in Clarice's attitude, and sur
prise and fear quickly replaced her
Impotence.
"You drove your fathers Car last
night, Miss Oliver?" the officer ask
ed. Can you tell us what time you
left home, what time you returned,
and whether or not you were in pos
session of the car the entire EVENING""
discriminating Questions
For a moment Clarice pondered.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

|
But since those days of innocent
childhood, the circumstances Of my
life have been changed from the
peace and comforts of the simple
home-life with the protection and
companionship of a mother, to that
of woman of the stSeet, with youth
and friends gone.
was virtually forced to vend my
body for crust of bread or a plate
Of soup like the courtesans of An
ciens Greece, who bartered their
charms for = few figs, handful of
dates, or piece of cheese.
One year ago today I returned
home and was surprised to note how
happy my mother was to have me-
1t would make her ashamed to know
all of my troubles. But now that
am home in the midst of peace and
JOY and a chance to live again, 1
snail SpenQ much or my time telling
to other Q high school girls why
I left home, that they might profit
by the experience of my life.
My waywardneSs began &C my
fathers death. I thought then that
1 had no one to obey. My mother
was good woman but overly affec-
tomato and indulgent. She had q |
little money and Of course, many
friends and was sometimes so car
ried away with both that she simply |
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

changed his tactics after his
accusation and Theo's retalia-
ton. The detective quietly
made notes of the incidents.
The Fake Bonds
"Why, Ashton, can you verify the
fact that those bonds are false? If
you can, want to know it, for some
one is going to suffer. made a per-
sonal loan and received those docu-
ments as collateral. I desired the
exchange merely to clip the coupons
from the securities I had deposited
here against my stock liability"
Mr.. Bolton, when things developed
as they did last night, I took the lib
erty of copying the serial numbers
on the bonds, hoping to protect your
interest. However, the bandits got
a blank package for their trouble,
This morning I also took the liberty
of investigating the validity of these
securities and found they are coun-
terfeit," Theo declared with convic-
ton.
LET me have them, Ashton, and
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

"Why-as I remember it now, she
said she was driving a party OF
friends out to the country. Oh, yes
Bolton! She was to drive out to your
new home at Edgemont. I don't know
what time she returned"
Eyes, 1 believe there was a party
to 60 out last night" Bolton ex-
planned in answer to divers query
Il was too busy to CO."
well, Mr.. Oliver, the bandits used
your car last night when they kid
mapped Ashton. Can you explain how
it was done? The car was not re-
ported stolen"
"Gentlemen-it is beyond me-" an
swered Oliver, his face showing the
nervous strain under which he was
laboring.
Mr.. Ashton, you'll come with us
for few moments. We won't detain
you long," the officer requested.
Theo left three silent figures as he
passed out of his Office with the de-
tectives. The turn of affairs was
more than he could fathom, but as
the police car drew up in front OF
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

an responsibility. His position forced
him into the active management, but
he dreaded all participation. This
years event promised to eclipse in
brilliancy all the preceding ones, since
1t would be the first to be held in
the magnificent ballroom in the COM
pany's own building.
A lull came in the nearly completed
arrangements, when just three days
in advance Of the big ball, the State
Examiners arrived and began work
on the books.
On the night of the ball, society
turned out en- masse, and more
brilliant affair had never been wit
messed In the Windy City. There were
visitors from everywhere, and the
mammoth hall, gorgeously decorated,
represented q scena Of ora,'h'-''- L..
Iery conceivable form of masquerade
had been adopted by the participants
i and at an unusually early hour, the
4 festivities were In full swing.
i Two famous orchestras alternately
\ We'd In their ability to diffuse jazz
melodies, and seemingly not phase
4 of entertainment calculated to amuse
the patrons was overlooked. Bun.
5fighters. bandits, and monks ATTENDED,
beautiful Cleopatra's, milk-maids ano.
dancing wood nymphs. A George
washington escorted Topsy, while
uh5ork ANTONY made love to Joan
of Arc. .
AS master of ceremonies, Thee was
\ unmasked, but his tall splendid hg-
IRE, immaculate in perfect hitting
H t11xedo together with his unconcealeo
4 identity, made him an attractive Cd
\ iect for maids and matrons, emno!o-
ened by their masked personaiitles.
His every appearance ON the dance
floor was greeted by women who peg
ged him for dance.
Throughout the evening Thee un-
consciously sought to penetrate dis
puise that might prove to be Marcia,
He hoped she might use this conVen-
lent occasion to approach him, IN
case her past conduct had been nee
essarv to their welfare, rather than
unfaithfulness. But this hope was 10
vain, and the elusive Marcia renamed
an enigma.
Theo is Cautioned
On one occasion he was approach
ed bv an attractive ballet dancer, ana
as he swung he, into the dance she.
abandoned her voluptueus form to-
the rhythm OF motion and chung TO
him in a close embrace. Her breath
came fast, and just before the mu-,
sic ceased, she voiced her pleasure
with an avowal that she was SUI
concerned in his welfare, and prom
;sed. in no mild words, that he would
get be hers. She was Ethel Oliver,
and the memory of his last meeting
with her provoked his stern repuKe'
at which she only laughed.
A monk approached Thee, and ne
was quick to recognize Harry Bruce,
whose voice betrayed his anxiety.
Now what is it, Harry?" Theo ask
ed.
81 was downstairs little while age
and the examiners are finishing up
the work. Bolton and Oliver were
both there, and I think the cat is
about out of the bag. I could CLEAN
nothing definite, but believe it would
be advisable If you left here and
went on home" Harry informed
Theo.
mo, Earry, have nothing to fear
for. YOU and know what it's al
about. For my part, welcome 9
clearing up Of this whole mess, anc
I am ready to face any emergency
to get it done. But want you te
promise me one thing. In case any,
thing happens to me, please look ou'
o~J ,,,-oa hpr IN have
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

faith In my ability to eventually uan
out" Theo asked.
you know Theo, will do every
thing in my power not only TO aid
your mother, but help run the guilty
Iparties to earth and punishment"
At Last, Marcia
The two friends were standing TO-
ward the rear and at the side OF the
hall. facing the throng Of dancers.
Immediately behind them was q
group Of palms forming one Of the
many secluded hooks arranged Tor
the occasion. A girl, with face and
figure entirely concealed by black
domino and mask slipped into the
bower from the rear and tugged at
Theo's arm, just as Harry Bruce
turned away. Curiosity caused Theo
to comply with the girls desire for
his presence, and he edged his way
through the protecting fronds.
The young master of ceremonies
caught his breath and his blood
raced through his veins as the girl
threw back her hood and removed
hey mask. It was Marcia Arson.
Marcia" gasped Theo.
eyes, dear" she whispered, cling
ing to him. - have sought this OPP
Dortunity, this moment, all evening,
and for weeks. I am watched day
ant night, and my situation is really
worse than it was, but am holding
my own SO far. But Theo, for Gods
sake, do not forsake me-" she plead
Cd.
That's the same cry have been
rying to still in MY heart for weeks,
Marcia. I could not understand your
2ctions."
TheO is Arrested
Yes, know, and it has just about
riyen me crazy to endure this silence
md know that you believed me faith
less. But I am loyal, Theo, and no
lower will ever make me otherwise.
Things are going to happen, dear, but
let this thought be your one assur-
ance-that L love you and am all
your own. Don't be surprised at any
thing, but trust me and remember
that every cloud has its silver lining.
Now take me in your arms and kiss
me. Trust me. dear-neXt to your
darling mother
To Theo, with his pounding heart,
IL seemed like all the world had sud-
denly become a garden of happiness
and he clasped his loved one to him
with all the ecstasy Of his revived
love and hopes. "Yes, Marcia, 1
Twill trust you to the end Of the earth,
end I am ready to face any battle"
Then she was gone, and as he stood
alone, still under the spell OF her
magic presence, he knew he would
uever doubt her again and that no
either woman could ever win the place
ishe had won in his heart. Slowly he
lenerged from the bower Of happy
moment, and as he faced the glitter
ing lights again, he suddenly remem-
Ibered her warning, that things would
happen. For approaching him were
Two plain clothes men and a uni
formed policeman.
BY the time the officers had reach
ed Theo, the entire audience had de-
serted their dancing to view the pop
'ular cashiers arrest. Theo stood stoi-
cally as he listened to the order for
him to accompany the guardians OF
The law to jail.
CTo Be Continued
VIII Theo pay the price Of anoth-
er's crime? See next weeks INSTALL
ment.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05
NSTALMENT VI

For once Theo Ashton
realized he held the trump
lard. 1t was a situation
f:aught with angles which
We're sure to precipitate SER
ipus further complications,
Harry Bruce listened with
studied interest, while Presi-
den& OGvercplainly showed
bis agitation. Bolton, suave
anG crafty as usual, quickly
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

lif you do, warn you, my daughter,
that my door will be closed against
you on your return and you will have
Ito 60 elsewhere for your support"
I could see from the expression OF
my mothers face that she really
meant what she said and yet because
I was young and foolish, and had
been allowed to have my own way
for such a long time, I soon found
myself descending the stairway dress
ed in my dancing frock. Down
through the hall strutted, opened
1.-THE door and slammed 1t ostenta-
'tiously behind me.
I walked North on LenoH Avenue
Auntil I came to certain corner
where I always met Glen. Rot un-
til then did begin to think Of what
i had done at home and how had
iusulted my mother for the first time.
I tried to console myself with the
thought that she did not really mean
what she said. "That's just anoth-
er one of those war-like theses Of
admonition of hers. She'll be all
right by morning. I said to myself
and turned to look at the big clock
IN the window of the drug store.
It was far after twelve o'clock and
Glen had not arrived. I rushed
thoughtlessly into the drug store and
into q private booth, the first one
saw, slipped a nickel into the coin
box and called the Plaza Club. But
lby the time I got Glen on the phone
II was so upset by the protracted
Swaiting and the operators blunder-
ing mistakes that I could hardly
make myself ineligible.
"Glen, I've been turned out!" 1
announced dramatically.
@Whadda you mean, turned out?"
he stammered back.
Glen had been hitting the cock
tails heavily, and both his tongue
and his wits were little dulled.
Turned out Of home. Mother says
if &c to the dance with you to-
night I can't return. The door will
be closed against me-"
He laughed irresponsibly.
"Well, why not take her at her
word and spend the week in At
lantic City. Eth KIDD"
I drew back at the insult, not only
Of his words but of his tone. was
ready to go back home and ask for
giveness. With a sudden sick dis
gust, both Of him and all he repre-
scented, T crashed the receiver down
on the hook.
IT viii 90 home" said decidedly
"a vx,s1,od <srS - ~ A.naf ,-....
believe that he wouId leave Une STORE
without making certain that the
place was empty.
1 started a tour of Investigation
But as I rounded the corner of the
cigar case that had blocked off NV
view Of the back of the store, I halt
ghostly features.
Id with an involuntary gasp.
A man resembling the druggist lay
tretched on the door, the ray OF
he night light family revealing his
Shrinking, I advanced a step or
NO: then stopped again as 1 saw
n the other side of the prone figure
dark, spreading pool of blood, and
/ yard or two away the cleaning
,arrel of a revolver.
Murder" was the first word that
crossed my terrified mind.
I recoiled in sick horror, voiceless,
unable, for the moment to move;
hen backing away, turned and dash
ID wildly for the front door-only to
realize once more as I reached 1t,
hat the way was barred.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

1 was locked in-ide the store with
o dead man.
/ thought Of nothing but to escape
at any price. There was no other
way, said to myself, but to smash
out the glass before someone saw
me.
I clapped my hands over my face
to defend myself from flying glass,
and picked up mineral water bot
tie to use as my instrument.
Standing at bay, half sidewise to-
ward the front door, became aware
that somebody, passing along the OPP
@osite side of the street, had stopped
md was coming over toward the
ere.
Quickly I crouched down behind
tall wire receptacle full of sponges,
lTch shielded me from the view of
zone outside
Peeping out through an aperture
9stWeen the sponges, saw a man
-jyance to the door and try it. Then
-.hen he found it locked, he shook
F. vigorously, and raped on the pan
j with his knuckles. Finally, Sc
ring no response, he bent his face,
lose to the glass, and peered in
de. I was again struck with fear
III was a ponceman.
open up there at once" he or
dered, "or I shall break down the
door,"
I arose, trembling, from my hiding
b,1o oY,l fvinl 70 nyy11oif1 RI him
that I could not open the door; but
when he saw, as I turned, the figure
of the dead man stretched upon the
floor, he asked no further questions
but simply hurled himself against the
door and came charging in.
He looked first at me and then
at the dead man on the floor.
Anybody here with your" he ask
ed.
I shook my head; but he was not
satisfied. Leading me with him, he
looked here and there. Then, hold
ing my wrist, he put in telephone
report of the affair to the police sta
ton.
Soon a patrol wagon arrived with
several officers, and for three hours
L was questioned by detective and
several coarse policemen. was about
convinced that the stupid detective
would put the blame on me when
young man came in and announced
himself as the assistant states at
torney.
There's a trap door in this store"
said the young attorney. Here it
is" he said, holding up large trap
door in the corner of the store. This
is how the murderer escaped"
Then the detective and officers
rushed to the place. They looked
at each other with expressions Of
surprise.
Where does it lead2" someone
asked.
Down through RI. ci.y sewer TO |
the Plaza Club, two blocks away"
was the reply. There's a fellow
there named Glen Reston, who was
pardner here In this bootlegging
business. We've been looking for
him."
And as they turned once more to
the figure On the floor one officer
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05
True Story of the Fate of Headsrong and Attractive
Young LADY,.

I was born in comfortable home somewhere on Lenox
Avenue, in Harlem, and graduated with honors from
notable high school in New York City nineteen hundred
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

'Tm awfully sorry, Clarice," Theo
comforted the detected girl, "but ]
promise you I'll do everything in my
power to have these facts suppressed"
He left her weeping on the divan,
and followed the officers out of the
house and around to the garage. Here
they found the family sedan and
Clarice's sport roadster.
Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-04-05

Continued On Paze Haha