THE LIBRARY SITY OF OF THE ODOOOOOO OMNIBUS LAHORA SINADATE ARTIBUS COMMUNE VINCULUM MINNESOTA RE CLASS 81B2211 OT BOOK 21 TWINKLE and CHUBBINS 1:21 1 COPYRIGHT, 1911 BY THE REILLY & BRITTON Co. !! TO22?/? ОТ 11B2211 8/B2211 CONTENTS PAGE I Mr. Woodchuck..... 9 II Bandit Jim Crow. 69 III Prairie-Dog Town.. 133 DEC 2 52 U of M Bindery 195 IV Prince Mud-Turtle... V Twinkle’s Enchantment... 257 VI Sugar-Loaf Mountain. 321 SALVATION ARMY DEC 21 46 1144502 MRWWDCHUCK List of Chapters PAGE 11 18 26 35 . . I The Trap II Mr. Woodchuck Captures a Girl III Mr. Woodchuck Scolds Twinkle IV Mrs. Woodchuck and Her Family V Mr. Woodchuck Argues the Question . VI Twinkle is Taken to the Judge VII Twinkle is Condemned VIII Twinkle Remembers . 43 50 56 66 Chapter I The Trap Taide bill that is dating my red clover, HERE'S a woodchuck over on the side hill that is eating my red clover,” said Twinkle's father, who was a farmer. “Why don't you set a trap for it?” " asked Twinkle's mother. “I believe I will,” answered the man. So, when the midday dinner was over, the farmer went to the barn and got a steel trap, and carried it over to the clover-field on the hillside. Twinkle wanted very much to go with him, but she had to help mamma wash the 11 Mister Woodchuck dishes and put them away, and then brush up the dining-room and put it in order. But when the work was done, and she had all the rest of the afternoon to herself, she decided to go over to the woodchuck's hole and see how papa had set the trap, and also discover if the woodchuck had yet been caught. So the little girl took her blue-and-white sun-bonnet, and climbed over the garden fence and ran across the corn-field and through the rye until she came to the red- clover patch on the hill. She knew perfectly well where the wood- chuck's hole was, for she had looked at it curiously many times; so she approached it carefully and found the trap set just in front 12 TWINKLE WAITS FOR THE WOODCHUCK Mister Woodchuck of the hole. If the woodchuck stepped on it, when he came out, it would grab his leg and hold him fast; and there was a chain fastened to the trap, and also to a stout post driven into the ground, so that when the woodchuck was caught he could n't run away with the trap. But although the day was bright and sun- shiny, and just the kind of day woodchucks like, the clover-eater had not yet walked out of his hole to get caught in the trap. So Twinkle lay down in the clover-field, half hidden by a small bank in front of the woodchuck's hole, and began to watch for the little animal to come out. could see right into the hole, which seemed to slant upward into the hill instead of Her eyes 14 Mister Woodchuck downward; but of course she could n't see very far in, because the hole was n't straight, and grew black a little way from the open- ing. It was somewhat wearisome, waiting and watching so long, and the warm sun and the soft chirp of the crickets that hopped through the clover made Twinkle drowsy. She did n't intend to go to sleep, because then she might miss the woodchuck; but there was no harm in closing her eyes just one little minute; so she allowed the long lashes to droop over her pretty pink cheeks — just because they felt so heavy, and there was no way to prop them up. Then, with a start, she opened her eyes again, and saw the trap and the woodchuck 1 15 Mister Woodchuck hole just as they were before. Not quite, though, come to look carefully. The hole seemed to be bigger than at first; yes, strange as it might seem, the hole was grow- ing bigger every minute! She watched it with much surprise, and then looked at the trap, which remained the same size it had always been. And when she turned her eyes upon the hole once more it had not only become very big and high, but a stone arch appeared over it, and a fine, polished front door now shut it off from the outside world. She could even read a name upon the silver door-plate, and the name was this: Mister Woodchuck. III 16 Telecas Mr Wood chaud Titio Gem Po o MR. WOODCHUCK RECEIVES A TELEGRAM Chapter II Mister Woodchuck Captures a Girl Well hersell; how could all that ELL, I declare!” whispered Twinkle to herself; “how could all that have happened?” On each side of the door was a little green bench, big enough for two to sit upon, and between the benches was a doorstep of white marble, with a mat lying on it. On one side Twinkle saw an electric door-bell. While she gazed at this astonishing sight a sound of rapid footsteps was heard, and a large Jack-Rabbit, almost as big as herself, and dressed in a messenger-boy's uniform, 18 Mister Woodchuck ran up to the woodchuck's front door and rang the bell. Almost at once the door opened inward, and a curious personage stepped out. Twinkle saw at a glance that it was the woodchuck himself,—but what a big and queer woodchuck it was! He wore a swallow-tailed coat, with a waistcoat of white satin and fancy knee- breeches, and upon his feet were shoes with silver buckles. On his head was perched a tall silk hat that made him look just as high as Twinkle's father, and in one paw he held a gold-headed cane. Also he wore big spectacles over his eyes, which made him look more dignified than any other woodchuck Twinkle had ever seen. 19 Mister Woodchuck When this person opened the door and saw the Jack-Rabbit messenger-boy, he cried out: “Well, what do you mean by ringing my bell so violently? I suppose you ’re half an hour late, and trying to make me think you 're in a hurry." The Jack-Rabbit took a telegram from its pocket and handed it to the woodchuck with- out a word in reply. At once the woodchuck tore open the envelope and read the telegram carefully. "Thank you. There's no answer,” he said; and in an instant the Jack-Rabbit had whisked away and was gone. “Well, well,” said the woodchuck, as if to himself, “the foolish farmer has set a trap 20 D 00 MR. WOODCHUCK DISCOVERS TWINKLE Mister Woodchuck for me, seems, and it my friends have sent a telegram to warn me. Let's see—where is the thing ?” He soon discovered the trap, and seizing hold of the chain he pulled the peg out of the ground and threw the whole thing far away into the field. “I must give that farmer a sound scold- ing,” he muttered, “for he's becoming so impudent lately that soon he will think he owns the whole country.” But now his eyes fell upon Twinkle, who lay in the clover staring up at him; and the woodchuck gave a laugh and grabbed her fast by one arm. “Oh ho!” he exclaimed; "you ’re spying upon me, are you?” 22 Mister Woodchuck arm. “I'm just waiting to see you get caught in the trap," said the girl, standing up because the big creature pulled upon her She was n't much frightened, strange to say, because this woodchuck had a good- humored way about him that gave her con- fidence. “You would have to wait a long time for that,” he said, with a laugh that was a sort of low chuckle. “Instead of seeing me caught, you've got caught yourself. That's turning the tables, sure enough; is n't it?” "I suppose it is,” said Twinkle, regret- fully. “Am I a prisoner?” “You might call it that; and then, again, you might n't,” answered the woodchuck. “To tell you the truth, I hardly know what to 23 Mister Woodchuck do with you. But come inside, and we 'll We mus n't be seen out here talk it over. in the fields." ܕܕ Still holding fast to her arm, the wood- chuck led her through the door, which he carefully closed and locked. Then they passed through a kind of hallway, into which opened several handsomely furnished rooms, and out again into a beautiful garden at the back, all filled with flowers and brightly colored plants, and with a pretty fountain playing in the middle. A high stone wall was built around the garden, shutting it off from all the rest of the world. The woodchuck led his prisoner to a bench beside the fountain, and told her to sit down and make herself comfortable. 24 No 00dB & 00 01 MR. WOODCHUCK STRUTS UP AND DOWN Chapter III Mister Woodchuck Scolds Twinkle T WINKLE was much pleased with her surroundings, and soon discovered sev- eral gold-fishes swimming in the water at the foot of the fountain. “Well, how does it strike you?” asked the woodchuck, strutting up and down the gravel walk before her and swinging his gold-headed cane rather gracefully. “It seems like a dream,” said Twinkle. "To be sure,” he answered, nodding. You'd no business to fall asleep in the clover." 26 Mister Woodchuck Did I?" she asked, rather startled at the suggestion. • It stands to reason you did,” he replied. “You don't for a moment think this is real, do you?” “ It seems real,” she answered. “ Aren't you the woodchuck?" “Mister Woodchuck, if you please. Ad- dress me properly, young lady, or you 'll make me angry.” “Well, then, are n't you Mister Wood- chuck?” “At present I am; but when but when you wake up, I won't be,” he said. “Then you think I'm dreaming ?” You must figure that out for yourself,” said Mister Woodchuck. 27 Mister Woodchuck “What do you suppose made me dream?” "I don't know." “Do you think it's something I've eaten?” she asked anxiously. “I hardly think so. This is n't any night- mare, you know, because there's nothing at all horrible about it — so far. so far. You've probably been reading some of those creepy, sensational story-books." “I haven't read a book in a long time,” said Twinkle. “Dreams,” remarked Mister Woodchuck, thoughtfully, “are not always to be account- ed for. But this conversation is all wrong. When one is dreaming one does n't talk about it, or even know it's a dream. So let's speak of something else.” 28 bacoa He “ DO YOU THINK IT'S SOMETHING I'VE EATEN?” Mister Woodchuck race. “It's very pleasant in this garden,” said Twinkle. “I don't mind being here a bit.” “But you can't stay here,” replied Mister Woodchuck, “and you ought to be very uncomfortable in my presence. You see, you ’re one of the deadliest enemies of my All you human beings live for or think of is how to torture and destroy woodchucks.” “Oh, no!” she answered. - We have many more important things than that to think of. But when a woodchuck gets eat- ing our clover and the vegetables, and spoils a lot, we just have to do something to stop it. That's why my papa set the trap.” “You're selfish,” said Mister Woodchuck, “and you're cruel to poor little animals ܕܕ 30 Mister Woodchuck that can't help themselves, and have to eat what they can find, or starve. There's enough for all of us growing in the broad fields." Twinkle felt a little ashamed. “We have to sell the clover and the vege- tables to earn our living,” she explained; “and if the animals eat them up we can't sell them.” “We don't eat enough to rob you,” said the woodchuck, “and the land belonged to the wild creatures long before you people came here and began to farm. And really, there is no reason why you should be so cruel. It hurts dreadfully to be caught in a trap, and an animal captured in that way some- times has to suffer for many hours before 31 Mister Woodchuck the man comes to kill it. We don't mind the killing so much. Death does n't last but an instant. But every minute of suffer- ing seems to be an hour.” “That's true," said Twinkle, feeling sorry and repentant. “I'll ask papa never to set another trap.” “That will be some help,” returned Mister Woodchuck, more cheerfully, “and I hope you 'll not forget the promise when you . But that is n't enough to settle the account for all our past sufferings, I assure you; so I am trying to think of a suitable way to punish you for the past wickedness of your father, and of all other men that have set traps.” · Why, if you feel that way,” said the wake up 32 MRS. WOODCHUCK AND HER FAMILY Mister Woodchuck 6 little girl, “you're just as bad as we are!” “How's that?" asked Mister Woodchuck, pausing in his walk to look at her. “It's as naughty to want revenge as it is to be selfish and cruel,” she said. “I believe you are right about that," answered the animal, taking off his silk hat and rubbing the fur smooth with his elbow. “But woodchucks are not perfect, any more than men are, so you 'll have to take us as you find us. And now I'll call my family, and exhibit you to them. . The children, especially, will enjoy seeing the wild human girl I've had the luck to capture.” “ Wild!” she cried, indignantly. “If you 're not wild now, you will be before you wake up,” he said. 34 Chapter IV BUT Mrs. Woodchuck and Her Family UT Mister Woodchuck had no need to call his family, for just as he spoke a chatter of voices was heard and Mrs. Wood- chuck came walking down a path of the garden with several young woodchucks fol- lowing after her. The lady animal was very fussily dressed, with puffs and ruffles and laces all over her silk gown, and perched upon her head was-a broad white hat with long ostrich plumes. She was exceedingly fat, even for a wood- chuck, and her head fitted close to her body, 35 Mister Woodchuck without any neck whatever to separate them. Although it was shady in the garden, she held a lace parasol over her head, and her walk was so mincing and airy that Twinkle almost laughed in her face. The young woodchucks were of several sizes and kinds. One little woodchuck girl rolled before her a doll's baby-cab, in which lay a woodchuck doll made of cloth, in quite a perfect imitation of a real woodchuck. It was stuffed with something soft to make it round and fat, and its eyes were two glass beads sewn upon the face. A big boy woodchuck wore knickerbockers and a Tam o' Shanter cap and rolled a hoop; and there were several smaller boy and girl wood- chucks, dressed quite as absurdly, who 36 8 I 00 MARINEL FRIGHTEENRIG KT. TWINKLE AND THE YOUNG WOODCHUCKS Mister Woodchuck 12 followed after their mother in a long train. “My dear,” said Mister Woodchuck to his wife, “ here is a human creature that I cap- tured just outside our front door.” “Huh!” sneered the lady woodchuck, looking at Twinkle in a very haughty way; why will you bring such an animal into our garden, Leander? It makes me shiver just to look at the horrid thing!” Oh, mommer!” yelled one of the chil- dren, “see how skinny the beast is !” “Has n't any hair on its face at all,” said another, “or on its paws!” “And no sign of a tail!” cried the little woodchuck girl with the doll. “Yes, it's a very strange and remarkable creature,” said the mother. "Don't touch 38 Mister Woodchuck it, my precious darlings. It might bite.' “You need n't worry,” said Twinkle, rather provoked at these speeches. “I would n't bite a dirty, greasy woodchuck on any account!" “Whoo! did you hear what she called us, mommer? She says we're greasy and dirty!" shouted the children, and some of them grabbed pebbles from the path in their paws, as if to throw them at Twinkle. Tut, tut! don't be cruel,” said Mister Woodchuck. “Remember the poor creature is a prisoner, and is n't used to good society; and besides that, she's dreaming.” Really?” exclaimed Mrs. Woodchuck, looking at the girl curiously. 39 Mister Woodchuck “To be sure,” he answered. • Otherwise she would n't see us dressed in such fancy clothes, nor would we be bigger than she is. The whole thing is unnatural, my dear, as you must admit." “But we're we're not dreaming; are we, Daddy?” anxiously asked the boy with the hoop. “Certainly not,” Mister Woodchuck an- swered; “so this is a fine opportunity for you to study one of those human animals who have always been our worst enemies. You will notice they are very curiously made. Aside from their lack of hair in any place except the top of the head, their paws are formed in a strange manner. Those long slits in them make what are called fingers, 40 0.00 2009 oc “ YOU'RE A DISAGREEABLE CREATURE!” Mister Woodchuck and their claws are flat and dull — not at all sharp and strong like ours." “I think the beast is ugly,” said Mrs. Woodchuck. “It would give me the shivers to touch its skinny flesh.” “I'm glad of that,” said Twinkle, indig- nantly. “You would n't have all the shivers, I can tell you! And you're a disagreeable, ign'rant creature! If you had any manners at all, you'd treat strangers more politely.” “Just listen to the thing!” said Mrs. Woodchuck, in a horrified tone. 6. Is n't it wild, though!” I 42 Mister Woodchuck “We don't have school here,” said Mister Woodchuck, as if proud of the fact. “Don't you know any geography?” asked the child. “We have n't any use for it,” said Mister Woodchuck; "for we never get far from home, and don't care a rap what state bounds Florida on the south. We don't travel much, and studying geography would be time wasted.” “But don't you study arithmetic?" she asked; “don't you know how to do sums?” Why should we?” he returned. 6. The thing that bothers you humans most, and that’s money, is not used by us woodchucks. So we don't need to figure and do sums.' “I don't see how you get along without 44 MAGINEL WRIGHT ENRIGHT 6 YOU'D MAKE A MIGHTY POOR WOODCHUCK" Mister Woodchuck money,” said Twinkle, wonderingly. “You must have to buy all your fine clothes." “You know very well that woodchucks don't wear clothes, under ordinary circum- stances,” Mister Woodchuck replied. “It's only because you are dreaming that you see us dressed in this way.” "Perhaps that's true," said Twinkle. . “But don't talk to me about not being intelli- gent, or not knowing things. If you have n't any schools it's certain I know more than your whole family put together!” 66 About some things, perhaps,” ac- knowledged Mister Woodchuck. “But tell me: do you know which kind of red clover is the best to eat?" “No," she said. 46 Mister Woodchuck “Or how to dig a hole in the ground to live in, with different rooms and passages, so that it slants up hill and the rain won't come in and drown you?” No," said Twinkle. “And could you tell, on the second day of February (which is woodchuck day, you know), whether it's going to be warm weather, or cold, during the next six weeks?" “I don't believe I could,” replied the girl. “Then,” said Mister Woodchuck, “there are some things that we know that you don't; and although a woodchuck might not be of much account in one of rooms, you must forgive me for saying that I think you 'd make a mighty poor woodchuck.” your school- 47 Mister Woodchuck "I think so, too!” said Twinkle, laughing. “And now, little human," he resumed, after looking at his watch, "it's nearly time for you to wake up; so if we intend to pun- ish you for all the misery your people has inflicted on the woodchucks, we won't have a minute to spare.” “Don't be in a hurry,” said Twinkle. “I can wait. “She's trying to get out of it,” exclaimed Mrs. Woodchuck, scornfully. let her, Leander.' “Certainly not, my dear,” he replied; but I have n't decided how to punish her.” Take her to Judge Stoneyheart,” said Mrs. Woodchuck. • He will know what to "Don't you do with her.” 48 lit 3 00 THE LITTLE WOODCHUCKS HOOTING WITH JOT Chapter VI Twinkle is Taken to the Judge AT T this the woodchuck children all hooted with joy, crying: “Take her, Daddy! Take her to old Stoneyheart! Oh, my! won't he give it to her, though!” “Who is Judge Stoneyheart?" asked Twinkle, a little uneasily. “A highly respected and aged woodchuck who is cousin to my wife's grandfather,” was the reply. “We consider him the wisest and most intelligent of our race; but, while he is very just in all things, the judge ever shows any mercy to evil-doers." 50 Mister Woodchuck “I have n't done anything wrong,” said the girl. “But your father has, and much wrong is done us by the other farmers around here. They fight my people without mercy, and kill every woodchuck they can possibly catch." Twinkle was silent, for she knew this to be true. For my part,” continued Mister Wood- chuck, “I'm very soft-hearted, and would n't even step on an ant if I could help it. Also I am sure you have a kind disposition. But you are a human, and I am a woodchuck; so I think I will take you to old Stoney- heart and let him decide your fate.” “Hooray!” yelled the young woodchucks, 51 Mister Woodchuck and away they ran through the paths of the garden, followed slowly by their fat mother, who held the lace parasol over her head as if she feared she would be sunstruck. Twinkle was glad to see them go. She did n't care much for the woodchuck chil- dren, they were so wild and ill-mannered, and their mother was even more disagreeable than they were. As for Mister Woodchuck, she did not object to him so much; in fact, she rather liked to talk to him, for his words were polite and his eyes pleasant and kindly. Now, my dear,” he said, “as we are about to leave this garden, where you have been quite secure, I must try to prevent your running away when we are outside the 52 JUDGE STNEY-HEART Caila ti) oo ወo pe MAON INNICIXT ENRIGHT ARRIVING AT JUDGE STONEYHEART'S Mister Woodchuck wall. I hope it won't hurt your feelings to become a real prisoner for a few minutes.' Then Mister Woodchuck drew from his pocket a leather collar, very much like a dog-collar, Twinkle thought, and proceeded to buckle it around the girl's neck. To the collar was attached a fine chain about six feet long, and the other end of the chain Mister Woodchuck held in his hand. Now, then," said he, "please come along quietly, and don't make a fuss.” He led her to the end of the garden and opened a wooden gate in the wall, through which they passed. Outside the garden the ground was nothing but hard, baked earth, without any grass or other green thing growing upon it, or any tree or shrub to 54 Mister Woodchuck shade it from the hot sun. And not far away stood a round mound, also of baked earth, which Twinkle at once decided to be a house, because it had a door and some windows in it. There was no living thing in sight — not even a woodchuck — and Twinkle did n't care much for the baked-clay scenery. Mister Woodchuck, holding fast to the chain, led his prisoner across the barren space to the round mound, where he paused to rap softly upon the door. 55 Chapter VII Twinkle is Condemned COME OME in!” called a voice. Mister Woodchuck pushed open th the door and entered, drawing Twinkle after him by the chain. In the middle of the room sat a wood- chuck whose hair was grizzled with old age. He wore big spectacles upon his nose, and a round knitted cap, with a tassel dangling from the top, upon his head. upon his head. His only garment was an old and faded dressing- gown. When they entered, the old woodchuck 56 LAW IN new a goa WEINLU WRIGHT CNRIOS JUDGE STONEYHEART AT HOME Mister Woodchuck was busy playing a game with a number of baked-clay dominoes, which he shuffled and arranged upon a baked-mud table; nor did he look up for a long time, but continued to match the dominoes and to study their arrangement with intense interest. Finally, however, he finished the game, and then he raised his head and looked sharply at his visitors. “Good afternoon, Judge,” said Mister Woodchuck, taking off his silk hat and bow- ing respectfully. The judge did not answer him, but con- tinued to stare at Twinkle. “I have called to ask your advice,” con- tinued Mister Woodchuck. “By good chance I have been able to capture one of those 58 Mister Woodchuck fierce humans that are the greatest enemies of peaceful woodchucks.” The judge nodded his gray head wisely, but still answered nothing. “But now that I've captured the creature, I don't know what to do with her," went on Mister Woodchuck; “although I believe, of course, she should be punished in some way, and made to feel as unhappy as her people have made us feel. Yet I realize that it's a dreadful thing to hurt any living creature, and as far as I 'm concerned I'm quite willing to forgive her.” With these words he wiped his face with a red silk handkerchief, as if really distressed. She's dreaming,” said the judge, in a sharp, quick voice. 59 Mister Woodchuck 66 Am I?” asked Twinkle. “Of course. You were probably lying on the wrong side when you went to sleep.” "Oh!” she said. “I wondered what made it." “Very disagreeable dream, is n't it?" con- tinued the judge. “Not so very,” she answered. “It's in- teresting to see and hear woodchucks in their own homes, and Mister Woodchuck has shown me how cruel it is for us to set traps for you.” “Good!” said the judge. " But some dreams are easily forgotten, so I'll teach you a lesson you'll be likely to remember. You shall be caught in a trap yourself.” “ Me!” cried Twinkle, in dismay, 60 THE JUDGE FETCHES A TRAP Mister Woodchuck “Yes, you. When you find how dread- fully it hurts you'll bear the traps in mind forever afterward. People don't remember dreams unless the dreams are unusually horrible. But I guess you guess you 'll remember this one.” He got up and opened a mud cupboard, from which he took a big steel trap. Twinkle could see that it was just like the trap papa had set to catch the woodchucks, only it seemed much bigger and stronger. The judge got a mallet and with it pounded a stake into the mud floor. Then he fastened the chain of the trap to the stake, and afterward opened the iron jaws of the cruel-looking thing and set them with a lever, so that the slightest touch 62 Mister Woodchuck would spring the trap and make the strong jaws snap together. Now, little girl," said he, “you must step in the trap and get caught." Why, it would break my leg!” cried Twinkle. “Did your father care whether a wood- chuck got its leg broken or not?” asked the judge. “No," she answered, beginning to be greatly frightened. Step!” cried the judge, sternly. “It will hurt awfully,” said Mister Wood- chuck; “but that can't be helped. Traps are cruel things, at the best.” Twinkle was now trembling with nervous- ness and fear. 63 AUMAWAG poo I cs 00 WAGINAL WRIGHT ENRICKT “ STEP!” CRIED THE JUDGE, STERNLY Mister Woodchuck “Step!” called the judge, again. “Dear me!” said Mister Woodchuck, just then, as he looked earnestly into Twinkle's face, “I believe she's going to wake up!" “That's too bad," said the judge. - No, I'm glad of it,” replied Mister Woodchuck. And just then the girl gave a start and opened her eyes. She was lying in the clover, and before her was the opening of the woodchuck's hole, with the trap still set before it. est کیے 65 Chapter VIII Twinkle Remembers PAPA" APA," said Twinkle, when supper was over and she was nestled snugly in his lap, “I wish you would ’nt set any more traps for the woodchucks.' “Why not, my darling?” he asked in surprise. “They're cruel," she cruel,” she answered. " It must hurt the poor animals dreadfully to be caught in them.” "I suppose it does,” said her father, thoughtfully. “But if I don't trap the wood- chucks they eat our clover and vegetables.” 66 Mister Woodchuck “Never mind that,” said Twinkle, ear- nestly. “Let's divide with them. God made the woodchucks, you know, just as He made us, and they can't plant and grow things as we do; so they have to take what they can get, or starve to death. And surely, papa, there's enough to eat in this big and beautiful world, for all of God's creatures. Papa whistled softly, although his face was grave; and then he bent down and kissed his little girl's forehead. “I won't set any more traps, dear, ” he said. And that evening, after Twinkle had been tucked snugly away in bed, her father walked slowly through the sweet-smelling 67 Mister Woodchuck fields to the woodchuck's hole; there lay the trap, showing plainly in the bright moonlight. He picked it up and carried it back to the barn. It was never used again. THE END 68 BANDIT JIM CROW BANDIT JIM CROW List of Chapters . 86 PAGE I Jim Crow Becomes a Pet . 73 II Jim Crow Runs Away 81 III Jim Crow Finds a New Home IV Jim Crow Becomes a Robber 97 V Jim Crow Meets Policeman Blue Jay . 105 VI Jim Crow Fools the Policeman . 113 VII Jim Crow is Punished . 121 VIII Jim Crow has Time to Repent His Sins 129 Chapter I Jim Crow Becomes a Pet O the day wheta, men shots fais gruwat in NE day, when Twinkle's father was in the corn-field, he shot his gun at a flock of crows that were busy digging up, with their long bills, the kernels of corn he had planted. But Twinkle's father did n't aim very straight, for the birds screamed at the bang of the gun and quickly flew away —all except one young crow that fluttered its wings, but could n't rise into the air, and so began to run along the ground in an effort to escape. The man chased the young crow, and 73 Bandit Jim Crow caught it; and then he found that one of the little lead bullets had broken the right wing, although the bird seemed not to be hurt in any other way. It struggled hard, and tried to peck the hands that held it; but it was too young to hurt any one, so Twinkle's father decided he would carry it home to his little girl. “Here's a pet for you, Twinkle,” he said, as he came into the house. “It can't fly, because its wing is broken; but don't let it get too near your eyes, or it may peck at them. It's very wild and fierce, you know.” Twinkle was delighted with her pet, and at once got her mother to bandage the broken wing, so that it would heal quickly. The crow had jet black feathers, but there 74 oo MAGINEL WRICHT ENRICHT TWINKLE AND JIM CROW Bandit Jim Crow was a pretty purplish and violet gloss, or sheen, on its back and wings, and its eyes were bright and had a knowing look in them. They were hazel-brown in color, and the bird had a queer way of turning his head on one side to look at Twinkle with his right eye, and then twisting it the other side that he might see her with his She often wondered if she looked the same to both eyes, or if each one made her seem different. She named her pet “ Jim Crow” because papa said that all crows were called Jim, although he never could find out the reason. But the name seemed to fit her pet as well as any, so Twinkle never bothered about the reason. left eye. 76 Bandit Jim Crow Having no cage to keep him in, and fear- ing he would run away, the girl tied a strong cord around one of Jim Crow's legs, and the other end of the cord she fastened to the round of a chair — or to the table-leg when they were in the house. The crow would run all around, as far as the string would let him go; but he could n't get away. And when they went out of doors Twinkle held the end of the cord in her hand, as one leads a dog, and Jim Crow would run along in front of her, and then stop and wait. And when she came near he'd run on again, screaming “Caw! Caw!” at the top of his shrill little voice. He soon came to know he belonged to Twinkle, and would often lie in her lap 77 Bandit Jim Crow or perch upon her shoulder. And whenever she entered the room where he was he would say, “Caw — caw!” to her, in pleading tones, until she picked him up or took some notice of him. It was wonderful how quickly a bird that had always lived wild and free seemed to become tame and gentle. Twinkle's father said that was because he was so young, and because his broken wing kept him from flying in the air and rejoining his fellows. But Jim Crow was n't as tame as he seemed, and he had a very wicked and ungrateful disposition, as you will presently learn. For a few weeks, however, he was as nice a pet as any little girl could wish for. He got into mischief occasionally, and caused 78 - es •MAGINELWRIGHT. ENRIQNI JIM GETS IN MISCHIEF Bandit Jim Crow mamma some annoyance when he waded into a pan of milk or jumped upon the dinner table and ate up papa's pumpkin pie before Twinkle could stop him. But all pets are more or less trouble, at times, so Jim Crow escaped with a few severe scoldings from mamma, which never seemed to worry him in the least or make him a bit unhappy. 80 Chapter II Jim Crow Runs Away AT T last Jim got so tame that Twinkle took the cord off his leg and let him go free, wherever he pleased. So he wandered all over the house and out into the yard, where he chased the ducks and bothered the pigs and made himself generally disliked. He had a way of perching upon the back of old Tom, papa's favorite horse, and chatter- ing away in Tom's ear until the horse plunged and pranced in his stall to get rid of his unwelcome visitor. Twinkle always kept the bandage on the 81 Bandit Jim Crow wounded wing, for she did n't know whether it was well yet, or not, and she thought it was better to be on the safe side. But the truth was, that Jim Crow's wing had healed long ago, and was now as strong as ever; and, as the weeks passed by, and he grew big and fat, a great longing came into his wild heart to fly again — far, far up into the air and away to the lands where there were forests of trees and brooks of running water. He did n't ever expect to rejoin his family again. They were far enough away by this time. And he did n't care much to associate with other crows. All he wanted was to be free, and do exactly as he pleased, and not have some one cuffing him a dozen times a day because he was doing wrong. 82 Eurz MAGINED WRIGHT ENRIGHT JIM GETS RID OF HIS BANDAGE Bandit Jim Crow So one morning, before Twinkle was up, or even awake, Jim Crow pecked at the bandage on his wing until he got the end unfastened, and then it was n't long before the entire strip of cloth was loosened and fell to the ground. Now Jim fluttered his feathers, and pruned them with his long bill where they had been pressed together, and presently he knew that the wing which had been injured was exactly as strong and well as the other one. He could fly away whenever he pleased. The crow had been well fed by Twinkle and her mamma, and was in splendid health. But he was not at all grateful. With the knowledge of his freedom a fierce, cruel oy crept into his heart, and he resumed the 84 Bandit Jim Crow wild nature that crows are born with and never lay aside as long as they live. Having forgotten in an instant that he had ever been tame, and the pet of a gentle little girl, Jim Crow had no thought of say- ing good-bye to Twinkle. Instead, he de- cided he would do something that would make these foolish humans remember him for a long time. So he dashed into a group of young chickens that had only been hatched a day or two before, and killed sev- en of them with his strong, curved claws and his wicked black beak. When the mother hen flew at him he pecked at her eyes; and then, screaming a defiance to all the world, Jim Crow flew into the air and sailed away to a new life in another part of the world. 85 Deus Viim METNEL WAIGHT EXICIT TWINKLE MOURNS FOR HER CHICKENS Bandit Jim Crow In the mean time the runaway crow flew through the country, and when he was hun- gry he would stop at a farm-house and rob a hen's nest and eat the eggs. It was his knowledge of farm-houses that made him so bold; but the farmers shot at the thieving bird once or twice, and this frightened Jim Crow so badly that he decided to keep away from the farms and find a living in some less dangerous way. And one day he came to a fine forest, where there were big and little trees of all kinds, with several streams of water run- ning through the woods. “Here,” said Jim Crow, “I will make my home; for surely this is the finest place I am ever likely to find.” 88 Bandit Jim Crow There were plenty of birds in this forest, for Jim could hear them singing and twitter- ing everywhere among the trees; and their nests hung suspended from branches, or nestled in a fork made by two limbs, in almost every direction he might look. And the birds were of many kinds, too: robins, thrushes, bullfinches, mocking-birds, wrens, yellowtails and skylarks. Even tiny hum- ming-birds fluttered around the wild flowers that grew in the glades; and in the waters of the brooks waded long-legged herons, while kingfishers sat upon overhanging branches and waited patiently to seize any careless fish that might swim too near them. Jim Crow decided this must be a real paradise for birds, because it was far away 89 Bandit Jim Crow from the houses of men. So he made up his mind to get acquainted with the in- habitants of the forest as soon as possible, and let them know who he was, and that he must be treated with proper respect. In a big fir-tree, whose branches reached nearly to the ground, he saw a large gather- ing of the birds, who sat chattering and gossiping pleasantly together. So he flew down and joined them. “Good morning, folks,” he said; and his voice sounded to them like a harsh croak, because it had become much deeper in tone since he had grown to his full size. The birds looked at him curiously, and one or two fluttered their wings in a timid and nervous way; but none of them, little 90 “GOOD MORNING, FOLKS29 ” Bandit Jim Crow “What do I care about my own folks ?” asked Jim, with a laugh that made the little thrush shudder. “I prefer to live alone. “Have n't you a mate?” asked a robin, speaking in a very polite tone. No; and I don't want any,” said Jim Crow. “I'm going to live all by myself. There's plenty of room in this forest, I guess.” Certainly,” replied the bullfinch. "There is plenty of room for you here if you behave yourself and obey the laws." “Who's going to make me?” he asked, angrily. “ Any decent person, even if he's a crow, is bound to respect the law," answered the bullfinch, calmly. 93 Bandit Jim Jim Crow Jim Crow was a little ashamed, for he did n't wish to acknowledge he was n't decent. So he said: “What are your laws?” “ The same as those in all other forests. You must respect the nests and the property of all other birds, and not interfere with them when they ’re hunting for food. And you must warn your fellow-birds whenever there is danger, and assist them to protect their young from prowling beasts. If you obey these laws, and do not steal from or interfere with your neighbors, you have a right to a nest in our forest.” “ To be quite frank with you, though,” said the robin, “we prefer your room to your company." 94 AADRE IND Surah, wang W WA MOJNEL WRIGHT SNRIGHT! JIM FINDS A HOME Bandit Jim Crow “I'm going to stay,” said the crow. "I guess I'm as good as the rest of you; so you fellows just mind your own business and I 'll mind mine." With these words he left them, and when he had mounted to a position above the trees he saw that one tall, slim pine was higher than all the rest, and that at its very top was a big deserted nest. 96 Chapter IV Jim Crow Becomes a Robber Ihled toward the pine tree and the T looked like a crow's nest to Jim, so he flew toward the pine tree and lit upon a branch close by. One glance told him that at some time it really must have been the home of birds of his kind, who for some reason had abandoned it long ago. The nest was large and bulky, being made of strong sticks woven together with fine roots and grasses. It was rough outside, but smooth inside, and when Jim Crow had kicked out the dead leaves and twigs that had fallen into it, he decided it 97 Bandit Jim Crow was nearly as good as new, and plenty good enough for a solitary crow like him to live in. So with his bill he made a mark on the nest, that every bird might know it belonged to him, and felt that at last he had found a home. During the next few days he made several attempts to get acquainted with the other birds, but they were cold and distant, though very polite to him; and none of them seemed to care for his society. No bird ever came near his nest, but he often flew down to the lower trees and perched upon one or another of them, so gradually the birds of the forest got used to seeing him around, and paid very little attention to his actions. 98 MAGINEL WRIGHT CNRICHT MRS. WREN IS HEART-BROKEN Bandit Jim Crow One day Mrs. Wren missed two brown eggs from her nest, and her little heart was nearly broken with grief. It took the mock- ing bird and the bullfinch a whole afternoon to comfort her, while Mr. Wren hopped around in nearly as much distress as his wife. No animals had been seen in the forest who would do this evil thing, so no one could imagine who the thief might be. Such an outrage was almost unknown in this pleasant forest, and it made all the birds nervous and fearful. A few days later a still greater horror came upon them, for the helpless young children of Mrs. Linnet were seized one morning from their nest, while their parents were absent in search of food, and were carried away 100 Bandit Jim Crow bodily. Mr. Linnet declared that on his way back to his nest he had seen a big black monster leaving it, but had been too frightened to notice just what the creature looked like. But the lark, who had been up very early that morning, stated that he had seen no one near that part of the forest except Jim Crow, who had flown swiftly to his nest in the tall pine-tree. This was enough to make all the birds look upon Jim Crow with grave suspicion, and Robin Redbreast called a secret meeting of all the birds to discuss the question and decide what must be done to preserve their nests from the robber. Jim Crow was so much bigger and fiercer than any of the others that none dared accuse him openly 101 Bandit Jim Crow or venture to quarrel with him ; but they had a good friend living not far away who was not afraid of Jim Crow or any one else, so they finally decided to send for him and ask his assistance. The starling undertook to be the messen- ger, and as soon as the meeting was over he flew away upon his errand. “What were all you folks talking about?” asked the crow, flying down and alighting upon a limb near to those who had not yet left the place of meeting. “We were talking about you,” said the thrush, boldly; “and you would n't care at all to know what we said, Mister Jim Crow.” Jim looked a trifle guilty and ashamed at hearing this, but knowing they were all 102 2л. MAGINEA WAIGHT ENRI GOST “CAW! CAW! CAW! WHAT DO I CARE?” Bandit Jim Crow afraid of him he burst out into a rude laugh. “Caw! caw! caw!” he chuckled hoarsely; “what do I care what you say about me? But don't you get saucy, my pretty thrush, or your friends will miss you some fine morning, and never see you again.” This awful threat made them all silent, for they remembered the fate of poor Mrs. Linnet's children, and very few of the birds now had any doubt but that Jim Crow knew more about the death of those helpless little ones than he cared to tell. Finding they would not talk with him, the crow flew back to his tree, where he sat sullenly perched upon a branch near his nest. And they were very glad to get rid of him so easily. 104 Chapter V N Jim Crow Meets Policeman Blue Jay EXT morning Jim Crow woke up hungry, and as he sat lazily in his big nest, he remembered that he had seen four pretty brown eggs, speckled with white, in the nest of the oriole that lived at the edge of the forest. “Those eggs will taste very good for breakfast,” he thought. “I'll go at once and get them; and if old Mammy Oriole makes a fuss, I 'll eat her, too." He hopped out of his nest and on to a branch, and the first thing his sharp eye saw 105 Bandit Jim Jim Crow was a big and strange bird sitting upon the tree just opposite him and looking steadily in his direction. Never having lived among other birds until now, the crow did not know what kind of bird this was, but as he faced the new-comer he had a sort of shiver in his heart that warned him to beware an enemy. Indeed, it was none other than the Blue Jay that had appeared so suddenly, and he had arrived that morning because the star- ling had told him of the thefts that had taken place, and the Blue Jay is well known as the policeman of the forest and a terror to all evil-doers. In size he was nearly as big as Jim Crow himself, and he had a large crest of feathers 106 Bandit Jim Crow them up. on the top of his head that made him look even more fierce — especially when he ruffled His body was purplish blue color on the back and purplish gray below, and there was a collar of black feathers running all around his neck. But his wings and tail were a beautiful rich blue, as de- lightful in color as the sky on a fine May morning; so in personal appearance Police- man Blue Jay was much handsomer than Jim Crow. But it was the sharp, stout beak that most alarmed the crow, and had Jim been wiser he would have known that before him was the most deadly foe of his race, and that the greatest pleasure a Blue Jay finds in life is to fight with and punish a crow. 108 Bandit Jim Crow But Jim was not very wise; and so he imagined, after his first terror had passed away, that he could bully this bird as he had the others, and make it fear him. “Well, what are you doing here?” he called out, in his crossest voice, for he was anxious to get away and rob the oriole's nest. The Blue Jay gave a scornful, chattering laugh as he answered: “That's none of your business, Jim Crow." " Take care!" warned the crow; “you 'll be sorry if you don't treat me with proper respect.” The Blue Jay winked solemnly, in a way that would have been very comical to any observer other than the angry crow. 109 Bandit Jim Crow “Don't hurt me — please don't!” he said, fluttering on the branch as if greatly frightened. “My mother would feel dread- ful bad if anything happened to me.” Well, then, behave yourself,” returned the crow, strutting proudly along a limb and flopping his broad wings in an im- pressive manner. For he was foolish enough to think he had made the other afraid. But no sooner had he taken flight and soared into the air than the Blue Jay darted at him like an arrow from a bow, and before Jim Crow could turn to defend himself the bill of his enemy struck him full in the breast. Then, with a shriek of shrill laughter, the policeman darted nan darted away and disappeared 110 •MAGINEL' WRIGHT. FARIERT: POLICEMAN BLUE JAY PUNISHES JIM Bandit Jim Crow in the forest, leaving the crow to whirl around in the air once or twice and then sink slowly down, with some of his own torn feathers floating near him as witnesses to his defeat. The attack had dazed and astonished him beyond measure; but he found he was not much hurt, after all. . Crows are tougher than most birds. Jim managed to reach one of the brooks, where he bathed his breast in the cool water, and soon he felt much refreshed and more like his old self again. But he decided not to go to the oriole's nest that morning, but to search for grubs and beetles amongst the mosses beneath the oak-trees. 112 S Chapter VI Jim Crow Fools the Policeman F ROM that time on Policeman Blue Jay made his home in the forest, keeping a sharp eye upon the actions of Jim Crow. And one day he flew away to the southward and returned with Mrs. Blue Jay, who was even more beautiful than her mate. To- gether they built a fine nest in a tree that stood near to the crow's tall pine, and soon after they had settled down to housekeeping Mrs. Blue Jay began to lay eggs of a pretty brown color mottled with darker brown specks. 113 Bandit Jim Crow Had Jim Crow known what was best for him he would have flown away from this forest and found himself a new home. Within a short flight were many bits of woodland where a crow might get a good living and not be bothered by blue jays. But Jim was obstinate and foolish, and had made up his mind that he never would again be happy until he had been revenged upon his enemy. He dared no longer rob the nests so boldly as he had before, so he became sly and cunning. He soon found out that the Blue Jay could not fly as high as he could, nor as fast; so, if he kept a sharp lookout for the approach of his foe, he had no trouble in escaping. But if he went near to the 114 o MAGINEK WRIGHTENRIGHT. JIM DISGUISES HIMSELF Bandit Jim Crow nests of the smaller birds, there was the blue policeman standing guard, and ready and anxious to fight at a moment's notice. It was really no place for a robber at all, unless the robber was clever. One day Jim Crow discovered a chalk- pit among the rocks at the north of the forest, just beyond the edge of trees. The chalk was soft and in some places crumbled to a fine powder, so that when he had rolled himself for a few minutes in the dust all his feathers became as white as snow. This fact gave to Jim Crow a bright idea. No longer black, but white as a dôve, he flew away to the forest and passed right by Policeman Blue Jay, who only noticed that a big white bird had flown amongst the 116 Bandit Jim Crow trees, and did not suspect it was the thiev- ing crow in a clever disguise. Jim found a robin's nest that was not protected, both the robin and his wife being away in search of food. So he ate up the eggs and kicked the nest to pieces and then flew away again, passing the Blue Jay a second time all unnoticed. When he reached a brook he washed all the chalk away from his feathers and then returned to his nest as black as ever. All the birds were angry and dismayed when they found what had happened, but none could imagine who had robbed the robins. Mrs. Robin, who was not easily discouraged, built another nest and laid more eggs in it; but the next day a second 117 Bandit Jim Crow nest in the forest was robbed, and then another and another, until the birds com- plained that Policeman Blue Jay did not protect them at all. “I can't understand it in the least,” said the policeman, “for I have watched care- fully, and I know Jim Crow has never dared to come near to your trees.” “Then some one else is the robber,'' declared the thrush fussily. “The only stranger I have noticed around here is a big white bird,” replied the Blue Jay, “and white birds never rob nests or eat eggs, as you all know very well." So they were no nearer the truth than before, and the thefts continued; for each day Jim Crow would make himself white 19 118 ľ, POLICEMAN BLUE JAY DISCOVERS THE CULPRIT Bandit Jim Crow in the chalk-pit, fly into the forest and destroy the precious eggs of some innocent little bird, and afterward wash himself in some far-away brook, and return to his nest chuckling with glee to think he had fooled the Blue Jay so nicely. But the Blue Jay, although stupid and unsuspecting at first, presently began to get a little wisdom. He remembered that all this trouble had commenced when the strange white bird first arrived in the forest; and although it was doubtless true that white birds never eat eggs and have honest reputations, he decided to watch this stranger and make sure that it was innocent of the frightful crimes that had so aroused the dwellers in the forest. 120 Chapter VII Jim Crow is Punished S O one day Policeman Blue Jay hid him- self in some thick bushes until he saw the big white bird fly by, and then he fol- lowed quietly after it, flitting from tree to tree and keeping out of sight as much as possible, until at last he saw the white bird alight near a bullfinch's nest and eat up all the eggs it contained. Then, ruffling his crest angrily, Police- man Blue Jay flew to attack the big white robber, and was astonished to find he could not catch it. For the white bird 121 THE BIRDS OF THE FOREST" DS یا MAQINCL. WRIGHT. ENRIONS. ARE REVENGED ON JIM Bandit Jim Crow flew higher into the air than he could, and also flew much faster, so that it soon escaped and passed out of sight. “It must be a white crow," thought the Blue Jay; “for only a crow can beat me at flying, and some of that race are said to be white, although I have never seen one.” So he called together all the birds, and told them what he had seen, and they all agreed to hide themselves the next day and lie in wait for the thief. By this time Jim Crow thought himself perfectly safe, and success had made him as bold as he was wicked. Therefore he sus- pected nothing when, after rolling himself in -the chalk, he flew down the next day into the forest to feast upon birds' eggs. He soon 124. Bandit Jim Crow came to a pretty nest, and was just about to rob it, when a chorus of shrill cries arose on every side of him and hundreds of birds — so many that they quite filled the air flew straight at the white one, pecking him with their bills and striking him with their wings; for anger had made even the most timid of the little birds fierce, and there were so many of them that they gave each other courage. Jim Crow tried to escape, but whichever way he might fly his foes clustered all around him, getting in his way so that he could not use his big wings properly. And all the time they were pecking at him and fighting him as hard as they could. Also, the chalk was brushed from his feathers, by 125 Bandit Jim Crow degrees, and soon the birds were able to recognize their old enemy the crow, and then, indeed, they became more furious than ever. Policeman Blue Jay was especially angry at the deception practiced upon him, and if he could have got at the crow just then he would have killed it instantly. But the little birds were all in his way, so he was forced to hold aloof. Filled with terror and smarting with pain, Jim Crow had only one thought: to get to the shelter of his nest in the pine-tree. In some way he managed to do this, and to sink exhausted into the hollow of his nest. But many of his enemies followed him, and although the thick feathers of his back 126 HOUSE THE BIRDS BEAR WATER TO JIM Bandit Jim Crow and wings protected his body, Jim's head and eyes were at the mercy of the sharp bills of the vengeful birds. When at last they left him, thinking he had been sufficiently punished, Jim Crow was as nearly dead as a bird could be. But crows are tough, and this one was unlucky enough to remain alive. For when his wounds had healed he had become totally blind, and day after day he sat in his nest, helpless and alone, and dared not leave it. 128 Chapter VIII Jim Crow Has Time to Repent His Sins W! HERE are you going, my dear?” asked the Blue Jay of his wife. “I'm going to carry some grubs to Jim Crow,” she answered. "I'll be back in a minute.” “ Jim Crow is a robber and a murderer!” said the policeman, harshly. I know,” she replied, in a sweet voice; " but he is blind." “Well, fly along,” said her husband; “but hurry back again.” And the robin-redbreast and his wife 129 Bandit Jim Crow filled a cup-shaped flower with water from the brook, and then carried it in their bills to the pine-tree, without spilling a drop. “Where are you going?” asked the oriole, as they passed. "We 're just taking some water to Jim Crow,” replied Mrs. Robin. “He's a thief and a scoundrel!” cried the oriole, indignantly. “That is true.” said Mrs. Robin, in a soft, pitiful voice; “but he is blind.” “Let me help you.” exclaimed the oriole. “I'll carry this side of the cup, so it can't tip.” So Jim Crow, blind and helpless, sat in his nest day after day and week after week, while the little birds he had so cruelly 130 Bandit Jim Crow wronged brought him food and water and cared for him as generously as they could. And I wonder what his thoughts were don't you? r PRAIRIE-DOG TOWN PRAIRIE-DOG TOWN List of Chapters . I The Picnic II Prairie-Dog Town III Mr. Bowko, the Mayor IV Presto Digi, the Magician V The Home of the Puff-Pudgys VI Teenty and Weenty VII The Mayor Gives a Luncheon VIII On Top of the Earth Again PAGE . 137 . 145 . 150 . 158 . 166 174 . 181 . 189 Chapter I The Picnic ON N the great western prairies of Dakota is a little town called Edgeley, be- cause it is on the edge of civilization -- a very big word which means some folks have found a better way to live than other folks. The Edgeley people have a good way to live, for there are almost seventeen wooden houses there, and among them is a school-house, a church, a store and a black- smith-shop. If people walked out their front doors they were upon the little street; if they walked out the back doors they were 137 Prairie-Dog Town on the broad prairies. That was why Twinkle, who was a farmer's little girl, lived so near the town that she could easily walk to school. She was a pretty, rosy-cheeked little thing, with long, fluffy hair, and big round eyes that everybody smiled into when they saw them. It was hard to keep that fluffy hair from getting tangled; so mamma used to tie it in the back with a big, broad ribbon. And Twinkle wore calico slips for school days and gingham dresses when she wanted to “dress up” or look especially nice. And to keep the sun from spotting her face with freckles, she wore sunbonnets made of the same goods as her dresses. Twinkle's best chum was a little boy 138 CHUBBINS Prairie-Dog Town called Chubbins, who was the only child of the tired-faced school-teacher. Chubbins was about as old as Twinkle; but he was n't so tall and slender for his age as she was, being short and rather fat. The hair on his little round head was cut close, and he usu- ally wore a shirt-waist and “knickers,” with a wide straw hat on the back of his head. Chubbins's face was very solemn. He never said many words when grown folks were around, but he could talk fast enough when he and Twinkle were playing together alone. Well, one Saturday the school had a pic- nic, and Twinkle and Chubbins both went. On the Dakota prairies there are no shade- trees at all, and very little water except what they they get by boring deep holes 140 Prairie-Dog Town in the ground; so you may wonder where the people could possibly have a picnic. But about three miles from the town a little stream of water (which they called a “river,” but we would call only a brook) ran slow and muddy across the prairie; and where the road crossed it a flat bridge had been built. If you climbed down the banks of the river you would find a nice shady place under the wooden bridge; and so here it was that the picnics were held. All the village went to the picnic, and they started bright and early in the morning, with horses and farm-wagons, and baskets full of good things to eat, and soon arrived at the bridge. There was room enough in its shade for 141 Prairie-Dog Town all to be comfortable; so they unhitched the horses and carried the baskets to the river bank, and began to laugh and be as merry as they could. Twinkle and Chubbins, however, did n't care much for the shade of the bridge. This was a strange place to them, so they decided to explore it and see if it was any different from any other part of the prairie. Without telling anybody where they were going, they took hold of hands and trotted across the bridge and away into the plains on the other side. The ground here was n't flat, but had long rolls to it, like big waves on the ocean, so that as soon as the little girl and boy had climbed over the top of the first wave, or 142 TWINKLE AND CHUBBINS START TO EXPLORE Prairie-Dog Town hill, those by the river lost sight of them. They saw nothing but grass in the first hollow, but there was another hill just be- yond, so they kept going, and climbed over that too. And now they found, lying in the second hollow, one of the most curious sights that the western prairies afford. What is it?" asked Chubbins, wonder- ingly. “Why, it's a Prairie-Dog Town,” said Twinkle. 144 Chapter II Prairie-Dog Town L YING in every direction, and quite filling the little hollow, were round mounds of earth, each one having a hole in the center. The mounds were about two feet high and as big around as a wash- tub, and the edges of the holes were pounded hard and smooth by the pattering feet of the little creatures that lived within. “Is n't it funny!” said Chubbins, staring at the mounds. “Awful,” replied Twinkle, staring too. “Do you know, Chub, there are an'mals 145 Prairie-Dog Town living in every single one of those holes ?” • What kind ?" asked Chubbins. "Well, they're something like squirrels, only they are n't squirrels,” she explained. “They're prairie-dogs." “Don't like dogs," said the boy, looking a bit uneasy. “Oh, they 're not dogs at all,” said Twinkle; "they ’re soft and fluffy, and gentle.” “Do they bark?” he asked. “Yes; but they don't bite." “How d' you know, Twink?" • Papa has told me about them, lots of times. He says they're so shy that they run into their holes when anybody 's around; but if you keep quiet and watch, they'll 146 WRICHT MAGINED WATCHING Prairie-Dog Town stick their heads out in a few minutes." “Let's watch," said Chubbins. · All right,” she agreed. Very near to some of the mounds was a raised bank, covered with soft grass; so the children stole softly up to this bank and lay down upon it in such a way that their heads just stuck over the top of it, while their bodies were hidden from the eyes of any of the folks of Prairie-Dog Town. “Are you comferble, Chub?" asked the little girl. “Yes.” “Then lie still and don't talk, and keep your eyes open, and perhaps the an'mals will stick their heads up.” “All right,” says Chubbins. 148 Prairie-Dog Town So they kept quiet and waited, and it seemed a long time to both the boy and the girl before a soft, furry head popped out of a near-by hole, and two big, gentle brown eyes looked at them curiously. Withers 149 Chapter III Mr. Bowko, the Mayor D EAR me!” said the prairie-dog, speak- ing almost in a whisper; “here are some of those queer humans from the village.” • Let me see! Let me see!” cried two shrill little voices, and the wee heads of two small creatures popped out of the hole and fixed their bright eyes upon the heads of Twinkle and Chubbins. 6. Go down at once!” said the mother prairie-dog. “Do you want to get hurt, you naughty little things?” 150 Da CINEL RIDHI " GO DOWN AT ONCEI” Prairie-Dog Town “Oh, they won't get hurt,” said another deeper voice, and the children turned their eyes toward a second mound, on top of which sat a plump prairie-dog whose reddish fur was tipped with white on the end of each hair. He seemed to be quite old, or at least well along in years, and he had a wise and thoughtful look on his face. They're humans,” said the mother. “True enough; but they 're only human children, and would n't hurt your for the world,” the old one said. “That's so!” called Twinkle. "All we want, is to get acquainted.” "Why, in that case,” replied the old prai- rie-dog, "you are very welcome in our town, and we're glad to see you.” little ones 22 152 Prairie-Dog Town “Thank you," said Twinkle, gratefully. It did n't occur to her just then that it was wonderful to be talking to the little prairie- dogs just as if they were people. It seemed very natural they should speak with each other and be friendly. As if attracted by the sound of voices, little heads began to pop out of the other mounds—one here and one there—until the town was alive with the pretty creatures, all squatting near the edges of their holes and eyeing Chubbins and Twinkle with grave and curious looks. “Let me introduce myself,” said the old one that had first proved friendly. “My name is Bowko, and I'm the Mayor and High Chief of Prairie-Dog Town.” 153 Prairie-Dog Town “Don't you have a king?” asked Twinkle. “Not in this town,” he answered. “There seems to be no place for kings in this free United States. And a Mayor and High Chief is just as good as a king, any day.” “I think so, too,” answered the girl. “Better!” declared Chubbins. The Mayor smiled, as if pleased. “I see you've been properly brought up,” he continued; “and now let me introduce to you some of my fellow-citizens. This,” pointing with one little paw to the hole where the mother and her two children were sitting, “is Mrs. Puff-Pudgy and her family —Teenty and Weenty. Mr. Puff-Pudgy, I regret to say, was recently chased out of town for saying his prayers backwards.' 154 WAGON 22 RIGHT ENRIGHTS MR. PUFF-PUDGY WOULD SAY HIS PRAYERS BACKWARD Prairie-Dog Town “How could he?" asked Chubbins, much surprised. “He was always contrary,” answered the Mayor, with a sigh, “and would n't do things the same way that others did. His good wife, Mrs. Puff-Pudgy, had to scold him all day long; so we finally made him leave the town, and I don't know where he's gone to." “Won't he be sorry not to have his little children any more?” asked Twinkle, regret- fully. “I suppose so; but if people are contrary, and won't behave, they must take the conse- quences. This is Mr. Chuckledorf,” con- tinued the Mayor, and a very fat prairie-dog bowed to them most politely; "and here is 156 Prairie-Dog Town Mrs. Fuzcum; and Mrs. Chatterby; and Mr. Sneezeley, and Doctor Dosem." All these folks bowed gravely and politely, and Chubbins and Twinkle bobbed their heads in return until their necks ached, for it seemed as if the Mayor would never get through introducing the hundreds of prairie- dogs that were squatting around. "I'll never be able to tell one from the other,” whispered the girl; “'cause they all look exactly alike.” “Some of 'em 's fatter,” observed Chub- bins; “but I don't know which.” 157 Chapter IV Presto Digi, the Magician A ND now, if you like, we will be pleased to have you visit some of our houses,” said Mr. Bowko, the Mayor, in a friendly tone. “But we can't!” exclaimed Twinkle. “We 're too big,” and she got up and sat the bank, to show him how big she really was when compared with the prai- rie-dogs. “Oh, that does n't matter in the least," the Mayor replied. “I'll have Presto Digi, our magician, reduce you to our size." down upon 158 7 MR. BOWKO, THE MAYOR Prairie-Dog Town “Can he?" asked Twinkle, doubtfully. “Our magician can do anything," de clared the Mayor. Then he sat up and put both his front paws to his mouth and made a curious sound that was something like a bark and something like a whistle, but not exactly like either one. Then everybody waited in silence until a queer old prairie-dog slowly put his head out of a big mound near the center of the village. “Good morning, Mr. Presto Digi,” said the Mayor. “Morning!” answered the magician, blinking his eyes as if he had just awak- ened from sleep Twinkle nearly laughed at this scrawny, 160 Prairie-Dog Town skinny personage; but by good fortune, for she did n't wish to offend him, she kept her face straight and did not even smile. “We have two guests here, this morn- ing,” continued the Mayor, addressing the magician, “who are a little too large to get into our houses. So, as they are invited to stay to luncheon, it would please us all you would kindly reduce them to fit our underground rooms." “Is that all you want?" asked Mr. Presto Digi, bobbing his head at the children. “It seems to me a great deal,” answered Twinkle. “I'm afraid you never could do it.” “Wow!” said the magician, in a scornful voice that was almost a bark. “I can do if 161 Prairie-Dog Town that with one paw. Come here to me, and don't step on any of our mounds while you 're so big and clumsy.” So Twinkle and Chubbins got up and walked slowly toward the magician, taking great care where they stepped. Teenty and Weenty were frightened, and ducked their heads with little squeals as the big children passed their mound; but they bobbed up again the next moment, being curious to see what would happen. When the boy and girl stopped before Mr. Presto Digi's mound, he began waving one of his thin, scraggy paws and at the same time made a gurgling noise that was deep down in his throat. And his eyes rolled and twisted around in a very odd way. 162 | MR. PRESTO DIGI WORKS MAGIC Prairie-Dog Town Neither Twinkle nor Chubbins felt any effect from the magic, nor any different from ordinary; but they knew they were grow- ing smaller, because their eyes were getting closer to the magician. “Is that enough ?” asked Mr. Presto, after a while. “Just a little more, please," replied the Mayor; I don't want them to bump their heads against the doorways." So the magician again waved his paw and chuckled and gurgled and blinked, until Twinkle suddenly found she had to look up at him as he squatted on his mound. “Stop!” she screamed; “if you keep on, we won't be anything at all!” “You're just about the right size," said 164 Prairie-Dog Town the Mayor, looking them over with much pleasure, and when the girl turned around she found Mr. Bowko and Mrs. Puff-Pudgy standing beside her, and she could easily see that Chubbins was no bigger than they, and she was no bigger than Chubbins. “Kindly follow me,” said Mrs. Puff- Pudgy, "for my little darlings are anxious to make your acquaintance, and as I was the first to discover you, you are to be my guests first of all, and afterward go to the Mayor's to luncheon.” 165 Chapter V S° The Home of the Puff-Pudgys 10 Twinkle and Chubbins, still holding hands, trotted along to the Puff- Pudgy mound, and it was strange how rough the ground now seemed to their tiny feet. They climbed up the slope of the mound rather clumsily, and when they came to the hole it seemed to them as big as a well. Then they saw that it was n't a deep hole, but a sort of tunnel leading down hill into the mound, and Twinkle knew if they were careful they were not likely to slip or tumble down. 166 AINED WRIGHT PNG THE GROUND NOW SEEMED ROUGH TO THEIR TINY FEET Prairie-Dog Town Mrs. Puff-Pudgy popped into the hole like a flash, for she was used to it, and waited just below the opening to guide them. So, Twinkle slipped down to the floor of the tunnel and Chubbins followed close after her, and then they began to go downward. “It's a little dark right here,” said Mrs. Puff-Pudgy; but I've ordered the 'maid to light the candles for you, so you 'll see well enough when you 're in the rooms. ' ” said Twinkle, walking along the hall and feeling her way by keeping her hand upon the smooth sides of the passage. “I hope you won't go to any trouble, or put on airs, just because we've come to visit you.” “Thank you, 168 Prairie-Dog Town “If I do,” replied Mrs. Puffy-Pudgy, “it's because I know the right way to treat com- pany. We've always belonged to the 'four hundred,' you know. Some folks never know what to do, or how to do it, but that is n't the way with the Puff-Pudgys. Hi! you, Teenty and Weenty-get out of here and behave yourselves! You 'll soon have a good look at our visitors." And now they came into a room so com- fortable and even splendid that Twinkle's eyes opened wide with amazement. It was big, and of a round shape, and on the walls were painted very handsome por- traits of different prairie-dogs of the Puff- Pudgy family. The furniture was made of white clay, baked hard in the sun and dec- 169 Prairie-Dog Town orated with paints made from blue clay and l'ed clay and yellow clay. This gave it a gorgeous appearance. There was a round table in the middle of the room, and several comfortable chairs and sofas. Around the walls were little brackets with candles in them, lighting the place very pleasantly. “Sit down, please,” said Mrs. Puff-Pudgy. “You 'll want to rest a minute before I show you around.” So Twinkle and Chubbins sat upon the pretty clay chairs, and Teenty and Weenty sat opposite them and stared with their mischievous round eyes as hard as they could. “What nice furniture,” exclaimed the girl. “Yes,” replied Mrs. Puff-Pudgy, looking 170 MR. PUFF-PUDGY'S PORTRAIT Prairie-Dog Town up at the picture of a sad-faced prairie-dog; “Mr. Puff-Pudgy made it all himself. He was very handy at such things. It's a shame he turned out so obstinate." “ Did he build the house too?” Why, he dug it out, if that's what you mean. But I advised him how to do it, so I deserve some credit for it myself. Next to the Mayor's, it's the best house in town, which accounts for our high social standing. Weenty! take your paw out of You're biting your claws again.” “I'm not!” said Weenty. “And now," continued Mrs. Puff-Pudgy, “if you are rested, I'll show you through the rest of our house." your mouth. 172 Prairie-Dog Town So, they got up and followed her, and she led the children through an archway into the dining-room. Here was a cupboard full of the cunningest little dishes Twinkle had ever seen. They were all made of clay, baked hard in the sun, and were of grace- ful shapes, and nearly as smooth and perfect as our own dishes. 173 Chapter VI A onwere po kids of bine , in 1985 Teenty and Weenty LL around the sides of the dining- room were pockets, or bins, in the wall; and these were full of those things the prairie-dogs are most fond of eating. Clover-seeds filled one bin, and sweet roots another; dried mulberry leaves— that must have come from a long distance-- were in another bin, and even kernels of yellow field corn were heaped in one place. The Puff-Pudgys were surely in no danger of starving for some time to come. “ Teenty! Put back that grain of wheat,” 174 THE CHILDREN EXAMINE THE DINING-ROOM Prairie-Dog Town commanded the mother, in a severe voice. Instead of obeying, Teenty put the wheat in his mouth and ate it as quickly as pos- sible. “The little dears are so restless,” Mrs. Puff-Pudgy said to Twinkle, “ that it is hard to manage them.” “They don't behave,” remarked Chub- bins, staring hard at the children. · No, they have a share of their father's obstinate nature,” replied Mrs. Puff-Pudgy. “Excuse me a minute and I'll cuff them; It'll do them good.” But before their mother could reach them, the children found trouble of their own. Teenty sprang at Weenty and began to fight, because his brother had pinched him, 176 Prairie-Dog Town and Weenty fought back with all his might and main. They scratched with their claws and bit with their teeth, and rolled over and over upon the floor, bumping into the wall and upsetting the chairs, and snarling and growling all the while like two puppies. Mrs. Puff-Pudgy sat down and watched them, but did not interfere. “Won't they hurt themselves?” asked Twinkle, anxiously. "Perhaps so," said the mother; “but if they do, it will punish them for being so naughty. I always let them fight it out, because they are so sore for a day or two afterward that they have to keep quiet, and then I get a little rest.' Weenty set up a great howling, just then, 177 Prairie-Dog Town and Teenty drew away from his defeated brother and looked at him closely. The fur on both of them was badly mussed up, and Weenty had a long scratch on his nose, that must have hurt him, or he would n't have howled so. Teenty's left eye was closed tight, but if it hurt him he bore the pain in silence. Mrs. Puff-Pudgy now pushed them both into a little room and shut them up, saying they must stay there until bedtime; and then she led Twinkle and Chubbins into the kitchen and showed them a pool of clear water, in a big clay basin, that had been caught during the last rain and saved for drinking purposes. The children drank of it, and found it cool and refreshing. 178 THE QUARREL Chapter VII The Mayor Gives a Luncheon Dº ON’T we have to go upstairs and out of doors?” asked Twinkle. “Oh, no,” replied the prairie-dog, “We have halls connecting all the different houses of importance. Just follow me, and you can't get lost.” They might easily have been lost with- out their guide, the little girl thought, after they had gone through several winding passages. They turned this way and that, in quite a bewildering manner, and there were so many underground tunnels going 181 Prairie-Dog Town in every direction that it was a wonder Mrs. Puff-Pudgy knew which way to go. You ought to have sign-posts,” said Chubbins, who had once been in a city. “Why, as for that, every one in the town knows which way to go," answered their guide; "and it is n't often we have visitors. Last week a gray owl stopped with us for a couple of days, and we had a fine ball in her honor. But you are the first humans that have ever been entertained in our town, so it's quite an event with us. А few minutes later she said: “Here we are, at the Mayor's house,” and as they passed under a broad archway she blew out her candle, because the Mayor's house was so brilliantly lighted. , ܕܕ 182 AUD THE LUNCHEON AT THE MAYOR'S Prairie-Dog Town “Welcome!” said Mr. Bowko, greeting the children with polite bows. “You are just in time, for luncheon is about ready and my guests are waiting for you.” He led them at once into a big dining- room that was so magnificently painted with colored clays that the walls were as bright as a June rainbow. "How pretty!” cried Twinkle, clapping her hands together in delight. “I'm glad you like it,” said the Mayor, much pleased. “Some people, who are lacking in good taste, think it 's a little overdone, but a Mayor's house should be gorgeous, I think, so as to be a credit to the community. My grandfather, who de- signed and painted this house, was a very 184 Prairie-Dog Town fine artist. But luncheon is ready, so pray be seated." They sat down on little clay chairs that were placed at the round table. The Mayor sat on one side of Twinkle and Mrs. Puff- Pudgy on the other, and Chubbins was be- tween the skinny old magician and Mr. Sneezeley. Also, in other chairs sat Dr. Dosem, and Mrs. Chatterby, and Mrs. Fuz- cum, and several others. It was a large com- pany, indeed, which showed that the Mayor considered this a very important occasion. They were waited upon by several sleek prairie-dog maids in white aprons and white caps, who looked neat and respectable, and were very graceful in their motions. Neither Twinkle nor Chubbins was very 185 Prairie-Dog Town hungry, but they were curious to know what kind of food the prairie-dogs ate, so they watched carefully when the different dishes were passed around. Only grains and vegetables were used, for prairie-dogs do not eat meat. There was a milk-weed soup at first; and then yellow corn, boiled and sliced thin. Afterward they had a salad of thistle leaves, and some bread made of barley. The dessert was a dish of the sweet, dark honey made by prairie-bees, and some cakes flavored with sweet and spicy roots that only prairie-dogs know how to find. The children tasted of several dishes, just to show their politeness; but they could n't eat much. Chubbins spent most of his time watching Mr. Presto Digi, who ate up 186 Prairie-Dog Town everything that was near him and seemed to be as hungry after the luncheon as he had been before. Mrs. Puff-Pudgy talked so much about the social standing and dignity of the Puff- Pudgys that she could n't find time to eat much, although she asked for the recipe of the milk-weed soup. But most of the others present paid strict attention to the meal and ate with very good appetites. 188 Chapter VIII On Top of the Earth Again A FTERWARD they all went into the big drawing-room, where Mrs. Fuz- cum sang a song for them in a very shrill voice, and Mr. Sneezeley and Mrs. Chatterby danced a graceful minuet that was much admired by all present. “We ought to be going home,” said Twinkle, after this entertainment was “I'm afraid our folks will worry about us." “We regret to part with you,” replied the Mayor; “but, if you really think you over. 189 Prairie-Dog Town 12 > ought to go, we will not be so impolite as to urge you to stay.” “You 'll find we have excellent manners, added Mrs. Puff-Pudgy. “I want to get big again,” said Chubbins. “Very well; please step this way,” said the Mayor. So they all followed him through a long passage until they began to go upward, as if climbing a hill. And then a gleam of daylight showed just ahead of them, and a few more steps brought them to the hole in the middle of the mound. The Mayor and Mrs. Puff-Pudgy jumped up first, and then they helped Twinkle and Chubbins to scramble out. The strong sun- light made them blink their eyes for a 190 两 ​WATAN DO YOU THINK WE'VE BEEN ASLEEP?” Prairie-Dog Town time, but when they were able to look around they found one or more heads of prairie-dogs sticking from every mound. . “Now, Mr. Presto Digi," said the Mayor, when all the party were standing on the ground, "please enlarge our friends to their natural sizes again.” “That is very easy,” said the magician, with a sigh. “I really wish, Mr. Mayor, that you would find something for me to do that is difficult.” “I will, some time,” promised the Mayor. Just now, this is all I can require of you.” So the magician waved his paw and gurgled, much in the same way he had done before, and Twinkle and Chubbins began to grow and swell out until they were as large 192 Prairie-Dog Town as ever, and the prairie-dogs again seemed very small beside them. Good-bye,” said the little girl, “and thank you all, very much, for your kind- ness to us.” “Good-bye!” answered a chorus of small voices, and then all the prairie-dogs popped into their holes and quickly disappeared. Twinkle and Chubbins found they were sitting on the green bank again, at the edge of Prairie-Dog Town. you think we've been asleep, Chub?" asked the girl. “ 'Course not,” replied Chubbins, with a big yawn. “It's easy 'nough to know that, Twink, 'cause I'm sleepy now!” "Do THE END 193 PRINCE MUD-TURTLE List of Chapters PAGE I Twinkle Captures the Turtle 199 II Twinkle Discovers the Turtle Talk 207 III The Turtle Tells of the Corrugated can . Giant . . 214 IV Prince Turtle Remembers His Magic 223 V Twinkle Promises to be Brave 232 VI Twinkle Meets the Corrugated Giant 239 VII Prince Mud-Turtle Becomes Prince Melga . 244 VIII Twinkle Receives a Medal 250 Chapter I Twinkle Captures the Turtle OME NE hot summer day Twinkle went down into the meadow to where the brook ran tinkling over its stones or rushed and whirled around the curves of the banks or floated lazily through the more wide and shallow parts. It was n't much of a brook, to tell the facts, for there were many places where an active child could leap across it. But it was the only brook for miles around, and to Twinkle it was a never-ending source of delight. Nothing amused or refreshed the 199 MAGINE WIST ENNIGHT TWINKLE PREPARES TO GO WADING Prince Mud-Turtle just where the rickety wooden bridge crossed the brook, and at once sat down upon the grassy bank and took off her shoes and stockings. Then, wearing her sun-bonnet to shield her face from the sun, she stepped softly into the brook and stood watching the cool water rush by her legs. It was very nice and pleasant; but Twinkle never could stand still for very long, so she began to wade slowly down the stream, keeping in the middle of the brook, and being able to see through the clear water all the best places to put her feet. Pretty soon she had to duck her head to pass under the fence that separated 202 Prince Mud-Turtle the meadow from the pasture lot; but she got through all right, and then kept on down the stream, until she came close to the deep pool. She could n't wade through this, as I have explained; so she got on dry land and crept on her hands and knees up to the edge of the bank, so as not to scare the fishes, if any were swimming in the pool. By good luck there were several fishes in the pool to-day, and they did n't seem to notice that Twinkle was looking at them, so quiet had she been. One little fellow shone like silver when the sunshine caught his glossy sides, and the little girl watched him wiggling here and there with much delight. There was also a big, mud-colored 203 Prince Mud-Turtle fish that lay a long time upon the bottom without moving anything except his fins and the tip of his tail, and Twinkle also discovered a group of several small fishes not over an inch long, that always swam together in a bunch, as if they belonged to one family. The girl watched these little creatures long and earnestly. The pool was all of the world these simple fishes would ever know. They were born here, and would die here, without ever getting away from the place, or even knowing there was a much bigger world outside of it. After a time the child noticed that the water had become a little muddy near the edge of the bank where she lay, and as 204 Prince Mud-Turtle it slowly grew clear again she saw a beau- tiful turtle lying just under her head and against the side of the bank. It was a little bigger around than a silver dollar, and instead of its shell being of a dull brown color, like that of all other mud- turtles she had seen, this one's back was streaked with brilliant patches of yellow and red. “I must get that lovely turtle!” thought Twinkle; and as the water was shallow where it lay she suddenly plunged in her hand, grabbed the turtle, and flung it out of the water on to the bank, where it fell upon its back, wiggling its four fat legs desperately in an attempt to turn over. 206 Chapter II Twinkle Discovers the Turtle Can Talk A? T this sudden commotion in their water, the fishes darted away and disappeared in a flash. But Twinkle did n't mind that, for all her interest was now centered in the struggling turtle. She knelt upon the grass and bent over to watch it, and just then she thought she heard a small voice say: “It's no use; I can't do it!" and then the turtle drew its head and legs between the shells and remained still. “Good gracious!” said Twinkle, much 207 her 16 MAINKL. WRIGHT. ZKRIGHT TWINKLE WATCHING THE TURTLE Prince Mud-Turtle the tub to where it was dry, whichever he pleased. She did this because mamma said that turtles sometimes liked to stay in the water and sometimes on land, and Twinkle's turtle could now take his choice. He could n't climb up the steep sides of the tub and so get away, and the little girl thoughtfully placed crumbs of bread and fine bits of meat, where the turtle could get them whenever he felt hungry. After that, Twinkle often sat for hours watching the turtle, which would crawl around the bottom of the tub, and swim in the little pool of water and eat the food placed before him in an eager and amus- ing way. At times she took him in her hand and 210 Prince Mud-Turtle examined him closely, and then the mud- turtle would put out its little head and look at her with its bright eyes as curiously, as the girl looked at him. She had owned her turtle just a week, when she came to the tub one afternoon and held him in her hand, intending to feed her pet some scraps of meat she had brought with her. But as But as soon turtle put out its head it said to her, in a small but distinct voice: “Good morning, Twinkle.' She was so surprised that the meat dropped from her hand, and she nearly dropped the turtle, too. But she managed to control her astonishment, and asked, in a voice that trembled a little: as the 211 Prince Mud-Turtle “Can you talk ?” “To be sure,” replied the turtle; “ 66 but only on every seventh day – which of course is every Saturday. On other days I cannot talk at all." “ Then I really must have heard you speak when I caught you; did n't I?" I believe you did. I was so startled at being captured that I spoke before I thought, which is a bad habit to get into. But afterward I resolved not to answer when you questioned me, for I did n't know you then, and feared it would be unwise to trust you with my secret. Even now I must ask you not to tell any one that you have a turtle that knows how to talk.' 212 Chapter III The Turtle Tells of the Corrugated Giant WHY, HY, it's wonderful!” said Twinkle, who had listened eagerly to the turtle's speech. “It would be wonderful, indeed, if I were but a simple turtle,” was the reply. “But are n't you a turtle?” “Of course, so far as my outward ap- pearance goes, I'm a common little mud- turtle,” it answered; "and I think you will agree with me that it was rather clever in the Corrugated Giant to transform me into such a creature." 214 Prince Mud-Turtle • What's a Corrulated Giant?" asked Twinkle, with breathless interest. “The Corrugated Giant is a monster that is full of deep wrinkles, because he has no bones inside him to hold his flesh up properly,” said the turtle. “I hated this giant, who is both wicked and cruel, I assure you; and this giant hated me in return. So, when one day I tried to destroy him, the monster transformed me into the helpless little being you see before you." “But who were you before you were transformed ?” asked the girl. “A fairy prince named Melga, the seventh son of the fairy Queen Flutterlight, who rules all the fairies in the north part of this land.” 215 Prince Mud-Turtle " And how long have you been been a turtle?" " “Fourteen years," replied the creature, with a deep sigh. “At least, I think it is fourteen years; but of course when one is swimming around in brooks and grub- bing in the mud for food, one is apt to lose all track of time.” I should think so, indeed,” said Twinkle. “But, according to that, you're older than I am.” “Much older,” declared the turtle. “I had lived about four hundred years before the Corrugated Giant turned me into a turtle.” “Was your head gray?” she asked; “and did you have white whiskers?” 216 .دولار ار QUEEN FLUTTERLIGHT Prince Mud-Turtle No, indeed!” said the turtle. “Fairies are always young and beautiful in ap- pearance, no matter how many years they have lived. And, as they never die, they 're bound to get pretty old sometimes, as a matter of course. “Of course!” agreed Twinkle. 64 Mama has told me about the fairies. But must you always be a mud-turtle?” “That will depend on whether you are willing to help me or not,” was the answer. Why, it sounds just like a fairy tale in a book !” cried the little girl. “Yes,” replied the turtle, “these things have been happening ever since there were fairies, and you might expect some of our 218 Prince Mud-Turtle “I won't have to fight that Carbolated Giant, will I?” Twinkle asked doubtfully. “He is n't carbolated; he's corrugated. No, you won't have to fight at all. When the proper time comes I'll do the fight- ing myself. But you may have to come with me to the Black Mountains, in order to set me free.” “ Is it far?" she asked. · Yes; but it won't take us long to go there," answered the turtle. “Now, I'll tell you what to do and, if my advice no one will ever know you 've been mixed up with fairies and strange adventures.” “And Collerated Giants,” she added. Corrugated,” he corrected. " It is too you follow 220 Prince Mud-Turtle late, this Saturday, to start upon our journey, so we must wait another week. But next Saturday morning do you come to me bright and early, as soon as you 've had breakfast, and then I'll tell you what to do.” “ All right,” said Twinkle; “I won't forget." “In the mean time, do give me a little clean water now and then. I'm a mud- turtle, sure enough; but I'm also a fairy prince, and I must say I prefer clean water." “I'll attend to it,” promised the girl. “Now put me down and run away,” continued the turtle. the turtle. “It will take me all the week to think over my plans, and decide exactly what we are to do." 222 Chapter IV Prince Turtle Remembers His Magic as as she TWINKI soon as WINKLE was nervous could be during all the week that followed this strange conversation with Prince Turtle. Every day, as school was out, she would run to the tub to see if the turtle was still safe for she worried lest it should run away or disappear in some strange manner. And during school hours it was such hard work to keep her mind on her lessons that teacher scolded her more than once. The fairy imprisoned in the turtle's 223 Prince Mud-Turtle form had nothing to say to her during this week, because he would not be al- lowed to talk again until Saturday; so the most that Twinkle could do to show her interest in the Prince was to give him the choicest food she could get and sup- ply him with plenty of fresh, clean water. At last the day of her adventure arrived, and as soon as she could get away from the breakfast table Twinkle ran out to the tub. There was her fairy turtle, safe as could be, and as she leaned over the tub he put out his head and called Good morning!” in his small, shrill voice. “Good morning,” she replied. “ Are you still willing and ready to assist me?" asked the turtle. 224 MAGINE WRIGHT. ENNGAT THE TRIP THROUGH THE AIR Prince Mud-Turtle pleased. “I thought I had n't forgotten my fairy wisdom.” • Where are we?” asked the child. In the Black Mountains, of colirse,” was the reply. 66 We've come a good way, but it did n't take us long to arrive, did it?” “ No, indeed," she answered, still gazing down the mountain side at the flower- strewn grass-land of the valleys. “This,” said the turtle, sticking his little head out of the shell as far as it would go, “is the realm of the fairies, where I used to dwell. Those beautiful palaces you see yonder are inhabited by Queen Flutterlight and my people, and that grim castle at your left, standing on 228 MAGIN WNIGHT ENRIQUE RUB YOUR EYELIDS WITH IT” Prince Mud-Turtle the side of the mountain, is where the Corrugated Giant lives.” “I don't see anything!” exclaimed Twinkle; " that is, nothing but the valleys and the flowers and grass.” • True; I had forgotten that these things are invisible to your mortal eyes. But it is necessary that you should see all clearly, if you are going to rescue me from this terrible form and restore me to my natural shape. Now, put me down upon the ground, for I must search for a par- ticular plant whose leaf has a magic virtue.” So Twinkle put him down, and the little turtle began running around here and there, looking carefully at the different plants that grew amongst the grass on 230 Prince Mud-Turtle the mountain side. But his legs were so short and his shell-covered body so heavy, that he could n't move very fast; so presently he called for her to pick him up again, and hold him close to the ground while she walked among the plants. She did this, and after what seemed a long search the turtle suddenly cried out: Stop! Here it is! This is the plant I want." “Which — this?” asked the girl, touch- ing a broad green leaf. “Yes. Pluck the leaf from the stem and rub your eyelids with it." She obeyed, and having rubbed her lids well with the leaf, she again opened her eyes and beheld the real Fairyland. 231 Chapter V Twinkle Promises to Be Brave a IN N the center of the valley was great cluster of palaces that appeared to be built of crystal and silver and mother- of-pearl, and golden filigree-work. So dainty and beautiful were these fairy dwellings that Twinkle had no doubt for an instant but that she gazed upon fairyland. She could almost see, from the far mountain upon which she stood, the airy, gauze- winged forms of the fairies themselves, float- ing gently amidst their pretty palaces and moving gracefully along the jeweled streets. 232 PROD ng es Ybbs maust ENNIGHT 6. THAT FENCE IS ENCHANTED” Prince Mud-Turtle I have brought you to this place, and the reason why you alone are able to help me.” “Gracious!” cried Twinkle; “must I meet the Carbonated Giant?" “He's corrugated,” said the turtle. “I know he's something dreadful,” she wailed, “because he's so hard to pro- nounce." “You will surely have to meet him," declared the turtle; “but do not fear, I will protect you from all harm.” "Well, a Corralated Giant's a mighty big person,” said the girl, doubtfully, “and a mud-turtle is n't much of a fighter. I guess I'll go home.” “That is impossible,” declared the turtle. “You are too far from home ever to get 235 33 HUNTING THE MAGIC FLOWER Prince Mud - Turtle “I know what I'm doing, and if you. obey me I'll not be scalded but an instant; for then I'll resume my own form. Remember that I'm a fairy, and fairies can't be killed so easily as you seem to think.” “Won't it hurt you?” she inquired. Only for a moment; but the reward will be so great that I won't mind an instant's pain. Will you do this favor for me?" “I'll try,” replied Twinkle, gravely. “ Then I will be very grateful,” said Prince Turtle, “and agree to afterward send you home safe and sound, and as quickly as you came." 238 Chapter VI Twinkle Meets the Corrugated Giant ND now, we AND while are waiting,'' continued the fairy turtle, “I want to find a certain flower that has wonder- ful powers to protect mortals from any injury. Not that I fear I shall be unable to take care of you, but it's just as well to be on the safe side." Better,” said Twinkle, earnestly. “Where's the flower?” “We'll hunt for it,” replied the turtle. So holding him in her hand in such a way that he could see all the flowers that 239 Prince Mud-Turtle SO grew, the girl began wandering over the mountain side, and everything was beautiful around her that she would have been quite contented and happy had not the gray castle been before her to remind her constantly that she must face the terrible giant who lived within it. They found the flower at last — a pretty pink blossom that looked like a double daisy, but must have been something else, because a daisy has no magic power that I ever heard of. And when it was found, the turtle told her to pick the flower and pin it fast to the front of her dress; which she did. By that time the smoke began to roll out of the giant's chimney in big 240 MAGINELWENRIGHT TWINKLE MANAGES TO SQUEEZE THROUGH Prince Mud-Turtle black clouds; so the fairy turtle said the giant must be getting dinner, and the pot would surely be boiling by the time they got to the castle. Twinkle could n't help being a little afraid to approach the giant's stronghold, but she tried to be brave, and so stepped along briskly until she came to the fence of iron spikes. “You must squeeze through between two of the spikes,” said the turtle. She did n't think it could possibly be done; but to her surprise it was quite easy, and she managed to squeeze through the fence without even tearing her dress. Then she walked up a great driveway, which was lined with white skulls of many 242 Prince Mud-Turtle sheep which the giant had eaten, to the front door of the castle, which stood ajar. “Go in," said the turtle; so she boldly entered and passed down a high arched hall toward a room in the rear. “This is the kitchen,” said the turtle. “Enter quickly, go straight to the kettle, and throw me into the boiling water.” Twinkle entered quickly enough, but then she stopped short with a cry of amaze- ment; for there before her stood the ugly giant, blowing the fire with an immense pair of bellows. 243 Chapter VII Prince Mud-Turtle Becomes Prince Melga Themen, and as as HE giant was as big around as ten men, and as tall two; but, having no bones, he seemed pushed to- gether, so that his skin wrinkled up like the sides of an accordeon, or a photograph camera, even his face being so wrinkled that his nose stuck out between two folds of flesh and his eyes from between two more. In one end of the kitchen was the great fireplace, above which hung an iron kettle with a big iron spoon in it. And at the other end was a table set for dinner. 244 G TWINKLE MEETS THE CORRUGATED GIANT Prince Mud-Turtle eat little girls myself. I prefer mutton." Twinkle's heart almost stopped beating when she heard these awful words. All she could do was to stand still and look im- ploringly at the giant. But she held the fairy mud-turtle clasped tight in her hand, so that the monster could n't see it. "Well, what are you staring at?” shouted the Corrugated Giant, angrily. “Blow up that fire this instant, slave!” He stood aside for her to pass, and Twinkle ran at once to the fireplace. The pot was now before her, and within easy reach, and it was bubbling hot. In an instant she reached out her hand and tossed the turtle into the boiling water; and then, with a cry of horror at 247 Prince Mud-Turtle her own action, she drew back to see what would happen. The turtle was a fairy, all right; and he had known very well the best way to break the enchantment his enemy had put upon him. For no sooner had Twinkle tossed him into the boiling pot than a great hissing was heard, and a cloud of steam hid for an instant the fireplace. as it cleared away, a handsome young prince stepped forward, fully armed; for the turtle was again a fairy, and the kettle had changed into a strong shield which he bore upon his left arm, and the iron spoon was now a long and glittering sword. Then, 248 os pe THE PRINCE KISSES TWINKLE'S HAND Chapter VIII Twinkle Receives a Medal THE HE giant gave a roar like that of a baby bull when he saw Prince Melga standing before him, and in a twinkling he had caught up a big club that stood near and began whirling it over his head. But before it could could descend, the prince ran at him and stuck his sword as far as it would go into the corrugated body of the giant. Again the monster roared and tried to fight; but the sword had hurt him badly, and the prince pushed it into the evil creature again and again, 250 Prince Mud - Turtle Then, after a fine feast had been pre- pared, and the little girl had eaten all she could of the fairy sweetmeats, she told Prince Melga she would like to go home again. “Very well,” said he. “Don't forget me, Twinkle, although we probably shall never meet again. I'll send you home quite as safely as you came; but as your eyes have been rubbed with the magic maita-leaf, you will doubtless always see many strange sights that are hidden from other mortals." “I don't mind,” said Twinkle. Then she bade good-bye to the fairies, and the prince spoke a magic word. There was another rush of wind, and when it 254 Prince Mud - Turtle had passed Twinkle found herself once more in the back yard at home. As she sat upon the grass rubbing her eyes and wondering at the strange adven- ture that had befallen her, mamma came out upon the back porch and said: “Your turtle has crawled out of the tub and run away.” “Yes," said Twinkle, “I know; and I'm glad of it! But she kept her secret to herself. THE END 255 TWINKLE’S ENCHANTMENT TWINKLES ENCHANTMNT List of Chapters . C c I Twinkle Enters the Big Gulch II The Rolling Stone III Some Queer Acquaintances IV The Dancing Bear V The Cave of the Waterfall VI Prince Nimble VII The Grasshoppers' Hop PAGE 261 . 269 · 277 . 288 . 298 . 306 312 . Twinkle's Enchantment The side of the gulch was but a little way from the house. It was like a big ditch, only the sides were not too steep to crawl down; and in the middle of the gulch were rolling hills and deep gullies, all covered with wild bushes and vines and a few flowering plants—very rare in this par! of the country. Twinkle had n't lived very long in this section of Dakota, for her father had just bought the new farm that lay beside the gulch. So the big ditch was a great delight to her, and she loved to wander through it and pick the berries and flowers that never grew on the plains above. To-day she crept carefully down the path back of the house and soon reached the 262 TWINKLE GOES INTO THE GULCH Twinkle's Enchantment bottom of the gulch. Then she began to search for the berries; but all were gone in the places where she had picked them before; so she found she must go further along. She sat down to rest for a time, and by and by she happened to look up at the other side and saw a big cluster of bushes hanging full of ripe blueberries—just about half way up the opposite bank. She had never gone so far before, but if she wanted the berries for papa's supper she knew she must climb up the slope and get them; so she rose to her feet and began to walk in that direction. It was all new to the little girl, and seemed to her like a beautiful fairyland; but she had no idea that the gulch was enchanted. Soon a beetle 264 Twinkle's Enchantment crawled across her path, and as she stopped to let it go by, she heard it say: “Look out for the line of enchantment! You 'll soon cross it, if you don't watch out." “What line of enchantment?" asked Twinkle. “It's almost under your nose,” replied the little creature. “I don't see anything at all,” she said, after looking closely. “Of course you don't,” said the beetle. “It is n't a mark, you know, that any one can see with their eyes; but it's a line of enchantment, just the same, and whoever steps over it is sure to see strange things and have strange adventures." 265 Twinkle's Enchantment “I don't mind that,” said Twinkle. “Well, I don't mind if you don't,” re- turned the beetle, and by that time he had crept across the path and disappeared underneath a big rock. Twinkle went on, without being at all afraid. If the beetle spoke truly, and there really was an invisible line that divided the common, real world from an enchanted country, she was very eager to cross it, as any little girl might well be. And then it occurred to her that she must have crossed the enchanted line before she met the beetle, for otherwise she would n't have understood his language, or known what he was talking about. Children don't talk with beetles in the real world, as Twinkle 266 Twin kle's Enchantment knew very well, and she was walking along soberly, thinking this over, when suddenly a voice cried out to her: "Be careful!' സവn 268 Chapter II The Rolling Stone O" F course Twinkle stopped then, and looked around to see who had spoken. But no one was anywhere in sight. So she started on again. “Look out, or you 'll step on me!” cried the voice a second time. She looked at her feet very carefully. There was nothing near them but a big round stone that was about the size of her head, and a prickly thistle that she never would step on if she could possibly help it. “Who's talking?" she asked. 269 Twinkle's Enchantment “I just 66 “Why, I'm talking,” answered the voice. “Who do you suppose it is?” “I don't know," said Twinkle. can't see anybody at all.” Then you must be blind,” said the voice. “I'm the Rolling Stone, and I'm about two inches from your left toes." “The Rolling Stone!" “That's it. That's me. I'm the Rolling Stone that gathers no moss. "You can't be," said Twinkle, sitting down in the path and looking carefully at the stone. “Why not?” “Because you don't roll,” she said. “You ’re a stone, of course; I can see that, all right. But you 're not rolling.” 270 CENA: WRIGHT TWINKLE LOOKS CAREFULLY AT THE STONE Twinkle's Enchantment I roll, and so I 'm called the Rolling Stone. Sometimes you talk, and so you 're the Talk- ing Girl.” “No; I'm Twinkle,” she said. “That does n't sound like a name,” re- marked the Stone. “It's what papa calls me, anyway,” ex- plained the girl. Then, thinking she had lingered long enough, she added: “I'm going up the hill to pick those berries. Since you can roll, suppose you go with me.' “What! Up hill?” exclaimed the Stone. “Why not?” asked Twinkle. “Who ever heard of a stone rolling up hill? It 's unnatural!” “ Any stone can roll down hill,” said the 273 - . 6 WAIT A MINUTE” THE LITTLE LEARNING Twinkle's Enchantment so that we may help ourselves whenever we are hungry. I wish I had been born in such a country.” “Mother won't churn until Saturday,” said Twinkle. “I know, 'cause I've got to help her, and I just hate butter-making!” “Then I won't go to the farm to-day," replied the butterfly. “Good-bye, little girl. If you think of it, leave a dish of butter around where I can get at it.' “All right,” said Twinkle, and the butter- fly waved its wings and fluttered through the air into the gulch below. Then the girl started up the hill and the Stone rolled slowly beside her, groaning and grumbling because the ground was so rough. Presently she noticed running across the 17 280 Twinkle's Enchantment path a tiny Book, not much bigger than a postage-stamp. It had two slender legs, like those of a bumble-bee, and upon these it ran so fast that all the leaves fluttered wildly, the covers being half open. “What's that?” asked Twinkle, looking after the book in surprise. “That is a little Learning,” answered the Stone. “Look out for it, for they say it 's a dangerous thing." “It's gone already,” said Twinkle. “Let it go. Nobody wants it, that I know of. Just help me over this bump, will you ?” So she rolled the Stone over the little hillock, and just as she did so her atten- tion was attracted by a curious noise that sounded like “Pop! pop! pop!” 281 Twinkle's Enchantment “What's that?" she inquired, hesitating to advance. “Only a weasel," answered the Stone. “Stand still a minute, and you 'll see him. Whenever he thinks he's alone, and there's no one to hear, 'pop' goes the weasel." Sure enough, a little animal soon crossed their path, making the funny noise at every step. But as soon as he saw that Twinkle was staring at him he stopped popping and rushed into a bunch of tall grass and hid himself. And now they were almost at the berry- bushes, and Twinkle trotted so fast that the Rolling Stone had hard work to keep up with her. But when she got to the bushes she found a flock of strange birds sitting 282 Twinkle's Enchantment upon them and eating up the berries as fast as they could. The birds were not much bigger than robins, and were covered with a soft, velvety skin instead of with feathers, and they had merry black eyes and long, slender beaks curving downward from their noses, which gave to their faces a saucy expression. The lack of usual feathers might not have surprised Twinkle so much had she not noticed upon the tail of each bird one single, solitary feather of great length, which was certainly a remarkable thing. “I know what they are,” she said, nod- ding her head wisely; "they ’re birds of a feather.” At this the birds burst into a chorus of laughter, and one of them said: 284 Twinkle's Enchantment "Perhaps you think that's why we flock together." “Well, is n't that the reason?” she asked. “Not a bit of it,” declared the bird. The reason we flock together is because we're too proud to mix with common birds, who have feathers all over them." “I should think you'd be ashamed, 'cause you 're so naked," she returned. “The fact is, Twinkle,” said another bird, as he pecked at a blueberry and swallowed it, “the common things in this world don't amount to much. There are millions of birds on earth, but only a few of us that have but one feather. In my opinion, if you had but one hair upon your head you'd be much prettier.” 285 Twinkle's Enchantment “I'd be more 'strord’nary, I'm sure,” said Twinkle, using the biggest word she could think of. “There's no accounting for tastes," re- marked the Rolling Stone, which had just arrived at Twinkle's side after a hard roll up the path. “For my part, I haven't either hair or feathers, and I'm glad of it.” The birds laughed again, at this, and as they had eaten all the berries they cared for, they now flew into the air and disap- peared. 286 e اليه WAIGHT (ENRICHO TWINKLE MEETS THE DANCING BEAR Twinkle's Enchantment I don't remember going to sleep any time; but perhaps I did, after all.” “Don't let it worry you,” said the Stone, making a queer noise that Twinkle thought was meant for a laugh. "If you wake up, you 'll be sorry you did n't dream longer; and if you find you haven't been asleep, this will be a wonderful adventure." “That's true enough,” the girl answered, and again began filling her pail with the berries. “When I tell mama all this, she won't believe a word of it. And papa will laugh and pinch my cheek, and say I'm like Alice in Wonderland, or Dorothy in the Land of Oz." Just then she noticed something big and black coming around the bushes from the 289 Twinkle's Enchantment “Are you really a Dancing Bear?" asked Twinkle, curiously. "I am, my dear,” he replied, bowing low and then folding his arms proudly as he leaned against a big rock that was near. “I wish there was some one here who could tell you what a fine dancer I am. It would n't be modest for me to praise myself, you know.' “I s'pose not,” said Twinkle. “But if you’re a Dancing Bear, why don't you dance?” “There it is again!” cried the Rolling Stone. “This girl Twinkle wants to keep every body moving. She would n't believe, at first, that I was a Rolling Stone, because I was lying quiet just then. And now she 292 Twinkle's Enchantment in trying to save herself from falling she pushed hard against the Stone and tumbled it from the pathway. “Now you've done it!” growled the Stone, excitedly, as it whirled around. "Here I go, for I 've lost my balance and I can't help myself!” Even as he spoke the big round stone was flying down the side of the gulch, bumping against the hillocks and bits of rock—sometimes leaping into the air and then clinging close to the ground, but going faster and faster every minute. “Dear me," said Twinkle, looking after it; "I'm afraid the Rolling Stone will get hurt.' “No danger of that,” replied the Bear. “It's as hard as a rock, and not a thing in 296 Twinkle's Enchantment the gulch could hurt it a bit. But our friend would have to roll a long time to get back here again, so we won't wait. Come along, my dear.” He held out his paw again, and Twinkle took it with one of her hands while she carried the pail with the other, and so man- aged to get over the rough ground very easily. 297 य lam MAHTINEA WRIGHT ENRICO THE DANCING BEAR DISPLAYS HIS TALENTS Twinkle's Enchantment Kindly take a seat, my dear,” said the bear, “and I'll try to amuse you, and at the same time prove that I can dance." So to the music of the waterfall the bear began dancing. He climbed upon the flat stone, made a graceful bow to Twinkle, and then balanced himself first upon one foot and then upon the other, and swung slowly around in a circle, and then back again. “How do you like it ?” he asked. “I don't care much for it,” said Twinkle. “I believe I could do better myself.” “But you are not a bear,” he answered. “Girls ought to dance better than bears, you know. But not every bear can dance. If I had a hand-organ to make the music, instead of this waterfall, I might do better.' 301 Twinkle's Enchantment " Then I wish you had one,” said the girl. The Bear began dancing again, and this time he moved more rapidly and shuffled his feet in quite a funny manner. He al- most fell off the slab once or twice, so anx- ious was he to prove he could dance. And once he tripped over his own foot, which made Twinkle laugh. Just as he was finishing his dance a strange voice cried out: "For bear!” and a green monkey sprang into the cave and threw a big rock at the performer. It knocked the bear off the slab, and he fell into the pool of water at the foot of the waterfall, and was dripping wet when he scrambled out again. 302 THE GREEN MONKEY MAKES MISCHIEF Chapter VI Prince Nimble G OOD gracious!” said the little girl, looking around her; “I'm as good as lost in this strange place, and I don't know in what direction to go to get home again." So she sat down on the grass and tried to think which way she had come, and which way she ought to return in order to get across the gulch to the farm-house. “If the Rolling Stone was here, he might tell me,” she said aloud. " But I'm all alone.” 306 TWINKLE MEETS PRINCE NIMBLE. Twinkle's Enchantment Oh, no, you 're not,” piped a small, sweet voice. “I'm here, and I know much more than the Rolling Stone does." Twinkle looked this way and then that, very carefully, in order to see who had spoken, and at last she discovered a pretty grasshopper perched upon a long blade of grass nearby “Did I hear you speak?” she inquired. Yes,” replied the grasshopper. "I'm Prince Nimble, the hoppiest hopper in Hoptown.” " Where is that?" asked the child. “Why, Hoptown is near the bottom of the gulch, in that thick patch of grass you see yonder. It's on your way home, so I'd be pleased to have you visit it.” 308 Twinkle's Enchantment “Won't I step on some of you?" she asked. “Not if you are careful,” replied Prince Nimble. “Grasshoppers don't often get stepped on. We're pretty active, you know.” “All right,” said Twinkle. “I'd like to see a grasshopper village.” “Then follow me, and I'll guide you,” said Nimble, and at once he leaped from the blade of grass and landed at least six feet away. Twinkle got up and followed, keeping her eye on the pretty Prince, who leaped so fast that she had to trot to keep up with him. Nimble would wait on some clump of grass or bit of rock until the girl came up, and then away he'd go again. "How far is it?" Twinkle once asked him. 309 Chapter VII The Grasshoppers' Hop T WINKLE now began to fear she would n't get home to supper, for the sun started to sink into the big prairie, and in the golden glow it left behind, the girl beheld most beautiful palaces and castles suspended in the air just above the hollow in which she stood. Splendid banners floated from the peaks and spires of these magnificent buildings, and all the windows seemed of silver and all the roofs of gold. “What city is that?" she asked, standing still, in amazement. 312 Twinkle's Enchantment "Good gracious! It's night,” said Twinkle, with a start. “I ought to be at home and in bed this very minute!" “Never mind,” said the grasshopper; "you can sleep any time, but this is our annual ball, and it's a great privilege to witness it." Suddenly the grass all around them be- came brilliantly lighted, as if from a thou- sand tiny electric lamps. Twinkle looked closely, and saw that a vast number of fire- flies had formed a circle around them, and were illuminating the scene of the ball. In the center of the circle were assembled hundreds of grasshoppers, of all sizes. The small ones were of a delicate green color, and the middle-sized ones of a deeper green, 314 THE BUGS' ORCHESTRA Twinkle's Enchantment When the orchestra began to play, the music was more pleasing than you might suppose; anyway, the grasshoppers liked it, for they commenced at once to dance. The antics of the grasshoppers made Twinkle laugh more than once, for the way they danced was to hop around in a circle, and jump over each other, and then a lady grasshopper and a gentleman grasshopper would take hold of hands and stand on their long rear legs and swing partners until it made the girl dizzy just to watch them. Sometimes two of them would leap at once, and knock against each other in the air, and then go tumbling to the ground, where the other dancers tripped over them. 317 Twinkle's Enchantment She saw Prince Nimble dancing away with the others, and his partner was a lovely green grasshopper with sparkling black eyes and wings that were like velvet. They did n't bump into as many of the others as some did, and Twinkle thought they danced very gracefully indeed. And now, while the merriment was at its height, and waiter-grasshoppers were passing around refreshments that looked like grass seeds covered with thick molasses, a big cat suddenly jumped into the circle. At once all the lights went out, for the fire-flies fled in every direction; but in the darkness Twinkle thought she could still hear the drone of the big bass fiddle and the flute-like trill of the ladybugs. 318 THE AWAKENING Twinkle's Enchantment The next thing Twinkle knew, some one was shaking her shoulder. a मे a a a an Wake up, dear,” said her mother's voice. "It's nearly supper-time, and papa's waiting for you. And I see you have n't picked a single blueberry.” Why, I picked 'em, all right,” replied Twinkle, sitting up and first rubbing her eyes and then looking gravely at her empty tin pail. “They were all in the pail a few I wonder whatever became of them!” minutes ago. THE END 320 SUGAR-LOAF MOUNTAIN SUGAR-LOAF MOUNTAIN . SON GR List of Chapters PAGE 325 . I The Golden Key II Through the Tunnel III Sugar-Loaf City IV To the King's Palace V Princess Sakareen VI The Royal Chariot VII Twinkle Gets Thirsty VIII After the Runaway 333 340 348 357 365 372 381 . . LENS MAINGH WRIGK. SNRK HE. TWINKLE AND CHUBBINS Sugar-Loaf Mountain “I'm willing,” said Twinkle. So they climbed up a little way, to where some big rocks lay flat upon the mountain, and sat themselves down upon a slab of rock while they rested and ate some of the sandwiches and cake. “Why do they call it Sugar-Loaf'?” asked the girl, looking far up to the top of the mountain. “I don't know,” replied Chubbins. “It's a queer name," said Twinkle, thoughtfully. “That's so,” agreed the boy. They might as well have called it .gingerbread' or 'rock-salt,' or 'tea-biscuit.' They call mountains funny names, don't they?” “Seems as if they do,” said Twinkle. 328 Sugar-Loaf Mountain for ages, They had been sitting upon the edge of one big flat rock, with their feet resting against another that was almost as large. These rocks appeared to have been there as if some big giants in olden days had tossed them carelessly down and then gone away and left them. Yet as the children pushed their feet against this one, the heavy mass suddenly began to tremble and then slide downward. “Look out!” cried the girl, frightened to see the slab of rock move. “ We 'll fall and get hurt!" But they clung to the rock upon which they sat and met with no harm whatever. Nor did the big slab of stone below them move very far from its original position. 329 MAINEL UNT 66 « MAY BE IT'S A TREASURE” Sugar - Loaf Mountain “Well, Chub, we can't get it, anyway," said the practical Twinkle; “so let's climb the mountain." She got down from her seat and ap- proached the door, and as she did so she struck a small bit of rock with her foot and sent it tumbling down the hill. Then she stopped short with a cry of wonder, for under the stone she had kicked away was a little hole in the rock, and within this they saw a small golden key. • Perhaps,” she said, eagerly, as she stooped to pick up the key, “this will un- lock the iron door." “Let's try it!” cried the boy. 332 Sugar-Loaf Mountain “No treasure here," said the little girl. “P'raps it's farther in,” replied Chub- bins. “Shall we go down?” “Won't it be dangerous ?" she asked. “Don't know,” said Chubbins, honestly. “It's been years and years since this door was opened. You can see for yourself. That rock must have covered it up a long time.” “There must be something inside," she declared, “or there would n't be any door, or any steps.” “That's so,” answered Chubbins. "I'll go down and see. You wait.” “No; I'll go too,” said Twinkle. “I'd be just as scared waiting outside as I would be in. And I'm bigger than you are, Chub.” “You ’re taller, but you ’re only a month 334 MAINEL WRIGHT SNLIGHT THEY ENTER THE TUNNEL Sugar-Loaf Mountain Twinkle was just about to say they'd better go back, when the passage sudden- ly turned, and far ahead of them shone a faint light. This encouraged them, and they went on faster, hoping they would soon come to the treasure. "Keep it up, Twink,” said the boy. “It's no use going home yet.” “We must be almost in the middle of Sugar-Loaf Mountain,” she answered. "Oh, no; it's an awful big mountain," said he. “But we've come quite a way, have n't we?” “I guess mama'd scold, if she knew where we are." “Mamas,” said Chubbins, “should n't know everything, 'cause they'd only worry. 337 Sugar-Loaf Mountain And if we don't get hurt I can't see as there's any harm done." iBut we must n't be naughty, Chub.” “The only thing that's naughty,” he re- plied, “is doing what you're told not to do. And no one told us not to go into the middle of Sugar-Loaf Mountain." Just then they came to another curve in their path, and saw a bright light ahead. It looked to the children just like day- light; so they ran along and soon passed through a low arch and came out into Well! the scene before them was SO strange that it nearly took away their breath, and they stood perfectly still and stared as hard as their big eyes could pos- sibly stare. 338 Chapter III Sugar-Loaf City SA UGAR-LOAF Mountain was hollow in- side, for the children stood facing a great dome that rose so far above their heads that it seemed almost as high as the sky. And underneath this dome lay spread out the loveliest city imaginable. There were streets of houses, and buildings with round domes, and slender, delicate spires reaching far up into the air, and turrets beautifully ornamented with carvings. And all these were white as the driven snow and sparkling in every part like millions of 340 Sugar-Loaf Mountain children — who walked along the streets just as briskly as we do; only all were made of sugar. There were several differ- ent kinds of these sugar people. Some, who strutted proudly along, were evidently of pure loaf-sugar, and these were of a most respectable appearance. Others seemed to be made of a light brown sugar, and were more humble in their manners and seemed to hurry along as if they had business to at- tend to. Then there were some of sugar so dark in color that Twinkle suspected it was maple-sugar, and these folks seemed of less account than any of the others, being ser- vants, drivers of carriages, and beggars and idlers. Carts and carriages moved along the 342 Sugar-Loaf Mountain streets, and were mostly made of brown sugar. The horses that drew them were either pressed sugar or maple-sugar. In fact, everything that existed in this won- derful city was made of some kind of sugar. Where the light, which made all this place so bright and beautiful, came from, Twinkle could not imagine. There was no sun, nor were there any electric lights that could be seen; but it was fully as bright as day and everything showed with great plainness. While the children, who stood just inside the archway through which they had en- tered, were looking at the wonders of Sugar- Loaf City, a file of sugar soldiers suddenly came around a corner at a swift trot. 344 Sugar-Loaf Mountain “Halt!” cried the Captain. He wore a red sugar jacket and a red sugar cap, and the soldiers were dressed in the same manner as their Captain, but without the officer's yellow sugar shoulder-straps. At the command, the sugar soldiers came to a stop, and all pointed their sugar muskets at Twinkle and Chubbins. “Surrender!” said the Captain to them. Surrender, or I'll — I'll —" He hesitated. “What will you do?” said Twinkle. “I don't know what, but something very dreadful,” replied the Captain. “But of course you 'll surrender.” “I suppose we'll have to," answered the girl. 11 345 Sugar-Loaf Mountain “That's right. I'll just take you to the king, and let him decide what to do,” he added pleasantly. So the soldiers surrounded the two chil- dren, shouldered arms, and marched away down the street, Twinkle and Chubbins walking slowly, so the candy folks would not have to run; for the tallest soldiers were only as high as their shoulders. “This is a great event,” remarked the Captain, as he walked beside them with as much dignity as he could muster. was really good of you to come and be arrested, for I have n't had any excite- ment in a long time. The people here are such good sugar that they seldom do anything wrong.” " It 346 Sugar-Loaf Mountain Stand back!” cried the Captain, and the sugar soldiers formed a row between the children and the sugar citizens, and kept the crowd from getting too near. Then the Captain led Twinkle and Chubbins through a high sugar gateway and up a broad sugar walk to the entrance of the building “Must be the king's castle,” said Chub- bins. “The king's palace,” corrected the Captain, stiffly. “What's the difference?" asked Twinkle. But the sugar officer did not care to ex- plain. Brown sugar servants in plum-colored sugar coats stood at the entrance to the 350 000 HIS MAJESTY THE KING Sugar-Loaf Mountain “I hope so,” said the girl, a little doubt- fully. “Then there's no harm in our being friendly while you 're here. And as you 've promised to go back to your own world soon, I have no objection to showing you around the town. You'd like to see how we live, would n't you?” “Very much,” said Twinkle. Order my chariot, Captain Brittle,” said his Majesty; and the Captain again made one of his lowly bows and strutted from the room to execute the command. The king now introduced Chubbins and Twinkle to the sugar ladies and gentlemen who were present, and all of them treated the children very respectfully. 356 Sugar-Loaf Mountain No one here suspects it, and I'm considered very respectable; but the truth is, I'm just coated over with frosting, and not solid sugar at all.” “What's inside you?” 'asked Chubbins. That," answered the man, “I do not know. I've never dared to find out. For if I broke my frosting to see what I'm stuffed with, every one else would see too, and I would be disgraced and ruined.” Perhaps you ’re cake,” suggested the boy. · Perhaps so," answered the man, sadly. “Please keep my secret, for only those who are solid loaf-sugar are of any account in this country, and at present I am re- ceived in the best society, as you see.” 360 Sugar-Loaf Mountain - What you 22 ever suspected the truth; but I'm only a sham, and it worries me dreadfully.” "I don't understand what you mean," said Twinkle. “Your sugar seems as pure and sparkling as that of the king.” “ Things are not always what they seem," sighed the sugar lady. see of me, on the outside, is all right; but the fact is, I'm hollow ! ” “Dear me!” exclaimed Twinkle, in sur- prise. “How do you know it?” "I can feel it,” answered the lady, im- pressively “If you weighed me you'd find I'm not as heavy as the solid ones, and for a long time I've realized the bitter truth that I'm hollow. It makes me very un- happy, but I don't dare confide my secret 362 Sugar-Loaf Mountain to anyone here, because it would disgrace me forever.' "I would n't worry,” said the child. They 'll never know the difference.” “ Not unless I should break,” replied the sugar lady. “But if that happened, all the world could see that I'm hollow, and instead of being welcomed in good society I'd become an outcast. It's even more respectable to be made of brown sugar, than to be hollow; don't you think so?” “I'm a stranger here,” said Twinkle ; “so I can't judge. But if I were you, I would n't worry unless I got broke; and you may be wrong, after all, and as sound as a brick!" 364 Sugar-Loaf Mountain followed. Then the children discovered men that Lord Cloy was the frosted man and Princess Sakareen was the sugar lady who had told Twinkle that she was hollow. There was quite a crowd of sugar people at the gates to watch the departure of the royal party, and a few soldiers and police- were also present to keep order. Twinkle sat beside the king, and Chubbins sat on the same seat with the Princess Sakareen, while Lord Cloy was obliged to sit with the coachman. When all were ready the driver cracked a sugar whip (but did n't break it), and away the chariot dashed over a road paved with blocks of cut loaf-sugar. The air was cool and pleasant, but there 366 Sugar-Loaf Mountain was a sweet smell to the breeze that was peculiar to this strange country. Sugar birds flew here and there, singing sweet songs, and a few sugar dogs ran out to bark at the king's chariot as it whirled along. “ Have n't you any automobiles in your country?” asked the girl. “ No,” answered the king. “Anything that requires heat to make it go is avoided here, because heat would melt us and ruin our bodies in a few minutes. Auto- mobiles would be dangerous in Sugar-Loaf City.” “They ’re dangerous enough anywhere,” she said. • What do you feed to your horses?” 368 Sugar-Loaf Mountain “They eat a fine quality of barley-sugar that grows in our fields,” answered the king. “You ’l1 “ You 'll see it presently, for we will drive out to my country villa, which is near the edge of the dome, opposite to where you came in.” First, however, they rode all about the city, and the king pointed out the public buildings, and the theaters, and the churches, and a number of small but pretty public parks. And there was a high tower near the center that rose half-way to the dome, it was so tall. “ Are n't you afraid the roof will cave in some time, and ruin your city?” Twinkle asked the king. “Oh, no,” he answered. We never 369 LA OOOO way A SUGAR-LOAF FARM Sugar-Loaf Mountain six sugar When the luncheon was over, they en- tered the carriage again and were driven back towards the city. On the way the horses became restless, and pranced around in so lively a manner that the sugar coachman could scarcely hold them in. And when they had nearly reached the palace a part of the harness broke, and without warning all six horses dashed madly away. The chariot smashed against a high wall of sugar and broke into many pieces, the sugar people, as well as Twinkle and Chubbins, being thrown out and scattered in all directions. The little girl was not at all hurt, nor was Chubbins, who landed on top the wall and had to climb down again. But 377 Sugar-Loaf Mountain a dis- the king had broken one of the points off his crown, and sat upon the ground gazing sorrowfully at his wrecked chariot. And Lord Cloy, the frosted man, had smashed one of his feet, and everybody could now see that underneath the frosting was a material very like marshmallow - covery that was sure to condemn him as unfit for the society of the solid sugar-loaf aristocracy of the country. But perhaps the most serious accident of all had befallen Princess Sakareen, whose left leg had broken short off at the knee. Twinkle ran up to her as soon as she could, and found the Princess smiling happily and gazing at the part of the broken leg which she had picked up. 378 KIEL THE PRINCESS' LEG HAD BROKEN Sugar-Loaf Mountain “See here, Twinkle,” she cried; “it's as solid as the king himself! I'm not hollow at all. It was only my imagination.' “I'm glad of that,” answered Twinkle; “but what will you do with a broken leg?” “Oh, that's easily mended,” said the Princess. “All I must do is to put a little syrup on the broken parts, and stick them together, and then sit in the breeze until it hardens. I'll be all right in an hour from now." It pleased Twinkle to hear this, for she liked the pretty sugar princess. Y N 380 Sugar-Loaf Mountain They exchanged good-byes with all their sugar friends, and thanked the sugar king for his royal entertainment. Then Captain Brittle and his soldiers escorted the chil- dren to the arch way through which they had entered Sugar-Loaf City. They had little trouble in going back, although the tunnel was so dark in places that they had to feel their way. But finally daylight could be seen ahead, and a few minutes later they scrambled up the stone steps and squeezed through the little doorway. There was their basket, just as they had left it, and the afternoon sun was shining softly over the familiar worldly landscape, which they were both rejoiced to see again. 382 mm norm WHERE'S THE KEY?” ASKED TWINKLE Sugar-Loaf Mountain Chubbins closed the iron door, and as soon as he did so the bolts shot into place, locking it securely. “Where's the key ?” asked Twinkle. “I put it into my pocket,” said Chub- bins, “but it must have dropped out when I tumbled from the king's chariot.” “That's too bad,” said Twinkle; “for now no one can ever get to the sugar city again. The door is locked, and the key is on the other side." “ Never mind,” said the boy. • We've seen the inside of Sugar-Loaf Mountain once, and that'll do us all our lives. Come on, Twink. Let's go home and get a drink!" THE END 384 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA wils 81B2211 OT Baum, L. Frank (Lyman Frank), 1856-1919. Twinkle and Chubbins; their astonishing 3 1951 002 118 410 P