davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03

no tracks behind him. What he supposed
to be about a quarter of a mile was in
fact over a mile. Having gone that dis
lance. he drew old Trusty's rein and dis
mounted. The mule was glad Of the rest
and stood with bowed head, sleeping. Be
ing very warm and thirsty, George decided
to refresh himself with some food and
water. He sat down in the shade of the
mule and proceeded to eat. Old Trusty did
not seem TO mind the heat or absence Of
water Georges uncle had said that he
was like a camel-could go an indefinite
time without water He had been known to
go two days without a drop and had suf-
fered no bad results from II. either.
AS George was preparing to mount again
there came a sudden breeze across the
desert. Then George saw a regular sand
storm In progress Just across the valley.
1t was thickening and spreading rapidly
coming his way, He sprang into the sad
die and gave Old Trusty the reins, for his
uncle had warned him of these desert
squalls, as he termed the sandstOrms.
But hardly had he got into the saddle
when the wind-ful OF sand-was about
him, making II impossible for him TO hold
his eyes open. 1t cut his face and neck
and blinded Old Trusty, who stopped, head
down.
ION. on. Old Trusty," urged George,
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03

kicking the mules sides. SO, without open
ing his eyes Old Trusty went on. finding it
almost impossible TO walk in such storm
Then IL was that terrible fear seized
George. He could not see any distance
ahead OF him and could open his eyes only
for an instant at time He felt that they
had turned in the wrong direction but he
thought wiser 10 allow Old Trusty 70 take
his way according to his animal instinct.
The heat was that of furnace and
George had frequent recourse to his jug of
water He had drunk about half of 1t
when he decided that IL was extremely
cruel for him to take 1t all and not so
much as dampen the burning nostrils Of
the patient old mule. Drawing in the rein
he sprang to the ground, poured the re-
naming contents of the jug into his hat
and put it under Old Trusty's nose. The
suffering animal took the draught at one
gulp and opened his bloOdshot eyes Ions
enough to look his thanks to George.
After a long time-seeming much longer
TO George than IL really was-Old Trusty
stumbled over some rocks and dead tree
branches. Hope shot trough Georges
heart. He sprang from old Trusty's back
and examined the ground. Yes, they were
at the edge OF the desert. And now he
could see ahead of him, The mountains
rose close by. And there-diTectly in their
PATHWAYS the road leading into the can
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03

yon through which they had come at noon
day.
Dear Old Trusty." said George, embrace
ing the mule with a feeling of intense joy.
"You, dear old fellow, brought me safe
from the desert. l would have gone in an
opposite direction had l followed my own
ideas OF the compass. But we'll not tarry
here to congratulate ourselves. No telling
what this mystery might take a notion to
do. We will get on the other side OF the
mountain-it's healthier for u.s."
At the end OF two hours George and Old
Trusty emerged from the canyon, faces
homeward set. In the distance they could
see a tiny speck on the great level land,
the ranch house of Georges uncle. The
sun was setting in their faces. and George,
thirsty, hungry, exhausted from the heat
and blowing sand. smiled YEARLY, but
gladly;
mo more OF the desert for me, old
Trusty. I don't know how you feel about
It, but / guess you've no love for such an
inferno. Come. can you timber up your
legs a bit livelier and get us nome in time
for supper? l feel that l could drink a
barrel OF cold water and lie in tub full
of 1t all night AS for you, Trusty, I'm
afraid you'll drink the we'll dry"
And Old Trusty said never a word in
reply. but quickened his gait. as II under
standing the wishes OF his young master.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
Tricky Young Fly-Catcher

Nv Emma Roster, age 10 years, 1916 o
street, South Omaha, Neb.
was very much interested by little
family scene of fy-catchers. fiy-catcher
had five little ones who were able to be
Just out Of their nest. They were perched
all in a row on the twig of large elm
tree. She was feeding them turn by turn.
Just as soon as she caught an insect she
would drop it into the little fly-catcher's
mouth. Then she flew away again and
quickly had another insect, and so continue
with exact order every one getting his
share
one little fy-catcher was growing inn
patient, so while his mother was away he
quickly fiuttered and crowded himself be-
side the bird which had just been fed. He
sat there very innocently and sober when
his mother came, but she saw the trick
at once. She dropped the insect into the
right ones mouth and this selfish n.y.
catcher did not get 1t after all.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
(Second Prize.)
The Experience of the Field
Mouse Family

Louise Raabe, age II years, 26O9 North
Nineteenth avenue, Omaha.
One day Mrs. Fieldmouse got a modern
notion in her head that she was tired OF
living in a sod house and wanted to live
in an apartment house. So the family
went out house hunting. They took
lar Of picked chickweed that Mrs. Field
mouse had put up herself, so they would
have something to eat for a while. AFTER
they had looked around for some time
they found a hollow tree where there were
some apartments to let. They found the
door open and the porter seemed to be
gone; and the elevator was not running at
present, either. The children were very
tired, and as there were some empty
rooms downstairs, they went in and made
themselves comfortable After they had
slept quite a while they woke up by a
terrible crash. 1t rolled and Numbered
and they thought 1t was a terrible Garth
quake. They got up as quick as they
could and ran home at full speed leaving
their Jar of picked chickweed behind.
After this they were very glad to live
in their little sod house again.
Would you like to know what the earth
quake was? 1t was only Mrs Squirrel,
who lived a few stories higher dropping
a few nuts through the elevator shaft
She was preparing her family's breakfast.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
The Unruly Donkey

BY Joe Walters, age l6 years, Wahoo, Neb,
Emily went to the seaside last month;
and the day she was four years old she was
permitted TO have a ride on the back OF
a donkey. The boy who took care Of the
donkey had a stick. He was about to strike
the poor beast when little Emily cried,
Don't hurt the donkey!"
well hos a lazy beast and ought TO
walk faster" replied the boy.
II can make him walk faster said
Emily. go away and sit on the rocks
and you shall see If do not"
So the boy went and sat on the rocks
and Emily patted the donkey on his ears
and talked to him and called him a nice
good old donkey, and then turned him
around.
Now, sir, faster. faster!" she said; and
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03

and put paper on for sails and smaller
chips for people. This was lots of fun and
after a while they got quite excited sending
the boat back and forth. 1t then came
over to Margaret, who, endeavoring to
make 1t sail quickly, gave it very strong
shove and overbalanced, falling right into
the tank, with the boat coming after her.
She rose to the surface. jumped out and
ran to the house, leaving the children
looking with open mouths after her. After
she had changed her clothes she came out
and began seolding the boys for not pulling
her out, which caused much laughter
among the grown folks.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
Mary's Goat

BY Eva Smith, age IA years, st. Paul, Neb
Neb.
One warm day in May Mary heard a
shout in the back yard. She ran to the
door, and what did she see? Something
for as long as she could remembers goat.
She ran out of the door and down the
path as fast as she could. When papa
spied her, he said: This is papa's birth
day gift to you, dear"
She clapped her hands together and
cried: ooh! thank you, papa. l believe l
owe you a kiss for this" Whereupon she
kissed him.
But Mary" said her father,- ''you will
have to be very careful because goats are
not the most pleasant companions some
times"
II know it, papa" said Mary with a
smile. A week passed and all went well.
Marys uncle sent her a small express
wagon when he heard about the goat, and
she had many merry times with it.
But one day when Bridget washed, the
family went to uncles for dinner. When
Bridget had hung all of the clothes out on
the line she went in the house.
Billy" had been tied up before Mary
went but he had chewed the rope In two,
He came up to the clothes and shifted at
them, and then
When Bridget came to get them that
evening there were few rags hanging 10
the clothesline. Nothing more. She gave
a shout and then rushed at the goat, who
quickly turned and hunted her.
When the family came home they found
a few rags hanging on the line; Bridget
PROSTATE on the ground with a sprained
ankle.
Mary's goat was sold the next day and
she has never longed for another.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
A Doll Fair

BY Edna Levin. age 10 years, 1921 Cunning
Street, Omaha.
Six little girls had formed n society.
They were going 90 help the poor children
who don't have nice warm clothes in winter
nor toys to play with.
Their dues was l cent a week, but they
found that this would bring them little
money that they could not buy very many
things with it, so they resolved TO make
a sale and put the money they made from
II I'm their treasury.
Bright-eyed little Dorothy suggested a
doll fair. and the others agreed without
hesitation that this was a splendid idea.
During the next two weeks the little girls
were very busy dressing their dolls. maxi
ing doll clothes and many other things for
OF their trinkets together that there might
be a few pennies more.
At the end Of two weeks everything was
ready The fair took place in Dorothy's
tent. The girls decorated the tent with
pictures and wild flowers. The admission
tickets were | cent apiece
When the fair was over they found they
had 90 FOR their labor and the whole six
entered their beds that night exceedingly
happy but very tired children.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03

Papa carried some Of us across. but the
rest of us waded through the water IL
was very cold and we thought sure we
would get sick. We hurried to the depot,
which was only two blocks away, and tele-
phoned after a hack to take us to the hotel
People were driving the cows and horses
across the tracks and oarryalls were run
ming everywhere In about half an hour
the water was about two feet deep all over,
up TO the tracks. When we got to the hotel
we were comfortable In the morning we
went to sec the flood. Boats were used for
taking people out OF their houses our
house was surrounded by water and we
saw n man wuding I'm the water He had
high rubber boots on. and It was nearly
over them. our sidewalks were foated
away. I wished I could get to the house
20 see il my kitty was drowned. People
were coming and going everywhere to see
the great flood
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
Escape of a Slave

BY Agatha Hamann, age 13, 2S15 Jeaven-
worth Street, Omaha.
There was once upon time a slave who
ran away from his master AS he was
crossing desert he got tired and went into
a cave and there sat down to rest All at
once he saw a lion coming towards him.
limping on his front foot. The slave was
frightened for a moment, but the lion did
not hurt him. The slave looked at the
lions paw and pulled out the thorn. The
Lion then licked the slaves hand and ran
Off. The slave was then captured and taken
back to prison. The slave was put into a
cave with lion for punishment, but the
lion did not hurt him in the least because
the slave had helped the lion out. The
slave was put free and the lion was given
to him. The lion afterwards followed him
through the streets as a dog
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
How a Pet Horse Was Curried

BY Marguerite Ida Mason, Age II Years,
sos West Eighth Street, Fremont, Neb.
Maude was years, old and George was 3
years old. The horsess name was Kitty
One day they were tired playing so they
went out to the barn where Kitty was.
They got some wagon grease out Of the
buggy shed and spread It on the horses
legs. Soon their mamma came out and
asked them what they we're doing. They
said they we're currylng the horse because
papa was away and could not curry it.
They we're sent to bed without any supper.
After that they left the currying Of the
horse for their papa to do.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
The Lesson that Helen Learned

By Bernice Perry age IL years, Cam
bridge, Neb
Helen was just about years old. She
would have been a very dear little girl but
for one thing. Whenever she was angry
she would lie on the floor and scream and
kick. Her father was most of the time
away from home. She lived with her
mother and grandmother. They loved her
very dearly and tried to break her of this
bad habit. So she was put into a room
by herself but she would only scream the
harder. She was then sent to bed without
her supper, and sent to bed in the middle
of the day. Nothing did any good.
what shall we do" said her grand
mother.
ct have thought of something" replied
the mother, and the very next time she
tried it. One rainy day Helen and her
mother were sitting on the floor building
a house OF cards. They built very slowly
and carefully, and were about to put on
the sixth story. Helen was delighted, she
clasped her hands tightly together and
hardly dared to breathe. Just as her mother
nut on the last card the whole house fell
TO the floor
Helen turned red, but she had not time
to scream. for to her surprise and terror
her dear sweet mother, who was always
smiling, threw herself on the floor, scream
ing with all her might end beating the
carpet with her fists. Helen grew pale
with horror. She did not move or speak
until her mother stopped, then she crept
up to her and whispered, Dear mamma,
please don't, and l never will be so horrid
again"
The next time Helen was angry she
looked first at her mother. Something she
saw in her face made her say, I'm not
going to scream, mamma" After that they
had very little trouble with her.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03

would not eat when anyone was around
But one day my brother picked it UP, and
after that it seemed to know we would
not hurt it and only wanted to be kind. 1t
has grown to be a nice big kitty and we
all love her So This winter one night when
we went to bed the kitty was not to he
found but in the morning she was in the
house. And you cannot guess where we
found her. We found her all curled up
behind the piano by the chimney, where
she could keep good and warm. Now don't
you think she is the smartest cat you know
of?
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
The Gentle Cynic

Prejudices are merely other peoples
opinions
An innocent lie never hurts quite as much
as a malicious truth
There is only one thing a woman loves
better than TO be told secret, and that
IL 10 find II out herself
The oficeholder always believes that one
good term deserves another.
Good deeds may never die. but lots
Of them seem to go into a trance.
The fellow who is all wrapped up in
himself is naturally a bundle OF eonceit.
It's too bad a man can't get into heaven
with his tombstone inscription as a pass
port-NeW York Times.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
The Flood

By Agnes Lundberg. age s years. IS South
street, Fremont, Neb
It was about half past when I was
sitting by the table getting my lessons.
My father came running into the house
and told us that the water was coming
swiftly and we had better get out OF the
house. 1t was no time to waste. I put on
my coat and papa ran upstairs and awoke
my little sister and brother. We dRsssed
them quickly and when we got out into
the street the water was coming fast.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03

the donkey began to walk quite fast He
found that he had kind little girl on his
back, and he was glad to show that he
liked her.
The boy was quite surprised to see tho
donkey move on so fast. He would not
do that for me, miss" said he.
Il suppose not" replied Emily. "The
donkey knows that am his friend, and
that have no stick to beat him."
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
RULES FOR YOUNG WRITERS

1. Write plainly on one side of the
paper only and number the pages.
q. Use pen and ink, not pencil
3. Short and pointed articles will
be given preference. DO not use over
$50 words.
4. Original stories or letters only
viii be used.
8. Write your name, age and ad-
dress 1T the top of the frst page.
FIRST and second prizes of books
Will be given for the best two con-
trtbuttonB to this page each week,
Address all communications to
CHILDBEN'S DEPARTMENT.,
Omaha Bee.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
Stories Received.

Stories have been received from the fol-
lowing Busy Bees. which will be published
later:
Anna Breil, Omaha.
Ada Wilson, Omaha.
Clara Tompkins, Hastings. Neb.
Fay Callahan. Gering. Neb.
Clara Lundberg, Fremont, Neb.
Sampson Rosenblatt, Omaha
John Engel, Omaha.
Fannie Kolar. Omaha
Maurice C. Johnson, Omaha
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03

You poor and frightened, silly catl
You'd better climb a tree,
Or / will let my temper loose
And then a sight you'll be.
There's not a cat in all this town
Who doesn't fear my bark;
And when they know that I'm around
They keep themselves quite dark.
I'm called the Big Cat Killer,
And there's blood within me eye;
So. II you'd live 10 catch a mouse,
Me you'd better not come nigh"
MAUD WALKER,
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
NV Kitty

BY Martha Alden, age years, Elmo, Mo.
One day about two years ago poor little
kitty came to our house with a broken les.
1t was so afraid of us for long time II
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03

I'm a fire-spitting Tom Cat;
So don't you come near me!
Don't think that I'm afraid of you,
or that I'll climb tree
1--WE seen a great, great many dogs
(To which you're just a candle
As compared to the great SUM,
And each one could handle.
I'm known as that Great Fighting Tom,
So. / will say, take care,
And do not come too close to me
or beware! Beware! Beware!"
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03
An Unexpected Bath

BY Ruth Sanford age II years, $3.50 Flor
ence boulevard, Omaha.
Honorary Mention)
One summer, when Margaret was on a
vacation out on a farm. she thought she
would ask the children to play boat with
her in the tank They all agreed readily,
and so they looked around for some chips
of wood, into which they stuck toothpicks
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-03-03

FORGE FRANKLIN had gone to
visit his uncle and aunt, who
lived in southern California, not
far from the great desert in
whose very heart was spreading
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-01-10

tutions and inquiring into their actual
needs before the appropriations are made.
The Indebtedness of the state should be
decreased while the state is prosperous.
BY an act of the last Legislature pro-
vision was made for payment of the out
standing Indebtedness of the state. That
act will insure the payment OF the debt
within few years if future appropriate
tons are kept within reasonable bounds
The current expenses must be kept with
in the income of the state. 1t will not do
to increase the public debt at this time
The constitution of the state will not
permit the permanent school fund to be
invested in any other securities than reg
istered county bonds of this state, and
United States and state securities. The
field for investment of this fund should be
enlarged. There are other forms of in
vestment equally as safe that would in
crease the interest return to the fund.
III 1t were invested in municipal bonds
school bonds. or in Nebraska mortgages.
the state would be benefited ON account
of the interest being paid at home.
The 'one-mill levy will reduce the float
ing Indebtedness of the state about $780,
600 each year. \ large part of this float
ing Indebtedness has been taken lp by the
manent school fund. There will be, there
fore, about 100000 of the permanent
Fool fund each year to be reinvested on
lis account alone.
1t is urgently recommended that this
legislature submit an amendment to the
constitution so that the permanent school
.uilu Will not ItlllttIil lNllN III inc iahuS OF
the treasurer when the state Indebtedness
is paid off. Times and conditions change.
Therefore ii will bc for the best interests
of the state that this section of the con-
stitution be amended so that future lcgis-
latures may determine from time to time
what class of additional securities shah
be available for the Investment of this
fund.
The new revenue law of 1908 has
brought about one of the most uniform
assessments of property ever had. But
there is still urgent need for amendments
which Will provide for Il moro equitable
distribution Of the burdens of taxation
among the property holders of this state.
Under the present law real estate tina.
is mortgaEe1 is assessed for taxation pur-
poses at its full value to the owner of
the land without any deduction whatever
for the amount of the mortgage. In
addition to this. If mortgage is held by
a resident of the county or of this state
the mortgage is also assessed Mt its fun
value. There Is no good reason why a
piece of real estate that Is encumbcred
with mortgage should be burdened with
greater taxation than piece of real
estate of the same character and value
that is not mOrtgaged.
Again, under the law, If the mortgage rs
neld by non resident Of the state, and a
great many OF them are no tax is levied
against 1t because mortgages are con-
Wrued to be personal property. Personal
property is supposed to be assessed where
the owner of the property resides. II
domestic mortgages are to be taxed, then
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-01-10

lam Allen White, the famous Emporia
(Kansas) editor and novelist, com
pares Emporia and New York City. OF
course the article is compact of wit
and wisdom Ida NJ. Tarbell, proceed,
ing with her story The Tariff in Our
Times" tells about the outbreak of
protectionism that followed the Civil
War. Washington GLADDEN., writing of
THE Negro Crisis" suggests that the
separation of whites from blacks may
become necessary.
+. Marion Crawford begins new
serial, "Arethusa, a Princess in Slav.
cry" being love story of old Con.
stantinople.