davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01
BY MAUD DAVIS.

dog had never done this before. He had
always confined his wanderings to the
big back yard fenced IND, except at the
hour when Tommy was due from school,
for he had been cautioned against the
street. where Tommy had said the dog
catchers kept a sharp lookout for his
kind. On this morning Fido was in
double danger. too. for Tommy had
taken off the poor fellows collar to
have a new license tag put on 1t, but in
all the excitement of holiday cheer he
had evidently forgotten to attend to 1t;
consequently. when once in the street
Fido was no more than any stray, I'M
collared cur that roamed the highway.
But Fido no longer feared the dog
catchers. He was too heartbroken over
the arrangement existing between his
master and himself to care what be-
came of him.
He sat on the front steps till the
maid shut the door and the post
man had disappeared round the corner,
then he walked sadly out through the
gate-left ajar-and put off down the
very cold to his soft little paws, but
what did that matter? What did any
thing matter now?
He. had not gone very far when a
rough voice cried out near him: There's
one; nab him quicki' And the next in
slant Fido felt cold wire loop tighten
dDOut MS Lechs anu IN anOtDeT lHSldIil-
without resistance from him-he was
thrust into box in wagon. Then
away the wheels went, crunching
through the snow
Say, b'golly, 1 liked the looks of that
ere pup" said the voice that had cried
out nab him quick" as the wagon
jolted along. "S'posen we stop by my
house an les have a peep at I'm before
we take i'm to the pound. / didn't give
my kid nuthin' fer Christmas. an to-
morry is New Year, so l might take
this ere pup to i'm fer a gift"
Jest as you say, pard; not as keer
the wrappin of finger" responded the
second person on the seat of the
wagon.
So it happened that on New Years
morning Fido was introduced into the
kitchen OF a mean, miserably poor house
and handed over to the custody OF
new master. who was a chunk of a boy
with dirty. warty hands and cold in
his nose.
Now. Fido was no common dog, and
ne resented his new surroundings. He
had been carefully reared In a refined
household, and had chummed with a
most fastidious young master, so the
life which lay before him was not pleas
ant to contemplate. No amount of
coaxing could induce him to make
friends with the dogcatcher's family.
He moped from morning till night only
eating ncnaainzallv from tiaa nieiAS-os.er
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01
Bad Billy Boys New Year Res
OlutiOns.

1. Resolved, That on and after to-
day I'll never wait to eat at second
table-unless I am not allowed to eat al
the first.
2. I'll not stay in the house single
minute-unless mas eyes are on me and
l can't give her the slip.
8. I'll not mind my baby brother-un-
less ma gives me 10 cents an hour; then
I'll tend him 10 hours a week-when he's
asleep.
4. I'll never throw snowballs at any
unsuspecting person-unless their backs
are looking In my direction.
s. When an old gent falls on the pave
ment I'll not laugh-unless I'm safe
8. I'll never play keeps with any boy
unless he knows less about marbles
than do.
7. I'll never, newer tie q tin can to
poor dogs tail-unless he's muzzled.
8. I'll always divide an apple with a
friend. / don't like the core and the
peeling.
9. I'll never have the toothache-unless
the SHOWS to be shoveled of the walk
or the neighbors want me to run err
rands for them.
TO- I'll study hard at school and use
hair tonic regular, SO when I'm growed
up can go to college and be q football
champion.
IL I'll do my best to live up to the
above resolutions, so / may become the
pride of my parents and the envy Of the
community.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01

Poor Fidol Ever since Christmas he
had been most miserable. Tommy, his
master and old-time chum. had thrown
him over. And why? For no other
reason than that SAINT Claus had
brought certain gifts to Tommy that
took first place in his affection.
At first Fido could not understand the
change. 1t was the morning following
Christmas that he noticed things were
not as they had been between his mas
ter and himself When he parked at the
door of Tommy's room-as was his
custom each morning : that young
man had taken his time to respond. and
when Fido entered and wagged his tail
in "good-morning" Tommy had only
glanced at him and said in careless
way: There. now, Fido, don't you
touch any of these new traps lying
about: put I guess I'd better not have
you in here, for ten to one you'll get
frisky and do some damage to my gun
or sled. or you might take notion to
chew up my rubber boots. My! didn't
I get lot of fine things from old
Santa? Gee. don't you wish, Fido. that
you were a two-footed fellow and could
hang up your stocking Christmas EveE
Then, forgetting Fido, Tommy fell to
examining the steel of his new skates
and the beauty of his rubber boots.
No; poor Fido did not wish to be
IWO-fOOted 1nQlVlQudi-nOl lOT mo
mentor. doglke, he was very well
satisfied to go about on all tours. But
he did have wish in his canine heart
a wish from its very depths, too. He
wished that Tommy was as loyal In his
love for him as he was loyal in his love
for Tommy. He knew that nothing on
earth that could be planned for a dog
could for one moment sidetrack Tommy
in his affections. 1t had been Fido's
wont to watch for his young master
every evening about the time he would
come home from school. And how he
would run to meet him, leaping over
the gate in his eagerness to lick the
hand that would be extended to him so
indulgently And how he would wag
his tail-only a little stub, to be sure
but, mercy. how ID could wag!
Then had come this strange Interior
ence in the form of Christmas toys, and
suddenly one morning Tommy had
seemed to forget Fido; really. he did
worse than forget-he became indiffer-
ent, cold. and shut the poor fellow out
of his room. all because he feared Fido
might touch some of the foolish things
that an old. white-whiskered. fat-beliied
fellow had carried down the chimney at
night and left in Tommy's ROOM
And this was all too much. After
being excluded from his masters pres
ence Fido dropped his little stub tail
and slowly, dejectedly went out at the
front hall door when the maid opened it
in answer to the pnstman'a ring. The.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01

the fellow WINGED with pain. law. leave
go me-" he said, trying to shake Tom.
my's hands loose. TN take the sled an
you may keep the pup"
mo, you don't" replied Tommy. tax
ing away his hands from the boys
shoulders. HAD you acted the least bit
honorably with me wouldn't nave
minded II so much but now | owe you
nothing. for you failed to keep your
word In either case. Edo. has been for.
tunate enough to escape from you. ano
you-through your dishonesty-have lost
what you might have gained. my graft
tude for the return of my dog aad q
liberal reward from my father. ! hope
todays lesson has taught you that nom
esty is the best policy
well" whined the cowardly Fellow,
seeing he had failed In his wickedness.
Il kept the dog for a week. You ought
to allow me sumthin' fer that. red
"You don't deserve anything" replied
Tommy; "but here"-and he threw him
n ounrter-"take that, and remember
next time such a thing happens to treat
a fellow white and you'll fare better.
Then. taking their sleds, Tommy and
his comrades hurried to Tommys home
to see II Fido had reached there safely
Yes, there he was, waiting for his mas
ter at the gate, wagging that stub of
tail till 1t seemed 1t must become loose
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01
The Jealously OF Fido and How He Was Cured

old scraps thrown to him in the back
yard.
One day, after Fido had been in this
miserable place for a week. his dirty,
coarse-tongued young master was sent
by his mother on an errand. Tying a
bit of heavy old rope about F'ldo's neck
he led him along for company. AS boy
and dog went past a long hill down
which the children coasted in winter,
F'ido suddenly pricked up his ears ana
came to stop. A voice. familiar ana
well-loved, had sounded In his ears.
coming from the throng of happy coast
ers out In force with their Christmas
sleds. Fido gave a loud, quick bark in
answer, as 1t were, to the voice he had
caught Immediately a boy singled
himself from the merrymakers and came
excitedly towards Fido. AS he drew
near Fido saw that he had made no
mistake, for the boy was his adored
master-Tommy. At once the happy
dog began to jump and bark and wag
his little stub of a tail In the ecstacy OF
his Joy. forgetting the past neglect that
Tommy. With all his strength he tugged
on the rope about his neck, but to no
avail; the restraining hand was too
'Where'd you get that dog, kid7'
asked Tommy. coming close and speak,
ing to Fido's new master
None your DlzneSS, answered that
Individual, glaring sullenly at Tommy
and ready for SCRAP"
II amt so sure about that" returned
Tommy, patting the overjoyed Fido on
the head fondly. Hes my dog, and he
very suddenly disappeared New Years
Eve. We've been searching everywhere
for him."
THAT amt nothin' ter me-" said the
boy, tightening his grip on the rope
about Fido's neck. Hes mine now;
my dad give him to me fer New Year
an you'll have some fun gittin' him,
bet you that. He's the only plaything
I've got an ! mean ter keep him."
BY this time several OF Tommy's
friends from the coasting ground had
come running up to ascertain what the
business was Tommy had on hand. They
all recognized Fido. and gave him
hearty Hello, old doggie; found at
lastw and patted him Familiarity on the
head.
Regardless of the proofs of Tommy's
could not be induced to relinquish his
hold upon the dog. Nope" he said.
shaking his head. hes mine. NY dad
give him to me. an mean ter keep
him. You amt no proofs fer certain
anyway that he's yours. He was in the
street without a collar, and when he
goes that/ way he's anybody's what
wants p~ 'pe, you don't bulidoze
me. Ha TIL / sell him.
"wsn. smy. the dog IL mine
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01

you anything in return? But since your
father evidently found him, and gave
him to you for New Years present,
want to do what think is right. NOW,
I'll give you the sled and call 1t even.
And that is treating you more than 1alr
and suuare-sinee the way you have
treated me-for the sled is new and as
fine as Is made. But want my cog log
Here, take the sled and let loose the
rope And Tommy offered his new
sled, one of his Christmas treasures. =,
said the boy, thinking he had surely
struck a bonanza in Fido. The sled
and 80 cents-and the pup is yours agin."
For just a moment Tommy looked the
unprincipled scamp Before these wit
nesses'-and Tommy waved his hands
round towards his friends-"you set
your price on my own dog. agreed
and offered you the money. Then you
went back on your own proposition and
asked for a valuable sled instead. Not
wishing to have any bother over the
possession of my own pet, ] even agreed
to your next terms, and there beside you
| pulled the sled. But, thinking you
have me where you can use me. you
have gone just little too far In your
dishonest demands Now, as l always
keep my part of contract, once more
offer you the sled for my dog; but If
you refuse I'll take him without any
more ado" And Tommy stepped pretty
close to the fellow, clinching his fists In
a threatening manner
During the minutes excitement the
boy dropped the rope to double up his
own fists against his formidable young
antagonist. Fido, understanding that
his time for freedom had arrived, gave a
sharp, victorious bark and dashed Off
over the snow in the direction of his old
home with the fleetness of the wind.
The boy made a move as IL he would
pursue him. but Tommy grasped him by
the shoulders with such firm grip that
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01

meat sandwich. Mrs. Sprat, will you
kindly see that our new friends here
are made to enjoy the EVENING"" And
little Bo-Peep left Bud and Mamie in
charge of the fat Mrs. Sprat, while she
led Dame Riding-Hood and her little
daughter to a sofa. for they were well
emit and preferred to sit and chat rather
than go walking about the crowded
room.
was fat, and bowed the delighted Bud
and Mamie about among the noted peo-
pie, presenting them left and right.
On a throne at the farthest end of the
long room was seated Old King Cole,
the merry old soul, whom Bud and
Mamie recognized the minute their eyes
rested upon him. After they had been
formally presented to His Majesty the
royal voice rang out in an order for his
pipe, his bowl and his Fiddlers Three.
In moment a servant appeared with
the lighted pipe and the, flowing bowl,
which the jolly old SOUL offered gen
erously to Bud and Mamie; but the two
children declined with thanks, SO His
Royal Highness quaffed and smoked the
wine and pipe himself. In another sec
ondlthe F'iddlers Three made their bow
before the throne and began to play
some very lively music. This seemed to
excite the feet of Old King Cole, for he
got up in a clumsy fashion (being too
began to do some very funny steps
about the small platform, laughing till
his huge sides shook. Everyone present
Joined in the laughter till the walls
echoed with their mirth.
Leaving the .hrone, the children saw
another person made familiar in picture,
song and story. There, seated quietly in
a corner was little Jack Horner, eating
yes, positively eating a Christmas pie!
AS Bud and Mamie bowed in aclSnowl-
edgment of the introduction to him the
merry fellow suck in his thumb and
pulled out two plums from his pie, CIV
ing one to each of them.
NOW I'll present you to my husband
and Humpty-Dumpty," said Mrs. Sprat.
leading Bud and Mamie to a bench
against the wall, upon which sat Jack
Sprat and his brcakable companion,
Humpty-Dumpty. Jack Sprat bowed in
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01

and I would have no trouble in getting
possession of him by law. But as that
would take time and some money am
willing to allow you something for him
to settle the matter without further par
ley. You say you mean to sell him,
Now what do you want for your claims
"Oh," hesitated the boy, not knowing
Just what price to place. II reckon half
a dollar will be right
Boys" said Tommy, turning to his
comrades, i've just quarter. Can you
make up the rest2"
Sure" they said in a breath. and in
a minute the so cents was in Tommys
palm Here you are" he said, onering
the change to the boy.
But the dogcatcher's son feared lie
had set the price too small, since Tom
my had so promptly agreed to pay It;
SO he drew back and said: Nope. I've
decided won't take just money. for
mann an dad will tnlto II away from me
to git grub with. Nope. I want sumthin
to play with. Give mo your sled an
take the dog"
You have n queer iden of business,
scowled Tommy, almost out OF patience
with the tough customer In hand Don't
YOU know ! could report this matter to
the authorities. bring proofs of owner
ship, and tnke my dog, without giving
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01

piled Red Riding Hood. opening the
door and ushering her visitors into a
pretty comfortable little parlor; Here
she introduced them to a lovely dame IN
white. who was her mother.
After refreshments had been served
by the beautiful mistress of the cottage
to the little travellers, she advised them
to lie down and rest awhile. This Bud
and Mamie did, stretching themselves
on a great bearskin in front of a cheer
full fire that blazed in a crate. Red
Riding-Hood promised to call them in
plenty of time to start for the home OF
Mother Goose.
After a refreshing nap the two chill
dred hurriedly donned their wraps, and,
together with Red Riding-Hood and her
mother, they set out in a sleigh drawn
by reindeer for the reception at Mother
Goose's.
The delightful ride over the frozen
snow was all too short. So thought Bud
and Mamie, who had enjoyed it i'm
mensely. for after half an hour skim
ming through the forest the sleigh was
drawn up in front of an old stone
castle, around which ran a deep moat.
The driver blew a blast on lbugle,
whereupon the lodgekeeper thrust his
head out through a window and de-
manded the names of those seeking adj
mittance.
IT declare, that looks like Simple ST.
monn exclaimed Bud meaning the
lodge-gate keeper.
st is he" said Red Riding-Hood,
-'Dut ne is not so simple as ne Wouiu
have you believe. He is Mother Goose's
trusted sentinel. and no one passes
through this portal without his permis-
sion."
Meanwhile, Simple Simon ascertaining
who was at the gate. gave orders to his
assistants to throw down the draw
bridge and allow the sleigh. with its oc-
eupants, to enter. The RENDERS dashed
up to the great arched entrance. and
there on the steps to give them welcome
was none other than the hostess herself,
old Mother Goose, and by her side stood
the snow-white gander, bobbing his
head in a friendly bow. After a hearty
handshaking all round. Mother Goose
turned and addressed someone inside
the wide, brilliantly lighted hall:
"Bo-Peep. Bo-Peep, come and show
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01

now go down nj. right ends up. Bud
and Mamie went on to the next little
group. composed of Old Mother Hub
Blue and wee Willie Wrinkle. Old
Mother Hubbard had her faithful dog
beside her, and Bud and Mamie were
been better fed than his pictures usu-
ally showed him to be. Surely, Mother
Hubbard had found more than bone
the next time she went to her cup
board for food for her doggie. As Bud
and Mamie were chatting in friendly
way with Little Miss Muffet old Mother
Goose Joined the group to inquire of
them how they. we're enjoying them
and expressing their pleasure in being
her guests the doo- at the end of the
room suddenly burst open and in ran
a COW. A little dog barked furiously at
her heels, and close in the rear came
a dish carrying inside 1t a bright pewter
spoon Then the walls began to shake,
the people to run about wildly to get
out of the way of the cow, who made
a dash for a window, leaping through
1t at bound. Bud and Mamie ran to
see where she would go, and, to their
amazement, the COW leaped right over
the moon that was just rising above the
castle walls. Then their attention was
called to the little dog who had been
chasing the COW. There he sat laughing
till the tears flowed down his face. The
dish was running madly about. stu
confusion reigned What do you all
mean?" cried -1other Goose, stamping
her foot for order; whereupon the old
white gander Kissed shrilly. Come,
wake up-wake upi" And slowly Bud
opened his eyes to see his mother stand
ing over him and to feel her shaking
him gently by the shoulders. Come,
son; wake up. You must have slept
all afternoon while mamma was receiv--
ing with Mrs. Adams. Come. both of
you; supper is "eady and papa Is walt
ing in the sitting-room."
Bud rubbed his eyes and looked about
him. Near him on the rug sat Mamie.
also rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
and on the spot where Buds head had
been lying was Mother Goose" The
book had served as his pillow.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01
THE ADVENT OF NEW YEAR.

a SLOW sad way and pronounced the
childrens names IN weak voice.
Humpty-Dumpty did not bow, fearing to
do so lest he might sall and again come
to grief. MY husband eats only lean
meat" whispered Mrs. Sprat as they
moved away from the subjects under
discussion. That's the cause of his de-
plorably weak condition., And as for
Humpty- Dumpty-well, the least said
here we are with Jack and Jill; two
naughty urchins, but very lovable
withal."
After a few brief words with Jack and
Jill. who, by the way, said they could
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01

"My wish 1t hadn't been dream"
said Bud, in a disappointed tone. II
was having the time of my life at that
party"
Were you dreaming, Buddie?" asked
Mamie. rising and yawning. so was !.
/ dreamed we wen. to see little Red
Riding Hood"
Maybe it WASH; 2 dream, then" said
Bud, wondering. Il called at the same
party at Mother Goose's."
Never mind your dreams, now, chill
dren," called mamma from the stairs
as she descended to the dining-room.
Papa is waiting for us-so come on"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01

the visitors in
Immediately in response the daintiest
little maiden, leading white sheep by
a pink ribbon came from within and
bowed low TO the new arrivals. shaking
the hands of Bud and Mamie and kiss
ing in a familiar way the cheek of Red
Riding-Hood and the brow of Dame
Riding-Hood. Then the little Miss led
them into the great reception hall, say
ing: Now I'll introduce you to Mrs.
Jack Spratt, who will conduct you about
the hall and present you to those pres
emit" Then she called plump little
woman from a corner of the room
where she was sitting munching a fat
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01

and fly or And that night as he lay on
his snug bed In a corner OF Tommy's
room, Fido declared that never. never
again would he allow the green-eyed
monster Jealousy to enter his heart, nor
entertain the shadow of q doubt OF his
dear masters true friendship.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01

why does the New Year come at
night?"
Asked little Ned and May;
WED think he'd come when II Is lisnc-
When it is broad, clear day.
WE'D think he'd come at noon to eat,
Or at early eve to sup
With all his friends who watch for him,
When everybody's up.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-01

But 'steau of this he comes at night,
Creeps In when it is cold;
And none of us knows he Is here
Till next day when were told.
rs it because he feels ashamed
The thieving little elf!-
To chase poor Old Year out OF biz
And take the job himself?'
ANNIE MAY.
The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1905-09-16
Birthday Surprise.

A birthday surprise party was given by
Mr.. and Mrs. David Ellis Wednesday
evening in honor of Alfred Ellis. High
FIVE was the principal entertainment a,
which Miss Lillian patten received the
ladies prize, and DR.. c. W. Mcclanahsn n
the eentlemen's houors. AT late hour
a delightful array of refreshments were
served and the evening was most enjoy
able. Those present were: Misses Ger
trade Noxou. Lula Neinberger, Myra
McFarlsne. Mamie KIM. Lillian pat,en.
Nellit Merviu, Hether Hin, Oral Wright
Etiie Davis, Eliza Ellis and Miss Hurd.
Messrs. Fred Walseu, Jernlie McIssac.
5. Smith, Dr. c. W. McClanahan Nor
rison James, Fred Ellis, W. A. Roberts,
Walter Fallen. Jas. Clayton, Frank
Sandstrom and K. J. Davies.
The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1905-09-16
Red Men Hold JoIliiication.

The Clear Creek Valley Red Mems
association and the Daughters Of Poca.
hontas assembled at Empire yesterday,
the occasion being the annual meeting of
different tribes in Gilpin and Clear Creek
counties belonging to the association.
The members from Black Hawk and
Neyadayille came over in special car
attached to the regular train. the car be.
ing handsomely decorated for the trip. A
generous reception was rendered by the
Empire Indians, and the guests report
having had splendid time. Among
those from this city were the following:
Messrs. and Mesdames A. w. Miller,
J. W. Boyd. e. l.. Regeunitter, Thomas
Coppard, Fred Blight, f. Phillips and
d. Mccain: Mesdames Fl. L.. Robinson,
Dan Mcdonald. John Chapman, jr., John
Peteseou, George Dory, Frank White,
4. ]. Page, Dan Mcleod. John Watson,
Bfuce. Frank Nelson. f. Boyd and A. H.
Colburn; 1fisses Clara Peterson. Lillian
Irelease, May Colbnrn; Messrs. D. NJ.
Oulton, Fred Ostermsu. e. p Swanson
Lea Ro' . q, W. A. Roberts, Albert Nell
scr. Alex Bunuey, VIM. Bunney, ]. N.
Ogden, Alex Roy, W. Peterson. Bernard
Bruce, knute Peterson, VIM. Reep.