davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

I stood. It was as fair a forest as human eye has ever seen. My broth CTS were everywhere about, tall, strong, splendid. We had watched the lifeNabout us with much interest. Like human beings, our own kind faded and died. But only after many. many centuries of life. And as the aged gave way to decay, the young ones sprang up about them. Thus the forest was ever fed, growing denser and more splendid with each genera ton.
 Well, the white man came. He came and conquered the red brother and he also conquered us-the forest trees. He killed his red brothers or drove them out to lands farther to- wards the setting sun. He cut us down and made houses of us to shelter him and fires of us to keep him warm and to cook the wild creatures he found living in our midst. He not only sheltered beneath us. and warmed himself by us. but he fed himself from us some times. He sold us to people living in places where timber did not grow. Then he took the money he derived from the sale and bought himself food and raiment.
 But we were not always unhappy
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

and ABSOLUTELY refuse to peek its head out"
 "Oh- oh-oh!' said Janey. And she believed what Paul believed. And they both believed as Aunty Nan believed. and all Aunty Nan's folks before and since her believed.
 Wen not be gone long," explained Paul. We'll drive Peggy in gallop, fast as ever she can go. We'll be home before supper time. Mamma won't miss us till we're back.
 A few minutes later Paul and Janey were riding out of the stable yard to- wards the big road a quarter of mile from the house. Trees, draped with streamers of grey moss, hid them soon after they turned into the lane. and they were not seen by any one save tall Tom. Even Aunt Nanny had paid no attention to Paul's request to have her son hitch up the pony cart for him. Paul was in the habit young as he was-of driving the cart about the plantation, and sometimes Janey bore him company.
 Supper time came. and the children were missed. Mrs. Downs sent maid to look for them in the garden, where they liked to play. Then the stable yard was searched, loud calling of their names echoing everywhere.
 Then it came dimly to Aunt Nanny's mind about having heard in an unin- terested way her young darlip' Paul's request to Tom to hitch up the pony cart. And then something else came to her mind-the children's eagerness
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

<ZACK rode down the long hill, the setting sun shining full in his
 face. He had been over at the n B saw mill and had decided to ride round past the ".old place." as his grandfather's old home was called. Grandfather had long ago given up the old log house for a better one. a large, roomy place built of brick, and very often Jack went to the latter place to pay visit to the dear old 'Rrandparents. And 1t had been "Grannys" delight when Jack was a 'little tad" to take him on her knee and tell him of the early days before the fine, new house had been built, when she=and grandfather were young and had started out together in a new land and in a new, one-room log house. But even before Jacks time the old folks had abandoned the "old place" and Jacks mother, their daugh- ter, had never known any other home than the big brick house oa the turn pike.
 Jack soon arrived at the old log house, which was all but tumbled to earth. The roof was about gone, few boards and rotting shingles hang Ing in place as if reluctant to go lest the rains and snows should enter the room they had so long helped to shel- ter. The windows no longer held sashes. and looked like huge blind eyes staring at Jack as he rounded the clump of trees and rode right into the door yard.
 Poor old house." sighed Jack, a TO- nantic fellow. who loved to dream. and to hear over and over again tales of the past days before Jack was born." which was Grandmother's way of put ting it. Poor old house, falling into decay. And once youth and hope held sway herel An, I'll dismount and go Into the poor little room which once saw scenes of good cheer"
 Tying his horse to great tree in the yard, Jack entered the house and went to the corner where was an empty. blackened fireplace. About that fireplace his grandparents had
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

Soon he was mounted and off down the road in pursuit of the buggy. Tom did not spare his horse, urging the animal on. The buggy and its two nervous occupants reached the edge or the swamp before MT. Downs came galloping up. There was bad ground to go over. so Tom got out and hunted for wheel-tracks. Yes, there they were, the tracks of the cart and the prints of the ponys hoofs. Tom followed these. leading the horse, and MT. Downs followed the buggy. keeping on the lookout for safe ground. It was almost miraculous that Paul had driven over the safe places, for there was ground where the cart wheels would have sunk to their hubs.
 Tom and Aunt Nanny found the cart and pony first; then little fur ther on they came to the two children. down on their knees. bending over a little cluster of water-lilies which grew in green. slimy water. So engrossed were the children that they did not hear the persons coming behind them and did not know they. were not alone
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14
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away like a breath of wind. When other wild animals hear this concert of the lions they tremble with fear and scurry about, hither and thither, not knowing just where to hide from the threatening danger. As likely as not some frightened antelope will rush right into the mouth of a lion. or Sd near to him that he has but to strike with his paw to secure the de- sired supper. When the lion makes a choice of food, he usually prefers the zebra, because that animals flesh is covered with soft fat which the lion finds most appetizing. Next to the zebra he would choose a dead hip popotamus, which is still more fat. But he will not attack live hippo, for that huge fellow, though peaceful enough, is too big and strong for MT. Lion to manage. Next in favor will come the giraffe and the antelope. Also, he dearly loves the flesh of the buffalo, but buffaloes are terrible fighters and at times can get the bet ter of the lion in a conflict.
 Should he fail to procure any of the named animals for his supper he will look farther afeld in quest of domestic animals, such as sheep. oxen, horses. jackasses. Of man he is afraid, and it is rare instance for lion to lead the attack on a man. If attacked by his two-legged enemy he will fight fiercely, but he will avoid him in every manner possible. It seems strange that instinct should teach this most fearless of beasts that man is his most formidable foe.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

he was doing flnely' with his arith- metic, and that she would excuse him from spelling that forenoon so that he might go with Uncle and Daddy to the swamp. MT. Downs and his brother Frank (the latter made his home with his married brother) had decided to go over to the edge of the swamp to see about some drain ditches which were being dug.
 As Paul ran down stairs he passed Aunt Nanny in the hall. "Oh, Aunty Man." he said in a whisper, I'm go- ing to the swamp with Daddy. Do you s'pose I'll see-ANYTHING?" His eyes were very wide and he looked ex- pectant.
 'Lor's bless us, honey! Who can tell what a pussen will see ober by dat swamp? Maybe a-" Aunt Nanny looked about cautiously maybe a-a-- spirit. Be care- ful, honey chile. Keep clost to Daddy"
 Then Paul was off on the run. And he was late getting home that after noon. He saw Janey playing in tho kitchen garden and ran to her. "Oh Sister, he cried, 'I saw some water lilies. Don't you recollect that Aunty Nan said there were always fairies where the water-lilies grow? I would have stayed close to one and called three times. Fairy. fairy. fairy. come forth to mel But I wasn't alone a second-so couldn't do it.''
 Janey was all attention. Are the water lilies far from here ?' she asked. Maybe we might go to them alone. See, it is early yet-the sun Is quite high. Could we go and see the water lilies, and return before supper time ?'' l Paul's face flushed with anticipa- ton. Say. Sister, that's a good idea," he said. T know exactly how to go. Let's ask Aunty Nan about how to get the fairies. But--not word to her about our going. mind"
 "Oh, not word. Brother" And Janey shook her head. Then they went to the summer kitchen where Aunt Nanny was at work. Say, Aunty Nan, tell us how one might get the fairies to come out of the water-lilies in the swamp" begged Paul. And he and Janey sat upon the doorstep.
 Flaw! haw! hawl honey chilluns." laughed Aunt Nanny. you alls jest have to go clost to the pretty water lilies an squat on de bank an say, whisperin like, Come out. you darlin' fairy! Come out, you darlin' fairy! Come out you darlin'! An pretty soon you alls'll see the water-lily move. Den-up pops de fairy. sho' an certain! Oats all der is to it. chill i luns."
 At that moment the children heard some one approaching and next in- stant into the kitchen walked tall Tom. Aunt Mans son. He fetched an armload of wood.
 Say, Tom, can you hitch up the pony cart for me now?" asked Paul. | I'm going to take Sister riding down
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

house, a glorious If a simple one. Your grandparents had just beei. set tied here month before the holiday, and were fresh In their honeymoon. They held festival on Christmas Eve, and all the nearby neighbors came to make merry. Only this one room was built then. for the addition was not erected till just before the third childs birth. The family lived, and comfortably. too, in this one cozy room. Beside the fireplace were high backed benches for visitors, host and hostess. A spinning wheel, then still used to some extent. held one chim- ney corner. Your grandfather's books held shelf above the mantel, on which rested the best china and pew ter. A large clothes press, a chest of drawers and cupboard went along the two side walls. One just reached me. I used to peep down from above it. A bed stood in one corner far re- moved from the fireplace. A good strong table was in the middle of the floor. Chairs and benches were about it. And on it we saw frequently wild turkey, hare, deer fish, served most appetizingly by your grandmother. An, those early pioneer days are glorious to rememberl''
 Jack sat up quickly. Something had touched him. He looked about. The room was dark, save for some light coming through the open win dows. Jack arose, shook himself, rub bed his eyes. An he laughed, T do believe I fell asleep. But how strange 1t all seems-the log in the wall speaking. Perhaps 1t did speak, the part of an old tree" Jack felt above his head, but the clustering covered the walls, and his hand could not find the outline of log. All the samey," smiled Jack, q do be- lieve the tree talked to me. But I must be going. Uncle Jackson's fam fly are coming over tonight and I must hasten home. Believe I'll ride round by Grand-daddy's and ask Granny about Uncle Jackson's christening. Wonder if she really did wear her wedding dress on that occasion?"
 Then, dreaming and romancing
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

til Aunt Nanny's voice cried out: "Oh, honey chilluns! You done scaret us mos all to death. Come this mint to yo' maw. She's done near crazy.''
 We'll, the children were astonishee to see Aunt Nanny and Tom, and more so to see their father picking his vas through the borders of the swamp. They tried to explain, but MT. Downs would not wait then for explanations.
 On reaching home you may be sure there was happy mother waiting. and as Paul and Janey confided to her that night, We just went to find the fairies. Mamma" she kissed them and replied: "The good fairies must hay, led you, my darlings. for il some way you kept off dangerous ground. But in future. my dears, you must never never go hunting for fairies Fairies cannot be found. They must come to you of their own accord--if they wish to be seen by you"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

FNHEN we speak of a lions day A we must include the whole
 twenty-four hours, for it is dur ing the night that the king of beasts does his work. The lion loves a marshy country, where the long reeds and high grass make it safe for his travelling about in quest of his prey. In the absence of a marshy land, he chooses thick, thorny bushes, which answer his purpose quite as well. During the day he sleeps mostly, but will occasionally wake up and have a romp with his wife and cubs, and If the day is cloudy he will roar from time to time in a discontented mood. Of course, his cloudy day roaring is less violent than his night-time roar ing, for he Is cautious while 1t is still day.
 When the sun has sunk and the night shadows begin to darken the land, the lion leaves his bed, so to speak, and goes loping off from his lair into the open. He sees perfectly well in the dark, as do many other wild animals and many birds. His only fear is of man, and to him he gives a wide berth, if possible.
 Once out of his lair, MT. Lion goes in quest of his supper.
 This he finds in the form of other animals. As he trots along he keeps his head to the ground, roaring, now low and again more loudly. As he roars, he calls to life other lions whose roars join his own. This makes the ground fairly tremble when the roaring reaches its cresoendo. Then the noise drops to soft sigh, dying
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14
Eiresidz Game

NlMON SAYS" is a very old game, N just when it was originated is not V precisely known, but it was played by our reatgrandparents and probably by their great-grandparents It is lively game and children will never cease to enjoy it. For --.e chill dren who do not know the rules of the game, they are given here:
 The players are seated in row, semi-circular. In front of them sits the leader of the game. He Is called Simon. It is his business to give commands to the players, prefacing each order by Simon says, thumbs down. or simon says, thumbs up." If during the game he neglects to say Simon says" those who un- thoughtedly obey must pay forfeit. It is Simon's duty to turn his thumbs with each command. "Well all sing to the king, if Simon says thumbs down." turning his thumbs down. All the players turn their thumbs down at the same time. Simon continues in the same way speaking rapidly so as to catch some one by emitting the simon says" before his thumbs down" or thumbs up," or it may be just turn down" or turn up," but must follow the simon says"
 When one of the players has been caught turning his thumbs up or down without the Simon says" he must move out of the line of players and sit with his face to the wall until the game has been finished; then Simon will fix the forfeit the offender must pay.
 Simon Says Is jolly game Tor rainy evening when children want to relax from study and cannot run out of doors.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

'fI am the tree which helps to form this wall against which you lean to rest your back" replied the voice. Would you like my story?"
 ''Oh, please go on," said Jack eager ly and softly. He feared to speak loudly; the tree might become fright ened and refuse to talk longer. And while 1t was an unheard-of thing-a tree talking-Jack did not doubt his ears. He was romantic boy, as has been said, and was credulous of many things which more practical people would have doubted.
 Well" resumed the voice. growing stronger with Jacks encouragement, "it was many, many years ago that I began to grow out of the ground. I was something over hundred years old-as men count time-when the white man came into the forest where
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14
Significant Letters.

Which letters are the hardest work CTS? The Bees (B's). 1 ,s-
 Which are the most extensive let, ters? The Seas (C's). s,4ss
 Which letters are the most fond of comfort? The Ease (E,s).
 Which letters have the most to say for themselves? The Is.
 Which are the noisiest letters? The Jays (Js). raa
 Which are the longest letters? The Els (L's). f
 Which are the poorest letters? The Owes (O's). HQ
 Which letters tantalize most? The Tease (Ts).
 Which are the most sensible let ters? The Wise (Y's).
 Which letters. are the best to eat? The Peas (P's).
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

family in a state of excitement and distress. On seeing her mistress, pale and trembling, Aunt Nanny went up to her and said: "Doan you fret, Miss Mary; done fotch your darlin's home in de twinkle ob de eye. Doan you fret. nah pretty one. tell you. Aunty Nan knows what she's a-sayin.' Heah, Tom. you creepy bones. drive heah quick" And Aunt Nanny rushed out to the gate and climbed briskly into the buggy in which Tom already sat.
 Say, hold on there, Tom!" cried Mir. Downs. going to the gate just as Aunt Nanny had taken her seat in side the buggy. What's all this mean? Do you two know where the children are? If so, don't keep us in suspense"
 Its my religious belief" asserted Aunt Nanny solemnly. "dat dem chill luns hab goned to de swamp toto look fch a-a-fairy. You alls know, dey lubs me to tell 'em fairy tales. An I jest can't refuse 'em. bless der honey souls! So I tells 'em dat de
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14
2e Ooter Li9 Foipg Stop9 for Girls and Bo9s
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III was away down in the South M land, near to a great swamp. They
 did not live near enough to the @ swamp to catch sickness" nor anything like that, but near enough to have 1t said that there was great swamp in their vicinity and that in that swamp-land roamed strange phantoms-maybe ghosts, maybe spir- its. It was old Aunt Nanny who told them this story of the ghosts or spir- it's. Their Mother and Father had never said anything so ridiculous. But-you all know how supersti- tious the good old darkies of the South are.
 Well, the they" we are telling about were David and Janey Downs, aged respectively nine and seven. And they had lived their short lives in that one place, their home of hun dreds of broad acres.
 One day in early spring Paul had a strenuous day for so young fel- low. He had first had his lessons in the nursery. and Governess had said
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

even after he had cut us down. have had a very pleasant existence. I have watched the family in this house from it's beginning. First came the happy young husband and wife. Both were beautiful and strong; both were good and earnest. They worked well and were rewarded. Their first two children came in this room. Here was much happiness. An, long shall I remember the day of the first child's christening. It was a cold day. Snow lay thick on the ground. The little log church was far distant through the woods, and the young mother feared to take her baby there for the ceremony; so the preacher and several friends were invited to come here and hold the christening. An, 1t was a glad day. The young mother wore her wedding gown on
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

fairies air in de water-lilies in de swamp. I neber reckoned dey would try to go dare. I'll fotch home the darlin's, sho."
 Then off drove Tom, and MT. Downs returned to his wife and said: "I do believe Aunt Nanny knows just what has happened. She has been telling the children stories of fairies in the swamp. Tom hitched up the pony cart for them and off they drove-down the road Tom will easily overtake them. So we need feel no more un- easiness.''
 But while MT. Downs said this, he was very anxious and worried, and sought the stable. where he had a groom saddle riding horse for him.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

to know just how to find a water lily fairy.
 "Tom," she called, flor the dear Lor's sake, git the hoss an buggy hitohed up fer me quick. An you alls come long with me. I know whar dem blessed chilluns gone to. Doan ask no questions now, fer wes got to get Hong fas'er we eber got befo."
 Tom, without a word to any one Che knew his mother would do what talk ing was necessary reached the stable and led one of the fastest driv- ing horses out and within a jiffy had him hitched to the farm buggy.
 Aunt Nanny went puffing into the front yard, where she found Mrs. Downs and the other members of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14
ANSWERS TO LAST WEEKS
 PUZZLES.

ADDITIONS:-- AsterEaster. 2. Aoe-ca0e. 3. Weeping-Stoeepitg. 4. RotpcroD.
 DIAGONAL:-Forest. Crossroads, 1. Farmer. 2. Louing. 3. Forger. 4. Hotels. 5. Access. 6. Hornet.
 LETTER ENIGMA:-Eqster.
 FRUSTRATED PRIMAL ACROS- TIC: EaSter. Pictured foords-l. Eating. 2. Ark. 3. Sun. 4. 1ratn. 5. Ear. 6. Ringing.
 WOODEN SOLDIER PUZZLE: In stone fence to left of soldiers leg.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

about the past, Jack mounted his horse and set off in gallop towards the "new place." which was older than Jacks mother, to make call upon his aged grandparents. When he came forth from their house a smile of satisfaction was on his face. "Why, Sonny, I have told you many
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

times that I wore my wedding gown at your Uncle Jackson's christening. It was dream, my boy. Logs don't talk. But 1t is funny, isn't it?" So said Grandmother in reply to Jacks question. But as Jack went away he smiled, for he could not recall Gran ny's ever having told him a word about Uncle Jackson's christening. The log-part of the fine old tree must have spoken to him as he slept.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14
THE INVENTIVE MIND.

4 N ingenious inventor has made an A implement which combines pocket comb. penknife and cigar clipper.
 A recent invention is small horse. shoe magnet in the side of tailor,a thimble. The thimble will then pick up needles.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14

the road"
 "Sho.' Marster Paul." said Tom. grinning. He, like his mother, loved these two little Downses. They were the sunshine of the place.
 But mustn't we ask Mamma?" said Janey.
 Tt would break the spell" informed Paul mysteriously. When you go out to find a fairy no living mortal must know of it. or the fairy will hide away
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14
CHARADE.

My first is yellow and soft,
 It is very good to eat;
 In many lands across the sea
 'Twould be thought quite a treat. My second is white and deep;
 It has sizes, too, you see:
 One always sees it afternoons
 Where ladies and girls have tea. My two joined together make
 A flower that in meadows grow; It is especially sweet
 In summer when tn winds blow.
 sIGzAG PUZZLE. 1 This zigzag contains seven words o1 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 something which helps to keep us warm when the weather is cold The cross-words are, l. A large wild animal. 2. An ink spot. 8. A small city residence. 4. To lament. 5. Writing fluids. 6. Something which comes from stove. '. Melody.
 WORD SQUARE. t My first is the name which was applied to a king of Peru before the Spanish conquest.
 My second is a certain hour each day.
 My third is small woods animal I My fourth is a girls name.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-14
@ TCMss PLAN. ~

eTHEN I'm grow'd up to be a man kH I'll be a wild cowboy.
 I'll ride across the cattle plains. An yelp and shout for joy! "Or maybe would druther be A traveller round the worr, An stop a spell at every place Where the stars and stripes unfurl. But maybe that would make me
 tired,
 An awful sea-siclx, too,
 A ridin' on the dusty trains. An sailin' OCT the blue. Perhaps I'd druther stay to home As pardner to my pa; An feed the chickens an the pigs, An lend a hand to ma. An es her pumpkin pies so fine, An doughnuts, too. you see. I guess I'll stay right here to home. Fer it's good enough fer me-