Children's stories that never grow old-Various

0:00Section 1 of Children's Stories that Never Grow Old. This is a Livrovaks recording. All Livrovaks recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Livrovaks.org. Children's Stories that Never Grow Old Adapted by Mary Stiln. Section 1. Little Red Riding Hood. Once upon a time, there lives in a cottage on the edge of a wood, a forester and his wife and little daughter. The little girl was a great pet with everybody. Wherever she went out, she wore a red cloak with a hood to it, and the neighbor's called her Little Red Riding Hood. She made friends not only with people, but the birds and beasts too, and she was not afraid of anything, not even the dark. One day her mother said to her, my child, take this batch of butter and

1:01a bottle blackberry wine to your grandmother. Do not stay too long for I shall be worried. Red Riding Hood was delighted to do her mother's errand, so she put on her scarlet cloak, kissed her mother goodbye, and started off to her grandmother's house. The way she led through the woods, but Red Riding Hood was not the least bit afraid, and she went on as happy as a lock. The birds kept her company and sang their sweetest songs. The squirrels ran up and down the tall trees and made her laugh at their cheery, funny antics. And now and then a rabbit would come across her path, and sometimes Red Riding Hood would run after the bunnies, but they always managed to get away from her. By and by she grew hungry and sat down on a flat stone to eat the nice lunch her mother had put up for her, and oh how good a taste it. It was very lonely in the woods, but Red Riding Hood sought only of the

2:05wild flowers, which were so beautiful, and she went out of the path to gather some violets, honey suckle, and sweet ferns, which made a pretty nose gay indeed. But do me! When she turned to go back to the path, she could not find it, and she was scared, for she felt she was surely lost in the woods. The birds knew that she was lost, and as she had been so good to them, two of them flew down and called Red Riding Hood, and let her out of the tangle of bushwood into the path again. While she sat resting for a few moments, a wolf came up and spoke to her, which had not seen at all strange to little Red Riding Hood, as wolves and fairies were quite common in those days. Good day! Said the wolf, where are you going by yourself? Little girl! I'm going to my grandmother's. Said a little Red Riding Hood. She ought to be proud of

3:11such a lovely grand-daughter. Said the wolf, pleased with compliment Red Riding Hood, let the wolf walk by her side, although the birds kept warning her that he was a wicked rogue. Where does your grandmother's lives? Asked the wolf in a sweet voice. Just outside the woods, you can see her cottage through the trees. Said the little girl. Oh, yes! said the wolf. I think I will call on the dear old lady just for the fun of the thing. Suppose you take the left path where I follow this one to the right, and we shall have a little race to see which gets to the cottage first. Of course, the wolf knew he was sure to win the race, but he had chosen the shortest way. But Red Riding Hood suspected nothing. She was so young she did not know that wolves might seem to be milder sheep,

4:11but still be wolves at heart. The wolf took the short road and soon came to the grand-mother's cottage. He wrapped gently on the door and the old lady who was in bed said, Is that you, darling? Pulled a string and a latch will fill up. Thinking it was Red Riding Hood, of course. The wolf pulled the string and then opened the door and walked in. I am very glad you came dear. Said the grandmother, thinking her visitor was Red Riding Hood. I am more poorly than usual, and it hurts me to turn my head. Take off your hat, dear, and come kiss me. Said I will do at once, said the wolf, and was glaring that I he sprang on the bed and ate her up. Then he got into the bed and put on Granny's nightgown and cap and waited for Red Riding Hood to come.

5:12At last, the wolf heard a little rap of the door and he called out as the old lady had done. Is that you, darling? Pulled a string and a latch will fill up. His voice was harsh, but not unlike the grand-mothers when she had a cold. So Red Riding Hood pulled the string and went into the house, said her basket on the table and went up to the bedside. She was scarce at the chance that she'd sought had come over the grandmother. What could be the matter with her to make her look like this? She must have some terrible disease. Like Granny? She said as soon as she could speak. What big eyes you have got? The bette, just she wished my child, said the wolf, imitating the grand-mothers' voice. Oh Granny, side the child. What a great long nose you have got.

6:15The bette just smirled with my child. But Granny, what great big ears you have got. The bette you hear with my child. Red Riding Hood began to be more scared than she ever been in her life and a voice trembled when she said, Oh Granny, what a great big teeth you've got. The bette you eat you up, said the wolf in his own voice. And he was just about pulling his long sharp yellow fangs in the poor Red Riding Hood when the door was flung open and a number of men armed with axes rushed in and made him let go of his hold. And Red Riding Hood fainted in her father's arms. He was on his way home from work with some other men and was just in time to say this dear little daughter. With one or two strokes of the axe, the wolf's head was cut off so that he would do no more harm in the world. And his body was tied to a pole and carried in triumph

7:20back to the foresters. Friends from far and near came to see Little Red Riding Hood and she had to tell them over and over again just where she met the wolf, how he looked and what he said until it seemed as if she never got out of the woods at all, not even in her dreams. When the children were told the story, it always was this word of warning. When you are sent on an errand, go right along and do it as quickly as you can. Do not stop to play on the world or make friends or strangers who may turn out to be wolves in sheep's clothing. And they promised to a member and shot it whenever they saw a what might have been the fate of dear Little Red Riding Hood. End of section 1. Section 2 of children's stories that never grow old. This is a Libravox recording. All

8:24Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Read by Cindy J. M. Children's stories that never grow old, adapted by Mary Stone. The Adventures of a Brownie. A Brownie is a most curious creature. A fairy and yet not the sort of fairy who flies about on wings. He's a sober, stay at home household elf. Nothing much to look at, even if you do see him, which you're not likely to. He is only a little old man about a foot high, all dressed in brown, with brown face and brown hands and a brown peaked cap. Under one particular coal in the dark corner of the cellar of an old English house, they're lived one of these brownies. The old cook never forgot to give Brownie his supper.

9:24But when she died, the young cook disliked taking the trouble to place a bowl of milk in the same place every night. I do not believe in brownies. She said, I have never seen one and seeing is believing. Brownie woke up one night at his usual hour for getting up, 10 o'clock, and looked around for his supper. But it wasn't there. He ran about the coal cellar to see what he could find. Oh, there's luck! Cryed Brownie, tossing his cap in the air and jumping right through the doorway which was open into the kitchen. No one was there, but there was a fine supper spread on the table. He said, here's a chance. What a supper I will get now. He jumped onto a chair, and then to the table, but so quietly that muff, the black cat who lay in front of the fire, just opened one eye, went to sleep again. Now there was a nice clean tablecloth on the table, and it wasn't long before

10:30the cloth was covered with black coal marks from his feet. He laughed loudly and leapt to the hearth and teased buff. When he heard the girls getting up, he scampered off to his coal cellar and fell asleep for the day. When the cook came down in the morning, low and behold, there was nothing left of the supper which he'd forgotten to put away the night before. Oh, my clean tablecloth! What can't have been done to it, she cried. You nasty cat! You have eaten up all the supper and dirtyed my cloth. And then she got the broom and beat poor pussy. Next night, cook put the cat in the coal cellar and lock the door. When Brownie woke up, there was no supper in the cellar, and the door was shut. So he changed himself into a mouse, not a hole through the door. There was the table as before, covered with a fine supper. He ate as much as he wanted,

11:30and marked the tablecloth more than ever. As the cat was not there, after teasing the puppy for a while, he changed himself back into a mouse and crept back into the cellar. He had a narrow escape from Muff, opened one eye and was going to pounce on him, just as he changed himself back into a brownie again. She was so startled, she bounded away, her tail growing into twice its natural size, and her eyes gleaming like green globes. The cook next morning was more angry than ever and thrashed the poor little puppy. The kitchen maid said, if I were you, I'd put a bowl of milk in the coal cellar for the brownie. Nonsense answered the cook, but afterward she thought better of it, and did as she was advised. Next morning, the milk was gone and asked for supper. Cook, having put it away, nothing touched it, and the tablecloth, which was in the

12:33dresser drawer, came out without a single black mark on it. Brownie teased and played tricks on the gardener Jess, the Shatland Pony, the pups, the ducks, the cows, and all the living things on the place, but he loved the children, and he played with them, and they were the only ones who ever saw him. Brownie never harmed anybody who did not deserve it, and he liked to see people happy. He made friends with cook, and there were no more black foot marks on her tablecloth. For Brownie found his basin of milk, waiting him every night behind the coal cellar door. One day, two men came to give the cellar a good cleaning. It will not take long, said the sharp voice of the gardener's wife, for there is nothing but cold dust except that one big lump in the corner. You can clear that out too. Stop! It's Brownie's lump, better not metal with it whispered the little kitchen maid.

13:34You mind your business, said the gardener's wife, he must be a very silly old Brownie to live under a lump of coal. So the cellar was cleaned, and the gardener's wife told them in to put the lump of coal on a wheelbarrow, and she would wheel it out of their way. I do not suppose anybody will miss the coal she said, thinking to keep it to herself. I dare say the mistress would give it to me if I asked for it, and ask for Brownie's fudge. Bless us, what's that? The barrel began to creak, and every creek sounded like the cry of a child, just as if the wheels were going over its legs and crushing its poor little bones. Suddenly the barrel tilted over and the coal was tumbled out on the ground where it broke in a thousand pieces. It was Brownie, of course, but she couldn't see him. This was not the only trick Brownie played on the gardener's wife. When she put her clean clothes out on the line to drive, they were marked all over with queer marks of fingers and toes.

14:38The children tried not to laugh when she told them about it, but it did seem so funny, then they heard a voice say, the silly old woman I washed her clothes for her last night in a way that she did not expect. I did not have any soap, so I used a little cold dust, and very pretty they looked. I shall wash them again for her tonight. Oh please do not implore the children. Shall I start an iron though? I will do it beautifully. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Abracadabra, tum tum tea, shouted the Brownie. To the children's wonder, the basket was gone and all the clothes too. They found the basket under a large gooseberry bush, and what do you think? All the clothes were in the basket, starched an iron beautifully. It was not one single mark on anything. Kind little brownie, clever little brownie. The gardener's wife was very much pleased, and she thought the children had the clothes done in their laundry, and the children did not tell

15:42what they knew about it. Later on, curious sounds were heard all over the house. Might be rats, the elder said, but the children were sure it was a sort of weeping and whaling. They have stolen my coal, and I haven't a hole to hide in. Not even a house, one could ask a mouse to bite in. After this, Brownie was never seen or heard of again. End of section two. Section three of children's stories that never grow old. This is a Libra Vox recording. All Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibraVox.org. Read by Cinti J.M. Children's stories that never grow old, adapted by Mary Stone, the little lame prince. It is just like Fairyland whispered one little girl to another,

16:46and the only thing the prince needs is a fairy godmother. Dums he, said a soft voice. Behind them in the gay crowd was somebody no bigger than a child, somebody whom nobody had ever seen, and who certainly had not been invited to the prince's christening, for she had no christening clothes on. She was a little old woman dressed all in gray. Her hair was gray, as were also her eyes, but her smile was sweet and childlike. Take care. Do not let the baby fall again. She whispered to the nurse who was carrying the prince. The nurse was frightened. Her she had not known that anyone had seen her drop the royal baby. I am his godmother, and I must kiss him, she said, and before anyone could stop her, she raised herself on tiptoe and gave the baby prince three kisses. Your name shall be Prince Dolar,

17:48in memory of your mother, she said to him, and then the little old woman melted away into the air. Everybody loved the little prince, and his time went on, he grew to be a fine big boy, but alas, his legs never grew. The fall had injured his spine so that he was never able to walk. His father died when he was still very young, and his uncle said he would be king until the prince grew to be a man. Now this uncle was wicked, and he did not want the prince ever to be king. He told the people the prince was ill, and later, that he was dead. People were sorry for a while, but soon forgot the little lame prince. His wicked uncle had sent him and his nurse to a high tower in the mountains far away. As the years passed, his nurse taught him to read and write, but as he grew older, he yearned to see the world of which he read in his books. One sad and lonely day he cried aloud, oh, I'd long for someone to love me.

18:53As he spoke, he heard behind him a slight tap, tap, tap, and turning, he saw, what do you think? A little woman dressed in gray. My little boy, she said, I am your godmother, and I will come to you whenever you want me, but you must not let your nurse know of my visits. The prince was delighted, and they talked for a long while together. She told him many stories of the world and its doings. Finally, she said, I must leave you now, but I shall give you something that will always amuse you. It is a trailing cloak, and when you want to use it, you must repeat the words, abracadabra, dum, dum, dum, and it will take you wherever you want to go. Just at that moment they heard his nurse coming, hush, said the godmother, she must not know, and before the prince could speak, she was con.

19:54Did I hear voices? Asked his nurse, and what is that old bundle? Oh, nothing, said the prince, give it to me. The bundle was his trailing cloak. It was a queer-looking thing, just like an old piece of cloth. The prince could not see what good this old thing could be to him, but he hit it away from his because the kind little woman had given it to him. One day, Prince Dalar took the cloak out of its hiding place, and sitting in the middle of it, his arms around his knees, with beating heart, he said, abracadabra, dum, dum, dum, and then, and then, the cloak rose slowly, higher and higher, until it came to the skylight, which Prince Dalar opened. Away he flew as if he were on a big bird's back. Over the hills and dails, it was great fun. He sailed about for a long time,

20:57and as it was getting late, he thought he would go back to his tower. But try as he would, the magic words would not come to him. Dear godmother, he cried, help me! Tell me once again! Abracadabra, dum, dum, dum, someone said, and the cloak turned, and back they flew. Every day, Prince Dalar took a long trip on his cloak. I wish I could see things on the ground better, he said one day, as he was sailing along high up in the sky. He'd hardly said the words, before he felt on his nose a pair of beautiful gold spectacles, and when he looked down through them, he could see everything, even the tiny buds and flowers. Still, Prince Dalar was not content. He said, oh, what lots of things I would like to do, but first I want to see the world. As he spoke, the cloak bounded forward faster and faster.

22:03Giapp, Giapp, cried the prince in excitement. This is as good as writing in a race. It grew late but Prince Dalar wished to go on. I am hungry, he said, and at once, right before him on the cloak, was a lot of the most delicious food. And then he fell asleep. When he awoke, he found himself floating over a beautiful country. He heard a sound like the hum of many bees. He looked down and saw far, far below him a great busy city. Oh, how wonderful he cried. I wish I had someone to tell me about it. Do you? Then pray speak to me. The voice came from a great black and white bird that flew right over the cloak beside him. I will tell you all you want to know. I am a magpie, it said. Prince Dolor was surprised, but pleased and he found the magpie great company. The cloak took them to a palace where the magpie told the prince's story about a wicked king

23:08who lived there, but who really was not king, where he had taken the crown from his poor little lame nephew to law. And he had sent this little lame prince to live in a black tower far, far away so that he might be king. The wicked king is dying, she said, and when he is dead, Prince Dolor will be king. Let me go home, cried Prince Dolor. I have seen and heard enough. Goodbye, said the magpie, and her voice was sweet, like the fairy godmothers, and away she flew. The cloak turned, and in a short time he found himself back in his own room in the tower. He called his nurse, no answer came. He called again, and still no answer. She'd gone. He was in that high tower all alone. There he lay, sad and alone. When by and by he heard voices calling, long live king Dolor, long live king Dolor.

24:12The door opened, and in came a lot of fine soldiers in gentlemen. They went down on their knees before him, and told him that the people wanted him for their king. Prince Dolor was soon crowned king, and lived a long and happy life. End of section 3 Section 4 of Children's Stories That Never Grow Old This is a Libra Vox recording. All Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibraVox.org, Read by Cindy J.M. Children's Stories That Never Grow Old Adapted by Mary Stone Black Beauty One day my mother we need, and said, you are very well bred, my boy. For your grandfather won the cup two years ago at the new market races.

25:17Be always gentle and good. Lift your heels high when you trot, and never kick or bite. We were feeding in the lower part of the field, and just then I heard the bang of dogs. My mother pricked up her ears and said, the hounds, we gallop together to the upper part of the field, and saw dogs running down the field, yapping, yo, yo, oh, oh, with their noses on the ground. A number of men in red coats sped after them on galloping horses. They have lost the scent. Said my mother, perhaps the hair will escape. Presently the dogs began their, yo, yo, oh, oh, oh, again, and the men and horses came back at full speed straight for our meadow. Now watch for the hair, said my mother. Just then a poor frightened hair rushed by us towards the woods. On came the dogs' pale male, leaping the stream and

26:17dashing across the field, followed by the huntsman. The hair tried to get through the fence, but just then the dogs pounced upon her, and one of the hunters whipping off the dogs, held it up. When I was four years old, my coat became glossy black, and I grew very handsome. I had a white star in my forehead and one white foot. My master sold me to Squire Gordon, who proved to be a kind master for he broke me in without the use of a whip. One day the Squire said, goodbye, darky, be a good horse. And I left my first home to go to Brickwick Park, where my news table was fine and big. In the style next to mine there was a little fat grey pony. How do you do? What is your name? I said to him. My name is Mary Legs. Are you going to live here? He replied? Yes, I said. Just then a tall ill-tempered chestnut mare said to me, so it's you who turned me out of my

27:22stall. I had nothing to do with it, I said. The man put me here. When she went out into the afternoon, Mary Legs told me that she was called Ginger because of her bad habits. John, the coachman took me out for a ride next morning and we met the Squire with his wife. How does he go, John? He asked. He is as fleet as a deer and has a fine spirit. He's a perfect beauty, said the lady. Let's call him Black Beauty. Yes, said the Squire. Black Beauty shall be his name. I meet fast friends with Ginger and Mary Legs and I was very happy. One day in the autumn my master and mistress decided to play a visit to some friends who lived a long way off and John must drive them. We reached a town at sundown and they stopped at the hotel for the night. Ginger and I were taken to the stable where there were

28:23six or eight other horses. John fed us and we soon went to sleep as we were very tired after our long drive. I awoke suddenly to find the air was full of smoke. I could see nothing and I could scarcely breathe. Ginger was coughing and the other horses seemed very restless. The trap door was open and I heard something crackling and snapping. I didn't know what it was. Trimbled all over in fear. All the horses were now pulling at their halters and stamping. At last a man burst into this stable tried to lead the horses out. The first would not go with him nor the second or third. In fact none of us would stir a foot. No doubt we were foolish but Ginger seemed all around us and we were afraid to leave the stable. Soon a red light flickered on the wall and someone cried fire. Next thing I heard was John's voice quiet and cheery. Come beauty on with your bridal my boy.

29:32We will soon be out of this. He tied his scarf lightly over my eyes and padding and coaxing he led me out. Here somebody take this horse while I go back for the other. Shout it John. In a few moments John came through the smoke leading Ginger. We continued our journey next day without any more excitement. Three years later Ginger and I were sold to master's old friend Lord W. Early in the spring I was turned out into the meadow before I was gone in the knees. One morning some days later the gate opened and who should come in but Ginger. When I trotted up to her I soon saw that she too had been ruined by hard driving. And so she said here we are. Rune in our youth and strength. You by a drunkard and I by a fool. I was soon sold after this to a livery stableman as a job horse but he didn't keep me long

30:32and I fell into the hands of a london cab driver. One day while our cab was waiting in one of the parks a shabby old cab drawn by a thin worn out horse drove up beside us. The horse looked at me and said black beauty is that you? It was ginger but so changed I scarcely knew her. She told me how she'd gone from bad to worse until she wished she could die. Just then her driver came up and with a tug at her mouth and a lash of the whip drove off. One day during the summer I was groomed with more care than usual and some ladies came to see me. The next day I was led to a new home and placed in a comfortable stable owned by these same ladies. When the groom was cleaning my face he said why this is just like the star black beauty had. He stood and looked at me and then he said

31:35it must be black beauty. Why beauty do you know me? I'm Joe, Squire Gordon's under groom. I put my nose up to him and winnyed. Well beauty it will not be my fault if you haven't a good time now he said. Here I have lived a year in happiness and hope to spend the rest of my life in the place where I am called by my own name. Black beauty. End of section number four. Section five of children's stories that never grow old. This is a Liebervox recording. All Liebervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit Liebervox.org. Read by Cindy J.M. Children's stories that never grow old adapted by Mary Stone, Cinderella or the little glass slipper. This is the story of a beautiful, motherless young girl

32:44whose father married for the second time a haughty and proud widow who had two daughters of her own both Vane and selfish. No sooner was the wedding over than the wicked woman began to show herself in her true colors. She could not bear the good qualities of her pretty stepdaughter and the more because they made her own daughters appear less attractive. She made her wash dishes, scrub floors, wait on her own daughters. She gave her a straw bed and the Garrett to sleep upon while her own daughters slept in fine rooms and upon soft beds. The bored girl bore all of this very patiently and dared not tell her father who always sided with his wife. When she had done her work she used to go into the chimney corner and sit down among the cinders. They all called her cinder wench except the youngest sister who was less unkind than the eldest. She called her cinderella. However,

33:47cinderella in spite of her shabby clothes was a hundred times more beautiful than her step-sisters in spite of the fine gowns which they always wore. One day the king's son gave a ball and the three sisters were invited. The two selfish sisters were delighted and talked all day long about what dresses they should wear. This made new trouble for poor little cinderella, but was she who had to iron her sister's linen? For my part said the eldest, I will wear my red velvet. And I said the youngest shall wear my golden, flowered silk and diamond belt. Cinderella, would you like to go to the ball? The youngest asked. Alas, she said you're jeering at me. You're right, they both said. It would only make people laugh to see a cinderella wench at the ball. At last the happy day came and the two step-sisters went to court. Cinderella followed them with her eyes as long as she could and when she'd lost sight of

34:51them she began to cry. What is the matter? Asked her godmother who saw her in tears. I wish I could, I wish I could, but she could not speak for sobbing. Now cinderella's godmother was a fairy and she said to her, do you wish to go to the ball? Yes, cried cinderella. Well said the godmother. A good girl and you shall go. We're on into the garden and bring me a pumpkin. Cinderella got the biggest she could find, though she could not see how this would help her go to the ball. The godmother struck the pumpkin with her wand and it was instantly turned into a fine gilded all over with gold. Then she told cinderella to bring her the mouse trap which had six live mice in it. Cinderella did as she was told and her godmother lifted up the trap door a little and as the mice came out she tapped them with her wand and each mouse was at once turned into a fine

35:55horse. So now there were six beautiful mouse colored dApple gray horses and a magnificent coach. And now for a coachman said the fairy bring me the wrap trap. Cinderella brought the trap with a three large rats in it. The biggest rat became a fat jolly old coachman at the fairy's bidding. Go again into the garden and you will find six lizards behind the watering pot. Bring them to me she said. Cinderella had no sooner done so than her godmother turned them into six footmen who jumped behind the coach with their livery's of golden silver. The fairy then touched cinderella with her wand and in an instant she was dressed in cloth of golden silver all set with jewels and on her feet were a pair of glass slippers. Then cinderella got up into her coach and the fairy commanded her not to stay one moment after midnight. For if she did the coach would become a pumpkin again,

37:00her horses mice, her coachman or rat, her footmen lizards and her clothes just as they were. She promised to do as she was told and away she drove to the ball. The king's son was told that a great princess whom nobody knew was driving up to the palace and he ran out to meet her. Everybody was astonished when they saw her great beauty. The prince fell in love with her at first sight and he would dance with no one else. When cinderella was taking refreshments she sat down by her sisters and spoke to them but they did not recognize her. In fact they felt very proud to be noticed by such a princess. Cinderella remembered what her godmother had said and came home before 12 o'clock. When the sisters came back from the ball later they could talk of nothing but the beautiful lady. The next night they went again to the ball at the palace. Cinderella waited until they had gone and then she went too and she looked still more beautiful than the night before.

38:03She was having such a fine time that she forgot what time it was until she saw the hands of the clock point to five minutes of 12. She hurried off but as she reached the door it struck 12. The guard wondered how such a shabby little girl could have gotten in for she was back in her rags again. In her haste however she dropped one of her glass slippers on the stairs and the prince who had run after her picked it up. The prince next day sent out a herald with a trumpet and a little page boy with a glass slipper on the velvet cushion to proclaim that any lady whom the glass slipper fit should become his wife. All the ladies begged to try it on but their feet were all too large. When Cinderella's sisters heard of this they tried to force their feet into the tiny slipper but it was all in vain. As they were angrily giving up Cinderella said let me try please stupid girl said the sisters fancy you trying. Go wash dishes. But the herald said let her try.

39:10Cinderella sat down and without any trouble put her foot into the slipper then she took its mate out of her pocket and put it on. Just at that moment her godmother came and with a touch of her wand changed her rags into the most beautiful white satin gown that had ever been seen. She was the beautiful lady of the ball once more. Her wicked sisters were frightened and begged her on their knees to forgive them for they knew she was soon to be queen. Cinderella forgave them gladly and asked them always to love her. She was then taken to the young prince and he thought her more charming than ever a few days after married her. Cinderella who was no less good than beautiful gave her sisters rooms in the palace and married them to two great lords and they all lived happily ever after. End of section 5

40:12Section 6 of children's stories that never grow old. This is a Libra Vox recording. All Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibraVox.org. Read by Cinderella J.M. Children's stories that never grow old adapted by Mary Stong Story of Peter Rabbit. Once upon a time there were four little rabbits and their names were Flopsy, Mopsie, Cottontail and Peter. They lived with their mother in a sand bank underneath the root of a very big fir tree. Now my dears said old Mrs. Rabbit one morning you may go into the fields or down the lane but don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden. Your father had an accident there.

41:13He was put in a pie by Mrs. McGregor. Now run along and don't get into mischief. I am going out. Then old Mrs. Rabbit took a basket and her umbrella and went through the woods to the bakers. She bought a loaf of brown bread and five current buns. Flopsy, Mopsie and Cottontail who were good little bunnies went down the lane to gather blackberries. But Peter, who was very naughty, ran straight away to Mr. McGregor's garden and squeezed under the gate. First he ate some lettuces and some French beans and then he ate some radishes and then feeling rather sick he went to look for some parsley. But round the end of the cucumber frame who should he meet but Mr. McGregor? Mr. McGregor was on his hands and knees planting out young cabbages but he jumped up and ran after

42:18Peter waving a rake and calling out stop thief. Peter was most dreadfully frightened. He rushed all over the garden for a heed forgotten the way back to the gate. He lost one of his shoes among the cabbages and the other shoe among the potatoes. After losing them he ran on four legs and went faster and I think he might have gotten away altogether if he had not unfortunately run into a gooseberry net and got caught by the large buttons on his jacket. It was a blue jacket with brass buttons quite new. Peter gave himself up for lost and shed big tears but his sobs were overheard by some friendly sparrows who flew to him in great excitement and implored him to exert himself. Mr. McGregor came up with a sieve which he intended to pop up on the top of Peter but Peter riggled out just in time leaving his jacket behind him and rushed into the tool shed

43:21and jumped into a can. It would have been a beautiful thing to hide in if it had not had so much water in it. Mr. McGregor was quite sure that Peter was somewhere in the tool shed, perhaps hidden underneath a flower pot. He began to turn them over carefully looking under each. Presently Peter sneezed. Pretty jr. Mr. McGregor was after him in no time and tried to put his foot upon Peter who jumped out of a window upsetting three plants. The window was too small for Mr. McGregor and he was tired of running after Peter. He went back to his work. Peter sat down to rest. It was out of breath and trembling with fright and he had not the least idea which was to go. Also he was very damp with sitting in that can. After a time he began to wander about going lippity, lippity, not very fast and looking all around. He found a door in a wall but it was locked

44:28and there was no room for a fat little rabbit to squeeze underneath. An old mouse was running in and out over the stone doorstep carrying peas and beans to her family in the woods. Peter asked her the way to the gate but she had such a large pea in her mouth that she could not answer. She only shook her head at him. Peter began to cry. Then he tried to find his way straight across the garden but he became more puzzled. Presently he came to a pond where Mr. McGregor filled his water cans. A white cat was staring at some goldfish. She sat very very still but now and then a tip of her tail switched as if it were alive. Peter thought it best to go away without speaking to her. He'd heard about cats from his cousin, little Benjamin Bunny. He went back towards the tool shed but suddenly quite close to him he heard the noise of a ho. Scritch! Scritch! Scritch!

45:36Peter scattered underneath the bushes but presently as nothing happened he came out, climbed upon a wheelbarrow and peeped over. First thing he saw was Mr. McGregor, hoeing onions. His back was turned toward Peter and beyond him was the gate. Peter got down very quietly off the wheelbarrow and started running as fast as he could go along a straight walk behind some black current bushes. Mr. McGregor caught sight of him at the corner but Peter did not care. He slipped under the gate and was safe at last in the woods outside the garden. Mr. McGregor hung up the little grouch racket and shoes for a scarecrow to frighten the blackbirds. Peter never stopped running or look behind him till he got home to the big furtory. He was so tired he flopped right down on the nice soft sand on the floor of the rabbit hole and shut his eyes. His mother was busy cooking. She wondered what he'd

46:37done with his clothes. It was the second little jacket and pair of shoes Peter had lost in a fortnight. I am sorry to say that Peter was not very well during the evening. His mother put him to bed and made some chamomile tea. She gave a dose to Peter. One tablespoonful to be taken at bedtime but flopsy mobsy and cottontail had bread and milk and blackberries for supper. End of section 6 Section 7 of Children's Stories that Never Grow Old This is a Leiborvox recording. All Leiborvox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit leiborvox.org. Read by Cindy J. M. Children's stories that Never Grow Old adapted by Mary Stone Uncle Tom's cabin the story of Topsy. Many years ago

47:45when Negroes were slaves and were bought and sold the same as horses cows chickens or ducks Mr. Augustine St. Clair while sauntering about the marketplace came upon the blockest little pick and any girl he'd ever seen. She was eight or nine years old and besides being very black had browned shining eyes glittering as glass beads and woolly hair braided into little tails which stuck out in every direction. She was dressed in a filthy ragged garment and was quite the most woe be gotten little darky ever seen by Mr. St. Clair. Perhaps in a spirit of compassion and partly as a joke he bought her and took her home. Her name was Topsy and when children are old enough they may read all about her in Uncle Tom's cabin a book that had much to do with freeing the slaves. A sad sad story indeed as sad as Topsy ignorant and carefree was joyful and mischievous.

48:51The very sight of the scrawny black girl caused Miss Ophelia Mr. St. Clair's cousin to throw up her hands in amazement. What is it she exclaimed? I've made a purchase for you said he with a grin looking first at Topsy whose eyes were bulging wide open at the sight of the fine furniture and then at his cousin who had folded her hands in despair. Augustine what in the world did you bring her here for? Protested Miss Ophelia. For you to educate to be sure he replied laughingly I thought her a funny little Jim Crow and I bought her. Here Topsy he added whistling as one would call the attention of a puppy dog. Give us a song and show Miss Ophelia how well you can dance. Topsy's eyes glittered with a kind of wicked drowlery and then in a clear shrill voice she struck up an old negro melody to which she kept time with her hands and feet spinning round

49:56clapping her hands knocking her knees together and shuffling her feet. Finally she turned two summer salts in front of Miss Ophelia so close she almost took the good lady's breath away in amazement. Topsy this is your new mistress said Mr. St. Clair solemnly. Oh yes master replied Topsy with another twinkle. For poor Miss Ophelia already burdened with a care of a lot of little blacks it was hard to understand why fate had brought this imp of darkness into her life but being a good Christian woman she bowed to the inevitable and promised to do her best with a child. Hold her Utopsy she asked kindly. Don't know Mrs. said Topsy showing all her white teeth. Didn't anybody ever tell you who was your mother? Never had none. Answered the child with another grin. Never had a mother? Why Topsy what do you mean? Where were you born? Never was born.

51:00Replied the little imp still grinning and all the questions Miss Ophelia could bring to bear failed to make the child own that she had ever had a mother or ever been born. Have you ever heard about God Topsy? Ask Miss Ophelia but the child had no answer. She didn't know what the good lady meant. Do you know who made you? Nobody as I know on replied the child. I suspect I just growed. The poor child knew nothing but how to fetch water. Wash dishes, rub knives. So she told Miss Ophelia and afterward when caught stealing she didn't even know it was wrong to steal. When compelled to confess she told of stealing things that she never stole at all explaining that Mrs. told me to fass and I couldn't think of nothing else to fass. So she told of stealing earrings and burning them up when as a matter of fact little Eva St.

52:03Claire had them in her ears at the time. There was something in the black child that touched the kindly heart of little Eva who though but a child herself had by reason of long illness grown old beyond her years. Poor Topsy she said kindly. You never need steel again. You are to be taking care of now. I'd give you anything of mine rather than have you steal it. It almost seemed as though the black child understood the bond of sympathy held out to her but she could only blink and rub her eyes. It was the first kindly words she'd ever heard and it caused a queer feeling in her heart. Being pure and gentle herself Eva soon exercised in influence on little black Topsy that changed her into a rare jewel. Being smart and active she soon learned the ways of Negroes of the better class. Of course she would have to play at times and did some very silly things like pulling off the pillowcases and budding at the pillows with her woolly head and

53:07sometimes feathers would creep through and stick in her crinkled hair and she would dress the bolster up in misophilia's night clothes and when scolded would ask to be whipped like oh Mrs. Aller's whipped me a thing misophilia could not bring herself to do. As in all cases where once a person has been caught stealing there's a lurking suspicion against them. So it was with Topsy who when little Eva was slowly passing from this world used to pick flowers and take them to Eva's bedside. One day she was caught and not until Eva herself informed the captors that she had told Topsy to pick the flowers and bring them to her was the little black girl released. The next time suspicion fell on the child was after Eva's sad end and the little dark he was seen to hide something quickly in the bosom of her dress as someone approached. What do you suppose was hidden? A curl from little Eva's hair and a tiny bible both had been given

54:12Topsy by the little white girl before her death. After this episode Topsy became the special favorite of Mr. St. Clair who declared that the child must never again be molested. Strange to say when Topsy grew up she became a teacher in far away Africa among people of her own kind and color. End of section 7 Section 8 of children's stories that never grow old. This is a Libra Box recording. All Libra Box recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibraVox.org. Read by Cindy J.M. Children's stories that never grow old adapted by Mary Stone. Rab and his friends. Bob and I were leaving school. Our heads together and our arms around

55:13each other as only boys know how. When at the top of the street we saw a crowd. A dog fight shouted Bob and off we flew hoping it might not be over before we got there. We found the crowd around two dogs fighting. One a small white bull terrier who was busy throttling a large shepherd dog who knew more about tending sheep than fighting bulldogs. They were hard at it. The little dog doing good work with his sharp teeth on the shepherd dog's thick neck. Game chicken as Bob called the bulldog was working his way up for a final grip on the poor calle's throat while everybody was shouting how shall we stop them? Water cried some but there was none near. Bite the tail cried another and an old man got down in his knees and bit the calle's tail with all his might. But the calle's master knocked the old man down for his pains. Game chicken held on still like death.

56:17Snuff a pinch of snuff shouted a galley dressed young man at this an old man in the crowd put a pinch of snuff on chicken's nose. Chicken sneezed and the calle was free and up the street he flew but chicken's blood was up and down the street he bounded. Bob myself and the crowd after him. Trotting down the middle of the street was a huge old gray mastiff as big as a little bull. He was neat and rab and he was all scarred up from fighting. Chicken made straight at him and fastened his teeth on his throat. The great mastiff stood still, held himself up and roared a long, terrible roar just as Bob and I came up to him. The mastiff opened his mouth as far as a strong muzzle he wore would let him. His lips curled up and rage showing white teeth but the straps across

57:18his mouth were tight and held in fast. The crowd was soon around them while chicken held on. A knife cried Bob, an old cobbler handed me his knife and I put it under the edge of the leather muzzle. Then one sudden jerk of that big head and brave chicken dropped limp. The mastiff had taken him by the smell of the back like a wrecked. He looked down at his little victim, sniffed him all over and then turned and trotted off up the street as if nothing had happened. Bob and I after him. He turned up and alley and stopped at a stable yard. There was a carrier's cart ready to start and buy it a thin little man with his hand at the gray horse's head looking angrily about for something and we knew that that something was the mastiff, his dog. You thief he said, kicking it rab. Rab avoided the heavy shoe and ran under the cart, his ears down and what little

58:22he had of a tail down to. His master saw the muzzle hanging cut and useless from Rab's neck. We told him what Rab had done and that we had cut the muzzle. The little man said to the dog, Rab, my man, poor Rabby. We're upon the stump of a tail rose. The torn and ragged ears stood up straight and the eyes filled. Rab was comforted for Rab's master and he were friends again. A stroke of the whip and just the old gray horse, Rab and his master went off together. Six years passed, a long time for a dog and a boy. Bob was off to the wars and I was a medical student. I saw Rab almost every week and we were fast friends. I found the way to his heart by scratching his big head and giving him a bone every now and again. If I did not notice him, he would plant himself straight before me and stand wagging his spud of a tail, looking up with his big head

59:25turned a little to one side. One day, Rab walked in the open gate of the hospital with that great easy saunter of his. He looked as if he owned the place. After him came Jess with her cart and in it sat a sweet-faced woman. The carrier, who is leading the horse when he saw me, said, Master John, this is the mistress. She is sick and we want you to cure her. Rab looked on very much puzzled but ready to fight anyone, nurse the porter or even me to protect his mistress. I took them into the hospital and Rab came too. I wish you could have seen him. He would have made you laugh. Rab was a queer-looking old fellow with his lion-like hair, short and hard, his big bowl-like body, large blood head covered with scars, one eye out, one ear torn off, but the one eye he had could see better than any other dogs, two eyes. His tail was nothing

1:00:29but a spud, half as long as your finger and it kept moving too and fro all the time. Rab was not quite happy in the hospital. He seemed worried and the only ear he had was up and down all the time. I think he felt that something was wrong with his mistress and he stood guard by her bed like a soldier. It was wonderful the way the dog looked at me as much as to say, may I stay here with my mistress? I said yes, Rab. You may stay if you behave yourself. And he did behave very well, never moving a muscle and showing us how meek and gentle he could be. Every day while they stayed at the hospital, Rab took a walk to the alley, but he never fought during these days his mistress was ill. He always came back to the door of his mistress's room and would wait outside quietly until someone would let him in. Then he would crawl under the table and watch with his one eye, wiking his tail if his mistress moved. All night and all

1:01:36day he followed with his ever-moving eye, every action of the nurse and doctor. Only one day did Rab leave his place under the table. Then he walked slowly over to her bedside and licked his mistress's hand which lay uncovered on the bed and then he went back to his place under the table. Now, what long after this, his master spoke to Rab and pointed to the bottom of the bed, Rab jumped up to the foot of the bed and took my surprise out there awaiting his master's orders. The carrier left the room to go for Jess and her cart. The time had come for them to go home. When he came back, Rab got down and after the carrier had wrapped his wife in the blankets, he took her in his arms and left the hospital, followed by Rab. The last I saw of them, the carrier was leading Jess by the head, his wife in the cart, and faithful Rab trotting in the rear. End of Section 8

1:02:42Section 9 of Children's Stories that Never Grow Old This is a Liebervox Recording. All Liebervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Liebervox.org. Read by Cindy J.M. Children's Stories that Never Grow Old Adapted by Mary Stone. Dick Wittington and his cat. When Dick Wittington was yet a very little boy, his father and mother died, leaving him penniless. One day, as he was going from door to door, begging for food, ragged and ill-kept, he met a man driving at wagon to London. Dick had heard that the streets of London were paved with gold, and he was very much pleased when the man agreed to take him with him. But poor boy, he was very much disappointed when he saw the streets covered with dirt instead of gold,

1:03:46and found himself in a strange place without friends or money. Dick was very cold and hungry, and wished he was back in the country again in a good warm kitchen at one of the houses at which he had vainly asked for help, a man said, go to work, you idle rogue. That I will," said Wittington, with all my heart, if you will only give me something to do, the man thought that was a saucy answer and gave the lad a blow with a stick. Feinting for one of food and unable to go further, he threw himself down at the door of a house further on. The cook saw him and ordered him to go on. Just as her master, Mr. Fitz Warren, a merchant came up the street. Go off to work, you beggar," he said. I'll be glad enough to work if anybody will employ me," said Dick, then he told Mr. Fitz Warren how he had not eaten any food for three days, and being only a poor country boy, he knew nobody

1:04:48and could not get any work to do. He made an effort to get up, but he was so weak he fell back exhausted. Mr. Fitz Warren pitted the boy when he saw how weak he was and told the cook to take him in and give him something to eat. Let him stay, help you in the kitchen, he said to the cook. Wittington would have been very happy now had he not been knocked about at every turn by the cross cook. Little sleep did he get for the Garrett, where he slept, was full of rats and mice, and kept him awake running over him. One day, a gentleman who was stopping with his master gave Wittington a penny for brushing his shoes, as luck would have it that day he met a woman in the street carrying a black cat in her arms. She's a good mouse, the woman said, and at first scorned his offer to buy her for a penny. She finally, however, gave Wittington the cat, and he took her at once to his Garrett. For fear, the cook would beat her if she should see her in

1:05:50the kitchen. The rats and mice left shortly after Pussy's advent, and thereafter Dick slept as soundly as a top. Sometime later, the merchant, who had a ship ready to sail for foreign parts, called his servants, as was his custom, in order that each of them might send something to try their luck. All came but Wittington, who could not think of anything to send. Miss Alice, the merchant's daughter, who always befriended Wittington, offered to give him something, but her father said that will not too, it must be something of his own. Whereupon poor Wittington said, I have nothing in the world but my black cat. Fetch your cat, boy, said the merchant and send her. Wittington brought Puss and gave her to the captain with tears in his eyes. Wittington, after this, was so badly treated by the cook that it last he made up his mind to run away. Early one morning he packed up the few things he had and slipped away. He walked as far as hell away, where while seated on a stone,

1:06:55he heard the church bells of Bale. They rang out and he thought they said to him, turn again Wittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London. Lord Mayor of London, he said to himself, what would I not endure to be Lord Mayor of London? Well, I'll go back again and gladly bear the beatings from the cook, rather than miss the chance of being Lord Mayor. And home he went. We must now follow Miss Puss to the coast of Africa, the ship on which she sailed was driven out of the course by winds and finally landed on the coast of Barbary, a place inhabited by Moors and unknown then to the English people. The captain and his men were received with kindness and the king invited the captain to dinner at his palace. Scarcely had the dish has been placed on the table where a great number of rats and mice ran from all quarters upon the table and quickly

1:07:59ate up old food. The captain of course was very much surprised. Oh king, why do you not get rid of these vermin he asked? I will give half my treasure to be free of them, the king replied, and then the captain remembered Wittington's cat and said to the king, I have a creature on board the ship that will kill all these rats and mice in short time. Bring the creature to me, he said, and I will load your ship with golden jewels in exchange for her. I cannot part with the Puss, but you may have her kittens, the captain replied, the king agreed and gave the captain a box of jewels which were worth a great fortune. Then they took leave of the king and his court and sailed for England. On arriving in London, the captain hastened to Mr. Fitz Warren with the good news. When they told him of the adventures of the cat and showed him the box of jewels which belonged to

1:09:00Wittington, he cried out in great earnestness, go send him in and call him Mr. Wittington by name. Mr. Wittington was at this time cleaning the kitchen and wished to excuse himself from going into the counting house. The merchant however insisted and ordered a chair for him. Dick thinking they intended to make sport of him said, do not mock a poor simple fellow, let me go about my business. The merchant took him by the hand and said, indeed Mr. Wittington, I am in earnest, your cat has made for you much more money than I myself and worth. May you long enjoy it and be happy. Wittington begged his master to keep it himself, but Mr. Fitz Warren refused to touch it. Mr. Fitz Warren offered him his house to live in until he could get one for himself. With his face washed in his hair curled and in fine clothes, Wittington was a very gentile looking young fellow and as wealth helps very

1:10:02much to give man confidence, in a short time he asked Miss Alice to be his wife. They had a fine wedding and lived very happily. Wittington was made sheriff of London first and later Lord Mayor three times. King Henry V out of respect for his good character later knighted him Sir Richard Wittington. End of section nine. Section 10 of Children's Stories that Never Grow Old. This is a Libra Vox recording. All Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibraVox.org. Read by Cindy J. M. Children's Stories that Never Grow Old Adapted by Mary Stone. Rip Van Winkle. Many years ago in a small village in the Cat's Kill Mountains,

1:11:05there lived a simple good natured fellow named Rip Van Winkle. All the children of the village loved Rip and nothing pleased him more than to fly kites and shoot marbles with him. Rip loved a fish and hunt too. He would tramp miles through the woods with a gun on his shoulder. But while Rip spent his days in this way, the fences on his farm were all falling down. His place was going to rack and ruin and his children were dressed in rags. He was happy. In fact, he would rather starve than work. When his wife told him how idle and careless he was, Rip shrugged his shoulders, shook his head, cast up his eyes and said nothing. Rip had a dog called Schneider, whom he loved dearly. But Mrs. Van Winkle, dislike Schneider, for she said he was lazy and good for nothing too. He would often say to Schneider, poor old man, Mrs. Van Winkle leads you truly a dog's life at home,

1:12:12but never mind, I will always stand by you. Schneider would wag his tail and look into his master's face as if he understood. One day, Rip took his gun and started off with Schneider into the mountains. He thought if he shot some squirrels and took them home to his wife, they would put her in a good humor. After walking a long way, he laid down to rest, and while he lay musing, he heard a far off voices calling. Rip Van Winkle, Rip Van Winkle. He sat up and looked around, but seeing nothing, he thought he was dreaming. He'd hardly started homework when he heard again. Rip Van Winkle, Rip Van Winkle. Schneider wrinkled up his back, growled and sculpted up to his master. Rip saw down in the glend a strange little figure slowly toiling up the rocks. The figure was that of a strange little man with thick, bushy hair and grizzled beard.

1:13:16As he came nearer, Rip saw that he carried on his shoulder a keg. When he saw Rip, he asked him to help him with his load. Rip, always willing to help anyone, took the keg and followed this queer little figure up the narrow gully. During all their long climb, Rip and his companions spoke not a word. At last they reached the top of the mountain, and there, on a level spot, were a number of odd-looking little men playing nine pins. No two were dressed alike, but everyone had a knife in his belt. One had a long head with a broad face and small, pig-ish eyes, and others seemed to be all-nose and wore a big white hat with a long red cocks tail coming out of it. One of them who seemed to be the commander was old and fat. He was dressed in green, and he wore a high-crowned hat, red stockings and black shoes with rosettes on them.

1:14:16As Rip and his companion came upon them, they all stopped playing and stared at Rip. His knees knocked together with fright. They ran to Rip, took the keg and all began to drink and turn from it, then they offered it to Rip, who, in fear and trembling, took a drink. All this time, not a word was spoken. Buying by Rip grew bolder and took another and still another, drink from the keg, pre-found it the very best thing he'd ever tasted, but soon his eyes began to swim, and his head fell forward in deep sleep. When Rip awoke, the sun was shining bright, he rubbed his eyes and said to himself, I must have slept all night. Slowly, the memory of the strange little men and the wine keg came back to him. Oh, that wine? That wicked wine, cried Rip. What shall I say to my wife? He looked around for his

1:15:17gun, but there in its place was an old one, all rusty and falling apart. He thought that the queer little men had stolen his good gun, and as a joke with the old one in its place, Schneider too had gone. He whistled for Schneider, shouted his name, still he didn't come. He rose to walk, but oh, oh, he cried, with pain in his limbs. This sleeping out of doors does not agree with me. I seem to be old. He was so stiff that he could hardly get through the thickets and the branches. He felt very hungry too, and weak, and though he dreaded to meet his wife, he felt he must go on or starve among the mountains. When he reached the village, he saw many people, but none that he'd ever seen before. They all stared at him with surprise, and the children pointed at his long white beard. Everything seemed strange, and strangest of all, he appeared like

1:16:20an old man. Poor Rip was very much worried and said to himself, that drink last night has adulted my poor head. With difficulty, he found his way to his own house, expecting every moment to hear the voice of his scolding wife. But no, always quiet. A poor half-starved dog lay by the house. It looked like Schneider, and Rip called him by name, but he only showed his teeth. My dog has forgotten me, thought Rip. He went up to the house, but it was empty. He called aloud for his wife and children, but always silenced. He then, with fear in his heart, turned his poor, tottering steps to the village street again. He had just strength enough left to get to the old tavern, and here, some men hearing the noise of the children who followed him, came out to see what was the matter. To their surprise, they saw a ragged old man with a long white beard carrying a

1:17:24rusty old gun in his hand. Who are you? And once came you, they asked him. I am Rip van Winkle, he said. At this they hot laughed, and one man said, why, it's 20 years since Rip van Winkle left here. He went away from home with his gun and has never been heard of since. His dog came home without him, but whether he shot himself or was carried away by the Indians, no one can tell. His wife has been dead, these 10 years back. Why old man, you must be dreaming. No, I'm not dreaming, said Rip. I was young Rip van Winkle once, and now I am old Rip van Winkle. Does nobody know me? Just at this moment, a woman tottering out among them, put her hand to her brow and peered into his face, said, sure enough, it's Rip van Winkle himself. Why, where have you been these 20 years? Rip's story was soon told.

1:18:28He had slept on the mountains 20 years. To this day, when the people and the cat skill mountains hear thunder, they say it is little mountain men playing nine pins. End of section 10. Mary still. Section 11, the story of Little Black Sambo. Once upon a time, there was a little black boy, and his name was Little Black Sambo. And his mother was called Black Mumbo, and his father was called Black Jumbo. And Black Mumbo

1:19:29made him a beautiful little red coat, and a pair of beautiful little blue trousers, and Black Jumbo went to the bazaar, and bought him a beautiful green umbrella and a lovely little pair of purple shoes, with crimson soles and crimson linings. And then wasn't Little Black Sambo grand? So he put on all his fine clothes and went out for a walk in the jungle. And by and by, he met a tiger, and a tiger said to him, Little Black Sambo, I am going to eat you up. A little black sample said, Oh, please, Mr. Tiger, don't eat me up. I'll give you my beautiful little red coat. So the tiger said, very well. I won't eat you this time, but you must give me your beautiful little red coat. So the tiger got poor little black samples, beautiful little red coat.

1:20:29And one way saying, no, I'm just a grandest tiger in the jungle. And Little Black Sambo went on, and by and by, he met another tiger, and it said to him, Little Black Sambo, I'm going to eat you up. Little Black Sambo said, Oh, please, Mr. Tiger, don't eat me up. I'll give you my beautiful little blue trousers. So the tiger said, very well. I won't eat you this time, but you must give me your beautiful little blue trousers. So the tiger got poor little black samples, beautiful little blue trousers. And one way saying, no, I'm the grandest tiger in the jungle. And Little Black Sambo went on, and by and by, he met another tiger, and it said to him, Little Black Sambo, I'm going to eat you up.

1:21:30And Little Black Sambo said, Oh, please, Mr. Tiger, don't eat me up. I'll give you my beautiful little purple shoes, squims and souls and crims little man. But the tiger said, what use would your shoes be to me? I've got four feet, and you've only got two. You haven't got enough shoes for me. But Little Black Sambo said, you're quite among your ears. So I could, said the tiger, that's a very good idea. Give them to me. I won't eat you this time. So the tiger got poor little black samples, beautiful little purple shoes with crims and souls and crims and linings. And one way saying, no, I'm the grandest tiger in the jungle. And by and by, Little Black Sambo met another tiger, and it said to him,

1:22:30Little Black Sambo, I'm going to eat you up. And Little Black Sambo said, Oh, please, Mr. Tiger, don't eat me up. I'll give you my beautiful green umbrella. But the tiger said, how can I kill you and brother when I need all my paws for walking wish? You could tie or not in your tail and carry it that way. Said Little Black Sambo. Said I could, said the tiger, give it to me, and I won't eat you this time. So we got poor little black samples, beautiful green umbrella, and the tiger one way saying, no, I'm the grandest tiger in the jungle. And poor little black sample, one way crying because those cool tigers had taken all his fine clothes. Presently, he heard a horrible noise that sounded like,

1:23:32and it got louder and louder. Oh dear, said Little Black Sambo. There are all those tigers coming back to eat me up. Oh, what shall I do? So we ran quickly to a palm tree and peeped round it to see what the matter was. And there he saw all the tigers fighting and disputing, which of them was the grandest. At last, they'd gotten all so angry they jumped up and took off all the fine clothes and began to carry each other with their claws and bite each other with a great big white teeth. And they came rolling and tumbling right to the foot of a very tree where Little Black Sambo was hiding. But he jumped quickly in behind the umbrella and tigers all caught hold of the other's tails as they wrangled and scrambled, and so they found themselves in a ring around the tree. Then when he was quite in a little distance away from the tigers, Little Black Sambo jumped up

1:24:36and cried out, whole tigers, why have you taken off all your nice clothes? Don't you want them anymore? But the tigers only answered, then Little Black Sambo said, if you want them, stay, show, or I'll take them away. But the tigers would not let go of each other's tails, and so they could only say, so Little Black Sambo put all his fine clothes again and walked off. And the tigers were very, very angry, but they still would not let go of each other's tails. And they were so angry that they ran around the tree trying to eat each other up, and they ran faster and faster, till they were whirling around so fast that they couldn't see their legs at all, and still they ran faster and faster and faster till they all just melted away. And there was nothing left but a great big pool of melted butter, or Jeeha, as it is called Ninnia,

1:25:41round the foot of the tree. Now Black Jumbo was just coming home from this work with a great big brass pot in his arms, and when he saw what was left of the tiger, he said, oh what lovely melted butter, I'll take that home to Black Mumbol for a cook, to cook with. So he put it all into the great big brass pot and took it home to Black Mumbol to cook with. When Black Mumbol saw the melted butter, wasn't she pleased? Now she said, we all have pancakes for supper. So she got flour and eggs and milk and sugar and butter, and she made a big huge plate of the most lovely pancakes, and she fried them in the melted butter, which the tigers had made, and they were just as yellow and brown as little tigers. And then they all sat down the supper, and Black Mumbol ate 27

1:26:43pancakes and Black Jumbo ate 55, but little Black Sambo ate 169 because he was so hungry. And a section 11. Section 12 of Children's Stories That Never Grow Old. This is a LibraVox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibraVox.org. Read by Cindy J.M. Children's Stories That Never Grow Old Adapted by Mary Stone. Sleeping Beauty. They're once lived a king and queen who were very sad because they had no children, but after a long time a little daughter was born to them and their sorrow was turned to great joy. Of course they had a very fine christening for the little princess, and the princess had

1:27:48for her godmother seven fairies. In fact, all that could be found in the whole kingdom, it was the custom in those days for fairies went as to a christening to give the baby gifts, and the little princess received all sorts of the most perfect presents imaginable. After the christening was over, all the company returned to the king's palace where they had a great feast for the fairies. There was placed before every one of them a magnificent case made of pure gold, and in it was a spoon, a knife, and fork also made of pure gold and set with diamonds and rubies. But just as they were all sitting down to the table, they saw coming into the hall a very old fairy whom they had not invited, because it was about 50 years since she had been heard of, and they thought she had died or been enchanted. The king ordered her place at the table, however, but could not give her a golden case

1:28:50like the others because they had only had seven made for the seven fairies. The old fairy was very angry, for she thought she had been slided, and she kept muttering threats between her teeth. One of the other fairies who sat beside her overheard her grumbling, and thought she meant to do some harm to the little princess, and feared she would give her some unlucky gift. So she arose from the table and hid herself that she might be the last to give a gift to the princess, and thus be able to undo as much as she could, the evil which the old fairy might intend. In the meantime, all the fairies began to give their presence to the little princess. The youngest fairy gave as her gift that she should be the most beautiful person in the world, the next that she should have the wit of an angel, the third that she should have a wonderful grace in everything she did, the fourth that she should dance perfectly, the fifth that she should sing like a nightingale, and the sixth

1:29:56that she should play all kinds of beautiful music. Suddenly, there came on the scene the wicked old fairy who had not been invited. She was seriously angry and said, I will for my gift that when the little princess becomes a young woman, she shall print her finger on a spindle and die. Then she shrieked and quickly vanished. At this moment, the seventh good fairy stepped forward and said, oh King and Queen, your daughter shall not die thus. It is true I cannot save her from all of this ill-wish, but my gift shall be that the princess shall fall asleep for a hundred years, and at the end of that time, a king's son shall awaken her with a kiss. In the moment that she had finished speaking, all the fairies disappeared. Before the princess could walk, the king ordered

1:30:57all the spinning wheels in the kingdom destroyed. But when she was fifteen, the princess wandered into an old tower in the castle and there she found a little room. In it sat a little old woman all alone spinning with her spindle. This good woman had never heard of the king's orders that every spinning wheel in the country should be destroyed. What are you doing there, Goody? Said the princess. I am spinning my pretty child, said the old woman who did not know who the princess was. Oh, said the princess. This is very pretty. Give me the spindle that I may see if I can do it too. She had no sooner taken it into her hand than it pricked her finger and she fell into a deep swoon. The old woman, not knowing what to do, cried out for help. People came running from all parts of the castle to see what was the matter. They threw water into the princess's face, rubbed her hands. Nothing could bring her to. This moment the Sarwin king and queen came and ordered their

1:32:01daughter to be placed on a silken couch in a bower of roses. It was not very long after this had been done when everyone in the place commenced to feel sleepy. The king yawned and then the queen, the courtiers began to nod and in a half hour after the princess had pricked her finger every man, woman, child, bird or beast in the kingdom had fallen into a deep sleep. The roses around the princess soon became a dense thicket of thorns that formed a forest around the castle, so stiff and high that no one cared to try to get through it. After a hundred years had passed, a king's son was out hunting one day when he came to the forest of roses. He asked everybody he met what this thick forest of thorns was. Some said an old-rooing castle hunted by spirits was hidden there. Others said an ogre lived within. The prince was very much surprised to hear all these strange stories and did

1:33:05not know what to think. Finally an old countryman said, may it please your royal highness, it is now about 50 years since I heard my father who heard my grandfather say that there was then in this thicket a castle and in the castle there was a princess, the most beautiful ever seen and that she must sleep there a hundred years and could only be awakened by a king's son. The gallop prince waited to hear no more. He spurred his horse straight at the forest of thorns and strange to say, a passage opened before him and he rode straight to the castle. What a curious sight met his gaze. The courtyard and castle seemed people with figures of stone. On and on he went until he came to a bower. Here lying on a couch he saw the most beautiful maiden he could imagine. She looked so sweet and lovely that the prince could not help kissing her.

1:34:10In a moment the spell was broken. The prince is sad up and smiled for she had been dreaming of this prince for a hundred years. Then the whole castle awoke and oh what a time there was. The king and queen kissed their daughter. Everybody talked at once. The cook served up the finest dinner in the world and all were invited. The princess was very beautifully dressed but his royal highness took care not to tell her that she was dressed like his great grandmother. She looked not a bit less charming and beautiful in spite of the queer clothes. The prince asked the princess to marry him. The king and queen consented and the happy pair were married at once and lived happily ever after. End of section 12 Section 13 of children's stories that never grew old. This is a livervox recording.

1:35:11All livervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information on to volunteer, please visit livervox.org. Children's stories that never grew old, adapted by Mary Stone. Section 13, Alice's adventures in Wonderland. Alice started to a feat and ran across the fields after the rabbit just in time to see it pop down a large rabbit hole. In another moment down one Alice after it. The rabbit hole was straight on like a tunnel and then suddenly down. Alice had now a moment to sink when she found herself falling down would seem to be a very deep well. I wonder how many miles I've fallen. She said aloud. I wonder if I shall fall through the earth. Suddenly, SUDD, SUDD! Down she came upon a heap of sticks and dry leaves. She looked up. It was all dark overhead but before her was a long passage. Downward the white rabbit was still a wee when Alice like the wind after him and was just in time to hear him say as he turned a corner,

1:36:17oh my ears and whiskers how late it is getting. When she turned the corner, the rabbit was no longer in sight and she found herself in a long low hall. They were doors all around the hall but they were all locked. Alice went down one side and up the other trying every door. Then she walked down the middle wondering how she was ever to get out again. Suddenly she came upon a little table all made a glass lying on which was a tiny golden key. Alice saw of course it was a key belonging to one of the doors of the hall. For our last the locks were so large that it would not open any of them. At last she saw a curtain she had not noticed before and behind it was a little door about 15 inches high. She tried the golden key in the lock and to her delight if fitted. Alice opened the door and found it led to a small passage no larger than a rat hole. She knelt down and looked into it

1:37:20and there was the most lovely garden she had ever seen. How she longed to wander among those beds of bright flowers and cool fountains but she could not even get her head through the door. She went back to the table again and there she found a little bottle which certainly was not there before. Tied around the neck of the bottle was a paper label with the words drink me printed on it in large letters. It was all very well to say drink me but Alice was not going to do that in a hurry. Our look first she said and see whether it's marked poison or not. The bottle was not marked poison so Alice tasted it and finding it very good drank it all. What a curious feeling said Alice and must be shutting up like a telescope and so she was. She was only 10 inches high and now she could easily go through a little door which led to the

1:38:22beautiful garden. She ran to the door but it was locked and the key was on the table and when she went back for it she could not possibly reach it. As she was so much shorter though she could see it through the glass plainly. She was so upset that she sat down and cried buying by her eyes fell upon a little glass box that was lying under the table. She opened it and found a very small cake on which the words eat me, remarked in currents. Well you tit, tad Alice and if it makes me grow larger I can reach the key and if it makes me smaller I can creep under the door so easy way I will get into the garden. Curious it and curious it cried Alice just as she finished the cake. Now I'm opening out like a big telescope. Just at that moment her hedge truck against the roof of the hole. In fact she was now 9 feet high. She at once took the little golden key from the

1:39:24table and hurried off to the garden door. Now however it was as much as she could do lying down on her side. To look through into the garden was one eye but to get through was more hopeless than ever. Alice began to cry again and shed so many tears that a large pool formed around her by and by she heard a little pattering at the indistence and she dried her eyes to see what was coming. It was the right rabbit splendidly dressed. In one hand he carried a large fan muttering to himself as he came. Ooooo the doctors should be in a rage if I am linked. When the rabbit came near enough Alice said in a timid voice, if you please sir the rabbit started, dropped the fan and scoied Wayne to darkness. Alice took up the fan and burst in the tears. Ooooo she cried. I am so tired of being all alone down here. I must be growing smaller again. She thought and she found she was only

1:40:31about two feet high now and was going on shrinking. She soon found out the cause of this was the fan she was holding and she dropped it in a jiffy. Just then her foot slipped and another moment splashed. She was up to her chin in salt water. It was the pool of tears which she had wet when she was nine feet high. Something was splashing about a little way off and at first she sought it must have been a wall with or a hippopotamus but then she remembered how small she was. It turned out to be only a mouse that slipped in like her. Oh mouse she cried. Do you know the way out of this? The mouse looked at her and winked with one eye but said nothing and swam past her. Mouse dear do come back and we won't talk about cats or dogs. She cried shortly after it. When the mouse heard this it turned and said in a trembling voice, yet I get to the shore and then I will tell you my history and you'll understand why I hate cats

1:41:35and dogs. It was high time to go so the pool was getting quite crowded with birds and animals that have fallen into it. I was led the way and the whole party swam to shore. Wagop Alice dear, center sister. What a long sleep you've had. Oh I've had such a curious dream that Alice and she told her sister of the dream that you have just been reading about. End of section 13 Section 14 of children's stories that never grow old. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit Librevox.org. Read by Cindy J.M. Children's stories that never grow old adapted by Mary Stone. Through the looking glass, Humpty Dumpty. How would you like to live in a looking glass house?

1:42:42Let's pretend that the glass has gotten all soft like gauze so that we can get through. Why? It is turning into a sort of a mist now. I declare it will be easy enough to get through set a little girl named Alice and before she's finished speaking she was up on the mantelpiece standing before a big looking glass which certainly was already beginning to melt away. In another moment Alice was through the glass and had lightly jumped down into the looking glass room. Oh what funn it will be when they see me through the glass in here and cannot get at me thought Alice. They do not keep this room so tidy as the other Alice thought to herself. At that moment she heard a strange sound and with an oh of surprise she peeped around the side of the fireplace and there saw a funny little old woman who looked like a sheep. When she saw Alice

1:43:43she looked up from her knitting and said, what do you want to buy? Alice was not only surprised but very much frightened and as she was hungry the only reply she could think of was I should like to buy an egg which she said quite timidly. Only one said the old woman. If you buy two you have to eat them. Then I will only take one said Alice and she handed the woman a penny she found in her pocket. The woman took the money put it in a box and went off to the other end of the room. Taking an egg out of the closet she said it on a shelf and then beckoned Alice to take it. Alice started to walk across the room after it but the egg seemed to get farther away but more she walked. How odd Alice said as she walked this looks like a chair but it has branches how very strange to find trees growing here. She wondered more and more at every step

1:44:50for everything turned into a tree the moment she came up to it and she quite expected the egg to do the same. However the egg only got larger and larger and when she came within a few yards of it she was greatly surprised to see that it had eyes and a nose and mouth and when she went closer still who should it be but Humpty Dumpty himself. It cannot be anybody else she said to herself. Humpty Dumpty was sitting with his very thin short legs crossed like a Turks on top of a wall. It was a very narrow one and Alice wondered how he could keep his balance. His eyes were a way to each side and looked in opposite directions. He did not seem to see Alice or at least he took no notice of her. He must be a stuffed figure after all and yet how exactly like an egg he is she said aloud

1:45:53standing with her hands ready to catch him for every moment she expected him to fall. It is very provoking Humpty Dumpty said after a long silence looking away from Alice as he spoke to be called an egg. I said you looked like an egg Alice explained gently and some eggs are very pretty you know she added hoping to turn it into some sort of a compliment. Some people said Humpty Dumpty looking away from her have no more sense than a baby. Alice did not know what to say to this as he did not seem to be talking to her judging from the way he looked so she softly repeated to herself. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall Humpty Dumpty had a great fall all the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty Dumpty up again. The last line's too long she had added forgetting that Humpty Dumpty

1:46:55could hear her. I do not think so said Humpty Dumpty the king promised me to to send all his horses and all of his men Alice interrupted. Now I think that's too bad Humpty Dumpty you've been listening or you couldn't have known. Well they write such things in books I know that's what you call history. Now take a good look at me I have spoken to a king you will never see such another and he grinned from ear to ear and almost fell off the wall. What a beautiful belt you have on Alice suddenly said. It is a most provoking thing when a person doesn't know a necktie from a belt said Humpty Dumpty wagging his head gravely from side to side. I know I am stupid said Alice gently will you forgive me? Humpty Dumpty was sorry he was so cross and said yes child it is a necktie

1:47:59the white queen gave it to me and he crossed one knee over the other clasping his hands around them. Did you ever hear this piece I'm going to repeat for you? Alice sat down to listen. In winter when the fields are white I sing this song for your delight only I do not sing it. He added all I see you do not said Alice. If you can see whether I am singing or not you've sharp her eyes and most people said Humpty Dumpty then he repeated a lot more and at last Alice going very tired said isn't that all? That is all said Humpty Dumpty goodbye. This was very sudden Alice said to herself but after such a strong hint she thought she ought to be going so she got up held out her hand to Humpty Dumpty saying goodbye till we meet again. I shouldn't know you again if we did meet Humpty Dumpty replied giving her one of his fingers to shake you look just like other people.

1:49:05You know people by their faces said Alice that's just what I complain of said Humpty Dumpty. Your face is just like everybody else's two eyes nose in the middle mouth under it it's always the same if you had two eyes on one side of your nose and a mouth at the top that would be some help. It would not look nice said Alice laughing Humpty Dumpty shut his eyes and said wait till you've tried. Alice waited a moment to see if he would speak again but he never opened his eyes or took any further notice of her. She said goodbye once more and as he made no reply she walked away saying to herself of all the queer people I ever she never finished what she was going to say for at that moment a heavy crash shook all the trees and everything and Alice woke up with a start. That was the end of the looking glass room and she knew it was all a dream.

1:50:07End of section 14 Section 15 of children's stories that never grow old. This is a Libra Vox recording. All Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibraVox.org read by Cindy J. M children's stories that never grow old adapted by Mary Stone Robinson Caruso his man Friday. Robinson Caruso was a very daring boy and when still young was full of thoughts of travel nothing would satisfy him but to go to see so one day he left his kind parents and friends and set sail on a voyage to Africa. They had been out about two weeks when a great storm came up and suddenly they struck a rock. The sea broke over the ship

1:51:08and in a few moments she began to sink. Robinson Caruso swam well but the waves were very strong and he was dashed against a rock with such force he became senseless. When he came too he found himself safe on dry land. He looked about to see if any of his comrades had escaped but nowhere was there any sign of them and he saw only the wreck of the ship far out from shore. He swam out to her and found among other things of value that had not been hurt by the water many tools, guns and a great deal of food. He made daily trips to the vessel bringing the shore all that he thought would be useful to him. One night there was a great storm and when he awoke in the morning he found the ship was nowhere to be seen. He now set himself to build a hut. It took a long time but at last he had a fairly comfortable one which he called his castle. He made also many other things for his comfort. Out of the skins of animals he shot he made

1:52:12clothes for himself. He had brought from the ship a cat and a dog and also a parrot which he talked to talk. Years and years passed away and he was very lonely. One day he saw the prince of a naked foot on his hand. It filled him with fear for it showed that the island must be visited by savages. Not long after this he saw five canoes drawn up on the shore and a swarm of naked savages dancing about a fire. They dragged two poor breaches from the boats. One of them they killed. Several of the savages cut him up for they were cannibals, people who eat men and they were going to have one of their horrible feasts. The other poor man saw a chance to escape and started to run. Robinson Cruz was very much frightened when the ranaway came directly toward him but when he saw that only two of the savages followed he made up his mind to help the poor man.

1:53:13When they were near enough Robinson Cruz of step between the runaway and his pursuers. He not the first one down with the stock of his gun. The other raised his bow and was going to shoot when Robinson Cruz of fired and killed him. The runaway in fear and trembling knelt at Cruz of feet and made a sign that he was his slave. Cruz took him home to his castle and gave him food. His skin was not black but tawny and his eyes were bright and sparkling. Robinson Cruz now had a companion and in a short time he taught him to speak English. First he told him his name was to be Friday. For that was the day on which his life had been saved. He made him a suit of goat skin and the poor fellow was greatly pleased to be dressed like his master. Robinson Cruz took Friday with him when he went hunting and when he shot a bird, Friday who had not seen it fall was very much frightened by the noise of the gun but when Robinson Cruz

1:54:15appointed to the bird and made signs for him to pick it up he was filled with wonder. Fridays and learned to shoot too. One morning Friday ran to the castle and great fright. Three canoes full of savages had landed on the island. Robinson Cruz so armed himself with a sword and hatchet and taking all the guns he could carry they went to a thicket of trees which stood near where the savages were. They could see them sitting about a fire eating one of the victims while another captive a white man lay bound nearby. Robinson Cruz so and Friday both fired among the savages and killed several when they rushed forward and Friday used the hatchet and Cruz of the sword. They killed all the savages except four who ran to their canoes and paddled away. Friday let the captive loose and Robinson Cruz so ran to a canoe intending to follow the savages but in the canoe he found a poor creature bound hand in foot. Friday came up just at

1:55:17this moment and Cruz so told him to speak to the man and tell him he was saved. When Friday looked at the man he began to kiss him and cried and laughed and jumped all at once for the man was Friday's father. One morning a short time after this Friday brought word to Cruz so that a ship was in sight. Cruz so fairly danced with joy as they watched the ship they saw a boat lever and make for sure. Eleven men landed and all but three wandered about the island. The three kept by themselves and seeing very sad and unhappy. When the others were out of hearing Cruz so came up to them. He found they were English and one was the captain of the ship. There had been a meat and neon board and the other men instead of killing the three were going to leave them on the island. Cruz so offered to help them regain the ship. They went to the castle got all the guns there were,

1:56:17buy and buy when the other men returned they shot two men who the captain said were the leaders the rest yielded without a struggle. The captain asked Cruz so what he could do for him and return for rescuing him. Robinson Coruso asked nothing more than he should carry himself, Friday and the others to England and the captain gladly agreed. They set sail and Robinson Coruso and Friday left the island where they had lived many years. Three days later passing near the coast of an island they saw close to the shore a lot of canoes full of savages armed with bows and arrows. Robinson Coruso told Friday to go on deck and speak to them in his own tongue. Friday did as he was bid but scarcely had he spoken a word when the savages let fly a great cloud of arrows at him. One pierced him through the heart and he fell to the deck dead. When Robinson Coruso saw this he became almost frantic with rage. He ordered the ships guns to be loaded and fired at the savages. He took a

1:57:23terrible vengeance for Friday's death. Friday had been so honest, faithful and affectionate and always so cheerful and pleasant that Robinson Coruso loved him very dearly. He mourned him as if he had been his son and had his body buried in the sea with all honors possible. The voyage to England at no more mishaps and Robinson Coruso arrived home in safety after many years absence. End of section 15. Section 16 of Children's Stories that Never Grow Old. This is a Libra Vox recording. All Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibraVox.org. Read by Cindy J.M. Children's Stories that Never Grow Old Adapted by Mary Stone. The Swiss Family Robinson. Our ship had been tossed about in a most terrible storm for several days

1:58:30and we all feared that at any moment she might go to the bottom. Come boys, said I to my four sons. We shall at least go down side by side and just them we struck a rock. We were lost, launched the boats, tried for your lives, a voice cried. I ran to the deck and found that all the boats had left and we alone remained. I cried out for the men to come back and take us with them, but it was in vain. I thought our last chance was gone. Still, the ship did not sink. I went to the stern and to my joy saw that she was held up by a huge rock. Be of good cheer, we are at least safe for some time and we may yet reach land, as said to my wife and boys. Fritz, my oldest son, and I then made a raft. Fritz found some firearms and earnest a tool chest. Jack came up to us with two huge dogs, one of which he rode like a horse. After we had loaded all

1:59:34the things we had gathered together onto the raft and had set free some ducks and geese which we hoped would fly to shore, we all got on the raft and reached the shore safely, the dogs swimming alongside. We made a temp with the old sailcloth we had brought with us and the boys fetched some moss and dry grass with which to make our beds. We set fire to some dry twigs and my wife made a pot of soup, which we ate with relish. The boys then went down to the water's edge to save two large casks which had washed near shore. It was not long before I heard a shrill cry from Jack and running with an axe in my hand found him in a pool of water where a large crab held him by his toes. I struck it with an axe and Jack ran off with it in high glee. Fritz and I then went to a grove of palm trees nearby. Do you see those nuts at the top of the tree Fritz? I said. To be sure I do, but they are far too

2:00:37high to reach. Look, he cried. There are some monkeys. Let me have a shot at them. Did not do that, I said. It will do no good to kill them and with that I threw some stones up at the tree. The monkeys started throwing coconuts at us and so many that we had hard work to pick them all up. We had not gone far with them and one of the dogs dashed by us after a troop of apes. One of them could not climb as she had a young one in her arms and this one the dog attacked. Fritz called the dog off but the ape was dead. The young one as soon as it saw Fritz, sprang on his back, put his paws in his hair and would not let go. I at length got the ape from Fritz and took it up in my arms like a child. Then I put it on the dogs back and it held tight by the hair of the dogs back while Fritz let it with a string. That night the ape went to bed with jack and Fritz and all slept in peace. Next day Fritz and I went back to the wreck to save livestock and get

2:01:42whatever else might be of use. We made a float for the cow, the ass, the sheep and goats and we also brought with us a lot of food. We had gone but a short distance when I heard a loud cry from Fritz. We are lost, he said, pointing to a great shark nearby. Though pale with fright he took aim with his gun and shot the fish in the head. It sank at once and I knew that we were safe once more. When we got back to the tent my wife told me that while we were at the wreck she had gone in search of a place to build a house. Into my surprise told me she had found a tree 12 yards around and so big that we could build rooms in it and have stairs up the trunk and in this way we could be safe from any wild animals. I thought this a good idea and we all started to see this wonderful tree which proved to be a fig tree of vast size. If we can fix a tent up there I said we shall have no

2:02:42cause to dread wild beasts. It was late at night when we had taken all our belongings to this spot and got the wood to build our hut. Next day we rose very early as we knew we had a long day of toil before us. Just as we were starting to work, Jack cried out, be quick, here's a strange beast with quills as long as my arm. It was a large porcupine. With the dogs ran near it made a loud noise and shot out its quills which stuck in the dogs and made them bleed. Jack shot at the beast and it fell dead on the spot. Ernest and I went in search of some thick keens which grew in the sand nearby. These we cut down and bound to four long poles and thus made steps which wood we thought reached far up the trunk of our tree. On our way back one of the dogs made it dark in a clump of reeds and a troop of large birds rose with a loud noise. Fritz let fly at them and brought down two at a shot.

2:03:48Look said Ernest what fine plumes he has. He has webbed feet too like a goose and long legs like a stork. Yes I said he is a fine bird and is called the flamingo. That night we'd finished the hut and we lit our fire around the tree, tied the dogs to the roots and went up to sleep out of arms for the first time since we left the ship. When the steps were drawn up we all felt that we were now safe at last. Let us call our home the nest my wife said. Here's to the nest I said and may we live long and bless the day that brought us here. And here we lived for ten long years and our cares were few and our life was full of joy and adventure. Yet I often cast a look at the sea and hope that someday I have should spy a ship which would take us back to our beloved land but the boys did not share my hopes. Go back Fritz would say no no why should we go back?

2:04:51We have all we can wish for. Let us leave our fate in the hands of God. End of section 16. Section 17 of Children's Stories that Never Grow Old. This is a Libra Vox recording. All Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibraVox.org. Read by Cindy J. M. Children's Stories that Never Grow Old Adapted by Mary Stone. Anderson's Fairy Tales, The Ugly Duckling. Beneath the branches of some bird-op bushes on the bank of a winding creek sat an old duck on her nest catching her young ones, by and by one egg cracked and then another. Chick, chick, chick was heard as the little heads peeped

2:05:52out at the shells to be greeted with the grack, grack of the old mother duck. Are you all here my dears? She asked as she arose from her nest. No, there lay the largest egg of all unhatched. She sat down again on the egg just as an old duck waddled up to call on her. How are you getting along she asked? They are all hatched but one, and it is so big it will not break she replied. Depend on it said the visitor, it is a turkey egg and you will have trouble for turkeys can't swim. At last the big egg broke. Tweet, tweet, and outcripped a young one but so very big and ugly that the mother duck thought a must be a young turkey cock. I shall soon see, she said to herself, whether he is or not when he goes into the water. The next day she sprang into the creek with a splash and one duckling after

2:06:57another sprang in after her, even the big ugly one was swimming to and beautifully. No turkey can swim like that she thought. Quack, quack, come with me and I will take you to the barnyard so that all the chickens ducks and turkeys may see you. Look there how ugly that one duck is said the ducks and one flew at him. Let him alone said the mother he is doing no harm. The poor ugly duckling who had been the last to leave his shell was beaten and pushed and made a fool of by the hens as well as the ducks. Even the turkey cock puffed himself up and swooped down on him, gobbling and getting red in the face. The poor duckling was very unhappy and every day things were worse and worse for him. He was even chased about by his sisters who said, I wish the cat would catch you. The ducks bit him, the hens beat him and the girl who fed the poultry kicked him away with her foot

2:08:04so he ran away and flew over the hedge. Even the little birds who saw him were frightened and he thought it was because he was so ugly. The poor duckling however closed his eyes and ran away faster and faster until he came to a great meadow. He lay down in the reeds until morning when three wild geese came by. You were ugly but we like you. Come with us they said to him and just at that moment BANG BANG when a gun and the three geese fell down dead. BANG BANG and other wild geese in the meadow flew up. The huntsman were lying all around the meadow hiding in the reeds. What a fright the poor duckling was in especially when the big dog ran up with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. He showed his sharp teeth but happily he turned away from the duckling. Oh I'm glad I am so ugly for even a dog will not bite me said the duckling and he lay still

2:09:06until the bullets of the huntsman no more whistled through the reeds. Then he hurried away as fast as he could. In the evening he reached a little hut all tumbled down in dirty. He crept through the half open door into a dark little room where an old woman sat. She lived here alone with her Tomcat and pet hen. The cat she called her little son. He purred and put up his back if he rubbed him from his head to his tail but sparks flew if he rubbed him the other way. The hen had short legs so they called her chickling short legs. In the morning when they saw the duckling Tom began to purr and the hen to clock. What is the matter said the woman for she could not see well and thought the duckling was a fat duck that had lost her way. Oh that is a fine catch. She said when Tom told her now we can have all the duck eggs we want to eat. The duckling for so they thought he was stayed

2:10:11all winter with the old woman and her cat and hen but one fine day in springtime longing for a nice swim in the water. He went down to the brook and swam far away from the home of the old woman and her pets. But in the autumn when it grew very cold the poor duckling had a bad time. One morning he saw a flock of beautiful swans come out of a thicket nearby and a feeling came over the poor ugly duckling that he loved those beautiful white birds as he had never loved anything before. Oh how he long to go with them but he felt ashamed even to let them see how ugly he was and while he was thinking this away they flew without seeing him. The winter came and it was so cold that he had to swim about to keep from freezing. The pond froze over all except one small opening in the ice where he swam around. But this grew smaller

2:11:16and smaller and finally the duckling was frozen fast in the ice and there the next morning a man found him and carried him home. The children wanted to play with him but the duckling thought they were going to hurt him and in his terror he jumped right into the meltpail. The farmers wife clapped her hands and the children laughed and screamed and knocked each other down trying to catch him. The duckling flew out the open door. He had a bad time after that all winter long and how he lived through that cold winter nobody knows. At last the warm spring came and much to his surprise the duckling found that his wings were so strong he could fly swiftly through the air with ease. One day he flew into a beautiful large garden there swimming around on a lake. He saw the graceful white swans he had seen before and whom he loved so much. He was very sad though when he saw

2:12:20these beautiful creatures for he thought of himself as very ugly. Better be killed by them he thought than beaten by ducks, hands, women and children so he flew into the water and swam toward the beautiful white swans. Only kill me said the poor creature and he bowed his head on a level with a water but what did he see in the clear water? Beneath him as if in a looking glass he saw his own image. No longer was he a dark gray ugly bird. He had grown to be a beautiful white swan. He was glad now for he knew that all his sufferings were over so he shook his feathers and stretched to slender graceful neck and was happy ever after. End of section 17 Section 18 of Children's Stories that Never Grow Old

2:13:28This is a Libra Vox Recording. All Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibraVox.org Read by Cindy J. M. Children's Stories that Never Grow Old Adapted by Mary Stone Grims Fairy Tales, Hansel and Gretel Don't cry, Hansel said to his sister Gretel. We will find her way home again. A wicked stepmother and her husband, a woodcutter, had taken their children deep into the forest to lose them. They were so very poor that there was not food enough for the grown-up people, let alone the children, and the woodcutter's wife begged her husband to get rid of their children in this way. But Hansel had overheard his father and mother talking over their plans and made up his mind not to get lost. He had filled his pockets with small white pebbles and when his

2:14:32parents were not looking had dropped them one by one as they were taken into the thick woods. When they were left alone, Hansel and Gretel were so tired they lay down on her tree and were soon fast asleep. It was dark night when they awoke and Gretel not knowing about the pebbles began to cry. How are we ever to get home? She said, Hansel comforted her and said, wait a little, we will soon find our way back. And then he told her about the white pebbles he had dropped along the path. He took his little sister by the hand and followed the pebbles which they saw in the moonlight and after walking a long time at last they came to their father's house. The mother scolded them but the father was glad they had come back. It was not long after this however that the wicked stepmother and their father took them

2:15:32again to the forest and left them. Alas, this time poor Hansel did not have a chance to get the pebbles so he dropped little crumbs of bread as they went along but when the moon came up they could not find the crumbs, the birds it eaten them all. And though they walked for a long time they could not find their way out of the forest. They were very tired and hungry and after eating some wild strawberries which they found in the woods they threw themselves down under the trees and went fast asleep. They were awakened by the song of a beautiful white bird which sat on a tree near them. As it sang it spread its wings and flew slowly before them. They followed the bird until it reached a little house and there it lighted on the roof. When they came up to the house they saw it was made of bread covered with cakes and the windows were candy. Oh, said Hansel, I have never

2:16:35been so hungry in my life. I will eat a piece of the roof, Crestle and you can eat some of the windows. At that moment they heard a soft voice from within the house say, Nippon Nipponah, who is nibbling at my house? The wind, the wind, the children answered somewhat frightened but they went on eating they were so hungry. Suddenly the door opened and out came a very, very lame old woman. Hansel and Gretel were scared and stopped eating in their fear of the ugly old woman. Oh, you dear children, did you come to stay with me? Have no fear, no harm shall come to you," said the old woman. She took them by the hand and let them into the house and gave them lots of good things to eat. There was milk, pancakes, sugar, apples and nuts in plenty and after they'd eaten all they wanted,

2:17:37she took them to two pretty little beds. Hansel and Gretel lay down and thought they were in heaven. The old woman only pretended to be kind. She was really a wicked witch who lay in wait to catch little children. Her little cake house was only meant to entice them. When children fell into her power she killed them and then she cooked them and ate them. When she saw Hansel and Gretel asleep in the little bed she said to herself, that will be a dainty mouthful. And then she seized Hansel and carried him into a stable and shut him up. He screamed and cried but no one came to help him. The witch then went to Gretel and woke her with a rough shake. Get up you lazy thing and cook something for your brother. He's in the stable and when he is fat enough I shall eat him. The wicked witch said. Gretel wept bitterly but it did no good. She had to do with the witch told her

2:18:38every morning the witch crept to the stable and said, Hansel, stretch out your finger that I can feel how fat you're getting. Hansel stretched out each time instead a little bone which he found in the stable and as the witch's eyes were dim she thought it was Hansel's finger and could not understand why he did not get fat but after while she grew angry and said to Gretel, let Hansel be fat or not I shall kill and cook him today. And she made a big fire to heat her oven in which she intended to cook Hansel. Then she said to Gretel, come here girl creep in and see if it's hot enough to roast your brother. Though Gretel did not know it she intended to cook and eat her too but Gretel was a bright little girl and was not to be tricked. I do not know how I am to do it. Show me how she said to the witch. Silling goose said the witch. The door is very big just see I can

2:19:45get in myself. She crept up and poured her head in front of the oven door. At that Gretel gave her big push that drove her far into the oven and bang she quickly shut the door. The wicked witch herself soon roasted to death in the oven intended for the children. Gretel ran quickly to the stable and let Hansel out together they went into the house where they found large chests of pearls and jewels of all kinds. They filled their pockets and started to find their way out of the witches forest. When they'd walked for a long time they came to a great river. We can not get over it said Hansel. There isn't a bridge or a boat in sight. I see a white duck swimming out in the water exclaimed Gretel. If I ask her she will help us over I know. Little duck, little duck dust thou sea. Hansel and Gretel are waiting for thee. There's never a plank or bridge inside.

2:20:50Take us across on thy back so white. The duck came to them. Hansel seated himself on its back and told his sister to sit beside him. No reply Gretel that will be too heavy for the little duck. The duck took them over one at a time and when they were both safely over they found a path through the forest which led straight to their home. There they were received with cries of joy by their father and his wife who had now become a good woman. End of section 18. Section 19 of Children's Stories that Never Grow Old. This is the Livervocs Recording. All Livervocs recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit Livervocs.org. Children's Stories that Never Grow Old. Adapted by Mary Stone. Section 19. Jack and the Bean Stock. In a village far away they lived a poor woman with her son Jack. While Jack at heart was

2:21:56a nice boy he was heedless and naughty. One morning his mother said with tears in her eyes, Jack you were a very bad boy. You have brought us to ruin by your bad tricks. We have no money and nothing is left but the old cow. We must now starve for the want of food. This made Jack very sad and started him the sink how he could mend matters. At last he saw the cow and his mother agreeing he started off to market a seller. He had not driven the cow very far when he met a butcher asked him how much he would take for her. What will you give me? Said the easy timber Jack. You may have these beautiful colored beans for her. Said the butcher. Jack sought the beans with very pretty and said all right the cow is yours. Jack hastened home with the beans to his mother but when his mother saw what he had brought home in return for the cow she kicked the old hat

2:23:00in which he held the beans and away they rolled in all directions. In the morning Jack went out into the garden and what was his surprise to see that some of the beans had taken him and that a stock was so sick that it made a kind of ladder which reached to the sky. He at once climbed up the bean stock and there at the top a strange country spread out before him. Jack was taken aback by all this and sat down to sink what best to do. He was very hungry and sad for he knew his mother was hungry also and it was all his fault too. All at once he looked up. He saw a beautiful young woman standing near him. She had a small white wand in her hand and at the top of which with a tiny peacock made of pure gold. I am a fairy and if you do as I tell you I will help you but if you do not obey me you will die. She said the

2:24:01Jack. In this strange country they live a very wicked giant. He is so wicked and cruel everybody is afraid of him. You Jack must kill the giant and then you can have all his riches. I will help you but you must be brave. Follow this road and soon you will see the giant's house. You must go and kill him. She then disappeared. Jack walked a long time and at last came to a very large house at the door of which the little woman. I am tired and hungry. Will you please let me go in for the night? He said to her, my boy a cool and strong giant my husband lives here and he will eat you up if he finds you. She replied. Jack was frightened but he remembered what the fairy had told him and said to the woman, take me in for the night and hide me so that the giant will not see me. At last the woman agreed they went along dark long halls and past doors with iron greetings

2:25:03in front. Jack was in terror when he heard groans and cries as he passed by. In the kitchen the giant's wife gave Jack some supper. After supper a knock was heard at the gate and so loud that the house shook. Jack and great fight ran and hid in the oven of the range and the woman let her husband the giant in. Wife, wife, I smell human flesh. He cried. Oh no my dear. It is only the people in the dungeon she said. It is quiet the giant and he ceded himself before the fire. His wife served him with supper while Jack watched him with horror. After the giant had eaten his supper he put before him on the table a queer looking hen which laid a golden egg every time the giant told the two. Bind by his wife went to bed and the giant went to sleep. He soon began to snore and so loudly

2:26:06that it sounded like the roar of a cannon. Then Jack crept out of his hiding place and seizing the hen ran off with her as fast his legs could carry him to the beanstalk and climbed on quickly. He ran to his mother once who was very glad to see him again and said I have brought you home something which will make us all rich. The hen laid golden eggs whenever they asked her to and they soon were very well to do people. But Jack, not content went back to the giant's home again and asked for nights lodging as he had done before. I am afraid to let you in for a boy I tuck in once before for a night stole one of the giant stretches and since then he has been more cruel that ever. The giant's wife said but at last she let Jack in and after the giant had eaten his supper his wife brought him his bags of gold in silver. The giant soon fell asleep and Jack who was hiding in the oven crept out quietly from his hiding place took the bags of gold and silver and ran quickly home with

2:27:10them. His mother cried was joyous safe return and for a long time they lived in great happiness. After a while Jack felt he must take another trip up the beanstalk. The woman took him in again and this time hid him in a large wash boiler. Then the giant came in he called loudly wife wife I smell human flesh and with this he jumped up and looked all round everywhere. Poor Jack was ready to die with fear but by some lucky chance the giant did not look into the boiler. At last he called for his supper and told his wife to bring him his harp. Jack peeped from his hiding place and saw on a table by the giant the beautiful harp. It played the sweetest music Jack had ever heard. The music quieted the giant and soon he was sound asleep. Jack then crept out and took hold of the harp but no sooner had he done so than the enchanted heart cried out loudly

2:28:17stop safe stop safe the giant woke and started after Jack who was running fast towards the beanstalk but he was so sleepy and heavy that Jack easily outweighed him and was going down to the bottom with the harp in his arms just as a giant his loud voice crying out like thunder reached the top. When Jack landed at the bottom of the beanstalk he picked up a hatchet and began chopping at the beanstalk close to the roots and soon down itself was the giant who was killed. Jack begged his mother's pardon for all the pain and want he had cost her and said he would be a good and beautiful son always and so they were rich and happy ever after. End of section 19 end of children's stories that never grow old adapted by Mary Stone