davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13
Land of White Elephant.

n Siam the natives cling to many ideas
that are thousands of years old rather
than learn of new ways. The little
heather babies are rubbed all over with
understanding paste made of Oil and SAT-
from. This makes the little ones look
darker than they really are. Although the
land lies near the equator. whera the
weather is warm all the year round. yet
the Siamese children are wrapped in
scarfs which cover their little bodies.
ferhaps this covering is meant as a pro-
lection against the mosquitoes and other
insects which live in such swarms through
out the land. The people of Siam believe
IN queer kind of religion. which teaches
them not to kill anything, even those bugs
winch have stfngs of poison. Most of the
people in the country live on the water on
bamboo RATS, but the royal families dwell
IN beautiful homes on the banks of the
rivers. There are SO many little one
1oomed homes on the RATS that more
man million people are housed in this
way, Sas me children can all swim. for they
earn TINS way of going from place to
pidse as easily as the little ones of our
iand learn to walk
me mothers of the Siamese children
S so,,, very particular to care for the little
can nave white teeth, so they blacken
ene babies teeth and give them 'beter'
from the palm tree to chew to make red
gums The children of Siam are taught
."SiC Is luck 1T Ouu nu fioeiS =
Mhen houses have steps there is always
an odd number built When prayers to
neathen gods are offered the people say
tne'h a. an odd number # times The ii i
n mtse are very thankful that there is an
oou number Of fingers on each hand.
When the schoolboy studies his lesson
ne goes over it an odd number Of times.
II he does not he thinks he will surely
nave Tor the little Siamese children. In
stead they use large sheets of paper
made from the palm tree and rolled upon
bamboo reeds. These contrivances are
SO clumsy that the little ones have to
hold them with both hands while they
read from right to left.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13
'h hi M: pys
Olden1nnG

acted his part as we'll as any of them
for he desired he might goe downe to
inquire for the little gentleman that was
there the day before In black coat and
speak TO the man to tell the gentleman
when he came from school that there was
such a gallant with very fine clothes
and sword to have waited upon him
and would come again upon Sunday next
But this was not all. there was great
contrivings while he was dressing who
should have the first salute. but he said
il old Joan had been there. she should,
but he gave 1t to me to quiet them all.
They We're very fit. everything. and he
looks taller and prettier than in his coats.
Little Charles rejoyced as much as he
did for he jumpt all the while about him
and took notice of everything. I went to
Bury. and bot everything for another
suit which will be finisht on Saturday so
the coats are quite left off on Sunday.
consider 1t is not yeti terme time and
since you could not have the pleasure of
the first sight. I resolved you should
have full relation from a--er-ss.
''Yor most afr nate Mother.
"A. NORTH
when he was drest he asked Ruckle
whether muffs were out Of fashion,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13
The Brass Key and the Bag of Seeds.

best to answer, SO in his joy he replied
Il am Friend Olden from the village
beyond, and l and my good wife ceie-
brate our golden wedding tomorrow"
The owl certainly did not hear this, but
some other creature must have, for
just then little yellow bird flew from
nowhere right upon the old mans hand
This is a surprise said he II will
take the bird home as a present to my
Wife
When the old woman received the
bird she was Sc happy that she seemed
almost young again. She loved pets, but
could not afford to feed a cat or dog.
This golden bird is beautiful present
and as il will not eat much l shall be
happy to pet and love it." spoke the
gentle old lady. Everyday | shall share
my meals with it, Next day the roast
goose dinner was prepared. The old
people ate heartily and joyfully. The
little bird sat at the table, too. for d
while, but suddenly flew from the room
through on open window.
If some one had not knocked at the
door just then the poor old woman would
have been in tears, but it was her at
tention' was taken with the visitor When
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13

the young lady entered she was invited to
share the remainder of the feast, but
she was too busy for that. She spoke
out at once.
II have come with a present. for 1
have seen your happiness, but feel sorry
that you are not rich in worldly goods.
Here" she said. turning to the little
old man. lis a bag of seeds. Plant them
and they will yield good crops. Each
year save a few seeds from whatever you
raise and you will always have plenty to
eat" To the old woman she said:
Here is a charmed key. With 1t lock
your pantry every night. In the morning
when you unlock the door you will find
the shelves filled with good food. If you
ever quarrel the key will fail to open the
door and the crops will suffer blight until
all is happiness again."
Then, putting down the precious gifts.
she again became a yellow bird and flew
from the room. The old people stared in
wonder. They were very happy, though.
for as they never. intended to quarrel
they looked forward to an old age of
plenty. They both praised the fairy who
had rewarded their lives of hard work
and honesty.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13
THE AIRSHIP FAIRY


little orphans a few moments after their
arrival. An cheer up, fer cryin' can't
fetch back the dead. An you'll both
find plenty of work to do. which will
keep your minds offn your trouble
don't believe in folks Twin on other folks
without dom somethin to pay for the
trouble they make.
''Oh. we'll work. Aunt Nan" eagerly
promised Jesse. a blush coloring his
young face His aunt's words hurt him
cruelty. We don't want to make trou-
Bile for you. neither.
Ugh. faint what YOU want to do.
it's what you do" snorted Aunt Nan.
Then she led the way into the kitchen.
where supper was laid for four. While
at table she questioned Jesse az follows:
Say, where is your mothers good-for-
nothin' brother, Jack Turner? He hash I
chick nor chile to look after. an ought
to take you young 'uns OFT Jim's an my
hands But / reckon he's no account
Again Jesse blushed a deep red. and a
lump came in his throat. He felt keenly
the sting of his aunt's broad insinuations
and knew that life in that house would
be unbearable for both his little sister
and himself. But he answered. calmly:
Il don't know where Uncle Jack is.
long time ago mamma got letter from
him. He was in a big city and was in
venting an airship. He said he'd soon
be rich off his invention.
Yes. an mamma always told us how
good and kind Uncle Jack is put in
May. .'She said he would come to us
when he could and would do lots and
lots for us all. But Uncle Jack was very
poor when he went away-when / was so
little ] can just remember him. He had
red hair
Aunt Nan looked hard at the children,
not spea king for a full minute after May
had finished Then she said: IAN in
ventor! Ugh. might az well be tramp.
An inventor is always layin' around on
his kin. dreamin of fiyin' machines or
something Or other as foolish. Why don't
he go to work.?
Neither Jesse nor May felt called upon
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13


know. And how about your luncheon?
Have you everything ready?'
II am just going to devil some eggs
this very minute explained Norma
And" turning to Oracle, won't YOU go
after some cake and some fruit. sister,"
Oracle frowned. :Ill not have the
time. she complained And appealing
to her mother, mamma, will you be good
enough to fix this frock for me to wear?
I've got to wash and comb and do ever
so many things.
Mrs. Wilson shook her head. Oracle,
you must have your lesson first or last
Now is very good time for it. You
must fix your own frock. my child.
have urged you, time and again, to keep
your clothes neatly 'mended. If you let
your things go-well, you must suffer the
Consequences And, you must assist Nor
ma in preparing the luncheon. 1t is not
fair that she should have the. bulk of the
work of preparation to do. You must
shoulder your share of 1T.
Oracle, her face ahame with shame,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13

her smile very happily, and after saving
oh. yes, indeed we shall be delighted
10 60 and thank you for both of us ever
and ever so much. What time shall we
De ready-at o'clock this afternoon? All
right. And We shall prepare some lunch
con? Yes, all right, we'll be most happy
TO do SO. Goodbye"
Then to the porch ran Norma. crying
to Oracle. excitedly: oh sister, Mrs.
Jackson has invited us-you and me-to
go with her and Flora and Tommy for a
lorg automobile ride. We are to stop on
the breakdown at Blake Island-and
have q picnic supper by moonlight. Well
return home about O'Clock. Won't that
be splendid? / know mamma will be so
happy to have us go, so l accepted for
both of US. Mamma won't be home for
over All hour. And we are to start at 4.
II is now o'clock. Well have to be
stirring il We are ready when Mrs. Jack
son calls. And she must not be kept
waiting"
Are We to carry luncheon" asked
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13
The Mosquitoes Soma.

TITLE Eskimo children like to hear
l. the story which their parents tell
about the mosquito. 1t is said that once
upon time a very hard working Eskimo
lived in the frozen north with his wife
and chubby, dark-skinned children The
man was very hard worker, for he built
fine, round snow house for his family
and always hunted plenty of good, fat
seals and bears. Beautiful animal skins
hung inside the coy home and plenty of
whale oil was burned in queer little lamps
to light the dwelling. Not many houses
III the village swere fine, Yet the
Eskimo's wife was very careless wom-
an. She often let the beautiful seal
skin clothing of her children and husband
get ragged before trying to mend it.
One night when the Eskimo hunter
himself on his bed OF furs. Before going
to sleep he asked his wife to clean his
fur coat in order that it would be ready
for the next days hunt. The Eskimo
like to work, so she left the hard mud
in her husbands coat. The next day
when the Eskimo wanted to wear his
heavy garment he saw that it had not
been cleaned. This displeased the man
so he held the coat up before his lazy
wife. See, this dirt is still in my coat
said he, as he shook the fur himself
Just then thousands of little bits of dIrt
and ice flew into the air. Again and
again he shook the coat and each time
more dirt flew out.
Alas, the dirt specks each had wings
which f1uttered round and round about
the Eskimo's wife's ears. They sang Just
one song. Lazy, lazy, lazy" until the
poor woman was almost distracted Then
the creatures pricked her face and ears
with the little needles within their bodies
Every summer since the mosquitoes have
visited the land singing their Lazy, lazy,
lazy song in every ones ears.
Would you like to know about the mos
quitos family? Mr.. Mosquito may buzz
buzz, buzz in our ears but he never bites
for to him nothing tastes good but the
nectar of flowers. His wife. though,
sad to say, has very bad habits. She
ailghts here and there on our skin until
she is satisfied that she has found place
which suits her to dine. Then she sends
her set of little lances into our skins and
pumps up her supper. Even then she Is
not satisfied, for she leaves a drop of poi
son to fill the place where she has taken
kout the blood.
Mrs. Mosquitoes babies are very little
trouble to their mother She lays dozens
of eggs at time in little bundle on
the long leaves at the edge of pond.
Sometimes two or three hundred of these
eggs will hatch out at one time and fall
into the water. The wriggling, squrm-
ing creatures with long tails do not mind
that. for they dart here and there in
slee. AS the insects grow older these
tails disappear, but instead the young
mosquitoes find that they have legs and
wings. Then they make for dry land to
fly about in search of food. They seem
to delight in annoying little folks with
their song, Lazy, lazy, lazy Luckily,
hungry birds flying through the air de-
fore they have time to do much harm
in the world.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13

Oracle. lazily. not making any sign of
getting out of the hammock.
Yes, Mrs. Jackson said we'd carry
luncheon. She said she would take sand
witches, pickles and cheese. We can sup
ply something else. Suppose we make
some deviled eggs. And I'll run to our
favorite bakers and get nice cake-one
Of those delicious white ones, you know
And We will take some fruit, too. Won't
it be splendid? ?"
What shall you wear?" asked Oracle,
now bestirring herself bit
My pink lawn, l guess replied Nor
ma. But l shall have to hurry, for the
eggs must be boiled at once, so as to give
them time to get cold and solid in the
ice box Otherwise. they wouldn't dew.
nicely
And away ran busy Norma to the
kitchen to put the eggs to boil.
Within a short time Norma had the
eggs nicely boiled and cooling in the ice
box while she was getting her frock,
shoes, hat and other accessories to her
afternoon attire, laid out all ready to don.
But Oracle was not quite so energetic.
She had left the hammock and gone to
her own room to look over her frocks to
see which one might be fit to wear. A
blue. dimity was selected as being in the
best wearing condition, but i'm looking it
over she found rent in the skirt and
two buttons gone. "Oh. just my luck
she declared. petulantly, Il never have a
frock in shape to put right on. | do be-
lieve I'll ask mammal she has re-
turned-to sew on the buttons and mend
the rent, Let me see-the lace is all torn
in places on my white lawn. The but
tons off my checked batiste Yes, this
blue dimity will be the best" So taking
it in her arms. she went down stairs to
her mothers sitting room. Mrs. Wilson
had just returned from making some calls
and was listening to Norma's explanation
of the good time in store for Oracle and
herself that afternoon and evening Il
knew you would not mind our going
mamma" Norma was saying, 80 / just
accepted at the moment
mo. indeed, / shall not object" said
Mrs. Wilson. "On the other hand, | am
delighted that Mrs. Jackson has invited
You to go witt he- and her lovely chill
dren. You will have a splendid time |
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13

oiu one. thus allowing the two dear ones
to sleep side by side.
And now it was time for Jesse and
May to leave the spot and go to the
home of a great-uncle. who had accom-
panied them on this sad day to the last
resting place of their dear mother. The
old uncle, touching Jesse on the arm,
said: Come, dry your eyes and let's
be going. Your aunt will be looking for
U.S. Supper will be ready, and we must
net keep things waiting"
Jesse dashed the bitter tears from his
eyes. Then, taking his sisters hand in
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13
.HE little old man with heavy

HE little old man with a heavy
basket on his arm was return
ing to his home In the village.
AS night was coming on he
took the shortest route by fol-
lowing a path which lead through the
woods. II was not often that this worn
old person Travelled so far from his little
cottage, but tomorrow he and his good
wife were to celebrate their wedding an
niversary, for they would then be married
fifty years. In the old mans basket
there was a nice fat goose, which was
roady for roasting for the old couples
dinner ON the morrow. Usually these
poor pec-.e ate without meat. but they
saved the money from the lettuce bed for
this one good dinner to celebrate the
happy day.
Just about dusk when the little old
man. who was almost blind. was hurry
ing along through the woods. he heard
voice. Who? Who? II said. Now. though
the traveller saw no one, he thought 1t
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13

take her basket and go to the automobile.
1T is Gracie's own fault that she is de-
layed this way, and she'll have a lesson
today that she will profit by. l am quite
sure she'll never miss another picnic
through her own idleness.'
Then, while Norma was getting into
the automobile. Mrs Wilson spoke in low
tones to Mrs. Jackson, explaining why
Oracle would not he able to go on the
outing that day. Although all expressed
regrets that Oracle was to be left behind
they knew 1t was for the best that she
be taught a lesson through diSappoint-
ment. AS the big auto rolled off down
the road toward Blake Island. carrying
the happy picnic party, Oracle, with tears
in her eyes, stood looking from the VIM
dow after them. And in her heart she
knew that her disappointment was due to
her own shortcomings. And she vowed to
turn over a new leaf from that day. And
in response to her mothers call she re-
piled:
Yes, mamma. / shall come down d.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13

his own. he whispered to her: Come,
Sissy. Uncle Jim says we must go.
May courageously dried her eyes and
tried to be brave. She drew her little
bonnet over her face to hide the signs
of woe and walked from the cemetery
behind her great-uncle. Pretty soon the
little orphans We're ushered into the farm
house belonging to their klnfolk ana
were greeted coldly by their Great-uncle
Jim's wife, sour-tempered old woman
who begrudged the orphaGed children the
shelter and food offered them by her
husband.
I'VE don't keep poorhousc she had
said to her husband that day when he
informed her of his intention to fetch
the brats home" Since neither of the
youngsters parents provided for them
let the county look after its own paupers
We have enough to do to take care OF
ourselves
But old Uncle Jim had insisted: WAL
the brats air my own blood, bein' my
niece'S young 'unS, an | can't find 1t IN
my heart to send 'em to an orphan asy-
lum. An their pore mother, Katie, mao
hard fight to keep the wolf from the
door after her husband, Fred, died. Pore
Fred never did know how to make money,
an when he was took with sickpeSS,
wal, the burden fell on Katie. And
after Fred died she had too much to bear
So she ups and dies, leavin' the brats
without SO much as a penny. So there's
nothin' 1 can do but take EN- in. But,
wife, both o. the youngsters air old
enough to work. You can bring May up
to do the Homework, and save the price
of a hired girl, an I'll teach Jesse the
teamwork. Oh. they'll pay good an
plenty for their keep, I'll warrant YOU"
ugh. it's precious little you know of
young 'uns,'' retorted Mrs. Jim, snappish-
ly. They'll have every disease known
10 children. an I'll have to wait on 'em
hand an foot. An they'll not be able
to earn their keep for five years. Let
me see, the boys about twelve, amt he?
An the CURL two years younger?'
Uncle Jim nodded his head. yep.
thems their ages. But they seem smart
for their years They'll work ali l<yht."
And then he was off to attend the funeral
of his niece. Katie Rogers, whose bur-
dens in life had proven more than her
frail STRENGTH could bear, and to return
with the children, who were so unwel-
come in his home
Take off your things, said Mrs. jim
the children's Aunt Nan-addressing the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13
CAREL ESS GRACIES LESSON
ess. rc.x.s*.sT*s.. *s.wsss~e


went upstairs and began to hXsher iroch.
But hardly had she begun when her motn-
er'S voice called to her: on "ouiu We. .t
ter go for the cake, daughter, pe1ore SIT
ting down to mend. II 10y any ,o,, Nc
YOU should not be ready to go When MIS-
Jackson calls for you, Norma llius' ,iol
be disappointed and shall nave her
basket of luncheon ready.
Oracle began TO beg off, but her mother
was firm do as | say, daughter, and
start at once 10 the bakers for the cake.
Stop on the Wav back and buy bag of
nice fruit
Oracle had to obey, but did 1t reluc-
family. She feared she would not be
ready to go when o'clock arrived, for
there was so much to be done In prep
aration. She hurried to the baker S
and got the cake. Stopped on the way
back home and bought a bag OF fruit.
But she saw by the town clock that it
wanted only forty-five minutes till time
to start on their automobile outing. For
a moment she felt very much out of
sorts over tive fact that she had been
Obliged to go after the cake and fruit, but
the longer she thought of it the clearer
80
been very Indifferent about her work.
And if she missed getting the trip-well,
it would be her lesson.
AS soon as Oracle gave the cake and
fruit into Norma hands she ran up
stairs to fix her frock Norma was all
ready, looking as sweet in her fresh lawn
frock as could be. The basket was pre-
pared for the luncheon. lined with a soft
white napkin. Into the basket Norma put
a dozen deviled eggs, wrapped about with
white paper. Then, the cake, also appe-
tizingly fixed in dainty fashion. Then
the yellow oranges, luscious pink
peaches and golden-yellow pears.
AT precisely ten minutes before Nor
ma was waiting on the porch At exactly
Mrs. Jackson'S automobile came dash
ing round the corner. Flora and Tommy
in the rear seat and their mother in front
besides the chauffeur. Room for Norma
and Oracle was in the big back seat be-
side Flora and Tommy.
'All ready" called out Mrs. Jackson.
Just as Norma was about to offer some
excuse for her tardy sister, her mother
came upon the porch, and, after chatting
In cordial manner for a few moments
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-13

rectiy. But before doing so l shall finish
mending my frocks.. From this hour
shall keep my clothes mended neatly
anu my room In order. After all, doing
ones duty is a pleasure. for If brings
about such happy results Sister Norma
Is IS, always ready to go anywhere and at
all times can receive her friends in her
Wen-kept room. l have learned my les
son. mamma. dear, and thank YOU so
much for your patience with me in the
past l did not deserve it"