davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21
M0731772V T072e Story for Discontented Little Ones

Away. away from the soap-pot; away. away from ole Nanny Jane. An. how beautiful the World was She entered the city, but 1t was not so delightful so desirous as she had dreamed 1t would be. There were crowds of hurry ing people. and they disdained to notice her. She was very tired. but nowhere could she find a place to rest She cried out to several people who crowded and Jostled her, but they did not heed her She fell to the hard pavement, for q terrible pain was cutting through her foot and ankle. Asd. oh how the sun burned her flesh! And how the fumes from somewhere smothered herl An. she would return to Nanny Jane-good Nanny Jane. Yes. she was sorry now that she had fled from her own old home. so poor and simple, but home for all that. and one where a child could rest when tired and sick. If she might go again to her little bed in Nanny James funny old room. where the brass candle sticks gleamed on the mantelpiece-a gift to Nanny Jane from some great lady many, many years agol And how she longed to set eyes once more on the strip of rag carpet-so warm to her feet in winter-that stretched in front of her little bed. And the four-patch quilt that spread her bed so beautifullyl Oh, would she never see any of those dear things again? But the pain in her foot and ankle was so terrible that she forgot the city. forgot her home village forgot Nam my Jane. even forgot that she had run away from the place where she had spent the 10 years of her poor life. Then she began to sob, to sob as she had done one day when they led her to black box to look for the last time on the face of her mother. Inside that black box the one dearest to her on earth had been shut from sight. and she had then gone to Nanny Jane And on Nanny lanes warm bosom she had wept out the grief of broken little heart. And now she wept in that same way, only this time 1t came from agony Of pain instead of agony of grief.
 But of a sudden something cool md gentle stroked her cheek She opened her eyes. To her wonder. she looked into the loving face of old Nanny Jane. And, strangest of all, she was on her own little bed. But what were the strangers doing in the room? Why, there were the white doctor and Mrs. Jones, the landlady of the hotel, where Nanny Jane worked for their living. And then she saw that one of her feet was all wrapped in white bandages; and both Nanny Janes hands and arms were bandaged the same way It was one of Mammy's lanes bandaged hands that
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21
Joe's Thanksgiving Surprise.
ny WILLIAM WALLACE, JR.

ny WILLIAM WALLACE, JR.
 ~ OE had just sold his last paper and H was hurry ing home through the
 H stinging cold with the pleasant an-
 H ticipation of a warm fireside, good ~ supper and the welcoming smile of his fond mother. He had sold so many more papers that morning than usual, and as his rough little hand jingled the dimes in his pocket his face beamed with delighted smile as certain plans formed themselves in his mind.
 Joes mother was making great prepa- rations for their Thanksgiving dinner, an event which would take place in two days. and Joe had planned a little sur prise for her. He knew that the turkey a fine, fat fellow-was plucked and dressed for the roasting. He knew that all the toothsome accompaniments to complete turkey dinner were supplied, and in the kitchen cupboard. He knew there was plenty of coal In the cellar and that the house would be cozy and full of good cheer. He knew that his mother had her best dress-a black silk that had done such splendid service for so many years-brightened up by a bit of white lace at throat and wrists. He knew his little sisters and brother were provided with good, warm shoes and clothes for the winter and that the family were fairly well off in the matter of simple home comforts. But one thing he remem- bered having heard his mother say on the previous Thanksgiving Day. 'Oh, that we might afford a pretty bouquet for the dinner tablet But I cannot buy flowers, so we shall have to do without them Maybe we can get some for next Thanksgiving Day"
 And here was ''next Thanksgfying Day already, and everything save the flowers had been provided for the table Ard that WAS the reason Joe smiled and planned, and planned and smiled. He in- tended purchasing a fine bouquet with which to adorn the table on the festive occasion. And beside the flowers Joe meant to get fine basket of fruit. Would not his mother be pleased when he should walk into the snug dining room carrying tissue-paper parcel (con- taining hothouss fiowers) and basket of fragrant rru1tf
 Just as Joe was thus meditating he heard voice calling to him from the window of an old house nearby. Looking round he saw woman leaning from n second-story window, beckoning to him. Have you paper for me tonight, little boy?'
 ''Yes'm," replied Joe, holding up the only paper he had left.
 Will you please bring 1t up to mer'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

so exhausted that she let go of Toms wrist and became manageable. lmmedi- ately Tom caught hold of her firm cotton jacket at the shoulders and swan with her to the bank. Sissy was ready to lend two strong hands in assisting the two up the steep. slippery bank. Then the little girl sat down and began to cry, wiping the water from her poor face.
 "Never mind, little girl,' sympathized Sissy. You are all right now. l know you must be almost frozen, though, so put on this jacket and go with us to the house at the top of the hill. We'll soon get there.'
 Where do you live, little girl7" asked Tom, whose teeth were chattering from the cold dip he had suffered
 Up at MT. Grey's place." explained the child. My ma works for Mrs. Grey, and they are expecting city company for din ner and ma wants to have a very nne [ dinner. So she sent me to the neighbors, down in the meadow. to get some chest nuts to stun the turkey, and when got almost home with the chestnuts saw q funny little animal running along the creek. I started to vun after It and slipped on the bank and fell into the water. Oh, boo-hool l lost the bag of chestnutsv'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21
T on1 and Sissy Haue an Exciting Thanksgiving Day.

fall with her numerous duties at home, and her church work, that she has found it impossible to get out to the Grey's farm. But she sent Thanksgiving greet ings to Mrs. Grey, and asks her to come in to luncheon with us some day soon."
 Thus the children chatted as they walked along Then they turned corner in the road and came full upon lovely stream. foot bridge spanned it, leading to the road on the opposite shore which began to climb a long, timber-covered hill
 At the top of that hill is the Grey's house," explained Tom. You'll see 1t after we get half way up the hill. The trees hide it from us at this point in the road"
 "Help-help-help!" rang out on the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

ming down behind her. Shall be take the ct car, or walk?'' asked Sissy.
 "ae 1ve to do both--ride first, then finish up by walking a mile," replied Tom. But you'll enjoy every step of the walk. Bis. It's through the loveliest meadow, across a corking fine creek, and up long hill. You'll have an appetite when din ner time comes."
 Now, my dears, I want you to have a perfect day." said Mrs. Hall. as she kissed her son and daughter good-by. But be sure to return home before dusk"
 Then away went Sissy and Tom. They boarded a street car at the corner and rode to the end of the line. From that point they set out to walk over a coun- try road that led through a meadow Ut is a lovely walk" declared Sissy. Il love this meadow
 ''Yes, and you'll enjoy every minute of the day at George Grey's home. You've never met Georges mother and father, have you ?''
 No; but I think George a dear boy" said Sissy. "I shall be delighted to know his parents and to visit them in their home. Ever since you and George became such fast friends at school, Mamma and have intended to pay his mother a visit. know. and Mamma has bsen so- busx all
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

head after the bushes gave way, and was coughing and strangling. Her eyes, too. were so filled with water that she could not see anything distinctly. But she realized that someone was there to save her. and she caught at the form of the little swimmer. So vigorously did she bod on, and so wildly did she founder, tat for moment it seemed they both must be drowned. Sissy had rushed to a spot on the bank near to the place where Tom and the little girl were mak- ing such a wild scene Tom was crying out. warning tho girl against behaving in such a manner, and telling her to merely hold tightly to his shoulder and he would soon get her 10 dry earth.
 But of sudden the little girl was
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

yard, and the soap sent out vapor of white steam. The little worker sat down beside the fire. pushing into the coals bit of dry stick. As the fuel famed up the child again unused q hates to stir the soap-pot. l hates to work. Some day Tn run away from ole Nanny Jane. an then I'll nevah work no noah. I'll go to a big city where dar aint no soft soap bein' made: an I'll nevah have to stir soap any noah. Oh" And she closed her eyes sleepily-'oh. how ole is-the stick-How ole-is-the pot-How ole s-Mammy-Jane-"
 The child's eyes remained closed now. and she leaned against convenient stump. The bee returned to hum close to her ear. It's song seemed to say: 'How- ole Is the stick How ole is the pot How ole is Nanny Jane?" And then 1t seemed to say: Runaway -little-gal. Runaway -little-gal. Don't ever come back to ole-Mammy- Jane" Then some flies added their song to that of the bees. saying over and over in droning way: Run away little
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

came the request from the woman.
 She usually came to the door of an evening and bought paper from Joe as he passed on his rounds down the street. But Joe was most ebliging, and went to the halldoor, pushed 1t open and ran up the rickety stairs. He entered dingy room, in response to the woman's Come in.'' The woman was fixing window shade which had fallen, but stop ped her work to say Good evening, lit- tie man. You are good to come up here for the sale of one paper" Then she went into an adjoining room to get a penny for Joe. This short delay gave him an opportunity to study the room and Its occupants. The apartment was
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

eyes fell on the form of an old negro woman. a bent form 1t was the form of one whose life had been passed in doing heavy work. The old woman had come to the kitchen door for a moment, but immediately disappeared into the house again, returning to her washtub.
 How ole is Nanny Jane?" again crooned the child at the soap-pot, turning the stick slowly How ole is Nanny Jane 7-LAwsy, I done reckon she's a thousan' yeahs ole-a thousan' yeahs ole" Then she suddenly became silent her hands idle. A light came into her soft sleepy eyes. If it wasn't foh ole Nanny Jane," she unused. 'I wouldn't be stirrin dis heah soap. an I'd be done playin behin' the ole sawmill dis minute"
 bee hummed near to the black child's ear, a slow, sleepy hum. The sun was so warm and bright, there in the back
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

morning air. "Eelp!! I'm drowning!" Tom and Sissy were just setting foot on the bridge when the cry fell upon their ears Both looked in the direction from which the voice came, and saw small girl foundering in the creek hundred yards up stream from the bridge. Evi- dently the child had just that moment fallen into the water. for she was close to the bank and wa~ holding to some dry bushes that grew on the muddy bank. Bnt even as Tom and Sissy looked at her the busnes gave way, coming out of the soft earth, leaving the child without so much as twig to hold to.
 i've got to rave that kic," Tom ex- claimed; and before Sissy could beg of him to think of his own safety also, and to try to help the little one by throwing some driftwood out for her to hold to until they could call someone to come to their assistance, he had divested himself of coat and shoes and jumped headlong into tho water. He was not an expert swim mer, but he knew enough about keeping afoat while carrying burden. to at tempt to save the little girl.
 Here, hold to my shoulder, but don't pull on mer' cried Tom. as he swan to the girls side. She was rising from the watsr into which ahs nd gone oyer hsE
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

Tom and Sissy could not refrain from smiling at the childs grief over the loss of the chestnuts and thinking so little about her own narrow escape from death. Well make the matter about the chestnuts all right" promised Sissy. You see, we are the city company ex- pected to dinner at the farmhouse And it's lucky for you, little girl, that we came along just as we did. My dear brother saved your life-tf he did not save the chestnuts.'
 And that day there was much rejoicing
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21
KINDNESS TFE BOSS WHO WINS

Then Bobby raised his whip with crack
 And brought it down Rovers back But Rover singing beneath the blow,
 Stood perfectly still, refusing to go. "Ill make him go" young Bobby cried
 "If have to mark his stubborn hide" And again the rod was raised on high
 But of a sudden he heard Papa cry: Stop, stop my sonl Do you not know
 How to get old Rover to haul the snow? Speak to him gently, and pat his head,
 Then you'll see how well he will draw the sled This Bobby did, and away they sped
 With the sled of snow, and Papa said. T want you my sons, to bear in mind
 That the boss who wins is always kind"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21
A Queer Superstition.

~ VERY year thousands of Calabrians " and Sicilians make a pilgrimage to S Assissi to take part in the religious festival held on the anniversary of the birth of St. Francis. They believe that every time they run around the tomb of the saint they save the soul of one of the family from the torments of phrgatory.
 When the iron gates In the crypt of the church are thrown open they rush in with cries of ''Viva, San Francescor' There Is always a struggle to get in first. The crowd is so great that prog ress soon becomes impossible, pilgrims often being crushed to death while they are running about the tomb.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

The next evening after school Joe was again busiy selling papers, and as soon as he had disposed of the pack he ran to French market and bought dressed chicken, some potatoes, pint of cran- berries, some fruit and nuts. It took nearly all the money he had, but he was glad to be able to buy so many good things to eat. When all were put into a basket the salesman asked where he should send the provisions. Joe gave the number of the house where the woman who had called to him from the second- story window lived. And take the bas- ket to the front room on the secondt landing, and ask for Mrs. Baker," Joe had learned the woman's name in some way, for she had been customer of his for many months.
 Then out of the market Joe flew, stop ping at the florists shop long enough to buy one big red rose, for he had 10 cents left for that. And there he fingered a few minutes, waiting till he should see the basket of Thanksgiving goodies delivered at Mrs. Bakers doors. And he did not have to wait long, for pres ently boy carrying the basket hurried to the house Joe was watching and dis appeared up the stairway. And Joe, rum ming to the open halldoor heard Mrs. Bakers voice saying: ''Yes, l am Mrs Baker" And then he saw the boy place the basket at the door and run down the stairs.
 With a beating heart and the sense of having made others happy, Joe ran on to his home to relate to his proud mother all that he had done. And you may be sure that the absence of flowers and fruit from the Thanksgiving table the next day was not regretted, and Joe's mother gave thanks not only for the good dinner, the happy little ones about her, but for the kind generous son who had shown to her by his own acts of charity that he was ''better than gold"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21
BY FLORENCE DAVIS.

%n HE Southern sun was beating down on a little South Carolina town, 3 and the wind was gently blowing %sw the smoke from smouldering wood
 fire that was burning in the back yard of the village hotel. q small unpre tentious hostelry, but the best the town afforded. The place seemed utterly asleep-town and hotel-save for busy little black child who stood close to the wood-fre. Over the fire swung a huge black "soap-pot," and the little negro girl. dressed in frock of faded calico. was stirring the boiling contents of the vessel with a long crooked stick. As she slowly dipped the end of the stick into the steam ing liquid she crooned in a childish way ; How ole is the stick? How ole is the house7 How ole is Nanny Jane? How ole is the pot? How ole isis" and her soft velvety eyes of black sought an old cotton-press nearby-.how ole is the cotton ?"
 Then the little worker wearily paused tn her stirring and glanced about Her
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

gal Don't ever come back to- ole Nanny Jane.'
 whirlwind came flying round the cor ner of the house and famed the slum- berlng fire. A little red flame crept out on the dry bit of stick. soon reaching the end farthest from the bed of coals It lifted it's hot tongue and tasted the frayed hem of the faded calico frock which lay so temptingly near. The whirlwind gave it another little fan ming; then disappeared across the un- kept yard, rushing wildly down a hill side to try it's strength on the tender saplings winch grew beside a creek.
 In the meanwhile the little sleeper be- side the fire forgot to wake and stir the soap.
 Away, away. towards the Great Won drous City ran the little black girl
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

in Kitchen and halr over the saving from drowning of little Minnie Bacon, the good cooks small daughter. And also there was much laughter at Toms expense as he appeared at table in an old suit of MT. Grey's, for Tom was too large to wear Georges clothes. You are the hero of the day." declared Mrs. Grey. And the laughing-st of the crowd" laughed Tom. But I shall all ways regret not saving those chestnuts."
 And then he had to respond to a toast drunk in fine old cider
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21
HIDDEN PRoyERB PUZZLE.

wellknown proverb Is hidden in the following sentences Each sentence con tains but one word of the proverb, and If the words are rightly chosen and written together in their correct order, the proverb will stand complete:
 bee is the most industrious insect. It Is not wise to behave fooIishly. Man cannot looK into the future
 Boys should not play marbles for keeps"
 In His infinite wisdom our Creator rules over all.
 Every family should own their own home.
 It is not always the able man who sits in the council hall.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

poorly furnished and cold, the meager fire in the cooking stove being almost burnt out. Beside the dying fire sat an old woman wrapped In a threadbare shawl, sewing on some bit of cloth In the middle of the room two little girls played on the floor with paper dolls
 They stopped their play as Joe entered and looked at him questioningly. After a few moments the woman returned and handed Joe the penny he was waiting for. As he pocketed the coin he said, by way of being friendly: T reckon you are making big preparations for Thanks
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21

giving Day. We are at our house. We've got big turkeyr
 No" replied the woman, with faint smile. "Our Thanksgiving will be passed as all our days are passed; but we'll be thankful that we are all together-moth- CT, my two little ones and r.
 Joe stood irresolute for a moment; then whirled about and said Good night" and was down the stairs and off toward his own home. But so busy was he think ing that he did not whistle as he ran along Another plan was now forming in his mind, and 1t kept his thoughts all evening, even after he had crawled Into his warm little bed beside his chubby brother Jimmy
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21
GOOD RECOMMENDATION.

~ HE lad wasn't much to look at E just the average errand boy in the - average office. But he wanted a job. The boss was talking
 You want a job in my store, hey {? Have you any recommendations from your last employer, my boy?'
 ''Nuthin' in writtin." answered the boy, but he said he was very glad to part with me-"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21
ANSWERS TO LAST WEEKS pUzzLD

ANSWERS TO LAST WEEKS PUZZLES PRIMAL ACRosTIc: Hunter. Cross- soords: CD Hat. t2) Urn. (8) Net (4) Top. (5) Eat. (6) R0t
 ZIGzAG PUZZLB. El0tx. Crosssoords: (1) Eel (2) Ale. t3 Fog. (4) Hsp. (5) Nut
 CURTAILINGS: CD PupiLpap. (2) AGrket-mark. (3) Card-car.
 LETTER ENIGMA: EnoU ball.
 EXPLORER PUZZLE: Dovts. PSctuved scords: 1) Donkey. (2) ArGb. (3) Vote. (4) xNdtoH. .(5) 6soka
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21
2 OrpuZZle Corner {
LETTER ENIGMA.

My first is in tune, but not in song; My second is in short, but not in long; My third is In ant. but not in bee; My fourth is in drunk, but not in spree; My fifth is in king, but not in crown; My sixth is in smile, but not in frown; My seventh is in gold, but not in ore; My eighth is in animal, but not in boar; My ninth Is in vote, but not in debate; My tenth you will find the same as my
 eighth;
 My eleventh you had just after my three; My twelfth is the same as my seventh,
 you see.
 My whole spells a word
 That means something most dear
 To all grateful people;
 And it comes every year.
 DIAGONAL.
 This diagonal contains five words of five letters each. If the words are rightly guessed and written one below another, their diagonal letters (beginning with the upper left-hand letter and ending with the lower right-hand letter. will spell the name of a celebrated Scotch novelist. Cross words are 1, a serpent; 2, a nut; B. a sign of winter; 4, term often ap- piled to dirty little street urchins; 5. the cry of a lamb.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-21
BY MAUD WALKER.

To URRY up, Tom, or we'll be late Y
 It was Sissy Hall who called out to her brother Tom. Sissy was
 dressed in her best Sunday frock
 and fur jacket and looked as pret- ty as a blossom, her eyes and cheeks tell ing of her bright spirits and good health She was tapping at the door of Toms room to hurry him a bit, for they-Sissy and Tom--were to spend the day in the country. And as it was Thanksgiving Day, it meant much more than if 1t were just an ordinary day.
 '1'n be with you in a jiffy," answered Tom. And before Sissy had reached the lower landing on the stairs Tom was run
Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1909-04-15

neck of the beast, which was making
frantic efforts TO regain its liberty. The
snake had its tail coiled around a small
ebony tree about q foot in diamter. and
whenever the hapless jaguar relaxed it's
efforts the serpent would swiftly re-
lease itself from the tree and make an
attempt TO get another coil around the
body of its opponent.
l stood there fascinated with horror
and yet forgetting my fear in the inter
est was taking in this terrible fight
between reptile and beast. Presently
the snake with an incomprehensihly
quick movement, succeeded in getting
two more coils around the body of the
Jaguar, but not without receiving Sc
we're iaceratiOn from the formidable
claws of its victim. Then letting 90
the jaguar's head, where it seemed to
have firm hold, the boa constructor
raised its head seemingly in triumph.
and, with its tail still wrapped round
the tree, lifted the body of the jaguar
up IN the air. heard the bones crack
under the fearful strain, and with one
awful despairing scream the jaguar fell
back-dead