davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22

end of the quiet little Dutch town where
no lived to the other there was not q
liveler boy than Tommy. Many time ne
and Willie O'Neil had walked miles down
tho railroad track gathering scrap iron and
selling it to the junk man-ali for little
money to hire a boat and go rowing. . II
was plain to Tommy that folks who called
him Idle did not know what they were
talking about But after all. one thing was
sure. When Tommy was sent on an er-
rand he never hurried back. Then they
called him slow coach, and snail; they said
q tortoise would easily beat him In a race:
Tommy thought minute. knew better and
then skipped whistling away.
No, Tommy wasn't even slow. If there
really anything wrong he was too So
ciable. II he met little boy. or q little
out where, why and what? He knew all
the children in the village He knew the
dogs and they knew him. Even the cats
and geese were not strangers. III the river
that flowed past the town could have known
and could have spoken 1t would also have
claimed friendship. Tommy did love the
river. Then there were the junk piles and
the vacant lots. These had to be watched
to see If there were anything new. With
such a friendly nature, and with so many
interesting things out-of-doors, you and
can see without half looking that it was
not always easy to get back from an er-
rand right on the dot.
But somehow the more things and peo-
pie Tommy knew about town the worse
his reputation for promptness became. He
was late to school, late home, late every
where. The teacher told Tommy's mamma
that the boy always knew his lessons, and
that he was bright and obedient, but just
dilatory.
That was the word they had been looking
for dilatory. That described him. Dila-
tory Tommy. 1t fitted him, too; and so 1t
stuck. Tommy WINGED under it for time
but 1t didn't hurt hard enough to reform
him. BY the time he was eleven the whole
village knew him as Dlatory Tommy
hold of him. No one knew better than he
that he simply couldn't get a thing done
on time, and he began to be quite ashamed
OF his reputation.
At last he made agreement with HIM
self that when he was twelve years old he
would reform. Nobody should know of his
intentions. He would surprise the village
and show any one who cared that he could
be prompt II he chose.
II was a mere chance that caused Mr..
Dunn to need the plumber on the morning
of the day his boy was twelve years old
Tommy sent on the errand and was
told as he had been for years, to hurry
back. He smiled to himself superior
smile as he thought of the wonder he would
create by coming home for once on time.
He was barely around the corner when he
struck up a brisk run. which he continued
until he reached the plumber. Folks who
saw him passing cried: What is the mat
ter with Dilatory Tommy"
Well, Tommy did his errand and started
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22

off the cover and show me. know-Im
sure 1t Is a dear, tiny. little soft kitty that
purrs and purrs-Mr. Garth said that Eu-
reka had six somewhere in the barn, and
that we could have them II we found them.
and I've seen Eureka going into holes
under the piazza. Hurry. do. and let me
seer
You'll think it purrsr' laughed Billy
Dick, coming close to Bessie and beginning
to remove the cover.
Bessy put her inquisitive nose close to the
box. trusting Billy Dick. for he had never
done anything worse than pull her curls-
and buzz! Out whizzed q half dozen wasps
and hornets. as mad as they could be.
Bessy screamed and cried with fright.
for they were buzzing angrily about her
head. and Billy Dick. not one whit afraid.
roared with laughter, and told her they
wouldn't sting. But he suddenly stopped
laughing and clapped his hand over his
mouth. A hornet had flown in. and before
he knew it. in drawing in his breath to
laugh. he had swallowed it!
Then there was a circus. with Billy TAX
ing the part of all the wild animals and
acrobats and clowns, for it seemed as If
the hornet stung him over and over, and
over, and 1t wasn't fun a bit. as he can
tell you. The other wasps and hornets
buzzed angrily about his head. and he heard
them say distinctly:
His name can't be Milton Montgomery
Morton! His grandfather would never
have teased a little girir'
Bessy. seeing Billy Dicks pain. stopped
her crying. and ran to get him drink
and Aunt Janet's help. But help was not
of much use-Billy Dick had to suffer his
own pain. Bessy never even told Aunt
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22

late to hurry. He might just as well stay
till noon. The fascination was COM
plete The fishing was good. and Jimmy
had plenty of lunch for both. So noon
time passed and Tommy concluded to make
whole day Of it. though he could have
been put ashore any time and could have
walked home in an hour. When Jimmy
spoke of staying out at night for catfish
Tommy's little cup Of joy was full Any
way, he thought. he would just as soon
come home after dark as before.
There had been great anxiety at Tommy g
home all the afternoon. Had they not
known his weakness they would have
thought him in the river instead Of on It.
When at last he did come. late at night,
there was no greeting of any kind. The
house was dark and he went to his bed
alone. He overheard his father saying:
II have lost all patience with him. He
may run wild now II he wants to; I'm
done"
Next day Tommy told his mother all
about his birthday resolution and its fail
ure.
Never mind, my boy let's try again, y
she said. Tommy did try again and won.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22
Numbers as Place-Names.

From the st. Louis Globe-Democrat.
Uncommon things are common around
the bureau Of information at Union station,
and a clerk who has served there for some
time becomes accustomed to all sorts Of
freak questions. Last night a man from
southeastern Missouri. with a wooden leg,
presented himself at the window and told a
new attache of the office that he wanted to
know when the train left for T6 81 guess
you've got your figures twisted" said the
clerk. who though the Missourian was jok-
ing. It's % you're looking for.
The stranger wandered away without the
information, but finally boarded a train for
Seventy-six. Derry county, Mo. There 10
also Seventy-six in Clinton county, Ky: q
Seventeen IN Ohio and a Seven Stars in
Pennsylvania. The clerk found this out by
consulting his railroad guide little later.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22
The Autumn Fairies.
BY MAY DOvELLE.


So many little fairies kept busy in the fall,
1 wonder how the Fairy Queen can supervise them
all.
Why. million fairy artists. each one with paint
and brush,
Is out at early dawn light when the woods are
wrapped in hush.
There each tiny fairy artist gets astride a little
And works away for dear life. with no critic to
condemn.
He mixes up his colors and adorns each dainty
leaf,
Here touch Of scarlet glory a purple hint of
grief.
Or a golden CLEAN Of sunshine, that will last when
sunset fades.
No one but a master artist could 50 fling the lovely
shades.
There dainty witching fairies working busily
all day,
Teasing fruits to blushing beauty. tearing chest
nut burrs away,
Frightening up the fat young pumpkins fit for
Jack lantern time.
Don't you wonder. little children. how they ever
find their way
Round the earth busy striving for your pleasure
every day?
What! You don't believe in fairies?
And you say it's only frostf
Why, my poor, poor, little wise heads.
What a lovely world you've lost!
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22
The Uni11vited Traveller.
BY MAY DILLMAN.


1t was beautiful day, and the only thing
in the old garden that did not look bright
and happy was Nellie Price, and she
thought she had a fine reason to be cross.
Only that very morning had mother and
father announced their intention of going
to Cuba for two whole months. and Nellie
was to be left behind, with Aunt Gertrude
as guardian. You may be sure this was
anything but pleasant news Aunt Gertrude
was old and didn't understand little girls.
anyway. so it was no wonder Nellie pre-
fered to be with mother and father.
She wandered listlessly into the house
and upstairs. where the sight of Mrs. Price
busily packing made the tears come into
her eyes.
"Now. Nellie" said mother. sit seems
to me my little daughter might be more
pleasant about it. when I know 1t is best
for her to be left at home. Do be content
when I tell you that IL nothing happens,
father and l will take you with us next
spring. You will have a good time at Aunt
Springhurst, and, of course, you'll enjoy
yourself" -
NO, WON'T" cried Nellie Grossly.
Aunt Gertrude is too strict, and I want
to go to C-Cuba." 81.
She was crying by this time and her
mother was out Of patience.
Now look here, Nellie, don't want to
hear any more about your going to Cuba,
and if you can't make yourself more agree
able l don't want you in my room. Please
hand we that hamper"
Between her snuff1es and sobs. Nellie
managed to gasp out that Mother was
mean and heartless." and few other rude
remarks. and then unwillingly dragged
over the basket. AS she did so thought
popped into her head. and she said in quite
a different tone: -
n
Just shawls and things for the steamer"
answered her mother.
Nellie went downstairs busily thinking
over this wonderful scheme that had
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22

and cry, and that his grandfather would
certainly have blushed for the family honor
had he known it.
Bessie Brummel was the girl Billy leased
She was such a sweet. curly-haired little
maiden who was spending the summer, too
on Uncle Garth's farm. and she was as hap
Ply as the day is long. with Billy Dick to
play with. and Rosie Posie to help take
care of. till Billy Dick discovered that she
was afraid Of two things. bumblebees and
hornets. .ese.
He wasn't bit afraid himself. as he had
never been stung, and he couldn't under
stand how Bessie could hate them. But he
understands better now.
Say, Bessie he called. as he stood in
the barn door one morning. I've got some
thing to show you; It's for your own, a
lovely present and he held up shoe box
to show her. Its right here in this box
come here and I'll show you. It's some
thing that would love to get right up your
neck and run up your nice pretty curls---
I've seen it going in holes on the piazza"
OH cried Bessie. delightedly. do take
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22

home. He had run while coming that
he could easily walk around by the back
street-his favorite way-and along by the
river. 1t might have been risky enough
If he had not turned over new leaf, Tor
Tommy knew that the river and the
wharxes and the fishermen with their
boats were perfectly fascinating to him.
The fishermen were there. too, early In the
morning, preparing to go down the river
for their days fishing. Among them was
Jimmy Malone, the veteran fisherman OF
the village. He always had a good word
to give the boys. and Tommy would rather
be with old Jimmy than anyone. else he
knew. Jimmy had his boat all clean and
trim as Tommy came by
Good morning. Tommy said he. Don't
ye want to go a piece down the river with
me? Sure. an it's Saturday. Yen nave
no lessons today. Hop in. lad. Ill set We
ashore whenever ye want to CO..
Poor Tommy! 1t was a double tempta-
ton to go rowing. and especially with old
Jimmy. He didn't even say no, though he
meant to go but little ways. then hurry
home across the fields. The first hour
passed like no time. That made 1t TOO
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22
A Mistake.

Once two little brothers with the best in
tenttons played a peculiar trick on their
father. These boys lived at a western mil
itary post and in their house had only cold
running water. so that when a warm bath
was wanted the water had to be heated in
the kitchen and carried upstairs.
Teddy. run down and tell Maria to fix
fathers BATH" said their mother one morn
ing.
Teddy dashed downstairs. followed by
Freddy, with about as much noise as a pair
Of young elephants would have made. Maria
brought the water up and told the boys to
tell their father it was ready. Then Freddy
happened to remember that their father had
been taking salt baths lately. so before call
ing him they decided to put the salt In.
With great deal of trouble. Teddy. stand
ing on the back of q chair. managed to
reach a big bag on the top shelf in the
dining room closet while Freddy sat on the
chair to keep it from tipping. Together
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22
Di1atory Tommy.
BY W. W. STORMS.

He was boy. If he had been weed he
could hardly have been more natural From
the top of his tousled head to his we'll
stubbed toes he was just plain. healthy
boy.
Folks called him lazy. Perhaps he was
not exactly fond of wedding the onion bed,
but you should see him at work upon
snow fort. He would labor like Trojan
all day building a dam across the brook
tugging at great stones that he could only
roll into place, and carrying bushels Of
sod and mud to stop up the holes. Let
folks call him lazy. He just knew he
wasn't.
They said he was idle. He may not have
been precisely Industrious in the way his
papa and mamma could have wished, but
he was always doing something. From one
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22

there in an instant. and there was great
excitement School was quickly dismissed.
Wilhelmina's mother Immediately had hys-
terics, Mrs. Williams had an attack of
nerves and Mrs. Winthrop was walking up
and down wildly wringing her hands and
hopping her eyes. when Bridget opened the
door.
Whats all the matter?' she asked, see
gasped Mrs. Winthrop. ooh! oh! oh! Poor
Wilhelmina has convolutions. Send for the
doctor. quick" and she buried her face in
one Of the children's dresses she had hur-
riedly picked up instead of her handker-
chief
Faith an it's sorry am" said Bridget
as she closed the door and went Gathering
downstairs.
Each one Of the young mothers prescribed
a different remedy to relieve the sufferer,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22
hen what would happen?' asked mamma

then what would happen?" asked mamma
gravely.
wed die. maybe" announced Howard
calmly.
Tears rose in Mrs. Towards eyes.
You mustn't talk of such things. It's
because mamma wants to keep you well
that she's going to send you away"
''On the express wagon questioned
Howard.
The doctor laughed and slapped the small
man on the shoulder.
The verythingr. he declared. Now
look here. Mrs Horton, have these children
ready In two, hours. Put them in charge
Of the express company. who will be re-
sponsbls for them for all precious par
cells. and they will be delivered at your
mothers door by the proper time"
And SO It was arranged. These small boys
Of four and six were scrubbed and dressed
from top to toe. their trunk packed and
waiting for the e1pressman long before he
came. Their mother had pasted upon each
little double-breasted jacket the owners
name and destination.
They each grasped q bundle Of crackers
and two or three sticks of candy and looked
at their mother with big round eyes of tear
less reproach; but she was so relieved at
being able to send them out Of harms way
that she actually laughed at their solemn
little faces.
"Good-by my darling; be good. nice boysr'
she called as they lifted them in the wagon
and they ratified away.
They travelled safely in the companys
cars right In the baggage room with all the
parcels. and the boys really did have a great
deal of fun. for the expressman where
grandma lived was a good-natured fellow.
and among the shrieks Of laughter each
small boy wes really wrapped up in brown
paper and tied with a string before being
delivered into grandmother's care.
Oh, how they laughed when the wrap
pings came OF. and how they wished man.
ma could have been there to see the fun.
OF course. when Elsie was well again and
they went home they were with papa in the
cars. but they never forgot their jolly expe-
rience with the bundles, and, think, would
like to try 1t lust once more.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22
| q NEW0
| @PVyZzLES|
(AskD -

WORD SQUARE.
1. Delivered by the mouth 2. Trial OF speed.
g. A measure Of land. f. Distortion of the face.
BURIED CITIES.
1. The elm, / rather think, is the finest tree. g
Even / ceased to hope 3. Bang bang. which
Ia it? 4. Is the baby lonely1
DIAMOND.
l. consonant In strait" 2. One. 8. Odor
f. Extreme point. 5. A consonant in strait"
BEHEADINGS.
Behead: 1. Tidy and leave to deyour q White
and leave a liquor. 3. Trial Of speed and leave
~ NUMERICAL ENIGMA.
I am composed of eight letters and spell
thing that is passed for children who go TO school
My /, 4, 6, S spells proud My 3, 2, is a house,
hold pet.-My 3, z, is small bed.
- CHARADE.
Without my first you'd never be:
My SECOND may he warm cold;
My whole Is a day to celebrate,
1t makes you think you're growing old.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22

menced to attend school a short time ago,
and the teacher had quite an experience In
finding out his name.
What is your Manner she asked, az
Waite took his seat.
Waite" said the boy promptly
The teacher looked rather surprised but
said nothing for a few moments thinking.
perhaps, he was frightened; then she asked
again:
What's your name?"
Waite" said the possessor of the name.
After another few minutes silence the
teacher. becoming impatient, exclaimed:
well. I've waited plenty long enough
now. please tell me your name
That made the boys laugh and finally
the teacher understood.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22
Janet how it happened. but Billy Dick con-

Janet how 1t happened. but Billy Dick con-
fessed all.
Late that afternoon a woe-begone look
Ing boy came from the barn. where he had
spent the day alone, around to the. South
Piazza.
--.Bessy." he said, st shall never tease
again. I've hunted and hunted through
the hay. and here are the six real kittens
for you"
He put the six little balls of fur in
Bessy's lap. much to her delight.
And. Bessy, I'm going to let you be Mil
ton Montgomery Morton after my grave
good grandfather for whole week, and
you can call me Sally Ann to punish me.
Bessy laughed and forgave him, but for
a whole week he called her by his own
and his graudfather's name OF which he
was SO proud, and he would answer only to
Sally Ann.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22
Luxury on the Thames.

From Vanity Fair.
A feature of river life which marks the
advance Of general luxury is the tea house
boat. Riverites no longer trouble to rough
it as they used to do. Tents have given
way to small bungalows, Households TO
large bungalows. and the old kind of pic
MIC with the labor of Transporting
hampers and bottles. has been largely SUI
perseded by set lunches at clubs and teas
at tea Households.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22
Repentance.
BY POLLY BOWERS

BY POLLY BOWERS.
answered back. Il will"
That's why I'm in the house, sir,
Cause I'm awful Ill.
You see, the door was open.
The jam stood on the shelf,
And as / was alone, sir,
1 had to help myself.
Oh. how ! wish l hadn't!
"a little late, I s'pOse.)
And now the circus is in town,
might have gone-who knowsf
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22

they dumped the bag into the bathtub. and
then ran upstairs, shouting:
Papa! papa! your baths all ready. salt
and everything"
Poor papa! He plunged into his nice hot
bath and discovered 1t was syrup. And
mamma discovered the loss of severn
pound bag Of sugar, which left a tiny white
trail from the dining room closet to the
bath room.
What happened to Teddy and Freddy you
can best tell by imagining what would hap
pen to you IL you made such a mistake.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22

- BEHEADINGS.
1. Danger. q Stop. 3. Grave.
DIAMOND.
L TIE
3. CHEER al : o.
= 4. EEL
5.
WORD SQUARE.
l. RAVE
2 ABET
g. VEST
4. ETA
RHYMING ENIGMA.
WORD PUZZLE.
L. Abel able. 2. Threw. through J. Might
mite 4. Blew. blue
NUMERICAL ENIGMA
1.-THE child is father of the man.
JOHNNY's SLATE.
Words described /. Bee 2. Ant 3. She'll
4 EasIe g. Bell o. Anvil Z. Lasso. 8. Line.
The FIRST letters spell base bali
ILLUSTRATED PICTURE PUZZLE.
Words described. Corn, HAIRS. rose. iron. song,
tent miss, ants, star. Initial letters spell Christ-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22
Wilhelm mas 'tConvo1usions.
BY NANCY HIT.

you may let the young ladies come right
upstairs when they arrive. Bridget" 1t
was a little girl not more than ten years
old who spoke.
Eyes, miss said the new girl. rs 1t
them children as was here yesterday We do
be speakin' Off" ~-.
Eleanor nodded. and tucking her best big
doll under her arm she ran upstairs to the
flat
Eleanor Sidney and Gertrude and Lor-
raine Ashton were bosom friends, and every
afternoon the three little girls were to-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22
His Name.

There il a certain small boy who rejoices
in the name Of Waite PearsaA He COM
Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1906-07-16
OFF TO CAPTURE DIETZ.
Sawyer County Sheriff Leads New
Expedition.

Hayward, Wis, July 13-Sheriff
Gylland of Sawyer county is to make a
final effort to capture John Dielz Of
Cameron dam, who for years has been
holding up 100000 feet of timber be
longing to the Chippewa River Log
and Boom company.
Dietz- recently declared he would
pay no more attention in the future
to the efforts of the courts to capture
him anud punish him.
Sheriff Gylland has responded to
this defiance by gathering a posse and
starting out for the scene of the trou-
bic. Gylland says that the scheme he
has now will result in Dietz's capture,
though he will not endanger the lives
of any of the posse.
Dietz has defed the United States
marshal, who gave up trying to serve
papers on him, and has repeatedly
detied the state courts, causing the
designations of two sheriffs, who quit
rather than again attempt to take
him.
Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1906-07-16
RESCUED BY BLACK
ROUSTABOUTS

La Crosse, July 13.-Carried on the
backs of negro roustabouts, taken
from the stern in lie boats or jump
ing into waist-deep water at the prov
to take refuge in a swamp swarming
with insects, the 200 passengers of the
steamer Quincy, wrecked Wednesday
night near Trempealeau, Wis, all
have been saved According to an
official announcement last night there
was not one death in the accident
which threatened SO great catas-
trophy.
Though nearly all the passengers
lost all of their clothes, many escap-
ing in night garbs to shiver for hours
in the swamp before being taken tc
La Crosse and Winona, not one was
SO much as injured.
Captain Killeen, in a statement last
night, declares that it is impossible to
place the blame on anyone. He de-
clares that the accident was unavoid-