davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

eating an awful hole in our pile of .,1ts. Really, if we do not have thaw before another month see nothing but srarva- ton ahead for my children and myself unless you loan us some food, dear friend"
 And suppose l lend to you and to everyone else who has been, like the grasshopper gay, idle during the season of work?'' asked Old Grey Tail. Who would feed me when my neighbors had eaten my last morsel of food. pray2 For l do not know a single squirrel who has pro- vided himself with more than enough to run his family, let alone giving to his neighbors. Not but that there were nuts enough on the ground to lay up a i've year supply had all been industrious dnr- ing the fall days of plenty. No, no, my gay and peasure-loving friends, I cannot furnish food for whole community, even though I were disposed to do so, which I am not Why should work overtime that others might he idle nlwaysf Those of us who would live in peace and plenty during the long winter months must pre- pare when the harvest Is ripe. Sorry ns 1 am. my friends. that any of you should be obliged to go on short rations. 1 nm not touched so deeply as to starve my self to feed you. Hnd I not warned you of this long, long ago l might feel quite differently about it, but I gave a free lecture on the necessity of storing ID food while the weather was hne and the nuts were abundant Many came and listened to my talk, cheering wildly md saying. He is right. is Grey Tailr Then all went
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

away to play and frolic till the winter came on. A few there were who worked diligently, but a greater number played. Those workers are now enjoying the fruits of their labors, while those who played may continue to play-as long ns fun can be had without eating"
 Just at that moment a strange noise was Tail turn quickly to his visitors ana warn them. "Go home as fast ns you can, my friends. and hide away in your houses Don't so much as peep out while those noises are sounding through the woods. I've seen many of our kind fall from the branches after one of those terrible explosions. It is some sort of death instrument in the hands of our big two-legged enemies. So, take warning before it Is too late Excuse my seeming rudeness fin sending you all home, bur you know my house Is too small to ac- commodnte more than one besides my self So, not wishing to show a favor, must needs ask you for your own safety to depart as quickly as possible and make yourselves safe within your own trees Come again after the danger is over. Good-by for the present" And so saving old Grey Tail turned round and immediately disappeared within his house.
 The visiting squirrels won't down the tree, but did not hasten home, as they had been warned to do. Mrs. Brown Fur stopped to express her opinion of neigh bor who would refuse to lend food to others in need. and Master Gay seconded
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

to look about To his horror at first he saw not dozen yards from hls tree many blood stains on the snow. He bur- ried to the homes of his nearby nelghbors. and after hours of search 1t wns found that Master Gay, Mrs. Brown Fur and Peep-boo had disappeared. Not trace of them could be found, save their foot prints which led from Grey Tails tree to the spot where blood spots were on the snow.
 Grey Tall sat down and pondered. IL was as well after all that such worthless squirrels should be taken from their midst Their influence on the young was bad. Besides, they were a constant charge and menace to the better element In the forest. But there were the four little ones-idle children, all-of Mrs Brown Fur's. Well, he could not sec those helpless things starve. No, he would take them as his own sons and daughters and feed and train them. It was their lnek of train ing that had made them so idle and shift less, any way, and Old Grey Tail could not find 1t in his heart to condemn them. So, hurrying to the tree of Mrs. Brown Fur he talked the matter over with the four crying children, and soon 1t was agreed that they should come daily to eat from his tree, but that they should continue to live at their own home. And when the fall should come again they would part company, each providing for himself and herself home which Gray Tall would insist on having filled with plentiful supply of food when the season of harvest was ripe for them.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

everything she said, adding: "Oh, he's a stingy old chap. But if the worst comes to the worst we'll just go to him and demand some nuts. He's got enough stored away to last him till next fall and some to spare, I'll warrant. Just re- member how he worked night and day last fall; wouldn't stop to attend our picnics nor go exploring into the woods across the stream. No, he's an old miser and he should be handled accordingly. If I get hungry I'm not going to ask him for nuts; I'll just go in and help myself. And Master Gay tossed his tail in brag- ging way.
 You couldn't manage him alone; he's as strong as three ordinary squirrels" said little gray fellow who had not till now spoken. His name was Peep boo. for he was forever peeping round into everyones house, seeing what he might get his paws on. You'd need help, Master Gay, in tackling that old wise acre"
 Could count on your asked Master Gny. with one other we could put him to rout and take the place."
 Sure, I'll be with you In chasing that old stingy bones from the forest" agreed Peep-boo.
 'I don't quite approve of your scheme" soid Mrs. Brown Fur. Tn the first place. we need him for a councillor, and In the second place the better class of squir- rels-I mean the industrious ones-hold old Grey Tall in high esteem. There'd be war to the teeth should any body of soulrrels do harm to Old Grey Tail, the Wise. know what I'm talking about,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13
QUEENS OF ENGLAND

Isabella, of France, queen consort of Edward IT., was born in France in the year l295. She was the eleventh queen of England, counting from the Norman conquest, and with but one exception was of a higher rank than haE ever been espo lsed by a ling of England, her father being Philip .e Bel, King of Frauce, and her mother, Jane, being Queen of Navarro.
 When tot of four Isabella's fatal marriage with the young Prince Edward of England was arranged for her by her parents and Edwards father. The be- frothal ceremony was solemnized when the little princess was nine years of age. At this time Edward was Prince of Wales
 When Isabella had just completed her thirteenth year Prince Edward had be- come King of England through the death of his father. With unseeming haste the yorng King urged forward his marriage with Isabella, anxious as he was to place the beautiful Princess on the throne be- side him.
 Thus, at the tender age of IS. Isabella
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

He saw in a yard a beautiful dog; Going in he said, Huh, fellow. come! I'm out for a jolly good time. doutcher
 know,
 But l don't like playing alone" But the worthy old bull dog snarled.
 then bit,
 Bad Bill ran away for life's sake. He thought he surely would fall in a For a part of his clothes Bull did takei But soon he had travelled away from Ills
 fenr;
 Forgotten hls recent great harm: So on. on he went towards the far
 country,
 TO find skating some place on farm. The day being warm the ice gan to But Bad Hill, unwise, Gidu't know; So he ran on pond. all frozen OCT, Soon to ind himself struggling below. The ice cracket and broke. and freez-
 Ing he
 Quite loudly called out, "Murderl Fire!" An old farmer came. aDd seeing him Zee whz. son. you might be some
 drier.
 For swan you're wet from yer top Come. sit out O there--quIck. tool Git yer fer home fast as yo can %, An don't let me again see you. "A-foolIn' 'roun' where you don't be- Then away the old farmer stalked; While Bad Bill noundered out of the And honsvard Ike ieicis walked.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

for I go about so much and hear all the gossip"
 Wed do 1t at night when none were about to tell the tale," boasted Master Gay. But" he said. with some little alarm, there's that terrible noise again, and so close. too. Mnyhap we'd better get under cover.' And he, with Peep boo and Mrs. Brown Fur, started toward their own trees. They did not know, how ever, that their conversation had been overheard by Old Grey Tall. On their descending his tree he had heard them pause at the bottom to talk. Anxious that they should escape hurt he had braved any danger and come upon the branch just above their heads to warn them again when he overheard Mrs. Brown Fur's remarks about himself. It was only natural that he should listen, for these three squirrels who were abus. Ing him so vehemently had always posed as his great friends and admirers. To, he now understood why they had prac- ticed such deceit toward hlml They had a purpose in view. From him they in- tended to borrow--or steal
 Well. well." he said. sadly. 'one finds out things every day"
 Just then the noise which had fright ened Master Gay so sent Old Grey Tall deep into his house. And there he stayed, too, for an hour or more, for the explo- sions kept resoundlng 80 close to him that he dared not show the tip of his ears lest he lose his head. When at last the noises ceased Old Grey Tall came out
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13
BY HELENA DAVIS.

Mir. and Mrs. Perkins decided to make a visit out of town. leaving Bricktop In charge of The Twins and all three in charge of the house. Of course, Maggie, the maid of all work, would be there to look after the housekeeping end, but the real responsibility of the place would rest on the shoulders of Bricktop, he to be assisted by The Twins.
 The next morning, after MT. and Mrs. Perkins departure, Bricktop was up early and out to look after old Dandy, the carriage horse. He had Dandy's stall cleaned before breakfast and Dandy turned Into the lot for exercise. Then the chickens were fed and watered, the snow swept from the south side of their coop, so that the feathered fellows might come out to enjoy the winter air and sunshine without injury to their feet. In fact, every chore that Bricktops father was in the habit of performing the young man looked after most consci- cautiously.
 And while their big brother was look ing after the work outside the house Bettie and Lettle were not lazy inside the house. There was Songster, the pet canary, who was their mothers especial charge. The Twins attended to his wants, putting IFeSu seed anu water 10 him in most scrupulously cleaned cage. which they hung in the bay window, where the suns rays flooded it, making Songster so happy that he sang his best anthem for them before breakfast. And many other little duties were performed by The Twins before they descended to the breakfast table. where Bricktop awaited them.
 Well, Kiddies," said Bricktop, 'T guess everything Is going to run along smooth ly during papa's and mammals absence. When they come home they'll find the barnyard and its inhabitants clean and thriving. And I'm sure the house will be In apple-pie order. since you young ladies are to superintend the york;
 But The Twins did not have time to reply, for at this moment Maggie came in with their breakfast, saying: Good morning, Master Brick and Bettie and Lettie. How are you-alls this morning without a ma and par Then, setting the tray on the table, she continued to speak, nterrupting Bettie's answer to her kindly inquiry.
 Say, I am afraid we'll have trouble
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

old Grey Tail sat on 6 limb near to the door of his house. It wat a round little door. just big enough for Old Grey Tall to get through. It led into a big tree, whose interior was hollow to quite a depth. At the bottom of the hollow place-which was Old Grey Tails house there was fine store of nuts which Old Grey Tail had put there early in the fall. He was wise old squirrel, was Grey Tall, and his knowledge was a theme of conversation among his neigh bors, who always came to him for ad- vice.
 On this winter morning he had come out of his house to get a breath of fresh air and enjoy the bright sunbeams that stole through the bare branches of the trees. Seeing him there several of bis neighbors came to call on him, for ne was a great favorite in the woods
 "Ah, my friends, good morning to you. one and all," said Old Grey Tail, waving his luxurious tail in greeting as hts wis. itors came up the tree merrfiy. How goes the world with you this severe weatherr'
 Well, Wise Grey rail," said Mrs. Brown Fur, I've almost run out of food Since this terrible snowstorm my ehil- dren and I have not been able to 1nd a bite on the ground; everything Is buried so deeply with the thick blanket of white that our paws must have frozen before we could have scratched through to the leaves on the ground"
 .I told Mrs Brown Fur to call on .cu and ask for few nuts to help her and her family out should she run too short before a thaw," remarked jolly squirrel, who was known as 'Mnster Gay," he was always so lively and reckless in spirit
 why didn't you lend some of your win ter's supply to Mrs Brown FurT' asked Old Grey Tall, turning keen eye on Master Gay.
 Well, to confess the truth" said Ias- ter Gay, lightly and laughingly. T have just about enough 10 run me through the winter. And I've got to eat judiciously at that or I'll find myself in the same straits that our lady friend and her family are in-that is to say, short of feed.
 'I thought as much," said old Grey Tail, dryiy. 'I haven't forgotten last fall when l was so busy putting up nuts and you were frisking about and flirting with the gay Misses. l told you then that every day would not be holiday. with plenty strewn on the ground under he sheltering leaves. That was the lime when you should have been judicions. my young and thoughtless friend. And as for our mutual friend, Mrs Hrows Fur. she should have put her children to work gathering nuts Instead of allow ing them to play from morning till night. If l remember rightly she was tho only worker in her family. And one cannot lay up the provisions for five. Each mem Der of a family should do his share of the work as soon as he Is large enough. No Idle ones, no hunger and wanr, you know"
 But, dear Wise Grey Tail," put in Mrs. Brown Fur, "I had no idea that we would have such an early winter And who could foresee such snow ns fell three days ago? Why. every day tIlI then we've found our food mostly on the ground, not having to touch what had stored up. But now that we are cut on from tue ground. 50 to speak. we are
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

ple's houses to steal. He only knew that his old granny was i'll and hungry, and that he could not get work; he was so united to cope with the world.
 And Brick walked home with Nick, car rying the basket of food on his arm. He went in to assure the old woman that the provisions had been gotten honestly, too. telling her that >Bettie and Lettie had put everything Into the basket with their own hands.
 The next morning Bricktop was out of bed early and up town, going about among the shops and stores that opened before breakfast, hunting for employment for Nick. Before the first school bell sounded he had secured a place in grocery for Nick, where his duties would be counting and packing eggs and meas uring and weighing vegetables. The wages were small, but sufficient for the boy and his old granny to live on. When Brick, all out of breath, ran Into the Peters home to tell the good news Nick, tears bursting from his eyes, fell on hls knees, elasping Brlcktops hands in his own and crying out:
 You're the best friend, 'cept granny, ever had. Fore God promise to never never steal anything again, nor ever 10 let 1t come Into my head. You've made me honest by your kindness to me, Mas ter Bricktop."
 And Nick kept his word.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13
Bricktop and the 7wins Catch Burglar.

here while your pa and mas away. I'm afraid of burglars" Then, feeling the importance of her startling words, which made The Twins eyes open and Brick top set down his coffee cup, Maggie drew herself aside and leaned against the wall. looking first nt one child and then at an- other, watching the effect of her com munication. "Yes, sir" she nodded em- phatically, "burgiars!'
 But why do you fear such7" asked Bricktop. now busy with his breakfast. He thought Maggie an excitable Irish girl whose fears could have no founda- ton.
 Well, you-alls see, it's this way" said Maggie. coming a bit closer to the table. Last night as 1 was returning from the ball, where I'd bin with my friend Lizzie-Smith's cook, you know-we was comin' in by our back gate-I had the kitchen door key, you reeollect-when Lizzie says to me, Hist, there's a man creepin' up to your house as sure as Sntan's a sinner Gosh, was that scared most dropped in my tracks, an l give a little scream. Then the man fur l seen him with my own eyes creepin toward our kitchen door-turned and run as fast as hls feet could carry him right round the house and out at the
 
 Maggie paused to watch the effect Of this news on her little hearers. The Twins looked at Bricktop. who in turn arose from the table and went out through the hall door. which he closed behind him. In a few moments he came back, shlvering with the cold, for he had gone out without hat or oyercoat. As he resumed his place at the table he said: "Yes, there're the big shoe tracks of a man leading from the rear of the house to the front walk. There they are lost, for the walk and pavement in front had no tell-tales now"
 And none in the back, either" de clared Maggie. ''I done cleaned 1t all away early yesterday morning. But I'm glad you seen the tracks for yourself Master Brick. You'll know I'm not tell in no yarn out of my head"
 No, you saw the man all right" ad- mitted Bricktop. Well, we'll be on the outlook tonight--in fact, every night--tiIi he shows himself again.
 May we help you, brotherr' asked Bettie eagerly.
 Sure; couldn't get along without your help" laughed the indulgent brother.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

the snow to old Mrs. Peters house. He didn't do nothin'. for he had no proofs, for the burglar got away before they got out of bed. He had clum in at the kitch- en winder and the noise walked up Mir. Albright, who hollered out Who's thereT So away went the burglar lickety-spllt. But it's pretty certain 'at it's old Mrs. Peters grandson Nick"
 Brlcktop was not so much surprised at this information. but he said very little to Maggie save to warn her against too much talking. He impressed upon her mind the injury she might do poor old Mrs. Peters and her grandson Nick should
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

that evening after supper. He knew how poor old Mrs. Peters was, her sole sup port being her sickly grandson Nick. big, numbering fellow who once said to Bricktop: 'I never did have no chanet to go to school an learn like other boys. I've worked at any ole thing ever since I've been big enough to carry hoe or pick" And Brick had not forgotten the poor, half-stupid fellows lament. And another thing which made Bricktop sor- rier for Nick was the fact that he had been injured in his back In a coal mine where there had been a terrible accident.
 Nothing could induce the fellow to re-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

became wife and queen. But the union proved to be most unhappy one, the bueen being woman devoid of virtue md truth. She soon became estranged from her husband. and with deceptions Ind lies, turned her powerful family of France and Navarro against him. She Nec lived apart from him. spending Dometime in France. where she let no opportunity pass to do her royal spouse hjury and exalt herself. Then, raising ln army, he marched against him in his bwn realm, taking him and his most pow irfui advocates prisoners.
 For d time Edward was held as a royal prisoner, but Isabella, fearing lest the Kings party might raise an army and Jet the King once more on his rlghtful Dhrone, had him secretly killed by tor lure and her son made ruler in the right If his succession.
 But Isabella had to reap partly as she lad sown. Her enemies became power hl, and the new king-her son--was in- lusnced much by them. The Queen notfer, who had had no scruples dur ng her day of power. was subjected to pany trying ordeals and at last thrown pf prison, where she remained during Ar ute.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

That evening after school the Perkins children hurried home 10 Ind Maggie waiting with an eager face for them. Say, Master Brlcktop," she said in hoarse whisper full of mystery, "T've found out who the man was 'at skulked round our house t'othef night" Then Maggie waited for Bricktop to question her.
 Well" she replied to Bricktop's in-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

turn to the mine to work since then, and for several months he had been out of work save as Mir. Perkins would employ him now and then about the barnyard and garden
 Say, Kiddies,' said Bricktop, laying down his book and addressing The Twins. i've a mind to 20 and have a private talk with Nick Peters. Iii just tell him
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

the suspicion be greundless. True. 1t looked rather bad that the tracks of the housebreaker should lead from Mir. Al brights back door to the house of the Peters. But circumstantial evidence often hung m innocent man, he told her. So she must keep her tongue In check.
 But Bricktop was worried very much and could not get his mind on his studies
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

quiry, ''I went down to see my friend Lizzie and to talk over the grand ball thls afternoon. After little while Liz sie says to me of a sudden, Say, they had a burglar at Albright's thnt night of the what We seen in the back yard of the Perkinses.' Then she goes on to say at Mir. Albright follered the foot tracks in
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13
LITTLE E AID BILL.

When he entered his own beloved home, Where a grate fire glowed warm and
 bright, Ills mother, smiling with slipper In
 hand, Thawed and warmed him with all her
 might.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13

Little Bad Bill was naughty, you know; Played hooky from school one day;
 rang: S43t Then skipped off alone for to play.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-13
Letter Enigma.

My 1st Is in little, but not In big. My 2d is In hog, but not In pig. My Sd Is fin live, but not in in die. My 4th is In laughter, but not in cry. My 9th is In oven. but not In bread. My 9th is in brains, but not in head. My 7th Is in eat. but not in food. My Sth Is in anger, but not in mood. My 9th Is in narrow, but not in tall. My 10th Is in oxen, but not In stall. My 11th Is in time, but not In clock. My 12th Is In horse, but not in stock My 18th Is in earth, but not in sun. My 14tA Is in rifle, but not In gun. My whole Is motto, For all who do live: Ind IF practlced by all 'Twould much happiness give"
 
 Conundrums. When is the ardent lover like a tallor1 When pressing his suit. How can a person fall up stalrsl When In the second story.
Elk City mining news. (Elk City, Idaho) 1903-1913, 1907-10-19


The Sites newspaper, in new
form, nicely printed, neat typo
graphically, and under the man
agement Of Frank M. Roberts,
reached Mining News exchange
table last Sunday. The new
paper is to be known as the
Sentinel, and judging from the
first number and the editors an
nouncement, it is the purpose of
the publication to preach Sites
Greater Sites to the rest of the
world. Past experience proves
that the business men of Sites
realize that a good. live news
paper is the best handle they can
take hold Of to lift their town
and make it prosper and grow.
1t is the hope Of Mining News
that Frank Roberts, as editor,
will SO conduct the Sentinel that
he will deserve the support Of
the business men Of the town,
and thereby repay them for their
efforts that have been wasted on
worthless newspaper men in the
past.