davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

A long, long time ago, when people still believed in witches and ghosts, there lived In a beautiful country a youth named Jakey Robins and his aged grand mother, Dame Robins. These two dwelt alone several miles from the village and their land was very rich. The fertile acres had belonged to Jakey's father, who had left them to his son and old mother with the wish that they never dispose of the land while they lived. And as the boy and old woman were thrifty folk they improved the fertile soil till the entire farm bloSsomed and yielded forth riches. They had comfortable though unpreten- tious house of undressed stone, and every where about them smiled peace and plenty. And so, when this story opens, Jakey and Dame Robins were as happy as 1t ever tails to the lot of human beings to be.
 In the same neighborhood WAS pretty lassie, Mary Downs, and she and Jakey were betrothed., intending to be married as soon as Jakey should reach his major ity. The parents of Mary and the grand mother of Jakey were much pleased at the prospect of the union of the young people, for Jakey was known to be as honorable and thrifty lad as one could find in all the world and no fairer or sweeter maiden trod the earth than pretty Mary Downs.
 In the same neighborhocd there also position, coveting the land of hls neigh
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

And after Mary and I are married her farm and ours will join. Could any thing be pleasanter? As for that ghost well, dear Granny, let's wait till 1t comes again. Then Is time enough to talk of selling"
 But that same evening came old man Troope and his son, Daniel. Again they offered to buy the farm saying. "Of course, we wouldn't think of living here, since the place has become haunted but we'd till the soil and turn the house into a COW stable. As It's close to our own farm we'd have no trouble taking care of both places. But-of, course. we couldn't pay as much as we offered you last fall, for since then the value of the place has decreased somewhat owing to its being haunted"
 Jakey smiled. ''Well,' he said, "I'm not afraid of ghosts. And this place isn't haunted, either I'll risk my chances on that. As for Granny-well she's old and superstitious, and believes many things that she wouldn't tolerate at all if she were younger and had clearer vision."
 Do you mean to say that she didn't see a ghost?" asked Daniel "Why, I was coming along the road back of your
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

Now, as was said in the beginning of this story, the people of that day etill believed in witches and ghosts-that Is, great many of them did. And among the superstltious was poor old Dame Robins. In vain did her intelligent grandson argue the point with her, trying to clear her mind of such benighted lalief, ex plaining that so long as she had never seen either witch or ghost--or had had proven to her the existence of such-she should not so blindly believe in them But the old granny would shake her head, saying credulously: But there're witches and ghosts. son. There have always been such, and there will always be such. They are evil spirits come to injure us. V
 And as Jakey was the only person in the neighborhood who dared to boldly refute the superstitious teachings which had held good for so many centuries his arguments against the existence of witches and ghosts had little weight with the old dame.
 One evening when Jakey returned from the village, where he had spent the day on business he found his aged grand mother In d state of great excitement. She ran to the gate to meet him, crying out:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10
ESTELLES REV ARD.
BY WILLIAM WALLACE, JR.

many infirmities and much loneliness. We who are still In the heyday of youth, or, like yours truly, in his prme should do all In our power to make the aged happy and help them to forget that they are walking the downward hill toward the nighttime of life
 Very good, papa" cried Marie laugh ingly. You speak like a preacher
 Mrs Daniels gave a severe look to her mischieyous and thoughtless daughter and opened the letter, reading aloud: "Dean niece and family: The woman that takes care of my house and looks after me is going away for a weeks rest, and wish one of your girls would come and stay with me during her absence. I've been figuring out that school will close next week and the girls will be free, so l would take 1t as a favor If one of them would come to me for the week after next.
 T hope you and your dear family are well. l have been rather under the weather for the past month and am hard ly able to take my usual walk before breakfast. So I pass many lonely hours and need the bright face and hdppy laughter of a young person in the house.
 With much affection to you and yours and hoping to receive reply soon I am yours, AUNT LOU"
 We'll! And Bert turned a grnning face on his sisters. That's sure going to be hard on one of you gals. Glad she didn't ask for Master Bert, esquire Gee."
 Mrs. Daniels folded the letter. Then, turning to her daughters, said: "I hope you will volunteer to go. Marie, for Es telle is so busy with her music that she oughtnt stop till midsummer. I'm so anxious for her to be ready to enter the Conservatory of Music next fall
 "Yes, 1t would be better for Marie to go,' said MT. Daniels sThe care of her great aunt will give her Il lesson in responsibility. which she needs"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

The Daniels family were seated about the breakfast table, when the postman brought several letters. One addressed to Mrs. Daniels was in an old-fashioned handwriting. which bespoke the writer to be long past middle age.
 From Aunt Lou" said Mrs. Daniels. ''I wonder what brings letter from her ? She 50 seldom writes. do hope the dear old lady isn't H."
 visit," said Bert, the son of the family. well, if she does, don't mean to take her out in my pony cart as I did when she was here a couple of years ago. She used to catch hold of the lines If l urged old Andy out of a dog trot, and she was forever telling me that I didn't know , how to drive. I think very old people like Aunt Lou are a bother to young folks, and they ought to keep to them selves"
 .sWhy, Bertp' And Bert's mother looked reprovingly at her son, saying: Its very sad to be old and alone, as Is poor Aunt Lou, and she enjoys coming to visit us 70 much, for she says the young life In the house cheers her up. I for one hope she's coming for fortnight"
 .sWell, see what she has to say, mamma" suggested Estelle, the older of two daughters '.It's fair to her to read Nudt sue ihtehus uoine Deioic we oiscuss it pro and con. It may be possible that she Is inviting some of us to visit her.
 Well, I'll decline at the very outset, :" exclaimed Bert
 Well, I wouldn't care to spend a week under the same roof with her, said Ma rie. the younger daughter. She's al ways having something the matter with her and wants so much attention. l don't like waiting on old sick people"
 That's hard thing to say daugh- ter," said Mir. Daniels, laying aside his paper. If we live our allotted time, we must become old. and age brings with It
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10
WHEN JAKEY CAUGHT THE GHOSTS. MAUD WALKER

house that afternoon and saw the thing myself. It frightened my horse till he Jumped.'
 Well. I shall have to see the ghost before believe In 1t" smiled Jakey. And till I see one, this place is not for sale.''
 The Troopes went away, rather cut up over the way Jakey had talked to them about the ghost. And they held very in- terested conversation on their way home ward, understanding each other thorough ly.
 That same night, and while Jakey and his grandmother slept. they were reused by q strange noise proceeding from the cor ner of the house. It sounded like q human vail. Jakey leaped from his bed and ran to his grandmother's room. calming her by saying, "Be very quiet, Granny, for l have scheme in mind to catch the ghosts"
 Catch the ghostl" stammered the old woman, whose teeth were chattering with fear.
 Be calm and listen, Granny" whis- pered Jakey. Don't you notice how anxious the Troopes are to get hold of our property? Well, put two and two together, Granny, and you've got four.
 
 your faith in ghosts is, and they are playing tricks to scare us from our dear old home. I hadn't any idea they would be bold enough to come here while I was at home, but evidently they are out side the house right now trying to frighten us with their ghostlike noises. "
 But, son. shivered the old dame, Suppose it really Is a ghost!'
 That must be proven, Granny. And to do this you must act just as say. Now, when you hear that noise again just go to the door and call to me as loudly AS you can, crying out: oh, Jakey, come home, come home to your old Granny The ghost is herel Oh, why did you go to the taffy-pulling at Browns tonight and leave me alonel Oh. Jakey, when will you come homer You see, I want them to think Pm away from the house. Then being emboldened by my absence, they will hang around frightening you to their hearts content, knowing that to make you afraid they'll gain their point, for they know that would move away from here were the place really and truly haunted, and you afraid of your shadow. But I'll prove to you tonight, Granny, that your ghost Is a very live one, and very mean | one to boot
 Hardly had he spoken when the moan l ing came again right at the side of the { door. Old Granny, trembling in every limb and praying for protection, hobbled | to the door and did as Jakey had in- structed her. But 1t was a weak, feeble call she made, one which assured the ears of the ghosts, for they raised their moans-there seemed to be two of them ito regular screeeh. crying in mur- derous voice: "All who live here will be haunted to the end of their days. We. the ghosts. will haunt them" While this was going on Jakey had crept out of the house by the back door, and had slipped round to the front. espying two whitecad figures close to the gate, wall. ing and waving their arms. As quick as flash he had leaped upon them before they were aware of his coming, and had 1 grappled with the taller of the two. He found the ghost very strong one, ] for 1t struck him several blows, while
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

the second ghost came to it's assistance. But at this point the gate opened and a man appeared on the scene. He seemed surprised at the strange sight. and stood for n moment aghast
 "Ah, it's Mir. Downsl' cried Jakey, hailing the newcomer Here. Mir. Downs, help me to unrobe these ghosts An, here's one undoner And he pulled the white drapery from the face of none other than Daniel Troope and turned his attention to the other ghost. who was fighting his way toward the gate. But the instant that Daniel stood ex- posed the father turned and threw off his own disguise, cursing Jakey with all the venom of his nature Then. to the music of Jakey's laughter. Mir. Downs exclamations of wonder, and old Gran ny's cries of Well, well, md they were the ghosts" the two disappeared Granny "come into the house, Mr. Downs and have a bit to eat and sup. Sure, it's shaking all over with excite ment l am."
 But not with fear, mother" laughed Jakey, as the three went into the house.
 Pm on my way to Nelghbor Jack sons, said MT. Downs. They have a sick child and sent for me- asking me to fetch Dame Robins along.'
 And I'll go with you" said that worthy dame, and never a minute must we lose to spread the news of the ghosts Ah, but those Troopes are q bad pair
 'Yes, and since this exposure of their contemptible schemes the neighbors must not rest till they are driven from the community" declared Mir. Downs "Jakey, you're fine lad and I'm proud of you as future son-in-law. No ghosts will 'hant' us with you 'round.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

"son. I've seen ghostl I've seen ghost!"
 Jakey went into the house, where he found everything in confusion. His grandmother had barrieaded the windows and back door, fortifying the place against the evil spirits. evidently. The front door was locked by the key which the old woman carried in her hand, hay ing fastened the door on going to the gate to meet her grandson. There was no fire oil the kitchen hearth, and no sup per in course of preparation. The old woman had forgotten the time of day in her fright.
 It took sometime for Jakey to quiet the old dame and get get .a coherent story from her about the exciting incident of the day. At last, with the windows all open to admit the pleasant spring air and hrilliant moonlight and cheerful fire glowing on the hearth. Jakey. sitting on
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

her mistress that "a whole parcel of folk was on the stoop wantin' to come in. .''
 People to see me? Why, what can they want at this time of night?' And Aunt Lou looked inquiringly at Estelle, who had risen quickly and was starting into the hall.
 Your friends have come to spend an hour or so with you Auntie," she replied as she bowed in dozen ladles and gen. tlemen of various ages, The callers had responded to Estele's invitation to give her aunt q little surprise. And right merry surprise it was, too, for among the guests assembled were four or five aged folk. who like Aunt Lou, were glad of an opportunity to be young aga.n and to have a chat, joke and laugh with those of the younger generation
 Estelle and the servant succeeded in preparing dainty luncheon. which was served informally in the stting-room at Q o'clock. After the sandwiches. cakes and tea the company grew more lively. and Aunt Lou gaily related her first sleigh ride. telling how 1t was with one of the now aged guests-old Mir. Cham pion-and how he had purposely tipped the sleigh over in a drift. And that's why you refused to have me, was it?' asked the old gentleman in question. laughing at the joke turned on himself. EXactly, SIT, ueciareu Auht l>Ou, her face radiant with the joy of the bright company.
 And so the first half of the night wore away and when at last the guests de- parted the hall clock struck the hour of 12.
 .'why, Estelle, dear, do you see what time 1t is? Mercy mel How much l have enjoyed this evening. wonder why never thought before to Invite in my neighbors for an evenings pleasure? Well, they, like me- have grown old and are accustomed to staying at home. But from now on I mean to see more of folks, and what's more, mean to try to make others happy as well as being happy myself"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10
must needs make you happy In spite of yourself" explained Estelle

yourself" explained Estelle.
 And the happiest week in the last 20 years of old Aunt Lotus life was the week that Estelle spent with her. There was no nursing of an old woman-such as had been anticipated. for Aunt Lou became almost young again in the so- ciety of Estelle. Each morning they rode round the neighborhood visiting any sick poor that they could hear of, and doing what lay in their power to ale viate fhe sufferings of the unfortunates. In the afternoon they dropped in to have tea with some neighbor or invited neighbors in to sip tea with them. And three of the weeks evenings were spent at parties given in honor of Miss Estelle Daniels. chaperoned by her aunt, Miss Lou Daniels
 At the expiration of the week Aunt Lou's housekeeper returned to find new mistress. And es Estelle was preparing to return to her home the old aunt de- clared that she had no words to express her gratitude to the dear young girl who had so willingly sacrificed so much of her time to make her over,' as she termed the service Estelle had rendered her.
 And here is something for you, dearie,' whispered the old l9dy at parting. T know you've been wi nting new piano for long time, and your papa hasn't felt able to get just such a one as you want. Now, take one from your new aunt, for that old lady who was eternally in She dumps, that old Miss Daniels, has passed out of existence" And Aunt Lou slipped into Esteles hand check for S1 GOO
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

the corner settle beside his granny, in duced her to lose all fear and to talk nationally.
 Well, son, it's this way began Dame Robins. Soon after you left home this morning I went to the garden to work among the vegetable beds that are grow ing so nicely. Well, while was bent over the onions, pulling the weeds and thinking of yours and Mary's coming marriage and how fine couple you'd be, I heard a noise In the hedge back of the pig sty. looked up and saw something white moving back of the green bushes, and l called out: Who goes there? And what do you think l heard? Nothing but a low wall that curdled my blood. Then the white thing waved long arms and dis appeared
 Jakey tried to reassure his grand mother, saying: Well, if 1t was q ghost it will return. Then I'll get look at it. But, Granny let's have some sup per I'm empty to my boots'
 In less than weeks time the story of the ghost spread over the county. It was told that the Robins farm was haunted. Daniel Troope declared that he was passing the Robins farm at the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

bors and doing all in his power to get possession of 1t. He had an only son who had inherited his ugly characteris- ties. and who endeavorcd to place himself well in the esteem of pretty Mary Downs. But Mary, with the wisdom of an older head, had turned only cold glanees on the foppish fellow. by name Daniel Troope.
 And So if may be seen at n glapce that Daniel Troope and his father had no good feelings toward the more successful Jakey Robins, and had been making him offers for his land.
 "This place belongs to Granny and me" Iakey would say, and 1t is not for sale" But still did the Troopes, senior and junior, press him. wishing very much to get him out of the county, thinking thdt by so doing they could break the engage ment between him and Mary and induce the latter to receive the attentions of Daniel in the place of the departed lover
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

hour of the alleged ghosts appearance and had with his own eyes seen the ap- partition. Tt was flying along behind the hedge, moaning loudly" said Daniel. And so the story of the ghost came to be believed by the community and the people from far and near came to ask questions about Dame Robins ghost. And that poor old lady grew pale and tremb- ling, looking into corners and behind the hedge at every turn, expecting to see the white thing there waving it's arms and moaning.
 Let's sell out and go away" begged the old dame of Jakey one day. q can not live here since seeing that ghost. can't work In the garden and l tremble every time 1 go near the hencoop. Let's go away. son"
 "Now, Granny" pleaded Jakey. this dear old home Is all that we have In the world, and if we sell 1t we'll not find another place so much to our liking.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

her grandniece And you are dear. helpful, sympathetic girl. I've always thought too much of old Lou. Daniels. From now on l shall take others into my life. Ton are one of thousand girls dearie. Bless you. child"
 After supper, and while Aunt Lou mapped in her chair, Estelle slipped to the phone and got into communication with several of the neighbors. Then she returned to the sitting room. where she sat reading to Aunt Lou till the clock struck g.
 Just as the last stroke died away the hall door-bell pealed. and the only sefy- ant-a woman of all work announced to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

But, Auntie," began Estelle, q was repaid for what I did for you by your new happiness. I don't-"
 Not another word said the smiling old aunt. You are to have the piano of your choice. And that is little enough, seeing that you have made happy young woman out of grunty old one. So, good-by, my dear little angel, for that's what you've been to me"
 And when Bert and Marie saw the check for $1,O00 dollars their eyes all most popped out of their heads, and they both wished that they had gone to spend the week with old Aunt Lou
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10
How To Chastise a Bad Boy.

The following story Is told by country school teacher "On the first morning of the fall term of school a tall, powerfully built woman came into the schoolroom leading her son by the hand He was Il tall. husky lad overgrown, and possessing keen, stubborn eye. The woman au vanced close to me and bowed. saying ; Sir, here is my dear little son whom l have brought to your school. Now. If ever he behaves in mschievous way you must not lay a hand on him, for he Is a delicate, high-strung child. with very sen sitive nerves. He is not bad boy. but sometimes his love of fun gets the upper hand of him. In such cases you will have to chastise him, I know. Now. what I want to suggest to you to do in such a case Is to thrash soundy the boy sitting next to him, compelling my little boy to watch the effects of the punishment. That will be warning to him to not misbehave again soon
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

where their services were so much need ed, she hurried to Scutari there sery ing the wounded and sick soldiers with n love and tenderness that caused them all to reverence her very name.
 Then followed years and years of work on the battlefield and In the hospi tals--apywhere, everywhere that she was needed. And though of frall constitution and delicate build, she held up under the dreadful strain. and only old age put stop to her noble work. She Is still liv ing at the advanced age of SS years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10
OUR PUZZLE CORNER
LETTER ENIGMA.

My first is in green, but not in brown: My second is in anger. but not in frown My third Is In row, but not in boat: My fourth Is in drown, but not In float: My fifth is in eagle, but not in fly: My sixth Is in illness, but not in die:
 My whole spells a place
 To the children most dear
 Who work In the open
 At this time each year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10
Beheadings and CurtaiIings.

CD Behead a North American wild anil nal and leave part of the human head. (2) Behead word meaning to curve a straight stick and leave the terminal of a railroad (3) Behead that which means to articulate and leave the summit of high mountain. (4) Doubly curtail q formally settled doctrine and leave a small domes- tic animal that is found in almost every home. (5) Curtail a rope moose used for catching wild horses and leave maiden. (6) Douby curtail a small room attached to q kitchen and leave that which slgni.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10
fies hard and quick breathing.
 Conundrums.

 What trade would you recommend to a small man?
 Grocer (grotc-sir.) Why do people preserve vegetables more than they used to? Because they can. When is a chair like lady's dress When both are satin (sdt-fn.) What sort of fruit Is on coin? dGte
 Riddles and Answers. What force or strength cannot get through. l with gentle touch can do; And many in the street would stand Were l not as a friend at hand.
 (4 Door hey.) A riddle, a riddle, as l suppose, dozen eyes and never a nose.
 potato. Answers to Last Weeks Puzzles. Letter Bni0md-Blossoms. Beheddiios {: CD FIock-lock (2) Mart-drf (3) Me- so,l-soR. CHrtdflin1s: (4) Mope-mop (5) Moon--nioo. Hidden Prouerb Pnssle- 4 setting hen nerer gro'1s fot
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-23

If you want work read the want Sel-
umns Of The Star.