davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17
Tom, the Giant and the Fairy.

the heavy leather strap that was kept merely to be used on his back. Then he drew from his quivering little body his cotton jacket and old cast-off shirt of August's, which had fallen to his lot
 When the hard-hearted, lazy aunt had tired herself out she dropped the strap and returned to finish her nap on the porch in the sun. And poor Tom. worn out by the terrible fogging he had re- ceived and suffering the acutest agony Of both body and mind, fell upon the floor in limp mass. As he lay there he heard a heavy tread upon the path out side the kitchen door, and glaneing up beheld q giant approaching. Being fin that state of mind where fear cannot enter Tom lay quite still. watching through tears the approaching giant. When he reached the door he stood look Ing at Tom, pity in his big. dull eyes. Poor lad" he said. I've heard about you and l brayed the danger of coming here to tell you how you may escape this place and these wicked people. Go into the mountain-away up the southern side, and walk straight towards the clouds till you come to a turn in the path. Then you must stop and put your fingers in your mouth and give three long whistles, after which you must say: Hail, Fairy Queen. I am come to you for suceor' And then your fortunes will change"
 But, good giant" said Tom, struggling to his knees, ''how am I to get permission to leave this house? My aunt will never consent for me to go away from here.' And Tom, In guarded whispers, lest his aunt might be awakened by the sound of voices, related the incident of the dis appearance of the dishes and his subse- quent punishment, ending by solemnly declaring that he was innocent of the charge that his aunt had made against him and that he had no Idea of where the dishes were.
 "Ah, l think l smell the mystery" said the giant. "The other day as I lay hid behind a long-fallen tree 1 over heard your d-for-nothing cousin bar gaining with a shepherd for a flute that he coveted The shepherd told him that he was going to be married and wanted more than anything else some dishes and Kitchen utensils. I fancy the young son of this house is the guilty person."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17
Y OurPuZZle Corner $

Is often seen doing to his horse and leave an act much enjoyed by people three times day.
 @ Behead a racecourse and leave a small piece of furniture that is hung upon the wall.
 t3) Behead a verb meaning to pull, and leave the state of uncooked food
 (4 Behead a hot vapor and leave pair of horses that go hitched together. (5) Doubly curtail pretty bird and j. leave busy market place.
 (6) Doubly curtail longing for food and leave verb applied to disagreeing jury.
 O Doubly curtail sum of money and leave toy much enjoyed by little girls.
 CONUNDRUMS.
 When are thoughts like valuables7
 When both are oppressed.
 What heavenly thing and what earthly thing does rainy day most affect?
 The sun and your shoes, for tt takes the shine dsody from both
 Why is the city milkman like the fish that swallowed Jonah? , Because he finds profit tprophet) tn the a0dter.
 Answers to Last Weeks Puzzles. Letter Eni0ma: Garden. Beheadin0s: CD Bear--cdr. (2) Bcnd end (3) Spedk-peGk.
 Cfwtuigings (4) Dogma Dog. (5) Lasso-Ldss. (6) PdBtfy-pdnt
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

giants. dwarfs and fairies, and there were many strange happenings then.
 Every morning Toms Uncle Andrew went into the fields to work; his Aunt Jane went out on the great vine-covered porch to sit in idleness, while Tom was put to perform the household duties. And August passed the hours between breakfast and dinner lying on his back on the mountainside singing songs or talking to himself, or perchance visiting some shepherd on the mountainside, but always idle
 The morning on which this story opens was glorious May day, the sun shining with a genial smile on garden and field Tom was busy in the kitchen washing the breakfast dishes. He had placed the plates and cups on tray to drip while he ran to the spring near by for some water. On his return be found to his amazement that every dish had disap- peared from the tray. At first he sup posed his aunt had come in and wiped them dry and put them In the cupboard. But when he went to the cupboard to see if such were the case he was dumb founded to see no plates nor cups there.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

At this instant Tom heard a rustic on the front porch and held up finger of warning to the giant, whispering quickly: Hide behind the hedge there; my aunt is waking and will be here to give me orders for dinner
 And after she has returned to her lazy pastime I'll come back and we'll finish our conversation" whispered the giant Then .he betook himself quickly behind a high, thick hedge which grew round the garden. No sooner had he disappeared than Toms aunt came stalk ing heavily into the kitchen, kicking Tom, who still sat upon the floor. the weakness from his beating not yet having passed off Come, you beggar, and start the dinner,' commanded the aunt "Go into the garden and gather some garlic and beans. Make a nice pot of soup for your uncle and cousin. And don't for get to put my name in the pot. And l want nice piece of mutton, broiled to q turn before brisk fire. See that the drippings are not wasted. And put the freshest loaf on the table and keep the stale one for yourself It ought to keep you supplied for week if you are not gluttonous"
 Tom dragged himself to the garden where the giant. seeing him, came also. ''You rest and I'll gather the vegetables, said the giant to Tom. You look Ill, and should not have to work as you do
 Say, look through the hedge,' whis- pered Tom. pointing in the direction of the house. The giant did as bidden and saw August. the adored son of the house, creep stealthily toward the kitchen, keeping an eye turned towards the garden where be no donbt knew Tom would be at this time of day. He entered the kitchen and came forth again, carrying in his arms a great pot (the soup pot in which Tom was to make the dinner broth, a pewter pitcher and a dough bowl. He made off towards the mountain side with all pos sible speed, looking cautiously behind him at every few steps. "Ah, ha. didn't I smell rght?" asked the giant, who had stretched himself full length on the ground that he might peep under the hedge without being seen by August.
 And he 1t was that got the dishes" said Tom. q shall go this instant and tell Aunt Jane about Cousin August. She must know that 1t was not l who broke or threw away the dishes. And now when she misses the pot she'r. beat me again. So, I shall run and tell her about having seen August going off with the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

folks interested enough in the matter to contribute a mite towards It. Yes, it's a real success" declared Fred, fully as happy over the result as Flossie. And count me in on helping you in any of your undertakings, Sis. I'll do more for you than any brother you might have had"
 But, Fred, 1t isn't for me--this pie me, said Flossie. You must do these things for the poor, whose lives are so dull and full of care. don't need 1t; our guests of honor do" l
 "All the samey, you are the guiding the guiding-oh, what is it want to call youY' And Fred foundered for the right word.
 'The angel" said Q faint voice behind them. and looking round Fred and Flos- sic saw the old white-haired woman whose daughter had been so i'll In the hospital. An angel-that's what this dear little girl is" she declared, tears filling her grateful ayes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

picnic in the great green woods, with the band playing old-fashioned airs, the bright young boys and girls waiting on them, serving them with cooling drinks and feasting them on all the dalnties, which might tempt less sharp appetites, and the fresh air and glorious sunshine and shade all about them And they felt that into their lives had crept guiding spirit in the form of sweet Flossie Wade, who was happier on that day than she had ever been before at q picnic.
 Isn't it splendid, Fred, to make these dear old souls so happy, if it is only for a day?'' Flossie asked, her face radiant with pleasure. "Why, this is the first picnic that the poor old organ grinder ever attended, and the others have not had outings or pleasures for so many years that this Is to them q taste of heaven. Let's repeat this picnic several times during the summer--if we can get
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

Flossie Wade sat on the porch In deep study, her brows knitted and her lips pursed up into a severe pucker. "I'm go- ing to do It. she said emphatically, speaking to herself. 'I'm going to do it."
 .Who are you talking to, Sis?" asked a jolly boyish voice, and Flossie looked up to see Fred Brown standing beside her. Are you chatting to the porch post2" Fred continued jokingly.
 "No. I'm talking to good company" laughed Flossle, her brow smoothing out and her lips losing their pucker. But how did you creep in here without my seeing you, MisterT"
 T came as thin air and then material ized,' said Fred in a light vein. Don't you believe in naturalization?
 ''oh, Fred, stop joking and be serious. I'm thinking"
 Don't do anything so rash," protested Fred with assumed gravity. "Don't you know that thinking is a dangerous experi- ment fin hot weatherf
 "Come, stop fooling," commanded Flossie. rising and standing on the porch steps close to Fred. Now, if you'll be serious for once in your life Mister Fred have found 1t impossible to keep without sharing with someone else.''
 "A thousand thanks for the promised confdence,' said Fred with a low bow. And I'll promise you that you will not regret having chosen me as the happy fel- low to own the half of your secret. Is it about a party-or a new frock?'
 "Then you think me silly as all thatT And Flossie's brows drew into a straight line and a suggestion of q pucker came on her lips again.
 "No, mo-" protested Fred. 'I was mere ly guessing. But, come. I'll be serious and listen with all my ears''
 well, I want you to promise to help me out in a scheme,' said Flossie. Don't work on your part; but 1t will mean some money"
 At your service,' said Fred jingling some small coins in his pocket But,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

plates and cups were missing; nor can find them anywhere"
 The aunt was on her feet in a moment, and striding with a very healthy stride into the kitchen. ''If you've broken a single dish, young beggar, I'll give you 30 lashes with the strap for each dish, she said 'Ah, the dishes could take unto themselves legs and walk away, could they7 Well, we'll see about that. !" And the irate woman began searching everywhere for the missing plates and cups, but all in vain. During her search Tom stood trembling in every limb. for be knew what punishment at his aunt's hands meant Her arm seemed to hold the strength of giant when she wielded the lash.
 ''Ah, ha, just as I thought cried the aunt, turning on Tom. You've broken the dishes that you may not have them to wash. Go and fetch the strap from the cellarway and remove your jacket and shirt. You'll not be in humor to break any more dishes for sometime after I'm through with you.'
 Tom could do nothing but obey. and brought to the angry and cruel woman
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17
BY HELENA DAVIS.

Tom was a poor orphan boy who lived with his uncle and aunt and cousin. The uncle's name was Andrew, the aunt's name was Jane. and the cousins name was August The uncle was a cross, domineering man without affection for any save his wife and son. The aunt was A lazy, selfish, envlous woman, hating the little orphan boy who was left to her charge by a dying sister. The cousin was a boy after his doting mothers own heart, an egotlstical. boldfaced lad some two years the senior of his consin Tom.
 These folks lived in the country at the base of q great mountain. and the time of their existence was q very, cry long time ago. They lived during the age of
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

clared Flossie "And now how about the rest of the moneyf'
 Well, you see, l didn't want your little plan to fall through, Sis, so IT. Well, I put what I had in bank into the fund. No, no, not word! I won't hear word about it. It's half my picnic; so l have a right to put In what l please. It was only-Well, it was only seven dollars, you see. Hardly enough to count. The wagons-each with driver-are five dollars apiece for the day. You see Dad and I paid for three wagons and a triie over. So l hustled enough from the other boys for the fourth wagon and got that old skinfint, my uncle Powers, to contrib ute a five. Of course, I'm not paying the band full for their services. l asked them if they wanted to enjoy a nice day in the woods, and have a fine luncheon handed in, for little music. explained that 1t was to be some sort of a charity picnic We'll, they were glad enough to go for the outing; and I hope their hearts dictated little toward the charity end of it. But anyway I've got them, which is sufficient. Well, you see, I had little cash to spare for the flags and the dealer-Mr. lakes, gave me a great bargain in them, seeing that some of them were a bit soiled. But that'll never show on the wagons"
 Fred, you're brick' declared Flossie. of I had an own brother he couldn't do more for me than you do."
 "I hope he wouldn't do so much," stam- mered Fred, his fine, manly face reckoning bit. He was very fond of Flossie Wade, and wanted to prove himself her very best friend in every way possible.
 The next morning at 0 o'clock a strange looking procession was to be seen going through the Wade gate, and Flosse stood on the porch to welcome those who com prised it. First came two old men. stopped and feeble, supporting themselves on their heavy walking sticks. Next were an old white e-haired woman and pae-faced younger one, the latter very frail and i'll In appearance. Then came an old cripple,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

gathering crowd with some surprise. tears of sympathy In her eyes. She had not questioned her daughter regarding the in- vited, knowing that whatever Flossie did would be perfectly right. But some of Flossie's girl comrades were a bit dis pleased when they beheld the old, the crippled, the sick and poor, for they had had no notion of anything of the sort.
 Say, Stella,'' whispered Grace Evans two of the girls whom Flossie had invited to be of the party, what do you think of going on a picnic with this job-lot of humanity? I think 1t anything but agree able. Now, I fully approve of charity but not of mixing, you know"
 ,But before Stella could answer her com pdnion's question a merry sound of music came floating on the air then the toot toot, toot, of horn, and In another minute the four picnic wagons dashed up before the gate, flags flying and the band boys with faces as bright as the noon- days sun.
 Now. where's Fred?" asked Flossie, wondering why her assistant and right fhand man had delayed his coming But at the moment he came dashing through the gate, carrying a box half as large as himself. Am I later he cried in his enthusiasm, wiping the precipitation from his flushed face "See here, Sis, this box is full of-explosiyes. I've brought some fireworks. No use having a dull day, l say. Now, everybody in the wagons and let's be off. Where're the baskets? Oh, there they are. Here, boys to the other boys of his own age), just load in the grub-not into your faces, understand, but into the wagons Gee, we're going to have q great day!"
 Then all was merry hustle, and the old organgrInder laughed so heartily over the proceeding of being loaded" into the wagon that Stella and Grace caught the spirit of fun and laughed, too, feeling glad after all that they were to assist in making so many poor old folk happy for a day.
 And how much the guests of nonor' tas the old and poor were) did enjoy that
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

The fish are biting. too, they say; Hurrah hurrah! And there is fun the liye-long day; Hurrah, hnrrah Oh, it is grand to be a boy; Hurrah, hurrahl There couldn't be a greater joy; Hurrah, hurrahl When for the summer school Is out; Hurrah, hurrah From morn till night we'll romp and
 shout;
 Hurrah. hurrAhi
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

With many misgivings he went to his aunt, who was mapping like a great cat on the porch, and reused her by saying: Come. listen to me, Aunt Jane.
 His aunt awoke glared at him in won- der. for she had forbidden Toms coming on the porch when she was taking her sleep. How dare you, you miserable. thankless one, to disturb me during my morning nap? Haven't l told you l am not well, and that l must have my rest after meals? Now, what's the matter that you stand there looking as though you had stolen a sheep and been caught in the act? Speak up."
 Why, Aunt Jane, I washed the plates and cups and put them to drain on the tray while 1 ran to the spring for water. When I returned to the kitchen all the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

a poor Italian street-organ grinder; and following him the shoe-cobbler and his wife. nice. jolly faced old German couple who lived In a meager shanty down by the railroad tracks. And ending the pro- cession were six poor stragglers, seemingly not one of them acquainted with the other Two of the six were women, one poor seamstress who had just been released from the hospital. where she had suffered quite severe illnesss, and the other d dear old woman who lived in a tenement with her grandsons whose small earnings could hardly keep the wolf from the. door. The other four were men of poverty, age and Ill health. three out of the four being past 60.
 Flossie's mother, who was to go with the party as chaperon. looked on the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17
HIDDEN ADAGE.

A well-known adage is hidden in the fol- lowing five sentences, one word of the adage being contained in each sentence and all appearing in their rightful order: pretty girl wastes much time before the mirror
 All is well that ends well.
 To be known as good man does not al- ways signify goodness.
 It's pretty kettle of fish when two fast friends fall out and quarrel.
 There are many days of darkness, though the sun does shine.
 LETTER ENIGMA. My first Is in bread, but not in dough; My second Is in meadow, but not in low; My third is In sun, but not in moon; My fourth is in badger, but not in coon !; My fifth Is the same as my first, you know;
 My sixth appears in my second also; My seventh Is in lily, but not in grew; My eighth is the same as my seventh, too;
 My whole is the name
 Of a game most dear
 To the hearts of ,schoolboys
 At this time of year.
 Beheadings and Curtailings. f1N d n;x
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17
HURRAH!

Summer time is almost here;
 Hurrah, hurrah! It is the swimming time O year; Hurrah. hurrah
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

learning many, many things. And he be- came learned man and good one, al- ways remembering his own wretched childhood from which the good giant and the fairies had rescued him. And he was always good to the poor. especially to the poor children.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-17

Beheadipgs and Curtailings. Q) Behead that which a cruel driver
The morning journal-courier., 1908-02-05
STOCK MARKET REVIEW.
Good Signs from Railroad Field
 Operations Almost MI.

New York, Feb. 4-The operations in stocks fell to the point of stagna- tion to-day. There was light de- mand during the early part of the day centering in Q few stocks and coming from only a few brokerage houses which have been sellers for the past few days of the market. The slight effect on prices produced by this demand which was regarded as unfavorable prompted the bears to cover their short contracts There was at the same time cessation of the acute weakness in special stocks which have proved disquieting recent ly and also of the reports to explain this weakness and which alleged troublesome features regarding the finances of the companies. No more was heard of the talk of the intended receiVership for the Rock Island and the securities of that company enjoy ed a substantial recovery. There was not much in the news of the day to af- ford positive grounds for a rise in prices. The re-opening of the car shops of the New York Central and Pennsylvania railroads were consid- cred a good sign. FThe December net earnings report of the Pennsylvania railroad receive much attention and depress the stock principally because rumors had been in circulation that 1t would be worse than 1t proved. The determination to maintain prices in the steel trade is expected to have some effect on railroad economies, consumptive requirements of the rail- roads in that trade. The suggestion has been made that, until the rail roads find themselves in funds again by revival of the demand for secur- ities, a reduction of prices of equip ment material would be found ineffec- tiHe to stimulate demand. and that a reduction, therefore, may be postpon- ed rather than avoided Another source of embarrassment to the econ omies planned by the railroads is tho large cost of moving empty cars which is prompted by the heavy penalties at taChed to retaining cars of other com panies which were put in force at the time of car famines resulting from the crush of traffic
 The falling off in activity of bonds was as marked as in stocks. The tone was lower, Total sales par value S2.- 4S6,000.
 
 United States bonds were un- changed on call
The morning journal-courier., 1908-02-05
ovERHAULING BLOCK ISLAND
Steamer 10 he Entirely Rchtted for
 Next Season.

Tho Steamer Block Island, plying in the New England Navigation com pany's service between Norwich. New London, Watch Hill and Block Island, is on the ways at Noank, Conn, under going reconstruction. Such extensive changes and alterations have been been planned that she will be practi- cally new vessel when the ship Wiights finish with her
 She will be entirely ovcrhauled from bow to stern and her hull divided into six watertight compartments with strong collision .bulkhead forward and two others, absolutely watertight, for ward and aft of the machinery.
 The kitchen will be sheathed in iron and will form part of the engine en- closure The installation of com plete wrecklng apparatus will be one of the precautionary measures Tor safeguarding the vessel and her pas sengers.
 The new Block Island will have the modern conyeniencos and comforts or the larger and more pretcntious Sound steamers. A large. airy and finely dec orated dining room will be placed on the main deck instead of below, as heretofore A lobby and retiring room will be added to the ladies cabin. The vessel will be as splc and Span throughout as a newly built craft when she resumes her service on the New London and Block Island route this summer
The morning journal-courier., 1908-02-05

the owner of s100Oo0 of bonds loaned to the National Bank of North America at the time of its failure last week, and that his attorneys were making strenuous efforts to get back the se- curities.
 The bonds are pledged with the Washington authorities as security for public deposits. and as soon as the bank suspended last week, MT. Rocka- feller's attorneys began to negotiate with the receiver to regain possession of the stock. The negotiations have been conducted quietly, but the facts leaked out when inquiries were made as to the necessary mode of procedure for the rich mans attorneys to take.
 This Is the first case on record where an important bank has suspended while holding the bonds of the wealthy men V ho make a practice of lending such securities to the national banks to pledge as security for public depos- itc