davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-09-11

1t was a great gathering of the clans.
that Saturday morning in September,
in the rear of Buck Healy's father
blacksmith shop.
Buck had hidden the principal chief
tains to come hither with their follow
ers. There's goin to be somethin
DOM" he said, with a knowing raise
of the eyebrows.
About s o'clock the meet took place.
Doc Brown and Smithy Parrot were
the first chieftains on the ground.
Doc" was accompanied by his people,
numbering two stalwart braves, seven
and eight years old respectively. Smithy
brought but one in his wake. The truth
was Smithy had but one follower. for
till recently Smithy himself had been
numbered among Docs faithful. but
participated In by doc" and Smithy.
the latter was forceably elected from
the formers band. In the riot that en-
sued one Of the smallest OF DOGS,
the two became partners, Smithy elect
ing himself chief, and very indulgently
allowing his little defender to --be his
clan. Smithys object at the time was
to organize band OF doughty fellows
who, with him as leader. would "swoop
down on Doc and his kids and make
EN- look like 30 cents But Smithy
soon found that, to raise an army was
easy to contemplate, but difficult to ac-
complish. Therefore, during the first
week of school he proceeded to make
IL up with DOC by allowing tnat
worthy to throw him in a wrestling
bout. Thus the clans, old and new,
were soon on friendly footing.
In the middle of the week Buck Healy
had found "a pair of boxing gloves hid
den away in an old tool chest that stood
under a mess of broken wagon wheels
pillow shares and other such debris, in
his fathers shop. The sight of these
great white. padded things opened up TO
Buck a field of vast possibilities in the
way of knockouts and bloody noses. Gin
Justice to Buck and his good opinion of
himself, 1t must be told that he felt
quite confident that he would wear the
champions belt. The knockouts and
crimson noses were to fall to the lot of
his comrades.)
SO 1t was withsall the cunning of real
chieftain that Buck slipped the huge
gloves from the chest, when his fathers
back looked in his direction, and crept
stealthily out through the back door,
running home with them under his arms,
between his shirt and his skin. This
method was made necessary ON account
of the warm weather; Buck wore no
coat under which to conceal his treasure.
and 1t would not be wise to show his
possession to the curious boys whom he
might meet en- route. On reaching home
BSck hurried to the woodshed. where he
carefully. hid the gloves in the bottom
of barrel of kindling wood.
During the remainder of the week
Bucks parents marveled at their sons
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-09-11
The Cherry Tree.
BY ALBERTA WARDEN.

he couldn't blow It down and he bet me
that he could. He was to have three
trials then II he failed / was to have
three. He blew his hardest, but the
tree would bow Its head almost to the
ground and let the wind pass over 1t,
then straighten up again. l thought the
North Wind struck the tree too high up,
SO when my time came l ran back about
a hundred yards took a full breath and
went like a thunder bolt at the very
middle Of the tree. I pumped into Its
thick branches so hard that over 1t went
with a crash, scattering leaves and
twigs all over the hill. But, Jack, I'm
sorry / have ruined your tree and will
pay for its loss, whatever you think 1t
Is worth"
Jack replied that 1t would be hard to
estimate its value, as the tree bore a
crop Of fruit every year on which they
could depend.
Then the Wind said: well, Jack,
here is a magic tablecloth. You need
never buy food again. because, when
you spread this cloth on the table what
ever you wish for will appear. When
you are through eating fold the cor
ners together and the dishes will dis
appear"
Jack was delighted with the table
cloth, as much for. the promise of all
imaginable good things to eat, as for
the assurance that they would never
suffer hunger. He told the Wind that
he fully forgave him and was perfectly
satisfied. Shouldering his musket he
started back home. 1t was almost dark
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-09-11

was the better man of the two. but he
could not let such an Insult pass with
out notice; and notice meant fight. so
he made lunge at him with his right
hand, which was incased in the glove
The glove, being too large for him, fell
off. Smithy struck back with his open
palm, hitting Bucks left ear. Then the
two clinched, rolling on the ground and
pounding each other with their knuckles-
During this proceeding Bucks little
session Of the gloves when all eyes were
bent on the combatants, and ran around
the corner of the blacksmith shop to try
their strength at bout. The moment
they each thrust hand In a glove the
door of the shop was thrown open and
out dashed Bucks father, followed by
two or three men. Mr.. Healy had
dow of the two gloved warriors, and as
he made his raid on them he beheld.
to. his great establishment, the two
ehieftains doing battle In the yard. He
gloves and went to investigate the cause
of the conflict.
On beholding the appearance OF Mr.
Healy the chieftains warned Buck that
mrs father was coming. Hereupon the
two antagonists quickly loosened their
hold in each others hair, their teeth
IN one another's sleeves. and jumped to
What's all this about?" demanded
Mr.. Healy; looking from one to the
other. who took these out of the
cnestl ana he held up the gloves,
his question being addressed to Buck
speak up; did you do it?'
wv y-yes, sir" faltered poor crest
fallen Buck. II was Just goin to box a
little to make my arm strong. Honest;
that's ALL
well, you didn't seem to bs using
the gloves very vigorously Just now.
You appeared to be going at 1t with
bare knucks. But I'll give you some
exercise to strengthen your arms.
S'posen you work the bellows for
couple of hours on Saturday chr" And
Mr.. Healy smiled and winked at the
two or three men, who in turn smiled
and winked at the clans. Now" went.
on Mr.. Healy, turning to the chieftains
and their followers, you all turn your
noses homeward, every mothers son OF
you. and don't let me catch you round
these premises another Saturday morn
ing or Ill take a hand in the boxing
contest myself Hear me?" Then he
smiled a one-sided smile ESQ the clans
could not see i) at the two or three
men, who winked at him in response
Now" he said, turning again to Buck
step lively and blow the fire a bit
That'u make muscle"
Thus the great boxing match came to
sudden stop, and Buck, as he went
into the shop, saw the several clans de-
parting swiftly and sadly, and he felt
that the boxing gloves had proven
snare and a delusion.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-09-11

so, and walked Into their trap again
After he had shown off his colt 70 h the
satisfaction of everyone, they maze MN ~
take supper with them, and taikeu ~
him SO agreeably and made SO lnucn
over him that it was quite DARK when at
last he thought of going home ASa iln
they Insisted on his staying over night
with them, and again he eohsehteo "
do so.
AS soon as Jack had retired the farmer
said: How lucky for us that this magic
colt is just the color and size OF ours;
| viii take it down to the pasture ana
leave 1t there, and bring ours up TO me
stable Jack will not know the oll-
Jack had shown off his wonderful colt
so much that evening that the family
had their pockets full of money, and
each one had a handsome gold watch.
Jack, believing he could get all the
money and jewelry he wanted when ne
returned home, had generously given to
the farmer and his family everything
the colt had shaken off.
SO the next day on reaching home he
had nothing TO show to his mother as
proof Of the colts magic power.
Jack told the colt to shake on
hundred dollars, but 1t stood perfectly
quiet sleepily blinking its eyes. JACK
jerked the halter impatiently and spoke
back and tried to get away.
When the colt failed to do what JACK
told 1t to do his mother again told him
he must have dreamed Of magic colt.
went to bed determined to see the wind
once more and settle for all this deceit.
Being perfectly honest himself, he did
not suspect the farmer of robbing MIN,
and his rage was centered on the wind.
Again he made his way straight to the
cave, and with his gun pointed at the
wind said: Now, Mr.. Wind, If you nave
anything to say, say it quick, for
shall certainly kill you this time, for the
colt has no more magic than the tapIs-
cloth"
The wind SAID: Put your gun down
Jack, and listen to me- Somebody else
is deceiving you and not l. Both the
tablecloth and the colt have magic
power, and II you will do as | tell you
you will find 1t out. Did they not work
a single timer
Jack told of his stopping at the farm
er's, and how both the colt and the
tablecloth had responded to their wishes.
The Wind said: THAT farmer has
stolen your tablecloth and colt, sub
stituting others in their places. 1 will
show you how to recover them and
punish him and his family at the same
time. Here is magic cane. When the
farmer asks you what 1t can do, tell
him 1t Is the best of all. Excite his
curiosity as much as you please, but
on no account tell him what it can do.
He will steal 1t as he did the others.
and when he does so and you are sure
he has it in his hand, say: Beat him,
cane and don't let 1t stop until he has
restored the tablecloth and colt"
Jack agreed to try once more, and,
bidding the Wind good-by took his
cane and started homeward.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-09-11

Huh. know a lot of EN- asserted
Smithy, getting up AN I've prac-
tized EN-, too. l have"
Bet you don't know. a one," bravely
his two men to Smithy's one.
Bet I do. TOO" declared Smithy. de-
We'll, why don't you tell emf" asked
amt afraid to tell 1t, Is her"
"Uh, I amt afraid but I don't have
to tell.'' replied Smithy.
Cause you don't know, that's why"
Bet he don't even know what the
boxin' rules is called" put In Hank
Bet he don't nuther,"' piped the small.
shrill voice of Bucks brave.
Yep he does, too,' said Smithy's clan,
keeping close to his chieftain. Then he
made wry face at Bucks brave
oh: there, kid. you hold your CAB.
ROWING at smit3yyS can Being tSas
nenaced. the little warrior withdrew to
a safe distance behind a tree, leaving
Smithy to ,wrangle II out alone. "What'n
Smithy asked of "Socky"
I'll bet you five crockies." eagerly
answered ''Socky," producing the mar
bles from his pocket
Hereupon the clans rose as a man
and stood about Smithy, who assumed
an air of bravado, looking in their eyes
defiantly. But just at this crisis Buck
came running toward tneIn all out OF
breath with a newspaper parcel tucked
tightly under his arm. Hello, kidSp'
he called out in greeting. Say, here
they are. Amt they crackerjacks And
he jerked from the newspaper the box
Ing gloves which he held up for the
crowd to admire
Gee Whit" exclaimed the clans with
mighty voice, while several hands
made grab at the gloves to examine
them.
Il had one on onct!" Dragged Hank
with proud air. They're heavy fell
lers to handle; you could knock a kid
sky-west an crooked with EN-. couldn't
you. now?"
Sure" acquiesced Smithy. handling
the thQy9f of one OF the gloves lovingly.
KNOCK hlm into the middle of next
week.
.Lookiel" cried Buck, drawing on the
gloves. I've boxed heaps an heaps OF
times. I have" And to the admiration
and establishment of the crowd Buck
took position and SPARED most won
derfully, chasing them all round the
yard. 'See,' he went on ITS as easy
as nuthin' to knock a Teller out Who
wants to box with me first?' And
Bucks challenge ran round the gaping
clans as he surveyed them with his eyes
and menaced them with his fists. Want
to put one on an stand up to me.
Hank?" l
Now, Hank was two years younger
than Buck; and he had broken his risRzt
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-09-11

TO his mother.
When he arrived she told him that
she had been greatly alarmed by his
long absence and asked the cause or 1t.
Jack then told of his meeting With the
wind, of the magic tablecloth. how he
had shown 1t to the farmers family
and what a grand supper they had all
enjoyed, which had kept him until too
late to come home.
Then he proudly unfolded the table,
cloth, telling his mother TO wish for
anything she would like to eat.
To his great surprise, nothing APP
peared. He turned the tablecloth over
and tried the other side. Still nothing
to eat, Then he wished for the supper
he had ordered the day before, but all
in vain Disappointed and angry. he
jerked It off the table and threw 1t on
His mother said: Jack, don't be
angry with a helpless tablecloth. You
must have dreamed all this you have
just told me, for it could not possibly
have occurred"
Jack was sure he had not dreamt 1t
and went to bed determined to make
another visit to the Wind.
The next morning he said: I'll fix
that Wind for fooiing, me, this way"
and as soon as he had finished break
fast off he started for the cave.
The farmer was watching for him,
and when he saw him coming knew by
his rapid walking and excited manner
that Jack was angry. so he told all his
family to hide. But Jack had no sus-
picion of their treachery and hurried by
on his way to the mountains.
AS before, the wind was whistilng
softly as Jack came stumbling over the
stones of the narrow pass. Before the
wind could speak, Jack burst in, angrliy
accusing the wind of adding insult to
injury in giving him a useless table,
cloth to pay for most useful cherry
tree.
The wind gently answered: Jack, I
am very sorry the tablecloth is fraud,
for / really want TO pay you for the loss
of your cherry tree. Here is a magic
colt that will shake from his name
money or jewelry whenever you want
wish, then say. Shake, colt. and the
money or jewelry will fall Now, | am
sure he is worth more than a hundred
trees"
Jack said he thought so. too. and as
surfing the wind of his forgiveness, he
took up the colts halter and led nm
down the gorge and through the forest
out into the road.
The farmer saw him coming back
with the colt, and shrewdly guessed the
truth; so, boldly walking up to Jack,
asked him where he bought his new
colt
Jack told him that the tablecloth was
only good that one time, and that when
he got home 1t would not work at all ;
that he went back to the wind ana told
him so. and that he had given him this
colt, which was far more valuable.
The farmer professed the greatest as
constituent and begged Jack to go up
to the house and tell his wife and chi1-
drep all about 1t. Jack consented to 90
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-09-11

had been terrified by the rafting of
the windows and the rocking of the
house, went out to see the result of
the storm. On opening the door they
beheld a scene which caused their
hearts to sink, and Jacks mother to
burst into tears.
splintered and broken off about 10 feet
from the ground. Dhe yard was strewn
with broken limbs, and the beautiful
tree, with its promise of luscious fruit.
forever destroyed.
When Jack saw his mothers tears he
became furiously angry with the wind,
and turning to her, said; Mother, I'll
make Mr.. Wind sorry for this" and
soing into the house he took his fa-
theirs old army musket and disappeared
Jack had often taken long hunts over
the. mountain and in one of these trips.
while tracking a wounded deer, had
CHANGED upon the cave of the wind
straight there and settle with the wind
for the loss of his CHEEKY tree which had
caused his mother such distress.
He walked rapidly down the road and
through the lonely woods, and little
after noon reached the rocky gorge In
which was the opening to the cave.
The sun was on the western side of the
mountain now. and the light was grow
ng faint and the shadows deepening fast.
As he climbed with agile steps the
rocky path, he heard the wind whistling
boltiy W MIN at the mouth OF the cave.
The gloom from the high walls and
oyerhanging trees was so great that
Jack could see but a short distance be-
fore him, so that he was much nearer
the cave than he had supposed, when
the wind stopped whistling and stepped
out In front of the cave inviting lack
to enter. But Jack said, mo, Mr.. Wind.
l have come to shoot you"
Shoot me, Jack! What on earth have
| done?"
You blew down my mothers cherry
tree. last night. 1t was loaded with
cherries almost ready to gather.
At that the wind said: I'm awfully
sorry Jack; l didn't mean to harm any
one It was only a mischievous plank.
But Instantly his face frightened and he
went on Jack I'll pay you anything
you think is right. I did not know the
tree was so valuable Let me tell you
how IL happened. Last night / was Just
feeling fine, and l went out to have a
good time / left the mountain so that
could have plenty of room for a run,
and the faster l went the faster want
ed to ga, 1 had been staying here
penned up In the mountain till was wild
TO get out and have a great blow.
hills and was rushing at full speed
around a rocky bluff, when l pumped
into the North Wind who was also out
for lark.
.The North Wind was coming SO
fast Ii nearly knocked the breath out
of us both. After resting awhile we ran
races anN played all sorts of pranks on
the farmers: turning over haystacks and
chicken coops. and throwing down fences
and scattering rails. Finally, we saw
that enormous tree and l bet him that
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-09-11
The Gathering of the Clans.
BY NJ H. DAVIS.

promptness in getting up In the morning
to build the kitchen fire, for usually it
required more than one call to rouse
him from his slumber Could they have
taken a peep into the woodshed each
morning. however, Bucks motive would
have been explained. There he would
draw on the gloves, many sizes too large
for him, and pound numerically huge
lump Of coal or the kindling barrel. lung.
ing and sparring with the maneuvers of
an expert. The lump of coal was Smithy,
and the Sindling barrel was Doc" 1t Is
needless to say that his adversaries-in
his imagination-were ousted in short
order. Then, with reluctance, he would
again secrete his treasure in the barrel
and proceed with his chores.
On Friday Buck divulged his secret
to his comrades. leading one at time
behind the schoolhouse to whisper the
news in his ear, and watch with joy the
expression of surprise and anticipation
that would beam on each boys counte-
nance. Then they assembled in a body
and arranged for the contest which was
70 take place. on the following morning
in the rear of Bucks fathers shop. UNI
der several great spreading shade trees.
There's a pump there, you know, fell
lers," said Buck Wen need water to
sponge the fighters off with, you know"
Sure.
You bet"
That's right"
Thus came the expressive answers to
Buck.
al last SATURDAY inOlIlilB d1AiNcQ, anu
as we have seen. Doc" and Smithy,
leading their clans, were the first to ar
rive. Soon followed "Socky' and Hank
Davis, bringing their force, which was
four-kid strong, said force being of the
short-pants age. But this Davis clan
was most formidable one, for it out
numbered the others. Besides, it had
two chieftains. ''Socky" and his brother
Hank Being twins, they ruled jointly.
The clans sat in the shade of the trees,
awaiting the coming of Buck. They dis
cussed boxing, disputed small. points,
changed the subject to baseball, num-
blepeg and marbles. Then they won
dered why Buck didn't show up.
IF he'd only send the gloves (
wouldn't matter bout him." said
Smithy, growing impatient.
Who'd box if Buck didn't show up?"
questioned "Socky.'
IVY, mem you, or men Hank, or
mem Doc" answered Smithy. Don't
need Buck to box. / know a heap bout
boxin rules. Bet know more'n Buck"
''Where'd you learn 'em?' inquired one
of Bucks braves, who had just arrived
in time to hear Smithy's boast.
Smithy seemed puzzled He had not
Thought of anyone doubling his wisdom
in anything He stretched himself on
the ground and pretended not TO hear
the question. wy. say pressed Bucks
brave. determined to have his ques-
ton answered. what Is the rules at
you known
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-09-11

AS he had expected, the farmer met
him In front of his gate and asked
where he had been again.
Jack explained why he had returned
once more to the Wind and showed him
the magic cane.
good for: but lack said it was too good
to tell The farmer asked him 10 snow
it to his wife, thinking she might coax
the secret from him.
Jack went up to the house and snoWeu
them all the cane, and the longer he re-
fused the more eager were they TO JUS
cover the secret power OF the Uauv
Jack professed great astonissn5inien' II so 40
he opened the door at finding IL "a 81
dark, and the family easily persuaueu
him to stay all night. o.,~a
When he started up stairs 20 I said
Jack But Jack said. No, III TAKE
them both up with me, for snail le az
very early and would rather n.y. =
turb you by coming in for them. arx-
They were afraid to, appear foI 20 nov how
ious, and with final look at IL the w
returned 1t to Jack. a,o and
The farmer picked up the canale alld
led the way to Jacks room and noteu
carefully where Jack put the cane.
When he returned to the family ne ne
found his son busily whiting d sum
down to the size of Jack cane as, a.
He soon had one so nearly IKE -
that no one could have told them apart
They tipped to the, stairs ana MS MS
tened, nearing JdCk y louA -.
old man cautiously crept up the sIdll
with the new cane In his hand. TT.
Jack was only feigning sleep. NJ
waited until he was sure the man nSu
stolen his cane and was leaving the
room, when he called out: Beat him.
cane; beat him!" "a,
The magic cane whirled up to his
| head and raped him fast and fur1ously
| The farmer howled in agony ana ien
| down the steps. His wife rushed TO MS
relief and caught hold of the stick
when it turned on her and she screamed
with the pain. The daughter ran tc
help her mother and grabbed the cane
but it cracked her over the head ane
| shoulders as she tried to run away
| Then the boy seized Ii, but 1t twisted
itself out of his hands and laid on the
ticks harder than ever.
All four now ran to the steps, begging
| Jack to come and get his cane.
Jack had now full proof of theil
treachery, and told them he would MAKE
It stop when they restored the table
cloth and colt.
The father took hold of the stici
again and stood the beating, while hi
son ran to the stable and brought thu
colt, and the girl brought the table
cloth from It's hiding place. Then tax
| ing the cane, Jack left the house, feel
ing sure the farmer and his family
would never trouble him again.
Once more he returned home and
proudly showed his mother the magic
tablecloth, cols and cane, and they botf
felt more than paid for the loss o.
their beautiful Cherry Tree