davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-18

this performance did not take place ina- mediately, conceived the idea of try Ing to save myself. It was evident that the Indian had gone to investigate tne outhouses, and. this accompasneu, would enter the living house. It Was also likely that he had seen my ialhei down in the far-away field, ana nav ing observed my mother and sister oe- % part, thought the place tenantless ioi the time. With this rushing through my mind at a two-forty gait l ran iIlto eno kitchen and looked about Tor piace of concealment. All of sudden my eyes fell, or raised rather, to great iron kettle that was used to DOH soap and try out lard In, which hung rom a giant hook in the corner of the cell ing just over the cook stove. With the agility of a young leopard in danger l sprang on the stove, which, luckily, nao no fire In 1t, and thence into the grea. kettle. By coiling myself into knol was completely hidden from view -py it's deep sides.
 ''scarcely had the big vessel ceased 10 sway to and fro when I heard the eau tious movements of someone entering the kitchen. Then heard the cuppoaro open and the chatter of dishes, followed by the munching of teeth ana tne smacking of lips, accompanied py occa- sionaI grunts of satisfaction. Alter .nis informal refreshment the uninVlted guest went Into the living room, and In vain I strained my ears to hear nm denart: but he seemed to have taken m his abode there for an indehnite time So there I lay in an agony or fear. smothering my breathing In my sleeves lest I be discovered. Thus the hours of the morning dragged away, ana I was little better than dead when l heard my father come into the yard- He was whistling loudly, and, of course. unaware of the danger, as stllI thought that lay in store for hlm. would have given anything to have been abla to warn him of the presence or inc bloodthirsty savage. Into the nv ing room he walked, his heavy boots sounding as loud on the floor to me, m my terrified condition, as thunder. But what was my surpri-e to hear him come on to the Kitchen, unmolesteo, ana cal my name lustily-'Pete, Pete. when got ,Ip courage to answer l called from eSe Le+tla a depths Here I am.' Then tried to rise, but 1t gave me great pain to do 30; for having kept such cramp- ad nosition for several hours l found ynvaelf almost helpless and very stin in ali my joints. Where are your asked my father, looking about for the source of inc answering voice. Here in the lard pot I called out, struggling up till I might peep over the brim of my nest.
 After my father had extricated me from the uncomfortable place I explain ed the reason of my being there, and proofs in plenty were at hand to bear witness to my story. The cupboard was empty of tho bountiful lunch my mother
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-18

There was something doing" among the Stringtown Kids just before the opening of school. Boys are like colts they love liberty and the great outdoors so well that they must be "broke in" to other life. When once they get Into the new work they are well enough satisfied, put they generally rebel against entering It. The Stringtown Kids, In discussing the opening of school, decided to pro- test against the Imprisonment of the schoolroom and the tyranny of the ''old books" and, after considering various methods of procedure, finally bit upon the Hockey Club By the provisions of this organization of six, the boys were to make pretense of going to school; they were to start with their books every morning, report at home for din- ner, leave home at o'clock and return at 4 But. instead of really going to school, they were to meet In Lawson's pasture and have "a good time" That there might be no mistake as to hours, Clarence Seholes was to borrow and carry his fathers watch. As badge of membership they were to wear their caps wrong side out and their secret work consisted in the yell"
 Boom-a-lacker, chaw terbackeri
 Holler when you've 'nuff!
 H. C.l H. C.!
 That's the stuff
 Promptly at 9 o'clock on Monday morning the Hockey Club held its first meeting as per agreement, and the mem- bers greeted each other with the club yell. This is something like it." said Clarence. Bet the fellers In that stuffy old schoolroom wishes they was us." He forgot that the "fellers" In the schoolroom were not supposed to know anything about the Hockey Club, and if they had have known the club would hardly have stood show against a half dozen switches in the hands of as many fathers. Their first care was to hide their books, and then they went nutting. They walked two miles and gathered and hulled a great pile of nuts before 1t dawned on them that they wouldn't dare to take them home, because an explana- tion would be demanded. So they hid the nuts in a ravine and covered them with leaves, and then they had to hurry to get home before school was out.
 After dinner they met again and joined once more in the secret work of the or der. There was much discussion as to what they should do. If they had fish- hooks they would have preferred fishing, for they were tired, and that required no exercise; but they didn't dare go home or anywhere else after hooks. Not being able to fish, they lay on the grass in the shade and told stories. When it was time to go, they voted that they had "a bully time" They got home 15 minutes late and were accused of lettering on the way from school
 When Clarence was down town on an
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-18

after mother and Matilda had got out of sight of the house, I began to think of Indians; in fact, I always thought of them whenever I was left alone Just as was planning to fasten up the doors and crawl under the bed
 Why didn't you go with your mamma and sister," broke in Bob. tense with the excitement of the story.
 "Will you hush?" exclaimed Annie manner.
 If you don't shut up, grandpa won't finish the story" scowled Net, losing patience with Bob. Now. see If you can't have some manners"
 Never mind. children" said grand papa kindly. Bob Is rtgnt-1 should have explained why was left at home alone. Well. was to keep the chick ems out of my mothers fine garden, water and feed the pigs at noon. and carry lunch and a jug of water to my father when dinner time arrived. Be- sides, there was no thought of Indians with anyone save myself. for there hadn't been one seen within 20 miles of our settlement for coon's age. Now. let me see-I was telling you that I was on the point of bolting the doors and of hiding myself under the bed, having worked myself up to a terrible pitch of fear lest a tribe of scalping redskins should bounce in upon me, when l ob- served an object moving swiftly from tree to tree on the bank of the creek a hundred yards from our front door. Running to shut and fasten the door, what was my astonishment and fright to see approaching the house a massive Indian buck wrapped in blanket and wearing an elaborate headdress of wild turkey feathers. l half fell, half hid behind the door as the brave passed round the corner of the house.
 "Oh-oh-oh!' murmured little Bob. slipping quickly down from his place on the wall to a seat very close to his sister, and. catching hold of one of her hands, he looked round cautiously, half expecting to see, either an Indian or It's ghost behind him.
 My heart was in my mouth" went on grandpa, who smiled tnwardly at Bob's action. ''and I trembled from head to foot. for really thought my time had come. expecting every moment that the savage in blanket and feathers would enter and take my scalp. As
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-18

happy in the anticipation of seeing dear old grandI'apa on their return home.
 All that dsy the lessons bore heavy, for the little Bonds could not get their minds on books, and tall Ned was count Ing the minutes yiil afternoon recess time. when someone knocked at the principals door and asked that the Bond children be excused from their duties for the rest of the day It was none other than Mrs. Bond herself. en route to the station to meet her father. who had wired that he would be with them on time AS her way led past the school. attended by her children, she had conceived tho Idea of giving the little ones happy surprise by allowing them to bear her company.
 With what eagerness, then. did they all put their books away when informed that they were wanted by their mother, who waited them in the principals room; and how smiiinsly they bade their respective teachers good-by as they joined her.
 The day was perfect one in Septem- Der, and as they flew along on the trolley car past ths city park 1t looked most inviting and beautiful. indeed, with the foliage turning yellow, crimson, pur- pie and brown In the soft, early fall at- mosphere.
 Whenever I pass this park" said Ned, T imagine it was a great place oiice lor lnuldnb. 1nobe great spread ing trees would be great place to camp under. and must have been of a good size when the redskins roamed this part of the country"
 "Uh," shuddered little Bob T wonder f they ever scslped any person here?''
 Yes" laughed Annie May. "They used a johnnyhawk to do their cruel work with"
 "Oh. you think you're awful smart, don't you7" retorted Bob, making a mouth at her. Then he turned his back upon his sister to show his displeasure.
 Pretty soon the conductor called out Union Station, and Ned sprang off, yallantly giving his mother his hand to assist her in alighting from the car.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-18
"Johnnyhawk7" innocently inou,

Annie May, expressing a smile.
 On, you hush up your mouth," bout cd Bob, pushing out his lip at his sister. who loved to tease him. Wed git a gun and shoot 'em If they went to scalp us, wouldn't we, grandpapa?"
 OI course, of course," acquiesced grandpa "So it's a story is it7 Well sit close round and I'll tell one"
 me three gathered close to grandpapa. Who was seated on a bench that rested US pack against low stone wall which ran round the park. Bob got LID and sat on the top of the wall, letting his rect rest in the bench. Ned and Annie May occupied places at each side of grandpapa.
 Nov said grandpapa, what sort of story shall it be? war story or" Injunl" excitedly shouted Bob from his perch.
 Yes, grandpapa, let 1t be an Indian story" said Annie May.
 Alright" agreed grandpapa, ever ready to tell story at any place and at any time, to these dear little grand children who were the delight of his de- clining years. Well, as have told you before, my parents settled in a very early day on the Kansas frontier The land was new and wild, many Indians still occupying the country just west of our settlements. Every little while a band of these savages would come into our precincts, often soaring the settlers from their homes. Being a little fellow at that time I was usually in great ter TOT of mind, expecting at any time to wake up and find myself the prisoner of these dreaded redskins. One day in late spring my mother and sister decided to go to town about three miles distant, on some business which would keep them the greater part of the day, and as my father had gone down to the lower edge of the farm-about half mile from the house-to blow a field of corn I was left alone. I was only nine years old"
 Just two years older'n me-" inter rupted Bob. I'm seven"
 ''Yes, two years older than you, buc not nearly so brave man." said grand papa enjoying Bob's keen attention and not minding the Interruption in the least For while you aren't bit afraid of In- dians I was the reverse, for they were the terror of my life. But, as I was saying, was alone after my mother and sister had gone"
 Was 1t great aunt Matilda" inter rogated Bob, again interrupting the story-teller.
 "Hus-h-sh" admonished Annie May. How can grandpapa ever tell a story with you forever breaking in?"
 "Yes; now, kid, if you want to hear the story keep num-" said Ned. frown- ing at Bob.
 'soh, Bob's questions do not annoy me in the least" smiled grandpapa. Tn terruptions make the story last longer too." Then, turning to Bob, "yes, I mean your great aunt Matilda when l speak of my sister. Well, on this day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-18
THE HOCKEY CLUB.
[By charles Lincoln Phifer.1 l

wouldn't speak to each other Friday, Du. nad 10 pass the long hours as best tney could, each by himself sulkinR.
 here IS going to be meeting in the ParK tonight and the band will be out. 70 you want to go down?" that is the tu 4.ess,ise ,,s that came to the boys all over tne little city which the bows called stringtown. that evening, and every member of the Hockey Club wa a ,,r1ant. ly invited to attend
 The park was literally crowded +ho+ evening. Everyone in town seamad to pc there. The band opened with fan, selec.lohs, which gave the marshal md s,Is uopuly tneir opportunity, and at the concluslon they marched to tbA hond stand With every member of the Tyoo,IaS, Clup under arrest. The mayor nada = 7, aodrese, In which he stated that ba ,,,a- sorry their good time had been srta. s.1 rupteo, but there had been some arrest . wnlcn demanded immediate action. The piolessor arose in the audience and de- Inahoeo In nearing in public then ana there, as an example to those rvbo , hnS 9areo o 10 set at naught all authority the matter was put to a vote and co r1eu' rIs The police judge took his nlece m, me marshal then entered comnlaint .nat the boys had been persistentlv lott e,tI. m Lawton's pasture, within the tios e 4s' TOT the past week, in viola
 
 ouI @ the consent and against the will of tne owner of the property, MT. Lawton wno was here to speak for himself Mr AeWton then stated his complaint and revealed all about the Hockey club evsn to tne secret work Some of the ts,.,, Suuisnoe uttered; but the Judge re- buked them sternIy. The bovs were asheo 10 make their statement and fal- terinsly admitted the entire tale. Some or them were whimpering. At this iuno- ture the mayor interposed and suggested s snas te was late and he should dislike to see the sons of worthy citizens hove wno were not bad at heart and who might yet become good men, spend the night In Jail, and so he hoped some one would stand sponsor for them until morning and stop the proceedings to save them this disgrace. Every boy ex- pected his father to step promptly for ward in his behalf. but not one did SO The fact completely unnerved them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-18

That which they had thought was fuK now appeared to them like 8 heinouA crime. They felt entirely deserted. Most Of them were believing Justify, and the others felt weight like lead on their breasts.
 The Professor arose. Said he:
 May 1t please your honor wish to make plea for these boys. I have been associated pretty closely with them in the schoolroom for two years past. I have been camping with some of thems and, as teacher and a companion, I want to say they are not bad boys. They may make mistakes of judgment, but their hearts are all right. I am not afraid to trust them, and some day confidently expect that trust to be re- paid in seeing everyone a worthy man and respected citizen, and some, per haps honored throughout the state and nation. Your honor, I suggest that these boys be let go scot free. will stand sponsor for them"
 The speech was loudly cheered. The boys remaining In the crowd, clapped their hands and yelled:
 Boom-a-lackeri Chaw terbaclkerl
 Holler when you've nun!
 H. C.i H. C.!
 Oh what stuff
 The police judge called order and made a speech, in which he said he had been
 
 Professor to the boys, which he likened to the love of parent for his wayward child. In view of the youth of the of lenders he would heed the appeal. with a warning to the boys. and throw the case out of court.
 The Hockey Club had been too much absorbed with the trial to notice what the mothers had been doing. But now that they were free and the band struck up lively tune, in descending the steps from the band stand they noticed tables scattered through the park. They were immediately seized and conducted to tables and served generous dishes of ice cream. Then an hour was spent by the crowd in eating and talking and listen ing to the band, and all seemed to have a fine time. The Hockey boys thought it very strange ending of a trial. Monday morning Clarence met Tandy on his way to school and asked him confdentially:
 Say, how did you and all the other fellows hear about the Hockey Club7" "Oh, that was easy enough. Ivan Grobe. who drives the cows to the pas ture, saw you and hid and overheard your yell"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-18
GRANDPAPA'S INDIAN STORY.
BY HELENA DAVIS.

Nov. children" said Mrs Bond to Ned, Annie May and Bob, you know grandpapa will be here this evening when you get home from school. If his train arrives on time he will be here at o'clock, so don't lolter on the way, but come directly home"
 "Oh, goodie, goodie goutl" exclaimed tall 12-year-old Ned, the eldest of Mrs. Bonds interesting children. q do love to have grandpapa visit us; l enjoy his stories so much; they are always so entertaining.
 'So do l." cried little seven-year-o1d Bob, Jumping up and down, clapplng his hands with glee as his mother packed his books. slate and pencils in his schoolbag for him. T like to hear grandpapa tell Indian stories; they scare me sol Uhr" with shudder; T allus feel like big chief Is just behind mo with a johnnyhawk to cut my scalp off"
 "A johnnyhawk7" repeated fair, ninel year-old Annie May, smiling. T gugss you mean a tomahawk."
 "Oh, you needn't be so smart,"j re- piled Bob reckoning at the correstion T meant that for a nickname" /How- ever. they all laughed at little Boh,s blunder, his mamma kissing him and telling him to not mind-thatj grown people often made mistakes as well as little ones.
 Then the trio departed for school,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-18

had prepared for my father and my self only few crumbs on the table marking the place where our visitor had partaken of it. We then went into the living-room to see If he had plum dered there also, and found that he had helped himself to my fathers Sunday hat and the crimson plume from Ma tilda's Sunday bonnet. Otherwise noth- ing else was missing. But of the Indian himself we could find no trace. He had doubtless come down the creek In canoe and departed the same way, reaching the wild bluffs that rose from its banks @ few miles westward, and which were not inhabited by white men,"
 Just at this moment when grandpa was finishing his story, Bob, glancing up, beheld an apparition that caused him to give a very loud yell of fright, and to fall on the ground at his grand fathers feet. hiding his face in his lap. "Oh. it's an Injun-its an Injun. grandpa!" he cried out.
 All looked quickly about them. and there. sure enough. coming from be- hind the wall along the path was very unsavage-looking individual. his face covered with war paint and wearing the modified garb of an Indian chief. He walked wearily, and bore in his arms a banner. on which was inscribed this motto: "Use Apache Hair Tonic"
 Grandpa, Ned and Annie May laugh ed merrily at poor little Bob's fright. and grandpa picked him up. saying: Come, Bobby. it's only a poor tired sandwich man.. who wears the garb of an Indian to call attention to the ad- vertisement he carries about"
 No, Bob. he can't hurt you. for he hasn't johnny-hawk." laughed Annie May, tantalizingly. Then Ned added bit of his offhand wit by saying: Hes offering tonic to make the hair grow on the heads of his victims after he's scalped them, see?"
 Hereupon they all laughed, Bob the merriest one, then mac> ready to go home, Bob keeping close between grandpa and Ned; for, while he did not feel the least bit afraid, he could not quite get over the shock of seeing that Indian pop upon the scene at the most unopportune time.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-18

Annie May and little Bob jumped off in a jlffy and ran ahead into the station.
 Only a few minutes elapsed till the train came pulling In from the West, and there on the rear platform stood, dear. fat, jolly old grandpapa, waving his hands toward them and smiling. In another moment he had Bob in his arms, while Annie May clung to one side and Ned to the other. carrying his grand fathers travelling grip. Mrs. Bond, beam Ing on the happy group, led the way through the throngs of travellers to the street,
 As fhey drew near the city park little BoH shook his grandpapa's arm and ex- el9dmed. "oh, grandpapa. Indians used t9 live here in this park and scalp peo- p1e with-with - "Tomahawks," said mama, coming to her little sons assistance by supplying the word he could not seem to remem- Der.
 Yep, with tommy hawks" repeated Bob, casting a triumphant glance to- ward his sister, who leaned over close to his ear and whispered teasingly "Johnny-hawks."
 Say that seems to be a fine park" remarked grandpapa, who was paying his first visit to his daughter since she and her family had located in their new home in --ville.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-18

Suppose we get off and take the short cu- through the park suggested Ned, anxious to show his grandfather the beauties of the grounds, the fountain and well-kept nowerbeds.
 But l fear father is too much fa,- tsued from his days journey to take any unnecessary exercise" said Mrs. Bond.
 Not bit of It." spoke up grandpapa. I'd much rather walk. You see, q young fellow like me must not sit still too long. Now, If it were some old chap. for instance, like Ned or Bob,' and he smiled and winlked at Mrs. Bond, who, in company with thelittle Bonds, laughed very heartily also, Then Ned signalled the conductor, who let them off at the main entrance to the park.
 For while they strolled along the beautiful paths, admired the flowers, the fountain and pond and looked at the few fine statues Then grandpapa sug- gested that as Ned and Bob might be tired, their legs not being as young as his own (whereupon he again winked and smiled knowingly at Mrs. Bond), they would better sit down on one of the many rustic seats and rest a while.
 Well" said Mrs Bond, '1'll tell you what to do. You all remain here and enjoy the park little longer and I'll so on home to superintend the dinner. But" and she put up a finger of warning, you must not overstay your time. for VIC shall dine at o'clock
 Hardly had Mrs. Bond disappeared round turn In the path when little Bob climbed to his grandfather's knee and whispered something In his ear.
 ''What?" asked grandpapa, with as- sumed astonishment, tell an Indian story here in the woods? Suppose the ghosts of the dead warriors should come back to listen to my gossip about themi Then what?"
 Oh, goodness we wouldn't be scared of just ghosts" bravely asserted Bob. We wouldn't be even scared of real h. dians. Wy, we'd git a--a-"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-18
THE SAD END OF HEN LITTLE PIGGIEs

Ten little piggies were dressed very fine; One got his clothes dirty. then there were nine. Nine little plggies slipping through the gate; One couldn't get out, then there were eight. ~ Eight little pggies that couldn't be driven One away. and then there wore seven Seven little piggies cutting up tricks:
 One counted out then there were six