davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08

nor sun had yet been created according
to the mythology of the ancient Greeks)
and no clouds nor atmosphere enyeloped
the earthly mass.
After countless ages the one Supreme
Ruler-AGod of the lesser gods-divlded
the land from the water and lifted the
sky above ALL placing In 1t the countless
stars, the moon and the sun. Then he
made the clouds to foat. the rain to fall
and atmosphere was formed.
The heavens were, created for the gods
land the Greeks had great host of them,
and the seas for the fishes and the and
TO fly In the air.
Then, after millions and millions OF
centuries. during which the animals con.
trolled the land. the fishes the water and
the birds the air. the One Great God saw
fit to create another being of a higher
intellect-one resembling IN form the God
himself. This being later became known
MS man. He WAS given power over the
animals and knew how to make them fear
him.
In the first period OF mans existence
on earth there was no sin; consequently.
there was no law. no Judges, no prisons.
and all lived in peace. plenty and broth
erly love.
But all that was SO many, many centu,
ries ago-so many that figures cannot
count them-that we wonder II such n
condition could ever have existed on this
globe, where now sin mocks at good and
man lifts his hand against bis brother.
But peeping into mythology Is interest
Ing after all. MARY GRAHAM.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08

Helen Angiin had always been a great
favorite with the children in the town
where she lived. At school, Sunday
school and at all the little social functions
she was a leading spirit. and nothing OF
q social nature was ever undertaken by
the younger set of high-school boys aud
girls without Helen at the head.
She belonged to one of the most promi-
nent families of the community, her
father being rated as very wealthy
man and her mother prominent church
and club woman.
But one day there fell a blow on the
Anglln family. Mr.. Anglin had maze
number of unwise investments and IN an
hour his fortune was entirely swept away.
Everything he owned was sold to satisfy
his creditors, even to the beautiful nome,
where the family had been SO happy
and the horses and carriages.
Then 1t was that the family-which
consisted of Mr.. and Mrs. Anglin, Helen
and Paul-went to live In a little cottage
at the outskirts of town, cottage that
had garden In the rear and pretty
grape arbor over the sitting-room door.
Owing to their financial straits Mrs.
1-aglin was forced to give up her social
life, and, having no servants to look after
the homework, she, with the help Oh
Helen and Paul, performed all such a.
ties herself, preparing the meals, putting
the five little rooms In order daily, ana
with her own hands working In the gar
den.
\ few weeks after the Angins moved
70 their new and simple quarters Mrs.
Anglin went into the kitchen one morning
to find Helen In tears as she stood wash
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08

as think you know, was the time We al
ways celebrated For the truth Is, she
was born between the two days, so today
is really quite as much her birthday as
tomorrow will be. And as you have
come out this evening we'll have a little
birthday supper. I have baked birth
day cake for the occasion. "
''Oh, how thoughtful of you. mamma,
dear" cried Helen kissing her mother
tenderly. with all your work and
Worries"
NO. not Worries dear" corrected Mrs
Angin. Il never allow such condition
of mind to master me. Worries are for
those who have no loved ones to minister
to and nothing to do"
As Mrs. Anglin prepared the little sup
per Fanny watched an opportunity to
whisper a few words to her privately.
Whatever II was that she said brought
a look of pleasure TO the dear, mothery
face. and Mrs. Angln gently pressed
Fanny's hand by way of expressing her
gratitude
After supper was over Helen and Fanny
went into the sitting room to try some
new duets on the piano. Then Mrs. Arg
lin took Paula jolly. brlght-eyed boy OF
Pinto her confidence and whispered to
him the information that Fanny had I'm
parted to her that evening. Paul danced
for very joy, exclaimng: what sur
prise it will be! oh, | hope papa gets
home In time for the funi"
About 8 o'clock, as Mrs. Anglln sat by
the table looking over a late magazine
and Paul, trying to hold a sober countc-
nance, kept a sly watch from the sitting
room window. Fanny's and Helen's music
was interrupted by n loud knock on sthe
sitting-room door, which opened onto the
front porch.
Helen, please attend the door" said
Mrs. Anglin, In very unconcerned voice.
Paul bit his lips to keep quiet and fairly
pressed on his knees to hold himself on
his chair
Helen went to the door. saying, 81 sus-
pect It's papa trying to play trick on us
by knocking" She opened the door, but
no one was at the threshold awaiting adj
mlttance. Thrustnk her head out, Helen
peered into the darkness. For half a
minute she could distinguish nothing for
her eyes were still so full of the light of
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08
BY MAUD WALKER.

fawni stretch Just q little wild flower
waking up. He had been asleep all win
ter In his bed In the soft earth. but as
the April rains had given him such
soaking, and filled him to bursting with
water, he had found 1t expedient to I'M
wrap himself. to thrust his thread-like
feet-commonly called roots-deeper into
the damp soil and to lift his tender
green head and arms to the top cover,
through which he could feel the genial
suns warm rays.
Then another stretch, and lol the earth
opened In q tiny crack over his head,
Just wide enough for him to put his head
through, then closed UP like snug collar
about his slender neck.
Then 1t vas that Johnny-jump-up got
his first view of the world and of light
and his first taste of fresh air. ITS
very nicer he exclaimed, SOU ting at
the sun and breathing deeply. But he
felt rather uncomfortable with his hands
still under cover. SO he began trying to
bring them forth. This took two whole
days. however, and during that time his
little spear-llke head began to get round
and his neck heightened.
After he succeeded in freeing his arms
little green. leaf-like things that
reached up about his neck as If protect
ing it-Johnny felt much better, and get
ting the big head bit he made up his
mind to eat all the air he could and drink
dew and moisture from the earth and
grow to an enormous height. He felt
that he-Johnny-jum up-should rear his
head above the grass and weeds about
him.
But Johnny learned a few things. Near
by him grew common little weed, and
one day observing how Johnny tried to
push his head skyward. she bent toward
him and said:
For your own sake would advise you
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08
Helen's Surprise. By Helena Davis

Ing up the breakfast dishes.
why, daughter, what is the matterf
asked Mrs Anglin, with deep concern,
for she knew that her little daughter
never INDUCED In tears without renson
"Oh. mamma, / did not intend that you
should see me giving up this way, but,
really, | could not help It," said Helen,
alphabetically. But | was just thinking
that Wednesday of next week is my four
teenth birthday and l was comparing In
my mind the coming event with those
happy ones of the past. Always till now
I've had such folly times on my birthday,
but this year 1t must go by very quietly.
Not that | mean to fret about presents
and party-not at ALL mamma, dear
but there is one thing that troubles me
and-and-caused those horrid old tears
to come"
"Well, come tell mother what 1t Is
urged Mrs. Anglin, all sympathy at once.
ITS this, mamma" conhded Helen.
mot one of my girl friends have alluded
10 my birthday, not even Fanny Rogers.
And somehow they seem to be cool
toward me since papa's failure. This
hurts me 80 much; for, after all, | am
the same girl ! was when we were rich.
and | don't think our altered circum-
stances should cause my friends to treat
me any differently"
''Now, dear child" said Mrs. Anglin,
putting n caressing hand on Helens
head, don't you know that 1t Is the
friend In need who is the friend in
deedr And II your station in life makes
your friends change toward you they are
not real friends at all, and are not
worthy your poor tears and heart pangs.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08

the room, but gradually things outside
took on form, and to Helen's surprise and
wonder she saw two rows of boys and
girls lined up on either side the path lead
Ing from the gate to the door. On their
arms were baskets. and one boy carried a
large paper-wrapped package.
why. what-what-doe IL all mean7'
exclaimed Helen. bewlldered for the mo-
ment.
Many happy returns of the day" said
Arthur Graham the boy who carried the
package. as he advanced aud bowed low
before Helen. Then. as the crowd OF 10
boys and girls gave way to laughter, surg
Ing Into the little cottage, which they
filled to Its utmost capacity. Helen began
to understand that 1t was a birthday sur
prise party given In her honor.
And right gladly she bent her back to
receive the IA loveiicks, and one to grow
In. that were SO payfully administered
by her friends. Then Arthur Graham.
with few appropriate remarks, present
ed Helen with the package he had so
carefully held. On opening 1t Helen saw
beautiful dress pattern of blue EN-
broidered French lawn, with dainty
China silk for lining. a gift from the
crowd.
"Oh. how beautiful she exclaimed.
Then tears Of JOY and gratitude Allied her
eyes and she could not speak another
word. Seeing how overcome her little
daughter was, Mrs Anglin came to her
relief and spoke for her-spoke from her
own heart, as well as voicing the emotion
Of Helen's heart. -
Then all the baskets which contained
luncheon daintles. were deposited on the
table In the dining root. aud the merry
crowd gave themselves up TO the enjoy
ment of games and frolic.
In the midst of the funmaking the door
opened and Mr.. Anglln who had been
absent from town on business) came In.
He had heard the sounds of gayety from
a distance and his heart warmed. for he
knew 1t was Helens birthday aud thought
that his wife had somehow managed the
slender means he had left for household
expenses In a way that permitted the CIV
Ing of little party for their daughter.
But he was soon In Helen's arms and
had the story from her of how her dear
friends had given her this delightful sur
prise.
"And l have another surprise for my
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08

sively. Mamma will be so delighted to
have you: and trust mamma to make
room for you, even though she has TO
make up a bed on the sitting-room couch
f." Paul, so that you may have his six
by-ten room.
Then the girls walked by Fanny's home
to tell Fanny's mother of the plan and
to get her permission. But If Helen had
seen the look or understanding between
Fanny and her mother she would have
opened her eyes to the fact that the little
matter had been prearranged by them,
and that there was a secret between
them thar bore some relation to Helen.
As the two chums went along the
Countrywide street leading to Helen's new
home Helen onened her heart TO her
friend: Honest confession Is good for
the SOUL" she began, "and | have a con
fession to make. Ever since papa met
with reverses | have felt that my old
friends were growing cold toward me.
In fact, I've been all cut up over the
attitude of the girls at school lately,
and | thought that even you
But she did not finish the sentence, for
Fanny, locking her arm in that of her
friends, interruT ed. Now. Helen Ang-
lin, aren't you ashamed to harbor those
unjust suspicions2 l know that all your
friends are just as sympathetic and sin
cere as can be. For the sake of your
feelings they nuNe hNolueu Hehlloh VI
your changed circumstances, aud the rea-
son none of us have been out to see you
in your new home is that we wanted to
give your mother time to get settled.
But I'm afraid, dear. there has been
slight misunderstanding all around.
When the girls reached Helens home,
Fanny was charmed with the cozy sur
roundings. Everything was so simple and
Clean The garden was so well kept, and
the flower beds, near the front gate, were
laid out with artistic precision. for this
had been Paul's and Helen's work after
school each day and on Saturdays.
"Oh. love this little cottage and all Its
coy simplicity exclaimed Fanny.
80 do we." smiled Mrs. Anglin. And
we enjoy the work of keeping Ii In order.
But, my dear, you have no idea how glad
| am to see you and to know that you
have come to spend the night with Helen,
for this is the eve Of her birthday, which,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08
Johnny-jump-up,s Lesson.

to be content to remain down in the
grass. If you thrust your head above
your surrounding friends you will doubt
less come to grief, for there are beings
called children-veritable giants - who
roam these fields In search of flowers. So
far as am concerned there is no danger,
for these giants love not common weeds;
but just let blossom peep his head from
under the cover and they will pounce
down upon him and rob him of life"
"well, my dear Miss Weed. no doubt
you mean well by giving me this advice;
but what, pray, would find in life worth
the having If 1t be quite necessary to
keep my beautiful self hidden from sight ?
No, l shall rise above the common grass
and weeds and give out my beauty to all
who pass this way. Beauty would be a
worthless possession unless one displayed
It."
VERY we'll, your vanity may cost you
your iife," warned the weed. But l
shall not urge you to act against your
will. l shall just say this, that, being
taller than you can ever become, / have
a wider field of vision, and when l see
danger approaching l shall give you the
signal. If You wish then to escape notice
you may bend your head under shelter Of
my thick leaves and be secure. Further
more, let me add that the happiness you
long for will not come through displaying
your charms Real happiness cannot come
through the admiration of others. In this
meadow you will find the companionship
of other flowers very enjoyable, and you
will have the long, balmy days the
friendly sunshine, the cool nights when
the dew, like nectar to flowers, comes to
you from heaven; you will hear the birds
sing, insects will fill the air with their
joyous hum and buzz, and you will enjoy
the sweet pleasure of admiring instead of
being admired"
That's weeds view of It," laughed
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08

the Johnny-jump-up, unfurling his pretty
petals and holding his head as high as he
could. "A weed, having no beauty, cannot
feel the sensations that flower feels when
being admired. SO. thanking you for your
intended kindness, shall have to refuse
to accept your advice, and shall grow as
tall as Nature will allow me-"
The next day found Johnny -jump-up
half an inch above the green grass spears.
and his pretty petals opened themselves
very wide as he waved his head and hands
In the spring breeze.
Hist The giants approach r. wills
pered the weed giving Johnny timely
warning. They are plucking your kin
folks as fast as they can. If you would
escape, bend beneath my leaves.
"Oh, you are only Jealous of my beauty,
you poor, plain weed, retorted Johnny
rearing his head very high, so high that
his neck almost broke, In an attempt to
be seen and admired.
Then he saw the giants-a huge boy
and huge girl--coming toward him with
mighty strides. They held many poor,
bleeding Johnny-jump- in their i'm
mense, cruel lands, and their great rolling
eyes were searching the meadow for more
victims. just as Johnny saw them. and
understanding the danger he was in, they
saw him too, and as he was on the point
of ducking his vain head under protection
of the weeds leaves, they came upon him
at bound, their feet crushing the grass
that lay in their path and their voices
roaring Alike thunder in loudness.
oh, cried one, there's fine tall
big johnny jumper I'll get him." And
before poor Johnny could hide. or tell the
weed-whose friendly warning he now APP
preciated since 1t was too late-a sad
good-by, a chubby hand reached down and
twisted his neck In two. Then. his poor
lifeblood oozing from the severed member,
be was put beside several of his dead
kinsmen to form a bouquet for the dinner
table that evening.
Thus through foolish vanity Johnny
jump-up turned n deaf ear to the wise
counsel of less beautiful. though more
sensible, little wild plant. and thereby lost
his head.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08

So, cheer up and know that only those
who can be true when all others fail us
are friends. Fanny Rogers has always
been like a sister to you. and somehow,
dear, feel that your extreme sensi-
tiveness is Bit to fault. However, We'll
whit patiently and see."
But Fanny Inns not once alluded to my
birthday" declared Helen. And always
before she has spoken of It weeks in ad-
vance. Doesn't that look a bit stranger
Have patience, DEAR" was all her
mother said. But there was such hope In
her voice that Helen at once cheered up.
and as she went about her work her
clear voice sang in happy accompaniment.
After all, her mamma knew best" she
thought wait and have patience
But the remaining days of that week
went by without word from any of
Helen's friends about her approaching
birthday, although Helen saw them every
day at school. In consequence Helen
face grew solemn and her young heart
sad. Particularly did she grieve over
what she thought to be Fanny Rogers
growing Indifference toward her. And to
strengthen this suspicion Fanny Rogers
led little group Of girls aside on the
following Monday Mt school and spoke to
them In whispers. casting glances every
now and then Mt Helen, who sat at her
desk pretending to be absorbed In her
books, but who saw their every move and
gesture.
Surely. that was plain enough that
she Helen-was to be gradually dropped
from the circle where she had always
been o leader. But. like her dear, prac-
teal mother. she was IL brave-hearted.
strong minded girl, and she determined to
make the best of any unhappy condition
over which she had no power of control.
On Tuesday evening. the day proceed
ing Helens birthday. Fanny walked from
school with her. stopping to chat a mo-
ment at the corner before parting to go
their separate ways. As If the idea had
just occurred to her, Fanny said; .Oh,
by the way. dear; | have half mind to
go home with you this evenlng-if com
pany is the order of the day-and remain
over night. You could stow me away
somewhere, couldn't your"
Hclens face beamed. "oh, yes; do
come home with me!' she said, impul-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08
Outdoor Sports and Games,

No pleasure can rival that of outdoor
games. And now that the spring has
come the children remain In the open
every minute that Is theirs from school.
meals and sleep.
The dear, jolly old games of hide and
Seek" "Old Witch" Going TO MIL" Il
Spy" and Tag" are among the favorite
outdoor games that all children delight to
engage In.
But better than games is the pleasure
of going a-fower hunting In the early
spring.
In the morning when the sun IN only
half an hour high the children IUSe to
run TO the outskirts of town. where the
meadows and open lots are a-bloom With
blossoms, where spear and leaf are COW
cred with gistenlng dewdrops that are
rarer than the most precious jewels. Here
the little ones gather nosegays for mamma
and teacher, as well as for their own
well-kept desks In the sehoolroom.
And how delightfully."- cordial is the
genial sun In the early spring r,orning
He seems to say TO each little 10Y and
girl. Hello, my little man a maid!"
And then he kisses their cheeks as the
breeze leases them by pulling at their
curls
Who would be In bed and asleep In a
bright spring morning when all the earth
is awake and smlling2 Just jump out
from between your covers as soon as the
sun peeps one eye over the horizon and
let him see that his good example OF
early rising has been Joyfuly followed.
BY doing this you will have full two hours
before school to enjoy outdoor sports aud
games.
And try to have half of this recreation
time before breakfast. for this will give
added relish for your meal az well as
clear your brain for the days lessons at
school.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08
CONUNDRUMS.

CONUNDRUMS.
Why are carriages like gossipsi
They have long tongues.
What man Is so like duck?
The "quack."
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-04-08

little grille, and my dear wife and son
as well,'' said Mr.. Angln, as he stood
with m arm about Helens shoulders.
Then as all the young folks stood In re-
spectful silence, he continued: "Yester-
day It developed that the mining Invest
ments | had mnde-and through which
| thought l had been financially ruined
will make us rich after all, for a vein
OF gold has just been struck that is richer
than our fondest dreams. would have
wired the news yesterday to you, dear,
he went on, turning to his wife, hut
decided II would be moro glorious sur
prise to tell 1t In person-and on Helens
birthday"
There is no need to go Into detail OF
what followed the announcement made
by Mr.. Anglin, but after the congratu-
ations Of the young folks had been duly
offered, and after Mrs. Anglin had held
her husbands hands a moment and
looked tenderly into his eyes and said
For your dear sake and the chlldren's
rejoice" Little Paul stepped to the cen.
ter of the room and spoke to his father
very earnestly: Papa, does this finding
of gold mean that we shall give up being
poor1 Give up living out here In this
little cottage where we see so much of
one another and are so happy? Does II
mean that mamma will stop baking raisip
In the garden we shall not stay here to
enjoy 1t? If well-1'd rather, so far
as | am concerned, not have found the
yellow stuff"
you shall have this cottage for your
own" answered Mr.. Anglin. And you
may have mamma. Helen and your old
dad as your guests every summer. And
we'll enjoy helping TO make the garden
and eat the good things that grow In 1t"
'And the ralsln cake shall still be In
your school luncheon" smiled Mrs. Ang-
lln-"raisln cake made by your owl
mother. Being poor has taught us all a
sweet lesson, the lesson of work and
simple, wholesome living"
And the joy OF surprise partiesr' cried
Helen, "for II we had not been poor my
friends would have waited for me to have
given the party by invitation. | shall al
ways look back upon this birthday as the
happiest one-up to date-of my life"
Then they all adjourned to the dining
room, where the baskets were opened and
robbed of their toothsome contents.