davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

Canon and perishing before succor reached them. But he had felt so sure of the way on entering the canon, and no thought of getting lost had entered his head.
 Bert voiced Leon's apprehension. "I fear we've lost the trail, Leon," he said.
 Its very strange that we could wan der about here for five hours without finding our destination if we were on the right road. We've got into one of those side canons, which lead away from the main one, as sure as we're alive
 I'm afraid you're right" admitted Leon. "Gee. it's not a cheerful outlook, is itY'
 But both boys tried keeping "a stiff up per lip,' as the old saying goes and sat down to rest and to partake of their cold food. But their appetites were not keen. They drank sparingly from a bottle of water they carried. After their refresh ment they held a consultation as to their next movements And it was agreed that they should return to the hotel as fast as they could go. Bert had watch and could keep tab on the time. If we walk briskly we can reach home by o'clock in the morning." he said.
 They turned resolutely homeward and walked briskly, their plan for Halloween fun diminishing with every step. Just as they were climbing over some boulders Bert slipped and fell, crying out sharply. Leon stopped over him. but could not see by the dim starlight how white his con- panion's face was. Are you hurt? he asked, sympathetically.
 Bert tried to stand, but found he could not hold his weight on the injured ankle, which hung limp. and which was paining him terribly. ''I do believe l have broken it., he gasped.
 You may imagine the feelings of those boys at that moment. There, In that great canon at night, one of them sud denly made helpless. Leon felt sick with fear. Bert was sick from pain. What should they do? Leon tried bandaging Bert's swelling ankle. using his kerchief and necktie, but he bungled the job and Bert found no relief He groaned in his agony.
 And so the hours passed, Leon almost beside himself with anxiety, while Bert lay suffering on the ground, sometimes dropping into restless sleep rom pam and exhaustion.
 About midnight. and just as Leon was in the last depths of despair, they heard the sound of human voices. Some persons were coming along the trail Leon l1s- tened intently, so did Bert, regardless of his paining ankle. Both felt hope spring up within them.
 Presently several dark forms appeared round some boulders. and the boys beheid party of men. They came on toward the spot where the boys were sitting. When they came within a few paoes Leon spoke to them. They safd something In reply, but 1t was a strange tongue they spoke. ghen. .-onzr1peerlapproAcha theebozas
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24
How Leon and Bert Spent Tragic Halloween.
 A he William Wallace

Well we might get some fun out of your scheme-if 1t goes through all right" agreed Bert. But as for fright ening those people-well, l think that is only a childish dream. But we might make them sit up and wonder where the strange sounds come from and what sort of wild beasts are making them. I be- lieve all the persons of the party are Englishmen aren't theyT
 "Yes, right from across the pond," said Leon. Consequently, not acquainted with the ways of wild men and beasts of this part of the globe. Oh, we'll make our Halloween visit to their camp worth while, I'm sure. And on the following day we'll join them on the way home und laugh it all over together"
 The plan seemed to be worth consider ing, and Bert said he was ready to enter into it. So early the following morning the boys set out towards the Grand Canon walking leisurely, and carrying with them good rifie-against wild ami mas--and some cold food in the shape of bread, meat and cheese. Their grand father had given his consent to their going, and had laughed with them over
 
 a great Halloween story would reach the hotel few days later.
 About noon they struck an entrance to the canon and descended. The canon at this particular point was about five miles wide, and was extremely rugged and un- certain, for from its sides ran tributary canons some so misleading to the pedes- trian that at times it was difficult to de- termine which was the right way to go. But Leon and Bert had made the trip to Big Spring Curve during the summer in company with several friends, who were then stopping at the hotel, and they felt very sure of their ground. Who could lose a boy, anyway. especially on the trail he had once followed?
 Toward s o'clock the boys wondered why they had not reached Big Spring curve. They felt certain they were on the right route But they had been going slowly, taking time to examine strange-looking rock formations and the autuJnn-colored vegetation, which grew very abundant Tn some places in the canon.
 Well, we're on the right trail, de- clared Leon. 'I remember the way per fectly.''
 Yes, this all seems familiar" said Bert "But it's time we were at the camping place"
 And so they went on and on. the day advancing and the sun soon dropping from their view, for they were many thousands of feet below the level or tne ground. and the day vas hours shorter m the canon than at the village. AL D o'clock it was quite dark, and Leon ana Bert were still seasching for BE spring Curve.
 We may have passed tho paace," 'sasd Leon, getting q bit anxious he nho heard of eopDs4nstt1nss sAostS StB10ae -0rRnxiF
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24
B OWpuZZle Corner t
Zigzag PuzzIe.

This zigzag contains nine words of five letters each. If the words are correctly guessed and written one below another In their rightful order, their zigzag letters, beginning with the upper left-hand letter, and ending with the lower left-hand letter. will spell certain day of the year that, all children enjoy. The cross-words are 1. That which belongs in every human body. 2. pair of things belonging to each other. 3. Something which grows in garden and which ripens in summer. bird. 5. A word used when talking over the telephone. 6. To scowl. '. low person or bad repute. 8. Something found in every lady's dress. 9. That which is never seen by daylight.
 COnundrums.
 Why is it easy to break into an old mans garden?
 Because hts gait (0dte) 6 broken and his locks are feao.
 Why is child in its mothers arms like a pocketbook?
 Because tt Is cfdsped
 What is the difference between a glass of water and a glass of beerf
 Fire cemts.
 Why is a drawn tooth like thing for gotten?
 Beoause tt Is out Of the head. ANSWERS TO LAST WEEKS PUZZLES. LETTER Winter
 ZIGZAG PUZZLE-Grdfe. Crosstoords are l. Gold 2. Fire. 3. Bark. 4. Flea 5. Loft 6. Afdr. T. Epit.
 HIDDEN PROVERB PUZZLE-Ddrk Is the hour before the ddion.
 RURAL REBUS-On the fdrm are fvs pigs, cop and ntdny chickens.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24
Tommy and Lilly Celebrate Halloween

lows smiled grandpapa. "We mustn't forget our own boyhood, Sam. Of course, 1 don't propose to allow the mischief makers to tear the house down over our heads; but as to carrying off the gate oc the wash-house or the laundry pump well those things are of no consequence, yeu know" And the jolly old man laughed.
 A few minutes before 8 o'clock Lilly's and Tommy's parents left the house, going to attend the lecture. Grandpapa went upstairs to his room, saying goodnight to the little ones, who were putting away their toys. which they had made believe 10 play with for an hour after supper.
 Good night. grandpapa," called out Tommy. Hope you sleep we'll"
 ''Yes. good night, grandpapa." said Lilly. Hope you'll have pleasant creams" Then she and Tommy sniekered as grandpapa said: 'Yes, I'll be in bed and asleep before a lamb could wag his tail 10 times. So, goodnight little tads."
 Then the children heard grandpapa shut his door upstairs, and knew the old man would soon be in bed After 10 minutes had passed the time seemed like 10 hours to the impatient children) Tommy and Lilly stole softly upstaIrs They tip-toed past grandpapas door, fear ing to rouse him should they make any noise. On to Tommys room they went, and there pulled from hiding a huge tick tack that they had made that afternoon with the help of the cook. whom they had taken into their confidence They also drew from under the bed a big tin pan, a bundle of straw, an old pair of riding boots belonging to their father,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

original ideas very often" went on Leon. But this afternoon a real scheme deve oped In ny noggin. Want to hear it?''
 Sure, If it's go. anything to do with Halloween" acquiesced Bert. You know I'm in for something out of the regular order of things, such as eating dinner at and going to bed at half-past 8. I'd like a little romp on Halloween"
 Well. this Is my plan said Leon. You know that crowd of tourists that left the hotel yesterday, going down into the canon? They took along some tents and provisions as well as a guide. They intend staying in the canon for several days camping. We'll one of the men told me that 1t was their plan to stop at that first great curve-just about six miles down the canon-for two days. They'll pitch camp there and make ex- cursions out from camp, returning at night. A servant will be left in charge of the camp.'
 But l don't see anything relating to Halloween in the 1act that dozen tour ists have gone into the canon camping and exploring" said Bert
 You haven't waited till I am done
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

fright. Who but wicked house-breaker would dare to come into the house at that time of night and in that fashion?
 Just as Lilly was about to scream, and Tommy to lend his voice to hers, the tai, dark form of man appeared on the landing above the stairs and turned so that the children could see his face. It was grandpapa! And grandpapa saw the children crouching there, just as -hey recognized him. Then he beheld the traps" and the tick-tack at his door and understood. "Ah, it's q shamei' he cried, coming to Tommy and Lilly. "A sbame that I didn't go right to bed in- stead of going out to remove the new gate from the hinges, so that the little Halloween mischief-makers cannot ger held of 1t. hid it in the kitchen But while taking care of the gate 1 spoiled my little tads' first Halloween frolie. But never mind, we'll just stay in hiding till papa and mamma return then welt play the jokes on them. You shan't be entirely disappointed my dears.' And grandpapa entered into the Halloween spirit with the youngsters, and together they played some funny pranks ou para and mamma an honr later.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

with my plan," said Leon. ''In fact you've only got the introduction to my scheme so far. Now, since I have got as far as the tourists and Big Spring Curve and the camp, l shall continue My plan Is this; Let's go down to Big Spring Curve tomorrow morning. You know there is no school tomorrow, thanks to it's being Saturday. We'll not show ourselves at the camp, for al- though the tourists might all be gone on an exploring expedition the servant in charge of the tents would spy us and report when his superior officers return ed. We'll locate the camp and then keep our distance till night. Then harrah for some old Halloween pranks at the expense of those tourists. There is one man among them who was doing a lot of big talking about his bravery Well, he's the one we'll frighten out of weeks grub. His appetite will go, not to return for some days. We'll make queer noises, hide certain camp equip ments, toss pebbles against the tents and howl like Comanche Indians. Gee! l can see that brave man getting behind a boulder for protection from the canon witches and qndians.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

AY, mamma. 1t just makes me sick
 to see the poor stray cats about the H streets and to know that the boys
 mistreat them 30 cruelty" So spoke little Phil Downs to his mother one even ing on coming home from school. And I'm wondering if something cannot be done for the poor dumb creatures that have such a battle for life in a heartless city"
 Of course. Phirs mother was eager to encourage her little son in his desire to do something for creatures in distress. We might open a hospital for them, she said 1T had not thought of it be- fore, but now that you bring the matter to my attention I feel it would be worse than wicked for me to turn a deaf ear to the walls of the poor starving cats so to speak. And we might not only do something for the homeless cats but for Phil as we'll"
 Flows that, mammaY' asked Phil. "I don't see where l come in for anything except for a feeling of contentment after being of assistance to the hapless crea- lures of the streets that are at the mercy of cold. starvation and wicked boys"
 Well, I'll explain my meaning after a whiie,'' said Mrs. Downs. But now we must do some planning. Let's see, where could we make suitable hospital for our cats, anyway?'
 We've no use for the old stable" said Phil, since we sold the horse and car riage in order to get an auto. Papa said the other day that he meant to sell the stable for whatever he could get for it. as he didn't want 1t taking up the room on the grounds. But while we are wait ing for the sale to take place we might use the stable for our cat hospital"
 "A capital idea" said Mrs Downs. And if we find good use for it papa will allow us to keep it, I am sure.'
 Then n trip was made to the stable. and the building was gone over carefully. You see, the place Is roomy enough to accommodate a large number of cats, and we'll have our man John divide both the first floor and the loft by wire partitions. We shall have to keep the cats apart for a few days-those that show disposition to fight. After they are well acquainted they will live together on friendly terms"
 And while John is fixing the partitions I'll be bringing in the stray cats," said Phil. "I'll make a trip about the streets every evening after school and pick up a cat and carry 1t home in a basket. After the place is full, what shall we doT'
 Mrs. Downs smiled Wait till we have the place full'' she said. wen find a
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

and sundry other .'traps,' as designated by Tommy. Now we're ready whis- pered Tommy. And out they went and down the hall to grandpapa's door. They listened intently, but could not hear a sound escaping from the chamber where the old man slept. Hes asleep" whis- pered Tommy.
 Then they hurriedly fixed the tick-tack on the door, carrying the end of the long string to the darkest corner of the hall, from which point they would work the annoying little noisemaker. Then they piled the traps" tin pan and all, against the door, so that they would tumble into the room as soon as the door was opened. When done they crept to the corner of the hall and began pulling on the tick tsck string. so that it made a little. quick humping noise on the door. Thei- yes were dancing merrily as they waited to hear grandpapa come to the door, calling out: Who's there bothering about my doorT'
 But in vain they waited and waited. Then of sudden the front hall door opened and someone walked boldly up the stairs. The children sank to the floor in
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24
Little Doctor Phil.
BY WILLIAM WALLACE. JR.

solution to the problem of overcrowding our hospital =
 But why should we call 1t a hospital. mamma?9 asked Phil. Why don't we call it an asylum for homeless cats?''
 Well. most of the cats you will bring here will be in need of hospital attention. They will he starved, some of them ill from hurts and cold and none in per. fectly healthy condition"
 You are right, mamma" agreed Phil Tt will be q eat hospital"
 And you will be the doctor-Doetor Phil said Mrs. Downs. And a better or more sympathetic doctor than my little Phil has never yet been found"
 "Ah. and you shall be the hospital nurse, mamma" exclaimed Phil, deeply interested in the plan. And we'll doe tor and feed the cats as though they were real people,
 All Gods living creatures are kin. said Mrs. Downs And those of superior intellect should look after the welfare of the more helpless ones. An animal has the same claim upon us for consideration that one of our own kind has.
 If only the bad boys of the streets could be made to know that declared Phil.
 That week was 8 busy one for the uoctoF alu the nurse, ana lnt hdh who was in charge of remodeling the stable And each evening, after school. little Doctor Phil brought in one or two more stray cats that he had found prowi- ing about in alleyways or empty build ings and basements.
 But n week after the hospital plan had been carried out there were i2 cats ne- Ing made comfortable and happy there. The "nurse,' so good and helpful to tine doctor" would classify her patients, putting some in one ward" and some in another of the hospital And only tue most trustworthy were allowed the run of the place, and none were allowed to go ont into the grounds until they had become real "home'' cats. After that they went and came as they Tleased. and only one ran away, never to return.
 After the second month of running the hospital the place was filled to its capae- ity. Then it was that the 'nu-se" Eeld q consultation with the doctor" in his private room one evening, just as he was about to retire for the night She came in, carrying in her hand a small bit of paper with something written on it. Sitting on the side of Doctor Phirs bed, she said:
 Now, dearie, I shall tell you what I meant when l said-at the beginning of our hospital undertaking-that We might
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

Phil .'I couldn't run my hospital with out her. We'll sell the cats as fast as they become fine and strong Ani just think of it, mamma, people buying poor old stray alley cats for petsl That shows you what feeding and good, warm beds will do for even paupers.'
 ''The whole animal kingdom is the same-all Gods creatures, said Mrs. Downs. And the whole man Kingdom is the same, too, my child. It is elviron, ment, comforts education, love, good teaching, that makes one man appear to be superior to ais fellows. And could our little Doctor Phil do for the numan- fly in distress just what he is doing for the stray cats-ah. what a mercy it would be-
 Maybe I shall. some day." declared little Doctor Phil
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

other unfortunates We'll sell off cer- tain per cent of the number each month, thus finding good homes for good cats ana providing for those in distress. And, you see, what money comes from the sale of our cats shall go into the good little doc tors hands,"
 Mrs. Downs was smiling as she said this. And Phil smiled, too; not because of the promise of money, but because the plan was such good, sensible one. He had been bothered good bit in his mind lately on account of the hospital being so crowded, and he had not thought of way to provide for the new needy ones that he saw every little while, though he had pretty well cleaned rhe streets of stray cats. "Well, my nurse is splendid when it comes to knowing just what to do in all cases," declared
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

4AY, Bert what shall we do on
 Halloween?"
 A The question was asked by Leon
 Thompson of his cousin, Bert James. The two were standing in the yard of a summer hotel that was situated on mountain slope not far from the Grand Canon in Arizona. The boys had spent the entire summer there with their grandfather. who was the manager of the hotel And even after the autumn had set in they begged their parents to allow them to stay on. They promised to attend the little village school, and to be able to continue in their classes in the city school on their return home after the real winter had settled down and driven them to their own home in a Southern city.
 Well, it's so quiet in this place." ob served Bert. that we'll probably have nothing to do but to go to bed Wish we could transport ourselves to our own bustling city for tomorrow night And he smiled in remembrance of the many merry times he had enjoyed in his own home place. An, there the boys made the night merry with their gayety and innocent pranks
 Well, you know l am not given to
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

nor only do something for the homeless cats. but for Phil as well''
 "0h, yes, l remember your saying that said Doctor Phil But I've been so busy that 1 had not thought of it again"
 Well let me read what I have nere," said Mrs. Downs. And she read from b,t of paper:
 Large assortment of fine cats for sale. Purchasers must give good homes to cats. Will not sell to those having small children. Apply at office of Doctor Phil, ID Mulberry street"
 Phll sat up in bed and looked question: ingly at his mother. Are we to sell out the hospital, mamma?'' he asked. disap- continent in his voice.
 NO, dearie, only a few of the finest and healthiest cats to make room for
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

dS any Illlle lOikS uo.
 On the morning of Halloween Tommy called Lilly into the back hall to whisper something to her. You would fancy from the way his eyes shone that he had some mischief in mind And after he had whis- pered few minutes to Lilly her eyes began to dance as merrlly as his own, so that was proof that some mischief was brewing
 And this is what he said to Lilly, and also her answer:
 Tommy-Say, sister. it's Halloween to- day-I mean tonight. I heard the grocery boy and the butcher boy talking about it when they came this morning And they are going to play some tricks on their bosses. Suppose we play some tricks on somebody?
 Lilly-Oh. wouldn't that be fun. Tommy Yes let's play some tricks on somebody But we haven't any bosses, so who could We choose instead?
 Tommy-Why, we have grandpapa. He's always in his room at night and after he has gone to bed we'll play our pranks on him. Papa and mamma go out of evenings so much that we'd never get chance to play tricks on them. Let's take grandpapa
 Lilly-Oh. yes. let's play some jokes on grandpapa. He'll think it such fun.
 Then the two little schemers, Tommy and Lilly. returned to the living room,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24
Letter Enigma.

My first is in foot, but not in shoe; My second is in horse, but not in gnu; My third is in organ, but not in play; My fourth is in light, but not in day; My fifth is in voice, but not in song My sixth is in clang, but not in gong.
 My whole spells that
 Which all children love,
 And they'll know what 1t is
 When they solve the above.
 Beheadings.
 CD Behead to pause and leave child's toy. (2) Behead that which connects two river banks and leave the crest of noun tain range (3) Behead a newly married woman and leave to go on horseback.
 Curtai1inRs.
 CD Doubly curtail a tableland and leave dish (2) Curtail a vertebrae and leave that which a spider must do when making his web. (3) Curtail the sleeping quar- ters of soldier when on march and leave a number.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

beheld some Indians. But they were friendly Indians, and one of them under standing q little English, was made to realize the boys dilemma. Soon the big Indian had Bert's ankle better bandaged. and declared it was just very bad sprain, but not broken. Then, telling one of his companions about the boys being lost, sent him back to the hotel with them. And then he told Leon that they had lost the main trail and were many miles away from Big Spring Curve. And when the boys reached the hotel. Bert being carried on the back of their h. dian guide, they both solemnly declared they'd never, never again venture into . canon, even for Hal'e~aAn lark. And 4heYt snaHeg=S1id-r
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24
BY HELENA DAVIS.

BY HELENA DAVIS. } OMMY and Lilly were sister and brother. They were little tots of seven and nine years of age. and 7 both enjoyed games and sports. just as any little folks do.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24

@ AY, mamma. 1t Just makes me sick
 to see the poor stray cats about the A streets and to know that the boys
 mistreat them so cruelty" So spoke