davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31

powerful citizen as Mr.. Wise OWL and
so he sat in sullen silence for a few
minutes, wondering which way to move
In the matter. While he sat thus along
came his daughter and Mr.. Gray Birds
son. young sweethearts, and as they ap-
preached the box in which their parents
sat they looked knowingly at each other.
and the youthful gallant said: ''Ill speak
to our fathers now about our love"
"Ah. yes. there they are together. and
in that lovely place We had decided to
move into as soon as we were married.
said the daughter of Speckled Bird.
Then Gray Birds son. Quick Wing by
name, flew into the box. and said in a
most respectful way to his father and
his fiancee's father. MY dear sirs.
wish to announce to you the betrothal
OF myself and Miss Soft Feather We're
going to wed tomorrow-with our parents
permission
"Ah, that's the right thing" said Mr..
Wise Owl. not giving either Gray Bird
or Speckled Bird chance to speak till
he had given them to understand how TO
act In the matter. And here are your
two fathers" he said. addressing the
young Birds, ready to give you their
consent and their blessing And. more
over. here Is the most beautiful house
the one your parents are sitting in--for
you to begin housekeeping in. And your
fathers shall this day begin fixing it up
in readiness for you. All. this is happy
moment for the families. Gray Bird and
Speckled Bird, Fathers, bless your chill
dren."
And, not to be outdone. Mr. Speckled
Bird declared himself glad to have the
misunderstanding between himself and
an old friend settled, and to help to
make his daughter and her near future
husband as happy as they could be. And
so ended the day which had begun so
disagreeably, all going home together on
the friendliest terms.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31
Il

IL
IL right In the very midst of Bird
Town. And during their stay
there the boys of the camp had put up a
box in a tree in which to keep certain
things away from the dirt and dampness
of the ground. And on moving from the
camp the box had remained. And that
very box-in the tree branches-brought
about quite disturbance in Bird Town
between two OF the Oldest and most re-
spected families there.
But the trouble alluded to did not take
place till the chill winds Of October be-
gan to blow Then the bird families be-
gan to seek sheltering hooks in tree
trunks and boughs. preparatory for the
long winter just beginning.
The box, roomy and comfortable. with
it's open side to the SOUTH thus admitting
sun and air. while protecting against
northern cold. caught the eye Of two male
OF families flew straight to 1t. both en-
tering the box at the very same instant.
We'll here's a fine home for my wife
and little ones,' said Mr.. Speckled Bird.
TN just take possession Of it
"Ah, l guess I have something to say
about this CASTLE declared Mr.. Gray
Bird, perking up and looking determined.
Now. look here. friend Gray Bird,
said Mr.. Speckled Bird. in a tactful way.
I've had my eye on this place for some
weeks, and only waited till the weather
turned cold before moving in. II you
think, however. that / owe you something
to vacate in my favor, why, I'm willing
to do what is right in the matter. I'll
give you two days of work. helping you
to build your winters nests in any nook
you choose. Then 1 shall have plenty
of time to build my nests in here
Don't plan so rapidly. my dear
friend said Mr.. Gray Bird. his voice
calm. but full Of determination. Il like
to move into 1t. If. however. you think
owe you anything to vacate in my favor.
why, say the word. I'm willing to give
you a couple of days work this fall as
payment"
Speckled Bird, losing his temper. Il tell
you have had my eye on this place ever
since those giants came here in the hot
weather and put it in this .ree And l
don't intend to have any bird in the
woods come in here and dispute the right
to it with me. It's mine, and give you
notice to get out. the sooner the better.
And what il I declare that the place
is as enuch mine as yours?' asked MT
Gray Bird. And, furthermore. that
mean to begin building our nest-beds in
You impuient knaye.'s shrieked Mr.
Speeked, Bird" dare, You -to. make
such threats to me- the rightful owner
Of this castle? Get out of here quickly
or l may forget that am a gentleman
of the first feather and soil my beak
by giving you good ehastisement"
TRY your chastisement, sir! dared Mr..
Gray Bird. bristling up. I'm ready for
any two Of your caliber."
But before he knew what was doing
Mr. Speckled Bird had flown at him and
had fastened his beak in his neck feath-
ers and was tugging away at Them sue
ceeding In pulling out quite bunch. OF
them.
But Mr. Gray Bird did not remain quiet
while the enemy was busy. He fought
like winged tiger, pulling out beakful
after beakful OF feathers from his an
tagonst's neck. Round and round the in
terror of the disputed castle" did they
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31

no resentment in her voice. IT'S very
serviceable, II not beautiful. It suits me,
too, for I'm serviceable, though not BEAU
tiful. And can't be broken. That's one
thing I'm grateful for. But you asked
me what my frock is made of. It's made
from a bit of blue Bingham that was left
from the housemaid's sweeping apron"
"Gingham! Oh. no, no, ho! And Gene
We've laughed and laughed and also
rolled a bit closer to the sofas edge.
Then something not expected happened.
She fell to the hard floor with q crash.
Smash. smash, smash went her pretty
head that was crowned by natural hair
and tied about by ribbon. And there
she lay. her face broken across and one
eye out on the floor several inches from
the place where 1t had been. And Peggy,
looking down in horror on her beautiful.
cruel rival. saw that the eye was a bit
of ugly glass when out of the socket.
And the rag dolls heart beat with pity
for the poor foolish Genevieve. whose
vanity and heartlessness had cost her
her life, and she sighed as she saw how
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31

go, pecking and clawing like old fighting
cocks, though in truth this was their
first conflict.
hi, hi. there! What does all this
mean?" 1t was the voice OF grim old
owl who sat In the deepest shadow Of the
which the desperate conflict WAS taking
place Hi, hi, there! Stop that silly
scrap and listen to one who is the wisest
of BIRDS
Mr.. speckled and Mr.. Gray paused in
their fight and turned to look in the
direction from which the owls voice
came. On beholding Mr. Wise Owl they
at once bowed to him with marked
show of respect Then both began to rat
tie of their grievances together.
slowly raised a foot. which he put over
his ear to shut out the confusion of
voices. Now, one at a time" he or
dered slowly. Come. the first man to
enter that strangely erected habitation
but we entered together" declared Mr.
Speckled Bird.
Eyes. we came in at the very same
moment" said Mr.. Gray Bird.
"Ah, I see.' smiled Mr.. Wise Owl.
Then I shall have to judge your case
from what overheard Of the argument
that took place between you prior to
this fight. believe you each claim that
little habitation, eh?"
Exactly" answered Mr.. Gray Bird.
But I have as"
'Silencer' said Mr.. Wise Owl, calmly.
Now, you have both admitted that you
entered the house at the very same mo-
ment."
Yes, your wisdom, but had the place
in mind for some time explained Mr..
Speckled Bird.
I'VE have no way Of ascertaining how
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31
Hidden Name Puzzle.

BY taking the initial letter Of a one-syllable
word from each OF the following sentences and
writing them in the order In which they come
the name Of q celebrated American actor will be
spelled:
brilliant light may be seen for a great dis
tance Mt night.
4 man ought not envy his neighbor's success.
Prepare during the days OF youth for the days
of old age.
Each sound tooth in a mans mouth is worth
Thousand dollars.
DO not close your heart against those in need.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31
The Wise Old Owl.

long you had the place in mind" said
Mr.. Wise Owl. '.Of course all that YOU
say may be true, but one must have facts
to judge from. my dear fellow And IL
You had the place in mind long you
should have made some move toward fix
ing 1t up for the cold weather But since
you never let your intention be known
your case must be decided just as though
you had never seen nor beard of the place
till this morning when. with your friend
there, you flew into it. So, since you both
went In at the very same moment l must
decide in the favor Of each
But how can you do that?" asked Mr..
Gray Bird.
"A very simple thing to do declared
Mr.. Wise Owl.
will you explain. sir. how such a thing
can be simpler" asked Mr.. Specked Bird.
BY giving you both the place-allowing
Out Of the question" exclaimed MIR.
Speckled Bird.
"Preposterous!' cried Mr.. Gray Bird
why, we couldn't think OF sharing our
nome-not even with the closest friends
and enemies such as we now are this
fellow and me land Gray Bird pointed his
beak toward Speckled Bird could never
live in close proximity
Then you must both leave the place"
replied Mr.. Wise Owl You both own
1t, or neither Of you own it,
Then Mr.. SpeckIed Bird spoke. Say.
friend OWL" suppose you allow us to cast
lots for the place-ths intruder here and
myseIf?"
Il am not an intruder" snapped Mr..
Gray. But I'll consent to cast lots n
our Judge, Wise Owl. says we may do,
so''
mo. there is nothing fair about cast
in0 1nfS - Mr
Its gambling. and / never countenance
gambling in any form. No. ] see but
one way out Of the difficulty, divide the
place into two sections and each take q
half"
''All right" said Mr.. Gray Bird, think
ing it better to have half than none
After all. 1t would be better to be friends
with Speckled Bird than his enemy, for
he had a powerful following and in the
event of an open rupture between the
two families there would ensue feud
which might cause much harm. '.All
right. I'll have my half and render unto
my friend here his half"
For moment Mr.. Speckled Bird SEEM
ed uncertain. Then he said: L must
have that end you are sitting in. sir. for
there is a big crack in this end which
lets In the cold wind
mo. no. that's the end you took pos
session of while ago, my friend said
Wise Owl. And that is your half-the
end you now occupy
This made Mr.. Speekled Bird very an
cry. and he said in no calm voice: Very
we'll. I'll give up the whole place to this
intruder. But I'll start a feud that will
cause him all the trouble he wants-and
deserves
mot SO hasty, sir" said Mr.. Wise Owl
IF you are making threats to bring about
an individual warfare | shall take
hand In the matter and have you appre-
hended. No feuds in this woods-while
I'm here to keep an open eye during the
night time. So unless you wish to find
yourself in trouble you'd better withdraw
that threat"
Mr.. Speckled Bird knew there was no
use in trying to stand out against so
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31

PIMA RICHARDS had two dolls.
One was a big and beautiful
wax doll and the other was
great. Iimber-limbed rag doll.
The rag doll was much older
than the wax doll. for she had been given
to Nina on her third birthday, and now
Nina was six. So. you see, the rag doll
had grown up with Nina, for Nina was
big girl and old enough to go to school.
The wax doll was not SO old-that IS,
she had not been in the family SO long.
for she had been brought to Nina only
-.et Christmas. And she was such fine
coll that she was kept put away except
on state occasions as Ninas mamma
would say. State occasions" meant when
Ninas little girl friends called to see her
or when she had a party.
During the summer Nina had not play
ed much with her dolls, preferring to run
and romp In the big meadow that stretch
ed far, far to the south of her lovely
country home. And she had swing
under a big tree in the yard. and she had
a dear little Shetland pony. that she
might ride every morning. So, you will
readily understand why Nina so seldom
played with her dolls during the warm
weather. But with the cool fall days she
bethought her of Peggy, the rag doll. and
Genevfeve the wax one. And as soon as
she came home from school in the after
noon she would have a bowl of bread and
milk. and then play with Peggy and
Genevieve.
Now, while Peggy and Genevieve were
somewhat acquainted, they had not asso-
ciated much together, for, as l have told
you. Peggy was the everyday doll and
Genevieve the state occasion doll. One
was plain and-well, yes. ] may as well
tell you-common, for she was not break
able nor washable, and she was not beau
tifully formed nor stylish in silken gown
and kid slippers. And the other was all
that real elegant lady doll should be-
breakabe washable, combable and beau
tful and stylish. Thus it was that Peggy
knew very little of Genevieve and Gene
We've knew less of Peggy.
But there came day when they began
to know each other better. And then
trouble ensued 1t was this way: Nina
We've on the sofa in the parlor one Satur
day evening And on chair nearby was
Peggy. in soiled Bingham frock and old
worn-out cotton stockings Genevieve
was respondent in green silk frock.
black satin sash. pink hair ribbon and
blue kid slippers. Oh. she was really
quite wonderful to behold. Nina, with
the assistance of her dearest friend
Marie Temple. had decked out Genevieve
early that Saturday afternoon for an in
formal tea party.
AS the two dolls lay there. forgotten
by their little mistress, Genevieve, in the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31

calls (which is shown here The skill
with which this ball can be thrown can
be readily imagined. 1t might even be
employed in our national game of base
ball. outrivaling the now famous spit
ball. The greatest of sluggers would be
unable to locate 1T. as it would be an
easy matter for the pitcher to haye 1t
encircle the batter's body and return to
his hands. dispensing entirely with the
services of a catcher. 1t will at least
make very interesting toy for the
Youngsters
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31
The Rivalry Between Rag Doll and Wax Doll

hair can be aristocratic. l cost-without
clothes-fve dollars. You cost nothing.
You are homemade"
Peggy was on the point of weeping at
these cruel thrusts, but on second thought
she decided so mean doll as Genevieve
was not worth her bitter tears. And
tears always stained her poor soiled face
and made it look worse So she winked
her ink-lined eyes and kept the moisture
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31
"BO0meranu" Ball.

Everybody is more or less familiar with
the boomerang. that peculiar implement
used by numerous wild tribes of Australia
and Asia. Consisting of thin, slightly
bent piece of wood, rarely more than two
feet in length. 1t can be made to fly In
complete curve and return. striking the
ground close to the thrower. A New Jer-.
sey man has applied this principle to
the boomerang ball-or return ball as he
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31

had to great measure supplanted her in
Nina's affections-(so thought Peggy)-she
could not help entertaining that feeling
called envy
why do you stare at me. plain rag
miss?'' asked Genevieve. disdainfully.
Don't you feel ashamed to be in this
parlor, where only the neat and we'll
groomed should be?'
This parlor belonged to me long. long
before you ever entered here" said Peggy.
a slight quaver in her voice. And ! have
nothing to be ashamed of-unless 1t is of
YOUR insolence toward one whom you have
wronged.'
Il wronged you. you ugly. soiled rag
thins?" cried Genevieve. why, you
ought to feel f1attered that Miss Nina
allowed you to remain in the same house
with me. And surely you ought to be
made to feel your place. You're as COM
mon as rags can be common. And I'm
as aristocratic as fine silk, wax and real
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31

vanity of fine apparel. looked scornfully
toward Peggy. Peggy looked back. but
not with as much scorn as with envy.
Not that Peggy had an envious disposition
mot at all; but she had cause to feel un-
kindly toward this new and beautiful
rival for since her coming into the family
Peggys nose, SO to speak had been dis
jointed And Peggy was only human So.
as she looked upon this elegant doll, who
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31

So many boys and girls are obliged to
put up with small, closetless rooms. par
ticularly those living in the city apart
ments and flats. And one of the most
common complaints one hears from them
is the lack of closet rooms. Now. it is
not convenient to keep all ones wearing
apparel in drawers, trunks and boxes.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31
The Leaves of Fall.

From Golfers.
The best things are forever new. and
of the blessings of this our fieeting pill
grimage none arouses in us devouter
happiness than the muitiform colors of
the autumn; the sober browns, the
changing yellows. the hectic reds Ma
ture takes us on her knee and improves
us with serious discourse. In no other
season does she lead US so inevitably
to look before and after. and there Is a
joy even in pining for what is not There
is happiness in being tormented by the
infinite. There is reflected everywhere
the music OF humanity. still and sad. but
music always. The birds sing less often
than they sang in spring. There is in
autumn no anodyne like the summer
heats. 1t Is the season when our knowl-
edge Of life and destiny is with us al
ways: when. our sense Of tragedy Is most
awake. Tragedy Is not the worst OF
life. for tragedy is filled with beauty
and significance, and in autumn lie the
tragic beauties Of the year.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31

presence of company. Now, I am real
lady. and 1 am taken out to parties and
allowed to assist my mistress when she
entertains at home. And l dress in silk
while you dress in such funny cotton
stuff What do you call the fabric your
frock is made of, please?" And the pink
and white faced Genevieve sneered at
Peggy, curling her lip contemptuously.
My frock is not silk admitted Peggy.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31

from falling. I'm not proud, nor stuck
up she said in low tones. Il know I'm
only a rag doll. But l have a heart and
can feel. And your taunts hurt me-"
Proud and stuckup!' and Genevieve
laughed SO hard that she rolled across
the sofa to its very edge, almost falling
to the floor. why. what on earth could
you be proud of?-and why should you
be stuck-up? The idea is too funny. I
just had to laugh
Its all very amusing to you. I dare
say" replied Peggy, all the bitterness
leaving her heart, for she now realized
the ugly worthlessness Of this aristocratic
doll And no longer did q shadow of envy
toward Genevieve fill her SOUL No. she
began to feel pity for one whose heart
was so devoid of fine feeling.
REALLY, I suppose one should pity YOU"
went on Genevieve. For you're never
shown in public any more You are a
sort of servant doll, never invited into the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31

A VERY small cat
"A Met a very big rat
Out in the alley one day.
And the very small cat
Just looked at the rat,
Then hurriedly scampered away.
eff q mouse 1t had been
Id have taken him in.
Said Kitty Cat on the run,
But that rat was SO big,
And am no pig
So where would have been the fun
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31
COnundrumS.

When is horse like a house: Ans.-Wh.n
both have blinds
When Is pig heavier than pig? Ans
When IL is lead lead
Why is a magistrate always cold and chilly?
Ans.-Because he is Justice.
When are a mans pocketbook and the moon
alike: Ans.-When both full
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31

the shattered bits of wax scalp that was
scattered about.
I'm SO sorry for her." said poor Peggy.
Then she dropped from the chair to the
floor and began gathering up the bits or
scalp and the lost eye and putting them
together again. And to her relief she
in place. and that the eye remained in
the socket.
And pretty soon-perhaps two hours
after Peggy's surgical operation-Gene-
We've began to move and to show signs
of returning animation. Then she opened
her eyes and saw Peggy sitting close TO
her, her timber rag arms wound tightly
about her to support her and give her
warmth And Genevieve remembered
everything. how she had given away to
uncomfortable laughter at the expense OIL
poor Peggy. And how she had rolled 10
the floor, and how she had suffered some
physical hurt that had caused her intense
agony And then how she had. lost con-
seriousness. And even now she felt duil
path in her head and about one of her
eyes. But she felt that she owed her
life to Peggy-just in what way she did
not now understand. but she knew that
such was the case. Turning her poor
SCARED face to Peggy, she said: You
have been too kind to me, for l was cruei
u you d "iliiO o6o- S0ii ~" ~ -
give me-?
II forgive you fully said Peggy. And
you have my deepest sympathy, too. Tor
your beauty-that was such source OF
delight to you-is gone forever And
she pointed toward the mirror just oppo-
site them where Genevieve might behold
her own image. And the poor, Scared
doll looked at her face therein. and tears
began to fall from her once beautiful
eyes. beautiful no longer, for they were
cracked, and one was In the socket cross
wise "Oh, It's my pay" she walled. Il
made fun OF your plain features and un-
couth form. And now I'm ten times
uglier than any rag doll could POSSIBLY
be. But I've learned a lesson which
shall never forget. Beauty is very per-
ishable; but good heart and sympathetic
nature are lasting. / shall try TO de-
serve your kindness and your future
friendship, for you have taught me the
good lesson Of which / speak. Henceforth
let US be frietds'
Il shall be happy to be your friend.
Genevieve, and at this moment you are
more beautiful to me than you ever we're.
Beauty does not consist entirely of pretty
features and fine clothes It's in the
character But listen! Here comes our lit
tie mistress, Nina. We must be quiet.
At that instant Nina entered and. see
ing the ugly cracks and scars on Gene
We've, cried: '.Oh, do believe Rover.
the naughty dog. has had hold of Gene
We've and spoiled her. Now she shall be
kept with Peggy-just for everyday play.
and / must have a new doll for state
occasions. Isn't it pity3 For she was
such q beauty"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31
Answers to Puzzles.

Hidden name puzzle--Turner.
Letter enigma-Puzzle.
Beheadings-tD Stick, tick. ~ Wheel. heel.
~ Thorn. horn.
Curtalings--n Suite. suit. (2) Vowel VOW.
81 Tramp. tram.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31
Letter Enigma.

first is in sun. but not in moon:
X II NJ second is in platter, bTt not in spoon;
NH My third Is In turtle, but not in hsh;
vl NY fourth Is in tureen. but not in dish;
NV nth is in reef but not in sea;
Ny sixth Is In danger. but not in Zee;
Ny seventh Is the same as my second, you're
told:
Ny eighth is in young. but not in DID,
My whole spells a day which at this time OF
In the hearts OF school children is held very
dear.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31
CurtaiIings.

a. Curtal that which has end and leave
boys nickname. t2) Douby curtail school
student and leave young dog. (9 Doubly
curtaii a most necessary part Of house and
leave that which blows.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-31
Beheadings.

~ Behead certain kind Of animal that is al
ways interesting to children and leave a part