davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02
OR A BOY 4?

three of these creatures and defeated them
easily"
II pounded 'em like sixty added the
Cherub with a nod and a laugh.
The Princess led them by path deep
into the forest, passing underneath the
broad leaves of the plants. which were so
thick that they almost shut out the day
some. But before long big clearing was
reached, in the center of which was rocky
mound with broad. fiat stone at the very
top. All around were houses, made by
bending down the huge leaves of the plants
and fastening them to the ground with
wooden pegs. thus forming circular rooms.
None of these houses seemed quite SO hand.
some as the palace of the Princess, but
they were big and of many colors. ana
when our friends stepped into the clearing
a swarm of the Mifket people crowded out
of the doorways to surround the strangers
and gaze upon them curiously.
Upon the fiat stone in the center or the
clearing reclined an aged Mifket who was
lazly summing himself and who seemed to
pay no attention to the chattering OF his
fellows Yet it was toward this stone that
the Princess. after a half-frightened look
at its occupant. led her new friends, and all
the Mifkets. big and little. followed them
and formed a circle around them and the
aged one.
BE careful not to anger him
Then she knelt humbly before the Nat
stone that served as throne. and John
Dough knelt beside her. But Chick stood
upright and laughed at the sight of the
lazy Mifket King reclining before them.
The short coarse hair that covered the
head of the King was white, proving him
to be very old and his raiment was woven
of pure white leaves, distinguishing him
from all the others of his band. But he
was not specially dignified in appearance.
Hearing the murmur around him. the
King slowly rolled his fat body over and
sat up, rubbing his eyes to clear them of
the cobwebs of sleep. Then he looked upon
.Tohn and Chick and q Prunt. lmme-
diately little man rushed out of a dwell
ing just back of the throne and hurried to
the King with a gourd filed with water.
This the aged N1fket drank greedily. and
while he was thus occupied the Princess
grasped the hand of the little man an
pressed it affectionately.
This is my father" she whispered to
John Dough and Chick.
The little man seemed fussy and nervous,
but perhaps this was caused by the fear in
which he constantly lived. There was lit
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02

kets have made my poor father and mother
their slaves and mock me by shutting me
in this tree house and calling 1T a palace
and me a princess. But, really, l am as
much slave as either of my dear parents. ;"
Cant you go out If you want to- asked
Chick
there is no one to play with. except Pity
pat. who is a white rabbit. and Para Bruin
who is a bouncing brown bears"
What strange companions! said John
Owe met Pittypat, and like the white
rabbit very much: but a bouncing brown
bear must be a dreadful creature"
Not at all. 1 assure you.' returned the
girl earnestly Just wait until you meet
him and you'll see that he couldn't hurt
any one If he would. and wouldn't II he
THAT'S all right" said Chick.
But do the Mifkets Ill treat you in any
way?" asked John.
"Oh, no. until now they have done ME no
swered; but their tempers are so hateful
that 1 am in constant fear of them. You
must meet the Mifkets. of course, since
YOU cannot leave this island; and you
must obey them as We all do. But per-
haps Mr.. Dough, being made of ginger
bread will be treated with more respect
than human beings are
Nevertheless, we will meet the Mifkets
boldly, and 1 am not going to make myself
unhappy by being afraid of them"
Nor T. said Chick. They're only
beasts"
.'Then, IL you will please follow me, will
lead you to the kings village" said the
girl, land there you may see my father and
mother
VERY WELL" agreed John. But I must
tell you that we have already encountered
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02

tie hair upon his head. but he wore chin
whiskers that We're bright red in color and
luXuriant in growth and harmoniZed nicely
with his light-blue eyes. He wore a faded
and ragged suit of blue clothes to which
he had doubtless chung ever since the days
upon this island
John Dough was about to express in po-
lite words his pleasure in meeting the
father of the Princess when the King, hav-
ing finished drinking. suddenly flung the
gourd at the little mans head. He ducked
to escape it, and the gourd struck the fore
head of a big Mifket just behind and made
sound like the crack of whip. At once
the big Mifket-who was remarkable for
having black hair upon his head instead Of
the dingy brown that was common to all
the Mifkets-uttered roar of rage and
less slave, but the little man ducked this
blow also and then scampered away to the
royal dwelling as fast as his thin legs could
carry him.
Let him CO." said the King, speaking
sleepily in the Mifket language. Then he
are these creatures, Ooboo, and how came
they here?'
II don't know" answered Black oohoo
sulkily. THE girl brought them"
Perhaps 1 can explain said John
Dough, speaking in their language. MY
time ago in a flying machine, which, I'M
fortunately. broke down and prevented us
from getting away again.
The Mifkets looked at the gingerbread
man in establishment, not because they had
any idea what a flying machine might be,
but to hear their own language spoken by
SO queer parsonage filled them with
amaZement.
Are you one of those miserable creatures
called humans?" asked the King, blinking
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02

continued from Sixth Page)
no doubt about her affection for YOU
But that isn't it," exclaimed the now
thoroughly discouraged husband. Il am
afraid for her reason, afraid for her life,
mere Is something decidedly wrong some.
where. Don't you see that | must have an
immediate interview with her If only TO
satisfy myself that she aggravates her own
danger? Why should she make a will in
TINS underhanded way? Does she fear op-
position from me? l have a fortune equal
10 her own 1t is something else she breads
What? 1 feel that l ought to know if only
to protect her against herself L would
even promise not to show myself or to
speak"
Il am sorry TO have to say good after
noon, Mr.. Ransom. Have you any com.
mands that l can execute for your
None but to give her my love. Tell her
there Is not more unhappy man in New
York: you. may add that L trust her affec-
ton"
The lawyer bowed. Mr. Ransom and Ger
ridge withdrew. At the foot of the stairs
they were stopped by the shout of a small
boy behind them.
Say, mister. did you drop something?"
he called down, coming meanwhile as rap
idly after them as the steepness of the flight
allowed. Mr.. Harper says he found this
where you gentlemen were sitting"
Mr.. Ransom, somewhat startled, took the
small paper offered him. 1t was none of
his property, but he held to 1t just the same.
In the middle of a torn bit of paper he
had read these words written in his own
wifes hand:
Hunters Tavern.
Sitford, Connecticut.
At 8 o'clock April the 18th.
by Jove!" he exclaimed. mo one will
ever hear me say again that lawyers are
devoid of hearth!
cro be continued next Saturday,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02

shaped room. one leaf being turned up TO
make an opening that served as door.
You must whistle at the door. and the
princess will appear" said Pittypat L
cannot talk with her as 1 do with you.
Mr.. Dough; so I'll leave you now and run
home to tell my folks OF the new frienos
have found" With these parting words
away darted the rabbit. and John and
Chick shyly approached the novel palace or
the princess.
Can you whistle, Chick?" asked the gin
gerbread man; and the baby. IN reply.
made so shrill a sound through the puck
cred pink lips that John gave start OF
surprise.
Almost Immediately a girl appeared In
the doorway Of the plant palace and both
John and Chick bowed low and then stood
motionless to stare at the beautiful face
that confronted them. For this mock
princess Of the Mifkets was quite the love-
Hest and sweetest maiden that any one
has ever looked. upon; and so round and
innocent were her clear eyes and so gentle
and winning her smile that to see her but
once was to love her dearly. John did not
marvel that the wild creatures of the for
est had set this girl apart as too halowed
to become their slave or companion; and
he instantly accepted this shipwrecked
waif as real princess. and from that mo-
ment worshiped Loyalty at her shrine.
Chick, standing soidly, with brown feet
spread wide apart. chubby fists clutching
the last of the forest fruits and tangled
locks flowing carelessly around the laugh
ing face, was a strong contrast to the
little lady who advanced from the door
with dainty steps to welcome the strangers
The princess wore gown of woven leaves,
plucked from the island plants but so
slight and graceful was her form that any
sort of dress would be sure to seem tit and
becoming If the maid wore it.
'HelloI' said Chick. We've come to see
YOU
I'm glad of that" answered the girl. in
soft voice. as she came close and kissed
the cherubs rosy mouth. 1T has been
dreadfully lonesome in this place without
any one to play with or to keep me com
pany. But may l inquire who you are?
This is John Dough-" answered the
cherub, briefly land I'm Chick
I'm pleased to make your acquaintance,
said the girl. They call me the Princess;
but that is in mockery am sure
But are you not treated as princess?'
asked John.
Yes: and that is why I am so lonely"
the girl replied, sadly. The naughty Milf
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02
Pitty-P at and the Mifkets

(CoNTINUED.)

ed by permission OF the Reilly & Britton Coz
could not understand this at first and rose
to his feet rather dazed and unhappy. Then
an idea occurred to him, and he felt of his
glass eyes, and found that one-the left
one-had become loose in It's socket and
turned inward, making him cross-eyed. He
remedied this by turning 1t with his fingers
until it looked straight ahead again and
| matched the other eye. but often there
after that left eye would get twisted and
| bothered him until he turned it straight
| again.
! While he awaited Chicks return, John
| down upon a big yellow mushroom that
was strong enough to bear his weight. 1t
seemed to be a peaceful island. and the
gingerbread man was well pleased with his
surroundings, having at that time no idea
! of all the desperate adventures that were
( to befal hin before he saw the Iast Of
those brilliant shores.
From his feet the beach sloped gently to
| meet the waves of the blue ocean, and on
the sands We're many shells of curious
shapes and colors. The breath of the
wind was full of the fragrance of the flow
ers, and in the forest plants many birds
sang sweet songs.
AS he watched the waves. the birds and
the flowers John heard a slight rustling
sound, and, turning his glass eyes down.
ward. saw at his feet a small animal which
sat upon its launches and regarded him
with big and earnest eyes.
Who are you?" asked the gingerbread
My name, is Pittypat, and I'm rabbit
answered the animal But tell me, please.
who you are and what may be your name,
for have never seen your like before
Il am q gingerbread man. and my name
is John Dough-. he replied, readily. And
then. more anXiously. he asked DO you
eat gingerbread, friend Pittypat?"
NO. indeed" was the reply. Il prefer
clover and sweet roots. But please answer
another question: How is 1t that you UNI
derstand my language and can talk to
me?"
Il cannot tell You that, I'm sure said
John. unless its the effect of the Elixir.
That seems to be responsible for almost
everything, you know
The rabbit did not know. of course, and
looked at its new acquaintance in a puZ-
zled sort of way
Are there any more like you on this
sland?" inquired John Dough.
"Oh. yes: there are lots of u.s. eXclam-
cd the rabbit. But not so many of us as
there are Mfllets."
And what is a Mifket?' asked John.
A sort of creature that is neither an
animal nor man., answered Pittypat.
And the Mifkets rule this island because
they are bigger and fiercer than we rab-
bits are. Also, l know many squirrels and
birds and mice, and the Fairy King of the
beavers-for l we'll acquainted here.
But | do not like the Mifkets, and scamper
away when they come near. There Is a
bouncing brown bear also, who lives on a
hill yonder, and once he claimed to be
king of all the animals. But the Mifkets
found out that our bear is not nearly SO
dreadful as he seems, so they refused to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02
All the Ear-Marks.

The late Barney Owens. the noted old
horseman of Point Breeze. had a fine sense
OF humor. and at a dinner that he gave one
Christmas to some New Jersey politicians
he impressed his guests a good deal with
toast that he proposed.
"A toast to politics" he began. "A toast
to politics and politicians.
i know man whose son is ten years
old. To find out what his sons tastes
were this man put in the boys room one
day Bible. a bottle OF whisky and a
five dollar bill
III he takes the Bible. the father said
to himself its sign he's going to be a
preacher. Ii he takes the money, he'll be
a business man. II he takes the whisky
he'll be 10 good-a drunkard
''And he craw!ed under the bed and
waited for the boy to come in.
When the boy came he was whisting.
He ran to the table like a shot and took
the money and put il in his pocket. He
took the Bible and put it under his arm.
He uncorked the bottle of whisky took
two or three drinks, smacked his lips, and
went out whistlng again.
BY jingo.' said the father. crawling
out from under the bed, he's going to be a
politician. -
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02

ping lightly along the path. Before they
hued. mammoth foliage, Pittypat gave a
sudden whisk and disappeared from sight,
having popped into ahole John Dough. Of
course. stopped and gazed around with
his glass eyes to see what had become OF
his new friend. and at the same moment
a queer creature dropped from an over
head leaf and stood in the path Of the
gingerbread man. Another followed. and
still another. and the three strange beings
looked at John curiously, as If much sur
prised at the meeting as he could be.
Chick pressed close to the side of the gin
gerbread man and stared with big eyes at
the new arrivals
Perhaps nowhere else in all the world
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02

orchestra along with 1t. 1t relied on local
orchestras for its music.
"And one day. drilling an orchestra in
small town, the manager of the cor"1any
was very much veXed with the atrocious
playing of flute player
HE rehearsed the flute player a long
time. Finally, out of patience. he
shouted:
Look here. my friend, you stay out
of this. You're no good, and you shan't
play
1.-The flute player laid down his flute,
wiped his mouth with the back OF his
hand. and said calmly:
All right; if I don't play. you don't.
I'm the mayor of this town, and won't
give you a license.
Native Politeness.
Louis Wagner. the winner OF. the Van
derbilt cup. was asked by reporter after
the race to criticise some of his defeated
competitors
.'Oh," said the racer. II couldn't criticise
them 1t wouldn't be gracious. 1t wouldn't
be polite.
1--WE should be as polite to the van
pushed" said Mr.. Wagner, 'tas the people
of India are.
can Englishman went shooting in India.
and was accompanied by native servant.
On his return some one asked the servant
how the EngliShman had made out.
Oh said the native. the sahib shot
divinely, but heaven was very merciful
to the BIRDS -
Personal Protection.
James c. Dahlman, the mayor of Omaha.
was talking about bores.
II used to be pestered to death with
BORE he said. my doorkeeper was
good natured, obliging chap, and he could
never find 1t In his heart to turn the bore
away Just as sure as I was in. the bore
was certain to be admitted.
zone day, after an hours martyrdom at
the mans hand, 1 determined to end that
persecution. So called my doorkeeper and
said to him mysteriously:
Jim, do you know what keeps Smith
coming here so regularly?
No, SIR said Jim; i can't say as do
Well, Jim,' said I, I don't mind telling
you in confidence that he's after your Job.
From that day." Mayor Dahlman con-
cluded, II saw no more Of the BORE
Anxious for Sentence.
The rrisona az Is usual ut this season.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02

are very full. All sorts of vagabonds, Grip
Piles, and men too old to work are commit
ting slight crimes in order to be sentenced
to warm comfortable lodgings and plentiful
food for the winter.
Arnold Townsend the charity expert of
Cleveland. was discussing this odd cond-
ton the other day.
"Tramps," he said, 'calI Jail the hotel.
1t is funny to see them, good-humored and
satisfied, taking their sentences in the
courts at this time OF the year. In the
dock they have the eXpectant air of travel
ers about to start a pleasant journey.
In a police court yesterday one of these
tramps interrupted the magistrate:
Your worship, pardon me- he said,
smiling politely, but would you mind
rushin' my case a bit. It's nearly ~ o'clock
and if I'm goin to Jail I'd like to get there
in time for dinner
Inflated Prices.
Hall Game Is bringing out a fifty-cent
book in London in order to prove that
it would pay the publishers better to is
sue new books at that price instead of at
the usual SLIP.
tor the other day, has felt for some time
that books should come down. On his
last visit here he insisted that the present
price, in view of the cheapness OF modern
publishing methods, was too high. He said
that the publishers were like the drug
gists.
And he illustrated his meaning with
Story.
There was a druggist in a certain town
who was famous for an ointment of his
own manufacture. He sold this ointment
at $1.O5 a box A customer came to him
one day. took box Of the ointment, and
asked IL he wouldn't throw off the odd
money for poor man.
Well said the druggist. you look like
q deserving case, so I will
1.-THE customer grabbed up IT, ointment.
threw down nickel and bolted.
The dollars the odd money l meant
he explained hastily, as he shot out of the
door.
1.-THE druggist rushed out just in time
to see him turning the corner
Go on you beggar! he shouted. I've
made three cents out of you as 1t is "
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02
Mark Twain as a Critic.

y young novelist was praising the critical
powers of Mark Twain.
Il once had the honor of reading a tale
of mine 10 Mr.. Clemens" he said, and
thanks to his criticism, the tale was great
l. improved. Originally it too high
flown: he brought it down to earth and
made IL homelier and truer.
For instance, the tale concluded with
these words:
e Mabel's lovely eyes dropped for answer,
faint flush tinted her cheek, and she gave
him both her hands; and, there in the old
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02

his eyes at the gingerbread man.
II cannot. in truth. claim To be precisely
human" replied John. but it is certain
that | possess a degree of human wisdom.
1t comes from the Elixir you know"
What are You made off" demanded tho
King who was certainly puzzled by Johns
words.
Now, the gingerbread man realized that
IL he told the Mifkets he good TO eat
he would soon be destroyed, SO he an
swered:
Il am made of kind of material known
only to civilized men. In fact. | am very
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02

Raising his hand he found that the ex-
treme end OF his nose had been Clipped OFF
I'm some way during his escape from the
Palace of Romance. and this rather marred
lis personal appearance. The discovery
made him sigh regretfully. and when he
looked around in the newly arrived SUM-
light it seemed that his vision had become
I'm some way twisted and unnatural He
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02
The Island Princess.

TOHN settled the bakers hat (Which was
showing distinct signs Of having been
J frequently crumpled) upon his ginger
bread head, picked up the remains Of his
candy cane and followed the guidance of
the white rabbit. Chick came after, trip
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02
NneCdOfe8 COnCefhinU
Well-knOWn peODlQ

orchard, in the shade of the heavy-fruited
trees, he drew her to his breast and rais-
ing her long ringets to his lips, kissed them
reverently.'
Mr.. Clemens. at this ending, blew a
cloud of smoke thoughtfully into the air,
and as he watched the smoke dissolve he
drawled:
What do you think now, honestly, of
a young man who would go nibbling at a
girls back hair when she had her face
with her.
Unsolved.
Jack London, the novelist has a great
affection for children.
In San Francisco there are two twin sis
tiers. little girls of six years, of whom Mr..
London is very fond.
On the way to his boat one morning Mr..
London met one of the twins.
He stopped and shook her hand.
Good morning. my dear he said. And
which of the twins your
The little girl answered gravely:
% j m the one what's out walkin'."
Knocking Down.
A Philadelphia clergyman was talking
about the late Sam Small
Il once heard him speak," he said. land
his humor and eloquence impressed me
deeply.
He had a happy knack of illustration.
He wanted, / remember, to illustrate the
frailty that is a part of even the best
characters, and he told a story about a
brave young soldier.
This soldier he said, enlisted in the
Spanish-American war, and fought like a
lion for his country. The firm he had
worked for. pleased with the record he was
making for himself, told his wife that all
the time he was away they would pay
half his wages to her.
Accordingly, at the end OF the first
week, the young woman called at the Office
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02

they let her live by herself in the palace
of the roi tree and Knocked her by calling
her a princess. If she grows up to be
strong 1 think they will make her a slave,
too; but she is so frail and weak that none
of US rabbits believe she will live very
long"
This is all very interesting" said John.
I'D really like to meet these humans"
Then come with me and l will guide
your steps to where they are" promised
the rabbit.
Il must wait until Chick comes bacS,."
said the gingerbread man, looking toward
the plant forest.
us Chick the child I saw going into the
forest?" asked the rabbit.
YES" replied John; its an incubator
baby, and very jolly and kind. Chick ought
to be back In few minutes"
I'm rather nervous when children are
around" declared the rabbit, hesitating.
Are you sure Chick is kind?"
Very" said John, with conviction; 80
don't you worry, Friend Rabbit
At that moment the Cherub came run
ming up with both hands full of fruits,
which were indeed odd In shape. but de-
licious in odor and enticing in appearance
II won't starve, John bought was the
merry greeting. The forest is full Of fruit
plants, and I've eaten some already and
haven't been poisoned. But where did you
find this pretty rabbit? And how tame it
seems to be
Its a friend of mine named Pittypat.
and I've discovered. 1 can speak its lam
guage," replied John. "Also there's prin-
cess living nearby, and Pittypat has prom
ised to guide US to her royal palace"
'All right" exclaimed Chick. busily eat
ing of the fruit. Let's go now"
John turned to the little animal beside
him and said in the rabbit language: I'VE
are ready to start, my friend"
You'll have to meet the Mifkets. you
know" said Pittypat. rather fearfully.
Never mind; we're not afraid" answer
ed John, boldly; and Chick, who as yet had
heard nothing of the Mifkets, continued to
MUNICH the fruit with perfect composure.
So the rabbit whisked around, lifted its
big ears a moment, shifted the air, and
then sprang away with long and graceful
leaps along a tiny path that led through
the magnificent forest