davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

The Pinkwinks were one family. The Nogwogs another family. Both families lived in the same wood and each had a fine cave. And many other families like the Pinkwinks and the Nogwogs lived in the wood near to the Plnkwinks and the Nogwogs. And all were very funny little folk, not a bit like the people of today. The Plnkwinks had pink eyes that per petually winked. even when their owners were asleep. And the Pinkwinks always ran, but never walked. They dressed in skins of wild animals and wore great feather headdresses made from the plum age of gaily colored birds. They occupied . high place in the society of the wood. and only one other family could vie with them in importance. And that was the Nogwogs family.
 The Nogwogs were all red-haired and purple-skinned. The color of their com plexion was n source of great pride to them, for folk of purple skin had always ruled the people about them. So had this branch of the Nogwogs ruled the people of their wood till the Pinkwinks had come into their midst. and then a division of their power had come about. And as q natural consequence there was enmity existing between the two most powerful families of the wood. The Nogwogs were a plainer folk in the matter of dress than were the Pinkwinks. Their garb consist ed of unadorned wolfskins, and their hair nlone served to cover their heads. They looked with some contempt on the gay at tire of the Pinkwinks. Also the Nogwogs were quieter and slower folk, never nov ing out of a deliberate walk.
 The wood folk were divided in their loyalty to the Pinkwfnks and the Nog- wogs, about half of the population follow ing the former and the other half re- maining loyal to the latter. Thus, the d. vision being equal, there had never been
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

own, be the consequences what they may" So spake the head of the Pink winks, blinking and winking excitedly as he defied his enemy.
 While this conversation was taking place between the heads of the Nogwogs and the Pinkwinks, the trusty messenger of the latter had crept from a secret side opening In the cave and had gone full speed in pursuit of his masters son, Spanker. He made no mistake In suppos- ing that the young man had gone to court his lady love, and found him at the door of his young mistress cave. Going to him without a moments delay he repeated the message sent by the elder Pinkwink. furthermore telling of the hostile move of the Nogwogs against the Pinkwinks.
 And inside the cave listened the love lorn Nogwogs maiden. Coming bravely to the door she said to her ardent lover: 'I shall go to your fathers cave with you, hand in hand We shall have your priest-if he be there-join us In we'd lock at once Then shall my father make amends to your father for this outrage"
 ''Ah. I have better plan," cried the messenger of the elder Pinkwink. "Let me run and fetch the priest and another witness and have the ceremony take place here in your own cave. Then your father cannot say that your gallant Spanker coerced you into leaving your cave to become his bride under such stren- uous and exciting conditions"
 You speak with wisdom.' declared Spanker, grasping the hand of his fathers trusty messenger "Go ye and fetch the priest and second witness"
 Half an hour later, and just as the Chieftain Nogwogs was giving the order to his men to storm his enemy's cave, he saw, to his amazement, the daughter of his heart coming toward him leaning on the arm of Spanker, eldest son of the head Pinkwinks. For moment he was too full of wrath to speak; then he com manded, in raging voice: Speak out, maidenl What does this unseemly con- duct on your part mean"
 That I am on the arm of my dearly
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

It is difficult to say just where St. Patrick was born, for so many countries lay claim to the honor of his birth. But the 17th of March is a day dedicated to the Good Saint Patrick. and all over the civilized world this day is kept sacred. Some historians have traced the good saint from Wales through Scotland to Ireland. But of one thing we are quite sure, and that is that Ireland was the field of his noble activities.
 When St. Patrick was in his sixteenth year he was stolen by pirates. The pirates sold him Into captivity in Ireland. and for several years he was slave in County Antrim. When in his twenty third year he made his escape from Ireland, going to Rome, where he studied for the priest hood. After working in the capacity of a priest for some time he was made a bishop, then Pope celestine sent him to Ireland missionary to christianize the people.
 But the senighted people of Ireland were in the power of priests called
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15
The Victorious Pinkwinks.
BY MAUD wALHER.

open hcstilities between the two ruling and rival families.
 But one day the head of the Nogwogs conceived the idea of running the Pink winks out of the wood, thus regaining the undivided power over the wood folk that he had enjoyed prior to the advent of the Pinkwinks. So, calling together his chosen followers, the mighty Nogwog diyulged his plan. And as his loyal followers never thought for one minute of disputing him they acquiesced as one man, declaring that they were ready to do their chief tain's bidding
 "Get ye to your lizards backs and ride ye round the wood and warn each and every Pinkwlnk that he and his sympa- thizers must quit this part of the world. and if they barley over the order come ye back to me and we will prepare for war. l have hads quite enough of this Pink winkian presumption" So spake the head of the Nogwogs. And quickly did his men obey his order. To their caves they hast ened and brought forth their swiftest lizards, saddled them and were off, going about the wood in most formidable style and issuing their chieftains order.
 Now, the Pinkwinks were not quarrel some people. They were life-loving and merry. And the hostlities shown them p5 ihe 4NOSHoHs ucsbenStrs uihue tnelr pink eyes wink twice as fast as was their custom.
 What, your chief says for us to quit our homes?' asked the oldest male Pink wink, stopping in his sport of diving in brook. Why, my kind Nogwogian friend. don't you know that we have the same right to live here as you2 And although we are not fghters-well, we'll hold our own. Take that answer to your chief'
 And then. his merriment banished for the day, the head Pinkwink hurried to his cave and summoned all his strongest
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

be able to go in search of the rainbow?"
 Why not?" asked Neddie. "A pot of gold is well worth going over into old MT. Smiths big meadow for. And you know that the end of the rainbow al ways rests in that place. Why, 1t can't be more than mile over to the very spot where the rainbow's end rests on tho earth. I've seen it so many times, l have And if I had known that pot of gold was there I'd have gone after 1t, so I would. It's a wonder that Bob Smith hasn't got 1t, for their house IS close to the meadow"
 Maybe he never heard about the pot of gold" suggested Oracle.
 Well, we'll never tell him." said anyone, for then somebody would get ahead of Us and get the pot of gold"
 Just see how fast that cloud is ris- ing!" exclaimed Oracle. Isn't 1t pity that the rainbow doesn't come before the rain instead of after 1t? If it did we'd start right now to the meadow of old Mir. Smiths and get the pot of gold and carry it home with us. Wouldn't mamma and papa be surprised?''
 Say, Sister," said Neddie meditative- ly, suppose we go to the meadow right now and be there when the rainbow comes. If we wait till after the rain we may not get there before the rainbow fades from the sky. And fancy that is the reason why no one has ever got the pot of gold; everyone waits till after the rain, and then they can't reach the end of the rainbow before 1t has faded from sight"
 .'Maybe that's so," acquiesced Oracle. "But what would mamma do if we were not to reach home at the usual time? She'd get awfully worried and start out
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

Gracie and Neddie had been reading a most thrilling story. It was of mys- terious pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. And it said that whoever sue ceeded in reaching the end of the rain bow before 1t faded away should pos sess the rich treasure, which amounted to ,)re than a kings ransom.
 Wy, just think of It, sister," said Neddie, his eyes wide with wonder. You and I might have 1.-the pot of gold could we reach the end of the rainbow before it fades from the sky"
 "We'' Brother, the very next time there Is dinbow we'll go after the pot of gc' Wouldn't it be fine to have all the n-SAey one could spend? I'd buy that toy shop down at the corner, and I'd also have the little candy store that's near to the schoolhouse. Oh, I'd buy ever so many things. I would" And Oracle was all eager anticipation, as sne planned on procuring the mysterious treasure at the end of the rainbow, a treasure which seemed to have passed the notice of people in general; else why didn't someone go and get 1t?
 Well, Sis. if you and ever do get that pot of gold I'll buy pony and saddle and goat and a--
 Children, supper is ready" called their mammas voice. And in the enjoyment of eating their nice mush and milk Oracle and Neddie forgot about the rainbow and the pot of gold.
 And they did not think of the story again for sometime. But 1t was recalled to their mind one day. as they were on their way home from school, by the sight of dark cloud rising in the west
 "Oh, it's going to rain," declared Oracle. And then will come the rain. bow. Mercy me! l wonder if we shall
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

Nope, not if we'd dig a little cave into the side of the baystack," explained Neddfe. And being there so close to the place where the, end of he rainbow rests on the ground ould be all In our favor. The very mi ate that 1.-the rainbow appears we'll start for its end. We couldn't miss getting the pot of gold. you sec.
 So he persuaded his sister to go with him to old MT. Smiths meadow to wait for the rainbow. And they set off at once, turning their faces away from home and going at quick walk towards the country.
 They climbed over Gall fence and walked through last years wheat stub- ble. They had gone some distance be- fore the cloud threa tened to let It's con tents loose Then few flying flakes of snow fell.
 What. Is it going to snow instead of rain?" asked Oracle. her disappointment keen.
 "Oh, itll rain all right" declared Ned de. "6ee that cloudf Well. that's .
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

meekly to the door of the Pinkwtnk's cave, knocking softly on the rock which half concealed the entrance.
 The animal skin was lifted by a white. slender hand and Nogwogs' daughter asked In loving tones: Do you wish to come to the wedding feast. which is in preparation, father miner
 And what could the father do? True, he was a proud and defiant Nogwog; but, everything save the love for his child must now give way. Not only do I wish to come to the wedding feast, daughter of my heart" said the Chieftain Nogwogs, but l wish to hold friendly consultation with your husbands father. We are both old men now, and may as well give over our places to you and the gallant Spanker."
 "Ah, and l agree with you, friend Nogwogs," said the elder Pinkwinks wink ing very fast and smiling very happily. And now let us bless our children. for this day they have banished rivalry and conflict and put love in their place. Happy will the families of Nogwogs and Pink winks be forever after this day."
 And peace dwelt In the wood ever after that so long as the Pinkwinks and the Nogwogs ruled. And that was thousand years or more.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

in the matter. But every minute or so he would cautiously peep from the tunnel to see whether or not the 'wild bull" was still keeping near. To his horror he could see the formidable animal walking leisurely about in the fast-falling snow, seemingly very contented to stay within a few feet of the straw stack.
 ''Is he still here?'' asked Oracle in whisper.
 Yep, but I think he'll be going soon," said Neddie not believing his own words. He only wished to lessen his little sis- ter's fears
 And then something happened Both children. to their delight, heard a man whistling. And the whistler was approach ing their cave, too. Neddie put his head out from the Loe in the straw stacks side and called
 'Ielo, mister Will you please come and help us to get out of this pasture ?
 In another lniDate Il jolly faced man was peering into the cave at the two It. tie ones. Why. upon my soul. what are
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

you doing inside that straw stack7 Are you fairies?"
 Nope, we're plain children" explained Neddie. And we are afraid to come out on account of that wild bull that's near the straw stack
 Wild bull 1! Ha, ha, hav And the man strengthened up and roared with laughter. why, kid, that's just a little calf that has gotten out of Its stable and wandered of into the meadow. I'm after it now to drive 1t home. it's going to be cold night for the middle of March, and all the live stock must be under shelter. But come out you needn't be afraid of this wild bull Ha, ha, hap
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

as the evening darkened and the atmos- phere grew colder. After waiting for what seemed to her long, long time. she said:
 Brother, let's go home and wait for summer time It'n be sure to rain then. and we'll have an easier time getting to the end of the rainbow"
 Now. alnt that just like gIrl3" asked Neddie. "Why, you haven't bit of nerve"
 But after another half hour had passed and the snow was still coming down very fast, spreading q white blanket over everything, even Neddie's nerve began ito grow less He didn't like giving up, but he feared he would be obliged to do so. To Gracie's urging he at last said
 All right Sis. ifsgou won't stay any longer I'll go home with you. But re- member this: came to get the pot of gold, and If had my way I'd stay aud get 1t, too
 ''But how's there to be rainbow?'' asked Oracle, impatiently. ''Who ever saw one after . suowstorm. anyway7
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

should be surrounded by all that a brides heart could wish for"
 To the great surprise of his followers, the elder Pinkwink did not show nnger. Indeed. a smile crossed his funny little, old features, and his pink eyes sparkled with approval of the story he had heard Every we'll" he said. "Let the we'd ding take place as soon as possible-that is, as soon as the young folks desire 1t to be. We must give the bride the warm est welcome that can be shown to the daughter of great house, even though the blood of my enemy flows In her veins And, see ye not the outcomef Why, our enemy holds his daughter most dear. Once che is allied by marriage to his hated rivals son peace will reign. And then all will be happiness In this beau tiful wood"
 ''Then I shall away and tell your son Spanker of your willingness for him to wed a Nogwog," said the man who had divulged the young Pinkwink's secret.
 Aye, and tell him I'm not only willing. but most anxious for this union," said the elder Pinkwink. Then he bade hls trusty men to disperse, and to find his son and bear to him his fathers mes sage.
 But Just as they were about to depart from the cave of their chief a mighty shout arose from the threats of at least 50 men who had surrounded the cave of the head of the Pinkwinks. Going to the door, and trusting aside the animal skin which hung over it to shut out the view of the outsiders, the head Pinkwink saw, to his surprise, his enemy, the Chieftain Nogwogs, and hls strong body guard
 Surrender" cried the Chieftain Nog- wogs. q have come to take you pris oners This wood belongs by rights to the Nogwogs, and as descendant of that family l shall brook no division of my rights.'
 And as descendant of the royal fami- ly of Pinkwinks refuse to give up that which is mine. I have my home here and all my blood is with me. I have as many followers as you and I shall hold my
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15
Something About Good St. Patrick

Drulds, and these priests practiced upon the credulous many superstitions. holding their victims in their power. Owing to this St. Patrick found 1t very difficult to get followers. and legend tells us that in order to make his strength felt he was obliged Ito curse the fertile soil and make it turn to bogs; to curse the rivers so that no fish could live in them; to curse the kettles so that no fires could make them boil. and, finally, to curse the Druids till the earth opened Up and swal- lowed them"
 St Patrick was born about the year 372, and died On the 17th of March. 493. Perhaps his good work was the means of prolonging his life to so ripe an age. However that may be. he became endeared in the hearts of the Irish peo- pie, and is as dear to them today as when he first delivered them from the evil teachings of the Druids.
 St. Patrick Is also credited with hay Ing banished the toads and snakes from the Emerald Isle.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

rain cloud-not snow cloud. It's so cold that the first few drops of rain will freeze as they fall. But as soon as they begin to come down faster they'll turn to rain"
 And I'm almost freezing" declared Oracle. Lets hurry to the old straw stack and crawl into it."
 They did as Oracle wished and soon had dug a little tunnel into the southern side of the straw stack. Into this secure cave they crept and waited patiently for the longed-for rain.
 But Neddie's prediction was not full filled. The snowfiakes fell faster and faster, becoming larger as they covered the ground. Still, Neddie had hopes, and tried to infuse them into his sisters mind. But Oracle was becoming afraid
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

Five minutes later Neddie and Oracle were running homeward as fast as they could go. And just as they tut ed into the big road leading to town who should come along in carriage but their own mamma. She was returning from her mothers home, and came along just in time to take her little ones up bey her in the snug covered carriage with .ur rug.
 And as they rode homeward O .le and Neddie told her of their experience hunt ing the pot of gold at the end of the rain bow, rainbow that did not materiallze that day.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

to hunt for us."
 You forget that mamma was going this afternoon to grandmamma s." said Neddie. And she said she might not get home till after supper. So we can go to the meadow and wait for the rain- bow, and when we go home carry the pot of gold along with us. We'll reach home about the same time that mamma gets there" M
 But Oracle needed muchrurging before she could be induced to go to the pasture with Neddie.
 Where will we stay while it is raln- ing?" she asked of her brother.
 "Why. we could sit under the edge of one of those big straw stacks that are in the meadow" Neddie told her
 But we'd get cold,'' argued Oracle.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

followers. Then he made known to them the latest news of the day-the order from the chieftain, the Boss Nogwog, for them to quit the wood, abandon their comfortable homes to their enemies, and never more to return.
 ''Ah, and that's the command of the purple-complexioned Nogwog, is it?" The question was asked by the son of the head Pinkwink, splendid youth of brave aspect and naughty air. Well, we refuse to obey. That's quite enough for us to say. l for one am quite happy in our present abode and refuse to give it up for any Nogwog or bunch of Nogwogs."
 Then. before his father could say a word, the youth-by name Spanker-had left his fathers cave and was going off at a run across the clearing in the forest.
 "whither goes my son?" asked the elder Pinkwink. q rely upon him for advice in this matter. He has youth and ideas: I aim old and afraid to venture as far as a younger man would do."
 "Be calm and listen, great Pinkwink, ' ventured one of the chosen men who had assembled nt Pinkwink's bidding T have a pretty story to tell you. But you must not display anger, nor chide thy son, for young hearts will roam where they list, regardless of the elders wishes and commands. Shall l speak on?"
 'I shall pay strictest attention, and respect thy whatever its na- ture may be-" replied the head Pinkwink And he winked very, very fast, for he was much excited and worried over the business in hand. ~
 Well, my friend and leader, hear this: Your beloved son, .sSpanker, is in love with the beautiful daughter of the Chief tain Nogwogs. I have seen them holding secret converse together at the door to her cave when the moon was waning. I heard them make vows of eternal love, and one of the maiden's hand-maids told my daughter that her mistress was pre- pairing to elope withsn gay young knight, who would take her to the finest and gayest cave in the wood, where she
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

You're crazy, Brother, to want to stay when 1t isn't raining, and isn't going to, either"
 ''All right" said Neddie, crawling out of the, tunnel. But Just as he did So he darted in again, whispering hoarsely to Oracle:
 There's a wild bull in the pasture. How will we ever get away from heref'
 At this bit of dreadful news Gracie's face paled and she began to cry. "Oh, If only I was at home! If I was with dear mamma l wouldn't care about the pot of gold. Any old person that wants 1t may have 1t. I'll never, never run away to this pasture again after anything, not even a dozen pots of gold.'
 Neddie made no reply, for he wouldn't admit that be felt just as his sister did
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15
BEHEADINGS.

D) Behead the name of a common ar ticIe of food and leave a verb which Is used at the dinner table.
 (2) Behead a set of toilet articles and leave a number of marsh-growing indig- enous plants.
 (B) Behead a garment much worn by old ladies and leave an animal Of the chimpanzee family.
 (4) Behead a name often applied to dirty little street urchin and leave small animal which frequently inhaDfts cellars.
 (5) Behead that which goods are often shipped in and leave an animal noted Tor great strength.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15
LETTER ENIGMA.

My first Is in marriage, but not in wed; Nv second is in blanket, but not in bed; |; My third is in arm, but not in hand; Nv fourth is in ocean, but not in sand: My fifth Is in harvest, but not in grain; My sixth is in work, but not in gain; My seventh is in hair, but not in nose; My eighth Is in garment, but not in clothes;
 My ninth is in dark but not in light; My tenth Is in strength, but not in might;
 My whole is two words.
 And when put together
 Make us shudder at thought
 Of unpleasant weather
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

Dear little maids from every land; Dear little maids on every hand; Some from France, in caps so gay, Others from Russia. far away.
 Some from Holland, in shoes of wood ; And others, that cannot be understood, From Italy, Germany and China, too, The latter in silk kimono and queue. Some from Spain, with chatter light. And from the frozen land of night;
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15

Answers to last weeks puzzles.
 Letter Puzzles.
 CD Too wise (yy) you (u) are (r) Too wise (yy) you Cup be Cb), see q c) you (u) are (r) Too wise (yy) for (4) me.
 C21 You sigh for a cipher, but I sigh for theeg
 GU o n 0, byt o thee) Oh, sigh for 70 cipher, but oh, sigh for me! ? O o no O ut o o mel Then let H., cipher thy cipher be- CThen let my o thy o b) And give me sigh for sigh, for nigh for thee. (And give me o thee) Letter Enigma-The five voveIs. Beheadings CD Drf1I-rilI. (2l MiIl-ilI. C9 SkiII-kiIl. (4b Plank Hank.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15
OUR PUZZLE CORNER.
RIDDLES.

Formed long ago, yet made today, I'm most employed while others sleep; What none would like to give away, Yet no one likes to always keep.
 GA bedD Pray tell me ladies, if you can, Who is that highly favored man, Who, though he's married many a wife May live a bachelor all his life7
 GA cIergymRn.)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-15
Billy the Buzzer.

Billy Blue-Bottle, buzzing so loud. Is sign that Spring is here; He buzzes against the window pane, And he buzzes around your ear.