BROWNIES
STORIES

AND OTHER
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA LIBRARY
ادل
X004034086
PALMER COX



AC. WAT IS
opp from his Graud poa Watan
Christmas 1914
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assistance fany. 3/1915


Vichard Cahoon Watts
Die 25/1914
LIBRARY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
pocoonose

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OF V
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UNIVES
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1000:
22
1819
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PRESENTED BY
RICHARD CAHOON WATTS









2014
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The Children “Going Through."
PALMER COX.


Brownies AND
OTHER
ANER Stories
ILLUSTRATED
NM
BY PALMER COX.
THE STORIES TOLD IN PROSE
By E. VEALE,
The Fairy Tales Authoress.
CHICAGO:
M. A. Donohue & Co.
6193


NOV 1 9'53
PZ
N484Br
190oz
CopyR


The Brownies' Visitors.
THE Isle of Fun and Frolic was the home of
the Brownie boys and girls, and no one can e'er
deny that the island was well named. These
youngsters had no thought but to run and play,
to sleep and to eat. They loved the flowers and
they loved the birds—and the butterflies led
them lively chases in their games of hide and
seek. But one day came a change in their lives,
and they learned that others lived in the world
besides themselves. Little Peak Hat discovered
it, as she stood on the rock looking out toward
the sea. It was a great vessel ploughing the
waves, its white sails flapping in the winds, and
as she watched she saw it moving steadily to-
ward the island. All the Brownies came rush:
ing at her call, and their wonder knew no limit.
On came the vessel, closer and closer; the Brown-
ies watched as long as they dared, and then,
fearful of being seen, hurried away to hide them-
selves where they might occasionally take a peep.
What great big creatures were landing on the
island, and what lord voices they hed as they
called to each other. It sounded to the Brownies
like the roar of distant thunder. All day long


The Brownies' Visitors.
the little people remained hidden, but when
night came they stole from their hiding places to
talk it over. What kind little hearts these Brown-
ies had. All the nice pieces of wood should be

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piled up for these strange people's comfort, the
best grapes should be saved for them, they would
coax the fish to nibble, and do all in their power
to maka these queer guests happy. Indeed they


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The Fairy Queen's Palace.
All the Brownies had
promised to help, and when
a Brownie undertakes a
thing he works as busily as
a beaver until it is accom-
plished. Now this is what
they determined to do.
The Fairy Queen's palace
had been destroyed — a
wind that had swept
through the forest
carrying trees before
it, and spreading ruin
as it traveled, had
lifted up the Fairy
Queen's home and
dashed it all to pieces.
Poor little Queen;
how sorrowful she felt
to lose the pretty
house where the royal
family of Fairyland
had so long

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The Fairy Queen's Pala.
But true to their nature the Brownies came to
the rescue, promising to build a palace far more
beautiful than the one that was lost. Such help-
ful little creatures as the Brownies never lived.
No chance of doing good to one in trouble ever
escapes these generous little fellows, and certain-
ly this was a work to be hailed with much joy.
For a long while before they commenced, you
could see them gathered in groups, discussing
how and where they shuuld begin, and how they
could make the palace more beautiful. They
were a funny looking set when they started out
for the place where the house was to be built.
Each one carried something. One little fellow
had an axe; another, hammer and nails, one the
mortar hod, and still another the plane, while
the master worker could be seen with the square
in his hand giving directions to the whole
crowd.
They commenced their work one beautiful
moonlight night. Brownies. you know, work
when the darkness has put all the world to sleep.
What a time they had getting all the things to-
gether. Arriving at the spot, some fell to chop
ping wood, while others mixed the mortar and
. rigged up the pulleys by which they were to raise


10 The Fairy Queen's Palace.
the stuff to the roof. How the hammers rang out
as they struck the bright little nails. The grind-
stone went spinning around so fast it hummed
quite a tune, as the carpenter sharpened his tools,
for the Brownies had so much to do they must
work their very fastest. The plasterer mixed the
mortar; the painters made their brushes fly over
the house; the masons worked with a will at the
chimney, and the paperhanger's scissors shut
with a click as he cut off the paper for the palace
walls, which were to be so prettily decorated.
When morning came, all was finished, and the
Brownies felt proud and happy as they looked at
their night's work. They worked as if by magic,
and almost before you could think, the palace
rose high in the air. The Brownies don't have
accidents very often, but they must have been
nervous this time, for while four or five of them
were seated on a "Jack" painting the outside,
over went the paint, brushes and all, and the
little fellows who were standing on a ladder
underneath had an unexpected bath.
They were only sorry to think that they had
left their camera at home, for they would have
been happy to give the children a picture of the
house as it looked when it was finished.


The Brownies' Plum Pudding. 11
Although they were tired, and their eyes were
growing heavy with sleep, they felt repaid for
all their efforts, especial-
ly when the Fairy Queen
seemed the proudest and
happiest of them all. She
thanked them heartily
for their loving' service,
and when they had seen
her safely settled in her
new home, they all disappeared, to be seen
no more until there was more good work to be
done.

The Brownies' Plum Pudding.
'Twas the evening of the twenty-fourth of
December. The clouds had been gray and heavy
all day, and now the snow flakes were beginning
to fall thick and fast, so fast that already quite
a white blanket was spread over the earth.
This did not please the Brownies; they had
work_to do, and a snow storm would hinder
rather than help its progress.


12
The Brownies' Plum Pudding.


The Brownies' Plum Pudding. 13
Somewhere in the woods, nobody knew where,
for the Brownies kept the secret all to them-
selves, was a great big Christmas Pudding full
of plums and citrons, raisins and spices, and the
Brownies wanted to bring that pudding home.
It was so big and heavy that they had built
something that made one think of a raft or per-
haps a ladder with the sides very far apart. How
they put the pudding on it would be hard to tell,
but they managed it and bravely they struggled
with their burden perched on their little shoul-
ders. They took turns so that no one got too
tired, but all were glad when they were safely
out of the woods and had landed the pudding in
the hollow of the old tree back of the school
house, for this had been the spot chosen for the
grand feast of the morrow. Then to their homes
they skipped away to dream of the good times in
store for them, and if their backs did ache and
their poor little feet felt sore and weary, the
vision of the pudding dancing in their heads
made them forget all their woes.
And what a treat they had on Christmas
Day! The pudding was so good, and the day
was so merry that the Brownies wished, as they
shut their sleepy eyes, that Christmas came more


14
The Raid of the Insects
than once a year. They made up their minds
that they would never let a Christmas go by

without having a plum pudding, for it was the
best thing they had ever tasted.
The Raid of the Insects.
She was Queen of the garden, this beautiful
creature, and all the flowers loved her. Each
vied with the other in trying to please her. The
tall white lilies held their heads still higher as
she passed by, the tiny bud opened its curled
petals further and further until it burst, into a


The Raid of the Insects. 15
glorious rose, the blue bells tinkled their sweet-
est music, and the shy, gentle mignonette shed

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PALMER Cox
forth its loveliest perfume—every flower did all
in its power for her sake.


The Raid of the Insects.
And the Queen loved all the flowers, too. She
begged the sun to shine down upon them, and
she asked the morning dews to bathe their bright
faces, and the gentle rains to give them plenty to
drink.
At last there came a day when the lilies hung
their heads; blue bell and heart ease fell from
their stems; the poppies that had gleamed so

brightly in the sunlight covered their faces and
shone no more, and all the garden seemed full of
gloom and sadness.
The insects had done it all. With their
sharpest weapons they had attacker the flowers,
making them one by one yield to their violence.
How this grieved the Flower Queen; but at
last she thought of the Brownies, and she smiled,


The Raid of the Insects. 17
for well she knew these clever little workers.
She found a trumpet flower that had escaped the

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cruel foe, and blew one gentle blast. Quick as
a wink the Brownies came running. Their faces


18 The Brownies' Wedding Gift.
looked sad when they heard the trouble, but
they promised to do all in their power to help
their gentle Queen, and bravely they went to
work. They took turns at the grindstone and
sharpened their spears and swords and axes until
they glistened in the moonlight, and the insects
might well have trembled had they seen
them.
In the morning when the sun peeped out to
waken the flowers, the insects once more started
on their raid, but they were not prepared for
what followed. Curled up underneath flowers
and bushes hid the Brownies. Out they rushed,
and war raged fiercely; but the Brownies came
off the victors, and the bees and the beetles, the
hornets, ants and caterpillars lay dead upon the
ground.
The Brownies' Wedding Gift.
ONCE upon a time, long, long years ago, there
lived somewhere the other side of the Atlantic
Ocean, a maiden who was as beautiful as an
angel, and better than being beautiful, she was
also good and gentle.


The Brownies' Wedding Gift. 19
Elsie and her father lived alone, for her
mother had died many years before, and this
beautiful maid kept her father's house, and man-
aged all things like some wise and noble queen.
The poor people of the village loved her, for it
was her gentie hands that brought broths and
strengthening food to the sick mothers, her beau-
tiful eyes that read comforting words to the old
women, and in her untiring arms many a poor
little baby had been rocked to the land of
dreams.
There was somebody in the village who loved
her better than all the people put together, but
he dared not tell her, for he was poor, very poor,
and she was rich as a young princess. Now it
happened that the maiden loved the youth as
much as he loved her, but she was too proud to
show her love, because she thought that the
young man did not care for her.
One day great changes came to the home of
Elsie. Her father had gone on a journey, and
when he returned he did not come alone but
brought with him a wife, and she brought with
her two proud and unlovely daughters.
It was a great trial for the maiden; she
and her father had always been so happy


20

together, and
she wept when
she thought
of how little
of his time
and love
could now
be spared
for her. Well
might she
weepforthe
new mother
set right to
work to put
her daughters
in the place of
AZA
with cruel
words and
taunts com-
pelled her to
wait upon
these step-sis-
ters, until her
kind and untrue, were carried to the father, and


The Brownies' Wedding Gift.
21
when his wrath was turned upon her she could
stand it no longer, and made up her mind to
leave her home forever.
One night, when they all had gone to a ball,

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to which Elsie also had been invited, but from
which she had been compelled to stay away be-
cause her beauty so far out-shone the gaudy
make-up of the sisters—she packed a few treas-


22 The Brownies' Wedding Gift.
ures, and with many tears and farewell glances,
for the spot she loved so well, she went alone into
the great, wide world.
It chanced that Earnest, the youth who loved
the maiden with all his heart, had grown restless
and unhappy thinking of his sweetheart, and
yet not daring to tell her his love, and he had
come to her home thinking that perhaps he
might find comfort in being thus near her. He
wandered up and down, when all at once he
stopped, looked around him, and then rubbed.
his eyes—for he surely must have been dream-
ing; this could not be Elsie who stood before
him. But it was she and no other—poor Elsie
leaving her home, sad and broken-hearted.
Pride no longer held the youth speechless,
and sorrow made Elsie see the tenderness and
sympathy in her lover's eyes. Oh, how happy
she was as she poured out to him all her troubles
and found comfort and rest in his loving arms.
While the lovers stood together planning a
ife for the future—things had been entirely,
taken out of their hands by the good little
Brownies.
They had known Elsie, and worshipped her
for her goodness, and now the time had comow


The Brownies and the Farmer. 23
when they might show their appreciation; and
while the lovers talked, they had gathered
silently around them. Then the Queen of the
Brownies spoke: “Good and lovely maiden, and
noble youth,” said she, “we know of your trou-
bles, and we want to help you. Listen to what I
tell you, and you shall have riches in abundance.
Go, when I have finished talking, enter the
Briarly woods. There, in the hollow tree, you
will find a casket filled with bright and shining
gold; take it, spend it wisely, and take with it
the blessings and good will of the Brownies.”
It was a wonderful wedding present, and filled
the lovers' hearts with gratitude.
The Brownies and the Farmer.
" Brownies were sorrowful, more sorrowful
ban they had ever been in their lives before,
and that is saying a great deal; for Brownies,
you know, live such a long, long while, and the
saddest part of all was that there seemed no way
out of their trouble. The Brownies who lived
in the apple orchard saw it first, and when they


24 The Brownies and the Farmer.
told cheir friends, all with one voice cried out:
“The wrong must be righted!”
Now this was the trouble. Farmer Grump
had bought the Old Clover Farm, where the
Brownies had lived happily for years, and now
each day was full of trials and discomforts, for
this cruel farmer seemed always to be finding a
way to make the life of his stock miserable. The
cows had great boards tied over their eyes—so
large that they could not see, and so heavy that
when the poor creatures went to crop the grass,
Bang! Bang! went the board against their
noses.
The pigs suffered, too, Into their noses had
been driven rings that almost made them bleed
when rooting in the ground. And what happi-
ness do you suppose life holds for a pig if he
cannot root?
The Brownies liked the donkey, for he seemed
such a patient, long suffering animal; but the
farmer's children made his life wretched—they
beat him, they stoned him, they even took their
naughty little feet and kicked him.
The sheep suffered, and the horses, as they
dragged the plough through the hard earth or
hauled heavy loads along the sandy roads, felt


The Brownies and the Farmer.
constantly the slash, slash of the farmer's cow-
hide whip.
Everything on the place suffered; so, do you
wonder the Brownies looked sorrowful?
At last they could stand it no longer, and all
met one night at the "Seek us further” tree,

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where the oldest Brownie lived. He had gotten
up in the limbs, so that all might hear, or, at
any rate, see him, and announced that they had
long witnessed these scenes of cruelty in silence,
but now something must be done, and they
wanted all the Brownies to help. He thought it


26 The Brownies and the Farmer. ,
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would be a good plan if they went when no one
was around, and whispered in the sufferers' ears
that the time had come when they must rebel.
They must stand up for their rights.
"Hurrah!” and “Three cheers!” cried the
Brownies in chorus, as they waved their funny
little hats. The farmer heard the noise, but he
thought it was only the wind blowing through
the trees in the apple orchard.
The meeting was dismissed, and quietly and
carefully the Brownies went about their work-
and they did it well, too; for the next morning,
when the farmer went to harness his horses, and,
as usual, brought the cruel whip down on their
back-ha found that two could play at the same
game, for up went the horses' heels, and sorry
trouble Farmer Grump had to get them har-
nessed.
Then the pigs took their turn. They showed
their long white tusks, and acted so savagely
that the farmer left them in fright. Even Ned,
the patient donkey, kicked up his heels, gal-
loped away, and no one could come near him.
Everything seemed possessed with the sama
spirit, and Farmer Grump went to his breakfast
the most puzzled man you could possibly find,


The Brownies and the Farmer. 27
But the animals won the day, for that very after-
noon the farmer went to town, and when he
came back he was carrying a large board painted
in great big letters, telling all the neighbors that
his stock was to be sold the very next day. This
he hung up by the roadside, and as it was market
day, the farmers learned the news, as their tired

PALMERCO
horses jogged slowly along towards home. They
decided that they would attend the sale, and
were on hand bright and early the next day.
The old farm place was crowded with buyers,
anxious to get horses and pigs and other animals
for little money.
How happy the Brownies were as they
crowded around, for the new owners had thrown


The Brownies and the Farmer.

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The Brownies' Ride
29
the cruel devices of Farmer Grump away. They
were happy when they thought of the good
homes these poor animals had found—but
gladdest of all were they when they thought of
Ned, for Widow Love had bought him to cart
to market the beautiful butter that she made
every week. They knew that she would be very
kind and gentle to their old friend. That he
would have the softest of straw for his bed at
night, and the finest oats for his dinner, while
there would be no cruel children to beat and
kick him and make his life miserable. Ned lived
a long while to enjoy this beautiful home, and
the Brownies always found him a faithful
servant.
The Brownies' Ride.
“ARE you in the humor for a lark, boys?” It
was Dot, the very smallest, and, as everybody
knows, the most mischievous of all the Brownies,
who said it.
“We are that!” was the reply.
They were coming home from school, these
Brownie boys, and dinner pails and books were


30
The Brownies' Ride.
thrown down at once while they crowded around
Dot to hear of the prospective fun.
“You know that clover field to the right of

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the big stone house,” he began. “Well, some
time ago Grimes put up a sign, which read:
Horses taken to Pasture.' You should see the
luck he has had. I guess as many as a dozen..


The Brownies' Ride.
31
horges are running around in that pasture field.
It's bad for them to do nothing but eat all day,
so I thought we would be doing a good thing for
them, and for ourselves too, if to-night-you
know it is moon-light-we borrow these horses
and go for a ride."
You should have heard the yells of delight
with which this scheme was greeted. Nobody
but approved, except, of course, Croak; he al-
ways objects to everything,
The plan was for them to meet at the school-
house at ten o'clock, then go together to the
pasture lot. A number of the Brownies were to
bring ropes, which they would tie around the
horses' necks, and haul them into the road.
The hour came; the Brownies met, and the
work began. They had forgotten saddles, but
some of them crawled through the windows in
the harness maker's shop and came back loaded
with both saddles and bridles. Such a time as
they had getting them on, and so many Brownies
had been invited that there were not enough
horses to go around; so two, and sometimes three
saddles must be put on one horse.
All was ready at last, and off they started. It
was so funny to see them. Some of them actually


The Quarrel.
hung on to the stirrup straps. Things went
pretty smoothly at first, but, oh my! what a
difference by and by. Saddles slipped, bridles
came undone, and the Brownie boys, and even
the poor horses, went over and rolled around in
the mud. But the bitter must be taken with the
sweet, so nobody dared complain. When the
ride was over, and the horses and harness were
put in their proper places, everybody pronounced
it one of the best frolics he had ever had in his
life.
The Quarrel.
THEY were rivals—the Gobbler and the
Gander. Their home was at the Brookside
Farm, and it would be hard to find a prettier
home than this. It was a big old-fashioned
house, and it had stood for years and years. The
brook ran along on one side, and day after day it
babbled as it flowed, and the little daisies lifted
up their pretty heads to listen to its merry
songs, and when night came their drowsy heads
dropped as the brook murmured a low, sweet
lullaby.


The Quarrel.
The gander had been enjoying the cool, clear
waters of the brook. He had thought himself a
very beautiful bird, as he sailed gracefully up
and down, arching his long white neck with a
perfect air of contentment. The other geese at
the farm were quite young, some of them so
young that they looked like little lumps of yel-
low gold as they plunged boldly into the water.
And why should they fear? For the brook had
murmured, coaxingly: "Come, little baby bird.
Come hathe in my waters; I will not hurt you;
I will sing you low, pretty songs.” The gander
remembered when the brook had gently called
to him, and he smiled as he thought how long
ago.
His swim over, he had come on shore, and
once more donned his cap and trousers, and even
better satisfied than ever, had started home for
his dinner.
"Ha! Ha! Ha!” he heard behind him, and
again, “Ha! Ha! Ha!” Turning around, whom
should he see but the gobbler rigged in his very
best, his tail spread out just as wide as he could
get it, and looking very grand indeed, even the
gander had to admit as much as his eyes rested
upon him.


34
The Quarrel.
"Don't you think you are a sight!" said the
Gobbler. “Go look at yourself in the brook over

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PALMER
yonder; you'll surely agree with me that a mora
ridiculous bird than yourself never lived."


The Quarrel..
35
"Ridiculous, indeed!” replied the angry
Gander. “If you but knew what a sight you
were, never again would you strut around the
barn yard!”
“Strut do you call it?” exclaimed the Gobbier.
"I pride myself that my walk is most elegant.
Now, if I waddled as you do I'd hang my head
with shame."
“'Tis but your jealousy that makes you talk
so,” said the Gander; "you think because you are
tall and your legs are long, that you'll be much
admired and praised—but people do not notice
you when I am sailing on the waters; then it is
that you must stand in the background, and my
short legs and broad-web feet serve me as your
feet and legs never can you.”
Word followed word, and these foolish birds
grew angrier all the time. The rooster stopped
the quarrel, for their loud words had attracted
the other birds. “Do you know,” said he, “you
have kept up this foolish nonsense so long that
now you have lost your dinner? 'Tis an hour
ago since Ann came with her shining tin pan
full of corn, but you paid no attention to her.
Today's loss is a small loss, but it might have
been much greater. Do hereafter remember


36
The Dissatisfied Owl.
your positions, and try to act more like grown-up
fowls, than like two tiny, newly-hatched birds.
Remember that the little folks of the barnyard
look to you as an example."
The Dissatisfied Owl.
BLINKY WINKY was a little gray owl that lived
in the plum tree at the meeting of the cross-
roads. He slept all day, and at night perched on
one of the branches and greeted the wagons as
they went by with a low "Whoo! Whoo!" He
did not mean to be inquisitive, only pleasant and
friendly, at least that is what he used to do, but
now he has grown very quiet and solemn, and
heeds not the wagons as they go rumbling by.
The lark had been the cause of all the trouble.
In the early spring she had come to live across
the roar! from Blinky, and her song, so sweet
and clear, filled his whole heart with wonder
and awe. "If the lark can sing,” thought
Blinky, "why can't I??? And he tried to throw
back his head and pour forth the same sweet
tones, but this was impossible with his short, fat
neck, and his mightiest effort was of no avail.


The Dissatisfied Owl.
37
So day by day Blinky grew sadder and sadder,
but still the lark sang on, not knowing what un-
happiness she brought to poor silly Winky.

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One night he left his home, more miserable
than ever, and perched himself upon the
fence rail to brood over his troubles. It


38
The Dissatisfied Owl.
was a bright moonlight night, and the owl
family that lived in the apple tree saw
Blinky Winky sitting all alone, and started
off, one after the other, to bring him home
with them. Such a doleful bịrd as they
found. It was a long while before Blinky would
tell them his secret, but once started, he poured
forth his whole sad tale. They pitied and they
scolded him, and their scolding did him good,
for when morning dawned, and it was time to
go home, they had led him to see the folly of his
ways and to resolve to try to be satisfied with
himself, and not aim to be like somebody else.
He learned, after spending many unhappy days
and weary nights, that God had not made his
little throat in such a manner that he could sing.
It was a good lesson for him and all his brothers
and sisters. Perhaps little boys and girls can
learn something from this story of the dissatis-
fied owl, and it is this: “Don't think you can
do everything you see other people doing."


Meddlesome Peter.
The Bear family lived together in as pretty a
place as you could well find. The trees grew
tall and large and spread their branches over the
earth, leaving only room enough for the sun to
creep gently through by day, and for the little
stars to twinkle brightly through at night. Ferns
tall and stately grew in this place, and delicate,
pale green ferns with the gentle blue-eyed violet
peeping from their midst, helped to beautify the
Bear family's dwelling place.
The Bruin household would have been just as
happy as Bears could be, if it had not been for
troublesome Peter. He was the oldest Bruin
cub and just as full of naughtiness as was possi-
ble, and his greatest fault was his meddlesome
ways. There was nothing into which he would
not poke his paws.
One day, while out on a ramble, he spied a
bright, shining steel trap. Now Peter had never
seen one before, and quick as a flash he grabbled
it up to learn all about it, and he soon found out
to his sorrow. Snap went the spring, and poor
Peter howled with pain. Fate was good to
Peter this time, for as he jumped around in his
39


Meddlesome Peter.
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was not to their liking, and their sharp little


Poor, Sick Bruin..
stings soon told him so. They swarmed all
around him, until he felt as if he were covered
with them, and the faster he ran, the more they
chased him. He could neither run away, nor
hide from them. Not until he was well punished
did they leave him, tingling with pain, but re-
solved, we hope, to once more try to do better,
and not to meddle.
Poor, Sick Bruin.
ONCE upon a time, when Jack Frost had com-
menced to shake the leaves from the trees after
first painting them in bright crimson and glow-
ing yellow, and some in dull russet brown, Mr.
Bruin fell sick. He had been to a dance in the
Kingston Woods. Miss Bunny had invited him,
and old Bruin had thought her the brightest,
cunningest little creature he had met for many
a long day. Of course she was too tiny for him
to dance with, but he sat and chatted with her,
which he really thought was much pleasanter,
at least he had thought so at the time, but now
he was paying for his frolic. The ground had


Poor, Sick Bruin.
43
been too damp and cold, and the chill winds had
gottez into his bones, and he was the most mis-
erable fellow you could possibly find. “O dear,"

V
SAT
Plo/R/R
PICKLEO.I.
FEET.
PALMER G
thought he, “why was I so silly. Well might I
have known what folly it was to leave my good
warm home, and spend all those hours out in the


44
Poor, Sick Bruin.
chill night air.” But it was too late w sit and
grumble over follies that have been committed,
so Bruin wrapped himself in a green plaid shawl,
tied up his head in a red and white handkerchief,
and sat to wait for Dr. Wolf to pass along. Dr.
Wolf had been called to pay a visit to a little
sick guinea-pig, and his way led him past old
Bruin's house. Bruin saw him, called to him,
and the doctor came trotting in. He took off
his tall black hat, laid it on the table, put on
his glasses, and prepared to examine his patient.
The doctor felt his pulse, shook his head, and
then looked at his tongue. “Oh, ho! my friend,” ,
said he, "you have caught a cold, that is certain;
but, my good fellow, I am afraid there is some-
thing more. I fear that you feast too much upon
the dainties of the land. Your larder seems well
filled with tempting food, but if you take my
advice you will leave this alone for awhile, and
content yourself with a good big bowl of mush
and milk. You have a very high fever, and if
you eat of such rich food you will surely die.
am going to put you to bed, and you must not
get up for a week; you are getting along in
years, so you must take extra care of yourself.
I shall leave you some pills to take every hour,


The Squirrel's Visitor 45
unless you are asleep. I shall be passing here
again in the morning, and will drop in to see
you. I hope to find you much better.” Then
the doctor went away, leaving Bruin a sadder
and wiser bear and resolved in the future to try
to live more simply, and to let his poorer neigh-
bors share the dainties that had proved his foe.
The Squirrel's Visitor.
In the Maple Woods, just outside the town,
lived an old gray squirrel. He was a big squirrel
and just as fat as butter. One time, long ago,
he had been caught in a rat-trap, and his leg
pretty badly torn. A bright-eyed, red-cheeked
boy had found him, and carefully and gently
laad lifted the heavy wire frame, and had taken
Frisk out. The poor little squirrel was hurt and
frightened, and the boy felt sorry for him. He
carried him home in his arms, and then wrapped
him in a soft, warm blanket and put him in a
basket. He meant to doctor his wounded leg
and keep him for a pet. Frisk, however, did not
like this notion, and in the morning, when the


46
The Squirrel's Visitor.
boy came to find his prize, the basket was ernpty
and Frisk had hopped away on three legs.
Frisk was so frightened that he never got over
it. He lived in a hollow tree all by himself, and
each night when he put his night-cap on, he

slipped his pistol under his pillow. One night,
when the wind blew furiously and the rain came
dashing against the tree, Frisk sat all alone,
thinking how good it was to have such a nice,
warm house and so many delicious nuts stored
away, when, tap! tap! tap! came against the side


The Wolf's First Party.
of the house. Frisk was frightened, but he
grabbled his pistol and peeped cautiously out of
the door. Not a sign of any one could he see,
so he went quietly back. Tap! tap! tap! came
again. Once more Frisk looked out, and there
stood a poor, drenched wood-pecker. He had
been out hunting worms for his wife's supper
while she stayed home upon the eggs. He had
been overtaken by the storm, and now sought
shelter with Frisky. How they laughed when
Frisky showed him his pistol and told him how
frightened he was, and that he had thought him
a burglar.
Frisky insisted on his friend's coming in, and
resting with him in his comfortable, snug little
house until the storm was over. Then he filled
his friend's basket with the choisest bits his store
house afforded, and sent him away happy.
The Wolf's First Party.
The wolf had been invited to a party, and his
head was almost turned by this piece of good
fortune, as he thought it. The fox had sent
hise the invitation written in big round lettere


48
The Wolf's First Party.
on a piece of birch bark. “Miss Fox cequests
the presence of Mr. Wolf at a party ir, the hol-
low,” the invitation read, and the wolf felt as
though he had some standing in the world now,

28
PALMER COX
for never before had any one called him Mr.
Wolf.
Ele got up bright and early the morning of
the eventful day, and hurried from among the


50
The Crow.
hands; so, remembering that some one had told
him that you had better have an umbrella and
not want it, than to want it and not have it, he
carried his big green sun-shade.
He was the first to arrive, and Miss Fox was
so pleasant and made him so welcome that he
never felt so happy before. Nor did this happi-
ness end, for when all the guests had taken leave,
the wolf remained to tell Miss Fox that this had
been the best and brightest time in all his life.
For many days he thought about the fine times
he had had at his first party, and wondered if he
would always have such fun, and if all the ladies
were as nice as Miss Fox.
The Crow.
· Did you ever notice a number of black ob-
jects flying through the air or perhaps assembled
in a flock hunting for worms, or caterpillars, or
grubs, or maybe feasting on some fallen grains?
These are crows, and if you could examine them
closely you would see how beautifully their
glossy, black wings are tinged with dull blue and
brown and purple. They are very shy and


The Crow.
51
cunning and very fearful of the farmer's gun,
with which they seem to be well acquainted.
One of them serves as watchman, and when he
sees danger approaching he sounds the alarm,
and all the crows within hearing distance fly ap
and away. The eggs of the crow are laid in nests
made of sticks woven with grasses and lined with
soft roots, feathers, or wool. Both the father
and mother bird sit on the eggs, and watch with
great care over their young. The crow can fly
very swiftly, and sometimes to great heights, and
it can also fly long distances. Have you ever
noticed one perched on a cow or perhaps a
sheep's back? It has perched itself there to pick
the worm out from the skin. Their cry of Caw!
Caw! Caw! is very ugly, and what a din they
make when they gather together in little parties
early in the morning to go in search of food, or
else at night when they are hunting for some
pleasant roosting place. The crow is a very
brave bird and is not afraid to attack the hawk
that sometimes comes swooping down upon it.
Its sharp, black eyes are of great service in its
search for food-indeed it is upon this sense that
it depends and not upon the sense of smell. Its
keen sight also protects it from the attack of the


Bruin's Visit.
enemy. Sometimes you come across a crow that
is perfectly white, but this is not the case often.
The crow makes a very amusing and interesting
pet, except that it has the bad habit of stealing.
Thousands of crows are killed every year by
traps or the farmer's gun, and often and often
the poor little young ones are killed in their
nests by the hands of cruel and naughty boys.
The crow does steal the farmer's grain and pull
up the young seedlings, but he would be less
merciless to the poor bird, if he only saw how
much good he does in destroying the worms and
bugs, the mice and moles, which really eat up
lots and lots more than the much abused black
crow. Sometimes the farmers set up "scare-
crows” in the fields to frighten the thieves away,
but they soon learn that it is only a make-believe
man, and are not afraid.
Bruin's Visit.
JACK FROST was raging around in all his fury;
great white flakes fell thick and fast and settled
one above the other upon the ground, making a
blanket soft and warm for the little plants that


Bruin's Visit.
53
lay hidden under the earth. The trees moaned
and shook their boughs as the wind went whist-
ling through them, and the little snow birds
hopped gracefully from limb to limb hoping to
find a stray worm or bug to satisfy their hungry
little selves.
Bruin had started bricht and early that morn-
ing to visit his cousin, a brown bear who lived in
the woods beyond the school house. It was a
long journey, but Bruin cared little for that, for
he knew the way, and knew also the good times
that he and Cousin Bear enjoyed together. Well
he remembered his last visit. What sport they
had playing ten pins, with sticks for pins and
stones for balls. How they enjoyed the game
of catch with the big horse chestnuts that fell
from their prickly coverings and lay scattered on
the grounů. The snow had put a stop to ten
pins and catch, but it had brought sport of its
own, for, what better fun could two young bears
want than a jclly game of snow-ball or a ride on
the school-house hill? With all these good times
dancing in his head, Bruin started off. Mother
Nature had given him a thick furry coat, but
old Jack Frost did his best to pierce through this
heavy brown covering, and make him hurry



1 MINA
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PALMER. COX
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Bruin's Visit.
55
se
Along to keep good and warm. The school house
came in sight as he turned the last corner, and
Cousin Bear's home was soon reached.
How glad Cousin Bear was to see him. They
chatted away as busy as beavers, for there was so
much to tell and so much to hear, but all was
told at last, and then arose the question—what
next to do. Snow-balling was fun for awhile,
but their paws got too cold. They could not go
up on the hill, for all the school children were
out with their sleds, and there certainly was not
room for them both.
"Let's have a game of hide and seek,” said
Cousin Bear.
Bruin liked that idea and cheerfully con-
sented. Cousin Bear shut his eyes, and Bruin
hurried off to find some good hiding place. First
he tried one and then another, but nothing suited
him, until at last the very thing met his gaze.
Time had worn a great hole in an old oak trec.
There it stood, bending its leafless limbs as
though beckoning Bruin to crawl inside. Such
a splendid chance could not be missed. My! how
good and warm it was. Bruin was tired, and
before he knew it he had gone sound asleep.
How long he slept he did not know, but when


56
Bruin's Visit.
he opened his eyes the shadows had crept heavily
over the woods, and night was coming on apace.

a 1300
191)))))
NA
BE
PALMER COX'-
Cousin Bear started in surprise when Bruin
rushed breathlessly into his house, for as he


Bruin's Visit.
could not find him he thought he had gone home,
and then how he laughed when Bruin told of
his hiding place, and they both thought it a
great joke that Bruin had fallen asleep, while
he was playing. He said he would remember
to look there for him next time they had a game.
Bruin warmed himself by the bright fire, and
then said he must be going. Cousin Bear would
not hear a word as to his leaving until they had
had supper. So he set out the very best his store-
house afforded, and they both had a very merry
time, eating the turkey and fat little lamb, which
the bear had stolen the night before. When they
had cleared the table and washed the dishes,
Bruin trotted off towards his home as fast as he
could. It was dark before he reached his own
woods, but he was not afraid, for he knew every
step of the way. He was pretty well tired out
when he got home, and it did not take him very
long to get ready for bed. As he curled himself
up for a good long sleep, he felt satisfied over a
very happy day,


The Owl and the Bat.
"Good evening, Miss Bat,” said the grave gray
owl, “pray may I come up and chat awhile?”
“Indeed, you may, Mr. Owl,” replied the bat.
"It's such a beautiful evening that I have been
sitting up here ever so long watching the moon,
as she played hide and seek among the trees; the
stars seem to be enjoying the game as much as
I, for they twinkle as brightly as diamonds so
far above us all.”
“I see you have an eye for
the beautiful, my dear young
lady," said the owl, “but if
you but knew it, the most
beautiful thing I have seen in
all my life is yourself.”
The bat hung her head and
looked quite shy, while the
owl blinked his eyes and
looked as though he whought
he had really said something
most elegant.
"Do you know, my heart
dear,” continued the movement / ABS
owl, "I have watched

Murs


The Owl and the Bat.
59
you night after night as you floated around so
gracefully, never interfering with the other birds,
but going quietly about your own business, and
I decided that some day or other I would ask you
if you would not consent to be Mrs. Owl. The
time has come, Batty dear, and I hope you will
say yes.”

The bat did say yes, for she had long admired
the owl. She liked his solemn ways, and thought
him a very handsome bird.
It was decided that they should be married
very soon—the very next week, in fact, for the
moon would be shining in all her glory then, and
the guests could not be asked to come in the


бо
The Owl and the Bat.
dark, even though it might be pleasanter for the
bride and groom.
The stork wrote the invitations. He wrote
them on the leaves of the water-lilies, using his
long sharp beak for a pen.
The night of the wedding came, and with it
many guests. The stork and the crane came to-
gether, for they lived in the same pond. The
eagle and the buzzard met as they came sailing
through the air.
The happy pair were soon made one, and then
what merry times they had. The lark and the
nightingale sang their brightest songs, and all
joined hands in a lively dance. Morning came
only too soon, and the guests must go, and as
the owl kissed his little bride, he wished that
all her life might be just as happy as the first
night had been. What a happy time the bridal
party had for the next few weeks. When the
guests had all gone, they packed their trunks,
and hastened away to spend their honey-moon
among the pine forests of the Green Mountains.
They traveled from place to place, journeying
by night and resting by day; for strange as it
may seem, these queer creatures can neither of
them see when the beautiful sun is shining.


The Owl and the Bat.
Thy have such curious eyes that the light makes
them blina. So they used to spend the long
summer days nestled close together on the
branch of some high tree At night they would
fly about here and there, watching the other
animals and enjoying the pure air.

The owl is a very wise bird, you know, so he
was able to tell his trusting little wife many in-
teresting things.
After spending a very pleasant time, they re-
turned to their home, and settled down to spend
a very happy life.


Unhappy Bruin.
Poor Bruin's life seemed marked with mis
fortunes. Bruin was not one of the happy crea-
tures who have the good fortune to be born
under a lucky star—the night must have been
cloudy and most miserably starless when he
opened his eyes in this wide, wide world. As
the years went on poor Bruin's troubles seemed
to grow. Fortune had no kindly smile for him,
and try as he might, all his efforts to succeed
were in vain.
One time Bruin left his home, and went
strolling through the woods. He was all alone,
for the other bears had gone off long before, but
Bruin had not been wanted. Sorrowfully and
lonely he trotted along, taking no heed of where
he was going, until all at once he was brought to
his senses by a sharp click, and try with all his
might, he could not move. You've guessed what
had happened—he had stumbled into a trap, and
was held there as fast as fast could be. The hot
sun poured down upon him, but no one came to
release him; but at last, just as twilight fell upon
the world, two great big men drove up in a cart,
and with a loud shout at their horses, stopped
62


Unhappy Bruin.
63
in front of Bruin. "Fine luck we have had to
day,” said one of them. “We will make a good
thing out of him," said the other. Then, as
quick as a wink, a big black bag was thrown

PALMER COMAN
uver Bruin's head, and he was hoisted into the
wagon.
This was the beginning of poor Bruin's new
life. These men were street players—one of
them brought forth squeaky sounds from an old


64
Unhappy Bruin.
fiddle, while the other made most dismal noises
upon the harp.
Bruin was taken to their miserable home, and
day by day was trained to dance and play tricks
to amuse the people. Bruin found it was wisest.
to please these men, for cruel blows and kicks
rewarded his failures.
One day they rigged him up in a suit of
clothes, put shoes on his feet and a hat in his
hand, and led him out to dance upon the street.
All day long he kept it up, and when night came
he could scarcely move. His masters had gone
to join some friends and chat with them, and
had left Bruin in charge of a boy. The boy
grew tired of being alone, and seeing a chum,
hurried after him, leaving Bruin to his own de-
vices. Bruin knew his chance had come, and
trotted away just as fast as ever his tired feet
would carry him. He wandered on and on, until
at last the woods were reached. Then he lay
down under a tree, nearly worn out, but very
happy he felt that at last the wheel had turned
and fortune had surely smiled on him.


The Ostrich.
Did yo: ever think anything about the way in
which we jbtain the beautiful featbers that help
to ornament our hats and bonnets Away off,
in a country called Africa, lives a bird known as
the ostrich. It is a large bird with long, slender
legs, and such a great long neck that it is as tall
as a very tall man. Nature has given it these
long legs to help it go over ground very rapidly.
When pursued, it travels across the sandy plains
where it lives with strides that carry it twenty-
five miles an hour. The ostrich has very keen
sight and sharp hearing, and its long neck aids
it in seeing great distances.
The nest where the mother bird lays the eggs
is just a hollow made in the sand, with a shallow
border all around it. The old bird sits on the
eggs and keeps them warm at night, but the
rays of the hot tropical sun do the work in the
day-time. These eggs are very large, weighing
from two to three pounds.
The baby ostriches are very pretty birds. They
look like young partridges, only they are many,
many times larger and have little bristies all
over them mixed with down.
65


66
. The Ostrich.
When the ostrich is about a year and a half
old it falls a vistim to the hunter's pursuit.
There are a number of ways for catching them.
20
NI
Sometimes the hunter clothes himself in the
skin of the bird, and imitates its motion so ex-
actly that it is almost impossible to tell the sham


King Leo's Resolve.
from the real bird. Then, when he is within
bow-shot of some unlucky bird, his arrow pierces
it, and it falls his prey. Sometimes the bird is
caught with a lasso, and in some places the
hunter mounts on horse-back and pursues it in
that way.
Way off in California there are a number of
ostrich farms, and when you get to be big, per-
haps you will be able to go there and see them.
But the very next time you go to the Zoological
Garden, you must get your mammas to take you
to see these wonderful birds. I am sure you will
wonder how such beautiful feathers can come
from such ugly looking birds.
King Leo's Resolve.
MOTHER NATURE had carpeted the earth with
a covering soft and brown and rustling. Deep
in the reds and yellows she had dipped her paint
brush, and the trees gleamed in their grandeur
like a flaming forge. The squirrels had been
busy for weeks filling their store-houses with the
nuts that would serve for the winter's food, and


68
King Leo's Resolve.
the song cf the birds had long since ceased, for
far away they'd flown, seeking a warmer home.
All the woods seemed hushed and forsaken.

olu
160
A
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KANEN
En
LUN
EDUA
Mw
illy, this
UM
ANVEISTOS PARADISE
King Leo noticed all this as he paced through
the forest with restless strides this autumn day.
Things had gone wrong with his majesty, and


King Leo's Resolve.
69
he wondered that the trees should glow in such
brilliancy when all else seemed dressed in som-
bre colors. “Why must nature,” muttered he,
"havư this dash of brightness in her adorning
while my life is all gloom and all sadness? Long
have I reigned in the forest as King of Beasts.
I've held sway over the largest of them all, the
tigers, wolves and bears have trembled at my
roar, and at my command all have yielded. Now
I'm deserted. No longer am I consulted in
affairs of wisdom. It's months since I have sai
on my throne of holly boughs. I'm forsaken
and alone. Is there no way in which I can win
them again? Must all my life be thus, sorrow
and gloom?”
He sat down to think, and as he thought, his
heart grew lighter, and something almost like
a smile came over his face. "I'll try it,” he said
to himself, as he rose from the rock on which he
had been sitting and went towards home.“
And this was what King Leo had been think-
ing: Have I ever done anything to make them
care for me? They crowned me their king, but
all my reign I have governed through fear.
My roars were as mighty as the thunder; my
will was hard and cruel. For a trifling offence



Ha
PALMER COX


The Willful Young Gobbler. 71
I have taken their lives, and now I am reaping
my reward. If it is not too late, I will begin
again. Love, not fear, shall be my motto this
time, and perhaps some day my life will be full
of happiness, instead of woe and misery.
And poor King Leo did begin again, and al-
though the struggle was hard and the time of
conquest long, he did prove himself victor at
last, and died at a very old age, loved and re-
spected by all the beasts of the forest, having
proved to them all that Love hath greater power
than Fear.
The Willful Young Gobbler.
MADAME TURKEY put on her shawl and bonnet
to go to hunt for the silliest young turkey about
the place, because that silly young turkey was
her son. He had been gone since early morning,
and what had kept him his mother could not
guess. Mother Turkey and her young offspring
lived on a great big farm, and had been a very
happy pair, but Mother Turkey was growing
anxious. The fields had become bare and yel-
low, the trees stood around them tall and leafless,


72
The Willful Young Gobbler.
and this meant a most serious matter to the Tur-
key family. it meant that Thanksgiving Day
was drawing near, and Madame Turkey well
knew that perhaps this handsome young son of
hers might grace the table at some beautifully
prepared dinner. She had little fear for herself,
for she had grown old and tough, but such a
big, fat bird as the young gobbler would hardly
escape the farmer's notice. Well she remem-
bered how, year after year, her children had
fallen victims to the farmer's axe, and she had
tried to show this great big son how day by day
he was running into danger. But talk seemed
to count for nothing, he did not heed his mother's
warning words, but ate freely of the yellow corn
and the handfuls of wheat that the farmer's wife
scattered temptingly before them, a d of course
he grew fatter all the time.
Now, do you wonder that Madame Turkey put
on her bonnet and shawl to search for her head-
strong son? She did not have far to go, for she
met him coming home, his hands in his trousers'
pockets, and his head up in the air, looking as
though he knew neither fear nor danger. Once
more this good, thoughtful mother reasoned with
her foolish son, but he only laughed at her fears,


The Willful Young Gobbler.
73
and told her not to worry about him, for no tur-
key on the place could run faster than he, and

w
34
On
PALMER
he could easily escape the farmer should be
choose him for his Thanksgiving dinner.


74
'I'he Bears and the Hive.
But old heads are often the wisest, and had
this silly young gobbler only listened to his
mother he might still be strutting around the
barnyard, or perhaps wandering through the
wheat field, picking up the full, ripe grains that
he loved so dearly. The farmer one day, as he
sauntered through the poultry-yard, spied this
well-fed gobbler, and decided that no finer bird
than he could be found, and before Mr. Turkey
had time to run, he was firm in the farmer's
clutches, and before many minutes his life was
over. What a foolish bird he was, and how
much better it would have been had he only
listened to the words of warning from his good
old mother.
The Bears and the Hive.
Hug and Squeeze were two fat little cubs,
who lived with their grandmother. Their
mother had been captured in a trap when they
were little, tiny bears, and Mother Bruin had
taken them to her home and cared for them ever
since. Such times as she had with them—they
seemed to have been born under an unlucky


The Bears and the Hive.
75
star, and poor old Grandmother Bruin had ber
hands full. They had of course fallen victims
to the measles, and next to the whooping-cough,
and they would eat so many sweets that the
toothache was almost a daily visitor. Grand-

Y
llo
IN4S
C
:
y
WA
mother Bruin used to shake her poor old head
until her stiffly starched cap with its large pur-
ple bow would slip away off over her ear. She
did want very much that they should be good
little bears, and she would talk to Hug and


76
The Bears and the Hive.
Squeeze so earnestly that they would promise to
be ever so much better, and they really meant it
when they promised, but when mischief came
into their heads, like a good many littls boys
and girls—they forgot.
Tommy Jones was the gardener's son, and
Tommy wanted very much to become rich. He
had been given some money one day in the fall
for gathering chestnuts for his master's children.
Tom was proud to have money of his own, and
tried and tried to think of some plan to make it
more. One day, as he passed a shop window, he
saw little boxes with honey in them for sale;
this put an idea into Tommy's head. He would
go home, build some hives, and when spring
came get a swarm of bees, and then he, too,
could have honey to sell. Tommy was a wise
little chap to settle on this plan, for the roses
grew in great profusion, the lilies and honey-
suckle made rich food for the bees, and the
buckwheat fields that gleamed so white and
beautiful had sweetness beyond measure for
these busy little food gatherers.
Well, spring came, and Tommy Lumed with
delight upon the neatly built hives that were to
be the homes of the honey makers and the source


The Bears and the Hive. W
of his wealth. Then summer came, and the
· work went bravely on until the cones were
dripping with the store of golden honey.
Now Hug and Squeeze had been growing all
this while, and the spirit for adventure kept
growing with them. One night Grandmother
Bruin had put them to bed and bade them be
good, obedient children. They lay very still un-
til their grandmother had gone, and then, as
quietly as mice they crept out of bed and stole
cautiously away. Through the woods they
scampered, wild with joy over their freedom.
The road reached, they could not make up their
minds where to go, but the apples in the gar-
dener's yard had made such fine balls before tha
they decided to try a game once more. Off they
trotted, reached the garden, but stopped with
wonder when they saw numbers of queer look-
ing houses standing side by side. They had
never seen hives before, and knew nothing about
the savage little creatures that lived inside.
“We will take one home,” said Hug, “it w..]
be fine to play with.”
Ball was forgotten, and Hug shouldered the
hive, while little Squeeze scampered along at his
side. But they had not gone far when Hug felt


78
The Bears and the Hive.
a sharp pinch on his ear, then one on his arm,
and then he began to feel as though he was being
stabbed all over. The bees were not long in find-
ing out Squeeze, and run as they might, the cubs
could not escape their tormentors.

podczas
... sprintuvas
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Soy badle PALMER COX!
“They are in the box,” said Squeeze, “throw
it away, do.”
Hug threw away the box, but the bees still
held fast. The more the bears tried to get rid
of them the closer they clung, and the deeper
they drove their stings. What a dreadful time


The Bears and the Hive. 79
they had getting rid of them, and what pitiful
sights they were when they reached home.
Their faces were so swollen that it was hard
to tell who they were. Their ears were as large
as two, and their poor paws were smarting as if
from a burn. They were almost afraid to go
home, for they knew they were to blame for all
their suffering, but they felt so very badly that
they decided they must go to grandmother for
help. For little bears are like little children;
when they get hurt, they always want to get
home right away. So off they trotted as fast as
possible, and grandmother was very kind to them
in their trouble; she did not punish them, for she
thought they had been well rewarded for their
disobedience and meddlesome ways, but as she
tucket them in bed once more, after spreading
mud on their swollen hands and faces, she leaned
over them and said: “Will you try to let this bg
a lesson, and listen more carefully hereafter to
your old grandmother's advice?" I think tht;
little bears learned a lesson which lasted them all
their lives, for they lived a great many years in
their old home, and never again meddled with
what did not belong to them


The Fox's Story.
TELL you a story, little chap? Well, what do
you suppose an old fellow like grandfather can
tell to please you and Bushy? It's something
that happened when I was young, you want?
Well, let me think. So many things happened
then, for grandfather was a gay young fox. I
guess I'll tell you first about the great fox hunt
from the castle. The castle stood high upon a
hill, and one fine day the lords and ladies met
there, and mounted upon their beautiful horses,
started through the forest, the hounds dashing
back of them, in front of them, and all around
them, for the hounds go along to scent the fox,
you know. I was young then, and the sight was
new to me, and very dazzling, and although I
had heard of the danger, I liked the excitement
and noise. It was a beautiful sight, for the men
wore bright scarlet jackets, which the dark
dresses of the ladies made look still brighter. My
curiosity came near putting an end to me that
day, for I watched and waited almost too long,
and only the greatest cunning on my part made
the hounds lose the scent, and then the fun was
spoiled.
80


The Fox's Story.
81
Tell you some more? I'll give you some ad-
vice this time. Beware of traps. Many a hand-
some, brave young fox has been too curious, and
has poked his paw into some queer looking ob

RELATIN
ISLATING HISJADVENTU
ENTURES
ject which he has discovered, only to have his
little paw caught, and has so lost his freedom
forever.
There is something else you must remember,
and it is to have lots of patience. One time, when


82
The Fox's Story.
your father and uncle were little chaps, I took
them out to get our Thanksgiving dinner. I had
seen some fat, young turkeys roosting in a pear
tree, and I wanted one of them very badly. The

k24
mokyA
Vi
moon rose early that night, and when we reached
the tree, there sat five as pretty birds as I ever
saw, but I had not been sharp in measuring my
distance, and they were far beyond our reach.


The Fox's Story.
83
So there we stood, and waited and waited, not
knowing what to do. “Let's go home,” said your
father. "Not without our dinner,” said I. "But
we can't reach them,” he replied. “P-75;" I
said, “we can wait,” and we did wait. We hid
back of the barn until morning dawned, and
when the turkeys flew down to hunt for some
breakfast, one of them was doubtless very much
surprised to find himself stowed away in a bag
preparatory to taking a ride on my shoulder. It
was patience that won the turkey, boys, for had
we grown tired and gone away, we certainly
would have lost our fine dinner.
The farmer is no friend of ours, you know,
and the farmer who lived at Hillside was very
hard on us. He and his boys were always setting
traps to capture some venturesome feilow. One
day during harvest time, when the fields were
bright with golden grain, I started off in search
of something to eat. I crept along cautiously
until J espied a duck so round and fat that it
made my mouth water to look at her. I tried to
plan some way to capture her. This seemed al-
most impossible, for the farmer was close by,
and right by his side I could see the shining
barrel of his trusty old gun, and I knew, if he


84
The Fox's Story.
caught sight of me, he would certainly kill me
But the temptation was so great that I ventured
closer and closer, grabbed the duck, stuffed her
into the bag, and scampered away across the
fields as fast as I could run. It is not wise to be
so daring; caution is always better, and it was
only luck that saved me that time.

I want you to be brave, boys, but I want you
to be careful as well. Don't creep too far from
behind the tree when you are lying in wait for
frisky young rabbits. They are as sharp and
watchful as any fox I ever knew, and I have
known a great many. And now I think you have
had stories enough for one day, and I want my


The Fox Hunt.
85
afternoon nap. I picked up a delicious fat goose
this morning, and if you are good boys you can
have it all before you creep into your piney beds
and fall asleep to dream sweet dreams of the
jolly times that are in store for all happy young
foxes. And here we see them fast asleep in their
beds the bones of the goose scattered all around.
The Fox Hunt.
LITTLE TOBY TROTTER came home from school
on Friday night, threw his books on the very top
shelf of the cupboard, and exclaimed, “You can
rest there, my friend, for two whole days. I
have seen all I want of you for this week, and
haven't I pegged at you these five days harder
than I ever did in all my life?”
To be sure, Toby had a good reason for his
hard work, which, of course, you would like to
know. While Toby was finishing his bowl of
porridge and milk at breakfast Monday morning,
his big brother Bill came into the room. “Toby,"
said he, "if you'll come home on Friday night,
and tell me you are head of your class, I'll take
you for a fox hunt on Saturday.”


36
The Fox Hunt.

To say Toby was pleased
does not begin to express his
feelings; he was wild with
delight. “I'll do it, Billy,”
said he, "you see if I don't.
I'll work day and night be-
fore I will miss that fox
hunt.” Bill chuckled to him-
self to see little Toby so wrapt
up in his studies. “I like the
youngster's determination at any rate,” thought
he. Toby's hard work gained the day, and he
could hardly wait until Bill came home to tell
him he had kept his part of the contract. Bill
was ready to do his part also, so they started
from home the next morning, followed by old
Bowser, the dog. Bill carried the gun. Toby
would have liked to carry one also, but Bill
thought he was better off without it. The woods
where the fox lived was some little distance from
the boys' home, and Toby ran along by Billy's
side chattering as merrily as a magpie. A neigh-
bor's dog, seeing old Bowser, joined the party,
but he soon grew tired and left them. If Bowser
had grown old he had not forgotten his early
training as a hunter, and he went straight to


The Fox Hunt.
87
work to discover the whereabouts of Mr. Fox.
He had a lively chase, here and there, in and
around, but at last he seemed to be satisfied, and
Billy, who had watched hin, followed carefully.
It was just outside the woods that Bowser came
upon the fox. The fox saw the dog at about the
same time the dog saw him. With one great
leap Mr. Fox bounded over the fence, Bowser
after him. On they flew, leaving Bill and poor
little Toby far behind them.
Bowser did his best, and just as he thought the
fox was his, the sly old fellow gave one swift
turn, darted into a deep hole in the ground, and
left poor old Bowser looking the picture of sor-
rowful defeat. The fox was lost, but Toby still
thought he had never known such sport in his
life, and he coaxed his brother to take him again
the next week. Bill said that just as long as
Toby would stand at the head of his class he
would take him every Saturday.


The Ride in the Balloon.
Fourth of July dawned bright and smiling
upon the little village of Browmew. Every-
where the flags were flying in honor of the glad
AMMM
day and long streamers of red, white and blue
bunting floated gaily to the breeze. The young
people, roused from their slumbers by the bang-
88


The Ride in the Balloon.
89
ing of the cannon, hurried into the streets to
celebrate this glorious day. The youths had
donned their best suits, and all the happy young
girls had bedecked themselves in the most charm-
ing style. Miss Kitty Stripe, the belle of the
village, won the admiration of all, for where
could one find a sweeter creature than she? Her
soft, pretty ears were tied with the loveliest pink
ribbon, and the waving plume in her hat exactly
matched the ribbon in color. Quite proud Foxy
Terry felt as he walked by her side that fine
morning.
Fireworks blazed all day. It is true that
Spitzy White burnt all the hair off his pretty
little face, and little Mattie Gray had her ear
shot off by a pistol, but they did not mind such
little accidents, and all agreed that the fireworks
were quite a success.
The great event of the day, however, was to
be the balloon ascension. Never had such an
event been heard of in Browmew. All the folks
turned out to see it. Old Tortoise Shell came,.
although he was as blind as a bat, for he declared
that it made him feel young again to hear the
cheering. Foxy Terry and Kitty Stripe had
agreed to take the ride. About four o'clock the


90
The Ride in the Balloon.
balloon was brought out, and ere long all was in
readiness, and they had stepped into the basket

A
WEM


The Ride in the Balloon.
91
and were rising from the earth. Cheer after
cheer went up as they left the ground. Up, up
they sailed. Over roofs and steeples they rose,
until it seemed to the crowd below that they
would never stop. They rose so high that the
ropes got tangled on the horn of the moon,
which they had not been able to avoid, since
they could not see it on account of the bright
sunshine. Poor Pussy was greatly terrified, but
brave Foxy bids her be patient, and he will set
matters right. He soon manages to get the bal-
loon free, and slowly they begin to descend. The
ride is a short one, but it satisfies Miss Kitty, and
she is glad to come down. When they reach the
ground, they are greeted with outstretched arms
and praised for their bravery. So the day ends
amid general rejoicing, and at a late hour all the
sleepy young folks crawl into bed to dream of
the sports of the day, and to look forward with
pleasure to the next year, when they should be
able to have another good time together on the
green.


Lessons for Young Foxies,
Mrs. Ruby Bush was really a very handsome
young fox—the handsomest in the whole neigh-
borhood, so it was said, and they said, too, how
good and gentle she was, which was lots better.

than being called beautiful, for kindness goes a
great deal farther than good looks.
She and her husband and her two little ones
lived in the “Tall Tree” forest as happy and lov-
ing a family as the sun ever shone upon. The
two little foxes, Vic and Vim, played together
all day. They had the finest games of hide and go
92


Lessons for Young Foxies.
93
seek, the great holes in the trunk of the old oak
tree making the jolliest kind of hiding places.
They pulled the tiny flowers that grew in the
woods, and made wreaths and bouquets to carry
home to Mother Bush. Life was just one long
play day to them. Ruby Bush was a good little
mother, and she wanted to see her boys well
brought up, so the time came when she thought
it best to give them a lesson in hunting.
The moon was new, but the night was clear
and the stars twinkled brightly. Vic had his
turn first, and he and his mother started off to
the nearest poultry yard, each carrying a long
white bag.
The turkeys were roosting on the top of a rail
fence, not dreaming of any danger, and Mother
Fox and Vic had little trouble to fill their bags.
Vic was much pleased over his success, and
thought it almost as much fun as playing with
Vim.
Father Bush had seen a trap in the forest, and
had told his wife about it. "Now,” thought she,
is the time to teach my boys of the danger of
traps.” So, when the boys started off to play,
as usual, she called them back, telling them she
wanted them to go with her as she had some-


94 Lessons for Young Foxies.
thing to show them. The trap was near their
home, and the boys gazed in wonder at this
strange object, and listened with interest to the

WINTIP
tales their mother told of its great dangers. A
delicious piece of meat had been used for bait,
and Vic and Vim and Mother Bush, too, wished


The Hunter Treed.
95
they might have it. To wish meant to try with
Mother Bush, so she got a long stick, and telling
her boys to keep away, carefully pried open the
trap and drew out the treasure. What a fine
time they had eating it and wishing they could
find another!
The Hunter Treed.
FOR two or three weeks old Jack Frost had
been at work in the forest, pinching the leaves
from the trees, and sending the ripe nuts to the
ground.. Great piles of leaves, that Nature's

Buchen
own
birtist had painted brown and red, gold and crim-
son, lay on the ground, making a soft, thick car-
pet for the dwellers of the forest.
In this forest, the Bear, the Wolf and the Fox
lived, and three greater cronies you never heard


96 : The Hunter Treed.
of. The Bear was the oldest and the biggest
but little Foxy always led the fun, for he was
one of the brightest, smartest little chaps that
ever dwelt in the forest. Through the fallen

Zato
WA
PALMER CO
leaves he came tramping one day to the house
of neighbor Bear, and with his usual cheery
"How-do-you-do?”' greeted his friend. He had
heard that much mischief was being done by a


The Hunter Trı d.
9:
cruel, hard-hearted hunter, and he wanted the
Bear and their friend, the Wolf, go with him
and try to put an end to the hunter's fun. They
went to the Wolf's house, and found him willing
to help, so side by side they started through the
woods. Nothing happened for some time, but
finally the sharp ears of little Foxy heard the
sound of a gun in the distance. Bidding his
friends be quiet, he waited until it sounded
again. This time Foxy learned the direction
from which it came, and they hurried on toward
the spot. Bang, bang, bang! The gun kept
sounding louder and louder as they sped along.
Now a new noise greeted their ears. It sounded
like the chattering of many voices, and as they
turned the corner they came upon a strange
sight. Up in the tree that bore but one branch
and must at one time have been struck by light-
ning, hung the cruel hunter, while below him
on the ground danced and played a greedy crowa
of wolves. One had his empty gun, two more
were fighting for his hat, and the rest stood
barking at the hunter in the wildest manner.
The three cronies were too late to carry out their
scheme, but they laughed merrily over the vic-
tory of the others, and they were greatly pleased


98
The Hunter Treed.
that at last they were to be set free from the
danger in which they had been so long, and

2
The Hunter treed.
could now roam over the forest at their pleasure
without fear of being killed by the hunter's gun.
The poor fellow in the tree was in a very un-


The Lost Dinner.
99
Wolves wone bad at last ape, and felt.
comfortable position, as we can well see, and he
was in constant fear lest the wolves, in some
way, might be able to reach him. He saw no
way in which he could escape, and felt sure that
his time to die had at last come. He hoped the
wolves would be attracted by something else, and
go away and leave him, but that seemed to be
almost too good a fortune. The wolves kept the
poor man in the tree until they heard the sound
of approaching footsteps and caught the sounds
of frequently fired guns; then they all scampered
away as fast as possible, and then the poor man
was rescued by his friends, who had come in
search of him.
The three friends were very much disap-
pointed when their victim escaped, but they
koped he would be so badly frightened that he
would, in the future, keep away from the forest,
and so far as we know he never troubled them
again.
The Lost Dinner.
“COME, my dear,” said Mrs. Fox, as she
pinned her plaid shawl around her shoulders and
tied on her bonnet that was trimmed with one


The Lost Dinner.
good little boy, and promise not to get in the
way, you may go to market with me. I have
noticed for several evenings past that a fat young
gobbler roosts on the fence that is built along
the road. This is too good a prize to lose, my
dear, and he shall be mine to-night. If I am
not as young as I used to be, I have not forgotten
the art of bagging game, and it will be well for
you, my child, if you keep your eyes open and
try to profit by my example.”
“Indeed, mother,” said young Rufus," you
will find me just as good as can be, and I am
sure no one could be a better teacher than you,
for well I remember the good dinners you have
brought home from the farm-yard."
The roadside and the rail fence were soon
gained, and in less time than it takes to tell it,
Mr. Gobbler had found a place inside Mother
Fox's basket, and the lid was shut down tight,
“Oh dear me!” thought the poor turkey, “why
was I so foolish as to roost on that rail fence?
If I had only listened to my mother's warning,
what a happy turkey I might still be; but I
thought I was old enough and smart enough to
take care of myself. If I could only get out I'à
be so careful hereafter.” But the lid was shut


102
The Lost Dinner.
down tight, and there seemed no chance for the
gobbler.

GIA
DARIYA
more
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TER


104 The New Spring Suit.
ling and exhausted; but having left the fox be-
low.
This was a hard lesson for the gobbler, but it
was a good one, and never again did any one
hear of that turkey roosting on a fence rail. He
did not wish to run any more chances of getting
into the clutches of the wily old fox.
The New Spring Suit.
SPRING had come again. Spring, warm and
gentlenot March with its howling winds pinch-
ing your noses and fingers and toes, and bidding
the big round tears to chase each other down
your poor little faces. The warm April showers
told that spring had come. As the rain pattered
down upon the earth, softening the hard crust of
winter, up popped the little faces of the snow-
drop and daffodils, crocuses opened their eyes to
the bright golden sun, and the tulips put on
their robes of crimson and yellow to tell of
spring's arrival.
While nature was putting on her new and
beautiful apparel, Mr. Rufus Cunning began to


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106
The New Spring Suit.
open his eyes and wonder if it was not about
time for him to think of his spring costume.
Now one of Rufus' great failings was his love
for dress. It is a fact, though a very sorry one,
that nearly all his time and thoughts were spent
in planning what would be the most becoming
style of clothing.
Off he started one fine morning to fit himself
out with a rig most charming. First of all he
visited the tailor and bought of him a suit which
he considered quite a beauty. His linen was the
next purchase, and the collar he chose was so
high that one would pity him, did he not think
him so very foolish to suffer thus for show. But
people who are older and wiser than this gay
young fox do just such silly things.
His next stop was at the boot-maker's. Mr.
Shoemaker never in all his life found anybody
so hard to please, but at last a pair was found to
suit him, and then a hat must be gotten. Hat
after hat was tried on, but by and by a hat, tall
and black and shiny, met Foxy's view, and his
eyes danced with pleasure as he gazed at himself
in the mirror. Now all was complete except the
gloves—these were not hard to find, and then he
started for home. You should have seen this


The New Spring Suit.
107
vain young creature as he walked along the street
-everything complete, from the crown of his
head to the soles of his feet-not ever the walk-
ing-stick, nor the eye-glass had been forgotten.
If no one admired his fine appearance, Foxy was
happy in the entire satisfaction he felt in himself.
But alas, alas! he had just taken his friend,
Miss Bruin, out for a little stroll, when the worst
shower of the whole season came up. You
should have seen them run, when the first large
drops came pattering down. There seemed to
be no shelter near at hand, and they were getting
pretty wet, when Miss Bruin spied some old
friends gathered under an old umbrella, which
little Floy, the pet of the household, had left in
the woods the day before. So Foxy and she
made a dash for this refuge and reached it just
as the rain began to pour down in torrents. They
were pretty well crowded, but they were very
thankful to have even that much protection, aná
tey really enjoyed themselves chatting with
their friends. The shower lasted only a few
minutes, and when it was over they started foz
home, as it was too wet to go farther and Foxy
was very much worried over his new rig, which
was nearly ruined.


Monkey Jack.
UNCLE Mac had been away for years in South
America, mother told us children, and South
America became the extent of travel, the most
remote corner of the world, to our childish

minds. How we listened with the keenest in-
terest to the occasional letters which arrived, and
how we wondered what this far-away uncle was
like, for Rob and I were but babies when he
went away. One night, I can remember it just
108


Monkey Jack. :
109
perfectly, although I was only a mite of a girl,
we were gathered around the open fire in the
library, for the September nights were chilly,
when the maid announced a gentleman in the
parlor. He gave no name, but said he knew he
would be welcome. Mother left us, but in al-
most no time we heard her calling, “Children,
children, come quickly, your Uncle Mac is
home!” Rob and I pranced down like little
ponies, and were almost smothered in this big
uncle's arms. After the first welcome had been
given, uncle asked if he might bring in his
traveling companion, for he was sure he must
be tired of being alone so long. We children
wondered why the poor traveler had been left in
the hall, but all wonderment was dispelled when
a sleepy, corrowful looking monkey appeared in
uncle's arms. Oh! how wild Rob was with de-
light. I was rather timid and kept at a distance.
Before Rob had finished admiring this funny
little chap, Nan, the nurse, came to take him off
to bed. I am sorry to say that Rob was not a
bit good, but screamed dreadfully, until uncle
told him that if he would stop crying, Jack, as
he called the monkey, might sleep in his room.
Mother shook her finger reprovingly at Uncle



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Tit
HTIONSTIN


112
Monkey Jack.
and if we gave one to him hot, he would throw
it from hand to hand until it became cool, and
then with his clever little fingers he would re-
move the shell just as daintily as possible. An-
other favorite dish of his was red raspberries;

jiriwa
black he would not touch. One day the cook
gave him some red berries in a china saucer, and
determined to keep her eyes upon him, as he
had no regard for crockery. Something de-
manded her attention, and she forgot the mon-


114 The Meeting on the Bridge.
beautiful river. But our story is about the
bridge over the little stream, and what happened
there.
One morning the elephant dressed himself in
his very best, put on his tall white hat, took his
stick in his hand, and started through the woods
to visit his friend, the giraffe. He took his time,
for the day was warm, and he liked to listen to
the birds and watch the gentle rustle of the
leaves as the soft wind shook them.
He was surprised when he looked at the sun
and found that the morning was fast drawing to
a close. He walked on much faster than was
comfortable, and his temper was not the sweetest
when he came to the bridge and found the don-
key standing on it watching the waters flow over
the rocks.
"Move on, my friend,” said the elephant, "this
is no place for halting.” But the donkey was
not pleased to be spoken to in this manner, and
he made no effort to move. On the bridge
stepped the elephant, but still the donkey did
not stir.
"Perhaps you did not hear me," said the ele-
phant. “I told you to move on."
“Quite plainly I heard you,” replied the don.



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116 The Meeting on the Bridge.
key, “but it does not please me to stir from this
spot.”
Both the elephant and the donkey were grow-
ing angrier every minute. At last the elephant,
who, of course, was lots the larger, picked up the
donkey with his trunk, and dipped him up and
down in the cool stream until he cried for mercy,
If the sun was hot, the water was cool, and this
sudden plunge was certainly not to the donkey's
liking, and his wild struggles afforded the ele-
phant much amusement. As he stepped back,
laughing at the donkey's frantic efforts, his foot
slipped, and over he went, splash, into the water.
The water was not very deep, and they soon
scrambled to the shore, but both had learned a
lesson, and before parting they decided that the
better plan was to yield to one another. Had the
elephant spoken in a kindly manner, and had the
donkey been more accommodating, each might
have escaped a most unpleasant experience.
The elephant's bath had left him in no condi-
tion for calling, and his tall white hat he prized
so much had gone floating down the stream, but
he did not grumble, for he knew the fault was
his own. He felt that he might have avoided
this very unpleasant ending to the happy time


118
The Runaway Pair.
Jacky Leap—just the handsomest, largest frog
in the whole pond.
He and Rhody had planned to leave the old
place that night and go off and be married.

This
TUTTI
PALMER COX
They were both young and wilful lovers, and
because Mother Gray had said no when Jack
asked for Rhody, they had made up their minds
to have their own way, come what would. Now
then, do you wonder that Rhody was frightened?
It was growing so late that she felt sure Jack
had forgotten her, and her little heart went
thumpty-bang! until she was certain some one


She Runaway Pair.
119
would hear it. Poor foolish Rhody, it only
sounded so loud to her ears. But at last she
caught sight of some gleaming white object al-
most flying towards her, and what should it be
but the white rabbit that had been bought at
Bun of their plans, and he had promised to help
them—and he certainly did. Jack was seated
on his back, such a big, broad, furry back, and
Rhody was soon mounted behind her lover.
to dash past them. Poor little frightened
Rhody held on with all her might, fearing every
minute that she might slip off and be left behind,
until at last they came to the hollow tree where
He blinked at them through his spectacles, but
asked no questions, and in less than no time
Rhody was Mrs. Leap. Bun was waiting for
them, and they mounted once more and started
for home. It was hard to tell Mother Gray what
they had done—but she was a kind old rat, and
concluded that the only way was to make the
hest of things, so she gave them her blessings,
and Jack and his little wife Rhody were as
happy a couple as lived in the Green.


Chanty's Lesson.
“Cock a doodle doo!” shrilly crowed Mr.
Chanticleer as he strutted around in the barn-
yard. Chanty had just learned to crow, and he
was as proud as any rooster could be over his
own voice. He was not a very beautiful bird,

MIMO
tulla
-
PALMERE COX
for his tail feathers had just commenced to grow,
and his legs were so long and thin you wanted
to laugh at him, if that had not been the rudest
thing you could possibly do. But still, one could
120


Chanty's Lesson.
I21
not help thinking him a very foolish fellow as
he watched him strutting around, as though he
owned the barnyard. But grief, you know some-
times comes to people who think themselves so
far above their neighbors; so. listen to the narrow
escape that Chanty had one summer evening.
Down in the woods, not far away from the
home of Chanty, lived a smart red fox; he was
young and called a very handsome fellow, and
old Mother Fox smiled with approval when she
saw her son going off rigged in his finest suit, his
hat perched on one side, with a turkey feather
sticking in it, and his sharp pointed knife shin-
ing in his belt.
One night this young fox bade good-bye to
his mother, gathered up the bag that always
hung back of the door, and started off towards
the farm-yard. You can guess his purpose, per-
haps—Chanty's shrill crow had reached his ears,
and he made up his mind in an instant that he
would like the rooster in a pot-pie much better
than strutting around the barnyard.
Fate had been kind to Chanty this time, and
when Master Fox reached the place, all he could
see of the rooster was his tail feathers 'sticking
through the stable door, and the farmer's man


Fido, the Shepherd Dog. 123
this somebody laughed when he, Fido, began
licking his hand.
"I'll take him," he heard the stranger say, and

Grow
then, without another word, Fido was tucked
away into the pocket of the man's great coat. It
seemed such a long while to Fido before he
heard the farmer say “Whoa” to his horses, and


Fido, the Shepherd Dog. 125
two had together. Wherever Nan went, Fido
followed, and Nan was such a kind, loving little
mistress that he loved her dearly.
Fido grew bigger and stronger every day, and
he certainly made good the boy's promise of his
becoming a fine dog. He found out by and by
that life was not all play, for the farmer carried
him off one day to teach him to mind the sheep.
It was not long before Fido knew all about it,
and the farmer told little Nan that he was the
best shepherd dog he had ever had.
Now the old wolf, who lived in the woods
back of the pasture lot, had found out what a
good shepherd Fido was, for try as he might,
not once could he find him napping. One day
this wolf thought he would be very cunning and
get the best of Fido, so he went carefully out to
the corn field one night, and robbed the scare-
crow of his clothes and rigged himself in them,
thinking that Fido would not know him.
The moon was shining brightly, and as the
wolf came across the field, Fido pricked up his
ears and looked at him suspiciously. He knew
that he did not belong in the field any way, and
so he kept pretty close watch over him. Closer
and closer came the wolf, and Fido waited


126 Fido, the Shepherd Dog.
quietly for him, and then, with one long, know-
ing look, leaped upon him. It was too bad, but
Fido had grabbed the coat and not the wolf, so
that Mr. Wolf slipped out of his covering and

1
ca
was off in the woods as fast as his legs could
carry him, and never again, as far as we know,
has he tried to play any tricks on Fido.
But for Fido, Nan's father might have lost


The Bicycle Race.
127
many of his valuable sheep, and he could not be
grateful enough to the faithful dog for his good
service.
Nan was very proud of her Fido when her
father told of the way in which he looked after
the flock, and said she was quite sure nothing
would ever harm them as long as he was around.
Quite often Fide would go with Nan's father,
and help him drive his sheep to market, and he
was always so faithful and trusty that Nan's
father was never sorry that he stopped that day
and got the little fellow.
The Bicycle Race.
THE glorious Fourth had proclaimed itself all
day long. Bang! Bang! Bang! went the cannons,
Bang! Bang! Bang! echoed the crackers, and
Bang! Bang! Bang! sounded the torpedoes small
and great. Gunpowder made the air heavy and
oppressive, and the clouds gathering in the sky
made one very uncertain as to whether or not the
rain would put an end to all the fun. Large
posters in red and blue letters had notified the
people that the most beautiful fireworks they


128
The Bicycle Race.
had ever seen would be put off back of the more
houses0 do you wonder that the sly was.
watched most anxiously?
Now the people of the town were not alone in
wishing for a clear night. The young folks who
dwelt in the woods were watching the clouds
with just the keenest interest, even the tiniest
speck of blue sky was hailed with shouts of de
light. Were they, too, going to celebrate this
day of Independence? Why, to be sure they
were. They were not going to send off rockets
and bombs. Roman candles and pin-wheels were
not part of their fun. These forest foks had in-
vited all their friends to witness a bicycle race.
The bear, the wolf, the fox, the rabbit, the
porcupine and the catamount were to take part,
and as no bicycle race had ever been ridden in
these parts, the greatest interest was taken in it
by all the animals in the country round.
For weeks they had been practicing. Early
and late you might see these four-footed fellows
mounted on their wheels, and pushing them
along just as fast as ever they could. It was not
all fun either, for tires would slip off the rims,
nuts constantly became loose, and sometimes it
happened that a stone or a twig or something of


The Bicycle Race.
129
the sort sent the rider off his wheel, and then
bent handle-bars must be straightened, or worse
still, bruised heads must be tied up—but all
these woes were part of the undertaking, so no
one dared complain, but must go to work and try
again.
Well, all these trials were over now, and the
evening had come when fate should decide to
whom the honor belonged. What a crowd had
gathered to see them. The squirrels sat chatter-
ing together up in the trees; the crickets and
katy-dids tried to outdo each other in their lively
chirrup, and the nightingale raised her sweet
voice and poured forth the loveliest music.
One! two! three! croaked the frog, and off
they started. The rabbit was first. “Three
cheers for Bun!” shouted the crowd. "Bruin is
ahead! Three cheers for Bruin.” “It's the Fox
this time!" "No, he has lost his place, Bruin is
ahead again!” “Oh, what a shame, the wolf has
fallen off! No use trying again, poor wolf, the
others are far ahead.”
First it was one and then another, until at last,
just as the goal was reached, little Bun with one
mighty effort came in first. How the crowd
cheered, and what a happy fellow Bun was. It
U.


The Jolly Chinee.
131
tiny fans. They wore queer little shoes, that
were so tight they pinched their toes dreadfully,
and made them sway from side to side as they
walked along. One day We Wo Wang said to
his sisters, “My dears, I am sure, if I tried I

IMRIUNITI
IMMMMIIDUIVUMA
..
1.21
DERMATOMA
might walk down
those balusters. I
think I might do
it gracefully, too; I
know just how I
would balance my-
self." His sisters
were horrified at the
idea, and begged him not
to try, but We Wo Wang
was determined. He mount-
ed the rail, opened his fan,


132
The Jolly Chinee.
fluttered it from side to side, and commenced
the descent.
The servants hearing of their master's doings,
hurried from all parts of the house to see the
sight. But alas! for poor We Wo Wang; his
foot slipped, and he came crashing down to the
floor. Away flew his hat, away flew his fan.
Servants rushed to pick him up, and his two
little sisters came hobbling down the stairs as
fast as ever they could, expecting to see We Wo
Wang battered to pieces. There were no bones
broken, and arnica and court plaster soon made
him pretty comfortable. But there was some-
thing hurt past healing, and that was We Wo
Wang's pride. It grieved him to think his ser-
vants had seen his failure. It was bad enough
for his sisters to have been witnesses, but it was
dreadful to have these chattering servants laugh
and joke over his downfall. He made up his
mind to punish them for having so much curios-
ity, so he had one of them carry him into the
hall, prop him up with pillows, and then he
ordered them to walk down the ballusters, one
after the other, while he sat and watched their
defeat just as they had witnessed his. The
servants were greatly terrified when they heard


The Jolly Chinee.
: 133
this command, but of course they all had to try,
because they dared not disobey their master's

HUMUM NUDIT
command. One after another they mounted the
stairs, and took their positions to descend, but


134
A Chinese Adventure.
not in the way We Wo Wang intended. Off
they tumbled, one after another, bruising their
poor bodies and wishing they had kept out of the
way, and not been so curious. We Li Ho came
very near coming down in safety, but near the
bottom his foot slipped, and he too fell down.
As We Wo Wang sat and watched them, he
laughed hard enough to split his sides, for no
one was able to accomplish the feat.
one
A Chinese Adventure.
WE WING Wo was a little yellow Chinaman.
He belonged to one of the best families, as any
one could tell from his red and yellow girdle.
That he never worked a day in his life might also
be told by the great length of his finger nails, of
which he was wonderfully proud. He was also
proud of his round, plump figure, for Chinamen,
you know, like to be fat. Like the rest of his
, countrymen, he had almond-shaped eyes, and
wore his shiny black hair in a long, carefully
combed pig-tail.
We Wing Wo was very fond of good things



正如国NAES
1000
--


· 136
A Chinese Adventure.
to eat, and he thought no one could cook these
good things as well as his servant, Ho Che Lee.
HA
DOTWO Y ART
Et
How old We Wing Wo would smile with de-
light when the bird's-nest soup was set before


A Chinese Adventure.
137
him; and then, again, how merrily he would
chuckle over a dish of shark's fins or deer's
sinews, and the never-forgotten pearly white
rice! We Wing Wo could make his chop sticks
fly when all these dainties graced his table. But
above all things, We Wing Wo loved a cup of
good, strong tea. It seemed to drive away all
cares and troubles. Ho Che Lee, always kept
some ready in a funny brown tea-pot.
We Wing Wo haù never been to sea, and he
was siezed with a wild desire to try a trip on the
briny deep. One day he called his faithful Ho
Che Lee to him, and telling him his wish, bade
him pack a harper with eatables, hunt up a
boat, and prepare to take the journey with him.
Poor Ho Che Lee shook with fear at such a
prospect, but he dared not question his master's
order, and so went away to do his bidding.
When all was ready, Ho Che Lee suggested that
it might be better to take with them somebody
who knew a thirg or two about a boat. We
Wing Wo agreed to this; a fellow was found,
and the three set sail.
All went well at first, but by and by poor We
Wing Wo wished he was on shore, for he was
growing sicker every minute.


The Eagle's Christmas. 139
It was easy enough to say, go home, but try
as they might, neither the sailor nor He Che Lee
could manage the boat.
“Throw out a line,” said We Wing Wo, “and
see how deep it is.” Out went the line, and out
went luckless Lee; not to drown, however, for
after much pulling he was landed safely in the
boat.
How all .;f them longed for shore, and how
very small their chances of getting there did
seem! But fate is sometimes kind, and so she
proved herself this time.
Some men had been watching the boat from
the shore, and had seen the poor fellows' sorry
plight; so they tied a rope round the waist of
one good-hearted Chinaman, and sent him to the
rescue. He swam out to them, fastened the rope
to the bow, and with many long, strong pulls
We Wing Wo was hauled to shore.
The Eagle's Christmas.
On the top of a high mountain a mother
eagle had built a nice, soft nest. She did not
build where some eagles do, in the cleft of the


140
The Eagle's Christmas.
rocks, but in top of a large tree. In the uest she
laid four eggs, and there, day after day, she sat
on the nest, keeping the eggs warm, until one
day she heard a gentle rap-rap against the shell.
The knocking grew louder and louder, and a bit
of the shell fell off the end of the egg, and slowly
a little head came out, and then a little body,
and in the course of a few hours the old Mother
Eagle found herself with four little ones to look
after. It kept her very busy indeed, supplying
all their wants, and she had to make a good many
trips to the valley to get them the food they
wanted.
All babies must have a name, and so the old
Mother Eagle put on her thinking cap, and tried
to find a name for each child; but, like all mam-
mas, none was good enough. At last she de
cided to call them Tim, Sam, Chirp and Baldy.
They were a funny looking lot of creatures,
to be sure, with their big heads, and mouths al-
ways open, and we would not think them at ail
pretty; but they seemed beautiful to their
mamma, and she was always trying to think up
ways of making them happy. No children ever
spent more happy days than these little eagles.
Strange to say, they never quarreled. If Sam


Tine Eagle's Christmas. 141
felt cross, and was likely to scold, the other little
ones would creep away, and leave him to himself
until he was good-natured once more. They
loved one another very dearly, and each one was
ready to do as the others wished. They never
said, “I won't play, if you do that,” as some little
boys and girls do.
They were still quite young, so young that
they had not yet learned to fly, when the glad
Christmas time rolled around. The snow had
been falling for several days, and the mountain
tops were covered with a beautiful white blanket.
On the fir trees just near the eagle's nest, the
snow glistened like diamonds in the morning sun.
Sam and Tim, Baldy and Chirp were up early
that Christmas morning, for, like all little folks,
they wanted to see if Santa Claus had brought
them anything. All the week they had been
wild with excitement, for, although they had
never had a Christmas, their mamma had told
them all about it, and it seemed as if they could
never wait for the day to come. Each tiny eagle
had written down just what he wanted, and
mamma had a long list when she started off that
morning to get the gifts and the Christmas
dinner. Santa Claus was so busy supplying the


142
The Eagle's Christmas.
wants of the children down in the valley, that he
did not have time to visit the nest, but he met
the Mother Eagle one day as he was driving over
the mountain, and he had promised to leave a
lot of nice toys for the little ones hidden in the
hollow tree at the foot of the mountain, where
she could get them. Santa Claus has such a
good, kind heart that he could not bear to think
that even little eagles should be forgotten on this
glad day, when all of God's creatures should be
happy.
All day the little eagles sat on the branches of
the tree which was their home, craning their
long necks and straining their eyes to catch the
first sight of their mother as she flew homeward.
They did not even take time for their mid-day
nap, and if they had not been so anxious to see
what their mamma would bring, I fear they
would have dropped asleep and perhaps would
have fallen out of the tree to the ground below.
It was nearly twilight when the mother came
home, and how joyfully the little ones greeted
her, and how delighted they were with her well-
filled basket. They chattered and chirped in
their own language until their poor mother
was almost wild with their noise, but she


The Eagle's Christmas. 143
was also very much pleased to see them all so
happy.
What a nice Christmas dinner they had. True,
their turkey was not roasted or garnished, as ours
is, but they liked it all the better. First there
was the nicest, sweetest fish you ever saw, served
up in true eagle style. Then a nice rabbit, two
young pigeons and some fat ducks. When the
youngsters had finished their dinner, their
mamma brought out a bag of yellow corn and a
lot of rosy cheeked apples, which she had stolen
from a farmer's wagon. My, how those little
eagles did eat. It was a great wonder they did
not all die.
When the feast was over, and the horns and
drums, the bright picture books, and the other
pretty toys were distributed, they all decided
that Christmas was the happiest time imaginable.
“Well, really,” said little Baldy, "I wish Christ-
mas came oftener.” And all the others cried,
“So do we.”


Tale of the Ostrich Hunter.
Did you ever hear of a bird that could not
fly? That seems odd, does it not? But a bird,
called the ostrich, belongs to this family. Its
wings are so tiny that they are of little use to
him, except that while running they spread out
and catch the air. If the ostrich has not the
power of flying, which other birds possess, he
is gifted with the ability to run at a wonderfully
swift pace. To help him in this direction, he is
provided with strong, long legs, that carry him
across the country as rapidly as the swiftest.
horse. The long neck of this bird is covered
with soft, downy plumage, but its body is cov-
ered with the beautiful, graceful plumes that are
used for trimming our hats and bonnets.
The home of the ostrich is in the hot, sunny
desert land of África. It is a very tall bird,
measuring six feet, and sometimes eight. Its
food is principally grass and grains, but it picks
up and devours sand and pieces of stone and
bone. It will also eat insects, small birds and
snakes. Large numbers of them will feed to-
gether; in fact, they live in flocks, often of great
size. The mother bird, before laying her eggs,
Ss and feces of birds ar
144


Tale of the Ostrich Hunter. 145
scratches a hole in the ground, thus making her
nest. She lays ten or twelve eggs in the same

place. In the daytime she allows the heat of the
sun to hatch them, but at night she sits on them


Tale of the Ostrich Hunter.
147
desert to hunt his prey. Pretty soon he came
upon an ostrich that was resting in the sun, and
raising his gun to his shoulder, he fired. He
wounded the bird so that it could not walk very
fast, and thinking that he would be able to cap-

Ole
kling
Toolbo
SOUZA
HEIM
ture it, if he could wound it in such a manner as
to stop its walking, he crept carefully toward it,
and stooping down, attempted to cut off its leg
with his sharp, strong sword. He felt quite sure
of his prize now, but had not counted on what
was going to happen. The ostrich is a very wise


148 Vacation at Grandfather's.
bird, and this fellow knew that he had the hunter
just where he wanted him—completely in his
power. What do you think that ostrich did?
He dropped right down on top of the poor
hunter, completely hiding him from view. That
poor hunter wished he had not been so foolish
as to get so near the huge bird, at least we sup
pose he wished so; but we shall never know just
how he did feel, for when the ostrich at last
arose, there lay the poor hunter just as flat as
a pancake, looking very much as if he had been
under a heavy rolling machine. The ostrich
hurried away as fast as he could go, leaving the
poor hunter to his fate. We see what a powerful
bird this is and how careful the poor hunter has
to be.
Vacation at Grandfather's.
VACATION had come, and Dick and I were two
of the happiest boys you could find after a good
long search. · Vacation did not simply mean to
us that examinations were over, that now books
and slates could be put away, and study hour
given over to play. No, indeed! Vacation


Vacation at Grandfather's. 149
meant lots more to us, it meant Grandfather's.
If and boy has a grandfather who lives on a big
farm, with lots of horses and cows, and whose
place is just filled with trees that grow in exactly
the right style for climbing, and if he has a
grandmother who knows how to make the best
pies and puddings and ginger cake men that no
baker could possibly make half as good, then he

Vilis
*
IGNU
DRA
Hill
March
liv
1190
die
has some idea of what vacation meant to Dick
and me.
Grandfather's place was many miles from our
home. We had to start quite early in the morn-
ing, and ride on the train all day—then, just
about the time the sun commenced to creep down
back of the hill, the train stopped at Clearfield,
—that's the name of the station—and out we
popped, eyes wide open for the two big grays
that grandfather always drove. They never


150
Vacation at Grandfather's.
failed us, and after getting a good big hug from
grandfather, we always rubbed their soft noses,
and patted their sleek, fat necks.
Grandmother knew the appetites of her two
healthy grand-
sons, and made
ample prepara-
tions. Such piles
of bread and
butter as she cut
for us, and how
good it tasted,
spread with
grandmother's
lovely butter
and the golden
honey that the
busy bees made.
“Early to bed, and early to rise,” was grand-
father's motto; so we boys must wait until
breakfast time to tell all the home news,
and to ask after Towser, the watch-dog, and
Bess, the old donkey, and to hear about the
cunning gray kittens in the barn, and the little
fluffy ducklings only two days old, and the baby
lambs.


Vacation at Grandfather's. 153
corner. Dick went off to search for the cause,
and there in an empty stall lay Malty and her
four Malty babies. Aaron gave us a saucer of
milk for her, and she purred gently, as though
she were trying to express her thanks. The old
gobbler strutted around the barnyard, seeming
to suggest that he, too, was a subject for ad-
miration.
The boy, Dan, had gone to the corn field to
pull out the weeds that had gathered between the
rows. Dick and I started off to join him, but
what a laugh we had when we reached the top
of the hill. There stood the funniest looking
thing you ever saw. It was a scare-crow rigged
up in an old suit of Dan's, with one of grand-
father's hats on its head, a wooden gun in its
hand, and a powder flask swung under its arm.
But the funniest sight of all was to see a crow
perched on the top of the hat, no more scared
than Dick and I were.
Days went so fast that vacation was over be-
fore we realized it, and the time had come for
us to go home. It was hard work to leave so
much fun, but we had to make the best of it,
and look forward to another summer and more
happy days at Grandfather's.


Ted's Birthday Gift.
It was Ted's birthday. Eight years ago,
grandma told him as she wished him many happy
returns of the day, and gave him a great, big
hug and a kiss—he was just the tiniest mite of a

thing, but now she considers him quite a good
size boy for his age. Ted liked to be told he was
big, and he held up his head and threw back his
shoulders, just to make himself as tall as ever
he could.
154


156
Ted's Birthday Gift.
word. Papa looked almost as pleased as Ted,
he did so like to make his boy happy.
Ted's birthday came in the spring. Hethought
it was a beautiful time to have a birthday—the
whole outside world seemed to put on its pret-
tiest dress in honor of the day, and as Ted sat at
the table trying to eat his breakfast, but too full
of delight over his wheel-barrow to care very
much, the breezes, heavy ladened with the per-
fume of the blossoms, stole softly in at the half
opened windows.
Little Bess was Ted's three year old sister, and
she was also his pet and plaything. Ted was an
idol to Bess, and to share in his play was her
greatest happiness. Bess thought the new wheel-
barrow the most beautiful thing she had ever
seen.
“Go put your bonnet on, and I'll take you for
a ride," said Ted.
What fun they had, and how frightened Bess
grew when Ted trunneled her so swiftly around
the corners. Ted laughed at her fear, and went
all the faster.
But Ted's fearlessness led to sad trouble. Just
as they started at full speed down the hill, off
came the wheel, out went Bess, and the pretty


Ted's Birthday Gift.
157
red wheel-barrow feil all to pieces. No bones
were broken, but two broken-hearted little chil-
dren picked up the pieces, and went into the

LIKE
XIV
house to mother. Mother kissed and petted them
both, and comforted Ted with the promise that
father would mend it and make it as good as
new.


The Little Indian Boy.
Did you ever think, when night comes and
you see mother undress the baby and tuck him
snugly in his snowy white bed, that perhaps
there are some babies who have different cradles
from his, and very different treatment, too?
The little Indian baby who lives in the north-
western part of America has a very different
cradle. His is only a piece of wood, sometimes
birch bark, which is hollowed out. The baby is
laid on the board, and his mother laces him in,
passing the cord from side to side. A small piece
of wood, covered with bark, is used for his pil-
low. When the baby's mother goes for a walk,
she carries the cradle and baby on her back, the
little Indian's head just peeping over his
mother's shoulder. If she is busy, she hangs the
cradle and baby on a tree, and the wind swings
the cradle gently to and fro, often sending the
little one to “Shut-eye-town.” Sometimes there
are tiny bells fastened to the cradle, and their
tinkle, tinkle, when the wind swings it, makes
very sweet music.
As soon as the little Indian boy is old enough,
his father takes him with him to learn hunting
158


The Little Indian Boy. 159
and fishing. He holds the lighted torch while
the old Indian spears the fish at night, and he
helps him also with the canoe or boat. He soon
learns to use the bow and arrow, and to bring
down the birds as they fly through the air. It is
the fate, at times, of some unlucky animal to
stop the arrow as it comes dashing towards the
ground, for of course every arrow does not pierce
the object toward which it is directed
The Indian children do not wear dainty
clothes, like you little people. Sometimes they
have only a piece of cloth around them serving
for a skirt. The father and mother Indians
wrap themselves in blankets, and the brighter
the colors, the better they like them. Their hair
is long and straight and black, and they love to
dress it with tall, stiff feathers. Their shoes are
not made like ours, but are pieces of skin, often
beautifully trimmed with beads and worked with
fancy silks. These shoes are called moccasins.
Once there was a little Indian boy, who lived
not far from the railroad. It happened one day
that the 'train stopped for some reason or cther,
and this little fellow, thinking he might coax
some goodies from the passengers, sat down and
cried as though his heart would break, sobbing


160
The Little Indian Boy.
out from time to time how hungry he was. As
he sat there on the edge of the platform, the
people in the train felt very sorry for him, think-
ing he had in some way become lost, and possibly
might be starving; so, not knowing this was a
trick, pitied the poor little fellow, opened their
baskets, and generously shared their lunch with
him, giving him the very best they had. They
did not know that the father and mother were
hiding in the bushes, and that this was a scheme
of theirs to get their living. When the train
moved on, he gathered up his treasures, carried
them to his father and mother, and they had the
grandest kind of a feast. There was dainty
white bread, chicken, cakes and pies, good things
of all sorts. We should not blame the little fel-
low, for of course he thought it was all right, if
mother said so, just as our little boys and girls
think what their fathers and mothers say is just
right and the proper thing to do. Now this was
a very naughty trick for the little Indian boy to
play, but we must remember that he had no one
to teach him how wrong it is to deceive people,
for his father and mother had never been taught
either. It is we, who know how, who must try
to be good.


The First Pair of Trousers.
The rain was falling thick and fast in the dim
old forest. At first it had been nothing but a
gentle shower, but now the great drops came
dashing through the trees, twisting and turn-
ing the leaves, and even bending the swaying
branches. The clouds were so thick and black
that old Sol was hidden completely out of sight.
Little Cubby Bruin heard the sound of the
falling rain when he opened his eyes in the hol-
low of the great tree in which he lived. “Oh
deary, deary," muttered Cubby. "Now all my
fun is spoiled. This is the day of Cousin Wolf's
party, and mother will never let me go while the
rain pours down in this style.”
He crawled to the opening in the tree, and
poked out his little head to see if there was any
show of its clearing off, but the clouds hung
heavy, and the rain poured down unceasingly.
Cubby crawled back again, and curled himself
up for another nap. He slept once more, and
dreamed of the games of catch and toss, and of
the frolics of every kind that he and Cousin
Wolf would enjoy together. Pretty soon he
161


162 The First Pair of Trousers.
awoke to find no wolf there, and he himself
tucked away in the old tree.
It was Mother Bruin that had aroused the

RE
3 vjet
lin-


The Tables Turned.
165
them remembered what good work he used to
do before the stiffness got into his old joints.
Some folks said that Jimmy lived alone, but
this was a mistake, for he shared his shanty, and
also his food, with a big, long-horned goat called
Billy. Billy loved old Jimmy dearly, and would
follow him around like a dog, but to every one
but Jimmy, Billy was the crossest goat that ever
lived. If Jimmy was out of sight, strangers
dared not venture too near the shanty.
On the top of the hill, at the bottom of which
Jimmy's shanty was built, stood the school house.
A score or more of round-faced, red-cheeked
urchins came there every day to be taught their
a-b-c's and as much other learning as their little
brains could hold, for they were so crowded with
mischief, it was hard work to wedge in any
knowledge.
Now the boys all knew old Jimmy, and they
all knew Billy, too, and Billy. knew them. He
had no liking for these school children. He re-
membered sticks and stones that had been aimed
at him from behind trees and other hiding places.
One day the boys planned to have some fun
with Billy. One of them had seen Jimmy's
shanty tightly shut, and the goat tied to a tree.


166
The Queen Bee's Ball.
Down the hill they started, well ladened with
stones and other missiles of one sort or another,
and for some time they pelted Billy to their
hearts' content. But all at once the tables were
turned; Billy gave one mighty leap, broke the
rope, and made a dash for his tormentors. Away
they flew, Billy after them as fast as he could
go. It was hard work getting up the hill, but
they reached the school house at last, and entered
it, a lot of breathless, scared youngsters. In fact,
they had never before been quite so frightened,
and they all decided that, in the future, they
would let Billy alone, for they might never
again have such a lucky escape.
The Queen Bee's Ball.
THERE was great excitement in the meadovi.
As soon as dawn peeped out and said good morn-
ing to the world, and old Sol smilingly lifted his
head from behind the trees in the pine woods,
the fuss and confusion began. The Queen of
the Bees was responsible for it all. She had de
cided to give a ball, and had bidden her mes-


The Queen Bee's Ball. 167
sengers fly far and near to tell all the insects in
the meadow to come and join in the jolly dance
that night. One flew here, and another flew
there, their
noisy buzz, buzz,
as they flew
from place to
place making a
constant din.
A merry band
of fiddlers lived
in the swamp,
and the Queen's
favorite messen-
ger had been dispatched there in great haste, for
you see, they were needed to provide the music
for the dancing
The katy-dids in their pretty green gowns
were invited to sing a duet, half singing "Katy-
did,” and half responding with "Katy-didn't.”
The Queen Bee liked the crickets, and so did all
the bees; they were such cheerful little fellows,
and so, of course, they were invited, and they
one and all accepted the invitation, for crickets
never miss a chance for having fun, especially
when katy-dids are around.


168 The Queen Bee's Ball.
The spider, who was weaving a web in the
spruce tree, sent his
compliments to her royal
highness, the Queen,
and bade the messenger
tell her it would be his
pleasure to come, but it
was impossible for him
to leave his beautiful
web, that was so nearly
finished. This message
did not please Madame
Queen very well, for
she was always happiest when having her own
way.
The locusts had just shed their shells, and
were attired in their new spring suits, so they
accepted the invitation gladly, for the vain little
fellows thought it would be great fun to show
their fine clothes, even if they were not so giddy
as the yellow jackets, whose striped coat was the
envy of all the insects.
Tiny Mrs. Lady-bug promised to come, if she
could find any one to stay with her babies, for
only the night before she had left them alone,
and she had been so nervous she had had no


The Queen Bee's Ball.
169
pleasure, fur
s'ne kept
haring all
the time,

“1.ady-bug
lady bird, fly
M
n
AT
away home;
your house many
is on fire,
your ci,ildren
will burn." So she had made up her mind that
she would not leave them alone again.
Grand-daddy-long-legs thought he had grown
too old for balls, but the messengers coaxed so
hard that he promised to take a good long nap,
and to honor the occasion with his presence.
The sun was shining in all his glory, and the
hour of noou had arrived before all the guests
had been notified. The messengers were weary
from their busy morning, and hid themselves in
the hearts of the flowers or among the tall, grace
ful grasses to full asleep, and so refresh them-
selves that they, 100, might be ready for the fun
and frolic the evening was to bring.
We could not begin to tell all the pleasant
things that happeried, brit one was the meeting
of Yellow-jacket and Mlex Gauzy Wings. They


170
The Queen Bee's Ball.
had not been friends for a long time, but they
met this day on their way to the ball, and found
each other's company so pleasant that ere long

JOS
WINY
Yellow-jacket was on his knees, suing for Miss
Gauzy Wing's hand in marriage, and he must
have been accepted, for he was very attentive to


Widow Murphy's Pig.
171
her all through the evening, and when the ball
was over, and all the insects said good-night and
hastened away to their
homes, they departed
hand in hand, and be-
fore very long there
was a gathering of the
insects to celebrate the
wedding of this happy pair. So the Queen Bee's
Ball was the means of bringing about the event.

Widow N
EVERYBODY knew her—she sold apples at the
crossing, and her cheeks were as red and her
smile as sweet as the tempting fruit that made
the children's eyes sparkle with delight. Rain
or shine, she sat there, her stiff green bonnet
crowning her head in summer, and her big black
bonnet almost hiding her cherry face in winter.
The great gingham umbrella that shielded her
from rain and sun was often also the sheltering
place of many an unlucky school boy caught in
a shower.
She lived on a tiny place, just outside the


172
Widow Murphy's Pig.
town, and when Jack, the lame newsboy, or Ted,
the black boot-black, or when any of her regular
customers stopped for a chat, she loved to tell
them of her “foine pratie patch that did so well,
thanks to her airly risin," and of the hens that
troubled her so by scratching in this much-prized
garden, in spite of all the corn she scattered for
their comfort.
But by and by she revelled in a new treasure
—a cunning black pig. One day, when Widow
Murphy went to the farm house for her daily
can of milk—the farmer's wife gave it to her,
and what a prize it was to the poor old soul.
'Twas sick and tiny and forlorn looking enough
when she got it, but she nursed it most carefully,
and its queer little grunt was like music to her
ears. Piggy learned to know her, and followed
her around like a dog, and he really grew fatter
every day in his comfortable new home.
One morning, it was time to go to town with
apples—and time for l'iggy to be shut in his
pen; he was far too precious to be left roaming
around—but where was le? The widow searched
everywhere, and called and called, until at last
she gave up in despair, and tired out, sat down
upon the well curb to rest and think.


Widow Murphy's Pig.
173
Then she heard a noise that made her jump
up in such a hurry that the ruffles on her snowy
cap almost danced. It was piggy's grunt, and it
certainly came from the well. Way over leaned
the old lady—and scarcely could she believe her
own eyes, for there in the bucket, safe and sound,
sat that naughty black pig. He had been peer-
ing over the well, perhaps, admiring his funny
snout in the clear waters below, lost his balance,
and tumbled in, fortunately into the bucket that
hung down low.
How glad the widow was to find him, and how
the boys laughed when she told them the tale.
We hope that piggy learned a lesson, and be
came ever after a less vain and less curious piggy.
But one day a man came from a distant city
to buy a fine little pig for a Thanksgiving feast.
Widow Murphy did not want to sell, but the
price offered was too tempting, so she finally
agreed to sell him. If she could have looked
into that house on Thanksgiving Day, she would
have seen piggy perched on a big platter in the
center of the table.


176
A Chance Acquaintance.
pretty hungry by this time, so she timidly crept
into a bakery, and succeeded in getting a good
meal, for the baker was not the tidiest man in
the world, and there were plenty of crumbs on
the floor.
The next day found Rhody wandering along
the river bank, where the pond lilies grew and
the tall brown cat-tails nodded in the wind. All
at once Rhody was startled by the sound of a
strange voice, and turning, saw a spry young
frog at her side. “I see,” said he, “that you are
admiring our river and its pretty, flowery banks.
Let me walk along with you, and enjoy it also,
for though it is not new to me, it is ever beau-
tiful.”
“What a very nice creature this is,” thought
Rhody; so she dropped him a courtesy, and told
him she was very glad of his company, and
Froggy, pleased with her approval of him, did
his level best to be entertaining. Rhody was
charmed with her companion, and the two
chatted as if they had long been friends. Froggy
was very much interested in Rhody's story about
her home in the stable and her trips to the feed
box for food, and very much surprigird to learn.
that she had never before seen the river. So


A Chance Acquaintance. . 177
he told all about the wonderful times he had in
his watery home, and she was greatly interested
in all he had to relate. She said it might be very
pleasant, but she did not think she would like

it, although some of her cousins lived in the
water a great deal of the time.
"How sorry I am,” said Froggy, "that I can-
not ask you to dine with me; but my larder con-


180
Tou Foxes' Quarrel.
they could carry shemselves. As they hurried
along, they met nany of their friends going out
on hunting expeditions, for the night was favor-
able. Presently they reached the home of
Farmer Tobbin, and quietly and carefully en-
tered the yard, knowing that the slightest noise
would be sure to waken Bruno, the faithful
watch-dog, and set the cocks crowing, and then
it would be all over with them, for the farmer
would appear with his gun. As they entered
the yard, they caught sight of a rooster which
had sauntered out to see if it were yet dawn.
Quick as a wink, Darius seized him, while
Christopher secured a plump, fat duck that had
forgotten to go inside to roost. In the excite-
ment, poor little Xerxes was quite forgotten,
and the friends, throwing their game across their
shoulders, started for home, well pleased with
their luck. Just as they entered the woods, a
snipe met the eyes of Christopher, but before
he had captured it, Darius caught sight of it.
Both rushed for it, and seized it. Now, whose
should it be? Both claimed it. Long and
angrily the foxes quarreled. Christopher claimed
it because he saw it first, and Darius claimed it
because he got hold of it first. Morning came,


182
New Year's Eve.
Daddy Bruin and his old wife had built a.
house with the branches of trees closely packed
together, and had covered the roof with thick
coatings of mud. There they lived, as snug and
comfortable as you please. The wind whistled
all around them, but it could not enter their
dwelling and bother them, so snugly were they
housed.
It was New Year's Eve in the forest, and
Daddy Bruin had invited all the inhabitants
thereof to meet with him in his home to talk
about the past year. Beasts of every shape, size
and color gathered at his call, and even the wise
old owl, having heard of the gathering, came
with his little son. When they had all arrived,
Daddy wrapped himself in his blanket, and put
on his Tam O'Shanter, and seating himself on a
fallen log, began to talk to the eager group in
his usual kind fashion. They all looked very
much interested, and paid the best of attention
to Bruin's remarks, even to the tiny little mice
that sat close by his feet. I suppose you would
like to know what they were talking about, so I
will tell you. Bruin was trying to get them to
give up their bad habits and live good lives. He
said he had decided not to steal anything more


New Year's Eve.
183
from the farmers, but would hereafter depend
on the fruits of field and wood for his living.
IVILE
Willklich
One after another the animals confessed that
they had done lots of bad things during the year,


New Year's Eve.
185
And, let us hope, in after days
They followed peaceful, honest ways;

TICLE
VA
VI
"That guns and snares and traps severe
Were not required throughout the year."


Bomba, the Merry Old King.
THERE is an island to the south of Italy, called
Sicily. The weather is beautiful there, and flow-
ers and fruits grow most plentifully. Here, so
the story goes, lived a king, called Bumba.
Bomba was known as the merry old King, for
he loved to play and romp and frolic, notwith-
standing the fact that his hair had grown white
as the driven snow, and his beard had also been
touched by time's frosty hand.
He lived in the royal palace with no one but
his servants, more than a dozen of whom were
kept to amuse and entertain this fun-loving
sovereign. The grounds around the court were
all devoted to his pleasures. There he played
tennis, or enjoyed a game of ball, or else rigged
himself in his suit, and became one of the play-
ers in a jolly game of foot-ball. If Bomba did
not feel like taking part in the game, he would
order his servants to play in their very best style;
perhaps he would be umpire, or perhaps he
would make himself comfortable, and devote his
time to enjoying the fun.
Bomba loved to roll a hoop. His was made
of the most beautiful red gold, and the stick he
186


Bomba, the Merry Old King. 187
used for rolling it was nothing less than his own
jeweled sceptre. It was the funniest sight to see
Bomba dashing after the hoop, his crown, pulled
tightly down on his head, gleaming in the sun-
light, and his purple gown, richly trimmed with
ermine, flying about him in all directions. The
marbles he used were made of gold, and his tops
were of gold, too, set with precious stones of
every kind and color. How they sparkled and
gleamed as the top went spinning around and
around, and how old Bomba clapped his hands
and roared with delight.
Now people thought, and they dared do no
more than think, that their king was crazy. You
see, if this had reached Bomba's ears, there is no
telling what might have happened to the person
who said it. But still, the people had their own
thoughts, and they felt very sad to think their
king was really nothing but a foolish, fun-loving
child. They wished some one, wise and good,
might wear the purple robe, and the jeweled
crown, and use the royal sceptre for some better
purpose than rolling a golden hoop.
One morning, after Bomba had eaten his
breakfast, and a good meal it was too, he called
his jester to him. He told him to summon his


188
· Bomba, the Merry Old King.
entertainers, bid them dress in their merriest
costumes, and hasten to the great court garden.
The jester went to do his bidding, and one and
all wondered what scheme old Bomba now had.
They were all present when the king came
among them. He gazed at them, laughed mer-
rily at their rigs, and told them that now he was
ready for a game of leap-frog; they should take
turns at being the frog, while he did the leaping.
This soon became a favorite sport with the king,
and every day he would spend a portion of the
time in this kind of play. People from all
around came to see this merry old king indulge
in the games and sports which children love.
But, alas! for the king; he tried the game once
too often. One day, when he had been having
a particularly jolly game, and been more reckless
than was his want, he tried to jump over one of
his servants, who was very tall, but he missed
his leap, slipped and fell, and lay a helpless
heap, never to rise again. The courtiers gath-
ered around him, trying to do something for
him, for at first they thought he was only
stunned, but all the doctors could do nothing,
and at last they realized that their king was in-
deed dead. It was a sad death for the merry


A Friendly Pair.
189
old monarch, and all the people pitied him, even
though he had been nothing but a foolish old
king, and they missed his merry laugh and his
kind, gentle face. They missed him more and
more as the days went by, and there was no fun
in the palace. The next king was a very stern,
hard master, and they often wished they were
again living under merry old King Bomba,
though he did spend most of his time in idle
sport.
A Friendly Pair.
WINTER had given way to spring, and the alli-
gator had come out of the hole in the banks of
the river in which he had slept away the chilly
nights and days. He felt so strong and happy
after his long sleep, and having given himself a
vigorous shake and oft repeated stretches, he
dived into the water for a cool, refreshing bath.
This done, his thoughts turned toward some-
thing to eat, and he opened and shut his big
jaws, as if smacking his lips, when he thought
of the delightful prospect, and there arose be-
fore him visions of the shiny-backed fish that he
would catch and dine upon.


190 : A Friendly Pair.
In a tiny stream that flowed through the
marshes lived a fish that could be found no

where else. Mr. Alligator liked this fish so well
that he decided to go fishing in the stream, and


192 The Balky Mule Outwitted.
bear, “I am only taking a morning walk in search
of something to eat.” “Well, I am on the same
errand,” said the alligator; “if our ways are.to-
gether, shall we not walk together?” This plan
suited the bear, so they walked together side by
side, and enjoyed a pleasant stroll.
The Balky Mule Outwitted.
Among a forest of cypress, fir and pine trees
stood the palace of old Sultan Allah Baba, with
its cupolas and domes towering high above the
wilderness of trees. It was built of white mar-
ble, and kept always, at the order of the Sultan,
gleamingly white and beautiful. The windows
were of the most gorgeous colors, through which
the sun brightly shone, sending rainbow-like
shadows in and around the rooms of the palace.
At night the place was lighted by jeweled.
studded lamps, which were hung from the ceil
ings by great silken cords.
Allah Baba had once been a tall, stately young
fellow, but the happy, easy life he had led, to-
gether with the many dainties that daily filled
his table, had added many pounds to the Sultan's


The Balky Mule Outwitted.
193
weight. He liked this change in his appearance
as little as he did the snow white beard that had
taken the place of the jet black whiskers.
The great cap that adorned his head covered
the growth of snowy hair, but no such device
hid the whiskers from sight.
"I am growing old,” mused the Sultan, "and
that will never do. I must find some plan to
bring me back my youth again. I'll dye my
whiskers, but how can I rid myself of all this
load of flesh?”
Allah Baba thought and thought, but all in
vain. Finally he sent for one of the wise men
of his court, and stating the case to him, asked
what he should do.
"Your case is easily settled, your Highness,”
said he. “I am sure you would soon be as slen-
der as a young willow if you would only ride a
mule."
“A delightful plan that,” said the Sultan. “I
will reward you richly for your noble efforts.”
No time was lost in buying the mule, and of
course they tried to select the very best in all
the land. The Sultan came from the palace to
examine the new treasure, and smiled approv-
ingly at the animal's long ears and shaggy coat


194
The Balky Mule Outwitted.
“Now I'll mount him," said Allah Baba, “and
go dashing away on my first ride.”
It was easy enough to mount, but the dashing
away did not follow. Not one inch would the
mule move. Allah Baba coaxed and pulled, but
for nought; his mule would not stir.
"Cut me a stick,” roared Allah; "I'll teach
him a lesson or two." But the stick, likewise,
proved useless. At last Allah grew desperate.
"A fortune,” said he, “to the man who makes
this miserable beast move!”
"I'll earn it in no time, your Highness," said
one of his servants. Right to work he went, and
after several hours' labor he rigged the trouble-
some mule in a complete set of sails. Then,
again, Allah mounted his steed, and away they
went, this time without the least trouble, for
old longears had to go, whether he would or not.
The wind filled the sails, and the mule was sur-
prised at himself to think he could go so fast.
As they sped along over the road, everything
and everybody fled before them, for they knew
not what to make of the queer looking object.
It was a lively ride for the old Sultan, but what
pleased him best of all, was the conquering of
the balky mule, and he was really conquered,


Fun in the Woods.
195
too. For several days the old Sultan took his
daily ride on his sail-rigged beast, but one day
he decided to try him without all these things,
so he told his servants to bring him to the door
vith nothing but a saddle and bridle on. They
obeyed, but were quite sure that when their
master attempted to make the mule go, he would
again show his ugly temper. Great was their
surprise, therefore, to see him start off at just
as rapid a rate as ever, as soon as their master
mounted his back, showing that he had discov-
ered that the Sultan was master of the situation.
He never again was obliged to use the device
which had been so useful to him, but always
found his mule ready to obey his slightest word.
Fun in the Woods.
REX Wolf and his friend, Teddy Fox, had
played catch with the fallen blossoms until they
were weary; then they played a game of hokey,
but found it no fun. After this they tried hide
and go seek and leap-frog, but nothing seemed
to please them. So they had seated themselves


Fun in the Woods.
197
knew you would think of something before
long."
Off these two youngsters scampered, and hav-
ing found a fallen limb near at hand, they soon
had it placed across the stump, and were taking
a fine ride. Up and down they went, thoroughly
enjoying this new kind of sport.
Just about this time, a fat, black bear came
strolling along.
“Give me a ride, Foxy?" said he.
“Yes, if you like,” said Foxy. “Rex and I
will get on one side, and you can get on the
other."
Pretty soon they were all ready to start again.
Rex and Teddy got on one end, and away they
went up in the air, just as soon as the old black
bear took his seat on the other, and there they
stayed, too, for the old bear was so heavy that
they could not lift him up. "This won't do,"
said Teddy. “You are too heavy for us.” So
he called to a little porcupine, who was watch-
ing the fun. “Get on,” Prickly, and help us
balance old Fatty.” So Prickly crawled up, and
they just balanced the old fellow. Then they
had the greatest fun; now up, now down, until
at last they got dizzy and tired, too. Then they


198
Fun in the Woods.
thought they would play a trick on the old bear,
so the three little fellows all jumped off to-
gether, letting old Fatty down rather suddenly.
But he was such a good-natured fellow that he
did not mind it, and invited them to go home

ne
SI
PALMER
with him, and they joyfully accepted the invi-
tation.
Now Blacky's sister had at one time found an
accordion that some people had left in the woods,
and she kept it hidden in the old hollow oak
where she lived. Blacky had told his friends of
this treasure, so when they had chatted awhile,


The Monks' Victory.
199
Teddy Fox begged Miss Blacky to play for them.
She willingly consented, and seating herself
upon a log, began to play with all her might.
It was not long before quite a merry party had
gathered on the green, and among them were
two bright little hares. They began to dance a
jig to the lively music that was being played,
and soon others joined them, and soon all were
enjoying a good jolly dance.
Just before the party broke up, and they went
away, the bear proposed that they should sit
down and chat awhile. Then he suggested that
they should form a sort of a club, and have a
meeting every week in the old woods. He said
his sister would learn how to play some new
pieces, especially dance music, and he thought
they could have a fine time together. This they
all thought would be great fun, and so they de-
cided to meet each Tuesday at five o'clock for
a good old frolic.
The Monks' Victory.
The pale moon never shed her light nor the
stars never twinkled over a more sorrowful spot


The Monks' Victory.
201
went straight to work to find some way out of
the difficulty.
“We will go boldly to Diddle Dee,” said one
of the monks, “and see if our sacred calling will
not have some weight with him.”
Now it happened that Diddle Dee dreaded
nothing so much as the ill will of these holy
men, so when they rode up to the castle, he re-
ceived them very graciously. The two monks
dismounted, tied their beasts to a couple of trees,
and entered the house of Diddle Dee. In the
room into which he led them burned a bright
fire, and over the fire swurg an enormous kettle
filled with water.
"A boiling pot for the helpless little ones,"
thought one of the fathers, “but it has served its
day for that use only one more victim shall
ever fill it, and that is Diddle Dee himself.”
With that he laid hold of the wicked fellow,
and with the aid of his brother monk, plunged
him into the pot.
The water was hot, and Diddle Dee screamed
for mercy, but the monks paid no heed to him
until he was scared almost to death.
“Now," said the monk who had seized him,
"are you willing to promise to leave this country


202
The Monks' Victory.
and your wicked work forever? We will take
you to a place where you can do much good,
and perhaps blot out some of your wicked past.”
Diddle Dee was only too glad to promise any-
thing, and when he was lifted out of the pot,
stood before the fathers a humbled and sadder
man.
The monks tied Diddle Dee to his own iron
bed, for they had no wish to lose their prize.
Then they locked around to see what they could
find. Quantities of good things filled the larder,
and they soon had the air heavy with the de
licious odor of cooking food. When all was
finished, one of the monks rode to the village to
tell the anxious villagers of their victory, and to
bid them celebrate the event with them in feast-
ing. The feast which the monks had prepared
was truly wonderful and surpassed anything that
had ever been held in the village before. It
was indeed an occasion for great joy, since now
the village was free from the ravages of this
terrible creature, whose evil deeds had made life
almost a burden, especially to those who had
little ones in their families; therefore it is not
surprising that the monks found people so ready
to accept their invitations. Everybody came,


The Brownies' Kind Deed. 203
old and young, and the place was crowded.
Speeches were made, thanks were offered, and
cheer after cheer went up for the brave, good
monks. Happiness once more reigned in the
village, and Diddle Dee found that good deeds
brought more satisfaction than cruelties. This
was a great victory, and the people never forgot
the kindness of the monks.
The Brownies' Kind Deed.
LITTLE PETER, one of the Brownies, had
perched himself on the trunk of a fallen tree to
think. His tiny, round face did not wear its
usual smile, and his bright, black eyes had a
worried look. Young Toby Tumble, passing
through the woods, saw
his little friend, Peter,
and scrambled up along-
side of him. “You look
blue, little Peter,” said
he, “have things gone
wrong with you? Tell
me what the matter is,
and maybe I can help

you."


204 The Brownies' Kind Deed.
“You are very kind,” said little Peter, “but it
is not about myself I feel so grieved, but about
the Widow Good and her two little children. To-
morrow is Christmas, you know, and I heard her
say that she had nothing for them, so there is no
prospect of a good time at the Good cottage.”
Toby Tumble was looking grave himself by
this time, and he sat with his face buried in his
tiny hands. “I have it,” said he, “they'll do it,
I'm sure,” and he clapped his hands in glee.
"Do what?” said Peter. “Help us, to be sure.
We will call all the Brownies together, tell them
all about the matter, and I am sure that neither
Widow Good or her little ones will want for
anything to make up a Christmas dinner.”
No time was to be lost in carrying out their
plans, and so they hastened out to find their
comrades. Of course the good Brownies were
all glad to help them, for they delight to help
good people.
Their first movement was to borrow a large
basket from Greengoods, the grocer. The
Brownies had no money, so they decided to fill
the basket from the shop, and pay the master in
work, for Brownies, you know, are very clever
creatures, and can turn a band at anything. The



GOMATION IN


206
The Brownies' Kind Deed.
little fellows could scarcely move the basket
when filled, but all worked together, and by and
by they had it mounted on sticks, and then, five
or six on a side, they bore it along very com-
fortably.
How proud they felt as they looked at this
well-filled basket! As they went along, they
could see peeping from the covering of the
basket, links of sausage, a fish, and the black
feet of the big turkey that was to be such a treat
to the children on the morrow.
They were very tired when they reached the
widow's house, so they sat down to rest until
morning. When light came, and all the busy
little fellows had hidden themselves where they
could see and not be seen, Toby Tumble knocked
at the door. He had only just time to run out
of sight himself, when the widow opened it.
The Brownies had worked hard, but they felt
fully rewarded when they saw the joy and happi-
ness on the poor woman's face, and they decided
that they would remember her again the next
year, and that they would fully repay the grocer
for all his goods, and would do it so quickly and
thoroughly that he would never miss them.
You may be sure the widow was very happy


A Pair of Pets.
-07
when she unpacked that basket, and found all
the good things, for she felt that now she could
give her children a little pleasure on Christmas
day. She could not imagine who it could be
that had remembered her and her little ones,
but her little son Rob said he was sure it was
the Brownies.
A Pair of Pets.
BROWN PEGGY, the horse, did not like the
strange yelping and squealing that disturbed her
rest. It seemed to come from right beneath the
feed box, and she feared to move, lest she should
tread on the cause of all the noise, for she knew
by the sound that it was alive. The stable was
too dark to sce, and she had to wait until Michael
came and threw open the great doors. Then
Peggy stepped back in her stall, and looking
down, she saw, huddled close together, four of
the cutest little brown puppies you ever saw.
They twisted around and around, and rolled over
each other in the most restless manner.
When Michael came with Peggy's breakfast,
he too heard the queer noise, and looking over


208
A Pair of Pets.
the feed box, he spied the little strangers. “Well,
if you are not about as cute and cunning as any-
thing I ever saw,” said he. “I shall keep one of
you little chaps, and I think it will be you, old
fellow, for I like your snowy nose.” So spoke
Michael, as he leaned over and picked up one
of the tiny puppies, the tip of whose nose was
snowy white.
Michael had some little brothers and sisters at
home, and so one day, when the puppies were
old enough to leave their mother, and he was
ready for his homeward walk, he remembered
the little white nosed pup, and thought how
much the children would enjoy playing with it,
so puppy was tucked away in Michael's pocket
and taken to his new quarters, where his happy
new life began. The children were delighted
with their new playmate, and did all in their
power to make him welcome.
They had another pet, that had held full sway
before the puppy came, and that was a little red
pig. He was always a very tiny pig, and hai
grown so little that he still looked like a baby
pig, although many months had gone by since
his entrance into the world.
Piggy did not like the idea of a rival, and


Jack, the Giant of the Sea.
209
behaved very cross and ugly, but the children
scolded him, and talked to him, and by and by,
when he had gotten over his pouting, he visited
the little dog, and before very long they were
the best friends in the world.
Jack, the Giant of the Sea.
Many, many years ago there lived a great and
powerful giant, whose name was Jack. He was
as tall as some of the houses in the village where
he made his home, and so strong and powerful
that the earth trembled when he walked. His
cane was the trunk of a tree which he had torn
up by the roots and stripped of its branches. Do
you wonder the people trembled with fear even
at his name? His home was not built of wood
or bricks, like ours. He lived in a cave down by
the sea, and against this cave the waves beat day
and night. Old Jack loved to hear them surge
against his rocky home, and he would chuckle
with delight when a heavy storm sent the break-
ers dashing over his cave. “Ha, ha!” roared he,
"more fun for old Jack. The fishermen will


210 Jack, the Giant of the Sea.
think that the fury of the waves carried off their
nets, but this old chap knows better; he knows
aves

PALMER COX
WP
who stole their nets full of fish and carried them
home on his back. It was old Jack. Ha, ha, ha!"


Jack, the Giant of the Sea.
211
By and by this old giant grew so wicked that
he would watch from the door of his cave until
he saw the fishing boats near the shore. Then
into the water he would plunge, and boldly grab
a net filled with the labor of a long, hard night,
throw it over his back, and bear it to his cave,
and the poor fishermen could do nothing but
work bravely to save their own lives.
The fishermen suffered from the bold, bad
deeds of this wicked Jack, but they were not the
only ones. "Fish is good food,” said Jack, “but
sometimes I relish a good fat ox.” Then it was
that he would leave his cave, and with his long,
powerful strides hasten to the fields where the
cattle were grazing. It took him no time to
throw an ox over his shoulder and bear it away
to his cave. When he wanted a change, he
would pick up a sheep and bear it home in one
hand. One day Jack made up his mind to go
fishing. “A fine fish I'll have for my supper,”
said he. A tall sappling served him for a pole,
and a rope that had been tied to a cow he had
stolen the night before answered for a line, and
he made his hook from a huge bolt, bendirg i
into shape with his strong fingers. He som
pulled in a large salmon, and threw out his line


212 Jack, the Giant of the Sea.
for another trial. Presently he felt something
pull on the line. He had never before felt such

a tug, and he felt that whatever there was at the
other end of the line, it was pulling him more


214
A Thanksgiving Tale.
surface of the water, and jerked him from the
rock, and drew him out faster and faster into the
sea. The people of the village rushed to the
shore, and cheered long and loud when they
saw Jack in such a sorry plight. They never
saw him again, for the waves and the monster
bore him away farther and still farther, until at
last he was lost to sight. If he did not drown,
we hope he learned to be a better giant.
A Thanksgiving Tale.
OLD UNCLE Nathan Howe and his wife
Debby lived in a tiny farm house, painted white.
The shutters were green, and in summer a rose
climbed up the sides of the house, almost cover-
dark red roses. People driving by leaned from
their carriages to take a peep at Uncle Nathan's
cottage, and they smiled, as though pleased with
the sight that had rewarded their efforts.
But now the bloom had left the rose, and the
leaves had fallen one by one, until only a few
yellow stragglers lingered.


A Thanksgiving Tale. 215
Uncle Nathan and Aunt Debby, as everybody
called them, lived all alone in their tiny white
house, for they had neither kith nor kin to share
it with them. Thanksgiving Day was drawing
near, and/Aunt Debby' was busy making pump-
kin pies, and plum pudding, frying doughnuts,
and revelling in cooking to her heart's content.
“Such a pile of stuff,” thought she, "for two old
people to get rid of. Of course I shall send
some to the minister, and some to Dr. Brown,
but then there will be enough left to feed a big
family.” And this last idea set Aunt Debby to
thinking harder than ever.
When Uncle Nathan came in to his dinner,
he found his good wife with a very thoughtful
face.
"How does the poultry look, Nathan?” said
she. Uncle Nathan smiled at the question, for
the poultry fell to his care, and Aunt Debby
never bothered about it.
“What is in the air now, old wife?” said he,
somewhat surprised.
“Answer my question, and I'll tell you,” she
replied.
Now was Uncle Nathan's turn to look grave.
“They are lookin' poorly, Debby,” said he,


216
A Thanksgiving Tale.
“poorer than I ever saw 'em lookin' afore. But
there is a prime young gobbler and a duck or
two, as pretty as you'd want to see.”
Now I'll tell you a secret. These wise fowls
had determined not to be the victims of Uncle
Nathan's axe, and furnish somebody's Thauks-
giving dinner, so they had gone without the food
Uncle Nathan scattered for them for so long
that now they were the weakest, sickest, most
miserable looking things you could imagine.
But there was a wilful young turkey and a pair
of silly ducks, who said they had no fear of the
axe, and could keep away from it.
“That’s plenty,” said Aunt Debby, when she
had heard of the gobbler and two ducks. "Now
I'll tell you my plans. I've cooked more than
enough for us two, Nathan, and I want to ask
the Widow Love and her six children here to
Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner will do them
all good, and I calculate we will get enough
happiness out of it to last us a week.
“And my three best fowls are for poor Widow
Love and her six youngsters, hey? Well, I call
that a pretty good disposal to make of them,
old wife, and I guess if you can make enough
pies and puddings and cakes to fill 'em up, I


Fiddle-Cum-Fee.
217
can do my part with the poultry and garden
stuff.”
And so the thing was settled, and when milk-
ing was done that night, Uncle Nathan and Aunt
Debby stepped across to the widow's, to ask if
they were willing to come. To be sure they
were, and there never was a more joyful Thanks-
giving than this. They all ate till they could
hardly move, and went home tired and sleepy,
but very happy.
Fiddle-Cum-Fee.
A LONG, long time ago there was a little vil-
lage called Harmony. It lay between two tall
mountains that sheltered it from the storms and
tempests that swept over the neighboring towns.
A beautiful stream flowed into the valley below,
watering the earth and causing it to be very
fertile. The grass grew very green and beautiful
in this tiny village, and the fruit and flowers
were larger and more abundant than anywhere
around. The people loved their homes, and
spared no pains or time in making them as beau-
tiful as they possibly could.


218
Fiddle-Cum-Fee.
But one day sorrow came to the village. Old
Fiddle-Cum-Fee had heard of the beauties of
the village of Harmony, and had left his home
some hundred miles away to visit this inuch-

DU
FIRE
talked-of place. Fiddle-Cum-Fee was a great
and powerful giant, feared and dreaded by all
who heard of him. He started off one morning
bright and early, so as to reach the village while


Fiddle-Cum-Fee.
219
the day was yet young, and he could do this
easily, for he wore shoes that carried him many
miles at a single stride. Most of the villagers
were seated at their tables, quietly enjoying their
morning meal, when, all of a sudden, the tables
commenced to rock, plates jumped up and down,
cups danced in the saucers, and even the houses
seemed to tremble and shake. The people looked
at each other in silence, feeling sure that an
earth-quake had come to destroy their little vil-
lage, and perhaps bring death to many of them.
Then they all rushed to their doors, and looked
out, and then hastened out of doors, and were
terrified to see the terrible giant coming through
the street. It was his great weight that was
shaking the village, and his mighty laugh, when
he saw the fear and wonder of the people,
sounded like a great clap of thunder "Good
people,” said he, as he halted in the center of
the town, “I am Fiddle-Cum-Fee; use me well,
and I will be your friend, but use me badly, and
you will see how Fiddle-Cum-Fee can repay your
bad treatment. I am tired of my mountain
home, and need a change. Your village seems
to suit my purpose, so I am come to dwell among
you until such time as it seems best to me to go


220.
Fiddle-Cum-Fee.
away. I have had nothing to eat as yet this
morning, so bring on your very best meat, your
whitest bread, your choicest fowl and finest fruit,
and I will give you a show of a fine healthy
appetite. If some one will play sweet music,
the time will pass more pleasantly.” Almost
paralyzed with fear, the people hurried away to
do his bidding, while Fiddle-Cum-Fee seated
himself under an apple tree, for no house could
possibly hold him. It seemed as though the ter-
rible monster would never get enough, and all
were kept busy satisfying his demands. Break-
fast over, Fiddle-Cum-Fee wandered back to the
mountain side to take a nap, for he felt smoth-
ered in the little village. When he was gone,
the people put their heads together, and tried to
think of some way in which they could get rid
of him, for they knew that they could never
supply his wants. Plan after plan was suggested
and discussed, and at last they decided to cook
him a great kettle full of soup. Their idea was
to prepare a fine lot of soup, place in it a drug,
the fumes of which would overpower him as he
leaned over to eat. When he became drowsy,
they intended to pitch him over into the soup,
and scald him to death. Then they would put


Fiddle-Cum-Fee.
221
him on a raft, and set him adrift on the stream,
letting the current bear him off to sea. Some
of the kinder-hearted people could not bear to
do this cruel act, even to so great an enemy, and

(
LATOS
so they finally persuaded the rest to rig up a
monstrous balloon, and when he was drowsy
from the effects of the drug, they fastened him
in a basket and sent him up. Higher and higher
the balloon rose, until, finally, it was lost to


222
The Back Yard Party.
sight. Then suddenly they saw it appear again,
and they saw it coming nearer and nearer to
the earth. They were greatly frightened for
fear it would drop on the land, but a favoring
breeze bore it out to sea, and presently it sunk,
never to be seen again.
The Back Yard Party.
MRS. MOUSE laid down her pen and breathed
a sigh of relief. She had been busily at work
getting out invitations for a grand garden party
in the back yard, and now she had finished. The
field mice, the mice at the barn and wagon house,
and of course the house mice, all were invited.
Mrs. Mouse hoped that everything might be
pleasant. The mice at the house were rather in-
clined to hold themselves a little above the field
mice, why she could not tell, for she was quite
sure one family was as good as the other, and
she had no wish to slight either.
Mrs. Mouse felt all of a flutter when the night
of the party arrived. She had allowed her four


224
The Back Yard Party.
black cat. Such a scampering you never saw,
and no one stopped until he had safely reached
his home. It was a shame that they should be so
WANIT
MWELT
10
rudely disturbed in the midst of their fun, for
they were having a very gay time all by them-
selves, and they are such cute and cunning little
things that we like to see them enjoy themselves.


The Interrupted Party.
227
without being seen. Yesterday Dot had found
such a pretty frock when she was hunting around
GVINY

MA
PALMER COX
the nursery closet. She often visited that closet,
for nurse sometimes left the lid off the cracker


Lady Nibble's Ball.
SCRATCH! Scratch! Scratch! went the pen of
Lady Nibble. It was a quill that had fallen out
of the old gander's tail, and the bottle of blueing
that the farmer's wife had left on the hanging
shelf served splendidly for ink.
Lady Nibble was writing invitations for a ball.
The farmer's family were going to give a dance in
the new barn. Her Ladyship knew this was so,
for she had overheard the folks talking about it
when she went into the kitchen cupboard after
some cheese. She made up her mind at once that
this was the time to entertain her friends, as there
would be lots left to eat after the farmer's dance
was over. She went right to work and sent invi-
tations far and near.
Dicky Scratch had been invited to play the
music. He had a fiddle that had once adorned
the children's Christmas tree, but had been thrown
out as rubbish, until Dicky found it. Peter
Squeak was to call out the figures, his voice was
so high and shrill. The old clothes hamper that
had been banished from the house would serve as
a splendid stand for Dicky and for Peter Squeak
also.
Lady Nibble was all in a flutter of excitement
(229)


230
Lady Nibble's Ball.
when the night arrived, and how pleased she was
when she found so many had responded to her in-
vitation. They came in dress coats, sacque coats,
cutaways and some less fortunate came without

FALME COX
Famię cok
coats—but what they wore made no difference, for
everything was lovely, and the best of all Old
Ratty Scamper and little Mousey Shy danced
together perched upon an old dish-pan that had
been turned up-side-down. How they all laughed


Lady Nibble's Ball.
231
when poor old Ratty forgot the smallness of the
space on which he was dancing, and danced en-
tirely off.
They danced by twos and they danced by rights,
SAINT
and before they could realize it the farmer's guests
were going home and Lady Nibble had invited
them to step into the barn and partake of refresh-
ments. What a feast they had ! Her Ladyship
had chosen wisely in selecting this night, for such


232
The Adventure of the Mice.
rich dainties rarely fall to a mouse's lot with so
little trouble. There were dainty bits of cheese,
crackers, fine chicken and many other nice things,
but the very best of all was the box of chocolates
which old Ratty Scamper found hidden under the
table. He had tasted nothing so good since the
Christmas before, when he had crept into little
Flossie Gray's bed-room and taken a big bite of
the candy cane old St. Nicholas had left in her
stocking. Then they found a dish of strawberry
ice cream, which someone had left. They had
never tasted ice cream before, and at first they were
afraid to touch it, but when they once got a taste,
they all voted it very nice.
It was all over at last, for even the best of
things must end, and as Lady Nibble bade her
guests good-night she felt satisfied that this had
been the great success of her life.
The Adventure of the Mice.
THINGS had reached a point where something
must be done, so thought and so said the four gray
mice that had met together to talk over their woes.
These four mice had spent their lives in perfect
comfort and happiness under the high back steps,



DEN
PALMER COX
(234)


The Adventure of the Mice.
235
to view. Of course the cheese smelt good and
looked so tempting, but these sly little chaps had
learned the danger of traps, and though they
wished and sighed for the good things, they did
not venture near these strong wire enemies. But
worse than traps came into their lives. These
they could keep away from, but a foe, big and
powerful, had been brought to capture them. It
was a large, sharp-eyed, shiney black cat. He
never seemed to sleep, for try when they might to
creep silently into the house his quick ears heard
them, and his big round eyes looked eagerly around.
These four little mice were growing as thin as
shadows, for they dared not venture from their step
home to get even a morsel of food. At last they
met in council, and then it was decided that some-
thing must be done. After much talking they
concluded that puss must be killed and that they
must do it. So armed with weapons and a good
strong rope they started on their mission. You
can't guess how brave they felt nor how sure of
their success. But what a difference came when
they started into the house. There stood the cat.
Then they forgot to be brave and off they scamp-
ered, as fast as possible, never stopping to look
behind.


Grandmother Mouse's Tale.
GRANDMOTHER MOUSE had invited her two
oldest grand-daughters to tea. They were very
nice little mice and great favorites with the old
lady, and as they also were very fond of their
grandmother, it was a pleasure for them to go.
They put on their very best clothes and took lots
of care in getting ready, for their grandmother was
most particular. When they reached the limuse
there she stood on the top one of the back kitchen
steps, wearing her ruffled cap and her snowy white
apron, and ready with a hearty welcome for both
of them.
Grandmother Mouse lived all by herself in the
cupboard under the kitchen stairs. This had been
her home all her life, and as they sat around the
tea table that evening she told them the story of
how this became her home.
“Mother," said she, “ went off one day to hunt
for a bit of cheese or some nice fresh crackers and
told me to stay where I was until she came back,
I shut my eyes thinking I would take a nap while
she was gone, for the time always seemed so dreary
when mother was away—and I must have taken
a good long nap, for it was dark when I opened
nay eyes, but mother was not there, though, I called
(236)


238 Grandmother Mouse's Tale.
not come, I knew something had happened to her
- but whether the old cat had pounced upon her
or whether she yielded to temptation in the form
of a piece of cheese and so ended her life in a
wicked trap, I never found out.” Here Grand-
mother stopped to wipe her eyes, for though it was
a long time ago, she could not tell the story with-
out weeping.
“Well,” continued she, “I had grown very
hungry by this time, so I stole quietly out to find
something to eat. How strange I felt all alone in
this new world. I seemed to be growing tinier
every minute or else the great big cellar was grow-
ing bigger. Cook had made some lovely rusks
and had put them in the cellar to cool. This was
very kind in cook, I thought, and I ate all the
sugar off the top of one and then began to nibble
at the crust. But just then I heard footsteps, and
oh my! how fast I scampered away. It was
cook after the rusks, and I heard her mutter as
she went up the stairs, “ Mistress must certainly
get a trap; the mice have been at work again.”
I trembled so that I was afraid cook would hear
me, and the vision of that trap made me so un-
happy that I could not sleep one wink. Then
and there I made up my mind that nothing, noth-
ing would ever tempt me to go near a trap, not


Grandmother Mouse's Tale.
239
the richest piece of cheese, not the daintiest morsel
of cake. I thought of the cake and cheese, my
dears,” said the mouse, smiling, “because they
were the two things I particularly loved, and I
must own that I have not lost my fondness for
them, if I am old and a grandmother.
“Day after day went by, and I was getting
thin, for the vision of the trap had not left my
mind, and I was afraid to venture out for food.
But time is a great healer, you know, so at last I
became quite brave and visited the pantry shelf
nightly.
“By and by I married your grandfather. His
home was in one corner of the garret back of the
camphor chest. I spent two nights there, but I
was so homesick that your grandfather said he did
not mind where he lived, and the cupboard under
the stairs was quite good enough for him. So the
next day back we came, and a happier mouse than
I never lived.
"Your mother was born here and your grand-
father died here. The world is very hard upon
mice, my children, and is forever laying snares for
them to fall into, and in an unlucky moment your
grandfather ate of a piece of meat on which poison
had been spread. He only lived a little while,
and once more I was left alone, for your mother


240
The Candle Feast.
married and had gone to live in the next door
kitchen. So now," finished grandmother, “you
see this has always been my home, and I hope it
always will be. But I think it is getting late now
and that you had better be going—but come soon
again, for you know I am always glad to see you.
The Candle Feast.
THERE was once a little gray mouse who was
no larger or older than the other mice, but who
was always so bright and clever and so full of all
sorts of plans and schemes that the other mice had
gotten into the habit of going to her in all their
troubles, and she was always ready and pleased to
put her little wits to work and to help them the
very best she knew how.
And she was such a brave little mouse, 'too.
No matter how bold or how daring the scheme she
might suggest, she was always ready to do her
part in the undertaking. Now Miss Mousy had
been prowling around in the kitchen one morning
and had seen the cook busily at work making pies
and tarts, and, last of all, brown, spicy ginger
snaps. If there was one thing in this world that
Miss Mousey dearly loved it was ginger snaps.


242
The Candle Feast.
Miss Mousey was not going to spend her time in
fretting, her little bright eyes glanced sharply

PALMER COC
around the kitchen to find something else to satisfy
the hunger of herself and her sorrowful-looking


The Mouse's Easter Egg.
It was spring, and it was Easter time. The
mice knew it was Easter because one of them while
rummaging in the kitchen cupboard for a nibble
W

ORD
of something had overheard the cook giving the
order to the grocer's boy. Miss Mousey had heard
her say—“I want a great many eggs, for I have
promised to dye some for the children, and besides
(244)


The Mouse's Easter Egg.
245
Easter is not Easter without plenty of eggs.”
The grocer's boy seemed to be of the same opinion,
and cook laughed merrily when he told her how
many he could eat.
Now Miss Mousey made up her mind that if
cook and the grocer's boy found eggs such fine
food, she must certainly try to have one for her
breakfast on Easter day.
Such a commotion as reigned in the kitchen on
Saturday morning! Of course the children had
no school, and they all wanted to help cook. You
should have heard the bursts of gleeful laughter
as the blue and crimson, green, purple and yellow
eggs were put on a platter to cool. Miss Mousey
saw and heard it all as she sat peeping through a
crack in the cupboard door that morning. “If
they will only leave them on the platter until to-
morrow," thought Miss Mousey, “I can easily
help myself, and I know the children will not
mind letting me have just one.” Fortune was
good to this little gray lady, and when cook fixed
the fire for the night and turned out the gas, the
eggs still stood on the plate. Now Miss Mousey
knew that her two young brothers would like to
try the eggs just as well as she, so she asked them
to come with her, and armed with knife, fork and
spoon they started on their journey.


246
The Mouse's Easter Egg.
It was easy enough to reach the egg, but not
quite so easy to take it home. It was so round
and so smooth that, try as they might, not one
could manage it. At last Miss Mousey jumped
for joy—she had hit on a splendid plan. It was

the easiest thing in the world to manage. She
would lie down flat on her back, hold the egg with
her four little feet, and then her two strong brothers
could pull her along by her tail. To think was to
act this time and before many minutes the egg was


248
The Monkeys' Trick.
:
some other kind of caper. When night came they
needed no rocking, for so tired were they that they

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hardly had time to settle themselves for the night
before they were in dreamland.


The Monkeys' Trick.
249
Brown Bruin was a solemn, dignified bear that
dwelt in the forest where the monkey family lived.
He had grown so fat in his old age that his greatest
pleasure was to take things easy. Hurrying and
scurrying were not to his liking, and the merry,
chattering ways of Jocko and Jerry bothered him
no little. He had many times talked to them, and
tried to show them how much better it was to live
a quiet, peaceful life. The little monkeys listened
to all he said, and they seemed so solemn that
Brown Bruin felt sure his words had not been in
vain ; but time showed him his mistake.
Old Bruin had among his possessions a beauti-
ful red hammock that he prized very highly, not
only for itself, but for the many happy hours he
had spent in it. He swung it up one morning as
usual, and, placing his high hat on the ground be-
neath, crawled into the hammock to read his morn-
ing paper and take a little nap. Jocko and Jerry
watched the bear preparing to spend a comfortable
morning and decided to play a trick on him. So
they sat very quietly, hidden among the leaves,
until Bruin was lost in the reading of his paper.
Poor fellow ! he was so deeply engaged in reading
the report of the stock market and wondering
whether he would not be able to indulge in a little
veal, mutton and pork, now they were going so


The Magpie's Revenge.
251
little knife cut the rope, and down went Mr. Bruin
all in a heap. How these merry little monkeys did
chatter and laugh when they saw the old fellow on
the ground, but they had good sense enough to run
away as fast as they could go, for they knew, if
they were caught, they would get a good scolding,
and they should have a good hard scolding, for
they were very naughty monkeys, indeed, to dis-
turb the poor bear in his hammock.
Poor Bruin did not know what to make of it
when he found himself suddenly landed on his
head on the hard ground, but he soon made up his
mind that it was all a trick which mischievous
Jocko and Jerry had played on him, and he felt
very badly to think that his fine silk hat was ruined
and his hammock injured just through the work
of frolicsome monkeys, and he decided that he
would find some other place to spend his leisure,
where he would not be troubled by such naughty
little creatures as Jocko and Jerry.
The Magpie's Revenge.
It was all due to the treatment which Madame
Magpie had received at the time of the great ball
in the early spring. Invitations had been sent


The Search for Food.
“TICK TOCK! Tick tock ! Tick tock !” slowly
and steadily the hands of thekitchen clock moved for-

LUNUH
AUT
Ona
ward, but still it kept on with its oft-repeating song.
Madame Mouse felt as though she could stand
(254)


256
The Search for Food.
had once found there a lunch basket belonging to
· one of the children, and there was quite a lot in
it, too. As soon as he went into the closet a half
dozen heads or more peeped out from holes in the
floor. “You've come to a sorry place for food,"
said they, “we are almost starved."
Mr. Mouse said not a word but turned towards
home. Having heard from her husband that the
folks were away, Mrs. Mouse and her four babies
had ventured out. Mr. Mouse saw them as soon
as he entered the kitchen. Tiny was in his
mother's arms, while Tip, Top and Teddy huddled
around her. “Iam too big a coward,” thought
Mr. Mouse, “to go back to them empty handed,"
so he stole away without their having seen him.
He wandered about the shed, wondering what
next to do, when all at once his eyes spied some-
thing round and white gleaming at him from the
corner. “Luck at last,” thought he, and it was,
too, for it proved to be a long white candle. A
few seconds brought him to his family, the good
news was told, and they all hurried away to have
a royal feast. It seemed such a treat after the
long waiting and the tedious search they had had,
and they all felt very thankful, even baby Tiny
who sat in his mother's arms and quietly nibbled
away at his share.


The Visit to Jerry's.
FRIDAY afternoon had come round once more,
which meant that lessons were done for the week,
and to-morrow was free from books and study.
Tom and Fred were chums. If the boys at school
saw Tom without Fred, or Fred without Tom,

they were sure something must be the matter, for
where one went the other went also. They were
in the same class at school ; they played on the
same base-ball team ; they read the same books, in
fact, they did everything as much alike as possible.
(257)


258
The Visit to Jerry's.
Now, as they sauntered home from school this Fri-
day afternoon, their brains were busy planning
some way to spend the next day.
“If it were only time to go fishing," said Tom,
“ I'm just aching to try my luck with the pole and
line that Uncle gave me at Christmas.”
“I wish some of the fellows could play cricket,"
said Fred, “I want to use my bat.” But wishes
were useless, and this the boys knew, so they went
to thinking once more.
“Let's go see old Jerry, Tom," said Fred,
“ we've not seen him for a long time."
Jerry used to work for Tom's father and was
very fond of the boys. Now he lived on a little
place just outside the city and raised pigs, which
he brought into the town market. This plan
pleased Tom very much, and they agreed to meet
bright and early the next morning, so that they
might have a good long day. Tom's mother had
packed a basket of good things for Jerry, for he
lived all alone, and women's cooking was such a
treat, he once told the boys. It was a beautiful
day, and the boys leaped and shouted when they
had left the city behind them and had entered into
the freedom of the country roads. The sun was
high up in the heavens when they reached Jerry's
and Tom was glad to put down the basket, for it


The Vist to Jerry's.
259
was beginning to feel pretty heavy. Fred wanted
to help him, but Tom insisted on carrying it all
alone, too proud to own that he was tired. At
length the cottage where Jerry lived came in sight,
and before long they lifted the latch of the gate
and walked up the gravel walk to the house.
How pleased Jerry was to see them, and how full
of delight over the basket of goodies ! Jerry had



a funny new pet to show the boys that day—a wee
little pig that he had taught to come into the
kitchen and drink milk from a saucer.
The boys had a fine time, and when they said
good-bye to Jerry they promised him and them-
selves, too, that it would not be long before they
came again.
The opportunity to again pay a visit to Jerry
came in the course of a few months, and bright
and early one Saturday the boys started on their


260
The Visit to Jerry's.
trip. Jerry was delighted to see them, but they
found him in so much trouble that they really
pitied him. It was all on account of the pig that
had been so cute and pretty when they visited him
before. He had sent them a photograph of piggy
as he looked when performing his tricks, and they
fully expected to see him dance and play the fiddle.
This was one great reason they were so anxious to
go out to Jerry's once more, for they were wild to
see this wonderful creature about whom they had
heard so much.
As they drew near the house, they heard the pig
squealing and grunting at a great rate, while above
all the din rose the voice of Jerry, evidently in no
very pleasant frame of mind. Opening the door,
they beheld Jerry standing, hat in hand, and look-
ing very much troubled. Tables and chairs were
overturned, and the stove-pipe was just falling
down, while the stove lay upset on the floor. In
the midst of it all stood a great ugly hog, so huge
that it seemed to fill the whole room. The boys
were thunderstruck to see such a big hog in the
house and wondered how it got there. Then Jerry
explained to them that this was the little pig of
which they had all been so fond. It had kept
growing and growing, and every day he had
thought he would put it out of doors, but he had


Che Visit to Jerry's.
261
not done it, and now it was more of a task than
he could do alone. The boys offered to heip him,
and together they drove the pig to the door, but

LAVORO
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alas, alas, he was so big that all he could get out-
side the cottage door was his head. He would
have been very glad to get out, for the house was
uncomfortably small, but try as he might, he could



(263)


268
In the Meadow.
by the robins, and at last four little beaks picked
the shell and four little baby robins came out to
live in this great, big world. The tree rocked
them gently, and the mother thought that no baby
robins ever had a prettier cradle than hers. The
robin family stayed in the tree all summer, and
the tree kept growing stronger and stronger, and
taller and taller, and when the birdies flew away
it was only comforted by the promise that the old
birds would come back again the next year. Just
before he flew away the old robin lingered beneath
the tree just long enough to sing a farewell song.
Down by the very brook over which hung the
tree, which was the home of the robins, dwelt a
handsome green frog. He was born there in the
early spring, and before the robins came the tree
had watched little Froggy-woggy with great in-
terest. It wondered to see him growing so fast,
and he looked so jolly with his great grinning
mouth and his big, bulging eyes. Just as soon as
the sun reached the banks of the little brook
Froggy would perch himself on a smooth stone,
blinking and winking as though the world gave
nothing but happiness to him. Now the tree soon
learned that Froggy loved a little lady frog.
Every morning went the youthful lover to take
his lady love for a walk; he carried a huge bou-


In the Meadow.
269
quet of flowers so beautiful that the bees and but-
terflies followed him, sipping of their sweetness.
One day Froggy and his lady love went away and
never came back again. The tree felt sure they
had found a home for themselves by some other
stream.
A hill sloped up from the brookside, and among

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C25 247
2009
the grasses and low shrubs flowers of all sorts
lifted their heads. Daisies opened their bright
eyes at the peep of morning, and nodded their
sleepy little heads at the coming of the shadows.
The blue violets shyly put forth their bloom, and
the yellow buttercups sparkled and gleamed in the
bright sunshine. But the hillside was most beauti-


270
In the Meadow.
ful when the children coming home from school
stopped to gather the posies. Their chatter and
joyous laughter rany out like the sweetest music,
as beautiful, so thought the tree, as the song of
the birds that sang so sweetly all day long.
One night the flowers and trees were awakened
from their happy dreams by the strangest noise
they had ever heard. The moon was big and
round that night and was shedding her brightest
light, so that the meadow was almost as bright as
day. Flowers lifted their drowsy heads, and the
trees bent and swayed to peep around each other
to find out, if possible, the cause of so much
trouble. They soon discovered that a flock of
young birds that had doubtless wandered from
their nests and had stayed out too late had been
attacked by some big, round-eyed owls, and the
loud cry of fear from the young birds as they hur-
ried through the air had wakened all the sleeping
· hillside and put sleep to flight.
But the meadow was not only the home of the
birds, the flowers and the fat little frogs, but the
children used to go there and spend the long beauti-
ful summer days playing in the soft, green grass
hunting for the birds' nests and gathering the
· bright, pretty flowers. But, best of all, they loved
to chase the butterflies that flitted here and there,


The Lost Prize.
271
drinking the honey from the flower cupom end rest-
ing lightly on the nodding grasses. Take it all in
all, the meadow was the most delightful place in
the world, not only for the children, but for all the
merry crowds of birds and insects that made it their
home and their pleasure ground, and none of them
would have known how to get along without it.
The Lost Prize.
KITTY GRAY had been brought to her new

home in a covered basket. She remembered well
bow one of the boys had brought a saucer of new


The Lost Prize.
273
good, a gentle voice would always say, “Lie still,
Kitty Gray, and be real good.”
When the basket was opened and Kitty jumped
out she found herself in a place very different
from the big barn in which she had always lived.
But she soon grew to like it very much. She

loved the warm fire, beside which she curled her-
self every night, and the cook gave her lots of
good things to eat.
Cook sat by the fire reading one night, and
Kitty lay curled up in her lap. Kit's eyes roamza
lazily around the room until they rested upon at
empty pickle bottle that cook had left standing on


Rival Babies.
DADDY BEAR had gone off on a hunting trip.
He had left Madam Bear and their little son alone,
but he had brought such a fine young lamb from
the neighboring farm-yard that he had no fear of
their being in want while he was gone.
Daddy Bear and his wife were very proud of
their young son. They thought nothing so beauti-
ful as his fat little body and his sharp little eyes,
that looked so bright and charming. His funny
attempts to growl like his parents made them both
laugh merrily.
Very near to the home of the bears dwelt an-
other family. This family consisted of Father
and Mother Fox and their little son. Now the
Fox parents were just as fond and proud of their
baby as Daddy and Madam Bear were of theirs,
and they used often to think that their son was
just a little more cute than Baby Bear. These
two little chaps were born about the same time,
and each had been carefully watched and guarded
by its fond parents, who tried to outdo each other
in their devotion to their babies. If Madam Bear
took her little boy walking, young Master Fox
was soon taken out for a stroll. If little Foxy
appeared in a new Pinafore, Madam Bear lost no
(276)



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(277)


280
The Dance in the Woods.
for a stroll and had stopped to watch the merry
butterflies.
“We will dance together," said the raven. So
the stork threw his long bill over the raven's
shoulder, and wing to wing they whirled around,
not pictures of grace, however, for they moved
very, very awkwardly.

The eagle, gazing from his lofty nest, saw the
antics of the pair and laughed merrily to himself.
“I'll fly down and get nearer the fun," said he.
Down he came, and meeting a plump, white goose,
ne told him of the performance and asked him to
come along and see it. The goose had hard work
to keep up with the eagle, who walked along with


282
The Surprise Party.
fun to watch the stork and the raven, how much
more fun it would be to trip it with them. So
down he flew and commenced spinning around and
around. This movement on the part of the jay
put the hawk in the notion, and she also joined
the dancers. The dodo and the crane were the
next to fall in, and before very long couple after
couple were hopping around enjoying the lively
reel.
The Surprise Party.
DEAR me, did no one tell you about the party ?
It was a perfect success all through. That funny
little turtle that lives in the swamp back of the
hedgehog's got it up. One morning he arose
bright and early, did his work as quickly as pos-
sible, and then started around to his friend's, the
porcupine, to inake him a visit. “Do you know,"
said the turtle, after a while, “I've been thinking
how pleasant it would be to get up a surprise party
for our neighbor, Mr. Bruin.”
“The very thing,” replied the porcupine, “ if
you are willing to invite the people.”
“I'll be glad to do it," answered the turtle.
The turtle would not stay to dinner, although the
porcupine invited him, and that very afternoon he


The Raid of the Rats. 285
and performed many queer antics, which were ex-
ceedingly amusing to the whole company. They
were all so happy and time passed so pleasantly
that the wee, small hours of the morning dawned
before the party broke up. They all agreed that
the turtle deserved much praise for the fine time
he had been the means of affording them, and de-
cided to arrange a surprise party for him some
day.
The Raid of the Rats.
THERE was once a man named Nathan Brown,
who kept the “Silver Lake Mill.” The mill had
been so named on account of the beautiful stream
of water upon whose banks it was built. This
water as it flowed on and on, day after day, turned
the great wheel and ground the wheat that the
farmers brought to Nathan to be made into flour.
Nathan was a big, fat, red-cheeked fellow, who
loved nothing better than a chat with his neigh-
bors, and while the mill wheel kept busily and
steadily turning the dusty miller kept up a merry
chattering.
One day Nathan looked very solemn, and the
farmer who had come with his bag of wheat won-
dered what had happened. He asked no ques-


286
The Raid of the Rats.
tions, for he knew that in time the miller would
tell him. When Nathan had emptied the wheat
into the hopper he sat down beside the farmer and
began to talk. “Do you know,” said he, “ there
is something carrying off my wheat, and what it
is I don't know, but I have my suspicions that it
is the rats. I have about made up my mind to
set traps and see if I can in that way discover who
the thieves may be.”

Now it happened that the rats were the doers
of all the mischief, and it also happened that one
of them, who had taken a nap on a beam, wakened
in time to hear what the miller said.
“Traps ? " thought he, “ that ends the fun for
us. We will carry off all we can to-night, and
then get away from this place.” Just as soon as
old Ratty could leave without being seen he hur-
ried off to tell the rest of the rats the news he had
heard. They all agreed that they must get away


The Raid of the Rats.
287
as soon as possible, but, like him, they wanted one
more night of fun.
When night came a big crowd had gathered.
They had merry times chasing one another, in and
out among the bags, and crawling up them and
sliding down again.
“I have an idea,” said one of the rats ; “I think

if we tried we might manage to carry away one of
those small bags of flour. We could hide it in
the wagon house and have a merry time with it."
“That's a splendid idea," cried they all ; “we
can do it if we try.”
One of the smallest bags was selected, and all
went to work, and they did work. It was not
easy to lift the sack up on their shoulders, nor to


290
The Back. Yard Party.
topped bonnet. Grandmother Skipper and her
youngest grandchild came next, and after them
came Lady Newly-Wed and her husband. On
they came, one after the other, until quite a large,
merry crowd had gathered in the back yard. The
young mice wanted to dance, so partners were

ir
AS
ALL
chosen, and the merry whirlers went spinning
round and round until they were almost ready to
drop.
Billy Nibble and Patty Pry grew tired of danc-
ing and seated themselves on top of the gate.
Tucker Gray saw them, and he felt jealous, for he


Adventures of the Mice.
297
said a very young mouse, “and I'll tell you how;
I saw the most tempt-
ing piece of cheese in
the centre of a funny
red box; so I put my
head in to take a bite,
and, bless you, a spring
snapped down and held
me tight. I jumped
around and around
with this thing on my
head, and shook it as
hard as ever I could,
although I was nearly
choked to death, but I
could not get out. At
last, by some rare good
fortune, the wire that
held the spring broke
and set me free. It
was a narrow escape,
and it taught me a
good lesson. Never,
as long as I live, will I
venture near a trap.”
“We had quite a scare, too,” spoke up one of
My young Squeaks. “My brothers and I crawled

rulle
Iwwe


Cousin Bear's Party.
301
slippers from his shoemaker. These, with his fine
twisted cane, made up a very fine costume. Mrs.
Bruin immediately summoned her dressmaker, and
together they fashioned a gorgeous crimson gown.
Her bonnet of fine white straw was lined with red,
and, to her delight, her fond husband bought her
a fine feathered fan.
The night of the party Mr. Bruin and his lov-
ing wife started off in high glee. As they went
along they were the objects of great admiration.
Mrs. Bruin wore two magnificent sun flowers in
her belt. The night was perfect. The moon was
shining brightly, and the snow beneath their feet
sparkled like diamonds. It was quite a long walk,
but the house was finally reached, and a most de-
lightful time they had. Game followed game in
quick succession, until the call to supper sounded
in their ears. The refreshments were superb. Mr.
Bruin declared that he had never eaten such pork,
so tender and juicy, and the lamb was perfect.
Cousin Bear whispered to Mrs. Bruin that she had
gotten the pork from their neighbor, the farmer,
while the lamb had been procured seven miles away.
It was very late when the Bruins started for home,
and as they sauntered along beneath the stars they
agreed that the party was a great success, and
were more than glad to think that they had gone.



COCK ROBIN.
The Variations
= cationsغتيالات
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15
PALMER COX,
Cock Robin Lying in State.
(303)


306
Cock Robin.
Who'll make a shroud
So costly and fine ?
I, said the beetle,
With my thread and needle,
The task shall be mine.
Who'll dig a grave
In the yew-tree shade ?
I, said the mole,
Will soon make a hole,
I'll dig the grave.
With my pickax and spade.


Cock Robin.
307

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PALMPAR, GO


308
Cock Robin.
Who'll toll the bell
In the chapel tower ?
I, said the daw,
With my long claw,
I toll the bell
For half an hour.
Who'll bear a blazing
Torch in the case ?
I, said the kite,
Will carry the light
And show the way
To the burial place.


Cock Robin.
309

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PALMER COX..


Cock Robin.
311

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312
Cock Robin.
Who'll be the parson
With faith and trust?
I, said the rook,
Will read from my book,
“Ashes to ashes,
And dust to dust.”'
Who'll mark
The songster's earthy bed ?
I, said the bat,
Will attend to that.
I'll carve his name
On the tree at his head.


Cock Robin.
315

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