davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

Impossible" was the answer. "W by
do you speak of that?"
Because yesterday she confided to me
her desire to go there and look for ame-
thysts-"thys.' she called them," re-
piled, recalling the words which made no
impression on me at the time, notwith-
standing the earnestness with which they
bad been spoken.
"Oh, 1 Icannot think she has gone there I"
said Julia.
1 rode on. I decided to go straight to
the mountain, which rose picturesquely
before me mile away.
1 had been there many times during my
visit in Sanford. 1t was a place lovely in
itself, but particularly noted for the
beauty OF the quartz crystals found there,
and once in a while somebody had been
lucky enough to find small amethysts. /
had been thus fortunate, and the find had
been discussed with animation before
Nib few days previously.
Down the road l went slowly, examin-
ing every inch of the way for the sign
that little feet had gone in that direction.
Poor luck had, for the road was deep
with dust and 1 could gain no hint OF the
small wanderer.
With curious construction In the
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

Nezzar was Newfoundland dog. a year
old. He had been named Nebuchadnez-
zar, but the formidable appellation had
been clipped to its present proportions.
We soon found that the dogs rope had
been cut-cut very iaggedly, too. as if little
fingers had found it hard work.
''Nezzar will take care of her," said,
confidently.
The sun was getting low in the sky. The
nearest house was nearly half a mile away.
OF course Nib had gone down to Farmer
Bray's. She had run away there more
than once since had been ct uncIe,s.
1 offered to go down and see if she were
not there, while Julia began her second
search over the home premises. The end
of both searches was that Nib was not
found, and nothing was heard of her.
No wonder that Julis's face was pallid
and anxious. felt an ugly pulling at my
own heart-strings.
l went TO the stable and saddled the old
farm. horse. There was go in the beast yet,
and knew he could take me much faster
than my own legs could do it.
When had gone dozen yards pulled
up and turned back. There was Julia
standing looking at me. as if he. gaze
could outstrip me and find the child.
do you think she would try to 20 to
Knuck-up MountainP' 1 asked.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

throat l recalled just how her chubby,
fat arms had felt when she had thrown
them around my neck in one of her ''hug-
ging fits" as she termed them.
The sun was setting in a blaze of gold
when / reached the foot of the mountain.
had met two men, but they had seen
nothing of the child. They Immediately
turned and offered to help, and each
started to ascend the mountain in differ
en- directions.
Very soon the way became too rough
for the horse, and dismounted and tied
him to tree. By this time it was dusk,
and l found myself fancying every dark
object was the child for whom l was
looking.
1t was the night of full moon. In a
few minutes it would be lighter; but l
could not stand still and wait. l kept
groping about, falling over sticks and run
ming my head against branches. Then
would stop and shout Mib's name, givin g
it its full sound, until the woods rang with
mabel Crew." l called Nezzar, but no
answering bark came back to me. You
may believe it was weary work.
remem bered that, two years ago, a
bear had been seen on the mountain, and
he had not been killed. Where was he
now?
Save my pocket-knife. I had not brought
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
ARE LITTLE GIRLS STRONGER THAN LITTLE BOYS7

and now the end of August had come and
in two more days 1 must be off.
This was the thought in my mind as I
lay on the grass in the yard before my
uncle's house in Sanford.
l had thrown down the book I had been
reading and was looking listlesslv about
me and feeling sorry that / must so soon
"mount and go"-literally mount and go,
for was in cavalry regiment of the reg
ular army.
There was real swarm of boys and
girls at my uncle's-eight of them, rang
ing from the oldest, girl of 20, down to
Nib" VINO was not yet4
Nib, a black-eyed little midget, into
every sort of mischief and always coming
out triumphant, was my pet 1 had car
ried her miles-in front of me on my gray
horse-and we had had ''such good
times" as she herself confessed. l should
miss Nib and her winsome. teasing ways.
/ was barely % myself that summer,
though, of course, L felt old and very
wise.
Thinking of the little girl, and hearing
a shriIl shrieking of hens and chickens in
the hen-yard. l bethought me / would go
and see what new trick she had invented
to perform for the benefit of the fowls.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

black mass was bear, lying over on his
side in a comfortable way and evidently
sleeping.
Not yet could 1 see Nib, but could see
Nezzar, who was lying within few inches
OF the bear, and who now saw me, l knew.
for could distinguish his glittering eyes
l saw slight movement of his tail.
And now he moaned again. He could
not get up; he was helpless. 1 knew in
stantly that he had fought the animal
that he might protect the child. The
bear had disabled him, no doubt. Where
was Mib2 was sure the dog had gone
away with her.
l dared not speak, 1 hardly dared to
breathe, for fear of rousing the bear be-
fore had decided upon some action.
Had l absolutely no weapon2 With
what almost insane longing thought OF
the rifle which was standing behind the
door in the back entry of the house had
left few hours before
1 had in my pocket stout iackknife.
The next moment the knife was in my
hand, and l had begun noiselessly to
climb up on the fiat rocK.
BY the time | was standing upright, my
eager gaze saw sight which almost un-
nerved me.
There, close to the bear-so close that
the fluffy light hair mingled with the
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
A Plea for the Little Ones.

Give the little children fowersl
Fill their dimpled handsI Who knows
What dreams of heaven may come to them
With every glowing rose?
Dreams of the land they left for US
Perchanee the blossoms bring,
That lie like fallen stars on the breast
OF Mother Eartn in spring.
Give the little children fowersl
Tis their birthright thus to share
With butterfly and bee the wealth
OF blossoms everywhere.
Theirs the cherished garden treasure,
Theirs the wild flowers beekoning gay
In the sunny fields or On the hills
Where little footsteps stray.
There are roses rare and stately,
Lilies children may not touch;
Many choice and curious blossoms,
Tempting little fingers much;
But where's the child who doesn't learn
That at his joyous tread
The gay and golden poppy smiles
And daisy mods her head?
Free and blithe our hillside poppies
And the garden daisies call,
Pink and white and gold they beckon,
Welcome, children, one and alp:
But, oh, the little reaching hands
And feet that may not stray
rum tuC ClOMuGu CITY CDuEL6 ana streets
To gather flowers to-day!
Give these little children flowers,
For from Paradise the twain
Came 10 gladden. human hearts, we know,
To tighten toll and pain.
Fill their dimpled hands uplifted
For the blossoms, fair as they'll
In this land of flowers and sunshine
Let them think tits always May.
ELLA NJ. SEXTON.
[The above lines were suggest ted by the long
ing looks children cast at flowers in the park
and the disappointm tment they show when theil
poor mothers tell them NO" and point to the
sign, do not pluck the flowers" Surely. in
this land of summer there might be flower.
planted for them. Flowers free for these chill
dren of the courts and narrow streets; daisies
geraniums, marguerites and poppies, that the
dear little ones so fondly love- f. Nj. SEXTON.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

had hardly risen to my feet when
Julia, the eldest. came rounding round
the corner of the house.
Mark" she exclaimed, breathlessly,
'isn't- Nip with you? I've just missed
her,"
From the sound" replied, placidly,
Il should say she was In the hen-coopI"
But Julia could not smile. She had
been anxiously looking for her little sister
for a few minutes past. She and l and
the little one were all that had been left
at home through the whole day.
In another moment we had assured our
selves that Nib was not with the hens,
and now began a thorough search, which
ended in failure. Not in the yard, or
house, or garden!
What shall do2" cried Julia, clasping
her hands; land father and mother not
coming home until tomorrow! Nib may
be thousand miles away by this time ~
1 did not reply to this exaggerated
speech. 1 was standing by the brick
smokehouse. near which was a dog-ken-
mel. Suddenly my eyes became liked on
the kennel.
"Nezzar is gone, tooP' said.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

any kind of weapon with me. / tried to
smile at the bear story, as had smiled
when l had heard it; but l could not.
At last l leaned against tree-rrunk and
waited patiently as possible until the
moonlight made the place less dark. 1t
was not thick wood, and there were
many clearings.
On, on went shouting often, and hear
ing only an echo in response. could not
get rid of the convict ion that the little girl
had come after amethysts, but when had
been toiling until midnight / began to
feel how hopeless was the task OF explor-
ing the mountain, but could not give
it up.
had long since passed the spot where
the crystals were found most frequently; /;
but what would such baby know about
looking in certain place?
Spent with my rapid climbing in the
sultry air threw myself down in an open
space. / was nearly on top of the noun
tain. Below me at the right were a
couple of deserted huts of charcoal-hurn-
ers. l could just discern them now as the
moonlight glimmered among the trees.
Near me there dashed along over its
stony bed a shallow stream. I was lust
telling myself that it was 100 shallow for
even baby to be drowned in it wien I
heard sound that did not seem the
murmur of the water or the rustling of
the leaves. 1 was on my feet In an in
slant and listening with strained senses.
Was it a sob or a moan?
l flung up my hand with boyish i'm
patience at the forest sounds which came
between me and what 1 was trying to
hear. l shouted the dogs name again.
thinking if he were near he would be
more likely to make some sig n than would
Nib.
Surely that was a moan that came to
me on the wings of that sorrowful August
windl
l bent forward brea athlessly. eager to
hear again, that l might know more
surely which way to go. But only the
wind and the night sounds were now au-
dib!e. l did not hesitate longer, but
turned and hurried up toward the top.
On the very summit / knew was an open
spot, almost completely covered by a
huge fiat rock.
In few moments was in position to
look across that open space, which was
illuminated by the bright moonlight until
small objects were visible.
at the farthest edge of the fat rock
lay dark heap of something, which at
first glance presented only confused
mass tc me. Then my pulses seemed all
accumulated with choking power in my
throat, for, as the outlines beca me
palmer, could not doubt that the largest
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
Shos-Strl& Canay.

Carol is a sweet little girl. She is my
friend. We are camping with our folks in
the mountains. One daT last week Carols
auntie gave her nickel. We thought
we'd like some shoe-string candy. There
are no stores near our camping place, so
we had to 60 to the little town. Carol
went into the country store and said:
PLEASE give me nickers worth of shoe
strings" Then the man brought out
great bunch of cotton shoe strings, say
ing: "AlI these for a nickel" Carol
laughed and cried: "Oh, how funny! l
meant shoe-string candyV The man
looked as if he thought she was funny
little girl, as he handed her a bunch of
hcorice strings. ALMA NJ. SMITH.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

dark, coarse hair of the animal-lay little
Nib, and 1 saw the streaks of blood on
her face and that her linen frock was dab
bled with it.
No light beneath those closed eyelids;
they were shut fast. One little hand,
doubled into tiny fist, lay on the big,
ugly paw.
From the moment had begun to come
nearer, Nezzar had made no sound; he
lay with his bright eyes fixed upon me.
had gained my breath now. and 1 did
not hesitate. In an instant 1 had leaped
forward and was at the bears throat, and
my knife was stuck deep into his side.
de made no movement. My foot slipped
In hollow of the rock, and l went down
on my hands ana knees. / had not been
where l could see the animals head, or
could have seen In that light the stark
look that was upon the face, though the
position had been so very natural. The
bear was already dead. turned imme-
diately to the child, but before L could
reach her she was sitting upright and star
ing at me wonderingN.
could not speak nor move, the reaction
was so great; but she had no such gigantic
emotions to contend against.
Awful time % she said. with a conse-
quential air. ''Nezzar fight horrid."
And now l saw that the blood had run
from the bears throat where the dogs
teeth had severed the life vein.
caught up Nib with trembling hands,
and was soon assured that she was only
scratched by brambles. Then, all of a sud-
den, felt furiously angry with her. Why
had the mite made us all suffer so? And
that dog--,he noble fellow!
set Nib rather forcibly down on the
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

rock. and gave my whole thought 10 Nez-
zar. He was badly hurt. l had very lit
tie hope of b life then. l did what l
could to make him comfortable, then L
took Mibi in my arms and dashed down
the mountain toward where the horse
was tied.
1t was not long before was riding into
Uncle Crews yard. Nib shrisked with
terror at the pace with which she went;
but, satisfied of her safety, could think
only of the dog lying up there on the
mountain.
The whole family, save the father and
mother. were summoned by the sound OF
the rife which fired. They were look
ing in a frantic way in different direc-
tions.
Julia was the first to come. and deliv
cred over Nib to her, and then hurriedly
began putting the horse into the wagon
which was under the shed.
Before be was harnessed. the eldest boy,
Frank. came, and we rode up the mount
ain. We went as far as we could with the
cart. Never was any human form carried
more tenderly than we carried Nezzar
down to the cart.
Yes, he lived. I think there were tears
in my eyes as 1 met his large, bright,
pathetic glance when we lifted him up.
1t hurt him to be moved, but he bore it.
He was laid on little cot in the kitchen,
surgeon was sent fer and for six weeks
the dog was cared for with unremitting
tenderness and vigilance.
a month or more after l rejoined my
regiment Julia wrote to me:
Nezzar is out again. One of his front legs
will always be stiff; but you may believe We
have cried for joy to see him run across the
piazza. Nib doesn't much care, however.
There's nothing so heartless ss childhood.
Did you know she found an amethyst that
timer 1t was in her little pocket when you
brought her home. am going TO have ii cut
and polished to put in ring for you.-Golden
DAYS.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
OH HOW JOLLY.

is a school girl larger. at recess that any
other timer
Imagine also. if you can, her thoughts
as to what possible answer the mem bers
of the c. R. c. would find to such a
conundrum and her doubts as TO their be-
ing able at all to answer so weighty a
question. 1t is pretty hard, however, to
find any kind of a puzzle which the c. R.
c. boys and girls cannot solve. and so it
has proved in this case, for during the
week there came in the mail of the edltress
the made-over conundrum and its answer,
aud here it is: why is a school girl larger
at recess than at any other timer" An
swer: Because sheis let out then"
Now, who do you suppose the bright
member of c. R. c. was who furnished so
good an answer to the made-over conun-
drum? Why, 1 think l hear dozen OF
you exclaim, MAX SeIig, of course!"
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
Ma8s-01sY CononaY0m.

Childhood's Realm is not exempt from
the mistakes of the compositor.
For the Puzzle Department of last SUM-
day the following conundrum was con-
tribu.ed by Miss c. Edison, one of the
members of the c. r. c.: "Wny is school
yard larger at recess than at any other
timer" the answer being. Because there
are more feet in it them"
Imagine the CONSERVATION of the edit
ress of Childhood's Realm upon finding
this conundrum published in the follow
ing form on last Sunday morning: why
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
". Place three skies together so as to make
seven.
Selected. LIZZIE NJ WIENKE &C. R. CT
' Bed
Selected.

Selected. IDA WIGHTMAN &c. R. CT
VI. Hidden Birds.
Ia Ruth rushed to the rescue
(b) was at the show last week.
(c) The brook was very deep.
Original. R. o. LINCOLN &C. R. C.).
VII. (a) Behead an interesting game, and
nave boys name
(b) Behead pet name, and have an organ
of the body.
(c) Behead luminous heavenly body, and
have a resinous body.
Original. RETHA WALDAU &C. R C.(.
VIII. Aa, ee, gg h, i, Il, m. nnn 5000, rr ssss,
tt. The above letters when properly arranged
form maxim Of six words.
RUBY HAMBURGER &c. r. C.(.
TX Addition.
(d) An animal + to dine equals sauce.
(b) Precise + a flower equals a flower
(c) A mother + to make request equals
figured cloth.
(d) An animal + relatives equals kind Of
flower.
(e) Relatives I q short sleep equals to steal.
Original GRACE LoH &c. R. C.).
". Anagrams and definitions.
(d) Strong lion share almost gone-A
maxim. Selected. FRED ANTHEs &c. R. C.).
(b) "Won half the new worlds glory''-A
great poet
(c) "Flit on, cheering angel" A noble
woman.
(O "Go7ern nice quiet land"-A great
ruler. Selected.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

GERTRUDE.
Dear Edtress: We are: harvesting now and
will be through in few days,
go in swimming almost every day and
have a good deal of fun.
have little baby brother months old.
and he is as cute as he can be.
am IL years old and am in the sixth grade
We have school only in winter here SO 1 have
long vacation.
We are going TO have large crop of fruit
this year; the apple trees are loaded with
fruit.
was up in the mountains the other day and
saw great many snow plants
All around our house are beautiful flowers
OF all kinds. Think flowers are very nice.
My father has three ranches-one where we
live, another five miles away and another
about six miles away.
remain your constant reader,
WILLIE CROOKS &C. R. CO..
BAY FARM ISLAND.
Dear Editress: This is my first letter to THE
CALL. AS 1 have not seen any letters from
here 1 thought / would write one lam 10
years old and in the fourth grade in school,. 1
ride TO school in a wagon. 1 20 to the Wilson
School in Alameda.
like to read the Sunday CALL yery much
and my mother has taken your paper from the
time she was little girl and wouldn't have
any other in the house. Your constant reader,
NELLIE BURNS.
SANTA CRUZ
Dear Editress: This is my first letter to The
CALL hope TO see it in print. My father has
taken The CALL for many years ard we ali
enjoy it, love to read the children's page
very much.
First lived in Stanislaus County. It is a
year now that have lived in Santa Cruz. 1
like Santa Cruz better. because it has nice
beach and beautiful gardens with flowers all
summer and winter.
NY mother is going TO take me to Europe
next month and we are going 10 have The
CALL sent to US Your constant reader,
GILDA Z. CANALE.
PATENT BRICK YARD, June 13, 1897.
Dear Edftress: l I'M a little boy years old.
have two dogs and three ducks for my pets
go to the Dixie School and am in the fourth
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
san FRANCISCO.

Dear Editress. I hope you viii think my
letter worthy of your kind consideration.
take great pleasure in reading Childhood's
Realm and hope soon TO become member OF
your club. During vacation think shall be
in the country.
1 have two dear little puppies. One named
Alvin, after the gentleman who gave him TO
us, and the other is still without name. We
also have for pets Tabby, the cat, and three
BIRDS Alabama, Susie and Emily.
remain your interested re ader,
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
MILL VALLEY, June Is. 1897.

MILL VALLEY, June 10, 1897.
Dear Editress: have always wished to write
to THE CALL and at last am doing it. go to
the Mill Valley school. think it is one OF
the best schools in California. 1 like my
te acher very much. am 8 years old and Will
be promoted to the fourth grade. l have
little kitty which I taught to jump the second
day had her. Your affectionate friend,
IRENE COFFIN.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

ALI members of c. r. G. should wear
the club badge. By sending so cents to
editress. with 2-cent stamp for postage,
you will become the proud possessor of
this pretty silver pin.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
GMRa18eS Recst1ss.

Weeklies:
1-Harper's Round Table.
youths Companion.
3-Goldon Days.
Monthlies:
1-Kindergarten News.
2-Donahoe's Magazine.
3-"Our Little Ones and the Nursery"
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

l. My is in seethe, but not in boil;
My is in dirt, but not in soil
My is in withe, but not in reed;
My is in string, but not in bead;
My is in 10y, but not in girl;
My is in bang, but not in curl.
My whole is a greet electrician.
HARTLEY JACKSON &C. R. C.).
II. Diamonds.
1. A letter in alert.
2. A short poem.
3. A boys name.
4. An organ of the body.
5. A letter in alert
Original. EDGAR RANDALL &c. R., ,C.l.
III. 1. A letter in late.
3 The whole.
g. A girls name.
4. Frozen water
5. A letter in late.
Original. OLGA MEYER &C. R. C.l.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

Dear Editress: I received my badge safely
and am delighted with it. wear it 10 school
My classmates all admire it very much and
are anxious TO join our club so they can rear
one also. 1 attend the Mission Grammar
School and expect to be honorary. My
teachers name is Miss Horn and 1 love her
dearly. am very grateful to you for publish
ing my puzz and shall soon send in another
one. Your friend, EVA NJ. BoLGER &C. R.C).
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
MARY ALvES,
MARY RODGERS.
GREAr WEsrERN. LAKE CnrrNrY

Dear EditreSs: 1 thought I would write you
letter. 1 am Is years old and am in the
eighth grade. L have large white rabbit
named Scrub and a dog, Jack. 1 also have a
hen with ten little chickens. We have very
pleasant weather up here now. Ny brother
and went fishing the other day, put we only
caught very small fish. Yours truly,
JENNIE MCC AFGHAN
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

VIII. Cevennes. e es).
TX (u) TOnsured, roundest, unsorted and
uns ored.
(b) Max Selig.
" (a) Mistake.
(b) To Pekin peek in)
(c) Because the bed don't come to you.
(d) Because she speaks often Q0) of them.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20

grade. My father has taken THE CALL for
twenty years. AS this is my first letter hope
it will escape the wastebasket Your little
reader. ALFRED ANDERSON.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
COLUMBIA.

Dear Editress: We thought we would write
another letter letting you know that we are
staying with our auntie. We have had nice
time this week. We wish all the little readers
OF THE CALL were up here to have fine time
with US. The town OF Sonora was beautifully
decorated for the convention of theNative
Daughters. They had two arches. One looked
very much like marble. Your friends,
MARY ALvEs,
MARY RODGERS
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
LEMooRE.

Dear Editress: have not written to you for
long time. have just coma home from a
trip up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at
Angels Camp, Calaveras County, near which
place we have reia tives living. We were gone
a month. There were thirteen in the party
had fine time, as there were other girls
about my own age in the company Your
faithful reader, FLoY HAYS.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
SolVers.
Gorrespondents' Column

For June g, from Beckie Heino.
For June 6, from Jennie Tuily, 1.
The San Francisco call., 1897-06-20
IRENE CAMPBE
SEDAN.

Dear EditreSs: Ny papa takes The CALL and
read the letters from other children. 1 trap
squirrels for papa and he gives me one cent
apiece. 1t is vacation now and am having
lots OF fun. 1 hope 1 shall see this in THE
CALL. Your little friend. ETHER KELLEY.
2. S.-What shall have to do TO join the C.
R, e. ana get badge? ETHER KELLEY.