davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
TOMMY SPlNK'S EARS.

Tommy Sphinx was boy
Who brought bushels OF Joy
To the hearts in the sleepy old school
But twas not his fine looks
Nor his likilg for books,
For he stooa a. the foot, as a rule.
But Tommy was blest
Above all OF the rest
Whom knew IN those jubuant years
For in some funny way.
But just how l can't say.
He was able 20 wtggle his ears.
The lazy old clock
Would be dreaming, 'tlck-tock."
And the room quite as still as a mouse,
When some one of the crowd
Would dare smoker out loud
And arouse all the rest in the house.
Then the teachers command
Would be Hold out your hand"
And some one would shed a few tears
Aud all just because.
Spurning Natures set laws,
Tommy Sphinx chose to wiggle his ears.
His scalp. so he said.
Was too big for his head
And he rolled 1t about as he willed,
While his ears, to and fro.
SO grotesquely would go,
You would laugh though you knew you'd
be killed.
And to this very day,
When my skies are gray,
There IS one recollection that cheers,
AS ! think, with SMILE
With what innocent guile
Tommy Sphinx used 10 wiggle his ears.
Oh, the years have been long
Since I left the glad throng
l loved in those happier days;
They have passed frommy view
All those friends whom knew
And are threading life's devious ways
All is fading, l find,
Yet with pleasure my mind
To that one youthful picture adheres,
And from out the dim past
I'll recall to the last
How Tommy Sphinx wiggled his ears
Nixon Waterman. in L. A. w. Bulletin.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09

10 years. fashionably dressed, evidently
of good position and palpable refine
ment. Her pretty, fresh face, revealing
itself TO Mr.. Johnson's astonished eyes
from beneath the ravishments OF q
much beflowered picture hat, seemed
strangely out Of keeping with the
dingy color Of the little lobby.
"Oh-er-ye are Mr.. William john
son?" she said.
"Yes," answered Mr.. johnson.
"You-er you-lend money don
your"
"Yes," said Mr.. Johnson again.
I'll want 10 borrow some money"
she said, looking out Of half-averted
eyes at the money lender.
Mr.. Johnson's first impulse was TO
stretch out his hand for one or the ap-
plication forms which stood ready In a
small box on the counter. But upon
reflection he lifted the swinging shelf
and asked his new client TO step inside.
when she had passed into the>oflice he
closed the door and joined her and from
sheer force OF habit he restored the
Quill pen TO his mouth. The girl saw
the resemblance TO the abstraeted
poodle, and a smile rippled over her
face. Mr.. Johnson did not observe 1T
he indicated chair at the side OF his
desk and when the girl had taken 1t he
resumed his own seat and looked at
her.
"What amount did you wish to bor-
row, ma'am? ?" said Mr.. johnson.
"0h-ah-well, & 30"
"Now-" said Mr.. johnson. 81 sup
pose you could furnish good security y
81 thought that you--it says In your
advertisement, you know, that you,
lend money on borrowers note OF hand
alone-I think that's how it's put, isn't
it?-and no inquiries. and no securities
isn't that it?"
''To approved borrowers-yeA," an
swered Mr.. johnson.
"ohl" said the girl "Ohi Then
you"
1--WE don't lend money without Sc
curity," said Mr.. johnson. "Of course,
II we know the party, and know that
It's all right and safe. why, Of course,
In that case"
IL sec," said the girl" "Yes-of
course, you don't know anything about
me. How silly OF me! ] thought one
had Just TO come and get the money
and sign a paper or something"
The girl looked up from her parasol,
with which she had been tracing i'm
uRinary patterns on the floor.
Perhaps I'd better tell you nll about
IT," she said. or course. you won't tell
anybody, VIII yon2"
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09

him TO me alivej for men say he is the
bravest warrior in Persia, and would
fain see him with my own eyes"
This sudden charge of fresh and Wig
orous troops upon men exhausted with
long day of hard fighting was quite
irresistible.
The Persians gave way on all sides;
the sacred standard Of the shah was
trampled in the dust and the few who
still strove TO hold their ground were
overwhelmed by numbers.
The whole field was in a whirl Of flight
and pursuit, and only In one spot, where
n solitary clump OF palm trees broke the
gray, unending level Of the boundless
plain, a clamor Of shouts and clashing
weapons showed that resistance had
not yet wholly ceased.
Beneath those trees, with his back
against the largest trunk, stood tall,
noble-looking man, in the prime of life,
with large black eyes, which flashed as
fercely as the sword that played like
lightning amid the wild faces and toss
,ing arms Of his swarming enemies.
More than one broken arrow head was
sticking In his breast plate; the silver
| buclsler on his left arm was hacked and
| dented, as IL by the blows OF n sledge
hammer; his armor was dyed red with
more than one wound.
| But he still held his ground unfiinch-
ingly, striking right and left with the
strength Of giant, and never once IN
| vain.
Bgt such fight was too unequal tc
last. The brave mans arm began tc
| wax weary, his strength to fail. Closer
and closer TO him CLEANED the mercilesi
| spear heads, and In another moment
| all would have been over when sudden
| ly u powerful voice broke through the
din Of the fray:
| "Hold your hands. brothersl per
chance this may be the man whom the
commander of the faithful bade us
sparel"
The Arabs made way for the new
conner (who was no other than the cap
tain Of the caliph's gunrd) and h,
looked keenly at the hard-pressed maj
for the signs by which the famous
satrap was TO be distinguished. But h'
looked in vain. The strangers cloal
was gone, and his helmet 80 battered
and stained that the keenest eye coult
not have told the color OF It's metal.
| "Persanp cried the captain, al
length, art thou IIarmosan, the satraI
OF Yezd? ~ so, our swords have nc
edge against thee. II thou wilt but yielt
to the caliph's mercy"
But the Persian answered only witl
blow, which, had It hit its mark, would
have ended the captains wars once foI
all. A gigantic Yemenee rushed for
ward only TO fall dead beneatbunothcI
OF those Irresistible strokes; but nov
the Pcrsian's sword snapped close t.
the hilt, and he was left dcfcnsclcss.
1--WE have him nowl" shouted the cap
tain. "Scize him and bind him fast!"
| Despite the strangers trcmendou
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
TWO SUNBEAMS.

Straight through 4 easement, open wide,
A sunbeam found its way,
And down upon the cottage floor
a shaft OF brightness lay.
Sent from the gay. glad outer world,
A messenger apart,
1t glorified the humble room.
And chcered the matron's heart
1t coaaxed the little one from play.
And mocked. with true delight,
The vain attempts OF baby hands
To grasp the lance Of light
Catch Il you can" It seemed to say.
I'D willing captive be"
And danced before the wondering eyes
To the tune of baby glee-
Bright shone the littIe golden head
As Il fitted here and there,
As though the sun itself had lent
OF its shining store a share
And mother caught her darling up.
In the midst OF his fruitless chase,
And showered kisses, warm and soft,
On the pretty baby face
You cannot catch the sunshine.
Though you followed the wide world
through;
You're mothers little sunbeam. dear.
And she has caught you. too!
Two sunbeams have In my home:
Dark would It be. and drear
without the bright ray on the floor.
And the bright face shining herel
God owns the sunlight but He gave
This precious beam 10 mother
Content am I to call one mine
And entertain the ether"
Straight through the easement. open wide,
The sunbeam crGpt away.
And twilight shadows. stealing through,
Foretold the end OF day
The outer world IN darkness lay,
But mothers heart was light,
For a golden head and a baby face
Kept home forever bright.
Ella Randall. in Golden Days
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09

} struggles, he was overpowercd by mum
bers, and securely bound. But TO al
/ the taunts of his captors he deigned not
word of reply. and maintained the
same stern silence, even when he was
dragged into the presence of the caliph
I himself.
As he listened to the recital OF his
prisoners exploits, Omar eyed him with
q look Of grim approval; and the cap
tive, in his turn, surveyed with equal
admiration this prince of the desert.
who, master as he was, of nine powerful
Kingdoms, was sitting cross-legged up
on the bare ground, in a rough cloak of
came's hair, and supping on handful
of dates and parched corn.
: "Knowest thou" said Omar, at
length, with a stern look, what fate
awaits him who hath shed the blood Of
the faithful?"
81 have fought for my country" an
swered the prisoner. 81 am in thy pow
er, and ask no mercy. Let the fate that
awaits me be what it may, it is all one
to me-"
Omar's eyes sparkled; for, brave as a
lion himself, he loved nothing better
than brave man. whether friend or
foe.
"Methinks there is but one man in
Persianhosi who could speak to me so"
cried he. "Art thou Harmosan, the
satrap of Yezd?"
81 am" replied the Persian, drawing
himself up proudly. 81 would not tell
my nsme in the battle, lest it should
seem that l did so because thou hadst
hidden thy men spare me, but it mat
ters little who knows il now. am Har-
mosan, the soldier of Persia, and thine
enemy!"
Even the fierce Arabs around him
smiled approvlngly at the fearless
words, and more than one voice was
heard 10 mutter:
This is a bold fellow, and worthy to
be one of the faithful! Pity that he
must diet"
Persian" said Omar, 81 may not give
thee thy life; but to show how the
prophets followers honor courage, any
other request thou canst make is
granted before it is uttered!"
"Giye me a cup of water, them" an
swered Harmosan; "for since this days
fight began, my thirst hast not been
quenched."
Omar nodded, and black slave
brought forward large silver cup,
filled to the brim with clear, sparkling
water; but, instead of drinking, the
prisoner held it doubtfully in his hand.
"What now, friend? ?" cried the caliph,
impatiently. "If thou fearest treach-
cry, be easy; for pledge thee my word
that none shall harm thee till thou hast
drank that water"
Quick as lightning, Harmosan dashed
the cup TO the ground and said. with a
mocking smile:
"Bid thy men, then, gather up that
water from the sand; for, by thine own
pledge 1 am safe till drink It'll"
There was a moment OF amazed ST.
lence, and then the outwitted Arabs
rushed at him with a savage yell; but
high above the uproar was heard the
voice Of Omar:
"a caliph's word Is sacred, my chill
dren. Bring the brave Persian another
cup of water, and as l once bade him
drink and die, SO now bid him drink
and live. e."-Golden Days.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
!; THE CALIPH'S CUP
! OF WATER
BY David Kerr


THE sun was setting red and sullen-
ly over a battlefield in western
Asia, upon which two great armies had
been contending since daybreak.
Barely Is years had elapsed since the
death Of Mohammed, and already the
strong arms and sharp swords of his
soldier disciples had spread the faith of
Islam through every land from Syria to
Morocco, and now the turn of Persia
had come at last
The native warriors fought as stout
ly as men could do; but they were
matched with men who had never met
their equal in war.
Caliph Omar, wiping his heated
face with the sleeve of his robe, watched
keenly the giving away, little by little,
of the pointed Persian helmets before
the white Arab turbans, and hurled up
on the wavering enemy, just at the de-
cisiye moment, the thousand picked
men whom he had hitherto held in re-
serve.
Fight bravely, my sons!" was his
last charge to them; 'for God Himself
fights for you. But should ye meet with
a Persian chief wearing lion-skin
cloak and gold-inlaid helmet, whose
name is Harmosan, the satrap (gov-
ernor) of Yezd, kill him not, but bring
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
LItfIe Cnurteniea.

There is often something luminous
about a childs definition. Every Amer
lean will agree with the little lad in
q board school in England who in an
examination on Scripture subjects gave
an original answer to the question:
"What can you tell me about Moses"
"Please, sir, he was gentleman" re
piled the little fellow.
"A gentleman!" repeated the In
spector. "What do you mean by thatP"
"Please, sir, when the daughters OF
Jethro went to the well TO draw VS.
ter, the shepherds came and drove then
away, and Moses helped the daughters
of Jethro and said to the shepherds:
Ladies first, please, gentlemen -
Youth'S Communion
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
. naanaful sncfior

Missouri Traveler-ThIs is q famous
sectIon for feuds, l understand?
Natiye-No more peaceful parts any,
where than right here. No feuds here.
Every things us pleasant as pie
"But how about the Billington-Wel-
ungton feud?"
"Over long ago. I'm Ellington"
"Indeedl | haven't met any OF the
Wellingtons."
"No, nor you won't. The feud In
over."-N. Y. Weekly.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
on,,,,,,ea hi. sharp-ronsued wife.

An Englishman of Lymington had
the misfortune to live in a continuous
Quarrel with his wife, who was modern
xantippe, and threatened, in case she
survived him, to dance over his grave.
1t was her lot to outlive him, but IL
was not so easy TO carry out her threat.
The husband had the precaution TO
make an injunction in his will requir-
ing his body to be buried In the sea
near his residence and without cere-
mony. The injunction was complied
wlth.-Chicago Chronicle.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09

The billionaire's little son wept Bit
terly.
"Why is this?" asked the fond fa-
ther.
"He wants the moon, SIR" the nurse
explained.
"He viii have TO wait until can get
him the earth. ."--Cincinnati Enquirer.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
, For Nothing Per Cent.

THE house in which Mr.. William
Johnson carried on the business OF
money lender and financial agent was
in no way different from those sur
rounding it save that the downstairs
front window bore the legend Loan
Office" in large black letters on a white
ground. n quiet, orderly, middle-aged
man was Mr.. johnson, and people who
met him in the street and did not know
him would have taken him for anything
rather than a man who put out his
money to usury.
Certainly there was nothing of the
Shylock about him as he sat one spring
morning in his dingy office over a much
thumbed account book. He was a tall,
spare, loosely-built man, with pale
face and a thin, struggling crop of
beard and whislers that always looked
as if it had grown in patches. Usually,
when he was not talking to his clients,
.he carried a quill pen in his mouth;
there was something in this habit tbat
gave him the appearance of an abb
stracted poodle carrying stick.
J Mr.. johnson was deeply engrossed in
! the consideration of a certain entry in
y is account book when the door OF the
loan office opened very suddenly and
set the bell ringing with sharp dis
sonance. lie heard a light step In the
little lobby, which was partitioned off
from the rest of the room. For a mo-
ment he did not answer the summons of
the bell-it was never wise TO be in too
much haste to welcome callers. But
presently he rose and opened the door,
the quill pen still retaining its hori-
Zontal position in his mouth. He lifted
his eyes carelessly from the little swing
counter to the person who stood behind
it. He was not easily surprised, for he
had seen many strange things in his
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
The Good-Nntured business Man.

Blessings on the head of the good
natured business man. He does more
good than n missionary. So many
business men are cross and unreason-
able that good-natured one has a
start that is very valuable.-Atchison
Globe
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09

mo more late hours, remember, Mr..
Grimshaw," concluded the eminent spe-
.ialist. mo more cigars; no more
small bottles"
"H'm!" replied Grimshaw, in non
committal way. "Good-day, doctor"
pardon me-" said the physician,
suavely; "but the--ah--fee-fo my ad-
Vice IS ten dollars"
every likely 1t is worth that amount
but as | have concluded not to take IT,
of course l owe you nothing" And
he departed, leaving the eminent spe-
cialist entirely without language ap-
propriate for the emergency - Illus
trntcd American.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
Easily Accomplished. d.

"Dld you ever have any trouble in
getting out OF town." asked the friend
TO whom Mr. Stormington Barnes was
relating his thcatric experiences.
"None whatever" was the answer.
"1he towns we played were 10 small
that all we had to do was to walk two
or three blocks. Washington Star.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
Opposed 10 Expansion

"Are you an expansionist MT
Scadds2" asked young Mr.. Hunker'
who felt bound TO talk to the old gen
tleman while he waited for Miss Scadds
to descend to the parlor.
"No, | am an anti-exponsionist," re-
Piled Mr.. Scadds. "My family Is quite
as large now as care 10 have it."-De-
troit Free Press
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09

"Young man." said the long-haired
passenger to the stranger in the oppo-
Site seat, who was on very intimate
terms with a pocket flask, don't you
know that if you persist in drinking
you will never be able TO get ahead in
the world2"
/ 81 won't, eh ?" replied the thirsty in
dividual. "Well, old man, that's where
your trolley jumps the wire. You
may be long on hair, but you're shor,
on knowledge. Won't get a head, won't
I? Bet you a dollar to stale dough
nut I'll get head by tomorrow morn.
ing bigger than barrel."--Chicagc
Daily News.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
lie Mnsn,t Iirepnred.

"Would you advise me to take an
ocean trip, doctor?" asked the invalid.
NO" was the reply; 81 think a
series OF mud baths would benefit you
more"
But, DOCTOR" said the sick man, in
tones that savored Of hopclessness and
despair, 81 can't afford to go into poll
ticg."-Chicapo Record.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09

TIM BRANIGAN'S
s&.s COURTSHlP
BY B. W. Claiming
BY B. W. Charming

DRANNIGAN carried ice for the Syl-
d van Spring lee company. He was
goodly young fellow, standing
six feet one in his stockings, with
a counteuance deeply bronzcd by
weather, out of which his wide
blue eyes laughed INCREASINGLY His
flannel shirt, open a little at the
base of the strong, round throat, and
his broad felt hat, indented with a YER
teal Denver poke" gave him cow
bow effect. He was perfectly cOgnizant
Of this, and traded on it with the maids
at the various houses on his beat, before
whom he staggered not little, drop
ping hints of western past, Etrewn
with Indian scalps.
"And was you ever there, now, Mr..
Brannigan?" one of them once asked
him, and he answered, ambiguously:
cav, an if I hadn't a-been, how
would get the wownd on me crown? ?"
"What wownd on your crown? Go
on!"
I'll show it ye if yen step over
here"
Brannigan bent his FURNISHED curls,
and pretty Norah stretched on tiptoe
to meet them. But just as the two
heads reached one level, the hero lifted
his own quickly and kissed The fresh
colored face that looked so intently at
him
"Shure, the situation was that con
vaynient, I cudden't help it," he urged,
fleeing to the door with a smart cuff
ringing In his ears.
But he was to learn that there was
type Of womanhood demanding more
deferential approach.
The first time he saw Alma was on a
hot afternoon in August, when she had
just come down from Nova Scotia, and
was feeling the atmosphere of the South
end oppressive.
Her mother, who kept q boarding
house, and had combined with that re-
sponsibility the care of a shiftless sec
ond husband and his two small boys,
had written 10 Halifax that Alma was
needed Alma was q slender, dark
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
standing Up for the Animal,

According to the witnesses" said
the police jus c, "the man called you
vile names and you paid no attention
TO him, but when he spoke to the mon
key you picked upa brick and knocked
him down"
"Yessa," replied the organ-grinder'
ole tell de monk 1t looka like me-
Chicago Tribune.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
Roundcd Ii safely.

Mrs. Gwilliams-I heard you tell Mr..
Stint to come around at lunch time
downto tomorrow and you would
have a hot-scotch What LIS q hot
scotch, dear?
Mr.. Gwilliams-Cooked oatmeal, my
dear.-Chicago Tribune.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
WHY He wanted the Ducats.

Old Mr. Cashly Oo his private secre-
tary) $50 you want an advance In your
salary, eh? Why, I'm sure I've always
tried TO be liberal with you.
Mr.. Call know It, siri but your
daughter and have agreed 70 get mar
ried, and | want to support her decent
ly-Iarlem Life
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
Hrndr for settlement.

"That Harltin. will case which has
pccn In the courts for several years
will soon be settled now" said Lawyer
IIabeas.
ayes" asscntcd Lawyer Corpus, 81
understand the property is about all
ponc. Ohio State journal.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
I.uotIHticnI.

"The trouble with him." said the
young man who had been trying 20 fit
.ingIy describe an acquaintance, "is
that when be dipped into the sea Of
knowledge he thought he brought up
go much that the blamed thing went
dry ~ Oh icago Post.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
why lie Wa. RejectcA,

Young Poet-Why do you refuse me
for son-in-iaw3 Is 1t because lack
merit? -,
Paterfamilias (old journalistic hapQ
Jack of space. We are really crowded.
| Tor room here now.-NtHts.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09

young man." said the minister 20
the needless sinner, have you ever
thought on your future life?'
"Ycs, a great deal, and, do you know,
! cannot make up my mind between
Porto Rico and the Philippines. 81 Kan
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
uo, place 10 Go To,

Mrs. Crimsonbeal- wonder where
In the world the alarm clock has gonei
/ saw it on the mantel yesterday.
Mr.. Crimsonbcak-It was there yes
terday, but | heard it going Off this
morning.
"Well, l hope It hasn't gone where
you told 1t to go."-Yonkers States
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09

"Dearest," she murmured, I'm so
afraid you'll change"
Darling" he answered, you'll never
find any change about me-"
Which was painfully true IN double
sense.-Cleveiand Plain Dealer.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
The neaction.

She (who has just said no)-1 am
sorry cannot give you the answer you
wanted, Mr.. spooner, but 1t Is for the
best, believe me. Some day you will
ask Yourself what you ever saw In me
to attract your fancy.
He-I have no doybt ! VIII, Miss
Psharpe. Ny fEiends have asked me
that question hundred times since l
began paying attentions to you.-chi-
caFo Tribune.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09

After a long time Mr.. johnson rose
from his desk and locked up the notes
in his safe. Then he took the sovereign
in his hand and went out into the
street. He presently came to the little
shop OF a working jeweler and entered
IL timidly. When he came out the SOW
,ereign hung on his simple watch chain
and his fingers felt for 1t and caresseq
It as IL It had been live thing. And
that was the end-Chicago Daily News.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09

On retiring, and tomorrow your di-
gestive organs will be regulated and
you will be bright, active and ready
for any kind of work. This has
been the experience Of others; it
will be yours. HOODS PILLS are
sold by all medicine dealers. 25 cts.
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09

so gladI Why, what beautiful dyese!
And bonnet from Paris, too. my dear.
You're well7 sec your wrinlles are lesg
BY many than when you were here last
year"
Judge
Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-09
Tonight

If yonr liver is out OF order, causing
Biliousness, Sick Headache, Heart
burn, or Constipation, take dose of