davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

Frankie was In his tenth year, and he
was not very studious boy at school
in fact. frankie loved to be out of school
better than In It Sometimes he wished
he was anything else other than school,
boy. He would not have minded being
an animal, for then he would never have
had to go to school and study.
One thing frankie dreaded to do more
than anything 'se. He disliked to get
up early In the morning. His mamma
had a dreadful time making him open
his eyes long enough TO see that the sun
was streaming in through the window OF
his room trying to tell him that he should
be up and doing.
One morning frankie was harder to
wake than usual, and his mamma was
obliged to take towel and dip 1t In cold
water and dash 1t across his eyes to
rouse him from his deep sleep, although
1t was s:15 o'clock, and the first bell for
school would ring in another 10 minutes
"Ouchr said Frankie, jumping out from
the covers and onto the floor. "Oh, l
wish | wasn't boy-I wish ] was
was" and his eyes fell on toy mon
key on the floor, 81 wish | was mon
key, SO l dor
why, my dear little son." said his
mamma, shocked TO hear him make such
a wish. Don't you know that 1t is the
greatest blessing our Creator could be-
stow upon US to make us human IL
you were q poor, dumb monkey that had
TO live In the forests and hunt your food,
living too, In such a dirty state as mon
keys do live Ia, am sure you would
be most happy to return to your present
form and again possess the Intellect that
alL normal boys are blessed with. But
come, you'll be late TO school, Hurry
and take your bath and dress yourself
Your breakfast is waiting for you. Papa
has gone TO his office, for he could not
wait to say good-by; you were SO tardy
about getting up"
With a pout frankie went to the bath
room and threw little splash OF water
over his head and shoulders. He was TOO
lazy and sleepy to bother about getting
into the tub. Then with his eyes only
half open, and the pout still on his mouth,
he went below to eat his breakfast But
all the time he was eating he was think
Ing of the wish he had made on jumping
out of bed-the wish to be q monkey.
Even as he went slowly toward school
the monkey idea still chung to his mind,
and in fancy he saw himself one of those
ugly little long-tailed beasts leaping from
tree to tree, then to the ground hunting
for nuts to eat. Yes, to Frankie's way
of thinking. that would be the ideal ex-
istence. SO full was he Of the thought
that he did not hear the last bell ringing
to call the pupils into school
On his way to school be went past a
little park which ran OF toward the creek
half a mile distant frankie, still a
bit drowsy, wandered into the park and
followed the path leading to the stream,
his mind so occupied with imaginings
that be really did not think about the
way his feet were SO idly leading him.
Before he was aware that he had gone
from fhe road ieadsno N schnni he eo-rd
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

till the well runs dry" lie never knew
what 1t meant to be denied the oppor-
tunity of an education, the contentment
of a home and the love OF parents and
frieu1s.
And how hungry he was, and how he
ionged to be able to speak his longinss.
Never, never would he have made that
foolish wish lad be known how 1t would
have terminated.
Suddenly the thought came to him TO
make another wish and see II 1t might
not be granted. He wished to become
a little boy again; the same Frankie who
had played truant the morning before.
He even wisned-and wished with all mis-
hea-t and soul-that he might 60 TO
school again; that he might take more
interest IN mis- LESSONS and forge ahead
In mis- classes. Yes; he vowed to never
be tardy, never to lie abed late of morn
ings, IL only this wish might be granted
him.
A loud ringing in his ears, noise
familiar, and he stirred, looked up and
saw the towering tree branches above his
head. Then he half arose, glanced over
his own BODY, and to his happy surprise
saw himself as he had always been-1O-
year-old frankie, with his neat blouse
suit of blue on. So he had been dream
ing, Ell! And that ringing which filled
his ears and walked him was the school
bell, Diminishing the forenoon session. evil
IDENTIFY, for frankie saw that the sun
was straight ,ver his head and 1t must
be noon.
With the agility of a wide-awake and
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

"Oh. little squirrel" said Gertrude.
'.Bless the pretty thing; 1t mas come here
to live through the winter. III just keep
very quiet and watch what he'll do"
And Gertrude crouched against the ban
mister of her playhouse and drew her hat
well over her face, peeplng through the
lacework of the straw brlm.
After a few minutes she saw the little
squirrel come to the hole and peep out.
All being so quiet he evidently felt that
the Intruder had gone, SO be quickly
darted out from his house, turned his
head this way. then that as IL wishing
to make sure he was safe before risking
coming down. Seemingly satisfied on this
point the bushy-talled fellow ran down
the tree trunk. stood a moment on the
floor, then stepped to the ladder and de-
seended to the ground.
"0h, the little dear" cried Gertrude
under her breath. "He shall stay here
undisturbed all his life, and we shall be-
come the best of friends. I'll call him
my tenant during the winter. for he shall
look after my house for me- To be sure,
| shall have to take away my furniture,
but he wouldn't want that anyway. His
favorite room will be inside the tree, not
outside It But this part will serve as
his porch. And how he did go down the
adderl-just as though he'd been raised
to use a stair"
But here Gertrnde's remarks to herself
were cut of by the squirrel coming through
the woods towards her tree carrying a big
nut In his mouth. But what was that be.
M .
squirrel. And 1t was also carrying a nut
in Its mouth and following squirrel num-
Der one.
Gertrude's heart beat with happiness.
"a family of the dears," she whispered.
I'll just be very still and they'll come
up" And sure enough they did do that
very thing. Up the ladder they both
came, carrying each a big nut In his
mouth. They paused on the floor to rest,
then to the hole they hurried and disap-
peared into 1t. After the space of few
seconds out they came again, and away to
the woods for more nuts. Gertrude now
made up her mind to get acquainted with
them, SO she ran down to the ground,
went off under the big trees and picked
up handful of nuts. Then she returned
to the playhouse again and took up her
place BY the tree trunk close to the foot
of the ladder.
In a few minutes the squirrels came
back, each carrying a nut as before. When
they were almost at the ladder Gertrude
bent forward and held out a nut towards
them. At first they seemed frightened and
ran few feet away, turning and looking
at her intently. She still proffered the
nut, this time laying 1t beside the ladder
on the ground
But so long as she remained close to the
tree the squirrels would not approach 1t,
SO she withdrew to a little distance, where
she stood still watching her new tenants
Evidently. understanding that this pretty
little girl was their friend and would do
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

they both came and stood on the top Of
the ladder looking down In a very friendly
way at Gertrude.
So the Acquaintance grew. TIL within
a few hours the squirrels were taking the
nuts from her hands just as though II had
been their custom all their lives to have
some little girl assist them In laying In
their winters provisions.
And every evening after school Ger
trude would come TO play a while with
the new tenants In her tree-top house. In
fact, the squirrels seemed to know Just
about the hour when she was due, and
they would perch themselves on the top
rung of the ladder and walt for her COM
ing. Soon, too, they grew to know their
names, sally Q. and Pally o." which
Gertrude called them. But the little glr
never could find out whether each fellow
knew the name intended for him, be-
cause both would come running TO her
when she would call, sally Y. and Pally
O., come meet me-" Aud II she called
just one at a time, "Sally O.. come meet
me-" here they botl would come us fast
as their feet would carry them.
One reasop, perhaps, that they would
come so readily to their little benefac-
tress was that she never appeared empty
handed. Squirrels, like children, are fond
of ca ting, and Gertrude bad found out
what Sally q. and Pally =. liked best
So 1t was that, though the playhouse
had to be abandoned In a way through
the fall and winter, Gertrude still felt
satisfied, for had she not two lovely
tenants to care for 1t during her long alb
sence9 And would she not get to visit
them every day during all that time when
the cold weather aud school forced her to
live elsewhere3
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23
Gertrude and the Squirrels.
ny HELENA DAVIS.

Gertrude had a playhouse built up in
the spreading branches of a great tree.
Her papa had built 1t for ner eGrly In
tie summer, and 1t was the most COM
plete playhouse you ever saw. There was
. fine floor which was laid across several
strong beams, held In place by the forked
limbs Of the tree. Then round the edges
of the floor was a secure banister, which
prevented the little ones who played there
from falling or, for the floor was fully
six feet above the ground and reached
by a slantlng ladder.
The playhouse was completely furnished
with chairs, a table, play cooking
stove, chest of drawers and cupboard
full of dainty china and glass. A big rug,
which mamma had found In the attic. was
spread on the floor. So you will see how
complete this Ideal playhouse was.
And you may believe that 1t was with
deep regret that Gertrude saw the fall
days approaching and watched her
mammals progress in making ner new
school froeks, for the second week In
September Gertrude would have to take
mp her books and study till the holidays.
And then 1t would be too cold to play
out of doors. for the pretty playhouse
would be all covered with snow.
1t was on the last Saturday before the
tall term of school should open that Ger
trude went to pack up the furniture in
the tree-top house, preparatory to having
It carried to her Saturday plnyroom in
the attic. As she sat looking about her.
enjoying for the last time this year, as
she thought, her pretty playhouse. she
heard queer little noise just above her
head. She looked up Just in time to see
round, dark, small head with two
bright eyes withdraw Itself into hole in
the tree.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

came closer to the ladder, took the nut in
her hand and held 1t out so that the first
squirrel coming down might have the
chance to take 1t from her hands. Pretty
soon squirrel number two came to the top
of the ladder and looked down He seemed
bit undecided what to do. Then, as II
making up his mind to accept what the
gods brought him" he came slowly down
to within reaching distance of the nut,
put out his little nose,. grasped the nut
between his sharp white teeth and shot
like ball up the ladder. across the 6oor
and into his hole. Once inside he must
have communicated the incident to his
companion, for in few minutes forth
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

must cut of the thick stream with
wire When each mold is filled set the
pan in a warm place for several days
till the drops are hardened enough to
handle; then take them out and dampen
them a little and shape In graduated
sugar
Mexican Klsses.-Put Into saucepan
two cups brown sugar and a half cup OF
sweet milk and cook gently till a little
dropped into cold water will ball when
rubbed between the fingers 1t will TAKE
about 10 minutes cooking to reach this
stage. Stir constantly while boiling, as II
scorches enslly. Add a heaplng tablespoon
full of butter. aud as soon as melted re-
move saucepan from the FIRE and beat
steadily till the mixture looks creamy
and bit granuated. Stir In at once
pound of English walnuts broken into
bits. Beat hard and turn into buttered
tins to harden In a cool pnce.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

them no harm, the first squirrel came for
ward, a few PAGES at a time, and APP
preached the ladder. He paused and
looked first at the nut, then at Gertrude
then be ran up the tree. deposited his nut,
came back as quickly as his four feet
would carry him and picked up the nut
Gertrude had placed for him without any
show of fear or surprise that 1t should be
waiting for him. And again up the tree
he went. The second squirrel, who had
been a close observer of what took place,
now advanced a few steps nearer the tree.
Gertrude came slowly forward and held
out another nut. Then seeing the danger
of frightening the suspicious little animal
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23
Growth of the Die
fiOnQry.

What would the wise men OF Nineyeh.
who, 700 years before Christ. wrote down
the words of their language on small
tablets Of clay. think could they come to
earth and see. after It's completion the
master dictionary which is now under
process of making In Philadelphia.
Those wise men Of so many centuries
ago were the infant beginners In The
business OF photography, One set OF
cuneiform tablets for the Assyrian king s
library was all that tho were required
to furnish.
Not so easy Is the Job OF dictionary
making In these advanced times. The
philadelphia publisher above referred TO
has kept large staff al work on his new
dictionary for IA years, expending $780,
coo. and has just completed for printing
the matter from "a" 20 two-thrds OF
"E." 1t Is estimated that s250.OO0 more
will be required to complete the work
which will consume at least Ave years 10
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23
A Unique Pillow for a
Girls Den.

most unique sofa pillow cover can be
made by girl to add to the many little
artistic and odd furnishings OF her den.
Invite each girl and boy friend TO draw
n comlcal picture on a piece of heavy
white, tan or Hight blue linen, about three
by four inches In size. There should be
an equal number of patches In each color.
so that no one tint will predominate.
The artist should frst draw his picture
In pencil, aud when done to please his
fancy, follow the outline with Il small
brush dipped In india Ink. The names OF
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

make a fresh start Mamma will under
stand how it all came about when l tell
her, and she'll write an excuse for me to
the teacher. Then III not get tardy
mark" -
For quite awhile Frankie amused him
self by pitching pebbles into the water.
Then he began to hunt for pretty fall
tinted ferns, intending to take a buBch
of them to his mamma as a peace offer
Ing. But the woods had been SO thor
oughly secured OF ferns by the children
OF the Saturday before that frankie
found none worth having.
.N-hnt's tho matter urith 49, t,tfr. .
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

himself on the creek bank amidst heavy
patch of timber, the trees touching
branches overhead and forming a thick
bower.
"Ah. just the place for monkeys to
live" he exclaimed. Then remembering
that it was time for him to be in school
he began TO look about to see just where
he was. Recognizing an old landmark
in the shape of some big powders near
the waters edge, frankie realized how
far he had been led astray by his idle
musings.
.'Oh, WELL" he said, making the best of
a bad matter, and really not feeling sorry
to miss school that morning. since
would be late IL | went to school now,
iii just hang around here till nearly
noon; then I'll go nome, eat dinner and
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

for a suitable bed of fallen leaves
frankie could always sleep, day as well
as night, unless there was fun and play
going forward for him. In few minutes
he had raked together n nice mound Of
leaves, upon which he lay down to take
bit of a snooze.
Just as he was losing himself In slum-
Der there came a squeaking voice from
above his head, and he quickly opened his
eyes to behold a huge black monkey hang
ing by his tail from limb Just over his
head. frankie laughed outright, for he
was so glad to see such a funny fellow
come to play with him. Hello, old
monk" he cried, gaily. How would you
like to have me for a playfellow this
morning-I'ye nothing else to do?"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

away she put the nut on the ground and
withdrew again to a safe distance.
After a moment squirrel number two
came, picked up the nut placed for him by
Gertrude and carried it to the hole In the
tree. Gertrude, happy In the promised
friendship, ran off and gathered some more
nuts, which she placed near the foot of
the ladder, seating herself not far off. In
a little while down the ladder came both
squirrels. They eyed Gertrude as before,
but this time with friendler expression
one without fear-in their big bright eyes,
One by one they took the nuts provided
for them to their house In the tree. When
all but one nut was carried up Gertrude
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

The monkey looked at him for mo-
ment, then he deigned to reply:
You are the boy VINO wished to oe a
monkey, are your" he asked.
''How did you known" asked frankie,
surprised at the monks question.
'Oh, a bird came to me this morning
and told me- he Answered. 80 come
with me. You'll have no more school
after you have been made into a monkey.
Ali you will have to do Is 10 sleep, fght
and hunt for food-oh. yes, and TO
scratch. You know we monkeys have 70
scratch all the time or we'd be eaten
aIlts hz thcs.. r,crk.. .i,.te- a,I.ns- :, hich
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

the contributors should appear on th.'r
pieces of art" done. of course. In india
ink
When all the patches have thoroughly
dried lay them over n square Of white
cloth and cross-stltch the edges smoothly
together with gay-colored silk.
An accompanying illustration gives an
Idea of how the cushion will appear after
finished
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23
TONGUE TwIsTERs.

(Recite as fast as possible.)
She says she shall sew a sheet on q
sewing machine.
Tim turned the turnips In a wheelbar-
row to trundle to town on the railroad
track.
How much wood would a woodchuck
chuck II a woodchuck could chuck woodf
woodchuck would chuck as much wood
:. !. Il.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23
CURTAILMENT.

My whole Is, rs you know well.
A Jewel found In n seashell;
IL you will but curtall me,
Then a juicy fruit I'll be;
Curtall again, aud then, ween.
A garden vegetable will be seen.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23

Riddle. come riddle. come rye;
What Is 1t can see
Tho 1t hasn't an eyer
fThs aroan1
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-23
Champion Spelier OF
the Future.

When the new-fangied spelling
Comes into general use,
Bet I'll be the Teller
What can beat the ole deuce
A-spellin' of the long words.
Words with q silent letter,
Connecticut western news., 1906-12-06
Fined for Beating his wife

Paul O. Toppling of Sheffield was in court at Great Harrington Monday charged with assault and battery on his wife, Bridget Toppling. He pleaded not guilty, but the evidence showed otherwise and he was fined s25. 1t was the third time that Toppling has been in court Tor wife beating, the first offense he was let off with 8, while the second cost him s10. Toppling is about 60 years old while his wife is 65 and it is her second marriage.
 In court Mrs. Toppling lifted her veil showing two blackened eyes and a bruised face which it was alleged was due to the beating received from the hands of her husband. Mrs. Toppling's side of the argument was that she was beaten because she refused to go out and call on some neighbors. He said that his dinner was not ready and he was called names and his hat was hid den so that he couldn't go out.
Connecticut western news., 1906-12-06
An Historic Bridge

The Pittsfield Eagle says: A Great Harrington man recalls an interesting fact concerning the old covered bridge near the Catholic church in Sheffield The old covered bridges are fast becom. ing thing of tho past. and for public safety it is we'll that they are being re. placed by iron structures. Sheffield still boasts of two of these bridges and the most interesting one, from an his torical point of view, spans the Housa- tonic river, near the Catholic church. This bridge is over 70 years old and was built from money received from the state. At that time there was quite a surplus in the state treasury and it was divided among the various towns and Sheffield took her allotment and con- structed this bridge which has since been in service. This allotment of money from the state is the only one that is recalled.
Connecticut western news., 1906-12-06
Is Changing His Mind

William R. Hearst who is in Mexico was interviewed by a member of the staff of the Mexico Herald the other day regarding his alleged statement that he would not be candidate for public office again. He modified the utterance re gently attributed to him to the effect that would never accept another nomination by saying that if circumstances made 1t imperative he would once more be a can didate for office.
Connecticut western news., 1906-12-06
FALLS VILLAGE

Some of the people who spent Thanks giving with friends in town are: MT. Harry Brinton of Waterbury with his mother, Mrs. Henry Brinton. Miss Stella Lord of Bridgeport with Mrs. M. A. Hall. Miss Anna Rogers aud her cousin with her aunt, Miss Kathryn Smith, MT. and Mrs. Charles Holmes, Mir. and Mrs. Harry B. Mead of Provi- dence, and Mir. Paul E. Mead of New York, with their mother, Mrs. H. R. Mead, Mir. Charles Ocain of New York, with his sister, Mrs. George Fink, Miss Louise Gibbs of Kent, with her brother Mir. A. F. Gibbs, Mir. Charles Andrews and family of Sheffield with Mir. Edward Ward, MT. and Mrs. William Gage and friend from New York at the Falls Village Inn. ....
 MT. and Mrs. George Hall and Henry Gaylord and his mother spent Thanks giving with B. W. Spur at Lakevi1le-
 Mir. and Mrs. F. M. Olin fexsted at their home on Southbridge turkey and many other things from the Bay state. Friday Mir. and Mrs. J. Lee Ensign Mir. and Mrs. William Hubben, and Mrs. O. B. Maltbie were invited to five o'clock dinner at their hcrae.
 Dwight Moore and his wife were called to New Haven Monday night on account of the critical illness of his son.
 An impromptu social dance was en- joyed at Citizens Hall Friday night.
 Frank How'd spent few days in Hart ford last week.