davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08
where she threw herself vigorously Into

where she threw herself vigorously Into her literary work.
 Now, your place is to go out among the kids in the nelghborhood and collect the social news,'' Sid instructed Emmy. Then you'll come In with It, written in pencil and I'll set 'er up in type"
 So Emmy, armed with scratch tablet and pencil. started out on her assign ment.
 For two days she gathered news and put 1t into readable shape. Then she lent a helping hand at typesetting and print ing, for this being the first paper Sid was determined to have 1t out on time "or few minutes before date," as he said
 On Thursday evening. true to the new editors promise, the Truth Teller was ready to lay on the steps of about half dozen houses in the neghborhood, small card accompanying each copy. on which was printed the following:
 "The Truth Teller is new sheet started in your midst, and the editor Master Sid Fry, begs you to read the sample copy which accompanies thls card' and, If you relish a real truth-teller, to subscribe for 1t at the modest sum of cents week. Children can be supplied for either 2 or cents a week, but they must take secondhand copies"
 As soon as Sid lald the Truth Teller on the doorstep of his own home his mother, who had been anxiously awaiting the new paper's arrival, came out and picked 1t up. Seating herself on the porch she be- gan to read the contents from the very highest left-n..nd corner. After going over the names of the papers stan she read the editorials" which came from Sids own brain. One touched upon the bad pavements in town. another on the shock ing manner in which kids annoyed arowed-ups by ringing their doorbells when they were eating at supper" Then followed a poem, also by Sid, which bore the suggestive title, '"rhe Sncre." It ran Of all the things that do annoy,
 It is the awful snore
 It wakes you in the darkest night,
 By its wheezing, whlstling roar. It works Its way right through the cracks Of ceiling and of doors
 But what care he-the bloomn' man
 What lies abed and snoresl Ye Editor hath a mighty Dad
 What snores to beat the band; 1 think he'd take the medal OCT
 All snorers of the land
 He snores first an awful wall,
 Then livens up bit,
 And snores off lively jig
 You'd think he had fit
 And so the tune unbroken is
 Till the sun comes pourin' in. He may not mean no harm by 1t,
 But ye Ed. thinks 1t a SINl
 And to lend embellishment to this poem Art Smith had illustrated 1t with pencil and brush in a most comical manner. As Sid's mother finished reading 'The Shore"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08

"Well, dear, all those papers must be destroyed" said hls mother, tenderly, for she saw how deeply Sid felt regarding the matter and how truly sincere he was. 'Of course, you may get out a paper, but you must be more careful in future"
 Sid picked up one of the Truth Tellers, looked at it lovingly, then tore it into shreds. "I'll not want your services any longer, Art" he said, in a trembling voice. I've bout decided to do some thing eise-be a bla cksmith or an in- ventor. but not newspaper man. can't see what good 1t does to just tell the pretty truths; it's the ugly truths that make people sit up and feel ashamed of themselves. If I do a creditable deed I'm proud to have the truth known, but If steal a sheep-well, that's the truth 1 want held back. So it's strange world that can't stand for every brand of truth in the papers. l say"
 'Them's my sentiments. too," nodded Art. But say, old pard, jest wait till we're growed up, and then we'll tell the truth about the very fellers what's hidln' from 1t, even if we have to set behind a gating gun for protection
 Shake on that," said Sid. Nov let's of for supper, for, although I've lost my new publication, haven't lost my appe- tite."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08

yard. It Is early morning, and the dew is fresh on grass and clover, making the job an easy one. And al the sun has not yet heated the morning atmosphere, he will not suffer while performing the task.
 But the boy procrastinates- He says "Oh, I'll do the job this afternoon" And all the morning he loafs round, tortured by the thought of that task, which must be done today. When the very last hour In which he can do the work arrives the grass Is dry and tough, the sun beats down and almost bakes his head and back as he labors. Just in the midst of his work along comes his chum, with hook and line, starting for the dear, shady fish pond mile away. He calls to the boy with the lawn-mower to join him.
 q can't" complains the boy, "I'ye got to do this yard before evening""
 "0h, you should have done that this morning." calls out the boy, as he starts on. q always do my chores first thing in the morning; then l can play all the rest of the day. If you'll quit putting off till the Last hour, and get a move on you, think you'll find work easier and have more time for fun. After all, work isn't bad If done at once and with a will. Fact Is. enjoy it-it makes a lot of muscle" Then he strides away, whistlins a merry tune, while the poor procrastl- nator looks after tim, muttering: "I reckon he's right. l don't put of. an other job-not l."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08
Sid's First Effort as an Editor
And the Lesson He Learned.

the newsbearer to all the people. If you have political convictions, do not be afraid to speak them plainly. If you fol- low out such a policy you will In coming years be successful newspaper man."
 With his mothers advice in his mind Sid set himself to his task. Art Smith was delighted to accept the position as Illustrator, and brought to the loft work shop a lot of artists materials, such as water colors, pencils and ruler. Each copy of the Weekly Truth Teller the name chosen by Sid for hls journaD was to be embelllshed with "hand-tinted'' illustrations, most unique feature to be sure, and one which should increase the popularity of the paper when the fact should become known.
 The first day, while planning the papers different departments, Sid discovered that he would need an assistant to take charge Of the What Society is Doing column, as well as the Personal Mention" So he called In his sister Emmy to act as associate editor.
 And Emmy, proud of the distinction such an exalted position would give her, put away her dolls and tea things to join the newspaper force in the barn loft,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08
SQUARE PUZZLE.

The lady Is going to enter the door at the lower lefthand corner, pass through each square bur once and jump out through the window at the right side.
 Take pencil and see If you can trace the course she takes. You must pass through each square but once.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08

Truth Tellers to the neighboring front porches. Oh. joy of joyI No one had yet picked up Truth Teller, and Sld's mother ran from porch to porch gathering up the strange-looking little sheets which had just been dropped there.
 "Oh, child, chlldP' she exclaimed, all out of breath with excitement. when Sid and Art came up, Flow could youf-how could youT'
 How could I what7" asked Sid, bewil- dered, for just moment before his bosom had been swelling with pride at thought of the inevitable success of '"The Truth Teller"
 'Why, child, how could you print those things and Haunt the papers in the very faces of the people whom you attackedr
 I've haven't attacked anybody, man. ma," declared Sid, his innocent eyes full of wonder and wounded surprise. sis ter and 1 only told the truth-the TRUTH. That oughtn't to hurt. And Art-he only made the pictures to 1t the reading matter.''
 "Oh, Sid, you don't understand. It Is right, of course, as I've always told you, to tell the truth in all matters. But there are times when one must be careful about telling even the truth-when 1t in- terferes with peoples private affairs.'
 But everybody talks about each others affairs," persisted Sid. Resides, the truth Is the truth, and 1t ought to be told, whether 1t hurts or not"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08

much wish to be honest like they were anu worthy the respect and trust of his fellows. With the bowed black figure of Sam behind him crept up the hill, vowing-as he had never vowed before to be worthy the trust those boys were now placing In him.
 'In the morning when the three young fishermen took their well-hlled baskets to the butcher he looked at therl inquiring- ly. "Ketch the thIefY' he asked at last, when he saw the boys meant to keep close mouths.
 ''Mum's the word, pard," said Peg, slap ping the butcher on the back. Many a bad boy might come right if people would help 'em to do so by keeping shet-lipped. If fellow steps aside give him another chance before you squeal, say we.''
 That's right" admitted the butcher. "You are three pretty decent young de- tectiyes, shore"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08

went in roundabout way to the alley on which lived the colored family. Peg and Tom took up their stations, one at the rear and one ar the front of Harold Travis home.
 Smithy was the first to get develop ments." He had not long to walt before the shanty door opened and out came the darkey who had that morning sold the Ash to the butcher. He carried over his shoulder two empty grain sacks and went off hurriedly toward the Travis home. Smlthy kept safe distance behind the colorcd boy, darting along in the deep shadows of buildings.
 As the colored boy-by name Sam Jack son-advanced to the rear of the Travis home Peg, who was watching at that point, dropped behind an ash barrel for safe hiding. Sam stopped near the house and threw handful of shelled corn against an upper window. Pretty soon there was an answer by way of tapping on the inside of the window, and within another minute the back door of the house opened and Harold came creeping out He carefully closed the door behind him and advanced to where Sam stood, within 10 feet of the barrel which served as Pegs hiding place.
 Say, why can't you go alone tonightT' asked Harold, addressing the colored boy. II helped you last night and showed you the way"
 What! me do all de work an git only 10 cents on de half dollah? Nope, not on yer life. Besides, s'posen I'm ketched3 Then who'll help me out'n de snapT
 .All right, coward" answered Harold. But you don't dare to ever squeal on me, or I'd"
 But Harold only menaced the darkey with his fists without going into further detail Then the two set off toward the river, taking an unfreQuented path through the woods. As soon as 1t Was safe to do so Peg stepped from his hiding place and confronted Smithy, who was waiting for his friends in the alley.
 wen get Tom at the front. Then we'll take the main road and get there first" whispered Peg.
 Half an hour later the three boys lay hidden on the bank within 20 feet of one end of the trout line. They had just got well settled when through the under brush near them came Harold and Sam. They came creeping along like the thieves they were peering about cautiously.
 There's the skiff!" said Sam. "Geel 1 was afraid they'd taken 1t away"
 Silently the two came down the bank and stepped into the little row boat that was tied conveniently near. They rowed
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08
BY WILLIAM WALLACE. JR.

along on the upstream side of the trout line, pulling In the various lines and rid ding them of their fish. Almost every line held a fine big fnny, for Tom, Smlthy and Peg knew exactly how to bait and set a trout line.
 When the trout line had been robbed the two fish pirates'' stepped out on the bank, and, tying the boat securely to a fallen log, began putting the fish into the sacks.
 Just as Harold was putting away tho last fish he heard sudden movements in the grass about him. He strengthened up and saw three dark forms advancing upon him, one from the front, one from the left and one from the right. As the river lay behind him there was no way of escape open.
 Who comes there3" asked Harold, his knees shaking under him.
 'Lawd o'massyi we's dee-scovered" whispered Sam, dropping on his knees from fright.
 Just us, Harold Trayis,' said Smithy. walking up close to him while at the same moment Tom and Peg closed in.
 "0h, doan duck us!'' begged Sam, an- ticipating the worst.
 Harold Travis let fall the fsl and stag gered back Say, boys" he whlned, like the coward he was, "ef you let me or
 
 trick; honest-"
 Don't be too ready with your vows, you rascal" said Peg, his fists clenched. But be mighty sure to keep the ones you make to us tonight or you'll be sorry enough for tue breaking. And now let me give you bit more advice: If you want fish catch em honestly. The work of being honest Is not so hard as that of being dishonest, and it's far less risky"
 "Yes, we'll let you of this time for your poor parents sake," said Peg. And we hope you'll profit by this nights lesson that dishonesty Is q dangerous policy. Come, you and your poor black tool, get out of here and never let either of you stoop to so low an act again."
 Won't you tell everybody about me and ruin me?' whined Harold despairlng- ly.
 No, we'll return for your villainy kind consideration, said Smithy. Well not say word about this nights work to anyone. and that will enable you to re- form and be an honest boy. Whats more, if we see you are trying to do what Is right we'll help you. That's all we can say now. So get on home and begin to repent this very night"
 Harold hung his head in shame before the three honest boys who now knew of his meanness. Never before did he so
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08
Girls and Boys, Don't be
 PrOcraStinatorS.

Have you an unpleasant task to do to- dayf If so, go at it immediately. The sooner 1t is accomplished the better you will feel After all, it Is not so much the work that we have to do which hurts us Ut is the thought-the DREAD of it. that tortures. little maid must mend q frock. She looks at it, sighs, hangs 1t In the closet, saying to herself: "I'll do 1t tomorrow" When tomorrow comes she still delays in the matter. In the after noon along comes a crowd of her young friends. who are off for an hour in the park, and ask her to accompany them. Gaily she runs up stairs to dress In a hurry, for the crowd must not be kept waiting. When she lifts the frock from the hook. To! there are three buttons missing and one sleeve almost ripped out at the seam. She cannot now take the time to mend 1t. so. with disappointment. she must don an old last years frock, which Is not fresh and is trifie out. grown. Thus she Is punished for her sin of procrastination.
 boy Is told by his mother to get the iawn-mower and rake and clean the front
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08

she shook with laughter. Wonder what his pa will say to that sort of publicity2' she sald to herself. Then her eyes ran over Sids honest confession that "Ye editor had no political convictions yet, for 1T seemed all the parties needed watch ing or locking up, and he didn't care to mix with such crowds, so preferred to walt till he was old enough to form 8 party of his own, on the platform of Honesty, Truth and Good Fellowship"
 Dear child" murmured Sid's mother. Hell grow up to be an honor to the natlon." Then the good lady's eyes fell on the What Society Is Doing" column. which was also elaborately Illustrated. She read the following with growing ner- yousness and a chilling sensation up the spine:
 "Mr. Frank Aiken, what Is running for mayor, got dead drunk the first of the week.
 Mrs. Sam Scott give a tea party for
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08

The next morning. when Tom, Smithy and Peg drew in their troutllne, they were amazed by Its light weight. And as they examined each hook and found the bait gone-but no flsh-they were still more amazed.
 Say. pals. this looks suspicious" said Smithy. I'm in for believing somebody has swiped our cateh.''
 'It does look that way" agreed Tom
 Well, we've got to do little detective york; asserted Peg. If possible. this must not happen again."
 The three boys went to the butcher that morning empty handed. As they en- tered the shop to tell of their bad luck they saw Harold coming down the street. On beholding the boys he turned imme- diately and disappeared down an alley. A few minutes later, as Tom, Smithy and Peg were making on to attend to their days work. there came from, the alley into which Harold had disappeared a col ored boy carrying two big grain sacks over his shoulders. He hurried to the butchers and deposited his load on the counter.
 Want some fine fresh Ash. sahY' he asked.
 "Whered you get 'em7' asked the butcher, examining the contents of the bags. to find lot of nice fish
 From de ribber, sah," grinned the darkey, showing his white teeth.
 All right" said the butcher, weighing the fish and paying for them. "Since my regular fishermen have failed me this morning I'll have to take yours.'
 The darkey pocketed the silver and went out, but the butchers eyes followed him with suspicion. little later Smithy was passing the shop on an errand, and the butcher called him h and told him of the darkey's big catch that morning Keep an eye on that piece of eolor," said the butcher with a knowing look. 'I think you may find the cause of your empty troutline."
 Thank you, sir," said Smithy. 'rll follow your suggestion" Then AS he was hurrying up the street he saw Harold Travis come from the alley in which lived the colored family, the son of which had that morning sold the fish.
 "Ah, hal" said Smithy to himself. 'I smell mousse"
 As soon as he could see his friends that afternoon Smithy did so and they had a secret conference together. Toward even ing the three boys went as usual to bait and set their trout line. This done, they returned 10 town, hanging around Toms home till about 10 o'clock Then Smithy
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08

damage to pretty frocks of girls and best suits of boys. On entering the boat take your seats, and stay In them quiet ly. If those doing the rowing desire to exchange seats with others in the boat the exchange should not be made in mid stream, or mldlake. Pull for the shore, :" when in safety you may move about with out danger.
 Never overload q boat The best sized rowboat in which to make good speed holds from two to four. It Is not wise to attempt the larger boats with larger number, for where several young folks get together they become thOughtless aud occasion accidents. A good plan is to have chaperon always along to prevent any risks being run by the merry young people.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08
;. Her little stepdaughter

her friends Her little stepdaughter hasn't any decent shoes.
 Mrs. Tomson has got black eye. The nabors say her old man hit her with dipper because she wouldn't bild the fire.
 Sammy Peters was awful sick when this paper went to press. He'd stole lot of green peaches from old Mrs. Barn. harts orchard and ct them. The wages of sin Is sickness, with maby death
 "Hart Brothers, grocers, sold the mother of ye editor a dozen eggs. of whom was bad. They said the eggs was all fresh. So the people are deceiveth! Truth, oh truth where are you hid2
 Miss Susie Jackson Is very anxious to marry old Mir. Brown, who is old enough to be her parent But he is a banker. Which is the answer to the problem.
 Sids mother could read no further. Springing from her chair, she ran down the street calling after Sid and Art. who were busy distributing the half-dozen
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08

Now Is the most delightful time for boating on lake or river. Young folks should organize boating clubs and have their regular evening for rowing. Girls as well as boys should become adopts with the oar and paddle for the pas time Is not only one of keen pleasure, but affords the most beneficial exercise there Is. Rowing develops the muscles of chest, shoulders, neck, arms and wrists. Indeed. the entire muscular system Is strengthened and benefited by thls whole some and delightful exercise.
 But the greatest caution should be ob- served by young folks when in the boat, even though the water is not drowning depth" for a wetting is not desirable when unprepared for, not to mention the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-08
BY MAUD WALKER.

ID
 Sid's birthday fell on July l. Among the many presents he received was n very complete toy printing outfit given to him by his mother, who wished to foster Ter little sons literary tastes and aspirations to become, winch grown up, a newspaper man.
 Now, son." the proud mother said on presenting to him the little printing set, "I want you to get out little weekly paper during vacation. You may have the loft of the barn for your workshop and we'll fit 1t up with all necessary furniture"
 "Oh, that'll be great, mamma" said Sid, his eyes beaming. "Tll get Art Smith to be the artist and Illustrate my poems and articles. And you nor any body else mustn't see the paper till it's laid on your doorstep next Thursday even ing"
 "An right; you go ahead and use your Judgment" acquiesced his mother. But bear in mind that under no circumstances must you exaggerate or misrepresent things fin your columns. A newspaper should be absolutely truthful, for 1t Is
The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-06-12
KEITH's THEATRE.

The Albee company at Keith's last eve
ming presented a revival of when We
Were Twenty-One," which was accorded
appreciation that showed the management
had made no mistake. The pretty story
makes as pleasing an offering as the Eng
lish speaking stage has had for many
years Ii is woven around the love OF a
mlddle-aged bachelor for a beautiful
young girl. and his efforts to smother his
love because he believes she loves youth
whose guardian he is and who is the
son of a dead friend. His three old
cronies make an appealing picture and
the whole play abounds In wholesome
sentiment that brings a smile TO the lips
and tear 10 the eyes.
The Albee company gave a splendid per-
formance. Most of the members had
played their roles before and there was
consequent finish and smoothness TO the
performance in it's entirety. Mr.. Inger-
soil revealed new talents In the role Of
Richard Carewe, which is rich I'm oppor-
tunities: and he played with sincerity and
tenderness and repressed force that
were impressive. There was not a dry
eye I'm the house as he read his dead
friends letter, nor when he received the
impulsive boy whom he had tried TO save.
His love scenes were delightful and there
were heard i'm the audience many compari-
sons-in Mr. fngersolrs favor, with Nat
Goodwins portrayal OF the same char
acter. Miss Wheatley was capitally
suited to the role OF Phyllis. She was
sweet. charming and delightfully."- natural.
and her performance was sure and clean
cut Mr.. Nicander's Imp" was even
better than last season, when II was pro-
nounced by everyone who saw II the best
thing this clever young man had done In
Providence. He won the sympathies OF
all from the start, and his scene I'm the
last act earned him hearty round OF ap-
plause.
Mr.. Losee, William Turner and Mr.
Wise played Dicks three old cronies in
the same artistic and infectious manner
as last season. The scene in the first
act. between Mr.. Ingersoll, Mr.. Losee, Mr.
Turner and Mr.. Wise, was one Of the
most effective of the play. MSS Evans
made a striking "Firefy." and played
with dash and force, and the little touch
OF feeling she gave rang true Berton
Churchill gave clever character study
as David Hirsch. and Miss Reimer was
very motherly as Mrs. Erickson. All the
other characters were plSyed intelligently
and the whole performance could hardly
have been improved upon. At all matt
nees throughout the week dainty souvenir
Albee company mirrors will be given to
the ladies.