davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01
BY WILLIAM WALLACE, JR.

Little Katie Donivan lived with an old aunt, lady who had long ago forgotten that she had ever been under sixty years of age, and therefore was not the right sort of person to rear a child. But Katie, being an orphan, had no choice in the matter of home and guardian and was Very grateful to her stern old aunt for shelter, food, clothing and schooling. But sometimes she found her home life very dull indeed. If she sang and played about the house her Aunt Maria would call out to her: "Children should be seen; not heard" :" And if Katie begged to be per mitted to go skating or coasting-or to participate in any of the childish sports cf her school associates--the prim old aunt would shake her head emphaticaly, saying: Tt Is a wicked waste of time to ray. When you have finished your school tasks and household duties you should sew and mend. or read some helpful book"
 And so 1t was that the time .ot spent in the school room was very tedious to Katie, whose only companion was her Aunt Maria. Occasionally her little girl friends were allowed to make formal calls upon her. but during suGh calls aunt Maria sat in the parlor and helped her little niece to entertain the company. And Aunt Maria's way of entertaining chi- dren was to tell them how much better and smarter children used to be than now; to tell of her own straight-laced youth and her superiority over the chill dren of the present generation.
 The day before Halloween Katie's com rades at school planned upon what they Coll tnr after supper, and as usual Katie was in- vited to be one of the gay party.
 'Wel. you know how Aunt Maria Is about such things.' said Katie. But maybe-if you'll go home with me and ask her to let me join you she'll relent bit and consent, being as it's Hallowe'en.'
 That evening Katies two most inti- mate friends, Lucy and Grace, accom- panied her home and very sollcitously asked Aunt Maria's consent for Katie to make enc of their Halloween party on the following evening.
 Halloween party.' And Aunt Maria threw up hands and eyebrows in conster- nation. Not if I know myself" she ex- claimed. ''why, it's nothing but rough ness and rudeness, this going about play ing pranks with peoples property. No indeed, Katharine doesn't go step out of this house after supper--if l know IL. She's being brought up as girls should be brought up, in a quiet, stay home and mind-your-o robustness manner. No tom -boying for gir. under my roof. l can promise you"
 And so the Halloween matter was set tied So far as Katie was concerned. And tha lfftIe girls heart Awas heavy in consc- quencc. All fthat evening she found her miud wandering from her books while engaged in getting tomorrow's lessons She was continually thinking of what the world would be like If all women were
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01
BY MAUD WALKER.

It was a cold october morning, the day before Halloween, and the great city awoke to look out upon the first sugges- ton of winter From an old untenanted tumble-down building-which had been condemned as unsafe for people to live in-came a little boy of perhaps ten years of age. His face was dirty, his hair uncombed and his clothing thin, ragged and soiled. He raised a pale, sad face towards the sky which was only to be seen by looking upward, for the tall buildings cut off all the Armament save that directly overhead.
 ugh, it's cold l" And the boy shivered and turned up his coat collar. "Wonder what I'll do for warmer coat this win ter. But how hungry I am! l must hurry to the newspaper office and get my papers. But if business is as bad today as 1t was yesterday there'l be little to eat on. Gee, but I've had "a hard time since my dear mother died and my father was taken to the hospital all cut up Dy a street carl It is a year now since dear mother was looked away from us, and over a month since poor old father was hurt so that he'll probably die. Let's see --today's visitors day at the hospital. can go and see him between three and four o'clock this afternoon. Well, l must get to selling papers, or I'll not eat this morning."
 So saying, the little boy, whose name was Neddie Smith. hurried of down the street which was being rapidly filled with pedestrians, all of them shivering, hurrylng, miserab choking beings, out early In quest or work. It was yet too early for the regularly -empioyed to be
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01

like Aunt Maria The mothers of her lit tie friends were so different. Why. there was Grace's mama, as jolly as any of the children, playing games with her little daughter and her young friends. And how much interest she always took In Grace's parties and childish pleasures, too. And Lucy's mama was the same way. She would lay aside her work any time to tell a story to an assembled group of little folks; and 1t was not un- usual to see her out coastlng with Lucy and Lucy's friends of an evening, not only keeping close watch that no one was hurt In the sport, but enjoying the fun as keenly as any of the younger ones.
 And thus thinking Katie heaved deep sigh, q sigh so deep that her aunt, sitting at the opposite side of the table. over heard 1t and looked up from her sewing.
 Are you sick, Katherine, that you make that horrible noise?" she asked. ssrcastically.
 "No-o-o. Aunt Maria answered Katie "I was just feeling little sorry. That's all"
 Sorry about what?' asked. Aunt Maria looking shocked at her niece's daring to hint that she could possibly have anything to be sorry about while under her roof
 "Oh, sorry that I can't go with the girls and boys tomorrow evening to celebrate
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01

In the world As fast as he could go he ran towards the West A faint glow of the setting sun still reddened the sky. and Neddie knew that in that direction lay the country His father had told hlm to leave the cruel city-to 20 to the country where some good soul would care for him.
 That night Neddle lay in the shelter of n haystack, eating one of the cakes he had kept from the mornings meal. When the dawn broke he rose and started to-. ward farm house near by. But the barking of q big dog sent him on down the road, away from the farm. He walked all day, resting at intervals on the roadside. But everywhere the farm houses looked so fine and big that he reared to go to their owners to ask for home where he might work for his board. He knew that the prosperous and WeH-fed could not understand his de- plorable condition, and would call him a young tramp and send him about his business or turn him over to the county authorities to be sent to the poor house. And Neddie could not bear the thought o1 becoming n dependent.
 And so another night-HalIowe'en night--found Nedde still n wanderer. He had entered the outskirts of a little town at dusk and had felt so lonely and sad that he sank down near to n big barn to rest. As he lay there in the moon light he wondered what would be- come of him. for he was nigh unto starvation. Hearing something crawl ing In the grass near him he got un and climbed into a covered wagon-a wagon such as grocers deliver their goods in to customers. Once inside the wagon he hid himself beneath the seat and m old blanket Being worn out he soon fell into q profound sleep from which the noise of merrymakers did not rouse him. Boys and girls, as well as many grown-ups. were out in force to celebrate the gay occasion of Halloween in regular coun- try fashion. A group of boys raided the barn in whose shed Neddie slept so soundly in the delivery wagon. They seized hold of the wagons tongue and drew 1t down the street, yelling md laughing gally as they went along. But throughout his ride Neddle slept on dreaming that he was in warm house and enjoying a good supper.
 The merrymakers drew the old wagon
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01

guess I'd better be making my visit short.
 But the truth is. Maria, came over here | tonight to talk over old tlmes--when you
 and I were young Do you remember the
 time we all went to the country in the big bob sled--and got tumbed out in the | snow?"
 "Oh, I guess do" said Aunt Maria, laughing heartily as she recalled chap ter of her grlhood. "Yes, yes. But how .long ago that all was! Why, I'd almost forgotten it,-really would never
 have thought of it again hadn't you re- freshed my memory. We'll, we were q gay company that night, weren't wel' Then old Doctor Jones and Aunt Maria
 recalled many happy incidents of their youth, husking bees, harvest-home festi- yals, county fairs, wedding festivities and other occasions of gaity when youth lets loose its spirit And so they sat and talked and laughed till suddenly Aunt Maria heard the clock strike. Look ing up in surprise she almost gasped Then, with chidlng in her voice she turned to her jolly visitor:
 "Dr. Jones, do you see that 1t is ten o'clock? Mercy me, I never heard 1t when 1t struck nine! Where were my wits, anywayT'
 Back in the happy past, Maria" smiled the good doctor. We were young again for an hour and a half tonight and now that we are old again let us not forget that others are young as we were once, and that youth has its own requirements. And while think of 1t. Maria, l came over expressly to ask you to reconsider your decision in regard to little Katie's making one of the Hal lowe'en party tomorrow night. My little Oracle has told me that you refused to grant your consent to her going But since you have Just had peep into the folded pages of your own past, enjoyed once more the sweet springtime of life. and It's innocent gaity, don't bar those precious memories from your mind. Stay young in heart and help the young in years to be happy. What do you say to Katie's going with the party tomorrow evening" They are planning on gay time with supper at our house after they have torn the town up." And the good doctor laughed merrlly, his blue eyes twinkling as he rose to take his depar. ture.
 Aunt Mara's face flushed a bit. She felt for the first time that perhaps she had been little too strict in her meth
 ods regarding the rearing of Katie.
 Well" she said. T guess she may go. The only thing; Doctor is this; when we-you and I were young--we never had these rough Hallowe'en parties. We were more decorous in our conduct.''
 You have surely forgotten again that bob-sled ride" reminded the doctor. And the barn dance we had out at old Tom Atkins farm, when We liked to have
 wrecked the barn and the house as well with out merrymaking. But you were the young one then. Marin, and now 1t Is Katie. Do you see the dl1erencey'
 ''l see, 1 sec, admitted Aunt Maria. And whats more. Doctor, I'll try 10 keep my gIrlhood days closer to the snr- fnce of my thoughts in future, especially when Katie Is is mind. So now good
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01

And even after Billy Jones had become and married pretty Oracle Turner, he and Aunt Maria remained good friends. And now that the doctor was a grandfather, and Aunt Maria old enough to be a grand mother, their friendship was a deep one, Aunt Maria often going to the doctor for advice In matters of business
 "Why, Dr. Jones What on earth are you here for at this time of night? ?'' asked Aunt Maria, holding the door open, but not inviting her visitor in. "I hope there's nothing the matter with any of your folks"
 No, no, Maria" answered the doctor. But there's something the matter with YOUR folks-I think May I come in and chnt q bit? It wants half an hour till bed tlme.'
 Certainly, come right h." said Aunt Maria, her tone cordial. but her manner reluctant She did not approve of late hours, even for visitors.
 The good old doctor entered the sitting room and took his chair beside the com fortabe grate Are. Has Katie gone to bed so earlyf" he asked, looking about for the little girl.
 Just gone, sir" said Aunt Maria "Im raising Katharine by clock work, you know. No staying up after certain hour at night and no lying abed after a cer- tain hour in the morning. believe in regularity" And Aunt Maria looked at the clock with meaning glance. Well. friend Maria" said the doctor, "slnce 1t Is getting on close to your bed time
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01

the father whispered to his little boy who was so soon to become an orphan indeed Dear boy, l cannot get we'll The doctor told me so this morning.. I have a fatal hurt -not-be-here-long But I cannot die-and leave you-in this great-cruel-eity Promise me that-you'n go-into the-country and fnd-a home. You are a ood-boy-and-an honest mans son. You'll find some good souk- who'll take"
 But the voice became too weak for Ned die to hear more. The poor mans eyes went shut and his breathing came hard. Neddie felt a pang at his heart and sob rose to his throat which he smothered. fearing his father would think him weak. A nurse, coming at the moment, saw the change in the sick mans condition and hurried Neddie away. As she did so Neddie suddenly turned to her with sup plicating voice: "Please, oh, please, good lady, allow me to stay somewhere near. I fear my father is dying. l can't bear to leave him now. l may never see nm again if I am sent away"
 Although the nurse was hardened to sights of grief and pain this little plea . from a grief-stricken child was too much TUT utT lO ItluSe, anu ledulhH 2NSNhit 'N q small anteroom, neat to the ward in which his father lay, she bade him wait there till she came for him.
 The afternoon wore away, and the lights were sent fiickering like fre-hles throughout the big hospital. And still Neddie sat in the anteroom unnoticed by anyone. Just as he was on the point of going to someone to make Inquiry about his fathers condition the nurse who had brought him there entered Her face was serious and sympathetic as she bent over Neddie, saying: Tt Is all over child. Your father died half an hour ago. It will be impossible for you to see him now. Shall"
 But Neddie did not wait for anything more Turning quickly, that the nurse might not see his face, so drawn with grief and eyes filled with bitter tears. he fled from the building, smothered sobs shaking his thin little body. No, he did not want to see his father--now. It would do no good since he could not speak to him nor feel the caress of his dear hands, He had gone, then, to join the dear mother. And Neddie was alone
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01

night. And say to Grace that she may count Katharine in on the Halloween doings. It may not be Just the PROPER thing. but we can't always be right. The best of us will make mistakes some times"
 You are correcting your gravest mls take tonight" declared the good doctor and shaking his hostess hand he bowed good night and went down the street whistling like boy, he was so happy to have accomplished his purpose.
 ''Yes. it's good to be young" sighed Aunt Maria. But mercy on us. had most forget that l was ever a girl. Well, Katharine may thank the doctor if she has a gay time tomorrow evcnlng But all the same I don't approve df sp'f' frlvolity, even though was as silly when young. But have given ny word. and I'll stand by If. Katharine may ga with the young folks whenever she wishes to. I'll stand in her way no longer, for after all, I'm a real OLD MAID, and don't really know so inuch about rearing children as ought so.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01

into a beautiful lawn, yard to a hand some private home. Right up to the front door they drew 1t and left 1t stand ing there. Then they went away, laugh ing to think how angry MT. and Mrs. Drew would be when they came to their front door tho next morning and found the unsightly wagon marring their we'll kept lawn.
 About o'clock on the following morn. nig Neddie was awakened by q soft hand on his face Why, it's little boy. as sure as I'm aliye'' Ii was woman's voice, a sweet. motherly one. Neddie opened his eyes and thought he was dreaming. Sitting up he said: "Oh, I must be dreaming all this I never saw this place before. Oh, I hope 1t was all dream about dear father dying" Then tears welled up in his eyes and he said 10 tho surprised lady who was looking In on him: q don't know whether or not I'm awake. l left the city last night-after my father-died. I was SO so-lonesome and-and had nowhere to go."
 The lady looked pityingly into Neddie's face, saying: Come little boy, come into the house and tell me how you came
 
 dreaming. Last night was Halloween, and doubtless you were out merrymaking with the town boys and got In here to hide. and so fell asleep
 Neddie went into the house with the lady and soon she had heard his pitiful story, told in detail from the date of his mothers death. After Neddie had hn ished she put her arms around his shiyer- Ing little form and said through her tears: 'Yes, dear little boy, your father was right. You have found the soul who will take you and love you and give you home. You were brought to us in q very strange way-a veritable Halloween gift. And here you shall remain. My husband will be delighted, for you shall grow up to take the place of dear little son we lost a year ago. Only yesterday we were discussing the advisablity of adopting little son, and here he Is this morning-right nt our front door. So, come and meet your foster father, then you shall have something to eat. After that comes bath, some nice new clothes and-home and LOVE-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01
Conundrurns.

Why are people, preparing to mako g Journey, like the forests in springtime? They are leaving out of their trunks what they expect to wear.
 What is most needed in the world7 Bread.
 Can you tell why man is never with out animals as companionsf
 Because he takes two calves with him wherever he goes.
 When are chickens Ike horsess When getting curried.
 When is a mill like a clook3 When running.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01
RiddIe and Answer.

Riddle mud AusweN A word of one syllable, easy and short, Reads backwards and forwards the same, It expresses tho sentiments warm from the heart, And to beauty lays principal claim.
 CrHE EYED.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01

A strange bird is the Kea. or Moun- tain-Nestor. a parrot belonging to South Island, New Zealand. Its color is mo- notonous, and in no way IS it of strik- ing appearance; but 1t has won for itself an unenviable reputation through its habit of diet. Since man became an in habitant of the island, and there raised his focks of sheep, this bird has fed upon mutton in preference to any other food. Its manner of procuring a dinner is after this fashion: flock of Kea, or Mountain -Nestors, will surround sheep and drive 1t from It's companions. Then they torment it till, from sheer exhaus- tion, the poor animal sinks helplessly to earth to become the vicious focks prey. Upon It's unprotected back the birds swarm, literally eating the quivering thing alive, for death does not come to relieve the tortured animal till the birds have picked through its back into the intestnes, thus wounding. 1t m6rtally and causing slow death.
 This bird has been known to attack horses also. and owing to It's evil pro- pensities, the sheep farmers of the island are doing their utmost to exterminate it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01
Doesn't take of his hat to King
 Edward.

fhere is just one English noble who don't have to take his hat off to King Edward. This is Baron Forester, whose ancestors in the time of King Henry VIII. were granted this special privilege because of some service he performed for the crown. This was noticeable feature of the Kings coronation, but Lord For ester, atter wearing bis hat for n few moments inst to confirm this oeculi2H privilege of his family, took his hat of ike the remainder of the crowd If Eng lsh. Scottish and Irish noblemen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01
Halloween Boys.

Hiding, creeping, sneaking, Everywhere about; Whispering in lowest tones, 4 With ne'er a laugh nor shout Taking gates from hinges
 Hanging them in trees; atS2 Filling debris in the yards sgt High up as mems knees. Placing pails of water
 'Gainst the front hall docri Then ringing loud the door bell. And scamperiug off before The door be quickly opened By master in undress, Who gets himself most thoroughly Drenched to the skin. Goodnessi And through the hours till midnight (when Halloween is oer) The boys who Ire fond of mischief Do all they can-and MORE.
 MAUD WALKER.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-01
Little Snip.

Dear little Snip. a tiny young pup, Plays In the yard through the day; But when the night falls and stars com.
 out
 He sleeps in hls kennel on hay.
The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1907-10-02
From Barranquilla to Santa Marta.
Continued from page 6)

Just as the first streaks of dawn began to ap-
pear our boat emerged from the narrow channel
into the waters of the Cienaga, brackish lake
separated from the by low lying reefs.
AT first the dim light made our range of vision
quite limited but the light grew stronger the
range increased and could dimly see
what at first appeared much like rows of clothes
pins floating upright upon broomsticks or fish
poles. These finally resolved themselves into
who We're starting out for their early morning
catch
BY some decree of fortune lucky for us but
viewed differently by captain and crew some
minor part OF the machinery gave out just as we
were we'll in the middle of the lake We had
heard descriptions of the magnifcence of the
sunrise from this vantage point The captain
mad told us that 1t was of the most beautiful
sunrise views il the world so the delay of more
than an hour was hailed by us with at least
secret delight. To our right rose the magnificent
waters edge and rising range range till about
thirty miles away the highest stood snow CAPPED
more than fifteen thousand feet above the level
of the
The sky almost entirely free from clouds,
So as the captain told us. did not see it at
It's best but even as it was the Imagination could
add very little to what saw. The slow growth
OF the dawn tinging the mountain tops and skv
with the most delicate greyish reds which grew
TO brilliant reds and orange and finally the
golden rim of the slowly crept into sight
above the distant peaks, rapidly dispelling the
mlsts which rose from the mountain sides
Soon after we under way again and about
seven O'Clock tied up at little dock at the end
OF long embankment reaching nearly a mile
across the low lying mud flats that surrounded
the Cienaga
The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1907-10-02

terest should reach the highest point ever at
tanned in the annals of this strange code before
their clamoring should be appeased. AT last the
face, he stood before the expectant throng a mar.
agon of manly beauty. murmur of applause
scepter waved. There sudden Stiffness
the stiffness as it were of death. A young man
entered the arena. Shapely in figure, comely in
with electric speed engirdled the amphitheater
and all eyes were riveted upon him as with lordly
mlen and steady step he advanced toward the
royal box to make obeisance to his sovereign AS
he raised his head from the low bow he glanced
toward the princess. Their eyes met-the signal
was given, and he turned toward the doors.