davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

SW<OMMY had longed and longed for a
certain Christmas gift from Santa
= Claus which had not been given
him, and as the New Year WAS drawing
very hear he said to his mother: DO
you 'spose, Mamma, that l might get
what l want on New Year-so long as
did not get 1t for Christmas?'
why, Sonny, | don't know about
that" smiled Tommy's mother Now.
what was 1t that you wanted so much,
and which did you not receive? There
were the fine new skates Santa brought
you, and your splendid coasting sled, and
your football and boxing gloyes-all the
very things you told me you had written
to Santa for"
Yes, Mamma; but l wrote another let
ter to Santa that was very private, cause
it was TO be a gift to you and papa as
much as 1t was to me, you see. So |
thought I'd keep 1t secret from you till
l found it in my stoeking-or in my plate
on the table, for it would be too big to
go into my stocking. you know"
No, Sonny; l do not know anything
about the size of the longed- for Christ
mas gift which you did not receive, so
cannot tell whether it would 20 into
your stocking. Your are mighty fine,
big boy dear, and wear a great, big
stocking, the mother added, hugging her
big six-year-old Tommy. "But come,
darling, conide to mother what it was
you SO much wanted and did not get"
Il wanted a baby said Tommy II
wanted one for all of us-you and papa
and myself You know what a cunning
little boy baby the Smiths have Mamma,
and Chubby Smith told me that Santa
Claus brought 1t to them. He said it
came two days before Christmas, but
that was because it was so cold in San
tas house that he was afraid the baby
would get the colo or the Group, so he
hurried up and delivered 1t to the Smiths
little before Christmas. But Mrs.
Smith told Chubby that they would not
mind II the baby did come few days
sooner than Chubby had asked to have
it. for it could be named before Christ
mas, and Chubby could hang present
on the Christmas tree for it. Wasn't
that nice, Mammal
Lovely" admitted Tommy's mother
And so you wrote a letter secretly to
Santa Claus begging him to bring us a
baby, did you? And what kind of baby
did you want, dearest?"
Il asked for one Just like the Smiths
baby, Mamma explained Tommy. 81
said that if he-Santa claus-had another
just like he had sent to Chubby Smiths
house TO please put tag on it for our
house aud to deliver it as soon us pos
sible. as | wanted 1t for Christmas
We'll" said Tommy's mamma sup
pose Santa hadn't another baby just ex-
actly like the Smiths baby-he doubt
less would not bring you any at all,
thinking that you wanted a special kind
of baby. Now, the little Smith baby
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

eyes like your own and papa's?
would love one to resemble my Tommy"
smile of pleasure played on Tommy's
pretty little face, and with pride he
said: "All right, Mamma, let's ask for II
baby like | was when | was first brought
here. Did l have any freckles like
Chubby Smith hasY'
oh, you were such a dear. sweet
baby" declared Tommys mother hold
ing him so close TO her heart that he
could feel Its throbbing. And there
never can be another baby nicer than
you were dearest
Can there ever be one as nicer asked
Tommy, his face full of happiness over
his mothers praise of himself n
baby. Surely" he thought, Il must
have been corkln' fine little kid. ="
But he didn't say that to his mother
for when he talked TO her he used the
very incest and polltest language he
knew. Only to the kids at school
did he use the language he so often
employed to frame his thoughts to him
self. To her he added aloud: But
maybe Santa Claus couldn't find another
baby as-as-nice as was, Mamma
well, he couldn't find one whit
nicer" declared the mother. but he
might find one just ms nice, for 1t would
have to be as nice as you II 1t were to
come here to be your little brother or
sister,
A new thought flashed through Tom
my's mind. Say. Mamma. he exclaim.
ed, (which should | have asked for
girl-baby or boy -baby?''
Which do you want mostr' asked
the motht1
Tommy was thoughtful minute, then
said; ''WsIL when i wrote to santa
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

Tommy ran to the crib to get good look
into 1t he discovered the heads belonged
to two of the cutest babies he ever saw
In all his life.
"Oh, and so Santa got my letter and
brought us two babies oh, Grandmamma,
look at 'em il! Aren't they just lovely
And they are both ours to keep! Won't
Chubby Smith be surprised, though? 1t
paid to wait till after Christmas, didn't
it, Grandmamma? Gee, but these are
dandy fine babies !! Has mamma and papa
seen them p he asked, turning to the
motherly faced lady, who was smiling at
him.
Eyes. and papa and mamma say they
can both stay, for one is a girl and the
other is boy" she replied. "And now
you must come away and allow tiny
brother and sister to sleep"
Yes l want to go to Chubby Smiths
as soon as l can" cried Tommy. But,
say" he added, pausing and speaking to
the motherly faced lady, neither OF our
babies has freckles, | hope. They must
fit in with the family. mamma said
Your mamma declares they both look
just as you did when you were baby.
explained the motherly faced lady.
''Ah, then they are all right cried
Tommy. And now l must go to the
Smiths to tell them about our babies !;
then | must write a letter of thanks to
Santa Claus, who has been 80 kind to me
this New Year.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

such cases should be slow to advise
war to the death. We would better use
stratagem. my friends, and be on the safe
side But If We find it necessary to lay
hold of a master who is cruel to us. let
US do so In a determined manner, but let
us remember that this same bad master
needs merely to learn our strength, after
which he will show us more sympathy.
To make my meaning clear, shall
draw a picture: l am the property of
Master Archibald Turner. Suppose he
should this minute come in here and
grab me up and handle me roughly, end
ing by throwing me in a corner on my
head-a position both uncomfortable and
undignified. Well, what should you, my
friends, do in such an event? Why, not
open war on him In the true sense of
the word but merely assemble and at
tack him, scratching him, biting him,
pulling his hair and ears, and making
him realize that he could not do with
us as he chooses That is retaliation,
not war, my comrades. And let US de-
termine to retaliate whenever necessary.
If. on the other hand, we can use STRAIT
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27
BY WILLIAM WALLACE, JR.

away"
IT will. l will" cried Tommy, and he
ran quickly to the library to write let
ter to Santa at once, a letter which ran
this way:
Dear Santa Claus-f you have a pair
of babies-boys or girls, or one of each,
will you please tag them and have them
delivered to our house on New Years
Day? Mamma and papa will be very good
to pair of babies, and I'll be the hap
piest little kid in the world. And If you
have but one baby-why, send it along,
and 1t won't matter whether it's boy or
a girl. Well take any kind we can get,
Just so 1t fits In with our family. But
1t mustn't have light hair and freckles.
That kind fits in with the Smiths, but
not with us.
Your kndest friend and companion,
THOMAS ANDREW BROWN.
up. S-Please excuse me for saying
kid in my letter l forgot, and wrote to
you just as II you were one of the boys
ut school. But I'll never use slang in
letter to you again, dear Santa. I'm sure
won't If you'll just bring us baby"
Tommy sealed the letter, addressed 1t
to Mr. Santa Claus, King of Christmas
and New Year, and ran with 1t to the
letter box at the corner and dropped 1t
in. Then he walked back to the house,
entered his mothers room and said: 1--WE
written a letter to Santa about the
babies, Mamma But / wouldn't wonder
IL it's too late now to get the gift !
asked for. You see, about all the holiday
babies were given away on Christmas,
and maybe their supply Of New Year
babies won't go round. If not we'll have
to wait till next holiday time, won't wer'
Eyes, dearie but we'll not talk of dis
appointment it'll after New Year" said
the mother. "But, who do you suppose
ID here, came just few minutes ago,
while you were in the library?"
AS Tommy couldn't guess his another
told him. why, grandmamma came into
| town this afternoon and wants to take
Years Eve. Do you want to go with
herr"
OF course Tommy was all eagerness to
20 to the country with his grandmamma,
and ran upstairs to see her, for the dear
old lady was lying down resting bit
after her long automobile ride. And when
he came down stairs again he was wrap
| ped to his ears, all ready to go with his
grandmamma to the country for few
days.
Bright and early on the morning of
| New Year Tommy and his grandmother
started to town, for it had been decided
| not to go In on New Years Eve. And so
! eager was Tommy to see his mamma and
papa after his three days absence that he
| had for the time forgotten all about the
| letter he had written to Santa Claus about
! the baby. And when he jumped from the
| auto and ran into the sitting-room, cry
ing out, Mamma, where are you? Here
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27
BY MAUD WALKER.

PU%HE toys-old and new-had assem-
bed in one corner Of the nursery to
- talk over plans for the New Yenr.
There we're several dolls, male and fe-
male; there were animals-two bears, a
cat, dog, lamb and a complete Noah's
Ark of all sorts Of four eggers. some with
horns and some without horns, but all
having tails-long or short.
Judge Hugh Hammer a great funny
doll. dressed In the uniform of n band
master, was chosen by himself to act as
chairman OF the meeting. and with
lordly air he drew a little wicker chair
to the corner, and therein seated him
self with many airs. The chair belonged
TO his little MASTER Archie Turner,
dear little boy five years old, and who
was at this hour sound asleep in his own
bed in his own room down at the farther
end of the long hall. And SO it was that
Judge Hugh Hammer this title and name
had been bestowed upon him by Santa
Claus who had left him on a chair right
beneath Archie's stocking, which hung
from the mantel, on Christmas Eve felt
not a bit afraid to assume so much au-
thority, for he knew from habit that his
young master would not enter the nur-
sery again that day-or evening, | should
say-for the hall clock was striking s
Just as the toys assembled in council
Now, friends" began Judge Hugh
Hammer, stroking his brass buttons with
n nroud hand, 1--WE have gathered here
to talk over ways and means to better
our condition in life for the ensuing
year You must all agree with me that
we of the nursery are not treated as we
should be. For instance, our young mas
ters and mistresses are very thoughtless
of our welfare, and we are subjected to
the toughest handling at times. Why,
lust turn your eyes on that dear little
dog Tip, a most worthy canine who
only came Christmas. and you will be-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

her nose; II she throws me on the boor'
l shall bite her pink ankles, and bite
EN- good and hard. And that's my plan
of self-protection. Then Pussy crept
softly into the corner again and snug
gled down beside the Noah's Ark ele-
plant, who had fallen asleep during the
most exciting time.
"Hurrah for Pussy barked Tip, wink
ing his one eye and wagging his crooked
tail furiously. That's the way / look
at 1t, too"
Old Bruno grinned sarcastlcally, then
said aside to the quiet camel from Noah $
Ark: well, those other creatures preach
practically the same thing do, only they
word their thoughts differently. / say
war, and they say something else. But
so long as We decide to do something In
the way of self-protection, what's the
difference what name we give the method
of work.
"Search me-" drawled the camel. not
caring much what the assembly concluded
to do He would continue to live as he
had been living, and II young Archie-who
owned him-saw fit to chop off his hump
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

new leaf?" asked the camel, slowly grin
ming from ear to ear.
Il think l was not the only monkey
there" replied Mr. Monk, his eye twink
ling. I'm fact, l might say all you fell
lows-two-legged and four-legged-made
monkeys of yourselves. Ta-tal"
Il guess Mr.. Monk is about right" said
the old camel. Anyway, I'm very we'll
satisfied with life as l find 1t in the nurs-
cry, and hope this new-leaf business won't
have any effect on me. Well, toys are
like people--never know just when they
are well off,
Archie and Maybelle were none the
wiser the next morning when they came
to the nursery to play and found their
toys-dolls and animals-just as they had
left them the night previous. And whether
or not the turning over of new leaf did
in any way influence the behavior of the
dolls and animals remains yet to be found
out Anyway, the nursery inhabitants
seem on the best of terms with Archie
and Maybelle, and 1t is hoped that no
trouble will alter their now happy rela-
lions.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

Again cheers followed the speaker, and
Judge Hugh Hammer was obliged TO rap
his brass cuff buttons on the chair arm
several times before quiet was estab-
lished. Then he said; Now, while our
friend Bruno is all right from his point
of view, there is another side to the pic
ture. And before | show you what 1t
Is I want to explain that am not bind
10 the fact that we must stand for our
rights. But ] don't believe In preach
ing war. war, war to the death, as does
our friend Bruno. Now, the other side
of the picture is this: What would be-
come of us toys If there were no nur-
series and children? And many of US
find good homes. too. OF course, 1t can't
be denied that many chlldren-my Mas
ter Archibald Turner, for instance-are
naughty and cruel treating us as tough
we were without feeling. But even in
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

round to her fellow-companlons. she said:
This is my first effort to speak in pub
lie, but l have this much to say: 1t Is
absolutely urgent that we, the toys of the
nursery make some resolutions to help
ourselves; in other words, to protect our
selves against our common enemy-mas-
tiers and mistresses.
Then the Lady Clarisse sat down, and
enthusiastic cheers followed her brief re-
marks. Hardly had she reseated. herself,
when Bruno, a great black bear, rose to
his four feet and growled for quiet. Judge
Hugh Hammer tapped the arm of his
chair with the buttons on his cuff, thus
calling the meeting to order. Friends, we
will now hear what our esteemed Bruno
has to say, the Judge explained. Then,
bowling to Bruno he added: You have
the floor, friend; so please be brief"
MY idea is war;. cried Bruno, showing
two rows of white teeth. III a master
or mistress abuse you-get even with
EN-. That's my MOTTO War. war, war
to the death II necessary" Then down
sat Bruno his eyes shining from excite
ment and his huge body all a-tremble.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

well, see the alternatives have 1t.
smiled Judge Hugh Hammer And now
let's come 10 some understanding as to
our plans, and how they are to be car
ried out Systematically. Let's hear from
Lady Clarsse."
Everyone. two-legged and four-legged'
manifested pleasure at the mention of
Lady Clarisse, and she arose from her
seat amidst round of applause There
were hand-clapping, barking, roars, new
ing, growing. aud various other vocal
demonstrations. The Lady Clarisse was
fine wax doll of unusual beauty. She had
been brought to that nursery only a few
days before by Santa Claus, and was pre-
scented to little Mayhele. the four-year-
old sister to Archie As clarisse had not yet
been played with very much; she was al
most a. spick and span as the day on
which she left Santa's toy shop Bowling
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

pair of babies? I'd just be SO glad
I would, If we had two OF EN-, one
girl and the other a boy. wouldn't the
Smiths baby be a small present be
side ours-if we had twor
Tommy's mother laughed and laughed
at her little boys enthusiasm, declaring
he was just wanting to 'outdo the Smiths
by owning a pair of babies" but" she
explained, IF Santa has = pair of babies
that belong together-twins. you know,
they are caled-he'll never separate
them, my child. He'll deliver them both
to one family. So. maybe you should In
future, If asking for sister or brother,
Just say that you'll take both If there
happens to be a pair Of them to give
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

hold one eye gone and his tail twisted
into a crooked position. And all on ac-
count of a careless child who played with
him as though he were but a chunk of
wood.
All the dolls. and animals, too turned
their eyes on poor rip, n curly little toy
dog, with cunning. fat body. But, alack,
alaek! He had but one eye, and his dear
little fuzzy tail stuck out at one side
In the most comiea manner. But this de
formity did not appear funny to the SYM
pathizing toys that looked at him. "Oh,
oh. OH they calculated in voices of pity.
Poor Tip"
Tip winked his one bright china
eye as much as to say: Yes, friends. I've
been sadly MANNED. but am still on
deck" And then he wagged the one-sided
tail, smiling, as IT were. in Il friendly
way. for dog smiles and laughs with
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

MS tall, you know.
We'll, friends and fellow-creatures-
both the two-legged and the four-legged-
we must turn over new leaf, so to
speak. We must combine our forces to
help one another In distress For in
stance. If my little master. Archibald
Turner. Esquire, chooses to toss me in
the corner on my bend, the others Of
you who are right-side up must come to
my assistance at once; and not only come
TO my assistance but also lay hold Of
the thoughtless master who so cruelty
treats his poor helpless toys. Do you all
sanction what I suggest?" And Judge
Hugh Hammer waited for response.
yes, yes, yes!' shrieked several lady
dolls. you bet," cried a little fat rub
Der man-doll, whose round head nodded
so vigorously that its red fez almost came
off. "Bow-wow! Bow-wow!" barked Tip
and another dog that belonged to Noah's
ark And the lion roared his acqules-
cence; the bear growled his consent, the
sheep and lamb bleated, the cat mewed,
and all the other animals gave vocal ap-
proyal of the Judges plans.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

Claus asking for a baby l asked for
boy-iust like the Smiths have. / be-
lieve I'd rather nave a little sister. I'm
boy enough for this family. amt l,
Mamma?' And Tommy Strengthened up,
feeling his dignity as only son of the
house of Brown.
We'll, ! think it would have been
very good idea for you to have asked
Santa to bring you either dear little
sister baby or a brother baby, and to
have made up your mind to be pleased
with either one suggested the mother.
Tommy's face glowed Say Mamma,
what's the matter with asking for
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

I've done so many naughty things
That must turn a new leaf over
i've pulled old Tabbys ears and tall;
And I've often leased you, Rover;
And I've worried cook clean out her WIS
So, / must turn a new leaf over.
1--WE missed my lessons oft at school,
And. to be candid, Rover,
l didn't mind the teachers wrath.
So, l must turn a new leaf over.
"I've tied tin cans to poor dogs taiis-
Dogs as good as you are. Rover.
And how | laughed to see them run
/ must turn a new leaf over.
1--WE fastened tick-tacks on tho doors
OF old maids houses!-Rover-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

agem to enforce our rights, we must do
SO. That is not war, either"
May I speak, Judge Hugh Hammer
asked a small voice from the depths of
the corner. And forth walked dear
little furry kitten, stuffed with cotton,
so 1t was said. That was why she was
SO light ON her feet
Certainly. Miss Pussy, come right
out and have your say" consented the
Judge.
We'll, | believe in doing unto others
as others do unto you," said Pussy,
smiling round ON the faces Of her
friends. IF that is retaliation, then l
believe in retaliation. And if that's
stratagem, why l believe in stratagem.
But no matter what you call 1t. l be-
lieye in treating others as they treat
you in other words, If my mistress,
Maybelle, pinches me, l shall scratch
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

has blue eyes and very light hair. And
as it grows up it will be freckled like
Chubby-that is. If he plays In the sun
and wind without his hat on as does
Chubby. Well. | don't think fair
haired, blue-eyed, freckled baby would
fit In at our house. You know papa
has gray eyes and black hair. Mamma
has brown eyes and brown hair; and
Tommy has papa's eyes and mammals
hair. So, you should have asked Santa
Claus to fetch baby that would fit In
with the others of our family. Don't
you think a dear little brown-eyed baby
would suit you?-or one with dark gray
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27
81 OURPUZZLE.
KaACORnER,
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 a once
great general will be spelled:
The mysteries Of the sea are past un-
Outstanding.
The friction of two ice-cold stones will
produce heat
Lend your ear to the words of the wise.
No one ever saw ball roll up hill.
Often too much talking is done over
triles.
The ant is always a busy insect.
No one can afford to spend his time In
idleness.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

is your little Tommy ~ motherly faced
lady met him and said: 'Do not make
SO much noise. dear child, for mamma Is
asleep upstairs. But she told me to show
you your New Years present the moment
you arrived" Then, with grandmamma
following them, the motherly faced lady
led Tommy into a coy room opening from
the sitting room, and there, In a big deep
crib lay two little round heads, and as
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27
LETTER ENIGMA.

My nrst is in wash, but not in dry;
My second is In fish, but not in fry;
Ny third is In nail, but not in tack;
My fourth is in terror. but not in rack;
My fifth is in money, but not In cash.
My sixth is In brilliant, but not in fash.
My whole spells a season
That sometimes is drear;
But it comes TO us only
One time every year.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27
CONUNDRUMS.

II pair Of andirons cost s., VIVA
would the wood burned on them for
month come to?
Come to ashes.
Where can one always ind happiness7
In the dictionary
What was Joan Of Arc made of
Maid Of Orleans
Why is a gun like a jury?
Because 10 goes on tohen discharged
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27

Bobby sat on the Kitchen steps,
Beside him sat old Rover;
And Bobby spoke OF the coming year,
And talked the event all over.
'You see, old friend It's just this way.
nor thus Bob talked to Rover
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27
CURTAHINGs.

~ Curtail the name applied to a tiny.
imaginary supernatural being and leave
the condition of beautiful weather. %
Curtail a much-talked-of island and lea We
a young bear. 49, Curtail the title Of u
high church dignitary and leave a bottled
drink
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27
BEHEADINGS.

"a Behead a part of the human foot
and leave a fish. ~ Behead a square of
wood and leave a strand Of hair 80 Be
head to increase in size and leave a line
of trees.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-12-27
Rover's View Of the Case
~ 4

That was the meanest of my tricks,
So / must turn a new leaf over.
Then for a moment Bobby ceased
To speak, and old dog Rover
Said, "Ah my friend, you've really more
Than one leaf to turn over