davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

serves to be dealt with" Then turning to Mizzah he asked: since these evil men have attempted to rob your honest and hard-working parents. md, seeing as l do that thls Is their hundredth offense. what punishment do you suggest shall be meted out to them?'
 For a moment Mizzah heslta ted. think Ing earnestly over the question put to him. At last he said: "Oh. good Prince of Pomo, since you have the power to change butterflies into splendid knights, mnyhap you can change these thieves to stone, that I may see them every day on the mountainside as n reminder Of the day when l so far neglected my duty to my flock and fell asleep thus giving the thieves a chance to come In and steal our sheep. And 1 may also point to the four big stones and tell the people of the village the story of their miraculous ap pearance here.'
 "A very wise suggestion" exclaimed the Prince. And after these thieves have become stone they will no longer be menace to the people of the Province of Pomo. So it shall be as you say"
 Even as he finished speaking Prince Pearlo waved a tiny wand above his head. A mist again came over Mizzah's eyes, and as he passed his hands across them to rub away the strange. mysterious veil he heard low groan fall from the lips of the four thieves. Then his vision bs- came clear again, and there. in a group rudely thrown together-were four huge powders on the spot where the black browed. evll-doing thieves had stood.
 Then, turning to speak to the Prince,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27
LITTLE BIOGRAPHIES OF BIG MEN.

foot to California. where be found en- ployment as miner. But that restless ness of spirit, that longing for change which for so many years dominated his strange life, took hold on him once again ana he left California to become one of that band of adventurers that followed Walker to Nicaragua. Then he joined tribe of Central American Indians and lived with them for almost four years, hazardous and most exciting life, a life Of hardship. privation and romance
 the age of 20 he returned 10 Oregon and began the study of law. But study was not to his taste, and this new occupa- ton was soon abandoned for something more congenial, and he found himself In the saddle riding between the gold dis tricts of Idaho as express messenger for the mining camps. This lasted only few months. when again he sought new occupation, becoming editor of little weekly newspaper.
 In 1868 Joaquin Miller became ambi- tious for politica. honors. and was elected judge in Eastern Oregon, keeping the bench for four years. During these years he spent much time in reading and com posing verse, becoming known as poet of unusual ability. But although he was then first known to the world as a poet, it was not the beginning of versifying with him. for In his early teens he had listened to the promptings of the Muse Poesy and had written many soulful verses. which at times he vas won't to recite with feeling to his frontier com rades as they eat around their campfires at night
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

clear as crystal and gllstened as dew drop gistens when the sun shines full upon 1t.
 ''I am q fairy" spoke the voice. soft as the wiAd and like the music of a lark. This voice startled Mizzah, for 1t seemed to come direct from the radient object at hls feet. "Do you believe In fairies?' the voice questioned.
 No, do not believe in fairies," replied Mizzah. All my life l have heard of them, but l have never, never seen one" !"
 And must you see to believer" the voice asked.
 What a foolish question:" replied Mig Eah But what are you that can talk. and are the shape of a tiny pebbleT
 'I am Pearlo, Prince of this Province" replied the voice. For thousands of years before people came to inhabit this mountainside I was prince of the fairies that dwelt here but the human family have driven many of my people away, and those who remain seek safety In hiding themselves in the forms of pearls, flowers and butterflies"
 ''I don't believe you are fairy" de- clared Mizzah. Then bethlnking him of the lost flock of sheep he sprang up. cry ing: If you are a fairy tell me where my sheep have wandered Just an hour
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

boy or girl to do so. and after about 10 minutes flying he perched himself on the very top of a tall church spire and began There were strange beings darting hither and thither, some disappearing inside those immense nests his mother had spoken Of while others kept coming forth from other nests. Some of these nests were much larger than others and all were placed In rows.
 Cuckoo Sparrow did not know that these large nests" were houses and that the strange beings" darting about. In and out of them, were people. But such was the case.
 After Cuckoo Sparrow had seen all be could from long range, without harm 10 himself, he became desirous of getting a closer peep Into one of those big nests. 'I'll just fly about and see If can find an opening h the top of one of them" he said to himself. Pretty soon he alight- ed on the top of chimney that erected Itself above me sharp comb of a two story dwelling house. "Ah, ha!" said Cuckoo Sparrow, peepng down into the dark hole that seemed to be bottomless, what have we here2 1 do beliye upon my gizzard that this opening leads In- side this big nest. As l hear no sound nor see no light, I think I'll just take a dip down and explore the place below !" And so saying, Cuckoo Sparrow dropped, head first, down the black & In 1 chimney Into long, winding way that led through the thick wall of the house.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

Once upon time there was a boy who did not believe in fairies. This was a great many years ago. so many, In fact. that we do not know the year. for 1t was the age before histories were written. But the story of this little boys experl- ences was found written on tablet of stone that was buried under the centuries accumulated debris.
 The story. translated into English. fol- lows:
 Now, there lived in the Province of Pomo a little boy 12 years of age. Ills father was but a poor shepherd, who minded his focks on the mountainslde, near beautiful lake.
 One day the poor shepherd fell i'll and sent his little son-by name Mizzah-to watch the flock from going astray. As Mlzzah sat on the mountainside In the warm sunshine he became drowsy, and stretching himself on the green grass he fell Into a deep sleep. While he sumbered thus thief crept down over the noun tainside and drove away Mizzah's flock. taking 1t deep Into the forest. where other thieves waited to help him get the sheep out of the province altogether. a distance of five leagues
 Pretty soon Mizzah awoke and looked about him for the flock. but not q sheep
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27
Pearlo, Prince of the Province of Pomo -

them the truth concerning falries's
 Not only shall l teach my sons and daughters. when I have them, to believe must pass before l am man I shall tell of your power as a fairy prince if you but bring back my fathers fock," declared Mizzah.
 All shall be well with your poor fla ther's flock" promised Prince Penrlo. of the Province of Pomo. Then of a sudden q veil-like mist fell before Mizzah's eyes, and when, after a few minutes, 1t melted away there stood a handsome youthful prince, clad In purple velvet and golden ornaments, before Mlzzah
 Mizzah's eyes looked for the pearl-like pebble that had spoken, but 1t had dlsap- peared. The Prince, understanding Miz. znh's astonishment. smiled and said : Blow, winds blow!' Immediately the winds came sweeping over the mountain side, then the Prince waved his arm about his head. called out in clear tone ,as- semble !'' Suddenly a flock of butterflies filled the air, swarming about the Prince and Mizzah. "Go," ordered Prince Pearlo, ''to the lower side of yon hill over by the lake; surround the thieves who drove away this boys flock of sheep and bring them back, sheep and thieves" Then turning to Mizzah the Prince continued to speak as the butterflies went off through the afr in the direction designated by the Prince. Those butterflies will surround the thieves who have your sheep. then they will change their forms to those of men, and. with glittering swords drawn from their sheaths. they will take the thieves captive and bring to you your flock of sheep.''
 Then the Prince snt down on big stone. motioning Mlzzah to place be- side him. In a few minutes they saw coming over the faraway hillside the flock of sheep being driven by four black browed. evll-iooking men who were forced to come against their will by a dozen strong knights in armor. who carried swords and battle axes
 Why" gasped Mizzah. "there are our sheep. But where did all those splendid soldiers come sromf"
 Twenty minutes ago you saw those same fine knights in armor flying about here in the form of butterflies replied the Prince. ''Now do you believe in fairies?'
 Mzzah grasped the hands of Prince Pearlo and bowed low over them. kissing the Priuce's brow affectionately. "Yes. yes. fairy Prince" he exclaimed. "I do believe In fairies. You are wonderful, and as good as you are great! What would have become of us had our flock been taken from usf We must surely have starved"
 At this minute the flock. driven by the four thieyes-who were guarded by the five knights In arn,or-came up the mountainside. ''Oh, Prince Pearlo of the Province of Pomo.' spoke one of the knights, lowing low before the prince; 'here are the thieves and here also Is the flock belonging to your young com panion."
 You have performed your duty well and quickly, sir nights" responded Prince Pearlo. Now you may sit you down and rest till have dealt with these wicked men as their dishonesty de-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

He soon found himself at bottom, and
 such a black. dirty place It was, all filled with queer stuff thnt rattled when- ever he moved about. Theo he could see through crack Into larger space where were assembled n number of the immense beings he had seen walking about On the long legs. darting hther and thither. As one of these beings came quite close to Cuckoo Sparrow's hiding place the little fellow became frightened and decided 10 get away as fast as he could. But when ne looked about for the opening through which he had flown down he could Bee nothing but inky blackness Then he ran about his small
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27
Some Old Proverbs.

Everybody's business Is nobody's bust ness.
 Deeds are the fruits; words are but leaves.
 Constant occupation prevents tempta- ton. Business is the salt of life. Better to be alone than in bad com pany.
 Conscience is the chamber of justice. Fat paunches make lean pates. Dependence Is poor trade to follow. An honest mans word Is as good as his bond.
 A guilty conscience needs no accuser. fool can make money. but It takes wise man to spend it.
 A spur In the head Is worth two on the heels. A contented mind is q continual feast. An idle brain Is the devils workshop. He laughs best who laughs last. Honest confession Is salye to tho soul: Do not whistle till you are out Of the woods.
 Do not count the chickens before they are matched. God helps him who helps himself.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

was in sight. Becoming anxious. the little fellow jumped to his feet and ran up the mountainside. calling to hs flock. ss his father was wont to do when the sheep wandered. But in vain did Mizzah search for his flock. no sign of them did he see.
 Then he sank to the ground and began to weep, for he feared to go home and tell his parents of his carelessness in neglecting the duty he was set to per form. As be was thus engaged q low voice fell upon his ear, and lifting hls face from his hands he detected a small glistening object in the sand a few feet -Srom him. It was no larger than a pea,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

heart that he had not disobeyed his wise old mother. All the scenes of his happy llfe-happy up till the present hour passed across hls minds eye. and he sat. dropping and heavy hearted, In a corner of his prison.
 For several days he moped in the cnge. refusing to eat and drinking only when his thirst forced him to do so. And all the time those horrible beings horrible to hlm)-those boys and the girl-stood about his prison. sticking their fingers through the bars to poke him up, some saying 'I guess he's sick; he won't eat nor sing" and others saying Well. If he dies. we'll feed him to the cat.'
 At last on the fourth day of his cap tivity, company In the form of a woman and a little girl came to visit at the home of his jallers. and for once Cuckoo Sparrow's tormentors let him alone In their excitement over the arrival of com pany Late In the afternoon the visiting little girl saw the unhappy captive in the cage She went to him and began to talk to him In her sweet, sympathetic voice. Poor Birdie," she said; you are pnlng your life away In that cage. It Is cruel to keep you here. and If you'll make use of the opportunity l am now going to give you. 1t will not be many minutes before you are In the trees and sky again. An. here is m open window in the roomi I'll set your cage near It for just a second. then open your door, and-well, you'll understand the rest. But we must be cnick, for I've slipped away from the children who caught you, and very shortly they'll find me. So- here goes!''
 As the little girl said this she lifted the cage from the hook from which ir hung near the window. placed It on the open window ledge. opened the cage door and said "Shoo, Ely home again."
 It did not take second bidding. and almost before you could wink an eye poor Cuckoo Sparrow was going through
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

Cuckoo Sparrow wns not very old, and, having been bur 8 short time out of his mothers nest, be was perhaps more ven turesome than wise. One day, noticing some tall church spires and buildings long distance away from the grove of trees in which he lived, he conceived the idea of going to them and satisfying his curiosity concerning them.
 But before starting for the town--for town it was where the church spires and buildings were-Cuckoo Sparrow went to the tree where his mother lived and told her of his intended journey.
 Now, my dear, foolish son." said Mrs. Sparrow, holding up a warning wing, .'don't do anything so rash. There are many dangers in that strange place, and many s vsnturesome bird who has gone there never returned Great beings with out wings walk about on long legs and have for nests those immense things built on the ground. Take your mothers ad- vice and be satisfied to live happy, un- eventful life in this protecting forest, where food in plenty abounds, where soft winds come to swing us 10 sleep every night in our nests and where the sun smiles through the leaves at early morning just as we begin our morning songs."
 But Cuckoo Sparrow, like many an- other wayward bird, shook his little head. dipped his tall and happed his wings as be said:
 ''Now, mamma dear, you are bit old fashioned and stay-in-nest. But l am young, brave and full of curiosity to see the world. l know you mean well, but
 Cuckoo Sparrow did not finish the sen- tencs in words, but from the way in which he turned his little, round head to one side, cooked up his eye, lifted his tall and folded his wings Mrs. Mamma Sparrow knew full well what be meant.
 We'll" she sighed, If you insist on going 1 cannot prevent 1t, for ever since you left my nest and found your own food you have been your own master. All l can say is that you go in opposition to my wish"
 .Now, mamma dear you must not take so gloomy view of my going forth Into the world" said Cuckoo Sparrow. When l return you will be glad 1 went, for you will have the pleasure of hearing about all the strange sights l shall have seen and of my thrilling adventures. So now adieu. l am off."
 And Cuckoo Sparrow lifted his strong young wing and scared or toward the town. about a mile distant, while his poor mother sat watching him with anxiety in her heart.
 It did not take Cuckoo Sparrow 30 long to cover the distance as 1t would take
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

prison, striking his body against the noise-making mess of strange, rustling stuff which filled the floor of hls quar- ters It was ihis noise that caused cer- tain sudden developments In the case of Cuckoo Sparrow.
 Now, the place wherein the self-lm- prisoned bird was hopping about so fran tically, seeking some door of escape, was nothing other than fireplace which, not then being in use. was half-nlled with refuse In the shape of old papers. It was this which made the rustlng noise, and the rustllng noise caught the ear of n big boy who was in the room.
 ''Hist!' cried the big boy. going near to the fireplace which was closed by a perforated sheetiron cover. 'I do be- lieye there Is bird in the grate Hey, there. kids, go shut all the doors In the room and close the windows! I'll let him out in the room and then we'll catch him. We can put him in the old dead mocklngbird's cage"
 Several boys and girls who had been addressed as kids" ran and closed the windows md doors. Then the big boy took the Iron shield from the grate and out flew the startled Cuckoo Sparrow Round and round the room he darted, his little heart palpitating with fear, for all those awful beings were frantlca- ly chasing after him.
 And how he did struggle to keep his freedom even after the children had cruelty exhausted him and lay rough hands upon him. But his fighting was of no avail for one hand of the big boy closed over his quiyering little body and held him fast.
 "Git the cage." the big boy cried And the other boys and girl ran wildly from the room to obey. In few minutes they came rushing back with a rusty bird prison that goes by the name of cage Into this horrld wired thing tho big boy put the wayward little Cuckoo Sparrow, who now wished with all his
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27
Strange Bits of News.

Half of the worlds coffee comes from Brazil.
 In some of the smaller Russian hotels visitors are obliged to find their own bed clothes.
 In Roumania women perform some Of the severest forms of labor. They mix mortar and carry it. as well as the bricks, to the topmost stories of build ings in the course of construction.
 The rows of curls on the wigs Of foot men are indications of the rank of those whom the footmen serve. The King 8 lackeys wear eight rows. the Prince of Wales seven and the Lord Mayors six
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27
mean to stay here. too. ]"

mean to stay here. too.''
 Then the dear Mrs. Sparrow reared her i. pretty head. opened her throat and sent forth the most joyous and thrilling mel ody she had ever sung. And when her neighbers heard the rapturous music they understood the cause, and they joined in the anthem Of Mrs. Sparrow's thanksgiv- ing til. the woods rang and rang again.
 And when they all assembled tc wei come the truant home again Cuckoo Spar row told of his terrible experiences In the prison within one of those huge nests where dwell the strange, big beings that have no wings aud walk on very. very long legs.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

ago they were here. but now no sign of their whereabouts can l ind"
 "If l guide you to your sheep will you then believe in fairies? ?? asked the sweet voice.
 ''Yes, If you lead me to my flock and as sist me in driving them home I shall be- lieve all that you say, for then you will have given me proof of your fairy power." exclaimed Mizzah eagerly.
 Ut shall be as you desire the voice asserted. And the only reward ask for leading you to your stolen flock is that you believe In me and my power. and that when you become man and have sons and daughters of your own you will teach
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

Mizzah, to his great astonishment. saw thnt he, with his knights, had disap- peared, and nothing remained on the mountainside save Mizzah and his flock
 And when Mizzah told the strange story in the village at the foot of the mountain he pointed to the great pile of powders as proof of the truth of his story, for otherwise the people would have doubted him, saying 1t was all a chlld's dream.
 And so 1t came about that the people all came to believe In fairies. and from that day to this the mysterious workings of Prince Pearlo's descendants are felt among the dwellers In the Province of Pomo. the land where the fig trees bloom and the grapes purple under the sun.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

the air on very. very weak wings toward hls home. In the distant green grove. Once or twice the half-starved fellow wns forced to light in the grass and gobble up n worm, for he found his strength had given way during his unhappy imprison- ment, and some nourishment was quite necessary before he could reach his home.
 A little later be darted Into the great protecting tree where his mother sat, bowed down with grief, for she was mourning her beloved. though wayward. son as dead.
 I'm home again. mamma. dear" chirped Cuckoo Sparrow. allghtlng on the limb beside her. And. what Is more, l
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27
IRISH WIT.

An Inshman. brought before the justice of the peace on a charge of yagrancy. was thus questioned:
 What trade do you foilow7'
 '.Shure, yer honor. I'm a sailor," Pat made answer.
 ''What-you a seafaring man? doubt whether you were ever at sea in your life," exclaimed the irate justice
 ''Shure. and does yer honor think came over fBom Ireland in a wagin P grinned Pat.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27
A SKETCH OF THE EARLY LIFE OF THE POET, JOAQUIN MILLER.
 BY MARY GRAHAM.

Joaquin" Miler-whose real name Is Cincinnatus Hiner Miller-was born in Indiana in the year 1841. In 1853 he went with his father to Oregon and for time worked on a farm there. This marked the beginning of wild Westein n life, full of change and adventure for the boy "Cin" Miller.
 While still a boy in his teens he be- cam. restless and found the life of farmer too conhning and uneventfui for him. At 16 years of age he journeyed on
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27
A Potato Menaeerie.

There is much fun for little ones In making a potato menagerie. Take half a dozen large, solid potatoes and nfter carefully peeling them cut animals from them. The only tool necessary Is a good. sharp penknife. It requires some practice to become a skllful ''potato-cutter. but the trouble Is well rewarded after the boy or girl sees his collection of animals placed in a nice row on table In front Of him. There should be an elephant, giraffe, hippo, horse. lion. COW. bear, a hog, a cat and dog.
 After completing the menagerie the ani- mas may be colored with water colors and ink. A hog may be left potato color save for spots made of ink. The giraffe Is also left the natural potato color and spotted with ink.
 It is quite surprising how Ilfelixe these little animals will look, and they will keep for many days in good condition.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27

An Irishman who had bstered his fingers by endeavoring to draw on pair of new boots. threw them aside exclaim- ing: "Pshure, an I'll nlver be able to git 'em on till I've worn 'em day or two."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27
Conundruns

When is a towel like an envelopcf When stamped. Why are silks like deceitful peoplef Because they are double-faced. When is the door like a lady's hair7 When banged. Why Is cross-grained woman like a candlef
 Because both sputter. When is carriage like a half-moon pie7
 When a turnover. A word of three syllabes, seek till you
 find, Which has in 1t twenty-six letters com
 bined. tAlphabet.)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-05-27
RIDDIE.

RIDDLE. I went Into the woods and got it. | sat down to look for it, and the more 1 hunted for 1t, the less l liked 1t; so, not being able to find 1t. came away with it.
 "A thorn in the foot.D
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1906-08-22

PIE bottle BY mail Home Of swampRoot
re, also pamphlet telling you how to find
.,ut if you have kidney or bladder trouble.
Mention this paper when writing DR.. Kline.
X Co., Binghamton, NY
Don't make any mistake, but re-
member the name, Swamp-Root, DR..
Kllmer's Swamp-Root, and the ad-
dress, Binghamton, N. Y, on every
bottle.