davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

on him last year." said Sissy, the four
feen-year-old daughter. And he declared
afterward that ne knew all about 1t be-
fore he perpetrated it. though | had some
doubts regarding the altogether truth or
his statement" And Sissy looked at Andy
she went on. addressing her brother
didn't Mary and l really fool you last
April FOOLS day?
Not a bit of it" declared Andy Il
kmelt the mouse before he even peeped
from the hole, SO to speak. But since
preparing the joke-why. ! didn't want to
disappoint YOU, so / bit like a greeney.
Both Mr.. and Mrs. Graham laughed,
and Mary and Sissy looked their doubts
~ Andy. And so the morning meal was
finished, accompanied by happy CONVEX
went to his Office, the children to their
chores and Mrs. Graham about her house
hold duties.
About o'clock Andy and Mary were
in the dining room. locking over some
new books. Mrs. Graham and Sissy were
In the sewing room completing frock
FOR Sissy TO wear on the morrow. So alb
sorbed were the four that no one heard
soft footsteps approaching the front door.
And not one OF them saw a tall dark form
fit past the parlor window, stop at the
doorsteps and place pocketbook on the
top one. Then he gave the doorbell a
peal and quickly withdrew to a hiuing
pace behind a thick bunch of shrubbery.
Each of the four Grahams in the
house heard the doorbell. but each waited
for the other to attend the door. 1T s
some one trying TO fool U.S." said Andy.
and peeping from behind the lace cur
tain But he'll not catch me, I'll promise
YOU" ,,s ;.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

said Mary, following Andy to the window
and also peeping without. But not a liv-
ing being did they zee. Guess the kids
are hiding behind the hedge. waiting to
see US open the door, so they can call
out April Fool!" said Andy. wish 1
lad a squirt-gun full Of water, and I'd
raise the window just enough to shoot
out through. and when they creep up
again to ring the bell-as they will surely
do-rd give them an April Fool plump In
the face
Yes. but one never has the weapons
of war when they are most needed" con-
soled Mary. "But-there's something on
the doorstep--it looks like a pocketbook.
a great fat one. Very likely it is nailed
to the step and Is filed with cotton-or
sand"
Andy peeped toward the doorstep and
saw the pocketbook. Yes. it's some
joker who Is green enough to think we'd
pick up purse on this day Why. II 1
saw greenbacks sticking from the cor
April [ wouldn't touch the purse. for
there'd be a joke connected with it some
how. and I'd not get the bills"
Just then Mrs. Graham came into the
hall. She had waited for Mary or Andy
to open the door, but as they seemed
averse to doing SO, she decided to do 1t
herself Probably some OF the neighbOr
children were trying to play an April
Fool Joke on Andy or the girls, and it
seemed pity to spoil their sport by the
absence OF the intended victims from the
door.
When Mrs Graham was about to open
the door Andy crept on tiptoe to her
side. Wait. mamma" he whispered
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

Some wise guy has put fat pocket
book on the doorstep and, OF course.
watching to see one of US open the door.
So, let's make him wait so long that ne u
be gald to come here and ring the bell
again Then we'll catch him in the act. ;"
Mrs. Graham looked from the parlor
window, screened by the lace curtaoin so
that no one on the outside could see her.
and beheld the fat pOcketbook on the
doorstep. She smiled, saying: well, III
just go back TO my sewing and let you
keep watch for the April fool perpetrator
of jokes. When you catch him, please be
mild in your treatment Of him. He's al
ways an inoffensive offender
Andy and Mary laughed under their
breath at their mothers merry advice,
and took their stand beside the window.
Mrs Graham returned to the sewing
room and was soon lost in work.
But for five minutes-which seemed
quite an hour to the watchers-Andy and
Mary stood beside the window. peerine
from behind the lace curtain. And moth
ing happened. The dark figure seemed
to have grown fast to the spot behind
house. After another minute OF vain
waiting Mary whispered to Andy
Watched water never boils, brother
We'd get better results if we returned
to the sitting room"
''All right, sister," said Andy We'll
leave the pot long enough for it to begin
to boil So saying, Andy led the way
to the sitting room. And just as they
had seated themselves to wait patiently
the doorbell gave long. loud peal. re.
sounding throughout the house.
With quick leap. Andy was at the
door. jerking it open. But no one was
there. He looked up and down the street
but not a soul was in sight. Mary was
soon beside him and even Sissy. whose
deepest interest lay in finishing her new
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02
Game of Bean BAG.

TWO captains are chosen. who select
! an equal number Of players for their
sides. The sides stand SO that they are
in two lines facing each other Each
captain stands on the right-hand end of
his line. BY this arrangement the cap
tains are then diagonally opposite. Each
captain throws a bean bag to the player
opposite. These players throw the bags
across to the players second in line.
These second players throw the ball back
to the opposite SIDE but to the players
next to those who had the bags last.
This plan is continued down both lines.
so that every one has turn to throw
and to catch each bag. The bags return
in the same way. Playing with the two
bags makes the game very interesting.
especially since the bags cross in about
the middle Of the line. When q player
misses a catch or throws to the wrong
person he must join the line at the other
side. After each bag has been up and
down the line twice the game is ended.
The side having the most players wins
the game To keep score, count the num-
Der Of players on each side at the close
of the game. II one side has six players
and the other side eight the score is 6-S.
When the players Of one side are fewer
than those of the other. the end player
of the short side throws the bag to each
of the extra players on the long side be-
fore it starts back down the line.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

words were written: ITO the Graham
of April"
why, what can it mean?" gasped Sissy,
almost afraid to keep the money in her
hands 1T looks like sure-enough
money"
1T certainly is sure-enough money
declared Andy. now more surprised than
his sisters. Call mamma here. Mary.
She'll know what to do with this April
fool joke.
Mrs Graham came to see what the
joke was all about. and on Joking at the
money pronounced it genuine. We II
turn il over to the police" she said.
Some one must have lost it near
But she did not finish her sentence, for
the front door suddenly opened and out
stepped the tall, dark form which had
been hiding behind the bushes. With one
glance at the newcomer. Mrs. Graham
dropped the purse on the floor and threw
her arms about his neck. .Oh, my boy.
Sammy" she cried. And in another mo
ment Mary. Sissy and Andy were joining
in the hugging bee, as Sammy called it,
and AL were too happy for words. Why,
you tame as a real surprise" said Mrs.
Graf am. holding her eldest born off to
look him over. It's been three years
since we last beheld your dear face" she
said
Yes. and I've made my pile. mamma
Twenty-Five Il struck it rich in the gold
fields of Nevada, and hat'-pointing to
the pocketbook-''is only trif1e for the
Graham brave enough to pick it up on
this Day. And l guess the two young
ladies OF che house captured the prize.
declared "a been the biggest "chump''
in the va. d.
"Oh. H.su-s will come yet, bub," prom
Used tn. sunburnt brother.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

comes along to do the work. I always
knew you'd turn white at sight Of real
danger, so decided to let you have the
opportunity to know yourself Now, you
have gotten acquainted with the real
Gertie Smith, and know she is as much
of a coward as any one in the presence
of bear. savoy, Gertie?' And Bert
laughed good naturally. But I promise
you one thing. Gertie; Ethel and 1 will
never give this joke away. Mum is the
word. And 1 think you'll thank me for
having shown you to yourself In truth
full light"
Gertie's face was serious. Eyes, 1 am
really ashamed of myself Bert" she de-
clared. IT have been boastful of cour-
age did not possess. At heart guess
am coward.
mo, one is not a coward to be afraid OF
dangerous wild animals, for the preserva-
ton of life is the first law Of nature. But
one is either a fool or a braggart to pre-
tend to be not afraid. 1t shows good
sense to keep a safe distance from dan
ger or harm. And II is admirable to al
ways tell the TRUTH said Bert.
'Yes, you and Ethel have taught me
lesson today which / shall never forget,
said Gertie And after this l shall make
no foolish pretenses. Thank You. Bert.
for playing bear and for fooling me on the
LIST of April
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02
GERTIE AND THE BEAR

what appeared to be a big animal crouch
ing in the high, dry grass. The creature
was some two hundred feet from he road
side and was crouching as if to hide itself
from the view of pedestrians. Ethel knew
at once that II was Bert disguised in an
old buffalo skin which had been In their
family ever since she could remember.
AS Gertie had not yet caught sight Of the
animal Ethel directed her attention to-
ward it. See that great dark thing NOV
ing in the grass" she whispered. Can 1t
be q bear?'' And she drew back as II
afraid. hiding herself behind Gertie.
AS Gertie's eyes took in the creature
in the grass she trembled with fear and
said to Ethel: "Oh, don't push mo in
front of you. Ethel! Oh, is it a-bear?
Oh, let's run-let's run for our lives!''
but you aren't afraid Of anything ex-
cept snakes and cyclones" declared Ethel.
STRUGGLING to keep Gertie between herself
and the bear" "oh. please stand here
and keep the bear from running after
me! I shall run away, II you but stay
here to hold the beasts attention. Will
you stand right here till am safe out OF
the rayine?"
ooh, goodness. no. hoarsely whispered
Gertie. IF 1t is bear he will eat me up
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

and see what he's doing? I can't-for I'm
so frightened!'
Yes. I'll look back" agreed Ethel in
calm and loud tone. "Oh. the bear u
coming--on his hind legs! See, he's walk
ing upright" But as she said this. Ger
tie became so pale with fright that Ethel
felt she must keep her In suspense no
longer and laughingly said: Look back
ward. Gertie. and you'll see the bear 10
none other than brother Bert. He's been
playing an April fool trick on you
Gertie dropped to q sitting posture In
the grass and wiped the perspiration from
her face. Then, seeing the tall form OF
Bert advancing, a great dark bunalo
robe over his back, shs turned deep
crimson color. shame and embarrassment
on her face. oh" she gasped. "Oh.
Bert. how could you be so mean? You
frightened Ethel and-and-me almost to
DEATH"
mo, / wasn't frightened bit" ex-
planned Ethel truthfuily. II knew II was
Bert all the time. but felt that you de-
served to be tested-your courage. you
know. So just pretended to believe the
dark, crouching figure to be a bear"
And l wanted to teach you a lesson.
Gertie." said Bert, joining them and as
sisting Gertie to rise to her feet. Come,
Gertie, Tess up. You are as easily fright
ened as any other girl-if the right thing
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

sons-in-law, and the little girl often be-
came very tired and longed and longed
to be free to go down the mountainside
to play with the happy peasant children
from the surrounding gardens and VII
lagos. But never had she the time TO
play, even il she had had little comrades
to join in her pastime She was kept very
busy all day long baking fine sweet cakes
for the dame and her household
And on the day or which / speak she
was very busy and also very lonely and
unhappy. She was mixing in huge bowl
the ingredients for a cake, and Is she
stirred and sifted and beat the things
together the dough began sudde My to
rise from the bowl into a white frothy
mountain. Little Andeva was greatly sur
prised, for always before 1t had taken
the heat from the great oven tn cause
the dough to rise. and even Their 1t had
never risen to such a height.
What can be the matter with my
dough?' she asked herself. Have I put
in too much yeast? But even had done
SO. it would not rise 30 quickly and 60 50
high in the air"
mo, little girl. you have mixed your
cake dough after the right recipe" said
a voice near TO Andeya's slbe.. You
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

if / stay here l don't believe he's seen
us vet. Let's stoop low down in the grass
and creep to the top of the bank. once
there we'll call for help and run as fast
as we can toward my house. Papa may
be about the barn. and will see us and
come to our rescue. Oh, l am so fright
ened 1 can hardly stand up. Come. let
creep away before the bear sees u.s.!
AS she said this Gertie stopped to her
knees and hands and began crawling to-
ward the opposite side Of the ravine,
keeping we'll hidden in the tall grass,
which stood rank and dry on either SIDE
of the country road. Her cheeks were
pale, her eyes startled and her knees
trembling Ethel crept along beside her
for a few PAGES. then said: But, Gertie,
YOU aren't afraid of anything but snakes
and cyclones, and that wild beast there is
neither Of them. What are you creeping
away for in this manner? Are you really
afraid"
ooh YES we may be eaten alive!
hoarsely whispered Gertie. 'Oh, I'm SO
faint / can hardly move! l wonder if the
bear is still in the same spot where he
was when we turned our backs toward
him. Are you afraid to look back, Ethel,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02
Roman Weather in England.

When the Romans did us the honor Of
living in England they seem to have en-
joyed better weather than their sue
cessors of today. For Mr.. Clement Reid
assures US that the fig and grape seeds
which he has dug out OF Roman dust
heaps at Chichester. Caerwent and Peven-
sey were the offspring Of ig trees and
vines that grew on our native soil. OF
the plants introduced by the Romans
these ancient dustheaps reveal the pea.
the bean. the mulberry, the apple. the
cherry: but tho peach, the apricot and
fact that all the fruits and spices found
are only such as could be grown in
Britain now seems to show that the
Romans were not importers OF fruit In
the dried state, and that the mulberry
seeds represent q native growth.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02
How the Joke Was I urned

He'll never surmise
That we're planning joke,
So twill be a surprise"
Then softly they crept
To grandpa's room;
And in 'twixt his sheets
They lay an old broom.
And into the fireplace
They piled coal so wet
That should grandpa want it
No fire could he get.
But just as they'd finished,
Their ma called to say:
"Grandpa's off to the depot;
He's leaving today.
so come and say farewell
To your grandpa, dear,
For we'll not get to see him
Again for a year."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

stance as hard as rock. And as there
were little steps formed in the sides OF
the hard dough the effort Of going UP was
not very difficult, and soon Andeva found
herself out of the kitchen and in fresh
air.
Then a strange thing happened. and
most happy thing. Andeva was led to &
dear little wicket gate which led into
beautiful yard full of flowers and tall
trees. and there. in the midst of this
beauty, stood white stone cottage with
gay windows full of flowers. Go in and
tap at the door. little Andeva, and you
will find your journey at an end. also
your worries and unhappiness," said the
fairy.
Little Andeva did as instructed, and
her tap at the door was answered by a
sweet-faced lady. who was smiling Yer.
cordially. "How do you do, little girl?"
she said. will you come In while?
And-where did you come from, for you
seem q stranger to me?"
Andeva turned to let the fairy speak,
but she had disappeared. Then, some
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02
Button Hook Ball.

A n old croauet ball which has served
it's usefulness in the game might
still be of value to the handy little girl
who likes to make pretty articles for her
room. After scrubbing and drying the
ball gid it with gold paint. Then screw
into it small brass hooks. SO that they
will be in q line right around the large
part of the ball. At the top fasten bow
Of ribbon which has many loops that
cover the top Of the ball. One loop should
be made longer than the rest. 80 that this
button hook or key rack might be sus-
pended In order to have this rack match
the color used in the room select ribbon
for 1t the same shade as that used on
other fancy articles hanging near.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

what startled to find herself alone and
among entire strangers. she told her
story But before she began her MARIA
tive the lady invited her into the pretty
living room and babe her to be seated.
After she had completed the story of her
little life. ending with her journey thither
on a cloud with the fairy, the lady took
her hands tenderly and said
THE good fairy knew that l had lost
a dear little girl just your age. and she
led you to me to take my own dear
daughters place. Here you shall remain
as my own child, and be sister to my
little boy and little girl They are play
ing in the yard now-down by the brook.
I'll lead you to them. and from this hour
you shall be happy"
And so it happened that Andeva was
happy ever afterward, and the mystery
of the hard cake dough was never ex-
plaiDed in the castle of old Dame Oregon.
who became so frightened over it and
at the sudden disappearance OF her little
cake baker that she died in great agony.
and her sons and daughters and their
wives and husbands became wanderers on
the face of the earth-a fate they de-
served as punishment for their wicked
treatment OF little Andeva.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02
Thomas Edison.

THIS is a true story about man who
is alive today. He has invented
talking machine. has given US the electric
lights and has invented hundreds of use
full things which give comfort to people
all over the world. He has even made an
instrument to measure the heat Of the
far-ofY stars Sixty-three years ago. when
this great man was born, no one dreamed
that some day the name OF Thomas Edi
son would be so famous. AS the little
boy grew into childhood he asked many
questions which were difficult to answer.
for he wanted to know the why and how
OF many things. When young Edison was
twelve years old he began to earn money,
for he started in business as newsboy,
selling fruits. peanuts and papers on the
train. His brightness and pleasantness
gained many customers.
With the money earned he bought pow
ders and liquids to use for experiments.
All of these jars and bottles of things
were kept in an old baggage car and la
beled poison" so that no one would in.
terfere with them. Soon Edison wanted
to print a paper of his own. SO bought
some old type from printing Office. His
shop was in the baggage car where he
kept his chemicals. After being q news
boy for four years an accident happened
which caused young Edison to change hi.
work. The baggage car in which the
boy kept his chemicals and printing pres:
caught fire by the falling of a bottle o.
phosphorus on the floor. SO angry wa.
the conductor that after putting out tn,
FIRE he boxed Thomas Edisons ears ant
threw his materials out OF the car. Late
Edison set up his printing press at hi!
home.
As the boy grew older he studied teleg
! raphy from a Mr.. McKensie, who tool
great pains in teaching Edison, for Edi
SON had risked his life to save that o
Mr.. McKensies child, who was playing
on the track Of q moving engine. Tn
great inventor as a young man was no
very successful in keeping positions, fo
his employers complained that he hat
too many plans OF his own.
: AS the man grew older these plans ans
many more were worked out until Thoma.
Edison has given pleasure and comfor
to millions of people by the work OF hi
hands and brain. This untiring worker
still spends much of his time in tryins
to discover better ways of doing things.
The largest drydock in the world will
be constructed by the United States a
Pearl harbor. Hawaii.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

citing than the Fourth of July, anu we
were up early and at our harmless
FRANKS
II wish it were that way now, SAID
Andy, the second son of the householo.
I'D just love to play some pranks on
the kids at school. but the other boys
don't seem TO care about such sport
When they play jokes they must be or a
practical sort. and don't approve OF 'na.
form of fun.
You are right, SON. said Mr. era
ham Let the young folks enjoy them
selves all that they can so long as tney
refrain from playing practical jokes. run
should be, as YOU say, in an innocent
form"
I'D just love to play some sort OF
April fool on Andy laughed Mary, the
ten-year-old daughter Of the household;
'.Rut he's always so cautious that to fool
him Is impossible
Yes, We played a little April fool joke
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

bed at the old Dame Greson's castIe.
Anr the old Dame Oregon was hard
mistress, domineering and cruel, and she
had no mercy on the little Andeva.
When little Andeva first went to old
Dame Gregon's castle, in the mountains.
she was taught to make very fine light,
sweet cake. q certain kind which the Old
dame was very fond Of. And every day
little Andeva was obliged to bake half q
Aoxen cakes for the old mistress OF the
castle and her household of grown daugh-
tars and sons and daughters-tn-law and
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

ELL. this is April
Fools day." said
Mr.. Graham as the
family g a t h cred
about the breakfast
table. Il wonder
what pranks you
Youngsters will be
playing on each
other today! Why
when I was a boy
the first day OF
April was more ex-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

ERTIE SMITH al
ways declared she
was not afraid OF
anything e < c . p t
snakes and cy-
clones. This was q
boast she was in
the habit Of max
ing when in the
company OF her lit
tie schoolmates.
And there. were
some Of her young
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02
Little Wonder.

From the Chicago News.
Visitor-And who is this poor man in
the padded cell?"
Attendant-Oh, he's the chap who tried
to follow the advice Of al his alleged
friends.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

TITLE ANDEVA
stood in the big
stone kitchen OF
the old Dame Gre
gon mixing a huge
cake. AZ she work
ed she longed and
Ionged to be as
happy and free as
other little girls.
for she was an or
phan, working for
her board and
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02
City Additions.

az Add weight to tin vessel and get
Chinese city. (2 Add vital part OF the human
anatomy to a reservoir OF water and get an
English city. g, Add a smoked meat to VII,
conflict to a carpenters implement and get a
Polish city.
ANSWERS TO LAST WEEKS PUZZLES.
tharade-Bobolink.
Transpositions-() Reed, deer. ~ Tide, edit.
(s) Liar, rail. az Hades. heads.
Hidden post puzsle-Byron. Words containing
the initial letters: az Bee. tc) Year. 81
Road. az Old. 81 Name.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02
Diagonal.

each. II the words rightly guessed and
written one below another their diagonal letters.
beginning with the upper left-hand letter and
ending with the lower right letter. VIII
spell a weapon much used in warfare In olden
times The crss words are: ~ Something
which comes froA, FIRE. -, fine. hcalthfui
fruit CD Meaning swift of foot. ~ Cold and
drear. ~ To spread on in mussy manner.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-02

,TWAS the first day of April
l And Kittie and Ned,
On some mischief bent,
To each other said:
Lets fool dear old grandpa;