davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05
Foolish John. ;
BY WILLIAM WALLACE, JR.

result was that before any other gar dener of that vicinity had fresh vege- tables for the market John was selling truck" from his garden at very nice price.
 And then 1t was that he began to ex- cite the notice of his boy friends and the community at large also. Every where people were saying: Do you know that John Ghent has a garden, and that he is selling vegetables from 1t in ad- vance of any other gardener"
 But the boys of his acquaintance laugh ed at him, some going so far as to make jokes about his garden. These same boys declared that they couldn't afford to get up so early in the mornings as did John, and the idea of working during the school term was to them most absurd.
 But I have my lessons,' vociferated John one day when a comrade was ar guing the matter with him. And be- sides, if it's my wish to work of morn ings and evenings rather than to loaf about town or waste all my time play ing ball or marbles, I don't know that 1t should offend others"
 But it's so foolish" expostulated the boy. Why, you study all day and put in your mornings and evenings at work in a pesky garden. And what warrant have you that a hailstorm won't come just as your garden gets to bearing, and tear it to shreds? Nope; not for me a patch of dirt and hoe! l like the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

1 of the jelly jar. and handing her the little basket in its stead. "A basket is easily carried, for 1t has a handle, you know"
 "Yes, and going tL ugh the woods with basket on my arm makes me feel like Little Red Riding Hood," laughed lilly. Wouldn't it be funny If we were to meet wolf-just as she did?' But that was only in the story" de- clared Billy. "But-lookie yonder What's that dark object at the edge of the road?" lilly stopped short looking fin the direction of her brothers pointing finger "Oh. wonder If it's a wolff" she gasped. No, it--it-. Why, 1t looks just like someone lying down by the roadside. Maybe it's a tramp"
 Maybe it's wolf in the disguise of a person." suggested Billy. himself a bit afraid to go closer to the as yet mysteri- ous figure which resembled man half sitting. half-lying on the roads bank.
 Tilly's eyes grew wide. A wolf in the disguise of a person. Really, why shouldn't it be so since a wolf could change himself into most any form he chose If assisted by witches. And the woods were deep and dark enough to hide witches and sprites of evil purpose. Surely, 1t was not very safe to walk through there without a grown-up to ITO tect you lilly felt herself becoming very much frighte'~ and once suggested It they turn back home again.
 NO; we must 20 on to Mrs. Parkers with the eggs and jelly" declared Billy. But maybe it would be best to-to-to go round the spot yonder."
 "Yes, let's go up over the hill and round 1t on the other side," agreed lilly. we will be longer getting to Mrs. Parker's, but I don't mind that; do your
 Well, I'm not afraid, you know" as- serted Billy, trying to assume brave air. But for your sake, sister. I'll go round the hill But were I alone I'd just go right along the road and
 But at this instant the mysterious ob- Ject at the roadside arose to standing posture, and the children saw 1t was an old man with white hair and beard. He had stout walking stick in his hand, and stood leaning upon 1t. As his eyes fell upon Billy and lilly he bowed and smiled, calling out to them. Don't be afraid, little ones. Come, tell me where this road leads to. feel that I'm e bit turned round since having a nap beside the road here" Then he held out a welcoming hand for Billy and lilly to come and grasp
 III aIrald or n1m, whispered BILLY. What if he really isn't a-a man at all, but wizard? It looks strange that so old man should be sleeping beside the road in the woods. And he doesn't belong to this neighborhood."
 Tiily stood looking critically toward the old man, who was still smiling at her and her brother. Somehow, although she had been frightened a few minutes be- fore, something in the aged mans genial face told her there was nothing to fear. But Blllys uncertainty regarding the stranger caused lilly to hesitate in going to him. However, she whispered to Billy, Honest and sure. brother, don't believe the man Is wizard ora wolf in ulsgulse. He looks sort of like grand papa. 1T you'll go with me I'll walk closer to him, and then we can hear what he has to say"
 wen, or course-I'm-Im m not afraid" declared Billy, seeing doubt in his sis for you that"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

Bessie was five years old. She was quite a big girl, so papa and mamma said The neighbors thought her little tot" but papa and mamma shook their heads and said: Bessie Is getting to be a big girl. So Bessie believed papa and mamma and put on the airs of big girl accordingly.
 One day mamma went down town to do some shopping. She left Bessie play ing in a great sand pile In the shade of a fine, backyard tree. As Bessie was most obedient little girl, her mamma could trust her alone in the yard, know ing that she would not venture beyond the gate if told not to do so. And as she had so often gone shopping, telling Bes- sic to remain in her playroom or in the backyard playground during her ab- senee, she did not think it necessary to repeat the instructions this morning. So she had kissed the little girl good-by and said she'd be home before luncheon. Then she had gone out at the front gate, and Bessie had the yard all to herself. Of course, cook was in the Kitchen; but cook was the same as nobody, for she never bothered herself to look after Bes- sic. Indeed Bessie was such a reliable little miss that she never needed looking after when mamma and papa were both away, and when they were at home they looked after her In the most loving way.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

By Helena Davis.

who was none other than Sammy Park er's grandpapa.
 lilly looked at Billy and Billy looked at lilly. Then Billy stammered: Why sir, you know so many, many strange things happen in the big wood. Yon might have been-been-a-a wizard, you know. Only you aren't, for which my sis ter and l are very grateful"
 "Or you might have been the Little Red Riding Hoods wolf," suggested lilly. seriously. Ugh, that would have been dreadful! You would have robbed us of our jelly and eggs and-eaten them all up."
 And shall do my best to help eat 'em up after we have reached my daugh- ter's home," smilingly promised the old gentleman. But, there comes carriage. I do believe it is my daughters"
 And so 1t happened. And the coachman told the aged visitor how his master had been called away from home that morn- ing very early, going on business to the city. And soon after he had gone the telegram had arrived. but their mistress being asleep on its arrival none of the servants would take it upon themselves to waken her that she might read the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

message At last she had awakened and the message had been given her, with the result that he (the coachman) had been dispatched forthwith to meet the sender of the telegram.
 "Ah, and that's how 1t happened that into Red Riding Hoods wolf and a wizard!' And the old gentleman looked toward Billy and lilly with a merry twinkle in his eye.
 ".rhen, come, we'll have a lift" cried out Sammy Parker's grandpapa. And he lifted lilly in more carefully. Nothing hurts boys," the old gentleman said, lex cept wolves and wizards. And now for our destination! Keep a close watch on those eggs and that jelly" he admon- ished, winking his eye Then. turning to the coachman, he asked how about his daughter.
 'Ah, sir, your telegram made her al- most well. She said she'd be up for luncheon, sir.''
 And entertain the Two Little Babes in the Woods and the wolf and the wizard man, the last two combined in one." laughed the grandpapa.
 And soon they had reached the end of their journey, and all was happiness in the Parker household when the old visi- tor and the two little visitors came to bring good cheer and a basket of fresh eggs and a jar of jelly.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

the best; they had been so thoroughly cultivated
 So the weeks had gone by and summer had come in the month of July. Johns vegetable garden was fourishing and one night when he counted his pony fund" as he called the proceeds from his gar den, he was happy to find that one more week of good business would insure him the pony. He had made the selection at a stock farm near to the town where he lived, and the dealer, knowing what re- liable boy John was, had offered to deliver the animal to him as soon as he had two- thirds of the price. But John refused the friendly offer, though he appreciated deeply the compliment paid to his own honesty.
 "I'll wait, sir, till I have the full price," John had said, thanking the stock man warmly for his kindness "You see, were to have the pony I'd begrudge the time spent in the garden each morning, for I'd want to be on his back, galloping over the country"
 And so it happened that the very day John had the full price for the pony he went to the stock farm and proudly paid 1t in full. Then he galloped home on the fine new pony. surprising his young friends as he rode up to the ball ground in the afternoon while game was in progress.
 "Geel Where'd you get that bronco?" cried out Charlie Trayers, quitting the game long enough to take good look at Johns new possession. My stars! He's a beaut, sure Belong to you. John?'
 "All my own," explained John. Then a crowd gathered to see the fine pony and to ask the happy rider all about it. What, you don't mean to tell us you earned the money off that garden of yours to buy that beast !! exclaimed Paul Thomp- son. Why, 1 would have bet my hat you wouldn't earn a dollar by 1t. Gee You are a great business fellow, all right"
 Say, what's the chance of a fellow
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

getting a ride on herr" asked Charlie, eying the pony with admiration.
 If you want to help me weed an onion bed tomorrow morning before the sun is up, all right; the ride will be yours" laughed John.
 "Ah, ha, ha, ha p roared half dozen voices. Then Charlie said, good-naturedly "He ain't foolish John any longer. He's wise John, he is. And sure as my name's Charles Butler Travers l mean to go Into the truck gardening next spring myself. I want a pony I do. Gee, that's a fine animal Skin smooth and sleek enough to see your face n."
 And as John rode round the ball ground to show the gait of his pony many admir- ing eyes were cast on him. Hes made of great stuff," Paul Thompson admitted. And to think we boys all made fun or him for turning gardener
 "Yep, but he turned pretty sum out of it. and now his time has amounted to something. It's a good plan to make your vacation count for something. I'm going to begin earning money, if it's only by catching and selling fish It'll keep me busy and be putting a few dimes in my bank"
 And all the boys agreed that foolish John," as they had been calling him, had proven the most sensible one of the lot.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

John Ghent was thoroughgoing boy of 14 years of age. When he set his mind to do a thing he was independent of others, and almost always he accom- plished his task without calling upon another for aid of any kind.
 Early in the spring he had longed for a riding pony. A friend of his Paul Thompson, had just the sort of animal he wished to own, and he had learned from Paul that the pony had been bought at a very reasonable price. Y want pony" said John to himself; but the want" never went any further. He had learned not to talk promiscuously about his plans. Should they fail to de- velop he might be laughed at. If they proved successful he would be all the happier for not having told of them to every Tom, Dick and Harry of his ac- quaintance.
 And that Is why John had rented little patch of ground at the outskirts of town and had titled the soil and put in an early garden. His mother and father had been taken into his confidence, of course, but no one else knew why John was up and working early, and working late, in the little rented piece of ground.
 For two or three weeks Johns gar den had escaped the notice of the other town boys of bis age. Before school had closed for the season he had got up at o'clock and had two whole hours to work; then another hour or two was found in the evening after school. The
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

"Children," said Mrs. Long one morn ing to her little son and daughter. '1 want you to go to Mrs Parker's with some fresh eggs and a jar of jelly. Mr. Parker stopped here this morning on his way to town and told me that his wife Is quite i'll. As you know, they have no poultry or garden-their grounds being too small to allow of poultry raising and gardening And as we have more fine fresh eggs than we need, wish to send a dozen to dear Mrs. Parker. And also wish her to have a jar of my quince jelly. She relished It so much when here to luncheon last week."
 All right, mamma" said lilly. I'll carry the jelly and Billy the eggs. And may we stop awhile at the Parkers to play with Sammy Parker?"
 If his mamma invites you to do so, -, answered Mrs. Long. But you must be sure to play out of doors, for when one is i'll one is disturbed by any unusual or unnecessary noise in the house. Now. bear In mind that you are to be very good, quiet little folk while at Mrs Par ker's."
 Then Mrs. Long filled a small basket with eggs, wrapped a jar of jelly In brown paper, and, giving the dainties to Billy and lilly, told them to be on their way before the sun got high In the heaven and caused the heat to become intense.
 The Parkers country home. a mere bungalow, surrounded by an acre of ground, which was covered with shrubs. flowers and trees. lay a mile from the Long's quite extensive estate of POO acres. The Parkers had but just come Into the neighborhood that spring, but warm friendship had sprung up between them and the Longs. So 1t was with real pleas ure that Billy and lilly went on the kind errand for their mother. They were delighted to take something nice to the sick neighbor, and happy to have the fine morning walk through the woods. which lay between their home and that of their neighbours.
 After the first half mile of the way Tily's arm became pretty tired with carrying the jar of jelly, and she offered to exchange burdens with Billy. 1 thought you'd better have carried the basket said Billy. relieving his sister
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05
LETTER ENIGMA.

My first Is in pink. but not In brown; My second Is in village. but not In town; My third is In corn, but not in wheat; My fourth Is in finger, but not in feet; My fifth Is the same as my second, you see;
 My sixth Is also found In my three.
 My whole is a function
 That children love dear,
 And it's held very often
 At this time O year.
 HIDDEN PROvERB PUZZLE. well-known proverb is hidden in the following seven sentences, each sentence containing one word of the proverb. and the words appearing in their rightful or der:
 Where there is will there is a way. There are always people to see your faults, but few to see your virtues. It Is an Ill wind that blows no good to anyone.
 You may hide your fire in hollow place, but the smoke will ascend skyward. There Is always darkness before the dawn.
 (The sixth work of the proverb is the same as the third.)
 The fire of genius burns more brightly in youth.
 BEHEADINGs. l. Behead the most necessary part of the human head and leave a certain kind of very heavy moisture. 2. Behead a certain kind of illness which often accompanies heavy cold and leave a miniature mountain
 5. Behead a newly married woman and leave Journey on horseback
 CURTAILINGS. l. Curtail burning log and leave an evergreen tree.
 2. Doubly curtail the covering of a floor and leave kind of fish chl 5. Doubly curtail water land leave wild male animal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05
Bessie's Bear.
BY ANNIE JAMES.

from town. Docs % want to do, too, BessieT"
 Bessie thought a minute. Then she re- membered that her mother had not for bldden her leaving the yard Indeed, mamma had not spoken n word about what she was to do or not to do. And was not she a big girl now7 And could not big girl go and come as she llked2 Of course, if she wished to go to the grove with Chuffy-whoever Chuny was she might do so.
 They had walked quite distance, Bes- sle holding chufy's hand, and picking out good ground over which to walk, when Chuffy stopped suddenly, pointing his fat finger. "Dare's a big, brack 1ng! Lookiel'
 And Bessie looked in the direction of the pointing finger. Yes, there was big, black thing, and it looked very, very dangerous, too "Oh," whispered Bessie. Maybe it's a bear-a bearl And it'll eat us up if it sees usl''
 Then Chufy began crying for his man. ma, and Bessies heart beat, oh, so hard. as she turned toward home, dragging the fat, short-legged Chuny with her. Come fast" she urged Chuffy. I've mustn't let that bear ketch us."
 When at last Bessie and Chuffy reached the back yard of Bessie's house there was Chuffy's mamma looking for her runaway. He had come from a street several blocks distant, and his mamma was so happy when she found him that she gathered him in her arms and kissed him all over his freckled face. Then Chuffy and Bessie told her about the bear, to which she listened attentively. Well, let's go down the road and take a look at that big black bear" she sug- gested. "He may not be bear at all." And the big, black thing was not a bear, either, but a dear little calf that was pasturing on the fresh, green grass. Bes- sic and Chuffy laughed very heartily when they saw what a mistake they had made, and then they all went home again.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

But very soon after mamma had de- parted on her shopping expedition Ill., tie boy came to the fence which confined the back yard and peeped through the palings. "Hello!' he called to Bessie.
 Bessie stopped her work of building sand hill and turned toward the out slider. Looking him over, she decided she liked him very well, so she responded to his "Hellol' with a nod and question: Whose you, boy?''
 "I'm Chuffy San-erson," explained the boy, "an' I'm free years ole, goin' on four. Who's you, dirl2"
 "Fm Bessie" informed that little lady, not thinking it necessary to give her last name, "an' I'm five, going onto six, I am." And Bessie stood up very straight to show that she was a big girl.
 I'm doin way down dare" and Chuffy pointed a finger toward a grove of trees that shaded pretty pond half a mile
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

ter. "come, lilly, let's run away" And Billy put out hand to his sister.
 But I ain't afraid" declared Tilly, now very brave and bold, for she looked right into the old mans face and smiled. Then, as he came to within few feet of them. she said. Are you lost, kind sir?'
 The old man laughed outright, replying: Well, you see it's this way, my dear little haxen curls. arrived at the llt- tie railroad station about Ian hour ago. expecting my son-in-law to meet me with his carriage But my wire must not have been delivered on tiu6e. for sat
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

well, I'll go with you to the place or nearly to the place-where the old man Is standing said lilly. 'See, he's still smiling towards us.'
 But supposin' he shouldn't be--should n't be a-man!" whispered Billy. in ap- prehension. He might be a-a-wizard.
 "Ah, little ones, don't be so fearful of mel called the old man, now coming deliberately toward Billy and lilly. "See, I've only my walking-stick which helps my old legs a bit. Come. don't be frightened at poor old man in the woods. Won't you tell me where you're bound for?'
 "Oh, l really believe it's another Red Riding Hoods wolf,' whispered Billy, now plainly frightened, regardless of his at- tempt to pose as a hero before his sis.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

"Wel, my daughter Is Mrs. Parker, and she lives about a mile north of the little red railroad station. I'm on my way to pay her a visit. Unless she has received my wire, she does not know that I am coming'
 "Oh, sir" exclaimed lilly, before Billy could speak, we are going to Mrs. Parker's house right now. She Is i'll and we are carrying some fresh eggs and Jar of mammals jelly to her We'll show you the way if you wish us to, sir"
 "Well, well, now, isn't that just luckf And you were both afraid of me bit ago, weren't youT' asked the old man,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

there and waited so long that at last gave up In despair and decided to walk to my daughters home. l inquired the way and set out on foot. Becoming fatigued after half an hours walk, decided to lie down In this cool dell to rest. Resting so glorously, I fell asleep to the choir of the birds overhead. And now I don't know which direction I came from, nor the one I was pursuing. Can you set me rightl"
 ''Where do you wish to go. slrf" asked Billy, rousing himself to the fact that he was behaving as an arrant coward, while lilly was braving possible dangers and chatting pleasantly to the old stranger And if there was anything that Billy did like to do 1t was to pose before his sister as a man without fear.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05
An Afternoon Tea.

Oh. isn't it the mostest fun
 To play at having tea; To spread napkin on the ground Beneath spreading tree? To have some crumbs of crackers, And tiny bits of cheese; And play that they are goodies Just anything you please? And round the table sitting,
 To have your bestest chums, Who relish thoroughly the tea, Though 'tis but cracker crumbsI
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05

And all were as happy as they could be, : For no harm nor pain did they know. But one day came Bad Boy, with gun and
 rod.
 He shot a bird on limb, Then threw in the water hidden hook: Ah no longer would some fishes swim! And as homeward he went a-whistling
 gay,
 With birds and fish OCT his back, He saw the bug crawling quickly away, But he tramped it to death In his track So, wherever Bad Boy, with his cruel
 heart,
 Went forth his pleasures to find, He wounded and killed in wantoness, Leaving misery and death behind MAUD WALKER.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05
' OurPuzZle Corner $
RIDDLE

RIDDLE
 My first makes company:
 My second shuns company: My third assemblies company: My whole puzzles company. Co-nun-drHms. ANSWERS TO LAST WEEKS
 PUZZLE CORNER. Letter Entomd-Fourth July. Beheddfngs-(D Smtle-mfle. (2) )Bedv --ear. (3) Sioitch-toitch (4) Brag-- rag.
 Curtdilin0s-U Tipsp-ttp. t2)To,cn --toic (3) Broion-broio.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05
Their Steed.

Riding on their swift steed
 Every pleasant day; Galloping across the land
 Go little Ned and May. Ned does guide the swift steed; May does ride behind. So they go about the world Strange scenes and sights to find.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-05
5be Bad Boys
 Cruelty.

big black bug did live in the wood; fine place for bugs to dwell: And he went and came as be wished to
 do,
 For all in that wood went well Birds sang o'erhead in trees so green; Fish swan in the water below,
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-11-26

Have a way of your own--then h
out of other peoples way.