davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19
Sadie D. Finch as d Senorita

will purchase more or less of their wares
Each person is allowed 81 worth of goods
without having to pay duty, / bought a
beautiful green Mexican handmade rug,
also a Mexican hat AS l already had my
dollars worth, 1 persuaded a man who only
had a quarters worth to carry my hat
through the custom house for me. In pass
ing through we get in line and they exam
inc our pockets purses and packages.
Those having more than a dollars worth
pay from 80 to 70 per cent duty. A gentle
man from Denver paid $3.50 duty on a
small image.
We had our pictures taken as Mexicans,
and a number of us sampled a Spanish
lunch hot tamales, etc.
Tia Juana has one long street and a num-
Der of scattered hous&s At the end Of the
street is large arenh in which they have
bull fights on Sundays" which l think is
wicked. Returning we stop at National
City for dinner and again board the train
for Sweetwater dam, which is a large reser-
voir containing enough water to irrigate
the surrounding country for four years,
regardless of rains, Then back to San
Diego after having spent delightful day.
California has many charms for me.
The greatest of all is the grand old sea,
But dear old Nebraska, love it best,
And my home and friends in the middle
west.
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19

while" said the Boys uncle. Where did
you find him? He's dandy"
Got him In the alley back of our
house." explained the Boy. II have had
my eye on him for days. Got him by
coaxing with meat. He's a pure Maltese"
Yep, he's a fine one" said the uncle
I'm keep him in the cellar or the wood
house till he's accustomed to the place"
And then poor Tommy's imprisonment
began. For days he was kept in the wood
house; of nights he was kept in the cellar.
And had not It been for the mice that in
tested the latter place poor Tommy's life
would have been one long day and night
OF misery. But he delighted in catching
mice and soon had cleared the cellar Of
the little pests.
But his loneliness was on him and he
lohged and lonsed for the old life in the
town alley. An, there he lived! And all
day long he sat mourning over his lost
happiness. But a day came when free
dom was given him once more. He had
been a prisoner for three weeks, and the
. farmer master said TO himself: Hes a
fixture here now. He's been we'll treated
and well fed and you couldn't drive him
away with q club, cat knows when he's
we'll off: and such mouser he Is! All.
he's worth his board and keep, all right"
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19
Honorable Mention.)
A Rainy Day Story
by Jeannette Miner. aged - Years

BY Jeanette Miller, Aged IL Years, Fair
mont, Neb. Blue Side.
1t was a rainy day. The rain drops were
pattering softly on the barn roof. Inside
the horses stood in the stalls wishing to go
out to the pasture and many impatient
whinnies sounded from there. In one stall
stood an old horse. The light streaming
through a window showed very plainly his
beautiful gray coat and long name. He
still held his head very high, as IL to say,
I'm not going to give up even If a good
many years have passed over my head"
AS an impatient whinny sounded from the
neighboring stall the gray horse looked
over. "How-do-you-do, my friend" he said
TO the impatient sorrell horse who stood
frisking about as much as the limited room
Of the stall would permit, What do you
think of this weather"
Its not bit NICE" replied the other.
"Oh, IL l were only out in the pasture
where could run and frisk about, or even
hauling a wagon or buggy would be better
than standing here"
''Oh, but see," answered his wise COM
panion, IF there were no rains there would
be no fine green pastures; the brooks would
all dry up and the roads would be so dusty
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19
Tommy, a Prisoner
Rx MAUD wALKER.

the boy who still held the meat out TO him.
The smell OF the tempting food was too
much for Tommy. He went towards 1t. a
few steps at a time, and soon put out his
paw for 1t. The boy let him have 1t, for 1t
was only bite. But hardly had had
Tommy devoured the meat when the boy
produced another piece This he held out
TO the hungry Tommy also. 1t was the
temptation which cost Tommy his freedom
This time, Tommy was not in the least
afraid. He walked deliberately up to the
boys hand, took the meat from II and be-
gan to eat 1t, sitting down. Then the boy
grabbed him in his hands and before the
now frightened cat could realize what was
happening he was thrust into a dark, tight
bag and carried off.
No boy or girl can realize the fright and
anxiety of Tommy as he was CARED away
from his fallen home. He fought In vain,
scratching and biting with all his might.
But only the feelingless cloth bag felt his
force, His claws never once went through
to the monster boy who walked leisurely
along with him in the ugly, uncomfortable
bag.
On reaching a certain street the Boy got
on a street car, explaining to the con-
ductor that he had fine, big tom cat
in the bag and that he was taking him
TO his uncle's farm at the outskirts Of the
town.
once outside the town the Boy got off
the car and took Tommy to his new home,
a funny old-fashioned log house. where an
old bachelor lived.
Tommy was let out of the bag into q
cherries room with closed doors and win
dows. "We'll keep him shut in for a
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19
The Robins Patriotism

One day. a mother Robin,
Sat high on the limb OF a tree,
Watching her little ones on their nest
Till their father should come to tea.
Don't fret, my dears," said the mother
bird
Your father will soon be here.
And he will bring a big. fat worm,
To feed his children dear"
20, here he comes: Cheer up, cheer up
He always brings good cheer
Alas, today he looks quite sad;
He has had poor luck. l fear"
Now Robin bird flew into the house,
AS fast as he was able
And dropped a worm, from out his bill,
Upon the well set table
give that, dear wife, to the babies,
IL is all that l have 'tll tomorrow,
I've had another squabble
With that saucy English Sparrow"
IF that fellow can't mind his own affairs
And keep away from our home,
I'll chase him farther than over before
AS far as the Torrid Zone"
I'm a peaceable bird, you know that my
dear
But iii fight for the babes and you;
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19
The Life of a Little Sioux Girl

and the most delicious mud pies.
She was her fathers pet, and on Satur-
days he would come for her during recrea-
tton hours bringing her safely back with
her bag Of candies from the traders store.
Vacation came and we went to our re-
spective homes. The next year spent at
home, but returned TO the mission at the
end OF the year. ] had been back but
day or so when Amella's mother brought
the little girl TO welcome me, Then school
began, and Amelia was one of the first
pupils to appear.
She was very small for her age our
school baby, we called her, our little Merry
Sunshine day by day, very aftectionate,
fond of being caressed She would come
up to u.s. put up her little hands and say,
me. l like you"
An epidemic of whooping cough broke out
on the reservation, and we tried TO keep
1t from the school, for we realized that
the Indian child with whooping cough
might quickly develop tuberculosis. But our
efforts failed, and Amila was of the
victims of the disease. She was not very
sick at first but we watched her closely.
The world over, q mother wants her sick
ones near her, so we permitted the parents
TO take Amelia home to their log houseF
In few days we went to see our baby.
horror we soon saw that she was very Ill
with pneumonia, burning with fever. But
she put up her little, hot hands toward
me and smiled so family while the mother
turned her head away and cried.
When we returned again TO the school,
we sent Julia home TO help the mother,
Since the child was my pet l told julia
she must keep me informed as TO the con-
ditlon of the little patient. That was SAT-
urday. Very early Tuesday morning, before
the household was astir, Mr., Brown Wolf
rang the doorbell and asked for me- /
called one of the large girls to interpret
Amelia was dying, he told us, and he could
scarcely speak for his grief. Though l
knew there was nothing TO be done, l
wanted TO go TO her my staunch little
friend. The father was going TO the traders
store, two miles further, to buy the coffin.
They have their peculiar customs. and
would stop for me upon his return. / war
ready when he came, and ! rode with him
in the rickety little old buggy To the back
he had tied the box containing a little cas-
ket, the bed for my poor little girl IL
was a beautiful bright spring morning, but
our hearts were sad, When we reached the
house the child had passed away.
/ stayed with them an hour and though
our language and our customs differed
vastly, there was strong, sad bond be-
tween us,
When we laid our baby away In the mis.N
sion cemetery, her little schoolmatas scat-,
tered wild flowers over the mound. and -
We left Amelia Brown Wolf. A. v. Z.
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19
The Horse

BY Myrtle Siekkotter, Aged 10 Years,
Gretna, Neb. Blue Side.
The horse 10 q noble. useful animal. Let
me tell you story about one. Once in a
street in London an old soldier was walking
along the sidewalk, when suddenly he
stopped and looked for a some time at
horse on the other side of the street At
last he said, II know him, 1 know him.
He is the horse I rode in war"
At the sound OF the voice the horse raised
his head and seemed to know him, and
rubbed his nose against the hand that
stroked him 30 kindly. Then the soldier
put his hand into his pocket and said,
Yes, he shall have 1t, though It were
my last penny, have enough to get him
a meal of oats"
Then the soldier went away and soon re-
turned with the oats and let the animal eat
from his hand. He then went on his way,
saying to the driver, BE good to him and
use him we'll"
1t was a beautiful sight, and 1t wasn't
a wonder that some of the little boys said
"Hurrah," when they saw the soldiers
kindness to his old friend, the horse.
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19
Conundruns

sent by Dorothy Darlow. Aged 10 Years.
20S So. g6tn St, Omaha. Blue side.
l. What is the difference between a
young lady and a wide-swake hat?
one has feelings, the other has felt.
p What IS that which every Twins being
has seen, but viii never see again?
Yesterday.
g. If you suddenly see a house on fire
what three celebrated authors would you
name?
Dickens-Howitt-Bur
T. When may a mans pocket be empty
and yet have something in H7
When It has a hole In IT,
g. What is the keynote TO good manners?
3 natural.
G. What do you call the ship that car.
ries more passengers than the Great
EASTERN
Courtship.
T. Why is an author the most wonder
full person In the world3
Because his tail (tale) came out Of his
head.
s. What is that which will be yester-
day and was tomorrow
Today, of course.
O. What is put on the table and cut but
never eaten7
A pack OF cards.
10. Which of the four seasons is the
most literary?
Autumn, for then the leaves are turned
and then are red (read).
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19

1t would be terrible to haul a vehicle, 1t
would be so dusty. Oh, there are lots of
things worse than rainydays. 1 began
finding that out when 1 was young and
frisky like you"
"Oh, please tell me story, just to make
the time fly, something that has really hap
pened." begged the young horse.
We'll. then 1 will tell you one about
myself. for then l will be perfectly sure
it will be quite true.
when 1 was very young belonged to a
herd. We roamed all over the plains, going
north In summer and returning south when
1t grew too cold to stay longer there.
"One day when we were grazing a few
of us got separated from the rest. Most
were on one side OF hill, but five Il was
among them) were on the other side.
Soon the herd had gone on and left just us.
I'VE stayed until almost noon, not know
ing that the rest had gone on.
Toward the middle Of the afternoon we
saw clouds of smoke curling up towards
the sky, and as they came nearer, we
could see the red flames darling among the
dense cloud of black smoke. We were
much frightened and started to run. The
fire was very hot and we could feel it
even at that distance. We ran on and on;
we crossed river, and as the fire came
to the bank 1t stopped but the falling
sparks soon caught the grass on the other
side.
1T was getting very near a settlement
now. Farmers ran out from the farm
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19
(Flrst Prize.)

(Flrst Prize)
BY Sadie B. Finch, Aged ~ Years 2O16
Fourth Avenue, Kearney, Feb. Blue.
The trip to Mexico is made daily from
San Diego, Cal. The train consists of three
cars, two of which are open and one closed.
Leaving San Diego at o'clock we travel
for some distance along the ocean. We
then go into smooth, grassy plains and see
lovely orange and lemon groves.
We have a competent guide, who is jolly
and explanatory. We go through National
City, which is in the heart of the lemon
and olive belt. Then we pass though two
or three little towns. The guide points
out to us the last school house in the
United States. In few moments we come
in sight of the custom house, We are now
loaded into tally-hos, which take us across
the Tt Juana river. The water is not deep,
so we do not mind fording it. AS the
wagons pass through the river and stir up
the sand the water appears to be full of
gold dust and glitters and sparlIles beauu-
fully. Our party is a large one and it
takes four tally-hos, each drawn by four
horses. to take us across to I'll Juana.
1t is a nice warm morning and we are en-
joying the sunshine, birds and flowers,
though 1t is the 22d of January. Now we
all get out at TT Juana and the Mexicans
are ready to welcome us, knowing we all
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19

But the old uncle did not reckon on this
especial cat. AS soon as Tommy smelt the
air OF freedom he began to plan on get
ting back to his old haunts, But he was
too sensible to give signs OF his desire to
his master. He had been taught many
lessons during his capture and imprison-
ment. He behaved in the most satisfied
manner on the day of his liberation and
went about the yard and stable as though
enjoying the new scenes very much, But
as soon as the night set in he watched for
an opportunity to give the farm the slip.
The old uncle called TO him and put him
in the woodshed. but left the door open SO
that he might go and come at will. on
the floor the old man threw a mat for
Tommy TO sleep on Beside 1t he placed a
plate of sweet milk. He meant TO treat
Tommy kindly. But Tommy could not be
happy in that place no matter how much
he was INDUCED.
About Q o'clock, and while the master
was snoring away In his little attic room
under the ,sloping roof, Tommy crept
stealthily from the woodshed and hurried
toward the open road. Somehow instinct
told him the direction he should go, for he
turned toward the town which was only
1t did not take Tommy long TO reach the
home Of his happy days. Once in town he
found the old beloved alley without the
least bit of trouble. But only one short
sweet hour did he allow himself to llnger
there, for he knew that with the day the
Boy would see / i'm, and that all sorts OF
devices would De employed 10 recapture
him. So he walked up and down the alley
for brief and happy hour, then he went
far, far from his old haunts, But he found
as satisfactory a place, for he wandered
down on the river front among the great
wharvcs and warehouses, and there he be-
came the best known cat of the vicinity.
Men would point him out and say: See
that great Maltese Tom? He's the finest
fellow on the river. He belongs 10 every
one and to no one for we all feel a deep
interest In him, yet not one OF us has ever
been able TO lay hands on rim. He's a
sort OF privileged character. He comes and
goes at his own sweet viii, everybody
throwing grub to him, yet nobody daring
TO hy TO capture him"
And 10 the end OF his life Tommy never
forgot his period Of captivity. and he
profited by the lessons he had learned,
Everybody has an object In handling you
tempting bits" he would say 10 himself.
$50 it's wise to be on your guard. and to
look twice before you leap once. Keep an
eye on deceivers, say l. And in SO doing
you keep your liberty" ~
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19

father found him he was on the fourth
story in a room with a little boy playing
with blocks. lie found bicycle and after
trying to ride it, which he failed to do, he
left it lying in an old alley. One morning
as he came downstairs from the hotel he
saw room with door open, There was
no one in the room and as usual Ellison
wanted to see what was in the room. 1t
contained table, stove, chairs, cupboard
and few other articles. There was cup
of custard on the table and SO Ellison
drank it. He let out a yell that could be
heard two blocks away and dashed up
stairs. Hid never poked his nose into any
thing after that. Because you see, he had
swallowed a cupful of mustard
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19

houses. They did everything they could
to stop it, and after a long fight the fire
was put out, but we were not there then.
We ran on for a long ways, and as we
passed a ranch some lcowboys came out
They chased us, trying to throw their
lassoes about US, but they did not succeed,
at least then.
1.-The snake holes were very numerous
there and very large. / stumbled in one
of these and as l fell a lasso settled down
about me. The rest escaped
They took me to a ranch. My leg was
badly sprained from the fall and that kept
me quiet for a long time.
zone day, after l got all right, man
came and put saddle on me and got on
my back. 1 tried to throw him, but I
couldn't, so 1 decided 1 wouldn't make any
fuss about 1t. l heard the man say l was
one of the best horses he had ever seen.
Another man spoke up and said he was
going to give me to his daughter.
The next morning a little girl came out
with the man who had said was to be
his daughters, so l knew the girl was to
be my mistress. She named me Bob. After
that when she went to ride 1t was on my
back and we had the very best OF times"
"One day / heard a man say she was
going away to school. She came and said
good bye to me, and after that / never
saw her again, for ! was sold not long
afterwards. / have changed masters many
times, but shall not forget my little
mistress 1t was not fun that day on the
hot prairie with the fire chasing me, but
1 think that is one Of the rainy days in
my life that made the flowers bloom"
The sun came out then and it had quit
raining. The farmer came and let them
go out to the pasture all green and fresh
after the rain.
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19
Memorial Day

BY Ruth Kirchstein, Agen II Years, 1901
Grand Avenue, Omaha. Neb. Red Side.
Memorial day, oh Memorial day
Always comes with the Goth of May
And our hearts do naturally swell with
pride
For the brave soldiers that heroically
died.
oh soldiers! II only you could see
The love. the pride, and the liberty
With which we do sorrow, with which we
For those that once fought and died
in the fray
or course we love the victors best
That in their dark blue costumes were
dressed,
But the gray, that were on the southern
side,
Fill our hearts with love and pride.
So now we put on the 30th OF May
(Which Is OF course Memorial dayO
With loving hands, garlands gay,
Ger those who once were in the fray.
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19


never done days work; nor had he
worked OF nights, either unless hunting for
an occasional mouse could be called work
And he only INDUCED In that as a pastime.
Tommy was cat, and at the time of
this story was In his first year being
about 10 months old. He was fine and
strong for his age. apd feared nothing
larger or smaller than a dog. And often
he gave a stray canine a good chase,
though in his heart he feared the fellow
at whose heelp he ran in all his pretended
bravery. and had Mr.. Canine turned on
! him he would have gone up tree or
mounted an alley fence with the greatest
agility.
But one day boy entered the alley where
Tommy had passed his care-free life.
Now, boy was not new thing to the
alley in question, for often he came there
in great numbers, throwing stones at
Tommy and at Tommys friends. But this
particular boy (but / shall spell him with
capital "B), happened to take a fancy
TO Tommy and decided he wanted him. SO
he brought with him a nice bit Of meat
with which TO tempt Tommy.
But Tommy was not so easily led into
captivity. He had been wild and free all
his life, and knew from the promptlngs OF
Nature how to guard himself against his
enemies When the boy began making
overtures 10 him by offering the bit OF
msat-a delicacy in -rommy's mind
Tommy kept his distance and looked the
boy over with sharp, questioning eyes,
You have some object in eoaxing me-" he
thought.
But day came when Tommy fell through
appetite. The bit OF meat was so tempt
ingly placed for him that he slowly ad-
vanced toward It. The boy stood a safe
distance OFF, Tommy got near enough &c
the meat to grasp 1t between his paws
Then, meat In mouth, he fled down the
alley. Some distance off. he turned TO take
q peep at the boy. The fellow stood smil-
ing at him. not venturing 20 follow. Their
It was that Tommy was deceived. Evi.
IDENTIFY the boy had no evil motive in bring
ing him the meat Tommy ate the tender
morsel greedily. and wish for more The
boy knew he would. and so he brought a
piece again the following day. And Tommy
was there waiting for him.
On the third day. Tommy became quite
good friends with the boy. He had grown
TO trust him. for not once had the boy tried
TO lay hand on him. but would place thu
meat on the ground and walk away leav
ing Il for Tommy 10 eat On the third day
however, the boy sat down on the grounC
and held the meat out to Tommy, saying ii
friendly voice;
kitty. kitty. kitty. come eat the meat
Come, kitty"
Tommy approached cautiously When
few feet off. he sat down and watches
Omaha daily bee., 1910-06-19
Second Prize.)
The Clouds

BY Emerson Kokjer, Aged IL Years. Clarks.
Neb. Red Side.
think 1t is very interesting to watch the
shapes and forms of the clouds and 1
would advise children who have nothing TO
do on Sunday, or any other day, to watch
them.
think the white clouds are the prettiest
and make the prettiest forms.
have seen clouds that looked like horses
bears ships and other interesting things.
One day when was watching the clouds
they changed to horses and men. The first
thing knew the horses were running
race. One horse was nearly to the stopping
place, with the others some feet behind,
when polar bear jumped out and killed 1t,
so that was the end Of the race.
Another time 1 saw steamboat pushing
a barge up the river, but 1t suddenly dis
appeared and / did not see it any more.