davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

John Grey was the greatest boaster of all the boys in his grade at school Al though he possessed this very bad char aeteristic, the boys tolerated him. and some of them went so far us to excuse him. saying: "Oh, John does boast like all forty, but he'll get over 1t some dave He'll go too far, and like old Nap the Great, will meet his Waterloo
 And this prediction regarding John the boaster came to pass. It happened in this way: After school was out for the summer the boys and girls of John Grey's grade arranged to have little picnic In a fine grove about a mile from town. Through this grove flowed a beau tiful stream, very deep in places. On the sloping. messy bank of this stream the picnic was held.
 Soon after the little folks had assem- bled to enjoy the outing in the woods John, being q loud talker, could be heard 5oasting to his comrades about his own ability In various heroic lines and dis paraging the courage of a certain little chap Sammy Travers by name Now Sammy Travers was known to be the most unassuming and modest boy in the whole town, barring none. He was one or the urSt ln us cidSSes, never missing n lesson nor suffering the dsgraceful tardy mark to be placed against his name. In these respects John Grey could not compare report cards" with sammy. And for this reason he prob ably held a grudge against the boy, who WAS little over half his own size and two years his junior. At all events, he seldom let an opportunity pass to voice little insinuations against Sammy Tray CTS, especially in the presence of other children.
 Well. don't want to brag," John was saying. but I'll bet my hat that were wild bull to come charging down yonder hill-right towards the girls seated in that hammock-that I'd be about the only boy to make dash at him to Tighten him away. And as for our friend Samuel, here, he'd-well-" And John smiled In a sarcastic manner,
 well, he'd disappear into some conve- nient gopher hole and draw the hole ID after him..
 But to Johns embarrassment no one laughed at Sammy's expense. However one chap said with a good deal of em phasis: "l wish we'd get a chance to see you in the role of hero, John, for you've told us so much about your cour. age and bravery that think we'd relish seeing you risk your own neck to save the life of someone else. or to get a glimpse of you in combat with a wild bull. Gee, that would be interesting"
 T guess you are guying me" said John. his face reckoning a bit But if the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14
Summer Don'ts for
 Boys and Girls.

Don't play strenuous games too long at time without resting at intervals.
 Don't drink cold water-or any cold drinks-while overheated, for 1t Is very dangerous to do so.
 Don't be rude or ill-tempered with your playfelows. Learn to give as well as take. to accommodate as well as to be accommodated.
 Don't forget your little sick friends, who are obliged to be shut in during the beautiful summer days, but go to see them frequently, carrying with yon flowers, fruit, comforting smile and words of good cheer.
 Don't try climbing trees that are dan gerously near to deep water: and it Is well to use caution in climbing trees at all.
 Don't become boisterous In a rowboa t. In a moment of excitement you are lia. ble to cause the boat to capsize.
 Don't catch fish or kill birds Just ''for the sport of it," for such conduct is heartless and cruel.
 Don't forget to be generous. helpful and kind to all, and remember that you are little gentlemen and ladies.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14
BY WILLIAM WALLACE, ,JR.

don't you get some big sticks and throw in to her. Get some big limbs-with bark on sos she can hold on"
 "Foolr' And Mabel Graves thrust John aside, allowing little figure to rush through. It was Sammy, who had just come up, and who, upon seeing what the trouble was, had thrown off his hat aud coat, and was now kicking of his shoes as he made ready to plunge Into the water, which at this point was five feet over his head. When l call for q stick to be tossed to me don't waste minuten And then he had made the plunge. and with two or three strokes had reached the struggling girl who was sinking for the third time. He caught her by the arm and held her above water, calling to those on the bank to throw in some strong limbs of trees. These were easily procured, for the ground all about was filtered with fallen trees and bits of strong limbs.
 And within a few minutes-though 1t seemed hours-Sammy, panting from the exertion, dragged May upon the bank where their comrades looked after them tenderly. "Oh, don't mind me-" said Sammy. "Just get something dry for
 
 May to put on."
 At this very minute Mrs Sterns. who had been chosen as chaperon for the party, but who had been obliged to at tend to some business before going to the picnic grounds, and had, therefore, been a bit delayed In joining the band of young folks came upon the scene She had driven to the grove in her phaeton, and just at the very minute when Sammy dragged her little daughter upon the bank-half strangled-she was alighting from the vehicle few paces away. When she learned the exciting news she was, of course, very much overcome. And as soon as she made sure that May was all right save for a severe fright and shock she turned to Sammy with words of earnest gratitude and praise.
 But we must not finger over this part of the scene, for 1t was quite too touching to be witnessed by anyone without gulp in the throat and tears in the eyes. As soon as May had recovered from the shock she got into the phaeton with Ter mother and started homeward, not to re- main there, but to change her clothing and to rest a little while. Then she and the dear mother would return to the pie nic and all would go on as merrily as picnic of children should. But John had disappeared from the scene. And 1t wp~ good for him that he had done so, for when the boys who had gone to the farmhouse had returned to the grounds and had heard from all the indignant girls about his cowardice they felt like giving him good piece of their
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

Old Mother Fin Swimmer was out In the middle of the stream looking for something in the way of food for her little son, Swift Swimmer, and her lit- tie daughter, Grace Swimmer She was a fine big fish, and none in that espe- cia part of the creek had more friends than had she.
 On this morning of which I write old Mother Fin Swimmer had come from her home beneath great ledge of rock which projected far over and into the water, and where she had left her little son and daughter asleep. The two little ones were fond of mapping of mornings and often their mother would take long swim down the stream in quest of a nice swarm of gnats or fes, and upon finding them would rush back to call to her little fishes to follow her and have a feast.
 Well. old Mother Fin Swimmer had not long to wait-or to hunt, rather, for right in front of her came a fine cloud of gnats, fat and toothsome, from a lsh's point of view. "Ah," thought old Mother Fin Swimmer, here's as fine a layout for summer morning feast as I have
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

will scold me, too, for my disobedience. which will serve me just right. And how my poor mouth does hurt me, too. l don't believe I can ever eat with relish again. An, what's that red stuff that's flowing from my lipsl It coors the water. I wonder If I'm going to die! Oh, If only l had followed my dear mother! If I live I'll obey her explic- lily after this. And now l can't eat any of the flies or gnats which are swarming on the surface of the water.'
 Swift! Swiftr' came voice we'll known and well beloved by Swift, for 1t was his dear mothers voice calling to him. She was coming back upstream to look for him. And when she saw the blood pouring from Swift's mouth she became very much frightened and in- qulred of him what had happened and why he had not followed her. as she had bidden him do.
 Then Swift had to confess his dis obedience, his poor torn mouth hurting him so badly that he could scarcely talk. But I'll never disobey you again, mother mine," he promised In a penitent voice. 'I disobeyed a little bit today by taking only nibble, and almost lost my life If I had disobeyed big bit and had taken the whole worm into my mouth I would have been done for now.''
 Well, I'm glad you have learned what 1t means to suffer the consequences of disobedience,' said old Mother Fin Swim mer. And now, come with me down. stream. where your sister is having a fine breakfast on gnats. And such frolic, too, you never saw as the young fishes are having, jumping and leaping out of the water after the gnats. If you had obeyed your mother and kept with her and your sister you would now be having the jolliest time of your life
 And Swift Swimmer, his poor torn mouth giving him such pain that all ap- petite for food was banished and all dis position to frolic and play gone, followed hls kind mother downstream, where he had to content himself by watching the enjoyment of others. And for a whole
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

time ever comes when I have an oppor- tunlty to show you that l can act as well as talk I'll be mighty proud to do 1t. I wouldn't do"
 "Oh, boys." cried May Sterns and Mabel Graves, running to the group of boys who were chatting with John. Who of you will go to that farmhouse over wonder = through the pasture and beg borrow or take some fresh-laid eggs? We're going to tell our fortunes with eggs. It's lots of fun and really very scientific, you know. A fortune told by means of fresh-laid egg broken into a tumbler of spring water always comes true. Who'll volunteer to go? Don't all start at once" And the jolly little girls laughed at the slowness of the boys to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

full-blown blossoms. for they wouldn't live much longer, anyway"
 Flowers love to be gathered to adorn the dining table and to make the room of a sick person cheerful said the voice. ''rhey are then put into nice fresh water and do not die for ever so long a time. and their being in the water prevents them from suffering. h. deed, they enjoy themselves very much when doing good. It's only when being ruthlessly destroyed-as you destroyed so many of them this morning-that they suffer-"
 Well, never again will dear little blossom suffer at my hands," declared Bessie. And if I could put these poor heads back on their necks again I'd do so" And so saying she picked up the whitening blossoms from the ground and held them tenderly in her hands. 'I know what l can do, though she added. "I can put them in bowl of fresh water and set them in a cool, shady place in my room, where they may feel happy In adding their fragrance-what isn't already destroyed-to the delicious morning air."
 And then Bessie ran to her room, pac- ing the half-wilted flowers in dainty bowl of cold water. And almost imme- diately they began to open up and look refreshed and happy. "Oh, you dear things!" exclaimed Bessie 'I shall love you always and always after this morn- ing's chat with old Tiger Lily"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

frighten you out of another years growth"
 Help, help, help! Mays drowning!" came a chorus of wild shrieks from the picnic grounds. John and Sammy threw down their pails and ran back as swiftly as they could to the spot where the cries issued from. Of course, John reach ed there first. being the longer of leg, and therefore the faster runner of the two. And a terrible scene met his eyes. There on the bank were the girls of the party-all save May Sterns-rushing about madly and wringing their hands in despair. crying out: Help! Mays drown ing" And struggling in the water was May Sterns, now above the surface and now beneath 1t, her eyes wild with fear and her voice choked off by water. She
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14
BY HELENA DAVIS.

by long string. Now, old Mother Fin Swimmer was quite wise enough to be on the safe side always. and when, an in- stant later, Swift and Grace came close beside her, and seeing the worm, made a dash for 1t, she cautiously headed them off. Beware of anything that comes dropping right into your very mouth" she whispered. There is something wrong with that worm-he doesn't seem to be alive And see how stiff and bent his body is. He doesn't wiggle and twist as he naturally would do were he to drop accidentally into the water, for, as I have told you, worms and flies and bugs do not live under water"
 But what difference can that maker" asked Swift, his mouth watering for taste of that juicy worm which hung so temptingly near I'm In for trying him, anyway. I shall just nibble bit at one of his ends'' A
 Don't you dare to approach that worm,' said the mother, knowing that some danger was hidden there to ensnare the unwary fish who might be bold enough to bite. "Obey your mother and follow her. Come. let's go on and get
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

week he suffered the consequences of his disobedience. and kept pretty close in his little home beneath the great cool rocks.
 And that day, sitting on the bank just little way from the Swimmers house. were two boys fishing. Say" said one, addressing the other, "did you see that pretty sunfish that was on my hook bit ago? He had nibbled for a minute, and l supposed he'd got a firm hold on the hook But just as I was about to toss him on the grass behind me he fell from the hook. Gee, but he was a fine little fellow, as fat and pretty as you please. He'd been a dandy broiled. And since that nibble I haven't had another one. Guess I'll leave this part of the creek and move downstream. The fish here seem to be educated to the dangers of the hook and angle worm. Come, let's move away"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

our fill of gnats before they are all de- voured by other fish,
 But as mother and Grace swan of down the stream Swift fingered behind to take another longing look at the pink worm. And then his youthful hunger being keen he decided to disobey his wise mothers warning and to try a nib ble at the tempting worm. So he swan round and round the dangling pink form, getting nearer and nearer to 1t with each circle, till soon he was within biting distance of 1t. Then he deliberately took q nibble. And as he did so the worm gave sudden leap upwards. and something sharp caught in the upper part of Swifts mouth. Oh, how 1t hurt him, for 1t pierced the very bones and flesh of the roof of his poor mouth. Into the air he was jerked, far above the water. Then of sudden the sharp thing that had caught into his mouth let go and the suffering fellow fell into the water again with n great splash. "Ugh!" he grunted as he touched the soft waves and sank into his beloved stream once more Ugh, that was Il narrow escape. Had l got more of that sharp thing into my mouth 1t never would have let go It was the mere nbbling at the worm that saved me. A big bite of him would have de- stroyed me forever. Gee, l should have obeyed my \dear mother, who always knows just what to do. And how she
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14


 off down the stream Swift fingered to take a longing look at the pink worm.
 ever seen. I shall swim back as fast as my fins and strength of wind power will take me and call those sleeping youngsters to come and eat. Before the sun gets 10 minutes higher there'll be a hundred fish there to breakfast" And so thinking, the good fish mother went swimming back to the ledge of rock, where her son, Swift, and her daughter, Grace, were still floating, fins idle, asleep. Here, you two lazy ones,' cried out old Mother Fin Swimmer, Come, stir your tails and wiggle your fins and follow me! There's fine feast awaiting you down stream a bit"
 And you may better believe that Swift and Grace walked in a hurry, for they loved good meal as well as do little boys and girls who live on dry land So away they swan, keeping close behind their mother, who could fight any neces- sary battles for them. Often fighting was necessary, too for there were plen- ty of hungry big fish swimming about in that stream that would swallow whole a little girl or boy fish without the least compunction In the matter. So old Mother Fin Swimmer was always on the alert to watch for these cannibals
 But all went well on this morning. for none of these greedy, heartless fellows chanced to come along in the water and the mother and children enjoyed their rush through the warm, brilliant stream But just as they were nearing the place where the gnats had come to hover about a great pink worm dropped himself into the water right in front of old Mother Fin Swimmers nose. For a moment she was so startled at seeing so appetizing morsei drop right into her fins so to speak, that she stopped right of and just looked at it. Then she noted that tbe thing seemed to be held into place
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

her elbow: "Now, little girl, since you have killed so many of my beautiful and innocent comrades, how do you feel? Are you glad to look at those dying blossoms lying about on the ground? Were they not much more pleasing to your eye when they were living and holding in the breeze and smiling towards blue heaven? And how sweet was their fra grance, too, for 1t foated about in the air making 1t delicious to the human nostrils. Ah, little girl, do you know how wicked it is to wantomly destroy these dear fowers?''
 But how can they be dead when they
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

attention-and pity-of the girls"
 Sammy's face turned red at the unjust thrust. Look out, John Grey" he said in steady and determined tones. ''I'm not your size nor your age, but you can't bully me nor try to make me appear insignificant just to draw attention to your own coarse and cruel wifi such can be called wit. I'm not big for my years for which I'm sorry. But my pride is as great as any self-respecting boys, and I'll not allow you nor any other boaster to ridicule me unjustly.'
 "Oh, ho, ho.'' roared John. My! aren't we growing, though? But, say, give me the other pail and you run back to the picnic grounds. We might meet q snake-a COW or calf-and that would
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

offer to comply with their request. The truth of the matter was the boys were waiting for John to volunteer to go in quest of the fresh-laid eggs But John stood reluctant. arguing against such method of fortune-telling.
 There's nothing in It," he declared boldly. I'd go for the eggs. only know my trip through the hot sun would be of no consequence.'
 "1'll go," spoke up Fred White. And we'll go with you," cried several boys voices. And In another minute all the boys save John were starting of toward the farmhouse, half a mile distant from the picnic grounds Here. sammy, you stay to help fetch water from the spring." called one of the girls, as sam
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

had caught hold of some bits of drift wood that was very insecure and with every effort the girl made to gain the shore the bits of rotting wood she held to would break away. Then would ensue the struggle to get hold of other frail pieces. But she was fast losing strength and was strangling so badly that to keep her head above water much longer was utterly impossible.
 "Oh. jump in and save her-save her!" cried dozen girls to John as he came running upon the scene. John went to the bank and looked at the struggling girl. Then he became excited. jumping about like a crazy boy. How'd she fall imp he kept asking, not waiting for an answer, but running on to say: Why
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

squirrel can bite deeper than a dog.
 The rabbits range of vision takes In the entire horizon.
 The conditions of the Arctic atmosphere are so favorable for the transmission of sound that 1t is possible for two persons to converse through a mile of space.
 The greatest heat is never found on the Equator, but some 10 degrees to the north, while more severe cold has been registered in Northern Siberia than has been found near the Pole.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

minds and bit of their fists into ,.e bargain, I fear.
 T always said that boastful fellow would some day meet his Waterloo" said one of the boys But it never occurred to me that it would fall to the lot of heroic little sammy to be that Waterloo Hurrah for Sammy, I say, the hero of today's picnicl''
 And all the boys, and girls, too, joined heartily in the cheers for sammy, the hero of the day. and of the year, for thai matter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14
Bessie and the Flowers A Story for the Wee Girles

Bessie went Into the garden to play. It was the big flower garden, and many, many of the blossoms were Just con- ing into beautiful bloom. Bessie loved to look at the blossoms, but she did not consider their rights, so she began pull ing them off and throwing them on the ground. After she had destroyed great number of the most beautiful blos
 sons that had been smiling so sweetly at her she heard a voice saying just at
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14

wee little maid in the corner sat, She had naughty been that day, And Mamma had had to punish her By keeping her in from play. So there she sat a picture of woe.
 And to herself she said: ''I wish l hadn't naughty been,
 But had stayed a good little maid" Her Mamma heard the woeful plaint, And said: Why, dearest May, If you are sorry for being bad,
 That makes you good so run and play.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14
BEHEADINGs AND cuRrAILINGs.

a Q) Behead a strong wind and leave a favorite drink of the English.
 @ Behead kind of medicine and leave the condition of child with a fever.
 (3) Behead safe anchorage for ships and leave vine-covered garden house.
 CD Doubly curtail the owner and boss of an establishment and leave a part of sailing vessels rigging.
 @ Doubly curtail pasture grass and leave place where -four is put into sacks.
 (3) Doubly curtail one who Is skilled in the use of bow and arrow and leave certain style of pretentious doorway or entrance gate.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14
ROWPuZZle Corner $
RIDDLE.

RIDDLE. I'm singular creature. pray tell me my name I partake of my countryman's glory and fame; l daily am old. I daily am new; l am praised, am blamed. am false, am true; Pm the talk of the nation, while I'm In my prime, But forgotten when once I've outlasted my time; In the morning no miss Is more courted than l. In the evening you see me thrown care- lessly by. Take warning, ye fair. I, like you, have my day; But alas! you like me must grow old and decay.
 ANSWERS TO PUZZLE CORNER. Letter Enigmas-Frolic, Arithmetic Beheddings-Gl Crow--roto. (2) Clean --led3l. (3) InUoice-Uoicc. Curtditings = CD Madam = mad. (2) Mistcr-mist s3) Pedce-ped.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-14
LETTER ENIGMA.

My first is in jug, but not in wine: My second Is in lumber, but not In pine; My third is in nag, but not In mule; My fourth is in learning, but not In school.
 My whole of four letters
 Do spell time dear
 To the hearts of all children
 At this time of year
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-10-15
GRAND RAPIDS % RIPON 0

The game of # OF ball was called at
3 O'Clock Saturday, October 10th,
and to look at the Ripon
team as they took their positions for
the kickoff it seemed as though
their men were giants compared with
the Grand Rapids boys. But the
Grand Rapids boys, who are after the
championship this year were deter
mined to win, and would not let a
little thing like size have any differ
ence with them. And after the first
down everybody knew which way the
game was going. Under the perfect
generalship of Captain Early touch
down was secured after the first seven
minutes Of play. The famous tackle
| plays for which the Grand Rapids
High school is noted were too much
for the Ripon team and they were
out-piayed on all sides. 1t did not
take the Grand Rapids boys long to
find weak spot and then pound it.
1t was clean game from start to
finish. But the Ripon team is not in
the same class as the Grand Rapids
team.
The local boys secured five touch
downs failing to kick goal but once
/ making the score 90 to O.