davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11
tory of a Boys Exciting Exc rienee

+ mails. Without much ado the three
men staiked through the living room
to the open door leading to Charles
shop. At the same instant Charlie
cried out to them: Beware. You'll
get thousand volts through you II
you touch one of those wires across
the door" And to show them that he
meant what he said he sent out a few
singing flashes. The men dropped
back, and one of them spoke while he
kept an anxious eye on the wires about
the door
Say we seen Sim Coombs comm
over the ridge yander. an we want
| him. Your folks gone to town-we
seen them over on the Divide road.
So we're not goin' to handy words
with youngster like you. Where's
our mani"
IF you want to search the house,
my good fellows, go ahead. I'm very
busy here--as you can see. | sit with
my chair legs In nonconductors, as you
may have noticed. The full force of
this instrument Is working, and 1t
would blow me into the middle of next
month were / to set my foot on the
floor without first turning off the
current"
Then why in blazes don't you
turn off the CURRENT" asked another
OF the men, cycling the telegraphic In
strument which was making a very
angerous-sounding click, click. as
Charles fingers kept busy.
Because I'm trying an expert
ment," said Charlie. And | don't
mean to stop till I'm satisfied I've
made a discovery. Go on. my men.
and search the house"
Say. Mister Charlie" he began
I'VE don't mean to mako ourselves
fresh here in your house, for your
paws a fine man. And we like you,
too. You're a dandy youngster-
smart and the likes But-you
mustn't harbor a boss thief. An
that's what Sim Coombs is. He done
stold my boss"
How do you know he did," asked
Charlie
I'VE seen him-me'n the boys did"
Forgetting Charles orders, honest
Sim thrust out his head and roared:
you lie You liei An you know II"
Charlie coolly showed Sims head
back under the table and began work
ing his live wires pretty brlskly,
for the three men had come close to
the door. say, you give up tnat HOSS-
thief or we'll have to cut your durn
wires" cried out Dangerous Hank"
I'D advise you not to touch one of
those live wires-unless you want to
go up to explore the moon. And
travelling in pieces isn't comfortable.
Charles hands kept on working as he
talked. Then he gave a sudden start
and screamed. The men jumped
back. for a flash of lightning ran
through the room. Charlie looked up
at them with pretended fear. II al
most let 1t get away from me-" he
said.
Thus Charlie held the men at bay
till at last they became bit more
sober and decided to move on" But
as they were leaving the house an au-
tomobile dashed to the gate and
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

That's what I'm puzzling over,
mamma" said Blanche. I'm the first
place, 1 should not care to go unless
could represent some very interest
ing character And that would cost
quite sum of money"
Just about how much, dear?'
asked Mrs. James, putting down her
work. Her daughters affairs were
her affairs, and of more Importance
to her than to Blanche herself.
well. It's not just the question of
exactly how much. mamma" said
Blanche, but it's a question OF
whether or not / can afford to go at
any price, Now. there's ray pet char
ity, you know-the sick old people of
this city. And l had especially
planned on doing So many things this
fall for the Pattens. You know old
Grandpa Patten is helpless, and his
aged wife almost so. Their little
house is in sore need of repairs. and
their income from the old mans
grandson is so small that 1t just pro-
vides them with food. l do so want
to get poor old Grandpa Patten nice
warm lounging gown, for he sits be-
side the window so many hours each
day, watching the throngs of busy
pedestrians. And Grandma Patten
needs new house shawl and warm
felt shoes. Oh, that one aged, i'll
couple could take hundred dollars
of my money--if l had thai much
and still be in real need of certain
things
Il understand, daughter" said Mrs.
James. You cannot bear to spend
a lot of money on Inc evenings en-
tertainment while -FOUR old sick
charges are in such bitter need of
things. And you have tie right kind
of spirit, too. Butt think l see
way out of both difficulties. Now.
let's go upstairs to the store room. l
think | can fix you out for the fancy
dress party, and also aid you in pro-
viding the things you wish for Grand
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11
Little "Queen Elizabo+h''

pa and Grandma Patten. as you call
them"
EVERY one calls them Grandpa and
Grandma" said Blanche. And when
call them that, it Immediately makes
me think of my own grandparents.
and l realize what it means to see
them old and sick and childless. You
see, mamma, when we put those
dearest to us in the place of those
who are In need and suffering. 1t
makes us more willing to do for the
needy. And all day I've been think
ing of those poor old folks. and at the
same time wishing to enjoy the party.
feel l cannot do both, for my al
( lowance-which papa is so kind TO
make pretty generous-has It's limits"
Together Mrs. James and Blanche
| wendell their way up two flights of
stairs to the store room. There Mrs.
James began opening old trunks and
boxes. At last she came upon the
things she wanted. She drew from an
old trunk very ancient-looking gown
and shook out its folds.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

make me realize that she's fast getting
out of the short frock age. But
she'll be my little grille for another
five years. won't she?"
IN always be your little grille.
mother mine" said Blanche affection
ately, hugglng her dear mother. Then
they went downstairs TO the sewing
room and began altering the gown to
fit its second wearer.
When the afternoon of the party
arrived a decidedly pretty queen
stepped from the carriage entrance of
her own home into a cab and was ac-
companied by her mother for Mrs.
James had been invited to act as one
of the hostesses at the young girls
fancy dress party. Blanche was in
fine feather, too, for the mirror
showed her picture of We olden time,
when Elizabeth was young and at her
best. But Elizabeth, with her, large
features and coarse red hair was
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

"HARL1E PHILIPS lived on
Western ranch with his par
ents and sister. Their near
- est neighbors were many miles
distant, and the town where they did
their "trading"-was fifteen miles away.
One fine morning in early Septem-
Der. Mr.. Philips had to make visit to
town on business, and asked Mrs.
Philips to bear him company. Grace.
their daughter, asked If she might
also go, as she wanted very much to
match some embroidery silk in town
to complete a large centre piece.
"That will leave Charlie alone" re-
minded Mrs. Philips. But Charlie,
fifteen years of age and as capable as
man of twenty-five. declared he'd
like nothing better than to run the
ranch all by hts lonesome" for twenty
four hours. So the three got into the
carriage, which was drawn by two
stepping horses, and drove town
ward, leaving Charlie the proprietor
and sole occupant of the ranch. The
two hired mon had gone over to "a
neighboring ranch on a matter per-
tanning to some stray cattle. So out
Of a family of five Charlie was the only
one to keep the place from dying of
ennui," as Grace put 1t before depart
ing for town.
We'll be home about this time to-
morrow, son." called back Mr.. Philips
as he turned the horses from the tree
less yard.
"Goodby, darling" called out Mrs.
Philips. Don't forget the cold
chicken in the ice box and the ham,
100. And there's oceans of bread.
.ake and other things. You'll not have
20 cook much"
And then Charlie was left alone.
He stood gazing after the old-fash-
loned carriage. until it disappeared
aver low ridge to the south. Then
1e turned into the big comfortable
'anch house to pass away an hour
.cading in new scientific book which
- had just received by the last rural
3elivery sent out to their place by
Uncle Sam. There would be no work
Ill evening. Then he would do the
,hores and fix himself some supper.
rhe hired men. Blue Socks and
Prairie jim" would probably not re-
4urn till very late at night; indeed,
hey might not return II daybreak.
But Charlie never felt lonely and
iever lacked for something to do.
Usually he was such busy fellow
hat he found too little time for the
Kings he wanted to accomplish. So
lie decided to put in every minute of
lis time while alone with some electri-
/ experiments. His father had fitted
lin out with fine battery and other
apparatus in a little room attached to.
he main ranch house.
ABBOTT four o'clock in the afternoon
Charlie heard some one coming very
apidly on foot across the hard
;round of the :well-packed yard. He
lad just time to jump to his feet and
un to the front door when man
anne lunging forward. He recognized
he fellow at glance. He was Sim
COMBS, "a herd man. on one Of the
: anches many miles to the north.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

never half so charmi as the dainty,
golden haired girl who was now I'M
personating her at party in the
twentieth century.
When Blanche entered the large
electric lighted drawing rooms that
afternoon, there was a low murmur
of surprise and admiration. Indeed.
her gown was the most elegant and
decidedly the most correct one there,
and 1t had not cost her one cent Its
expense had been forgotten long, long
ago by the old gentleman who had
bought 1t for his lovely young daugh-
ter during her graduating season.
And the following week Blanche and
her mother carried a large bundle
and several boxes to Grandpa" and
Grandma" -'atten, and when they
undid them warm lounging robe for
Grandpa" was there. and also warm
felt slippers for Grandma" and a new
house shawl for her And there were
many other things besides which the
poor old folks needed. and for which
they were very grateful to the little
sunny haired and warm hearted girl
who had taken 1t upon herself to do
many kind things for them.
Leaving the Patterns humble quar-
ters. Blanche said: Mamma, isn't 1t a
pleasure TO do things to make others
happy? And all those things we took
to Grandpa and Grandma didn't be-
gin to cost half what a new Queen
Elizabeth gown would have cost me.
And-really and truly, mammal be-
lieve my giving these necessaries to
the old sick people afforded me more
genuine happiness han all tho fancy
dress parties in the world could afford
me. OF course, | do love to have a
merry time, but shall never let my
own pleasures and vanities come first"
For which her mother returned
thanks, and knew that when all the
young folks in the world became like
her daughter Blanche-her little
Queen Elizabeth" as she had been
calling her since the party-there
would be no poverty nor distress.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

stopped. Behind It was tied Dan
gerous Hanks" strayed horse. The
rider in the car was Dangerous
Hanks'' boss" who was returning
from his business trip.
1t took Dangerous Hank" some
time TO explain why he and his com
panions were there, and he had not
done 1T to his masters satisfaction
when Charlie, who had seen the new
arrival, came out. followed by Sim
Then Sim did some talking, and
Charlie followed. And then the man
in the motor car said he had found
the horse over in Browns pasture,
six miles away and that Brown said
the horse had come "moseying along"
there the day before. SO it was
proven without doubt that the accusa-
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

story was that fine horse was miss
ing from the ranch on which he had
been working, and that 1t belonged to
another herder a man who never had
liked Sim, for the simple reason that
he could never induce Sim to gamble
and drink with him when on their fire.
quent visits to town. The fellow-herd-
'er had been gone from home for two
days, and on the second day the horse
in some way got out OF the pasture
and disappeared. On arriving at the
ranoh--whose master was away on a
business trip-the man inquired about
his horse. Sim told him that the
horse had jumped the fence and
strayed away. The man, full of fire.
water, swore that Sim had stolen the
horse during his absence and sold IT
to some travellers passing by. Then
the ugly fellow. whose nickname in
the vicinity was Dangerous Hank,
went out among some of the other
ranchers and got them "riled up"
against poor innocent cim. And pretty
soon Sim saw them coming at full
speed on their range ponies. and he
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

"Oh, mamma, I'd forgotten that old
theatrical gown of yours" cried
Blanche. It's the one you wore
when you impersonated Queen Eliza
beth during your >Elizabethan Week
at college-just before you gradu-
ated. And how nice it looks yet. Like
an heirloom"
well, l think 1t is doomed to be-
come a family heirloom. daughter, for
it shall serve you in good stead now,
as it served me when 1 was a few
years your senior. And next it may
serve your daughter in her teens. 1t
would make a pretty story-the old
Queen Elizabeth gown, worn by the
young ladies of one family for say, a
hundred years.
Blanche clapped her hands. ut
shall be sacredly kept-in tissue paper
and mothballs. And when | am your
age, mother mine, and my fourteen
year old daughter comes to me asking
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

Now. don't you stir-no matter
what happens" instructed Charlie
And even as he spoke he heard
horses hoofs beating the dusty road
quarter of mile distant. He had
but few minutes to mako his pre-
parations, and he worked with light
ming speed. He stretched several
wires to the door, fastening them to
the sides and across the open door
leading from his shop into the large
living room. Some more wires he
strung to the one large window. fast
ening them across the lower edge.
These were connected with the tele-
graphic instrument on the table.
Charlie had just time to test his ex-
pertinent. He touched the instru-
ment key and flashes flew along the
wires, dancing and throwing out
sparks. Then he quickly placed the
legs of his chair into cups of water
and sat down on II. He was ready
for the mob.
Four horses dashed up to the living
room door and three men entered the
house. leaving one to hold the AMI
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

but that it's powerful dangerous" he
said.
We'll, I've an Idea. II they find you,
it will be our last resort. Come with
me-" And Charlie led the frightened
fellow into his little shop where stood
the battery and stretched hundreds of
wires and stood many dozens of jars
and bottles with tools and instru-
ments everywhere about. He hid the
big fellow beneath long table and
covered him over with some grain
sacks he brought from store room
near by. Then he placed in front OF
him many empty boxes and few
jars filled with strengthening liquids.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11
LETTER enigma.

My first is a anchor but not in ship:
My second Is In leak. but not in drip:
My third is in apple, but not in core:
My fourth is In house, but not in floor:
My fifth is the same as my first y,,:
know:
My sixth is In ball. but not in throw
My seventh is in eagle. but not in
bird:
My eighth is in cattle. but not in herd;
Ny whole numbers many
Letters. you see;
Though with only eight letters
l am spelled easily.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11
, HE first recorded mention of the

~ HE first recorded mention of the
n Kansa nation (Indian tribe), Is
w found in the account of the ex-
plorations of Juan de Onate. who met
them on the plains In 1901. After liv-
ing among them for some time and
winning their friendship and conf
dence, De Onate organized band and
went out in quest of more adventure.
TO quote from the Kansas State His
torical Society's Journal:
with a picked company of eighty
soldiers, a large number of armed In
dams, with bows, arrows and spears.
several guides and two friars, and a
full equipment for either peace or war,
this pioneer pageant marched east
ward and was soon in the heart of the
buffalo country. Here, as 1t has been
said. They marched as Coronado had
marched half a century before, over
the great plains toward the east find
ing the same clear atmosphere, the
same unvarying prairie, the same
enormous herds of buffalo, and the
wandering tribes of Indians which
had no doubt been here from time
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11
A Girls Fancy Dress Party.

~HE Paxton girls, Bessie and
Natalie. aged respectively four
teen and twelve, were giving a
- Fancy Dress Party on the birth
day of Bessie. Their cards had been
out exactly one day when this story
opens, and Blanche James was one of
the invited guests. Blanche was Bes-
sizes age. and the two girls were in
separable at school. And during their
long summer vacation they had lived
neighbors, therefore. their intimacy
had not been interrupted.
The afternoon set for the party was
In the first week of September, and
gave the Paxtons plenty of time for
their merrymaking before time for
their school preparations. Mrs. Paxton
and her young married sister were
making all necessary arrangements.
SO all that remained for Bessie and
Natalie to do was to plan their cos
tunes.
On the day after receiving her In
vitation, Blanche James sat meditat-
Ing deeply on the porch. Her mother
occupied a porch rocker near by and
was mending stockings for her young
son Jack. Her daughters silence
reused her from her own reveries and
she looked in the direction of pretty,
sunny Blanche who now wore seri-
Gus and slightly-troubled expression.
What is 1t. daughter ?" asked Mrs.
James solicitously.
It's this mamma" And Blanche
went to her and handed her the pref
tily engraved invitation card to the
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

| knew they were fuII Of bad liquor and
ready to do anything their leader,
Dangerous Hank" might ask them
to do. So the frightened fellow hid in
pile of hay, crawling there so that
the coming men might not see him.
They entered the house and made a
search for him. Then one of them
called out to the herder who stood
guard outside the house.
THE sneak has gone off to Benja-
minis, I'll Let's go there after
him."
"Benjamin's" was near-by ranch
to the west, and thither the men went
on their t-galloping ponies. As
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

tivated lands of the Quivirans that the
more peacefully inclined Quivirans
were finally crushed between the up
per and lower millstones--the Escan-
saqnes on the cast and the Apaches
and Paducas on the VESTS a fore
gone conclusion.
What an awe-inspiring sight this
spectacular pageant must have been
TO the indian tribes as 1t moved
across their hunting grounds. What
a scene of thrilling beauty greeted
these adventures as they passed over
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

Sim rushed into the living room of
the house and cried out hoarsely to
Charlie: Hide me, for the love of
life. I'll be killed If they catch me.
1 never done what they say 1 done.
I'm innocent as you are"
Charlie knew from the mans ex-
cited manner that something very
serious was threatening him, for he
knew what a quarrel among the
herders meant. So he quickly got
from Sim his story-which he be-
lieved fully. for he had known the
good, honest fellow for many years
and no one had ever a word to say
against him. The substance of Sim 8
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

immemorlal.' Finally they came to
bluffs and passed along creeks. rivers
and valleys where grew the mulberry,
grape and plum; and having travelled
over zoo leagues. they We're doubtless
in the heart of what is now the east
ern part of the State of Kansas. Here
they met the tribe of Indians they
called the Eseansaques (Kansa). a
wild, powerful tribe. who were out on
their annual raid to plumber the Gull
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

tion made against Sim was false, and
done by a worthless drunken fellow
who got his discharge that very hour.
And from that day to this. honest
Sim Coombs is Charles staunchest
friend, and would gladly lay down his
life for the brave boy who on that ex-
citing occasion. saved his life.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11
FIND RED SNOW.

ND ED snow is often seen In spring at
~ the head Of the Alpine glaciers.
~ Scientists formerly were of the
opinion that the hue was due to the
presence of innumerable tiny reddish
Insects but is now known to be caused
by microscopical plant. which Is
pink when growing and deep GRIM
son when In the state of maturity.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11
III OurpuZZle Corner
CIIARAnE.

CHARADE.
My first Is something quite bitter. you
know;
fluid which helps US to live;
And II we've enough. and 1t acts ju7t
right,
A fine complexion twill give.
My second very small insect Is.
1t likes TO dig much in the ground:
In places where earth is soft and
loose,
This insect is usually found.
My two join together and you will get
A young lady's elegant beau
And If you don't b'PeYe me. try It
yourself
And the truth of my statement will
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11
ZIGZAG PUZZLE.

This zigzag contains seven words OF
four letters each. If the words are
rightly guessed and written one below
another their zigzag letters, beginning
with the upper left-hand letter and
ending with the lower left hand letter.
will spell place where ships case
anchor The cross swords are, l. y
loud, mournful wall 2. A place where
people live 3. A rabbit. A.. Some
thing usually found on an Indians
arrow. 3. Something worn by man.
8. To scorch. T. A small piece of
jewelry.
ANSWERS TO LAST WEEKS
PUZZLES.
PRIMAL ACROSTIC: Birthday
CroSS-icords: L. Birds. 2. Idier 3.
Riuer. A. Tunes. 5. Heart. 6. Drink.
Z. Apple. 8. Yeast
NUMERICAL PUZZLE: Potatoes
Words speH from il. l. PATE. 2. Oats
3 Tape. A. Stop 5. pof 6 Top
Seat
WORD SQUARE:
BA 1T
A N Ma
ms
TASK
REBUS: A Small Boy With Hook
And Line Went to The Pond to Catch
Some Fish But He Got A Turtle.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-11

HHARLIE PHILIPS lived on a
IL Western ranch with his par
ents and a sister. Their near
~ est neighbors were many miles