davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

so, 1t had increased In sound and speed.
No, the train had passed the section
houses without warning from the men
placed there to keep watch over the road.
Herbert's mind was instantly made up
Jerking of his shoes, coat and hat, he
threw himself into the turbulent water
that rushed so madly through the deep
banked ditch. The stream was not wide.
but 1t was a perilous time for Herbert,
and when he at last reached the oppo-
site bank and drew himself out of the
water by catching hold of some weeds
and grass he was all but exhausted.
Then, dripping and barefooted, he ran
along the railroad track towards the COM
ing train.
1t was only few minutes till the train
came in sight around thesfoot of a steep
hill. 1t was coming at high speed, and
Herbert few toward 1t, waving his arms
madly and crying out, 'Stopl stopp' But
fearing that the engineer might not un-
derstand the signal, he pulled of his ging-
ham shirt, doing SO as he ran, and waved
1t wildly over his head.
The train began to slow down very
quickly. Passengers thrust their heads
from the windows. A few seconds later
the conductor and engineer, accompanied
by several excited passengers were on
the ground, talking to Herbert, whose
breath was now quite gone.
FROM special coacn, which was at
tached to the rear of the train, came the
president of the road; with him several
high officials. When 1t was learned that
Herbert had saved the train from a terri
BILE wreck their words of thanks and
praise knew no bounds.
Here, little man, give rs your ad-
Dress" said the president of the road.
you shall be amply rewarded for this,
tell you. Swan the swollen ditch and ran
haraf00faH and drtpnfnO with Cold W. or
In the teeth of this April wind, to save
us2 Well, / call that the act of real
hero"
week later Herbert's reward came to
him while he and bis parents were at
dinner 1t was brought by a special mes
senger, and 1t was of nature to make
Herbert's mother weep for very Joy, and
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29
Sissie's and Andy's April Fool.

tone of disappointment in Sissie's voice
as she spoke, and she lay back against
her pillow YEARLY. II was Just think
ing, mamma" she went on, 'of how papa
used to play April fool with us before
he went away to seek for gold In that
far-away land. Do you recollect one time
about three or four years ago-when on
April FOOLS day he put sand in the sugar
bowl and passed 1t to brother and me,
asking us to hunt for lump of sugar?
And how he put cotton pie between our
plates at dinner, saying it was fresh
from the bakers, and that the one who
could cut 1t neatest-make the pieces all
Of size-should have a quarterf
begged to be allowed to try cutting 1t,
and Andy begged also for the privilege.
Then, to settle the matter without show
ing favor to either of us, papa had us
draw straws, the long straw being the
lucky one. l drew the long straw and
tried cutting the pie. My, how you all
laughed at me, and how papa cried out:
April fool! Wash your face and go to
schooll
Yes yes, those were happy days"
sighed the mother, drawing out long
basting thread from her work. But,
dearie, you must not tire yourself talking
too much. Just lie still and look out at
the bright sunshine. And If ! do not
chat very much you must not be lonely,
for you know / must finish this dress for
Mrs Brown today. She wants to wear 1t
tomorrow night to some sort of soca:
function, and she's very cross II she
doesn't get her things at the very mo-
ment they have been promised her. So l
must work with double energy today to
get this dress finished on time. / can't
afford to lose Mrs. Browns patronage.
She gives me enough sewing to pay the
rent and fuel BILL The work I get from
other customers pays for our food,
clothing and other little living expenses,
and this week I've laid away enough to
get a pretty new frock for you and pair
of new shoes for Andy. Dear little
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

brotheri I wonder what keeps him down
town SO long? fear he'll be late at
school. It's about time for the second
bell to ring. All, there he comes now.
hear him whistling. Was ever there a
finer boy than my Andyf' And the good
mother rose to open the door for her son.
VINO came whistling into the house, carry
Ing a big paper-wrapped bundle.
Here's Mrs. Akermans dress, mamma.
She says she'll be over tomorrow to look
through the latest pattern book for the
new style. She says everything is here
thread, buttons, lining and bones. But,
say, mamma, why does she want bones in
her new dress? She's already bony
enough, for she looks like an animated
skeleton" and Andy laughed as he put
the bundle VI dress material on the table.
You're a great joker" declared Slssie,
smiling at her brothers WIT, made at
the expense Of AIRS. Alderman. IF 1t
weren't for you, brother, mamma and Ia
have little to laugh at these days"
ooh. SO I'm the fool of the family, am
II" And Andy assumed a mock express
sion of injured feelings. well, Wen see
who'll be the fool tomorrow. Just you
be on your watchout, Mistress Sissie, or
you may have the joke turned on your
self. But there goes the last school bell
and I've got to hike like go or III be
tardy," and away went Andy on the fly,
covering the distance Of two blocks
which he had to traverse to reach the
observation-disclosures the last peal Of the
bell had died away.
What a cheerful boy Andy Is" said
the mother, resuming her work. Hes
Just like your dear father-always happy
and full of fun. Even when times were
r n Svq nj
work and almost out of money, he kept
up his good spirits and would play and
laugh with you little ones just as though
he had no weight Of care on his heart
and mind. He never would give up; and
even when he was off to the Klondike
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

to stone, as had always been his habit.
He was obliged to 60 half a mile out of
his way to the railroad crossing, where
he might walk across on the ties.
But hardly had Herbert stepped upon
the ties when he noticed that piece Of
timber, evidently from the trestlework,
was floating In the swollen stream. And.
furthermore, he noticed that the water
was surging under the crossing like a
very torrent, pouring down from all the
hills round about and making of the
draw a veritable river. As 1t dashed,
seethed and roared about the base of
the slight trestlework Herbert felt, or
imagined he could feel, the ties and
framework of steel tremble. He paused
and looked below, scanning closely the
framework beneath him. Only one sign
of weakness was apparent, the loose
beam or piece Of timber, which was float
Ing away. But, surely, he thought, II
one piece of the trestlework had become
loosened, other parts connected with 1t
must be insecure. II don't like the idea
OF the afternoon train coming along over
this crossing. Butt reckon the sectB
men will be along before noon and ex-
anime this place. They know enough of
these high-water tricks to keep on the
alert during rainy times. l guess it's not
my lookout"
And deciding thus, Herbert went on his
way, whistling happy tune to the time
of his feet. He reached the fishing place
to find the river SO high that he knew
no fish would bite that day.
Now, isn't that Just my lucki' he ex-
claimed in a voice of disappointment.
when l had hoped to take home dozen
fine fish for supper, too, and momsey
and dad expecting the fine treat. Poor
old dad, he's SO blue over not being able
to send me away to college next year.
When Billy and Tom Brown went away
to school last year dad said to me:
Never mind, son, next year shall come
your turn You shall go to the best
school in the state. So study hard this
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

year. and when next year rolls round
you'll be ready to enter a finer school
than our little one of the district But
last year our crops failed. So the out
look for any school except our little dis
trict school is now out of the question.
It's harder on dad and momsey than it is
on me- They want to give me every ad-
vantage, and 1t hurts them awfully to
be too poor to do so. Well. : can get n
good education right In our own little
country school. Butt really wouk-
like-to go-away. The other boys go
away every year to school. and I'd-like
it. too. But l don't ever mean to fret
about it to dad and momsey. They aren't
to blame goodness knows. They'd go with
out bread and meat to give me chance.
So I'll plug along and do the best l can
another year, and maybe another and
another year on top of that. II only we
could depend on our crops and cattle!
But-well, what's the matter with me.
anyway. l came out to fish. not to hold
a debating society With Herbert Jones,
Esquire"
Then Herbert sat down on the bank
--a fixed a bit of bait on the hook. ITS
NJ ,is- throwing in the line" he said to
himself for no fish could be induced
to bite with the water in such a tur-
MOL. But there might be one playing
along close to the bank, and seeing a
nice. fat worm would take 1t as he passed
by"
But all In vain did Herbert throw In
his line. The swiftness of the water
carried the bait as far down stream as
the length of the line would allow, and
several times the hook became entangled
In some floating driftwood.
"Oh, there's no use," declared Herbert
drawing In the line and rolling 1t up. 81
might sit here for several days-till the
water falls-and not get so much as a
nibble. So I'll just home. I can always
find work there If it's nothing more than
rolling carpet rags for momsey. Poor dear
momsey! How she and dad do work for
me. It's their one aim in life to do for
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

that streamf' Herbert questioned him.
self. II don't like swimming for the
water is cold, besides being full of dan
gerous driftwood, caught all along the
banks. But-what am l talking about7
Go home and let the train come along
without warning? l guess not" And
Herbert turned his face in another direc-
ton, going at full speed over the rail-
road track
1t was about noon, so Herbert judged
by the sun. The train was due at that
point at 1870. He had an hour and
half. He could reach the house Of the
section hands before that time and they
could signal the train as 1t came along.
But he had calculated without think
ing twice, as he said to himself half an
hour later. The draw" or railroad ditch
which he had left behind him wound
about In such way that the railroad
crossed 1t second time two miles fur
Their on. And to Herbert's great surprise
the trestlework at the second crossing had
also been washed out. Here was dilem-
ma. How should he get across2 The section
hands were quartered two miles further
on, and to reach their place he must cross
this swollen stream. And there was but
one way to do 1t. He must swim. 1t
was dangerous undertaking. but Her
bert could not allow thoughts of per-
sonal danger to detain him in his duty.
But suppose the section men had already
been there and seen the washout! They
had no doubt sent a wire already to the
train officials at the station five miles
away. And why should he, Herbert, risk
his life by swimming the stream II the
section men had already attended to
their dutyf
He was on the point of returning to
his own home when a shrill whistle
came on the air. 1t was the train, and
1t was whistling as 1t drew close to the
section hands houses Herbert bent his
ear to the ground. In another minute he
would know what to do in the matter.
He heard the rumbling of the heavy train
as 1t flew along the steel way. 1t must
have passed the section hands quarters
without stopping, for the rumble did not
cease for an instant Instead of doing
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

r TERBERT JONES was 70 years of
r. age. He lived with his parents on.
= = a farm several miles from town.
He was a brave, Industrious boy, we'll
liked by all who knew him. He was fond
of fishing, and Of all the country sports,
and when not in school or busy with his
work on the farm he spent much of his
time on the river bank angling for finnies.
One bright day in early April Herbert
decided to go fishing The week had been
a rainy one, pouring for hours every day,
and the ground was too water-soaked for
blowing or garden work. So Herbert had
nothing to do but spend the day angling,
hoping to bring home fine string of fish
for supper.
I'll show you a fine catch when /
come home this evening"" Herbert said
to his mother as he left the house, fish
ing rod over shoulder and bait In the
form Of angleworms In an old tin can.
Just you and dad fix up your appetites
for a fine supper of fish," he added, wav-
ing his fishing rod in farewell.
BE mighty careful son. not to fall
into the river" called out Ills mother
in warning. 1.-THE river is very high now,
since the heavy spring rains, and you
might find 1t too deep for fwading and
so cold that 1t might produce cramps. So,
be very cautious"
All right momsey," called back Her
bert merriy. "Tll hang my clothes on a
hickory limb and not go near the
waterl"
En- route to the river Herbert was
obliged to cross a little railroad ditch.
1t had been what the farmers called a
draw" but when the railroad was built
this draw had been dug much deeper
to form a drain-ditch. During the rainy
season this ditch became quite a pre-
tentious stream, almost filing to its
banks with water from the surrounding
hills.
When Herbert arrived at the ditch he
was astonished to find 1t was fuller of
water than he had ever seen 1T, and he
could not cross it by leaping from stone
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

his father to pat him on the back and
sayi you deserve It all. my little son,
for you ran a terrible risk to save the
lives of those poor unsuspecting pas
sengers on that train. You deserve IL all,
boy. And now you can go to college-not
one year, but as many years as are needed
for you to get your education. And ]
thank the good mantle president of our
little railroad-for remembering your act
of heroism, and for so richly rewardina
you for It,"
But for a few moments Herbert could
not speak for the emotion which choked
him. Then he said, "And you, momsey
and dad. shall share my good luck.
would not be happy otherwise"
And that day there were three very
happy persons in the little farmhouse Of
Jones, wife and son. And the two Older
ones declared there was not Drawer OF
nobler boy In all the world than theii
little Herbert, to which the whole neigh
borhood agreed.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

fool friend" said their mother. But why
don't you open them and see what tht
Joke can be. You don't mind getting
fooled a bit-if the joke is worth the
while"
Something in their mothers voice and
smile made the children decide to oper
the parcels. When they did so out rolled
a 20-dollar gold piece into each plate
With cry Of happy surprise they looked
up at their mother, asking; who did
this, mammaT'
But at the same instant the pantry dooi
slowly opened and into the room came
tall, bearded man, his eyes full of love
and words of endearmcnt on his lips al
he took two happy and excited children
in his arms. "Oh, it's daddy who brought
the April-fool presents cried Andy
Eyes, daddy" echoed Sissie.
"And he came before you were awake
this morning" explained the happy
mother. isn't this the greatest April
fool joke you ever hadf'
Yes" laughed the father. IT came Ia
be Jour April Eool"
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

their Herb. I wonder If I shall ever be
able to return their many goodnesses to
me. Well, whatever good luck comes into
my life shall be shared by my momsey
and dad. Won't they be surprised when
| go home and tell them how the river
has risen since the last heavy rain? And
that railroad ditch-that little draw.
Geel It's like a river, too And it's dan
gerous, I'm afraid. Hope the section
men have been along with their handcar
and tools this morning l didn't like the
way that piece of timber had become
loosened"
Herbert took up his fishing rod, throw
Ing the bait on the ground and telling
the worms TO make for tall timber till
be wanted to go fishing again. and start
ed toward his home. When nearing the
railroad crossing he was startled TO see
part of the trestle work gone. That
part of the road which was supported by
the trestles had of course, gone into the
ditch also. And the waters rushing mad
ly through the ditch we're threatening to
break away the banks, which would mean
greater damage to the railroad.
We'll, now. how am l to get across
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

My sixth Is in finger, also In fore;
M seventh is In idiot, also in bore;
Ny eighth is the same as my seventh,
you see;
My ninth is in laughter, also In glee;
My whole spells two words,
With a meaning quite clear
TO the little fun-lovers
At this time of year.
Safe on a fair ones arm my first may
rest,
And raise no jealousy in lovers breast;
To those who neither creep. nor run. nor
fly,
The want of legs my second will supply.
My whole's a rival Of the fairest toast,
And when I'm liked the best l suffer
most.
Conundrums.
Why is a jaier like mtisiciani
Because he fingers the keys.
What grows the less tired the more 1t
works?
carriage wheel.
What is that which never asks a ques.
ton, yet requires many answers?
DOOrbel1.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29
PUZZLE CORNER.
Beheadings.

1. Behead a garment worn by woman
in the winter time and leave signal for
order in courtroom.
2. Behead a word used by authors in de-
scribing a feeling of resentment in the
human breast and leave part Of the
human anatomy.
8. Behead word describing a pleasant
countenancs and leave a degree of dis
lance.
food cereal which is grown In warm eli
mates and leave a product Of the frozen
North.
8. Behead a necessary part of the hu-
man attire and leave garden imple-
ment.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

Come, tits raining toads and pitchforks
And horse is in each tree:
Come, just look out of the window;
Such strange sights you'll surely see"
Charlie, of the day not thinking,
Jumped up, eyes wide with surprise.
Ran to look from out the window,
And saw bluest OF blue skies.
"Ha, ha, ha'' cried merry Benny,
april Fool" Then he did roar:
When, all Of sudden, Charlie
Stared and pointed toward the door.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

Answers to last weeks puzzles.
BeheadfnRs-n Lore-ore. (2l
Brave-rave. CD Brain-rain. a.
Brook-rook.
Enfgma-swimmin
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29

NV first is In arrow, also in art;
My second is in pairing, also in part;
My third is in rafter, also in rail;
My fourth is in lineup, also in pail:
My fifth Is In linger, also in SMALL
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29
Places of Interest in Foreign Lands.

Cahors, a quaint capital of southern
France, is the greatest truffie market In
the world. About 1t the soil and the oak
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-03-29
Tit for Tat.

Early on the first of April
Benny walked and looked without:
Then he turned to sleeping Charlie
And into his ear did shout:
Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1908-05-08
Montague---McGuire.

Richmond, May Cone Of the lead
ing social events of the spring was the
marriage to-day at noon of Miss Mar
gretta Mcclure, daughter of Mrs. Hun
ter Holmes Mcclure, to Russell Cary
Montague, son of Mr.. and Mrs. Russell
w. Montague Of Greenbrier county, w.
Va The ceremony was performed in
the home of the BRIDES mother, at Sixth
and Grace streets, by Bishop r. A. Glib
son, assisted by the Rev. R. W. For
sythe, of st. PauPs church. The house
was beautifully decorated for the occa-
sion in palms, ferns, Easter lilies and
lilies of the valley. An altar of palms,
lilies and candles was formed between
the windows in the drawing room and
in front of this the ceremony took place.
Professor Jacob Reinhardt was in
charge of the wedding music and play
ed throughout the breakfast which fol
lowed the ceremony. Among those
from out of the city attending the we'd
ding, were Mrs. Alex. F. Robertson
and the Misses Robertson of Staunton.
Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1908-05-08
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
TON MAN CHOSEN HEAD OF THE
ORDER IN THE STATE.

ORDER IN THE STATE.
The nineteenth session (31st year, of
the Grand Lodge knights of Honor of
Virginia, was held on Tuesday at
Picket Camp Hall in Richmond, Grand
Dictator Willard G. Robertson, presid-
ing. The grand officers reports were
presented in printed form and were
adopted as printed. The papers showed
the order to be in better condition
financially than at any time in its his
tory. The finance committee met the
evening previous at Murphy's Hotel
and after thorough examination of
the books and papers of the Grand Re
porter and Grand Treasurer, reported
them in good condition.
The election of officers for the ensu-
ing term resulted as follows:
Grand Dictator-A. S. Woodhouse,
of Staunton, Va.
Grand Vice-Dictator-W. NJ Seay,
of Lynchburg.
Grand Assistant Observation-Disclosures
Reynolds, of Norfolk.
Grand Reporter-Thomas d. Bailie
of Washington, ID. G.
Grand Treasurer-George l.. Currie
of Virginia.
Grand Trnstees-H. Hodges, Norfolk
James R. Lamkin, of Richmond; M. G
Robertson, Richmond.
The Grand Lodge, after disposing o
a considerable routine business, ad
journed after night session, to NEE
again in Richmond two years hence
Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1908-05-08
Hotel Changes Hands.

Mr.. Z. M. Hartman last week closed
a deal with Maj. A. Norton by which
he becomes owner of the Eakleton
Hotel property. The price paid was
$4,000, and includes the furniture as
well as the building. Mr.. Hartman
will improve the interior and exterior
and will spend between five and ten
thousand dollars in putting it in first
class shape. The plans for the new
management have not been made pub
lie, but Mr. Hartman will no doubt
have it managed and run in first class
style if he has to run it himself. This
is fine hotel property and the price
at which it was purchased is regarded
as great bargain.
Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1908-05-08
ANNUAL MEETING.
STOCK HOLDERS OF THE EAST AUGUST
AND FARMERS MUTUAL FIRE IN
sURANCE COMPANIES ELECT
OFFICERS

SURANCE COMPANIES ELECT
OFFICERS.
The annual meetings of the East
Augusta and Farmers Mutual Fire In
surance Companies were held Saturday
in the court house, and quite number
of the stockholders were present. The
meeting were held at the same time as
the two companies are practically I'M
der the control Of the same people. The
old officers and boards were reelected.
The officers of the first named company
are: Messrs. r. N. Page, president; A.
III. Towberman, treasurer and n. L.
Shreckhise, secretary. These and the
following constitute the board: H. M.
Clemmer, J. w. Churchman, d. +.
Hoover, G. A. Conner, r. F. Larew, T.
M. Smiley, A. G. Ellis, R. G. Blair and
Jno. M. Coiner. The same men consti
tute the board of the Farmers Mutual
except Messrs. G. A. and Jno. M. Coin
er are replaced by Messrs. C. d. Craw
ford and Jno. J. Harner.
The East Augusta has 1900 members,
So, los, 900. 4S at risk, the average cost
having been 81. 26 per 1000. The COM
pany had IA fires the past year with
losses of S., 800 and made two levies. II
has 81, 700 in the treasury.
OF the Farmers Mutual Mr., r, N
Page is president and Mr.. A. H. Tow
herman, secsetary and treasurer. This
company has 800 members and about
one million dollars at risk.