davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

of straw on the floor of the tavern or inn. and the wood fire in the old-fash- toned fireplace; but steam heat, splen- did ventilation, well-furnished rooms and fine table fare" await the travel CT at every point in his journey. Could our ancestors come back for one short journey and travel as do their de- scendants of the twentieth century. their amazement would be too great for description. They never dreamed of the things that have come to pass.
 And the future holds as many mar vels for those who are to follow US the people of the twenty-first century; and they in turn will read of our pres ent mode of travel with the same amusement, and perhaps pity. as we today read of that of our ancestors of a hundred or more years ago.
 Which all goes to show the slow but sure improvement of the dear old world and it's children.
 Only one man in every two hum dred is six feet in height.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

her father in the direction of a large park. As they hurried elong, MT. Fa- ther said to her: Just sec the frost on the bushes. dear. Is it not beauti- full? And had we been out half an hour earlier, 1t would have looked still lovelier. Suppose we come out at half-past seven tomorrow-and the sun will be just over that line of trees. We'll be able to see the sun very dis tinctly-before he rises too high in the heavens"
 Jessie clapped her hands. "oh, Papa. that will be lovely I'd just enjoy more than anything coming out with you and seeing the sun as 1t is getting up. How funny that sounds the sun just getting up!" Jessie laughed at the queer idea. l Well, if we can only get up, we'll find many interesting things Just get ting up of mornings" replied MT. Father. "But-here we are at the Sparrow's home. AndAsure enough there is Oracle Sparrow. And look!-there Is Sunshine Sparrow, too."
 While speaking, MT. Father had pointed towards two little sparrows, one taking dip in the sunny water of pretty fountain and the other hopping about in quest of breakfast. Jessie looked and looked at Oracle and Sunshine Sparrow for several minutes before she said 8 word. Then she laughed merrily. Say Papa, that's a good joke on me. I thought Oracle and Sunshine were children
 They are, my dear. bird-children. And they've got oceans of kin-folks l-cousins, uncles and saunts. There are some of them-over by that fallen tree" MT. Father pointed towards a group of sparrows that were fitting about like butterflies.
 r "Oh, aren't they dears?" Jessie ran towards them, waving her hands and saying: "Oh. you darlings! How happy you all arei''
 Now, we'll not have time to, meet any more strangers this morning. dear," said MT. Father. ''It's almost time for school. But tomorrow morning, IF you can get up early enough, we'll go to call on the Squir- |rels. They are farther in the woods. you know. And there are the Owls and the Rabbits, and ever so many other strangers who shall become good friends--IFssw we only seek to know them. Shallawe?"
 |os "Oh, yes, Papa. I shall get up Ievery morning just as soon as am called. All you win have to say to me is. Come, Jessie, let's go call on the Sparrows or the Squirrels this morning. And HI bounce out of bed in jiffy." 7 est s,r And the old sun will say to us. Good morning, friends!' for he will just be getting up. too." So said MT. Father. Y95'
 "Yes. Papa, and all the dear strang- CTS will become dear friends-after have learned to get up early enough to get acquainted with them."
 And never after that morning was Jessie "sleepy-head," and she made oceans of new friends in wood and dale, with MT. Father for comrade.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

At noon he did not open his provision bag, but rode along in silence as Henry and Rush ate bread and cold canteens.
 "A leetle squeemish here," he vouchsafed. when Rush tried to coax him to jest have bite O this bacon, Pal. It's as tender as Maryland chicken"
 The cattle were badly scattered. and several times the three horsemen were miles apart. But Rush rode up to Henry after one of these separations and said in a warning tone: Say, Tenderfoot. won't you keep clost to Peek? He's not up to the mark today and might keel over. I'll go after the far-aways. You ride after the punches that are clost to the fence"
 After that. Henry remained with Peek, but there was little conversa- ton to break the long hours. The I two sent the cattle into punches and drove them towards the centre of the range. Towards nightfall, Peek ob- served that there's shack beyont that long hill wander. We'll go there an make a leetle hot coffee to warm up our innards. The cattle can stay as they are for the night"
 And Rush-will he join us there later?" asked Henry.
 Peek shook his head. "We'll like ly not see him again till we git back to the hole.' By "the hole" Peek meant ranch house. When we come out roundin' up the steers. we part company an each feller does his own work"
 "Is there water and wood at the shack?" asked Henry.
 Peek nodded. There's creek clost. an we've fixed barrel into 1t an dug out the mud so as to git fresh water in the barrel. The critters drink frum the creek. an muddy it all up, you know. But the barrels jest like a spring"
 Soon they reached the shack" which had been well-named. The walls were built of sod. cut into bricks and laid up like stone. The roof was of rough boards, slightly slanting. and covered with dirt which had become hard packed and which shed the oc- casional rain very well. Inside the shack Henry found bare earth floor. a rude wooden table built against the wall and some straw in corner to serve as bed. In an opposite corner was piled half as high as the low cell ing some green cottonwood. cut into stove lengths. small rusty stove with rustier pipe was near the door through which came the light.
 Peek found an old candle-hal1 burnt out--and made light Then he hung one of his blankets over the door to keep out some of the cold wind which whipped round the cor ners of the shanty.
 "We'll not waste this candle,"t he admonished. Its got to last till we git more. An Gawd only knows hen that'll be-" I
 Shall I fix a fire?" asked Henry feeling bit uneasy as he looked a his companion. for Peek's pallor hat deepened, and dark circles were abou
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
.***

And so the day wore on, Peek com- ing to himself late in the afternoon and looking at Henry with great hol- low eyes as he said:
 Gee, Tenderfoot, I've been travel ing in strange lands-sometimes wad- ing through water of fire and again through snow drifts. And. lordy! how this coco of mine aches-like 1t would bust.'
 That's all right, Peek, old chap" soothed Henry. Now keep quiet, There's a blizzard on. But we'll weather it."
 Then Peek sank into a sort of stupor. and muttered wild things. Again he became cold, and Henry cov- cred him warmly. And all the time the two little broncos stamped in their corner and viewed the strange scene. And their warm bodies helped to keep the place from the freezing point.
 About midnight. Henry dropped in- to troubled sleep, crouching on the floor beside the dying fire in the little stove. He could no longer keep awake. The ordeal he had passed through had told on him, and he was oiA eAAo soA 6o VI pHySiCdi coiidpSS' 11oW long he had lain there, he could not tell; but .something-one of the bronco's stamping and snorting- walked him suddenly. And on half leaping up he beheld two glittering eyes in his face. Instantly he recog- nized his visitor-it was a wolf!
 There was not moment to spare. Henry grasped heavy stick of wood and with strong arm gave the beast a stunning blow between the eyes. The creature dropped dead where it stood. Henry made light and looked eau tiously at the little starved thing that had come to find its prey Inside the shack.
 Brave creature" said Henry. Then he dragged it to the door and hurled its stiffening body into whirling
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

of going up. But to climb the tall, straight tree which has no low branches nor rough bark. one must use another and more scientific method. Take rag or. two hand kerchiefs tied together, or a towel- any such thing that may be available and at each end tie securely a loop large enough to admit of the foot, and tight enough to prevent the foot from slipping through. Then place the towel or knotted- together ker- chiefs round the tree and put your feet into the loops. The towel or rag used should be long enough to 20 half round the body of the tree, and must not be baggy or too long.
 Now, having the towel round the tree and your feet in the loops, you embrace the trunk with your arms. raise your legs, and, pressing the towel against the trunk with your feet, stand in the loops as though they were stir rups. Then raise the body and seize the trunk higher up with the hands. Then, holding fast with the hands, you raise your legs again, drawing the foot-loops upwards, repeating the process over and over till you have gone as far up the tree as you desire.
 If the boys are going into the woods where there is danger of wild animals. or even domestic ones. with horns, it is well to practice this method of climbing before venturing to dangers line. And it will be well to carry along either a good strong towel. or an old piece of sacking in the event of needing it. And even when not needed, it is well to have the necessary loops to practice with. One may imagine bear or a wild bull coming after one, and do a bit of climbing to get used to 1t. Again one may wish to go to the top of some tall tree just for the fun of it.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

his gaunt eyes. His hand trembled as he fixed the candle upon the table with some of the melted tallow. Yep, Tenderfoot. fix fire. and make cup of strong coffee for me as quick as you would skin a rabbit I'm most in.''
 Then Peek threw a blanket on the pile of straw in the corner and himself upon 1t. Say, Tenderfoot. let me have your coat. I'm shakin' out O. my hide"
 Henry quickly divested himself of his coat and put 1t over his sick com rade. As he did so, his heart sank, for he realized that he was away out on the lonely prairies with very sick man.
 How far are we from the ranch. Peek ?" he asked.
 ."Fifteen mile," replied Peek. An listen, Tender, there's a blizzard com in. can feel 1t in my backbone.
 It'll ketch us before midnight. Save that candle. An be savin' of the wood. Only the good Lord knows how long we'll be here. Git the grub in frum the saddles an fetch the saddles in too. Tie the hosses on the leeside O the shack. That's all."
 The night settled down and Peek grew worse with each hour. Henry let the fire die out in order to save the wood, for gusts of freezing wind warned him that Peek's prophecy of Mortimer was coming to pass. The candle-only half-length-was blown out and the two were in total dark ness. The wind swept in at the door, Tapping the blanket like a rag. Henry took two sharp sticks and fastened the blanket ends to the ground. This helped to keep out the wind.
 Towards midnight the weather be- came furious, bowling like wild beasts about the little mud shack. The tenn perature had fallen rapidly. and was now at the freezing point. Henry shivered and felt the need not only of his coat, but of his blanket. But he took neither from his sick charge.
 As the storm Increased outside, the sick mans condition grew serious. He became delirious, shouting to the cattle and again telling some rollick- ing story. Then he would subside into quiet and moan pitifully. His chill passed away and fever took its place. He threw off the blankets and coat. and Henry felt of his hands and head to find them consumed as If b, fire. Putting on his own coat, Henr, prepared to nurse the delirious mar during the remainder of the terrible night, He filled an old tin pan from the water bucket and dipped hi! handkerchief into 1t and bathet Peek's burning forehead. He placed his hot hands inside the pan of sooth ing water. At the first refreshing l touch, Peck smiled. and soon he hat dropped into calm sleep.
 I { Hours passed by. and still Henr! bathed the burning hands and brow \ and the sleeper slept on. At last a lthe dawn appeared, the fever abatet and the mans pulse became stronge land more even. Henry observed al this with hope. Perhaps Peek woul' be himself as soon as the morninI
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

should break.
 But when Peek opened his eyes there was no intelligence in them. He asked where he was. and called Henry Rush." In vain did Henry try to make the sick man understand His mind seemed blank.
 And all that long day, with a bliz- gard bowling outside, did Henry care for the sick cowboy. He forced some water, and bits of bread dipped in coffee. between his lips. He covered him closely and built fire when the chill again took possession of him. Then followed the water treatment for the fever when it came to chase away the chill.
 As the blizzard grew worse, Henry feared the horses would freeze, so he went out and united them and led them into the shack. They, had little room to stand-between the stove and the door, their poor tails outside to be whipped about in the gale. But the poor beasts were glad of shelter and looked their gratitude to their rescuer. He gave them some of the straw from the bed for their break fast.
 They'll have to have water" said Henry to himself, "I'll lead them to the creek. And at the same time. I'll fetch bucket of water.'
 Before going out, Henry had not estimated the fury of the storm. Il carried him off his feet at times, and only by holding to the horses brides did he manage to get to the creek He put his foot through tho thin crust of ice and broke it so that the animals might drink. They refreshed themselves as though they understood 1t would be their last drink that day and maybe for longer. Then Henry managed to fill his bucket from the stream. and leading the horses with one hand, carrying the bucket with the other, he got back to the 5hanty more dead than alive. He feared he, too, was going to suffer from chili for he shivered and shook like an aspen leaf. His teeth chattered. and as soon as he got safely inside the shack he made fresh fire and boiled a pot of coffee. This he drank off like an old rancher. and ate his fill of bacon and bread.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

sic, taking her seat at the table. You said you would introduce me to some little strangers. Where are they?f s.
 After breakfast we shall go to call on them-on your way to school. But 1t would be more enjoyable to make our visits before breakfast-if you could get up early enough. my dear.
 "Oh, are we to go often. Papa ?? asked Jessie. anticipation in her voice. a.
 Every solitary morning-if you can get up early enough" said MT, Father. And Mrs. Mother said; Jessie will stay abed in spite of any thing, Father. She is sleepy-head fear" 1'
 "Oh. no. Mamma. I'll get up as early as Papa says. if-if-we are to go visiting before breakfast. I love to meet new friends"
 Then after breakfast we'll make our first visit. But it must be very short-for you cannot be late al school" So informed Papa.
 Half an hour later, Jessie all equipped for school. went off with
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

carriagei It was considered a marvel of comfort and swiftness. Men could cover the distance of twelve or fifteen than a miracle! But who in those days could forsee the magnificent palace cars of today? The modern means of travel are all that wealth
 and invention can do towards the comfort and convenience of the travel to cover forty to fifty miles an hour. and to glide along without a jolt in the most luxurious manner. And hotels are as advanced in such things as are the trains. No longer the pile
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

snow drift which was looming in front of the shack.
 Hardly had Henry got rid of his dangerous enemy, when sounds of voices came on the wind. In another Instant, MT. Slater and half-b breed Indian. one who worked on the ranch, entered the shack door. Henry could not speak for a minute, fearing the frost had got into his blood and that he was seeing visions. But very soon he realized that he was in his right mind, and that his uncle and the half- breed had been for hours trying to get to the shack. Rush had reached home, and not finding his companions there. had advised that the half-breed go in search of them. Hell doubt less find 'em at the fifteen-mile shack" Rush had said. They wus near thar when I parted company with 'em. The blizzard blew me away from them. had to look out for number one. Wasn't fixed it for to weather the Mortimer"
 And so MT. Slater and the Indian had come on horseback all that hf- teen miles, and were warm In their furs and blankets.
 We've got grub. too." said MT. Slater. An we've got a few candles and matches besides"
 Then MT. Slater examined Peek and declared him very sick man. Its fever, sure." he said. And If 1t hadn't been for you. Henry. the poor fellow must have died"
 Well. if he hadn't died of his own accord, a hungry wolf would have helped him over to the other side" Then Henry told of his uncanny vis- itor. the dead body of which was now deeply covered with snow.
 well. the blizzard will break by morning." said Mir. Slater. And Halfy, here. will return to the ransh for the wagon and some bedding and come to take. poor Peek, back in con- fort, at least. Then we'll have the doctor out from town. But. by ginger. you've saved the poor fellows life"
 That's what got out of the round- up, uncle." smiled Henry.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

Entering the room, he beheld Jessie fas. asleep. although her mother had already walked her twice since seven o'clock.
 Daughter, come; Awake, Jessie! have some fine young strangers to introduce you to this morning. Come look your liveliest and wakiest!" And MT. Father shook Jessie's arm and patted her sunny head.
 Jessie sat up. Why should she be called so many times every morning It was so annoying. And she was SC sleepy!
 Have you met Oracle Sparrow and her brother, Sunshine Sparrow? asked MT. Father in an interested tone
 Jessie sat up. quite awake now ''No, Papa she said. Are they the new neighbors?
 Well. I should say they are neigh bors," replied MT. Father. Come be quick, or they'll be gone."
 "All right, Papa. I'll dress quickly Aro they in the parlor?" You come down as fast as ever you can," said MT. Father. Then he
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
.A49

kEz 8 ELL, Uncle Ben. I do hope Fl you'll decide to let me go
 AAG on the round-up." It was
 w Henry Slater who was speaking to his uncle. Dan Slater, ranchman. The scene was a ranch house on the lonely prairie of a Western State. It was a crisp morning and the wind was com ing across the plains at .-bout twenty-five miles an hour. Henry s face was red from the nipping air and his ears tingled. But he was strong and tall for his sixteen years, and loved the hard weather he was experiencing on the prairies. He had only come to pay a visit to his uncle few weeks before and was enjoying every minute of his stay. Having been born and reared in the East, and never having seen the Far West be- fore, his first visit there was full of interest for him.
 Well. you see, Henry, it's hard rounding up the cattle" explained the rugged rancher. "One of my punch last year. One of those blamed Northerners overlook him when he was about thirty miles from any, where, and he and the good little bronco both blew into the Great Be- yond. It was a sad thing-but some thing all cowboys risk"
 I'm not afraid-this time of year Uncle," declared Henry. And all the boys at the ranch say I'm a finished bronco buster since my exciting in itiation into the business three weeks ago. I'll promise you that both yours truly and the bronco will come home safely from the roundup. Handy is trustworthy chap-and I'll ride along with him."
 All right, Henry, take a big dose if you must. But you do it of your own accord, not through my advice The weather may be fine and 1t may be like Hades-terrible!"
 The roundup was to begin on the following day and Henry could scarcely wait for the time to start ou across the prairies after the cattle of acres and it required several day! to make the roundup.
 The next morning the start began Henry rode off between Rush" Han dy and Peek" Lawson, the two mair men of the ranch. But Peek was no his usual lively self. He was pal' and had eaten no breakfast. He wal really i'll, but would not confess th' fact.
 Say, Peek, you'd better staid | hum," observed Rush, cycling his sicl comrade. You look like a dyini calf"
 Peek grinned. but made no reply
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

n O you ever think of the hard
 ships suffered by our ances-
 tors when they were obliged ~ to make a journey? No mat ter how short the journey was-if only covering a day-there was little comfort to be enjoyed while en route Tn some parts of the United States there were no coach or wagon roads to speak of. and persons travelled long distances by horseback. Sometimes whole families would make journey of hundred miles-taking week for the trip-on horseback. The children would ride double" which meant two children on one horse Sometimes wee tot would be perched up in front of the father, and ''good-sized" girl would sit behind the mother, blanket folded for a saddle and perhaps rope stirrup cleverly arranged for her foot to rest in. And the "big son" usually rode the pack horse, sitting perched on top of huge bundle of folded clothing, while behind him were fastened baskets and boxes of more apparel and some food
 Then there were the stops along the way. A night spent at some poor farmers house, where a pile of straw on the floor and a few homespun blankets afforded beds for the tired travellers. And the traveller was often obliged to furnish his own food, cooking 1t over the farmers great fireplace in the hewn-log kitchen.
 Again the travellers stopped over night at some village or town. There an inn afforded them hospitality. An innl Does not the word sound inter- esting? Well, it sounds better than It was in reality. The old-time inn had few if any comforts to offer to the weary, road-worn traveller. The horse often fared better than the master. Poor, and not always clean, bedsi Scanty and coarse food, and dark, ill., ventilated rooms where one froze if ten feet away from the open fireplace.
 Where better roads abounded, peo- pie travelled in stage coaches or in their own wagons and carriages. though the latter were very scarce, even the wealthiest families seldom affording them. When making lengthy journey by stage coach one was crowded into as small a space as one could be got into, and he half sat upon his fellow-pa passengers. And when the weather was indictment the hardships of the stage coach traveller were past description. He got wet through and through and half-froze, sitting for hours together in one cramped position, and when leaving the coach for the night was so lame from the continuous cramped posture that he ached in every limb.
 Then came the first steam railway
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
.JESSIE'S MANY NEW FRIENDS.

stairs.
 She hurriedly washed. combed and dressed, and her face was full of wide-awakeness when she came rum ming into the breakfast room. Well, Papa, where are the Sparrow chill dren?" she asked, glancing round. Then Mrs. Mother kissed Jessie and Papa said: Why, you look like the morning star, childie. How bright you are-and how nicely dressed!"
 T expected company" replied Jes-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19

come a real task to get her off to school on time." Jessie's father sat in deep study for a few minutes. Then he said:
 Let me go call her this morning, Mother. Maybe shall manage the case better than you have done. At least. let me try it.'
 So saying. MT. Father left the breakfast room. where Mrs. Mother was placing the breakfast on the table, and hurried to his little daugh- ter's apartment on the second floor.