davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The morning times., 1896-06-28

harm the wounded. but scarcely had they
disappeared before. with report like thuD-
der, tue blazing sloop was blown into a
thousa nd fra agments. and then an un-
broken stiffness came over the Sound.
"That's the best bonfire we ever had. ''
said Joseph as he and John were walking
up the quaint old street toward their
homes, but his friend made no reply.
Just before tue time when the sloop was
set on fire the congress at Philadelphia
had finished its work. and there was a new
nation in the world. BELLS were ringing
guns were fired and bonfires lighted
throughout the city. News Travelled slowly
in those days. but on the 9Th the report
reached Trenton. There the provincial con-
gress. the committee and people assem-
bled. md guns again were beard and bon
fires kindled. On the 9Th the tidiugs
reached Elizabeth Town. and the same
scenes were enacted. On the 10th New
York was all ablaZe and parades anu
bonfires were the order of the day.
I've looked tile matter up" said Jo-
seph Swan to his friend. land from all
can learn, our celebration at the Point
when we fired the British sloop was
just thirty minutes ahead of the ceIehra-
ton at Philadelphia. We didn't know It.
but We had the first one in America
Hurrah for the Fourth of July and the
United Colonies of America! Likewise.
hurrab for the boys that had the first
celebration in the land.'
The morning times., 1896-06-28
fever of excitement, not knowing what

fever OF excitement, not knowing what
to do.
SUCC ESS.
MeaDwh bile, John had safely regained
the raft, and found, as he had feared, that
the fire was out. Again he took the flint
and finder, and WAS rejoiced VIXEN the
first spark fell and he saw a little tongue
OF flame appear. Satisfied that this
time there would be no failure, lie hur
riedly slid into the water and started to-
wards his companion. He had gone but a
few yards when he turned TO look at the
slocp. What was that he saw? The face
OF man peeriDg over tie rail. Had he
been discovered? He quickly sank and
swain under the water as long as his breath
would permit, and when lie rose again to
the surface the IA oe had disappeared.
It'll go this time" he said as he re-
Joined his friend, and they started for
the shore. Quickly putting Oh their cloth
Ing as sooD as they arrived, they ran to-
wards their cover, and Just as they ar
rived shout went up that sounded above
the noise Of the guns. They turned and
looked toward the sloop. A long tongue
OF flame was shooting up over the bow
II ran along the bowsprit, it spread over
the Rigging and climbed the broken
mast. Again shout arose frum the men
Oh shore. The crew Of the sloop were
taking their wounded and dead, and in
their yawls were starting Tor Staten
Island.
Nota gun was firing now, for none would
The morning times., 1896-06-28

| one company for fireworks. and / was
! shown one check for Sl1, 900, which was
| given fer q similar but more extensive
| display at the centennial of Washington's
| Inauguration, April so, 1859. Paris and
London have alway s been exceedingly Law
| ish in this regard. AS early as 697 $50, 600
were spent in L. ndon on fireworks to cele-
brate the peace of Ryswick. In 1914 an
| even larger amount was spent to celebrate
| in st. James Park the Tooth anniversary
| of the reigning family; and at Crystal Pal
ace. where fireworks are frequent. three
| tons of quick match are sometimes let OFF
in single evening.
But boys may invent many original and
inexpensive devices to add to their Fourth
| Of July pleasures. All sorts of things. for
instance. may be attached to parachutes
and balloons; notes and letters addressed
To possible finders; comic figures Of birds,
beasts. fish CT men may also be easily at
tsched. and whole strings of lanterns may
be fastened to a balloon.
Mr.. Beard, in his hand book for Amer
ican boys, tells how to make simple,
safe and beautiful pyrotechnic out OF a
piece OF wire and fuse.
"The fuse can be bought in almost any
city or town. With the wire make a
sort of wheel with two or three spoIes.
Cut open the Roman candle, and ex-
tract the powder and balls; wrap up
each ball with some powder loosely in
piece of tissue paper, and tie the paper
at the ends upon the spokes of the wheel.
Run the fuse spirally around, passing it
through each parcel containing ball, and
allow the long end of the fuse to trail
down beneath from the center or side.
To the rim of the wire wheel attach
several wires Of equal lengths and hooked
ends. Hook these on to the piece at
the mouth of the balloon just before letting
1T go, and light the railing end Of the
fuse. AS the fire creeps slowly along,
the balloon mounts higher and higher.
Suddenly the whole balloon glows with a
red lurid glare. The fire has reached
the first ball. In another instant you see
a floating globe OF pale green light, then
blue. and so on until all the balls are con-
sumed. A shower Of bright golden sparks
and other beautiful effects accompany this
simple device"
The morning times., 1896-06-28
HOnie-Made Gifts.

suddenly he had collapsed. The doctors
had ordered him carried out of the con-
, fusion TO the nearest place of refrge,
which proved to be Mrs. Larkin's cottag :
and there for wpeksh remained. Shecould
not let him 60 back TO his own desolat..
rooms, even had he been strong enough
to be moved. He had been badly kicked
and his brain had been injured by his
fall, SO the complications made recovery
slow.
Mrs. Warren had to be spared the anxiety
OF knowing his real condi,i IN, for her hus-
bands illness would not permit her lpay-
iEg him: SO in the humble home OF the
Larkins Frank WAS nursei back to health
nursed by rough but tender hands. Mrs.
Larkin directed the care, but Ned and
John executed most OF it. John saw Ned
from an entirely new point of view, and
with the larger knowledge came deep re-
spect and admiration. His own superb
cial polish seemed vulgar beside Ned's
honest plainness. He watched him per-
forming the little menial offices OF the
home and OF the sick room, and his heart
was thrilled with pride in the manlness
of the noble fellow. Ned dignffied the
homliest. duties by his care and thorough.
ness and kept the home sweet with his
hearty cheerfulness.
John begged to be taken into the already
crowded home and to share its burdens
and no complaint OF the cramped and in
convenient living escaped his lips. He
was happier than he had ever been in his
life, for the companionship Of Ned was
tne sweetest and most strengthening IN
fluence he had ever known.
1t was at the close of vacation when
Frank was brought to school for the frs:
time since his illness. He came to at
tend the monthly exercises. when the as.
seinbiy nall was crowded with a full at
tendance. There was greeting from ey-
cry side as the different classes filed by
him. and at the close of the exercises the
prin cipal remarked that althoug the
penuant hung on the wall OF another high
school this year, he was satisfied that Red
wood had retrieved It's full losses in the re.
covery of Frank Warren.
The applause that met his words had
hardly subsidized when John sprang to his
feet and up the steps of the platform.
MIR. CALDWELL he said, in a. trembling
tone, ~ owe you all a statement. 1 lost
the pennant for you. II we had followed.
Ned Larkin's training OF previous years
the banner would be hanging on our wall
But tried the tricks and schemes that
he scorned. laughed at his rigorous
discipline. and spoiled the boys. To-
morrow Frank and 60 home. but before
we go want to have the chance to raise
my voice In the good old Redwood cry.
with three cheers adt Ned Larkin, the
noblest fellow In the league"
The color rose TO his face as he led
the cry. and he hurried down the hallway
to avoid further display Of feeling.
The impressiveness OF the impulse went
through the room and the noise subsided
into painful quiet. Thexray-haired principal
rose from his seatsa1Gw unsteady voice
said:
Boys, have been IN school al my
iife, but this year Is the most memorable
in my experience. You have decorated
the school with trophy much more pre-
cious than a piece OF painted satin that
tells OF victory IN the field-you have made
man.
The morning times., 1896-06-28

y
hold their attention on this side,. and I
don't think they'll be on the lockout for
Danger Tom the sound Somebody must try
1t, and will you be the ones?"
My mother told me not TO be shot in the
back" said Joseph, with a strange choking
in his throat ''Ir IL must be done, we may
as well try asany one. What do you say,
John?"
We'll try it, said John, quietly. "But
1 was wondering whether the raft the
boys use for grabbing wouldn't be better
than skiff. It's right up the shore here
and we could stay in the water and
push it. That would be some protection"
The very thing said the captain,
quickly. SHOW us where it is.''
3 John led the way, and the raft was
soon equipped for the perilous attempt.
A mass OF combustib!e material was piled
upon IL and several short planks placed
across the stern to serve as a protection
to the boys, who were to swim out with
it. Throwing aside their clothing, they
at once pushed out into the water, wadiDg
as far as possible, and then they began
to swim.
Its desperate chance,'' said the or
deriy when the boys disappeared.
Il know it, replied the captain, "but
1t had to be done. Tn CAD it's so dark.
and now we'll have to work to hold the
attention OF the sloop to this side,- and
ht hdstthtu odCh " Ills men.
AMERICAN COURAGE
Meanwhile the boys were swimming
and quickly pushed the strange craft be-
fore them. They had started at quite a
distance above the sloop and the out
going tide was OF great service
They're warming up on Shore whis-
pered Joseph little later, as the noise
of the guns increased.
Yes, and there's the sloop right ahead,-
replied John, as the roar and flash of a
cannon came over the water "She's facing
US and pulling at her anchor
Slowly and with increased care now,
they guided the raft toward the bow
1t was, the time OF greatest danger and
the boys were almost breathless. Would
they be seen by the men on the sloop?
John thought OF his mother, aud a pic
ture OF his home rose before him. Would he
ever see it again?
There was no time for such thoughts,
however, as they were right under the
bow now. John climbed on board the
raft and grasped the heavy cable. The
rushing tide made the craft swing around,
until her stern was against the side OF the
sloop. 1t was the very position he desired,
and thus far they had not been discovered.
He made the raft fast to the cable and
then took his flint and tinder. His hands
treiuDieu So tudb ue scdFceiy cOulu use tnein
Again and again he struck the flint, but no
sparks came. or else fell harmless. What
could be the trouble? Could he be heard?
Sumnoning all his courage, again, he made
the trial and this time the spark fell and
caught. Quickly then the boys slid from
the raft, and with strong, yet quick strokes,
SWAIN off As soon as the cover OF the dark
ness had been gained they paused and
waited for the blaze. But the flash OF, the
guns was tfe only light that appeared. An
other minute passed, and another, and still
no blaze was seen. Was something wrong?
"You wait; pm going back" whispered
John, and before his friend could remon-
strate he was gone. Joseph w3ited in
The morning times., 1896-06-28

his ready intuition suggested. He was
only twelve when he begged to lift the
heavy irons for her, and it was not long
till she found he could use them almost as
successfully and far more easily than
she. The years had enlarged his range OF
capabilities, and now he was almost man
eiC!teen-and nearly ready for his part in
life.
mo college for me- he would say; "at
least until I've earned it. Pm ready to
take my turn at supporting the family as
soon as get nay high school sheepskin."
The years at school had been steady.
growing delight to him. He was the ac-
knowledged champion in the athletic sports.
and this distinction satisfied him. Each
year at school was a new giftto him, and he
priced il with the conscious thrill of joy
unknown to boys to whom schooling was a
birthright. For time he was manager OF
the athletics, and though eventually his
out-of-schOol duties prevented him from
holding the office, the games were practical
ly under his direction. His discipline had
beenrigorous, and success had seldom failed.
1t became badge of moral distinction to
be on one of the Redwood teams for they
were the self-controlled. temperate, nom
smoking boys-and invariably the boys of
good standing in school work.
III.
1t was the advent OF the warrens that
had changed the policy of the team. These
two brothers had come from wealthy
Western home to prepare for college at Red
wood when their fathers illness made
necessary their mothers constant at
tendance in his travels, and they were an
element that brought charm as well as
destruction. The girls were captivated
by their manners and their fine clothes,
and the boys fell under their influence
differently, but quite as effectually. They
had come from home Of luxury and indul
gence, and self-restraint in any form was
unknown to them. They entered the ath-
letic lists with fresh vigor and John, the
elder, soon became captain of the footbull
eleven.
He had seen enough college games to
give points to Camp, he said, and he knew
enough tricks to wipe any foe off the field.
In spite OF Ned Larkin's protests the
tricks were exploited inst cad OF the
subtleties Of honest playing. and the first
game had been sacrificed. But when Ned
left the group the defeated party had
been invited to a consolation spread
in the Warrens' rooms, and the general
merriment OF the evening minimized the
seriousness OF defeat and made old time
preiudices appear in new colors.
I'VE didn't seem to work the right
lodges this time," John said, but we
maven Q etied tnem all YET, anu wen
spring some new ones next time"
There had been endless feasting when
John threw himself in a big arm chair and
languidly lit cigarette.
Don't be afraid to smoke, boys; it's a
mans business to drown cares in the dusky
rings" he said, grandiloquently. Nov
IL our friend, Mr.. Larkin, were here ont of
respect for the principles we'd dispense
with the weed, but I tell you from experience
there's no Letbe like good cigarette"
With this tribute to his mythology he
looked around for his following; as the
boys hesitated he went on.
Tits all very wen to cut yourself off
from the pleasures Of life; but tell yen
The morning times., 1896-06-28
The High -aD
School
g@--Pc Pcnnant.
BY AGNES A. ROGERS.

(Copyrighted. 1896, by s. s. Mcclure Coz
"Tllere he goes! Hurrah, boysl The
touchdown of the Redwoodsi One. two,
three, hip, hip, hOoray! Epi kuroo, kurai,
kura-y, Redwood" sang out the lender
of Gro wd of tiny boys as the hero OF the
Saturday football game went down the
long plank walk TO the high school.
He was a stolid. unheroic locking fell
low. his heavy shoulders bent with the
pile of books thrown over them at the
end of a strap. and his perfectly i'm
mobile face in no way answering to the
ovation. He had purposely made an
early start to school this Monday morn
ing to avoid the encomiums OF his school,
mates along tile way. and this unexpected
testimonial from tile little boys II the gram
mar school brought him none of the keen
pleasure they intended.
Il wonder II those little chaps would like
to know W the sort OF fellow they are cheer
ing" lie mused. Il don't believe even
the smallest would yell for u boy that let
his mother carry great. teavy baske:
of clothes to the city while he was be. ing
carried on the shoulders Of the crowd"
His spirits were pelessly low. The
fact that he had wen the Redwood game
was small c, mpe Isation for his neglect To
reach ht me III time 10 carry his mothers
work to the city. II was relief to get
inside the building and swing the grea door
u
study-hail bat the suppressed whispers
were all OF the Saturday game.
W1ti yCu dare me 20 Corgratulate him.
Eirls"' cried enc OF them. I'm not afraid
of him ir he is afraid of girls
AS lie drt pped his hooks ON the desk
opposite her she said ehthusia stically: "Oh.
Mr.. Larkin. that was fine! The remnant
VIII sdreiy be ours! Ian Inr,lly wait these
few weeks. II only there was something
girls could do To help you on! Girls and
W. men always have TO stand outside when
the big thingsc me. They can'tdo anything
at Tall. and we Just must have the pernani."
Yes he said calmly, "it would he
I. ugh to lose 1t rev; bnt we don't do any
thing with wtmen- and girls" he added.
and let her standing aghast.
Girls. Ned Larkin's turned gallant
she said as she went back t. the crowd
he talks like Il cavalier cf the age of
cbVairy. You'd never pick him out rs
the defender Of our sex. but eIieye the,
is the next ehampi. "ship hr's in fer
The words did indeed fall strange from
Ned Larkin's lips. He had never shown
the least interest in the so-caIied social
side or his school life. For the first threc
years he had scarcely walked up TO the
'act tndt there was n social SIDE and
now ms fourth and last year found him
not only aware of it, but keeDiy scnsi
i've TO his unfitness for it. The new
sprit that was dominating the school
aihietics had established social canons
or which Redwood .boys hitherto had
never heard Ned had never before
realized that the fact that his widowed
mother was ,ailoress who worked long
days and nights to educate him was nor
me big1est passport to social promi-
hence had he chosen to present it. he
was sure that il meant sacrifice and
The morning times., 1896-06-28
Firing 81
@-The=e
Ship
Ship
BY EVERETT T. ToMLINsON.
Author of Three Colonial Boys" etc.
Copyright. 1860

At the very time, late on July A, 1875,
| the Continental Congress ut Philadelphia
| was struggling with the Declaration of
| Independence, another assembly at
| Elizabeth Town Point was also strug-
| cling with the men who had planned to
| former is well known today, but the deeds
of the others are forgotten. although the
! early records inform us that theirs was
the first celebration of the new nation.
On July 2, Howe began to land his forces
ON Staten Island. This already was a
refuge OF the Tories, and when Howe's men
began to arrive from Halifax. whittier they
had gone when they evacuated Boston,
the alarm had spread along the Jersey
shore for all feared an invasion.
Men and boys had answered the call,
and now on the evening of this famous
Fourth were stationed behind the cover,
which hastily had been thrown up near
the point and were engaged in fierce
contest with one of the enemy's sloops
OF fourteen guns, which had come to
anchor there with the evident intention
of destroying the defense and scattering
the minute men Nor did the task ap-
pear to be difficult oDe, for the rude
earth works were weak and the men
were raw and inexperienced. small
body of Capt. Neils artillery with two
tweIve-pound cannon, however. We're pres
ent and on these the five hundred men
placed their main reliance.
CAPT. NEIL's REQUEST.
The contest had been going on for half
hour now, and so skiilfully had the cannon
been handled that the mast and rigging
Of the soop had been shot away, and she
was unable to Withdraw. Many or her men
also had fallen, while but few OF the Con
tinentals had been harmed. Bit Capt Nell
fully realized how desperate tie conditions
were, however, for at any moment sbme OF
Howe's war vessels, hearing the sounds Of
the engagement, might ccme around from
the other side of the island. and II they did
the contest would soon be brought to "A
close.
capt. Neil wants To see you" said an
orderly to John Shotwell and Joseph Swan.
two boys OF seventeen. who la taken their
places with the men.
What does lie WANT" inquired John.
Il don't know. Come and he'll tell you
himself
The boys took their guns, and. following
the orderly, soon stood before Capt Neil,
whose grimy appearance resembied their
own
Are you the boys who went over to
Staten Island yesterday and fired at the
regulars?'' asked the captain.
Yes replied Joseph. I'VE were out in
our skiff AMI fired iust to let them know
all the Jerseynen were no: asleep But |
when lot OF regulars came running out |
OF the. woods we made off in a hurry"
''Twas a foolish piece OF work Don't |
try I again And yet il showed you had |
Some qualities want to use right away. |
! want to set fire 10 this sloop II We don't |
help will come to them from the island "
The boys were silent. waiting for him
to explain. 1t certainly would he des-
The morning times., 1896-06-28

perate venture Even
while lie was spea X
ing q cannon belcGed.
and the reports of
many muskets fol-
lowed. Hpw could
they sci fire to the
: slo,p i'll the face of
sucll dangers? Johns
heart was beating
rapidly and Joseph
was trembling in his
excitement.
II want TO fill n
skiff with stuff that
will burn, and come
up To The slcop with
il on Tie other side.
Make The skiff fast,
set fire 10 the skiff
and then swim off.
You can both swim,
can't you?" said the
captain.
Yes replied John.
But The prospect was
friEhtful.
How could they ap-
proach the 81, Op with
out being seen? And
il they were, IL would
mean Tie DEATH OF
both.
"Iknow il looks des-
peraie,' said tie cap
tain, leading their
The morning times., 1896-06-28
As She Is Spoken

Fond Mother-Come here, you dirty boy.
and let me brush your pants Off.
Fond Father-Wouidn't you Just as lief
brush the dust off instead. my dear, and
leave the pants on him?
Fond Mother-Alind your own business.
smarty.-New York World.
The morning times., 1896-06-28

Nota gun was firing no W. for none would
The morning times., 1896-06-28

privation for her,
but he was equally
Sure that ii enDobled
both of them. He
eagerly longed for
the time when he
could take the bur-
den from her Shout
ders. but she was so
confident that edu.
cation would he q
big stock in trade
for him that he de-
cided TO he patient
till his course was
finished. They had
taken a cottage in
the shadow of the
great university. and
b er advertisement
among the students
for Clothing TO clean
and mend bad brought
her enough work to
fill up her evenings
and add many com
forts To the little
home. Her faith in
Ned never wavered
and her hope in
him made every care
sweet.
Hes as helpful as
q GIRL she often
thought as she saw
him doing the things