davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

R OONLIGHT upon Stow Lake at
 N U Golden Gate Park. Moonlight
 MI upon the fair surface of the Pa
 cific Ocean, which, seen in the A'A distance, Is bright as great shield of silver thrown down to renect the star-sprinkled sky. It is quite late and the last merry boating party has gone home and the lake is deserted. Deserted? What is that which attracts the attention of MT. Ohnimus, the keeper of the boats? There is a reach of water on either hand as he stands and gazes over the lake. To the le1t, as he faces toward the south, there IS dimly seen an arched bridge not very far away From the shadows that cluster thickly around the bridge slow ly there emerges something white and glimmering, and at the same time the lake boatman hears the measured cadence of oars.
 Looking about the float that fronts the boathouse, MT. Ohnimus counts his boats and finds that none are missing. Whose boat, then, is this and how did it ever get upon Stow Lake without his knowledge or consent? A thought flashes over him that the Park Com missioners will inquire into this. Be fore he can have a second thought upon the subject he hears the sweetest music that has ever pleased his ears Stand ing and listening he hears gay laughter,
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

to this change he happened to swim among some fish who made comments upon his appearance; whereupon his vanity was so touched, he declared he was not fish, but Sam Parker.
 This caused the water to ripple and the fish had to laugh. Hearing this large fish swan up and asked hlm to desist, saying:
 If you ever were Sam Parker, you are only fish now. So do not excite ridicule by boasting without founda- tion.'
 Sam was so pleased with this logic that he determined to make friend or the fish. and learning he was going to the coast of Brazil, asked permission to accompany him, which was granted.
 By taking advantage of favorable currents they were able to visit many places of interest.
 ''The way to manage" explained his friend, lis to take time and be exact about your bearings Now l have actu- ally known fish who were so careless they would get into currents that car ried them quite out of their course, and others who swan to such a depth they could not live in any other wa ters. Then again some fish like shal- low water. There Is no accounting for taste"
 Sam being of scientific turn found much of interest Taking advantage of a chance to visit Manila, he swan around Dewey's fleet and also explored some of the narrow channels and la goons. But hearing firing from the shore, and narrowly. escaping being caught by Spanish fishermen, he left for America, where the spell was broken These adventures being of such an improbable nature. he has not told his friends about them, and when they ask him where he went and what happened to him, he only grins.
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27
THE SECRET
 FRANK KEPT

T HERE was a crash that sounded
 through the house, and mamma
 ran to see what the matter was.
 A moment later she reappeared A leading by the chubby little right hand the pet of the family, little Frank, aged 3. Tears were running down the face of the curly headed little prattler, and there was a look in his bright eyes that told that he knew he had been in mischief His white dress was streaked with ugly black marks, and there were suspicious stains of black upon both Of his hands He was steered without de- lay, as the sailors might say, straight for the washbowl A little soap and water took the black stains from his hands, but left the dress marked up in memory of his accident and his mis- chief.
 What were you doing, Frankie?" asked the fond mamma
 "O-o-o-h, ink all spill and baby get all black; dess all dir-r-r-ty."
 "But what were you doing with the ink?" persisted mamma.
 You love me, don't %, mammal"
 'Yes, I love you, but tell mamma what you were doing with the ink?"
 Won't do so any more, mamma
 Sure you will leave the ink alone as mamma told you?'
 "Des, mamma, I'll be dood all the
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

1t Little Boy Blue had to be awakened to blow his horn three times before Jack would come down to join the others in their merrymaking.
 One old woman-the one who used to live in a shoe and had so many chil- dren that she didn't know what to do -came in a boat that nearly sank while crossing the lake, her crowd of chil- dren filling 1t so full that it was very hard work for the old woman to find room to move the oars enough to row.
 Pretty soon the entire queer party surrounded the boatman and clasping hands, danced around him and sang all about "Lon5on bridge is falling down. and followed this up with Ring a. round a-rosy, pocket full of posy" and when they came to the part where "al1 fall down. down they pumped, so cunning and so charming that the boatman could not but shout bravo" in sign of approval.
 That was the very worst thing that he could do. The whole throng van- ished like magic and he saw them no more.
 But this was not the end of the mat ter. Several days later, still puzzled over what he had seen and not quite sure but that he had been dreaming, MT. Ohnimus walked to the top of Strawberry Hill Something that glis- tened in the grass beside the path caught his watchful eyes. He bent oyer and picked it up; and what do you think it wa:? Why. it was a piece of glass, shaped just like the toe of &he smallest and daintiest slipper ina gin able Now if that was not a piece of during her flight from the lake what was 1t? That is a question which the children must answer, for I confess that it is too hard for me.
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

which indicates that another boat of mysterious origin is coming from the opposite direction. Another and an- other-and now it is clear to him that at least a score of boats are upon the lake.
 The first of the number Is now near the float, and in another minute the oc- cupants of it are ready to land. They are the queerest people that ever have been seen in the park. First there stepped ashore a little girl who led by long blue ribbon snowy lamb, which bleats with evident joy, now that its voyage is over.
 'Let it go, Mary" says a gentle voice and before the bOatman can in terfere the lamb is nipping the well kept turf about the margin of the lake.
 ''Ha, ha, ha,' sounds a faint little voice.
 The next instant the air vibrates to the sound of a silvery horn. At this the lamb looks up little bit alarmed, but when it notices that the owner of the horn is a very small and sleepy lad, who is dressed in blue, it goes to eating once more.
 Wake up, wake up, Little Boy Blue" calls out a later arrival, who wears hood of red, and who is known at once as Red Riding Hood She looks cau- tiously about to make sure that there are no wolves in the park then she gives her attention to a dainty little lady who is just alighting from beau tiful little carriage that has come un- noticed along the carriage drive to the edge of the boathouse As she steps to the ground being assisted by brave little prince, whose raiment Is glisten- ing with diamonds and other rare gems, a moonbeam touches her dainty slip pers, and behold, they are of glass! Cinderella stands there truly.
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

just as we'll if he did. He could not pry open my hard stone, and you know my stem and leaves were hidden in there. One of the boys carried me to the orchard just as I was sprouting and planted me beside you"
 Just then a tomato plant called over the fence: I never expected to grow up either, for while I was still in a green tomato a chicken came along and began picking at the tomato She ate up some of my mates, but there were so many of us she did not get to me. The tomato ripened just the same and was carried into the house. but was so badly pecked that it would not do for the table. The kind lady took us seeds out and laid us away until spring. It was fortunate that we were not left on the ground as you were, wasn't It? for we had no strong covering like you to protect us from the birds and the weather"
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

time"
 But what happened. Frank?"
 "O-o-oh, big, big sing with ink fell all over and ink all spilled and Ise sorry, mamma"
 But what made you touch the ink when mamma told you not to touch it?''
 ''Das a secret, mamma"
 Who knows about it?"
 Sandy Caws and me.
 Were you writing a letter to Santa Claus?"
 'Des, mamma"
 And what did you want him to do?" rum down chimmy and bing sings, trane, and lot-big, big lot canny, big big dolly, cart, nice lttie dunn; Kismus tee, big apple, nice new dess, new soos, all sose nice sings" (things).
 What do you want Santa Claus to bring you?"
 "Das a secret, mamma"
 And you will not tell any one what you want except Santa C1aus?"
 No, mamma"
 "Well, I guess that you want Santa Claus to come down the chimney and bring you a train and a lot of candy and a big dolly and cart and little
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27
THE TALK OF
 THE GARDEN.

~ ONE trees and plants were one \ day having a little talk together,
 and telling their experiences. The } chestnut tree, which was the larg- " est and oldest, said:
 Little did l think l should live to grow so large and wave my branches over the heads of boys and girls as they gathered my fruit in the autumn, for while I was still a green chestnut III my prickly burr squirrels tried to pry into my house; but the prickles were so sharp they gave up in despair. Soon Jack Frost came and I rattled onto the ground. Then I expected to be picked up and roasted, but winter found me still lying there. The snow kept me warm until spring; then it began to rain, and I swelled up so my outer coat burst and my little stem appeared. It looked like a tail I had kept it hidden in my shell during the cold weather. How glad I was when some boys picked me up and planted me. The. soil was just what I needed to make me grow, and here I am, a great big tree"
 The cherry tree standing near said: "I was afraid I never should live to grow into a ripe cherry. At first I was as green and unpalatable as you can imagine The robins and cedar birds flew into my tree every day, they were so impatient for me to ripen. The robin pecked at me, but I was so green and bitter that he flew away and stayed until I was red and juicy. Then I did not care If he did have a good meal of me, for I knew I could grow
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27
MY UNCLE FRANK.
By LAF SMITH, SAN FRANCISCO.

~ NE rainy day Uncle Frank told us a story. "I was on a gum boat in the Mississippi River O during the Civil War; he said, with Confederates all around us. There was a high levee along the bank, and they got behind that to shoot at us. One day my cousin Archie and I went to burn up one of their houses We left a boat at the bank and started for the house.
 '.I left Archie behind tree and crept forward alone. I found that there were about one hundred men in it. Just as I was about to light match one Of the men came out I shot at him and then ran toward the boat with all the other men following me. l barely es- caped and had to leave Archie behind.
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

Stella said, You shall not gor With her lips a-quiver; Mabel. turning, murmured low To the needless river, Saying faintly, "If you stay We will tease you never; On the hill, in happy play,
 We can run forever! Dearest child! I could not speak, But l gently kissed her. Then I kissed the rosy cheek Of her loving sister. When at last I needs must start, My departure taking, Well I know each tender heart Swelled to almost breaking. And alas, I walk to-day
 Lone and sorrow laden; Mid the mountains far away Dwells each little maiden. What to me Ambitious calli What the sordid gold! Gladly would I give my all
 For one song of old! Take thy harp, o elf of Time! Sound the chords of yore. Let that dulcet music chime With my heart once more!
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27
THE YOUNG JOKERS.

After the Correction: Papa-Now, Johnny, have whipped you only for your own good. I believe I have only done my duty. Tell me truly, what do. you think yourself?
 Johnny-If I should tell you what I think you'd give me another whipping
 Mamma-Johnny, see that you give Ethel the lions share of that orange.
 Johnny-Yes, ma.
 Ethel-Mamma, he hasn't given me any.
 Johnny-Well, that's all right. Lions don't eat oranges.-Tit-Bits
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

TO the Future. strange and dark,
 Doth Life's river flow;
 In it's stream the goodly bark Of the long ago. Now to me in memory
 Comes another shore, Where the waves beat cheerily On a day of yore. Spirit of vanished hour! Thou art with me yet! Faded through each early flower 1 cannot forget I had closed the schoolroom door When my task was done, Feeling, while my work was OCT, It had just begun. AS I walked with dropping head Thinking of the day, Two small pupils, running, said, Let us go and play" Happy thought my dreaming fledi Clasping hand in hand Forth we went. with airy tread, To the rivers strand. Skipping, dancing, up and down The merry children flew Mabel dear, with orbs of brown, Blue-eyed Stella, too.
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

drum and Christmas tree, big apple and a nice flew dress and a pair of new shoes and some more nice things"
 'Des, mamma
 But all the day long, until the curly head went to his daily nap, he would stop at times and say that his letter to Santa Claus was a secret" and he would not tell any one, not even mamma, what Santa Claus was going to bring him; no, he wouldn't even tell mamma
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

He ran to the house, after they had all gone. He set fire to the building and then went on to the river, and there found two Confederates who were try ing to take the mail across. He cap tured the mail and the boat; and that was the last of that adventure"
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

My sisters takin' music lessons" |" said little Mamie to a neighboring play mate, aged 4. My sisters takin' sum- fin on ze piano." replied the other, but I tan't tell whezzer it's moosic or type writin'."
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

Swift I ran along the sand
 The children hurried after; All around that sunny land
 Rang the joyous laughter. Roundabout I turn, and send
 My pupils in a furry; Yet, before l may descend,
 Off again they scurry. "Ah! I have you now, at last!'' ''No, you are mistakenp' Four small arms are round me cast l myself am taken. Down they bore me to the ground, Nor would 1 have risen; It were pleasure to be bound In so fair prison! Sitting there they prattled long Of this and that grave(?) matter. (Sweeter far than any song
 Was that guileless chatter) But as thus the dear ones spoke In their infant gladness Surging thoughts within me broke Like wave of sadness. And I said in careless way,
 "I go home to-nlDrrow.' Ger those faces bright and gay Came a cloud of sorrow.
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27
AN ODD PRESENT.
BY MARGARET BYRNE.

N Rebecca's ninth birthday her aunt Rebecca gave her a present
 I think you would never guess } what it was, so I will tell you
 It was yarn, wooden yarn enough knit a pair of stockings. This was
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

Papa-You saw that big boy whipping the little one, and you didn't interfere? Suppose you had been that little boy? Bobbie-I- did think of that. an was going to part em, but then I happened I left 'em alone
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

Then the Winds laughed softly Der them
 And the fern-fronds, waving, smiled, For the child was a flower of nature
 And the flower was Gods little child!
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

Don't you think you have a good mamma to spread such nice, large slices of bread with jam for your" asked little Etheps grandma. "Oh, I don't know" replied the little miss. Shed be a heap sight gooder if she'd let me spread the jam myself''
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

to see the world. His boy friends thought him fortunate. But this shows how little they really knew about Sam. The fact is, while out fishing one. day he was changed into a fish by a wicked fairy, and after swimming about in the lim- Did waters of the Truckee he was frozen into the ice, which was later cut into blocks and sent to different places. The one in which Sam was enclosed found it's way to a coast steamer, where the fish was cast overheard.
 From this instant Sans adventures began. For when he came to look around he knew he was in the Pacific Ocean. It was a very different place from Truckee River, and the swell was so strong he was forced to swim quite lively. Before he became accustomed
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27
TWO CHILDREN.
BY ETHEL MAUOE CoLsON.

BY tI 1EL MEUUt LULOON. One day when the sun was shining And the sky was a perfect L-ue, little maid walked in a valley, Where a sweet wild violet grew. And the little maid, signing whispered, Were I but a blossom wild While the violet breathed, with it's sweet
 perfume,
 NOW if I were a little childi''
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27
QUEER STORY
 OF THE OCEAN
By ALMA s, BEMENDERFER.

Y Y ' HEN Sam Parker disappear N ed from Clideville the older " v people said he had run away
 \ to see the world His boy
The San Francisco call., 1898-11-27

: Neither in life, :. Neitherin in death, : Shall ye go forth forever ] So they began to fear that one
The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1898-07-16

died.ib Boston. New Workers thought
they had literary centre. and perhaps
il i fair to say. in spite Of the New
England proteststions. that by some
such means tn, primacy has passed
from Boston, even II it has not passed to
New York. The fact seems to be that
Boston has outgrown that peculiar liter
cry consciousness which once distin-
guished it from all other large towns.
Mr.. Howells finds the New York claim
to resolve iteeif into the facts that there
abide the majority Of authors and jour
palsis, and that so many OF the great
pu blithiug houses are in operation
there. But be adds: If these things
do not mean great literary centre, it
would be hard to say what does; and ]
au not going to try for reason against
such facts. 1t is not quality that is
wanting. but perhaps it is the quantity
Of the quality; there is leaven, but not
for SO large lump. 1t may be that
New York is going to be our literary
The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1898-07-16

Died ut his residence 10 this city on
Tuesday, July IL, Mr.. John McMarigal,
agek g. years. q resident Of Lincoln
since 1869.
Died at his residecc e in this city Mr.
Kent K. Hayden, aged ~ years. Of an
overdose Of chloroform.
Died on Wednesday. July ID. Mr..
James c. OSwdery. father Of Ex-Sscre-
tary Of STATE B. F. Cowdery. at the resi-
dence OF his eon. He was born at Nee.
ca. G and spent the greater part Of his
life in his native state. He was seventy
six years old.
Died 10 National City. Cal, at the
home Of his son Merritt. Rev. N. F.
Plstt. father OF A. e. and H. c. Platte
Of this city. Mr.. Plat was one Of the
elIly residents OF Lincoln. He was we'll
known in Congregational church circles,
having BEEN an active worker for about
The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1898-07-16

IDEKCE or THE BRITISH CONSUL a
centre, as London is the literary centr
Of England, by gathering into itself all
our writing talent. but it has by no
means done this yet
In fact. I doubt il anywhere in the
world there was ever 80 much taste
and feeling for literature as there was in
that Boston. At Edinburgh las / ina.
CINE III there was large and distin-
guished literary class, end at Weimar
there was q cultivated Court circle; but
10 Boston there WAS not only such .
group Of authors as We shall hardly see
here again fer hundreds OF years, but
there was such regard for them and
their calling. not only in good society,
but among the extremely we'll read peo-
pie Of the whole intelligent city. as hard
Iy another community has shown. New
York. I am quite sure. never vas such Q
centre, and see GO signs that it ever
viii be. !, does not influence the liter
allure OF the hole country as Boston
once did through writer's whom all the
yout z writer's Wit he'd to resemble; it dues
not give lie Law, and it does not inspire
the love that literary Boston inspired.
There ia no ideal that it represents
The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1898-07-16

twenty yeare in Nebraska. He came
here from Iowa, having resided for
many years near Pacific junction before
coming to this state. He was seventy.
five years OF age.
Died on Sunday, July 10, ut bis resi-.
dsnce in this city Mr.. A. H. Menden-
hall Baving been i'll for many weeks
he lost his balance while looking into
his cistern. fell in and vas drowned.
Died in South Omaha on Sunday.
July 10 Miss Grace White, former
university student. The remaios were
buried in Plattsmouth.
Died in Lincoln on July II. Of apo
The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1898-07-16

Fate has awarded strangely incon-
eruous fame to the peaceful little town
OF Santiago. which has been Numbering
90 long in the sunny southern coast OF
Cuba. The scene Of the first encounter
Of American troops with the soldiers OF
Spain lie spot OF characteristic tropical
beauty. With wooded hills surrounding
the placid wstere Of the hsrbor. and q
typically lazy village resting at the head
Of the bay. Hsrper's Weekly has &C.
cured charming photograph OF a view
OF the town and hsrbor from one OF the
neighboring height a reproduction OF
his picture is attractive feature OF the
July Issue.
The warm discu ssion wh ch Mr..
Hovells has excited by his letters on
!. American L literary Centres he's been
productive OF mary gocc- natured With
CLAIMS. Mr. Aldrich once noticed. ii il
remembered, that whenever 40 author
The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1898-07-16
LITERARY NOTES.

Among the attractive illust' ated fea-
lures OF the July Midland Monthly are
'5Oth Iowa at Camp Cuba Libre, Jack
sonville. EXT Gov. Carpenter" by John.
sthan p. Deliver, N. c., Gen. Fitzhugh
Lee" O.born w. Deigusn," the Midland
hero OF the Merrimac. Midland Pho
tographers." and Irish Churches" by
Mrs. Hattie Wallace Aehby.
With five German wartbips facing
Admiral Deweyis feet at Manila and the
intentions OF the Ger nan Kaiser still 4
mstter Of some doubt. the leading arti-
Gle presented in The Cosmopolitan for
July will be read with interest. The for
ty-six portraits and poses OF the Empor-
or William which illustrate the article
ars in themselves an extraordinary
exhibit. They might be de-.
scribed % The Evolution Of an EN-.
pcrer thown by forty -six human docu-
The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1898-07-16

pIexy. Mr.. B. F. Wood Of thie city. He
was fifty four years OF age. He leaves q
widow and two daughters; Mrs. II.
H. Branch and Miss Bebe Wood.
Died on Thurdsy. July IA. at bis resi-
dence. LAG P street, Mr.. Joseph Brown.
The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1898-07-16

eANfiAGO DE CUBA IRON THE ~
menta" Undoubtedly 30 large number
OF portraits were never before gathered
together Of any royal and imperial per
sonaee.