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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9c9676e --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50319 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50319) diff --git a/old/50319-8.txt b/old/50319-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 88b213a..0000000 --- a/old/50319-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5119 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, December 17, 1895, by Various - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Harper's Round Table, December 17, 1895 - -Author: Various - -Release Date: October 26, 2015 [EBook #50319] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, DEC 17, 1895 *** - - - - -Produced by Annie R. McGuire - - - - - - - - -[Illustration: HARPER'S ROUND TABLE] - -Copyright, 1895, by HARPER & BROTHERS. All Rights Reserved. - - * * * * * - -PUBLISHED WEEKLY. NEW YORK, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1895. FIVE CENTS A -COPY. - -VOL. XVII.--NO. 842. TWO DOLLARS A YEAR. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration] - -CHRISTMAS ON MAJUBA STATION. - -BY RICHARD BARRY. - - -December on the Majuba coast, and the day had been the hottest of the -month, as the log-book entry showed. - -It was a few minutes past sundown, and the awnings that had covered the -decks of the old steam-frigate _Sumter_ were being taken in to allow a -freer passage for any air that might begin to stir with the nightfall. - -The barefooted sailors trod gingerly about, carefully avoiding the -metal-work on the hatch combings and the soft blotches of pitch that had -bubbled up through the deck seams. The only sounds were the chattering -of a large monkey that was swinging himself to and fro in the -heat-slackened shrouds, and the discordant squawking of some tame -parrots on the forecastle. - -A group of officers lolled against the after-rail, and three or four -youngsters, a little apart from them, had just finished a whispered -conversation. But for some minutes there had not been a loud word spoken -throughout the ship. There was one thought present in the minds and -hearts of all, from the Captain, ill and half delirious with fever below -in his close sweltering cabin, to Midshipman Bobby Seymour, who had had -a lump in his throat for the past twenty-four hours--one thought, over -and over--home, home, home. - -It was the early evening of the night before Christmas. A sagging -wind-sail, that hung down the forward hatchway like a huge empty trouser -leg, swayed a little, and the movement caught the junior Lieutenant's -eye. - -"The land breeze! Feel it?" he said, lifting his hand as if to enforce -silence. - -Warm, and almost fetid with an indescribable odor, a breath had crept -softly across the water from the low-lying African coast--a breath -redolent of swamps, of strange unhealthy products of the overheated -earth, suggestive of fever that burned into the bones. - -"I don't like it," said Bobby Seymour, wriggling his small shoulders. He -spoke in a half whisper. "I wish I was at Irvington with the river all -iced up, the sleigh-bells jingling-jangling everywhere, and--" - -"Oh, I say, quit, please, won't you?" interrupted the boy at his elbow. -"It's hard enough to stand things as they are. What wouldn't we all -give--" Then he shut his lips firmly without finishing his sentence. -"Hear that surf!" he added, after a moment's silence. - -Borne on the slight air from the eastward came a deep sound like the -booming of a thousand giant drums. - -"It doesn't look like any landing to-morrow," remarked Midshipman -Seymour, wisely. - -Just then the thin musical notes of a concertina drifted out from the -forecastle. - - "'Be it never so humble, there's no place like home,'" - -chanted a voice. - -"They have it there too," said Bobby Seymour to himself. "Why shouldn't -they?" - -But the song died away almost as soon as it had begun. In fact, it had -been more like a deep-chested musical sigh than anything else. - -"I wonder if we couldn't get the Kroomen to sing something jolly for us -to-night?" suggested one of the larger midshipmen. - -"I think the old man is too ill to stand much celebrating just now," -spoke up another. "But I say, Remson, let's see if one of us can't get -ashore to-morrow and get something fresh to eat. I'm sick of this old -hooker, anyhow. Might as well be docked in Portsmouth, for all the good -we're doing here." - -This was fact. Watching for slave-traders under such restrictive orders -from the government at Washington as precluded the faintest possibility -of making a capture was far from exciting, and, besides, the goings on -at home had produced a feeling of uneasiness on shipboard, for this was -the troublous winter of '60-1. - -It was little wonder that things were doleful on board the old _Sumter_ -this particular Christmas eve, and so it passed like the evening of any -other day. - -But Bobby Seymour, when he awakened the next morning, gazed up at the -huge deck beams of the steerage, and suddenly remembered something. - -He slid out of his hammock and scrambled over to the chest that had his -initials on the lid. He opened it, and dug out a neatly tied package -from a corner. It was addressed to him with his full title, and was -inscribed "Not to be opened until Xmas day." - -He crawled over to an open port, and sitting down on the deck, deftly -undid the wrapping. But he paused for a minute before he looked to see -what it contained, and his eyes took on the sightless expression of deep -thoughts far away as he gazed out over the sea. - -The sun was flaming above the tree-tops on the distant shore, and the -warm morning breeze fluttered the hair of his tousled curly head. - -But Bobby did not see the sun or feel the breeze. He saw a wide stretch -of snow-covered lawn, with the pine branches that lined the driveway -weighted down, and each elm and apple bough all a-sparkle in a case of -ice, and the sleigh bells "jingle-jangling" everywhere. He knew how his -skates looked, hanging up on the nail behind the door, and his -hockey-stick, and his sled. He could smell the hot buckwheat cakes and -hear his little sisters laughing. - -"They'd just be taking down their stockings," he said, a quiver coming -to his eyelid. - -In truth, Midshipman Bobby Seymour was nothing but a boy, and not a very -tall one. He looked even younger than he really was as he sat there on -the deck hugging his bare knees up to his chin, the still unopened -package held tightly under his arm, and if a tear did roll down his -cheek, and all the way down his neck beneath his collar, it was nothing -to be ashamed of. - -"Mr. Seymour," broke in a voice that brought back the heat and the smell -of the ship quite suddenly. "Mr. Jephson wishes to see you on deck as -soon as possible, sir." - -Bobby made a dash at his eyes with the back of his hand, and looked up -at the big red-mustached orderly. "Very good; be up there right away," -he answered. - -Then he arose and hurried into his things, only glancing into the -package, and catching sight of two or three letters and some mysterious -objects done up in tissue-paper. - -As he came on deck he walked quietly aft and touched his cap. Mr. -Jephson, the executive officer, saw him. - -"Ah, Mr. Seymour, merry Christmas!" he remarked, much as if it was the -usual thing to say. "I have some work for your boat's crew, sir. Just -step here a minute." - -Bobby hastened to the quarter-deck. - -"There, do you see that," said the Lieutenant, pointing towards the dark -green line of coast--"that white thing floating there, a mile or more -from shore?" - -"Yes, sir," said Bobby, squinting his little sleepy eyes. - -Mr. Jephson picked up his sea-glasses. "In my mind it will help clear up -the meaning of that glare to the westward two nights ago," he said. "I -think it's a bit of wreckage, or an overturned boat that is drifting -in." The Lieutenant spoke slowly as he adjusted the binoculars. Then he -turned, and added, quickly: - -"Get your coffee; see that the men get theirs; lower away the cutter; -pick that up or find out what it is, and come back to the ship. You will -be here by breakfast-time." - -"Aye, aye, sir," Bobby answered. - -All hands were turning out as he entered the steerage, but he heard few -"Merry Christmases," and the coffee tasted bitterer than ever. All at -once an idea seized him, and he thrust the precious package into his -jacket. He could read the letters anyhow as he rowed back to the ship. -In another moment he was stepping through the gangway. - -"Don't go too close to the white water, youngster," said one of the -junior officers, who had come on deck, "or you'll be a Robinson Crusoe -before you know it." - -"Thank you, sir," replied Bobby, as he hastened down the companion -ladder. He had to make a leap of it into the cutter, where the men were -waiting for him, in no pleasant frame of mind at the prospect of a long -pull so early. In another minute they were heading shorewards. On board -the ship, so used had every one become to the slow rolling, that it was -hard to believe that such a sea was running. But from the boat the -ground-swells seemed great hills, so smooth that an oar left a swirl in -the green water as a paddle might in a mill-pond. - -They had rowed some distance, now climbing up slowly, then coasting down -with a rush, before Bobby caught sight of the floating object gleaming -on the top of a great lift of sea a mile nearer the shore; he pointed it -out to the coxswain, and sat down to read his letters. - -As he drew the package from his breast he became conscious that it would -not be quite comfortable to open it with twelve pairs of curious eyes -gazing at him, so he brought forth only two of the letters with an -affectation of carelessness, tied up the rest of the little bundle, and -thrust it back into his jacket again. - -Sitting there in the stern-sheets of the cutter, with the scorching -African sun overhead, and the "thrim-thrum" of oars in his ears, once -more his thoughts jumped back to the snow and the sleigh-bells as he -opened the first little note. It was written in lead-pencil on very -fancy paper, all posies and forget-me-nots. Nor was it written exactly. -Most of the words were printed in capital letters, the I's carefully -dotted, and the T's laboriously crossed. The lump came into Bobby's -throat as he read it slowly. - - "DEAR BROTHER ROBERT" [it began],--"I made this for you all myself. - Merry Christmas. I have a kitten and its name is--" - -The boat had given such a sickening downward swoop that Bobby looked up -suddenly. Never had he seen such a wave in all his short experience. And -the sensation! It reminded him of the time he was tossed in a blanket at -Annapolis. Yet the water's surface was smooth and oily--not the sound of -a ripple--dead silence. - -The men slackened in their stroke as another came on astern and raised -them upwards. When at its summit Bobby looked towards the shore. - -Nothing but a succession of green ridges. But suddenly a line of white -like a rip in a great cloth stretched along against the mass of foliage -above the beach. Then down the cutter raced. - -Midshipman Seymour felt that the eyes of his crew were all upon him; he -had detected a frightened glance or two, and the bowmen were looking -over their shoulders. - -"Steady, there!" he said, crumpling the letters into his pocket as he -stood up. Then his spirits rose. Only a few hundred feet further on -floated the mysterious object, rising in plain sight; it was a heavy -chest, with lettering of some sort on it. - -"Oars!" he shouted, and the men rested, glancing uneasily at their -companions on the thwarts. Bobby looked back at the ship. - -It scorned incredible that they could have covered that distance in such -a space of time. - -"In bow there, with your boat-hooks!" he shouted. But before the men -could get to their feet an expression of horror crossed every face. -Three or four cried out in fear. Once more Bobby turned, and a sick -feeling came all over him. - -The coxswain leaned forward. "We're going to catch it, sir," he -whispered, and he made as if to kick off his shoes. - -Full half a mile seaward one of the tall waves had broken at its height, -and widening and frothing, it spread out in a mass of glistening -smother. The sight made the little midshipman think of an army of white -horses rising at a great green hedge. - -The water around the boat began to clop noisily against the gunwales, -and the wave crests on either hand danced and tottered uneasily. Then, -pitching down into a hollow, the white horses disappeared for an -instant, and nothing could be seen but a green wall in front. But the -charge was coming--nearing; they could hear the roaring of it now. - -"Steady, men!" said Bobby. "Coxswain, it's too late to turn her; we'll -have to ride it in." Even to himself his voice sounded strange and deep. -He forgot he was a boy. Was not he responsible? Were not they all -looking to him to bring them safely through? He was an officer. - -It was not customary for the regular crew of any ship to make a landing -on this part of the African coast. For this service a tribe of hardy -blacks, Kroomen they were called, provided expert boatmen to any ship on -coast station. They knew how to ride the surf, and the best man-o'-war's -man was but a novice to them. But for the last three days even the -blacks had declared the surf too heavy for safe landing, and now Bobby -and his cutter were going to try it, much against their wills. - -As the broken roaring water rushed down upon them the noise drowned even -his thoughts, and as it caught the boat full astern each man held his -breath. But the oars pulling furiously kept the cutter's nose in the -right direction, and catching the impetus, she tore shoreward like a -runaway engine. After the first shock it was exciting. Bobby even forgot -the danger. He noticed the unlucky chest turning over and over in the -foam, and peering ahead he became aware for the first time that they -were nearing the outlet of a small river that debouched into the sea. - -The surf was running high up on the beach, and frothing across a bar at -the river's mouth, where a little island made a delta on each side. No -sooner had he noticed this when he saw something else--a score of naked -black figures running up the sand. Now the Majuba tribes are cannibals. -Bobby's heart stood still. To provide a Christmas dinner to a lot of -hungry savages was not a pleasant prospect. - -"Pull, port! hold, starboard!" shouted the young commander. The men bent -to their oars, and, wonder of wonders, with a great heave and a twist -the cutter crossed the bar, and shot up on a wave between the green -shelving banks of an unknown river, where a white man's boat had never -been before. Keeping well to the centre of the stream, the cutter at -last reached smooth water, and Bobby found himself standing up, his -knees trembling slightly, and not one hundred yards away a horde of the -evilest-looking wild black men he had ever set his eyes on. Something -had to be done, and to take advantage of their surprise was his first -thought. "Why not sing?" he murmured out loud. They were waiting for -some demonstration, evidently. - -But as the rest of this narrative would make a long story in itself, it -is best to let Midshipman Seymour tell it shortly, as he did in the -letter to his sister Dorothy, which he wrote three days later. - - "DEAR LITTLE SIS [it ran]--You will have to write again and tell me - the name of the kitten, for I have lost your beautiful letter - before I could finish reading it. And the fine bead-work - pin-cushion, full of the very sharpest pins, I had to give away, - and Jack's six-bladed knife, and Nell's fancy-work purse, and - mother's silk handkerchief, and grandma's silk gloves, and the - package of rock-candy; in fact, everything you sent me now belongs - to a great ugly cannibal king whose name is Matagoolah. But all - this means a story, so I will tell it as quickly as I can. On - Christmas day I was sent out from the ship with my boat's crew to - pick up something that was floating in the water. It proved to be a - chest from the slaver _Nightingale_ that had burned up 'way out to - sea. As we rowed along we were caught in the surf, and by good luck - were carried up a little river that no one knew existed. I tell you - your red-headed brother was very badly frightened when he saw a lot - of savages standing on the bank. I thought, 'Oh, if grandma could - only see me now!' The savages were so astonished that they did not - do anything, and I thought I'd make believe I came to see them on - purpose. - - "So I signaled out an old fellow who appeared to be a chief, and - making my very best bow, I began to sing, very solemnly and loudly, - 'Haul the bow-line; well I love my darling,' and the men all joined - in the chorus. Then I thought of the only presents I had--which - were yours--and rowing up close, I had four of the crew carry me - ashore, where I presented everything I had to the chief, singing - the only thing that came into my head--'Hail Columbia!'--at the top - of my voice. It was quite funny. When he saw the pin-cushion he was - so delighted; and as he received one thing after another he began - to grin and chatter. But the rock-candy! My! when he tasted it I - was afraid he was going to eat me up for joy! He gave some orders, - and all of his men threw down their spears and fell flat on their - faces. So I ordered my crew to come ashore, which they did, pretty - well frightened. - - "Now what to do I did not know; but looking towards the ship, which - was some three miles out to sea, I saw a puff of smoke, and I knew - they were firing one of the big guns as a signal to call back the - other boats, so I lifted up my hands and waved them; then as the - report came I bent down low, and all of my men did the same. This - time the chief himself fell on his knees! But what will you suppose - I saw also? The big chest that I had started out to get! It was - rolling up in the surf near the beach. At once I began to make - motions as if I were hauling something in with a rope, and told - four of my crew to go fetch the chest from the sea. When they - plunged in and brought it out the savages looked scared to death. - And breaking it open, what do you suppose it contained? Why, beads - and knives and trinkets, a big brass crown--in fact, a complete - trader's outfit, enough to have bought fifty slaves and more. That - settled it. The king would have given me the heads of half his - people. - - "Well, to make it short, we were feasted and treated, and I am - afraid prayed to for two days. I kept a flag flying from a - tree-top; the trees are not tall, but I knew they could see it from - the ship, and yesterday they managed to land three boats with more - presents for my black friends, and took us off. But I really - believe that it was your 'Merry Xmas' pin-cushion that saved our - lives. Make me another, tell me the name of the kitten, and whether - you are having good coasting; and take lots of love and kisses for - all. - - "From your loving brother, - "ROB." - -And this is the story of a rather unusual Christmas day, and explains -the reason why Bobby Seymour was given the title of "Envoy Extraordinary -to his Majesty King Matagoolah, Ruler of the Majubas." - - - - -THE FREYS' CHRISTMAS PARTY. - -BY RUTH McENERY STUART. - - -There was a great sensation in the old Coppenole house three days before -Christmas. - -The Freys, who lived on the third floor, were going to give a Christmas -dinner party, and all the other tenants were invited. - -Such a thing had never happened before, and, as Miss Penny told her -canary-birds while she filled their seed-cup, it was "like a clap of -thunder out of a clear sky." - -The Frey family, consisting of a widow and her brood of half a dozen -children, were as poor as any of the tenants in the old building, for -wasn't the mother earning a scant living as a beginner in newspaper -work? Didn't the Frey children do every bit of the house-work, not to -mention little outside industries by which the older ones earned small -incomes? Didn't Meg send soft gingerbread to the Christian Woman's -Exchange twice a week, and Ethel find time, with all her studies, to -paint butterflies on Swiss aprons for fairs or fêtes? - -Didn't everybody know that Conrad, now but thirteen, was a regular -solicitor for orders for Christmas trees, palmetto palms, and gray moss -from the woods for decorative uses on holiday occasions? - -The idea of people in such circumstances as these giving dinner parties! -It was almost incredible, but it was true, for tiny notes of invitation -tied with rose-colored ribbons had been flying over the building all the -afternoon. The Frey twins, Felix and Félicie, both barefoot, had carried -one to each door. - -They were written with gold ink on pink paper, and a water-colored -butterfly poised in mid-air somewhere on each one, while at the left -lower end were the mysterious letters "R.S.V.P." - -The old Professor who lived in the room next the Frey kitchen got one, -and Miss Penny, who occupied the room beyond. So did Mademoiselle -Guyosa, who made paper flowers, and the mysterious little woman of the -last, worst room in the house--a tiny figure whose face none of her -neighbors had even seen, but who had given her name to the baker and -milkman as "Mamzelle St. John." - -And there were others. Madame Coraline, the fortune-teller, who rented -the hall room on the second floor, was perhaps more surprised at her -invitation than any of the rest. No one ever asked her anywhere. Even -the veiled ladies who sometimes visited her darkened chamber always -tiptoed up the steps as if they were half ashamed of going there. - -The twins had a time getting her to come to the door to receive the -invitation, and after vainly rapping several times, had finally brought -a parasol and hammered upon the horseshoe tacked upon the door, until at -last it opened just about an inch. And then she was invited. - -But indeed it is time to be telling how the party originated. - -It had been the habit of the Frey children, since they could remember, -to save up spare coins all the year for a special fund which they called -"Christmas Money." - -The old fashion of spending these small amounts in presents for one -another had long ago given place to the better one--more in the -Christmas spirit--of using it to brighten the day for some one less -blessed than themselves. - -It is true that on the Christmas before the one of this story they had -broken the rule, or only strained it, perhaps, to buy a little stove for -their mother's room. - -But a rule that would not stretch enough to take in such a home need -would be a poor one indeed. - -This year they had had numerous schemes, but somehow none had seemed to -appeal to the stockholders in the Christmas firm, and so they had -finally called a meeting on the subject. - -It was at this meeting that Meg, fourteen years old, having taken the -floor, said: "Well, it seems to _me_ that the _worst_ kind of a -Christmas must be a lonely one. Just think how nearly all the roomers in -this house spent last Christmas--most of 'em sittin' by their lone -selves in their rooms, and some of 'em just eatin' every-day things! The -Professor hadn't a thing but Bologna-sausage and crackers. _I -know--'cause I peeped._ An' now, whatever you all are goin' to do -with _your_ money, _mine's_ goin' right into this house, to the -roomers--_some way_." - -"If we knew what we could do, Meg?" said Ethel. - -"If we knew what we could do or _how we could do it_," interrupted -Conrad, "why, I'd give my eighty-five cents in a minute. I'd give it to -the old Professor to have his curls cut." - -Conrad was a true-hearted fellow, but he was full of mischief. - -"Shame on you, Buddy!" said Meg, who was thoroughly serious. "Can't you -be in earnest for just a minute?" - -"I am in earnest, Meg. I think your scheme is bully--if it could be -worked; but the Professor wouldn't take our money any more'n we'd take -his." - -"Neither would any of them." This was Ethel's first real objection. - -"Who's goin' to offer 'em money?" rejoined Meg. - -"I tell you what we _might_ do, maybe," Conrad suggested, dubiously. "We -_might_ buy a lot of fine grub, an' send it in to 'em sort o' -mysteriously. How'd that do?" - -"Twouldn't do at all," Meg replied. "The idea! Who'd enjoy the finest -Christmas dinner in the world by his lone self, with nothin' but a -lookin'-glass to look into and holler 'Merry Christmas' to?" - -Conrad laughed. "Well, the Professor's little cracked glass wouldn't be -much of a comfort to a hungry fellow. It gives you two mouths!" - -Conrad was nothing if not facetious. - -"There you are again, Buddy! _Do_ be serious," said Meg. And then she -added, desperately, "The thing _I_ want to do is to _invite_ 'em!" - -"Invite! Who? What? When? How? Where?" - -Such was the chorus that greeted Meg's astounding proposition. - -"Why, I say," she explained, nothing daunted, "let's put all our -Christmas money together and get the very best dinner we can, and invite -all the roomers to come and eat it with us. _Now I've said it!_ And I -ain't foolin', either." - -"And we haven't a whole table-cloth to our names, Meg Frey, and you know -it!" It was Ethel who spoke again. - -"And what's that got to do with it, Sisty? We ain't goin' to eat the -cloth. Besides, can't we set the dish-mats over the holes? 'Twouldn't be -the first time." - -"But Meg, dearie, you surely are not proposing to invite company to -dine in the kitchen, are you? And who'd cook the dinner, not to mention -buying it?" - -"Well, now, listen, Sisty dear. The dinner that's in my mind isn't a -society-column dinner like those Momsy writes about, and those we are -goin' to invite don't wear out much table-linen at home. And they cook -their own dinners, too, most of 'em--exceptin' when they eat 'em in the -French market, with a Chinaman on one side of 'em and an Indian on the -other. - -"_I'm_ goin' to cook _ours_, and as for eatin' in the kitchen, why, we -won't need to. Just see how warm it is! The frost hasn't even nipped the -banana leaves over there. And Buddy can pull the table out on the big -back gallery, an' we'll hang papa's old gray soldier blanket for a -portière to keep the Quinettes from lookin' in; and, Sisty, you can -write the invitations an' paint butterflies on 'em." - -Ethel's eyes for the first time sparkled with interest, but she kept -silent, and Meg continued: - -"An' Buddy'll bring in a lot of gray moss and _latanier_ to dec'rate -with, an'--" - -"An' us'll wait on the table!" - -"Yes, us'll wait on the table!" cried the twins. - -"But," added Felix, in a moment, "you mustn't invite Miss Penny, -Meg,'cause if you do F'lissy an' me'll be thest shore to disgrace the -party a-laughin'. She looks thest ezzac'ly like a canary-bird, an' Buddy -has tooken her off till we thest die a-laughin' every time we see her. I -think she's raised canaries till she's a sort o' half-canary herself. -Don't let's invite her, Sisty." - -"And don't you think Miss Penny would enjoy a slice of Christmas turkey -as well as the rest of us, Felix?" - -[Illustration: "SHE OUGHT TO EAT CANARY-SEED AND FISH-BONE."] - -"No; I fink she ought to eat canary-seed and fish-bone," chirped in -Dorothea. - -Dorothea was only five, and this from her was so funny that even Meg -laughed. - -"An' Buddy says he knows she sleeps perched on the towel-rack, 'cause -they ain't a sign of a bed in her room." - -The three youngest were fairly choking with laughter now. But the older -ones had soon grown quite serious in consulting about all the details of -the matter, and even making out a conditional list of guests. - -When they came to the fortune-teller, both Ethel and Conrad hesitated, -but Meg, true to her first impulse, had soon put down opposition by a -single argument. - -"It seems to me she's the special one _to_ invite to a Christmas party -like ours," she pleaded. "The lonesomer an' horrider they are, the more -they belong, an' the more they'll enjoy it, too." - -"Accordin' to that," said Conrad, "the whole crowd ought to have a dizzy -good time, for they're about as fine a job lot of lonesomes as I ever -struck. And as for beauty! 'Vell, my y'ung vriends, how you was -to-morrow?'" he continued, thrusting his thumbs into his armholes and -strutting in imitation of the old Professor. - -Meg was almost out of patience. "Do hush, Buddy!" she protested, "an' -let's talk business. First of all, we have to put it to vote to see -whether we _want_ to have the party or not." - -"I ain't a-goin' to give my money to no such a ugly ol' party," cried -Felix. "I want pretty little girls with curls an' wreafs on to my -party." - -"An' me, too. I want a organ-grinder to the party that gets my half o' -our seventy cents," echoed Félicie. - -Meg was indeed having a hard time of it. - -"You see, Conrad"--the use of that name meant reproof from Meg--"you -see, Conrad, this all comes from your makin' fun of everybody. But of -course we can get an organ-grinder if the little ones want him." - -Ethel still seemed somewhat doubtful about the whole affair. Ethel was -in the high-school. She had a lofty bridge to her nose. She was fifteen, -and she never left off her final g's as the others did. These are, no -doubt, some of the reasons why she was regarded as a sort of superior -person in the family. If it had not been for the prospect of painting -the cards, and a certain feeling of benevolence in the matter, it would -have been hard for her to agree to the party at all. As it was, her -voice had a note of mild protest as she said: - -"It's going to cost a good deal, Meg. How much money have we? Let's -count up. I have a dollar and eighty-five cents." - -"And I've got two dollars," said Meg. - -"How is it you always save the most? I haven't saved but ninety cents." -Conrad spoke with a little real embarrassment as he laid his little pile -of coins upon the table. - -"I reckon it's 'cause I've got a regular plan, Buddy. I save a dime out -of every dollar I get all through the year. It's the best way. And how -much have you ponies got?" - -"We've got seventy cents together, an' we been a-whiskerin' in our ears -about it, too. We don't want our money put-ed in the dinner with the -rest. We want to see what we are givin'." - -"Well, suppose you buy the fruit. Seventy cents'll get bananas and -oranges enough for the whole party." - -"An' us wants to buy 'em ourselfs, too--hey, F'lix?" - -"Yes, us wants to buy 'em ourselfs, too." - -"And so you shall. And now all in favor of the party hold up right -hands." - -All hands went up. - -"Contr'ry, no!" Meg continued. - -"Contr'ry, no!" echoed the twins. - -"Hush! You mustn't say that. That's just what they say at votin's." - -"Gee-man-tally! But you girls're awfully mixed," Conrad howled with -laughter. "They don't have any 'contr'ry no's' when they vote by holdin' -up right hands. Besides, Dorothea held up her left hand, for I saw her." - -"Which is quite correct, Mr. Smartie, since we all know that Dolly is -left-handed. You meant to vote for the party, didn't you, dearie?" Meg -added, turning to Dorothea. - -For answer the little maid only bobbed her head, thrusting both hands -behind her, as if afraid to trust them again. - -"But I haven't got but thest a nickel," she ventured, presently. "F'lix -says it'll buy salt." - -"Salt!" said Conrad. "Well, I should smile! It would buy salt enough to -pickle the whole party. Why, that little St. Johns woman goes out with a -nickel an' lays in provisions. I've seen her do it." - -"Shame on you, Buddy!" - -"I'm not jokin', Meg. At least I saw her buy a _quartie's_ worth o' -coffee and _quartie's_ worth o' sugar, an' then ask for lagniappe o' -salt. Ain't that layin' in provisions? She uses a cigar-box for her -pantry, too." - -"Well," she protested seriously, "what of it, Conrad? It doesn't take -much for one very little person. Now, then, the party is voted for; but -there's one more thing to be done before it can be really decided. We -must ask Momsy's permission, of course. And that is goin' to be hard, -because I don't want her to know about it. She has to be out reportin' -festivals for the paper clear up to Christmas mornin', and if she knows -about it, she'll worry over it. So I propose to ask her to let us give -her a Christmas surprise, and not tell her what it is." - -"And we know just what she'll say," Conrad interrupted; "she'll say, 'If -you older children all agree upon anything, I'm sure it can't be very -far wrong or foolish'--just as she did time we put up the stove in her -room." - -"Yes, I can hear her now," said Ethel. "But still we must _let_ her say -it before we do a single thing, because, you know, _she mightn't_. An' -then where'd the party be?" - -"It would be scattered around where it was last Christmas--where all the -parties are that don't be," said Conrad. "They must be the ones we are -always put down for, an' that's how we get left; eh, Sisty?" - -"Never mind, Buddy; we won't get left as you call it, this time, -anyway--unless, of course, Momsy vetoes it." - -"Vetoes what, children?" - -They had been so noisy that they had not heard their mother's step on -the creaking stairs. - -Mrs. Frey carried her pencil and notes, and she looked tired, but she -smiled indulgently as she repeated, "What am I to veto, dearies--or to -approve?" - -"It's a sequet! A Trismas sequel!" - -"Yes, an' it's got owanges in it--" - -"--An' bananas!" - -"Hush, you ponies! And, Dolly, not another word!" Meg had resolutely -taken the floor again. - -"Momsy, we've been consulting about our Christmas money, and we've voted -to ask you to let us do something with it, and not tell you a thing -about it, only"--and here she glanced for approval at Ethel and -Conrad--"only we _ought_ to tell you, Momsy dear, that the surprise -isn't for you this time." - -And then Mrs. Frey, sweet mother that she was, made just the little -speech they thought she would make, and when they had kissed her, and -all, even to Ethel, who seemed now as enthusiastic as the others, caught -hands and danced around the dinner table, she was glad she had -consented. - -It was such a delight to be able to supplement their scant Christmas -prospects with an indulgence giving such pleasure. - -"And I'm glad it isn't for me, children," she added, as soon as the -hubbub gave her a hearing, "I'm very glad. You know you strained a point -last year, and I'm sure you did right. My little stove has been a great -comfort. But I am always certain of just as many home-made presents as I -have children, and they are the ones I value. Dolly's lamp-lighters are -not all used up yet, and if she _was_ to give me another bundle this -Christmas I shouldn't feel sorry. But our little Christmas _money_ we -want to send out on some loving mission. And, by-the-way, I have two -dollars which may go with yours if you need it--if it will make some -poor body's bed softer or his dinner better." - -"Momsy's guessed!" Felix clapped his hands with delight. - -"'Sh! Hush, Felix! Yes, Momsy, it'll do one of those things exactly," -said Meg. "And now _I_ say we'd better break up this meeting before the -ponies tell the whole business." - -"F'lix never telled a thing," chirped Félicie, always ready to defend -her mate. "Did you, F'lixy? Momsy said 'dinner' herself." - -"So I did, dear; but who is to get the dinner and why you are going to -send it are things mother doesn't wish to know. And here are my two -dollars. Now off to bed, the whole trundle-bed crowd, for I have a lot -of copy to write to-night. Ethel may bring me a bite, and then sit -beside me and write while I sip my tea and dictate and Meg puts the -chickens to roost. And Conrad will keep quiet over his books. Just one -kiss apiece and a hug for Dolly. Shoo now!" - -So the party was decided. - - * * * * * - -The Frey home, although one of the poorest, was one of the happiest in -New Orleans, for it was made up of cheery workers, even little Dorothea -having her daily self-assumed tasks. Miss Dorothea, if you please, -dusted the banisters round the porch every day, straightened the rows of -shoes in mother's closet, folded the daily paper in the rack, and kept -the one rug quite even with the front of the hearth. And this young lady -had, furthermore, her regular income of five cents a week. - -Of course her one nickel contributed to the party had been saved only a -few hours, but Dorothea was only five, and the _praline_ woman knew -about her income, and came trudging all the way up the stairs each week -on "pay-day." - -Even after the invitations were sent, it seemed to Dolly that the -"party-day" would never come, for there were to be "three sleeps" before -it should arrive. - -It was Ethel's idea to send the cards early, so as to forestall any home -preparation among the guests. - -But all things come to him who waits--even Christmas. And so at last the -great day arrived. - -Nearly all the invited had accepted, and everything was very exciting; -nor was the situation without its difficulties. - -Even though she was out every day, it had been so hard to keep every -tell-tale preparation out of Mrs. Frey's sight. But when she had found a -pan of crullers on the top pantry shelf, or heard the muffled -"gobble-gobble" of the turkey shut up in the old flour-barrel, or smelt -invisible bananas and apples, she had been truly none the wiser, but had -only said: "Bless their generous hearts! They are getting up a fine -dinner to send to somebody." - -Indeed Mrs. Frey never got an inkling of the whole truth until she -tripped up the stairs a half-hour before dinner on Christmas day, to -find the feast all spread. - -The old mahogany table, extended to its full length, stood gorgeous in -decorations of palmetto, moss, and flowers, out upon the deep back -porch, which was converted into a very pretty chamber by the hanging -curtain of gray. - -If she had any misgivings about it, she betrayed them by no single word -or look, but there were bright red spots upon her usually pale cheeks as -she passed, smiling, into her room to dash into the dinner dress Ethel -had laid out for her. - -To have her poverty-stricken home invaded by a host of strangers was -striking a blow at the most sensitive weakness of this proud woman. And -yet the loving motive which was so plain through it all, showing the -very spirit in her dear children for which she had prayed, was too -sacred a thing to be chilled by even a half-shade of disapproval. - -"And who are coming, dear?" she asked of Meg, as soon as she could trust -her voice. - -"All the roomers, Momsy, excepting the little hunchback lady and Madame -Coraline." - -"Madame Coraline!" Mrs. Frey could not help exclaiming. - -"Yes, Momsy. She accepted, and she _even came_, but she went back just -now. She was dressed terribly fine--gold lace and green silk, but it was -old and dowdy; and, Momsy, her cheeks were just as red! I was on the -step-ladder tackin' up the Bethlehem picture, Sisty was standin' on the -high chair hanging up the star, and Buddy's arms were full of gray moss -that he was wrappin' round your chair. But we were just as polite to her -as we could be, and asked her to take a seat. And we all thought she sat -down; but she went, Momsy, and no one saw her go. Buddy says she's a -witch. She left that flower-pot of sweet-basil on the table. I s'pose -she brought it for a present. Do you think that we had better send for -her to come back, Momsy?" - -"No, daughter, I think not. No doubt she had her own reasons for going, -and she may come back. And are the rest all coming?" - -"Yes'm; but we had a time gettin' Miss Guyosa to come. She says she's a -First Family, an' she never mixes. But I told her so were we, and we -mixed. And then I said that if she'd come she could sit at one end o' -the table and carve the ham, while you'd do the turkey. But she says -Buddy ought to do the turkey. But she's comin'. And, Momsy, the turkey -is a perfect beauty. We put pecans in him. Miss Guyosa gave us the -receipt and the nuts, too. Her cousin sent 'em to her from his -plantation. And did you notice the paper roses in the moss festoons, -Momsy? She made those. She has helped us fix up _a lot_. She made all -the Easter flowers on St. Joseph's altar at the Cathedral, too, and--" - -A rap at the floor announcing a first guest sent the little cook -bounding to the kitchen, while Ethel rushed into her mother's room, her -mouth full of pins and her sash on her arm. - -She had dressed the three little ones a half-hour ago; and Conrad, who -had also made an early toilet, declared that they had all three walked -round the dinner table thirty-nine times since their appearance in the -"dining-room." When he advanced to do the honors, the small procession -toddling single file behind him, somehow it had not occurred to him that -he might encounter Miss Penny, the canary lady, standing in a dainty old -dress of yellow silk just outside the door, nor, worse still, that she -should bear in her hands a tiny cage containing a pair of young -canaries. - -He said afterward that "everything would have passed off all right if it -hadn't been for the twins." Of course he had forgotten that he had -himself been the first one to compare Miss Penny to a canary. - -By the time the little black-eyed woman had flitted into the door, and -in a chirpy, birdlike voice wished them a merry Christmas, Felix had -stuffed his entire handkerchief into his mouth. Was it any wonder that -Félicie and Dorothea, seeing this, did actually disgrace the whole party -by convulsions of laughter? - -They were soon restored to order, though, by the little yellow-gowned -lady herself, for it took her but half a minute to say that the birds -were a present for the twins--"the two little ones who brought me the -invitation." - -Such a present as this is no laughing matter, and, besides, the little -Frey children were at heart polite. And so they had soon forgotten their -mirth in their new joy. - -And then other guests were presently coming in, and Mrs. Frey, looking -startlingly fine and pretty in her fresh ruches and new tie, was saying -pleasant things to everybody, while Ethel and Meg, tripping lightly in -and out, brought in the dishes. - -As there was no parlor, guests were received in a corner of the -"dining-room." No one was disposed to be formal, and when the old -Professor entered with a little brown paper parcel, which he declared, -after his greetings, to contain his dinner, everybody felt that the -etiquette of the occasion was not to be very strict or in the least -embarrassing. - -Of course Mrs. Frey, as hostess, "hoped the Professor would reconsider, -and have a slice of the Christmas turkey"; but when they had presently -all taken their seats at the table, and the eccentric guest had actually -opened his roll of bread and cheese upon his empty plate, over which he -began to pass savory dishes to his neighbors, she politely let him have -his way. Indeed, there was nothing else to do, as he declared, declining -the first course with a wave of his hand, that he had come "yust for the -sake of sociapility." - -"I haf seen efery day doze children work und sing so nize togedder yust -like leetle mans und ladies, so I come yust to eggsbress my t'anks for -de compliment, und to make de acquaintance off doze nize y'ung -neighbors." This with a courtly bow to each one of the children -separately. And he added in a moment: "De dinner iss very fine, but for -me one dinner iss like anudder. Doze are all externals." - -To which measured and kindly speech Conrad could not help replying, "It -won't be an external to us, Professor, by the time we get through." - -"Oho!" exclaimed the old man, delighted with the boy's ready wit. "Dot's -a wery schmart boy you got dhere, Mrs. Vrey." - -At which exhibition of broken English the twins, who were waiting on the -table, thought it safe to rush to the kitchen on pretence of changing -plates, while Dorothea, seated at the Professor's left, found it -necessary to bite both lips, and to stare hard at the vinegar-cruet for -fully a second, to keep from laughing. Then, to make sure of her -self-possession, she artfully changed the subject, remarking, dryly, - -"My nickel buyed the ice." - -This was much funnier than the Professor's speech, judging from the -laughter that followed it. And Miss Dorothea Frey's manners were saved, -which was the important thing. - -It would be impossible in this short space to give a full account of -this novel and interesting dinner party, but if any one supposes that -there was a dull moment in it, he is altogether mistaken. - -Mrs. Frey and Ethel saw to it that no one was neglected in conversation; -Meg and Conrad looked after the prompt replenishing of plates, though -the alert little waiters, Felix and Félicie, anticipated every want, and -were as sprightly as two crickets, while Dorothea provoked frequent -laughter by a random fire of unexpected remarks, never failing, for -instance, to offer ice-water during every "still minute"; and, indeed, -once that young lady did a thing that might have proved quite terrible -had the old lady Saxony, who sat opposite, been disagreeable or -sensitive. - -What Dorothea said was innocent enough--only a single word of two -letters, to begin with. - -She had been looking blankly at her opposite neighbor for a full minute, -when she suddenly exclaimed, - -"Oh!" - -That was all, but it made everybody look, first at Dolly and then across -the table. Whereupon the little maid, seeing her blunder, hastened to -add: - -"That's nothin'. My grandma's come out too." - -And then, of course, everyone noticed that old lady Saxony held her -dainty hemstitched handkerchief quite over her mouth. Fortunately Mrs. -Saxony's good sense was as great as her appreciation of humor, and her -twinkling eyes, as she shook her finger threateningly at Dorothea, gave -everybody leave to laugh. So "Dolly's terrible break," as Conrad called -it, really went far to making the dinner a success--that is, if -story-telling and laughter and the merry clamor such as distinguish the -gayest of dinner parties the world over count as success. - -[Illustration: THE ITALIAN ORGAN-GRINDER ARRIVES.] - -It was while the Professor was telling a funny story of his boy life in -Germany that there came a rap at the door, and the children, thinking -only of Madame Coraline, turned their eyes toward the door, only to see -the Italian organ-grinder, whom, in the excitement of the dinner party, -they had forgotten to expect. He was to play for the children to dance -after dinner, and had come a little early--or perhaps dinner was late. - -Seeing the situation, the old man began bowing himself out, when the -Professor, winking mysteriously at Mrs. Frey, and gesticulating -animatedly, pointed first to the old Italian and then to Madame -Coraline's vacant chair. Everybody understood, and smiling faces had -already shown approval when Mrs. Frey said, quietly, "Let's put it to -vote. All in favor raise glasses." - -Every glass went up. The old Italian understood little English, but the -offer of a seat is a simple pantomime, and he was presently declining -again and again, bowing lower each time, until before he knew it--all -the time refusing--he was in the chair, his plate was filled, and Dolly -was asking him to have ice-water. No guest of the day was more welcome. -None enjoyed his dinner more, judging from the indications. And as to -Meg, the moving spirit in the whole party, she was beside herself with -delight over the unexpected guest. - -[Illustration: THE PROFESSOR NOT ONLY SANG BUT DANCED.] - -The dinner all through was what Conrad called a "rattlin' success," and -the evening afterward, during which nearly every guest contributed some -entertainment, was one long to be remembered. The Professor not only -sang, but danced. Miss Penny whistled so like a canary that one could -really believe her when she said she always trained her young birds' -voices. Miss Guyosa told charming folk-lore anecdotes, handed down in -her family since the old Spanish days in Louisiana. - -The smiling organ-grinder played his engaged twenty-five cents' worth of -tunes over and over again, and when the evening was done persistently -refused to take the money until Felix slipped it into his pocket. - -The Frey party will long be remembered in the Coppenole house, and -beyond it, too, for some very pleasant friendships date from this -Christmas dinner. The old Professor was just the man to help Conrad with -his German lessons. It was so easy for Meg to send him a cup of hot -coffee on cold mornings. Mrs. Frey and Miss Guyosa soon found many ties -in common friends of their youth. Indeed, the twins had gotten their -French names from a remote Creole cousin, who proved to be also a -kinswoman to Miss Guyosa. It was such a comfort, when Mrs. Frey was kept -out late at the office, for the children to have Miss Guyosa come and -sit with them, telling stories or reading aloud, and they brought much -brightness into her life too. - -Madame Coraline soon moved away, and, indeed, before another Christmas -the Freys had moved too--to a small cottage all their own, sitting in -the midst of a pretty rose garden. Here often come Miss Guyosa and the -Professor, both welcome guests, and Conrad says the Professor makes love -to Miss Guyosa, but it is hard to tell. - -One cannot keep up with two people who can tell jokes in four languages, -but the Professor has a way of dropping in as if by accident on the -evenings Miss Guyosa is visiting the Freys, and they do read the same -books--in four languages. There's really no telling. - -When the Frey children are playing on the _banquette_ at their front -gate on sunny afternoons, the old organ-grinder often stops, plays a -free tune or two for them to dance by, smilingly doffs his hat to the -open window above, and passes on. - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - -FOR KING OR COUNTRY.[1] - -A Story of the Revolution. - -BY JAMES BARNES. - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE MESSENGER FROM STATEN ISLAND. - -[1] Begun in HARPER'S ROUND TABLE No. 836. - - -For a long time George lay awake underneath the pier, worrying more and -more about Carter. At last he decided that it was better to take the -brightest view of things, and that there was no use borrowing trouble, -taking all into consideration. - -"He may have hailed and I not heard him," he reasoned, sensibly, putting -it out of his mind; and looking out, he saw that the fog had cleared -away, the anchor lights of the fleet shone brightly, and their -reflections flashed in the waters of the bay. - -While watching he fell asleep again. But he was soon awakened by -footsteps that literally sounded in his ears. The planks of the pier -were only a few inches above his head, and some sand fell through the -cracks upon him. It had been daylight for two hours or more, and it was -stifling hot in his cramped hiding-place. - -The sounds that had aroused him had been made by a party of sailors -coming ashore from some of the boats that were tied to the landing. On -the beach below a number of small craft were drawn up, and some Jack -Tars and a few soldiers were digging in the sand for clams. - -"Jupiter, but I'm hungry," murmured the young Yankee soldier, "and as -dry in my throat as a sooty chimney!" - -Something that was said above his head rang so well with his thoughts -just then that he made a sudden movement, and almost broke his nose -against a beam. - -"What have ye in th' bottle, Jock, my lad? Douse my pipes! but have ye -got into the Admiral's cellar?" - -"Nothin' but cold spring water, messmate," was answered, cheerily. "But -I fain 'twere what had once been inside this bit of glass. I'm sick of -the mealy wet they give us on the _Roebuck_." - -"Water's water the world over, when it comes to drinkin'," was the -answer. "I wouldn't spoil the thirst I have on me for my morning's grog -for the best spring water in this curst land we've come to." - -"Hist! here," said the water-drinker; "I've got something else, me -hearty, that will make your tongue curl. It's a meat pie and a big hunk -of cheese. I prigged it out of the kitchen window up at the big house -yonder." - -"Let's off where we can get a taste and smell, messmate. It will be hard -to take with us." - -"Stay! here comes the Captain! Hide your prog; we'll come back for it. -Don't be caught red-handed, man!" - -George saw the bottle and a bundle wrapped in an old bit of straw -matting thrust under the boards of the pier. - -The two men hastened to the float and joined five or six of their -companions, who were waiting there. - -Presently a man with a cocked hat came down, walking quickly. He gave a -few curt orders, and the sailors manned one of the boats and pulled for -the first of the outlying vessels. - -"Necessity knows no law," said George, reaching out with the boat-hook. - -He skilfully rolled the bottle towards him. It had once contained -Madeira. Then he hooked on to the bundle, and soon landed the meat pie -and the cheese. This done, he poked the matting outside in full view. - -"Three good meals here," he said, munching away flat on his back. "Now, -how to get out of this." - -There were only two plans left--to wait until dark and try to obtain -possession of one of the boats, or go inland and attempt to find a -friend in one of the island farmers. He decided on the former. - -It would take too much space to detail the conversations he overheard, -or to tell of the chagrin of the sailor-men when they found out that -some one had unearthed their spoils. They laid the blame on a -landing-party from another vessel, however, and their language was that -generally accredited to pirates; but it seemed to ease their minds in a -measure. While they were declaring in several different languages that -they would catch the thief George smiled in his hole in the sand, and -commenced his mid-day meal. - -His range of vision was somewhat constricted on account of his narrow -quarters, but he could see everything plainly that went on seaward. - -The sailors and soldiers appeared to crack rough jokes and grumble -rather than carry on coherent intercourse, and so far as news went, -nothing could be gleaned. - -About five o'clock in the afternoon George heard something at last that -made him strain every nerve to listen. His heart thumped against his -ribs. - -"Pardon me, my Lord," a rich voice spoke, "but to-night would be the -time. Look at yonder clouds. The Yankees would hardly expect us to land -in the face of such threatening weather. 'Twould be a trick worthy of -their own invention." - -"There will be a storm, Cornwallis," answered a good-natured drawl. "I -hate to start the ball rolling to the accompaniment of Jove's music, and -I think rain dampens ardor. But it is as my brother says." - -"What think you, my Lord Howe?" asked the one addressed as Cornwallis. - -"If it storms, land twenty thousand troops. The rebels will not come to -terms--deluded fools! Let's have no more temporizing." This was said in -low firm tones that showed the speaker was accustomed to authority. - -"Land it is," replied Cornwallis. "I doubt if they have a sentry posted. -Phoebus Apollo! Look at the front of that black cloud. Hurry, sirs, or -we will not make the ships before it be upon us." - -Three gentlemen in silk stockings--for George could see their -well-shaped legs before he caught a glimpse of anything else--walked -down the pier. The sailors lounging about sprang up to attention; a -soldier who had been playing leap-frog with a companion froze stiff with -his hand to his sweltering forehead. - -"Out oars! Give way!" and two big barges left the float, Cornwallis in -one, and the two other distinguished figures in the second. - -"Lord Howe and his brother, the General, that's who you are," whispered -George. "And you are going to land twenty thousand troops on Long -Island, eh? Oh, if Washington only knew! and I am going to let him into -the secret, gentlemen, if the good Lord will prosper me." - -He lay back again and proved for darkness, for his plans were now well -formed. - -A few yards up the beach lay a ship's dingy--the smallest boat swung at -her side or stern quarters. Stoutly built and bluff in the bows, it was -made for weather. Extending over the gunwale was a pair of new oars. The -little boat had been hauled up on the sands to be calked and painted. -The job had been finished early in the morning. All day had George cast -covetous eyes at her. - -Now as if in answer to his prayer, it had grown dark suddenly, as if the -night had sprung forward some five hours. There was great to do out on -the water. - -Signals climbed up and down the halyards. Drums tapped, and on shore -trumpets answered one another, it grew darker and darker, and, be -joyful! the tide was coming in strong, rippling against the pier-head -and creeping up the beach. All of the boats had been called back to the -fleet; but the dingy was left, and George's hopes rose. All his chances -lay in her. - -The pier was deserted, and he loosened his limbs from their temporary -grave, and worked his head and shoulders out and looked around. "There -lies the city," he said. At this moment a great seam of fire ran across -the cloud and hurled itself down at the earth. A burst of thunder -followed. This was the bolt that had felled the elm so close to his -friend Carter. - -George crawled out and stumbled. He was so stiff that his knees hurt him -when he moved. Now the wind came, and the rain began that wonderful -downpour; the lightning flashed incessantly. George hid alongside the -dingy. He caught momentary glimpses of the nearest ships getting out -stern anchors. - -Now was the time for moving. The rain fairly stung him as he stood up -and applied his shoulder to the dingy's bow. He dug his bare toes into -the sand, and the muscles knotted in his arms and back. But the boat -moved not so much as a finger's breadth. Again he took fresh hold, and -strained until his ears pained and the cords of his neck were tense as -bow-strings. - -The small boat ploughed backwards, the tide caught the stern; then the -rest of the launching was easy. - -Many a sailor in that great fleet could not have done what this -deep-chested boy of sixteen had accomplished by sheer strength. - -As the dingy floated, George waded after her, and giving a final push, -tumbled over the side. The current swept him up the shore. Even if seen -by the big sloop-of-war that lay nearest to him, he reasoned that in the -midst of all the bustle on board no one would think of putting after a -drifting boat. He shipped the tiller, and kept well out of sight until -the pitching and tossing told him he was getting into deeper water. - -When he raised his head he was surprised to see what a distance he had -travelled, and he thanked the lightning; it enabled him to keep his -course. By stepping one of the oars in the mast-hole he increased his -speed perceptibly. - -It was manifest that Lord Howe meant what he said, for now and then he -saw crowded boats running before the gale straight for the Gravesend -beach. Rolling and plunging, the dingy made headway to the north. - - * * * * * - -Washington was holding a conference with his officers in the big room of -the Kenedy House. Lately it had been rumored that Howe was going to up -anchor and make sail for Philadelphia. - -The storm raging without at times compelled a pause in the conversation. -It was nearly midnight when a rapid knocking on the door followed the -lull caused by a tremendous thunder-clap. - -An officer thrust his head in from the hallway. "Pardon me, your -Excellency," he said, "but there's a well-nigh drowned youth here, who -claims he has come from Staten Island and bears news of importance." - -"Show him in at once," said Washington, pushing back from the -map-covered table. - -Some of the officers half arose as a bedraggled figure entered. -Barefooted, clad only in his shirt and trousers, with a big smooch of -black paint covering half his face, the messenger drew himself up at -attention. - -"Well, sir," said the General, "what have you to tell, my lad?" - -"I have just come from the British fleet," was the reply. "They are -landing twenty thousand men on Long Island near Gravesend, your -Excellency." - -In a few words he told his story, and great was the excitement. In -obedience to an invitation, the bearer of the tidings had sat down in a -corner of a big sofa. The water dripped from his soaked clothing. - -"Here, one of you gentlemen take this brave lad and find him something -warm and dry to wear," spoke the Commander-in-chief, kindly. - -One of the aides arose. "I have nothing but a spare uniform," he -remarked, as the two went out into the hall and climbed the stairs to a -little room on the third floor. - -In a few minutes they returned, each dressed in the full uniform of a -lieutenant. - -Three cannon had fired in quick succession, and as they entered they -roared again from the Battery. - -Most of the officers had disappeared. Two were despatched to inform the -Convention at White Plains. But near the door stood one who had -evidently just come in out of the storm. It was John Clarkson, -commanding the Tenth New Jersey Foot--George's own Captain. - -Washington was standing; he took a step nearer as the two young men came -into the room. "I have seen you somewhere before, my lad," he said, -"have I not?" - -"Yes, General," was the response. "You did me the honor of speaking to -me." - -"I remember," said the Commander-in-chief; "your name is Frothingham, -and you have a sister and aunt. Am I not right?" - -"Yes, General." - -"You are now a sergeant," went on Washington. - -"Yes, your Excellency." - -"I have in my hand your commission as Lieutenant." - -George almost fell, and so overcome was he that he could not reply. - -Captain Clarkson hurried up and grasped his hand. "God bless you, my -boy!" he said, much affected. - -"I pray you will accept the loan of the uniform," said the young aide. -"There will be no time to get another." - -At first George demurred, but his new friend insisted. - -"You will honor it," he said, showing his fine teeth in a gracious -smile. "No need of further thanks." - -A tall dark man spoke up. "I have a vacancy in my regiment. May I have -this young man to fill it?" he asked. - -Washington smiled. "You are hereby assigned to Colonel Hand's regiment -of rifles," he said. "Now, gentlemen, there is work before us on Long -Island." - -George, huddled under a canvas tent an hour later, in the clumsy boat -that was ferrying him and some of his brother officers across the East -River, glanced at the lace on his cuffs. - -"I never thought of asking his name," he said, out loud. "What a dolt I -am!" - -One thing had begun to weigh on his mind increasingly. He had heard no -news of Carter. He breathed a fervent prayer that he would see his -friend again. - -The next day was the 23d of August. - -When the young Lieutenant crept out of the hay of a small barn early in -the morning--for he had joined his new command the night before through -all the storm--he walked to the brow of a little hill that overlooked -the marshes and meadows in the direction of Gravesend. The branches of -the trees along the hill were filled with men watching intently -something that was going on below. George climbed a short distance up a -small oak. - -There they were--the British! It seemed to him thousands upon thousands. -Their red coats gleamed, and occasionally a musket or a sword flashed in -the distance; the different bodies of troops moved like red caterpillars -across the meadow and along the beach. Numbers of boats were drawn up on -the sand; many more were shuttling back and forth to the vessels in the -bay; three large frigates were anchored quite close in shore. - -He looked at the men about him. It hardly seemed possible that these -lads, many scarcely older than himself, in gray yarn stockings and -patched coats, would be able to stand for an instant against that brave -array. Oh, if his brother William were only here beside him! and yet he -heaved a sigh of relief, for who could tell what was going to happen? - -A bugle sounded, and the men ran back to the clearing and formed in -line. Their faces were pale, and there was little talking. A feeling of -unreality was in George's mind; he could scarcely believe that there was -going to be a battle. As yet he had not heard a death-dealing shot fired -in all his life, and he did not know that it seemed to have a different -sound from that of a gun discharged in practice or in sport. - -Soon the regiment was on the move. They drove before them, as they made -their way along the ridge of hills, all the cattle and live-stock that -could be gathered in from the surrounding farms. - -Looking back, they could see columns of smoke rising from the direction -of New Utrecht and Gravesend. Some cannon-shots were also heard, and -every heart beat quickly with excitement. - -At last they reached the spot where the road crossed the Flatbush -meadows and wound up the valley. It was known as Central Pass. Here -coats were thrown aside, and with spades and improvised picks and -shovels a long redoubt was thrown up along the ridge. For three days -they toiled incessantly, felling trees and making escarpments of -sharpened stakes. - -It had rained almost incessantly, and it seemed to George that his new -clothes would never get dry again. He had slept each night upon the -soaked ground, and his hands and feet were sore and blistered. - -It was nine o'clock in the morning. The redoubt had been finished, and -the men, after an early parade, were cooking their breakfasts over -little smoky fires in the thickets. Suddenly the booming of two guns was -heard behind them. - -For a day or so there had been random shots in front, but what did these -two lone reports mean? The soldiers jumped to their arms. A bugle had -rung clearly and sharply at the bottom of the hill. It was a strange -call it played. - -"Steady!" was the word that came down the line. "Keep your fire until -they are close to us. Aim low. Keep cool." - -Such were the instructions that were passed along by the officers. -Colonel Hand had stationed himself behind George's company. He was -standing so close that the latter could overhear what passed. - -"I know not what those two guns mean," said Colonel Hand to a Major -Chauncey, "but signals of some kind, I judge they must be, from -Sullivan's forces over to the eastward." - -But little did he know that it was those two signal-guns that had set on -foot the action, and that the sound had caused a feeling of exultation -to run through the English lines. - -Now at the bottom of the hill could be seen moving troops; strange tall -hats extended above the shrubbery, and a line of brilliantly uniformed -soldiers burst out into the meadow. The green coats, the white and red -facings, and the glitter of brass told who they were. - -"The Hessians!" exclaimed Major Chauncey. "Steady, lads. We can lick the -Dutchmen." - -On they came. The clicking of the locks could be heard along the -redoubt. The men, trembling, but cool under the influence of their -commander, were settling themselves in easy positions for taking aim, -when suddenly a spreading volley was heard in the rear. - -What could it mean? Surely there were none of the enemy behind them. Why -should the forces be firing? - -"Here, some one climb a tree! Take this glass!" shouted Colonel Hand. - -George stepped forward. It was no effort for him to make his way up into -the branches; but he did not need the glass, and his heart stood still. -He could hardly form the words that were upon his lips. What he had seen -was this: Gleams of red flaring here and there along the hill-side -behind them. - -"We are surrounded," he shouted down, and slid through the branches with -a crash. - -Some of the riflemen were sent back to meet the new forces in the rear, -but by this time the firing had commenced along the line, and the -Hessians were swarming up the hill. So confused now became events that -George could only see what happened close to him, and even of that his -recollections were most vague. - -A tall form burst through the bushes, and a great red-bearded face -thrust itself over the redoubt. In an instant the forms seemed to be all -around him. The shouts varied, first in one direction and then another. -He could never forget the horror with which he saw a tall Hessian draw -back his bayonet at a young figure on the ground. - -Twigs snapped and crackled all around, the bullets ripped through the -leaves of the trees, and the first thing the young sergeant knew he was -standing breast-high in a thicket, and before him stood a green-coated -foreigner who was breathing hard from the charge through the brush, and -who held at George's throat the point of a bayonet. - -Captain Clarkson's company was at the extreme left wing. A little brook -ran down the hollow, and most of the fighting had been at the front and -to the left. - -George scarcely noticed the shrieks and cries for mercy and the groans. -His eye was upon the figure standing in front of him, and the blade of -the roughly made sword he carried was grating against the bayonet that -was thrusting at him viciously. Twice he parried, and then his opponent -lunged again. The hilt and the musket came together with a clash. -George lost his footing, tripped over a fallen branch, and fell -backwards; but so great was the force of the lunge the green-coated -soldier had levelled at him that the latter too lost his balance and -pitched forward. Both fell over the bank of the little brook and rolled -down into the shallow water. They were now out of sight of the fighting -and locked in each other's arms. The Hessian snapped with his teeth like -a cornered dog, and with his fingers tried to close about George's -throat. But the boy was strong and wiry, and the man was tired from his -sharp run up the hill. Over and over they went in the sand and pebbles, -the young American silent, but the Hessian grunting and cursing in his -foreign tongue. At last George was on top, and his hand closed about a -large stone. He struck the man a heavy blow between the eyes, and the -latter relaxed his hold. He lay there with his body half in the muddy -waters of the brook. - -George looked about him. The firing had now grown less and less, but the -shouts were still heard, and occasionally a bullet whistled through the -trees. Stooping, he picked up his dented sword, and without a glance at -the figure of the senseless German, made his way down the stream. He -crawled under the corner of a rail fence, and lay there in the ferns -trying to get his breath. - -It was evident that Colonel Hand's brave forces had been destroyed; the -Americans had been driven back and defeated. - -As night came on George moved from his hiding-place, and crawling on his -hands and knees, made his way again to the top of the incline. And now -his experience "playing Injun" at Stanham Mills came into good use. He -knew that the Americans must be to the northward. - -Occasionally, as he went through the bushes, he stumbled across the -victims of the Hessians' fury, and, strange to say, again a feeling of -unreality came over him, his mind was so fixed on his own dangerous -position. - -Watch-fires were on every side. Once or twice he had, unseen, crawled -across the beat of a British sentry, and in this way he entered the -American lines. In fact, he did not know he was there until he saw the -heavy earth-works, and heard a voice exclaim quite close to him: - -"New York is lost, but we can whip them in New Jersey, I can promise -you." - -George knew that voice in an instant. He arose from behind the stone -wall along which he had been crawling--for he had long since been in -among the houses. "Colonel Hewes!" he said. "Oh, Colonel Hewes!" - -The party gathered about the fire in the road-side started. - -"Who's there? Who called me?" inquired the one who had been speaking. - -"I, George Frothingham," was the reply. - -[TO BE CONTINUED.] - - - - -THE LITTLE GOOSE'S DREAM. - - -A little goose eight months old--just old enough to be a very lively -goose, and not of a sufficiently mature age to be a Christmas -goose--stood upon the bank of the old mill-pond, lost in as pensive a -reverie as it is possible for a little goose of ordinary intelligence to -indulge in. She felt very sad and sore in spirit--sad, because the pond -was frozen as stiff as the dignity of a prime minister, and sore, -because she had but a short time before flopped down off the bank for a -swim, only to experience, upon coming in contact with the ice, a shock -that almost snapped her little wish-bone in twain. So the poor little -goose stood upon one foot while she buried the other in her plumage that -she might rub the sore spot. And while she stood in this position she -became drowsy in the Christmas-flavored air, and thrusting her head -beneath her wing fell asleep. - -And while she was lost in slumber, she dreamed that she was a little toy -goose in a shop window on a busy thoroughfare. The window was dressed -for the Christmas season, and the poor young goose felt very humble and -out of place in the society of so many toy animals of a superior order. -Instead of being able to waddle about, she was fixed in a stationary -position upon an inclined platform, which worked up and down, after the -manner of an accordion, and created a sound which the maker believed -children would accept as a faithful imitation of the anserine voice. Now -this little toy goose was quite indignant to think that her notes were -so unnatural, for they were really no more like those of a goose than a -locomotive whistle is like a cornet solo. Still, the little goose -determined to make the best of the situation, and it is only fair to say -that her vanity was greatly tickled when she saw the children coming -from school pause at the window and look at her eagerly. A few days -before Christmas the little toy goose felt very sad and lonely when a -fat man with great white whiskers came in and purchased her for some -little boy, for she had become very fond of a toy ostrich, an old -companion in the window, and had always cherished the fond hope that -they might be purchased by the same person. And it almost made her cry -when she was wrapped in a piece of brown paper and thrust into the -darkness of the valise of her purchaser. Out of the store she went, she -knew not where until she was removed from her paper wrapper in a small -country house and set on a nursery mantel-piece, beside the clock, whose -ticking made her so nervous that she couldn't find the rest she so -greatly needed. A cotton lamb and a woollen doll, however, reminded her -of the shop window, and she would probably have felt perfectly happy if -she could only have forgotten her old friend the toy ostrich. -Fortunately, while thinking of the ostrich and the bitter pangs of -enforced separation, the clock stopped, and she fell asleep. In the -morning she was taken with the other Christmas toys (which the fat man -with the white whiskers had left) right into bed by Reginald, who made -her squeak with great delight. - -And when he took her into the bath-room she fairly yearned to be in the -tub with him and his tin steamboat. - -"Oh, how I want to swim!" thought the little goose, as she looked at the -dimpled water, and envied the happy steamboat. "But then I must remember -that I am made of pasteboard, and that if I should go into the water it -would surely result in my having my paint washed off, even if I should -not turn into pulp and sink. But some day I shall be a great big goose-- -No, I shall not, because I don't grow. I shall always be the same size -and age--" - -Here she was interrupted by Reginald's little terrier, who came into the -room and commenced to paw her about playfully on the white pine floor. -He accidentally scratched out one of her eyes, and this made her sadder -than ever, because she could only see what was going on on one side of -her. And what made it worse, her eye could not be restored with glue, -because it had fallen through a knot-hole. A day or two later the little -toy goose was placed upon the dining-room window-sill in such a position -that she could look out on the barn-yard. There she saw geese wandering -around at will as their fancies directed them. And it made her feel that -it was indeed a sorry lot to be a pasteboard, stationary toy goose, -instead of being a real live specimen hatched under fortune's star. She -saw them talking in a most sociable manner, just as little Reginald's -mother and the other members of the church sewing society talked when -that body met in the library down-stairs. - -Then the little goose tried to close its eye upon a tragedy without, but -couldn't, because it was not, and never had been, in the enjoyment of -eyelids. So she had to look on while the coachman chased the flock. He -finally caught a large lordly gander, and chopping his head off, started -with him towards the kitchen. The others set up such a cackling as has -never been heard since the geese were instrumental in saving Rome from -the invading Gaul. - -And the cackling was so intense that it woke the little goose from her -dream, and she heard all her sisters and brothers and uncles and aunts -flapping their wings and cackling at a great rate. And when she saw -Michael carrying an axe in one hand and a gander in the other towards -the house, her tender soul heaved with emotion, and two tears coursed -down her cheeks like twin pearls as she observed, - -"Alas! they have gone and killed poor Uncle William to play the star -part at the Christmas feast!" - - R. K. MUNKITTRICK. - - - - -[Illustration] - -The Little Giant. - -By Thomas Dunn English. - -CHAPTER I. - - -Once upon a time, in the country of the giants, there lived a young man -who was the mock of all his companions because he was somewhat deficient -in the qualities of a first-rate giant. He was very little, being not -seven feet high, while not one of his kinsfolk were less than ten; he -had so little bodily strength that he could scarcely lift an ox; and he -was so slow in his movements that his companions, in derision, called -him Gofaster. Although that was not his name, it clung to him, and he -was never known by any other. He had some merits, however; for he was -not only sensible and full of truthfulness and honor, but so -good-natured and kind-hearted that he was ever ready to do a good turn -to others, and would not harm even the meanest creeping thing. - -[Illustration: GOFASTER FALLS IN WITH THE COWARDLY GIANTS.] - -It chanced one day that Gofaster fell in with some giants who were great -cowards, but who took advantage of their superior strength to cuff him -and tweak his nose. As he had the heart of a lion, he fought them -lustily. But their numbers and strength were too much for him, and so -they overcame him and beat him severely. Then they carried away his cap, -his jerkin, and his shoes, leaving his head, back, and feet bare, and -his body bruised. - -Poor Gofaster, so soon as his tormentors had gone, wandered into the -woodland in no very pleasant frame of mind. Bewailing his unhappy lot, -he came across a wretched hut with a low door, through which he entered -by stooping. He found there no occupants nor sign of human habitation -but a small heap of clothes, which lay upon the earthen floor. Examining -these, he found them to consist of a cap, a jerkin, and a pair of shoes. -They all seemed too small for him, but on trying them on they fitted -admirably. - -"They are just what I want," said he, "and it is good fortune to find -them. On second thoughts, however, I shall put them off, for they are -not mine, and I must not, because of my need, rob another." - -"You may take them and welcome," said a voice. "I have no use for them -for eleven months, and before that time you can return them to me, as -you will then have other garments to wear." - -"But who are you," said Gofaster, "and where are you?" - -"I am a Phooka," said the voice, "and my name is Shon. I am condemned to -be invisible for eleven months of the year, and banishment from Wales, -from whence I came, is also my penalty." - -"But what was your fault?" asked Gofaster. - -"My fault is like yours," said the goblin: "I am naturally too -good-natured. The Phookas, to whom I belong, are not only full of -mischief, but ill-natured in the pranks they play upon men. I am -mischievous also, but never to any one's hurt or serious annoyance. -Hence it is that the King of the Phookas has banished me from Wales for -three years, and my term will not expire for a twelvemonth. He has also -condemned me to be visible for only one month in the year. I have -watched you for months. I am the little old man whom you helped out of a -ditch to your own discomfort. I sympathize with you in your distress, -and, if you take my counsel, will bring you to good fortune." - -"That is very kind of you," said Gofaster. "But how?" - -"A thousand miles from here, in the far north," replied the Phooka, "in -the city of Huperborea, there reigns a King named Jornet, who has an -only child--a daughter called Amber. The Huperboreans are what you would -call dwarfs, being under five feet in height, with the exception of the -King, who is three inches taller than any of his subjects. He married in -the country of the giants where you live, and his daughter, though much -smaller than her mother, is within two inches of your height. She is -beautiful, intelligent, and affectionate, but no one of the princes -around have sought her hand, because of her height. Her father has been -enraged at this, and declares that the first man coming to his country, -though he be a private gentleman, if taller than she, provided he does -three things for the benefit of the state, shall be her husband and -succeed to the crown. Many have tried, having heard of these conditions, -but have done nothing worthy of the prize; besides, none of them found -favor in the eyes of the Princess Amber, and that is a part of the -conditions. You shall go, and you shall win." - -"But how am I to get there, so great a distance? and how am I to support -myself when there? and what am I to do if I were to get there?" - -"Listen," said the Phooka. "The clothes you have assumed have magic -powers. The cap is the cap of intellect, and makes you see clearly and -determine correctly. When in doubt, state the case in your own mind; -when you have come to what you should do, the cap will bind itself -tightly to your head. The jerkin is the jerkin of strength. While you -wear it you will have four times the strength of other men. The shoes -are the shoes of endurance. So long as they are on your feet you will be -able to bear any toil without fatigue. As for means to support you, -place your hand in your pocket and draw out a purse which it contains." - -Gofaster obeyed, and drew out a small silken purse. "Why, this," he -said, "contains but one coin--a broad gold piece." - -"Take out the coin and put it in your pocket." And Gofaster obeyed. - -"Why," said the giant, "there is another piece in the purse." - -"Do with that as you did with the other." And Gofaster did so. - -"Well," said the giant, "there seems to be another still." - -"As often as you draw out," said the goblin, "from that inexhaustible -treasury it will be replaced by another. And now I can transport you to -Huperborea. You could not get there without my assistance, for between -that country and this there are hundreds of miles of eternal ice and -snow, with a very short season of growth of stunted herbage, with few -animals that you could kill for support; and those who have tried to -visit this great open sea, which skirts the Huperborea kingdom, have -either been obliged to turn back or have perished miserably. I have the -power to transport you thither. How will you go? Above, below, or -between?" - -Gofaster said to himself, "Which shall it be? Shall I go upward or on -the ground--that seems best--or midway?" - -When he uttered to himself "midway" the cap clasped itself tightly to -his head, so he answered, "Midway." - -The goblin gave a hollow laugh. "The cap has counselled you wisely," he -said. "Had you said above, I should have carried you so high that you -would have almost died of terror before we ended our short journey. Had -you said on the ground, you would have been dragged over rocks and -bushes, so as to get there much hurt, and I would have had no power to -change this. But as you have said midway, you will have a swift and -pleasant journey. Let us depart." - -[Illustration: THE JOURNEY TO HUPERBOREA.] - -Gofaster felt something take his hand and lead him out of the door. Then -he was drawn upward slightly, and forward, with great speed but no -discomfort. It was noon when they started. They passed over lakes, -rivers, and mountains, the weather changing to somewhat more chilly from -what they had departed; and it seemed as though they must have gone the -whole night through without his knowing it, for when they gently touched -the ground at the end of the journey there appeared to Gofaster the rays -of the morning sun. - - -CHAPTER II. - -The place where the giant alighted was nearly in front of what, in spite -of its two stories, seemed to be a mere hut. It was surrounded by a -well-kept garden. - -"I wonder," said Gofaster, aloud, "if I will get shelter here for the -night." - -A hollow laugh at his elbow showed that his friend had not departed. -"The days here," said the goblin, "are six months long, and the nights -are just as long as the days. During the day, which has just begun, the -weather is tolerably comfortable, and mid-day is the only summer the -Huperboreans have; the night is intensely cold, but you will be able to -purchase furs to make you comfortable. Tho owner of this house is a man -of fair fortune, but as he lives on the outskirts of the city, apart -somewhat from his fellows, he likes to entertain travellers if he take -the least fancy toward them at sight. Knock, and make your bargain with -him, for you will find there a good place to stay for a while, and its -owner can give you whatever information you require about the King, the -Court, and the people." - -Gofaster obeyed the commands of his monitor. He entered the pathway, -and, on arriving at the door, rapped. In a moment or so the door was -opened, and there stood a slender old man, with a face full of wrinkles, -in which appeared a pair of sharp, twinkling eyes. - -"I am called Gofaster," said the giant, bowing, "and am on a visit to -this country unattended. I am informed that you occasionally entertain -travellers, and if you could make room for me I should feel under -obligation, and be prepared to compensate you fairly." - -[Illustration: "THERE IS NO BEDSTEAD LONG ENOUGH FOR YOU."] - -The host looked up and said, "You are one of the giants, and would have -to sleep on the floor, for there is no bedstead long enough for you." - -"That would suit me very well," said Gofaster. - -"My terms are two lyro a day," said the other, "and my name is Hepsone." - -"I am not familiar," said the giant, "with the coin of this country." - -"This is a lyro," replied Hepsone, taking from his pocket and displaying -a coin of about the size of a half-dollar. - -"I do not have silver," returned the giant, producing a coin from his -pocket. "How many lyros are there in this?" - -Hepsone looked at it curiously. "About fifteen, I should say," was his -answer. - -"In my country," said the giant, "it would take twenty of such coin as -that you show me to balance this, but I suppose silver is more valuable -here. Your terms are reasonable, and I accept them with thanks." - -"Come in, then," said Hepsone, and they entered. - -The door opened into a side hall about a foot higher than the giant's -head; for though he had to stoop to enter, when once in he easily stood -upright. - -"Pray be seated," said Hepsone; "and as we have an hour left before -breakfast, let us talk a little. May I ask why you came here--on -business or pleasure?" - -"On pleasure, I hope," replied Gofaster; "and that I may more readily -secure it I should like to know something about the King, the royal -family, and the nobles of the people. Is your King a good one?" - -"As kings go, yes," replied Hepsone. "As his faithful subject, I have no -fault to find with him, nor is there any occasion. He rules as justly as -his Prime-minister, Count Snarlitz, will let him, is very kind-hearted -and anxious for the good of his people, but he generally leaves public -affairs to his ministers, especially in the season of hunting, of which -sport he is very fond. He hunts to-day in the forest a mile beyond, and -if you care to look at him you need only go there after breakfast, and -probably will be able to cross his path. As for the royal family, it is -a very small one. The Queen died five years since, and the King has -declared that he will never again marry. He has only one child, a -daughter, who is distinguished from the ladies of the Court by the fact -that she is nearly as tall as you. She is very lovely, in spite of her -size, and is almost worshipped by the mass of people, who desire to see -her mated in order that the succession may not go to a distant -connection of the King, a man who is hated by all classes. As for the -people, they are like the people everywhere, I suppose. There is a -sprinkling of honest men, another of wise men, as many as both of -rogues, and all the rest are fools." - -In the course of the conversation Gofaster learned some facts of -interest. He found that life must be very dreary indeed during the six -months of night the people had, their main light coming from torches -made from split pieces of pine, and all business being suspended not -only during hours of sleep, but in the intervals of meals, until the six -months of day came back. He also learned that the people suffered every -month from a species of water famine. The water was supplied from a -reservoir on a high hill back of the city, which was fed from a large -spring; for a month at a time the spring ceased to flow, the reservoir -was drained dry, and water for domestic purposes of any kind had to be -brought from a distance. - -In this reservoir there lived a huge water dragon over fifty feet long -who was called Slander; and no one could get there to examine the cause -of the stoppage on account of the breath of this brute, which breath -poisoned every one who came within reach of it. - -After more conversation breakfast was announced, and our traveller found -the meal to be a very good one and well served, though his seat was so -low that as he sat there his knees were on a level with the top of the -table. After breakfast he asked Hepsone how he should manage to purchase -a wardrobe, as he supposed there was no ready-made clothing in the city -beyond which would fit him. - -"As for that," said Hepsone, "there need be no trouble. I know a very -worthy tailor who will be glad to make you anything that you desire at -the shortest notice, and though he makes for some of the nobles of the -Court, will be ready, for cash, to do it reasonably. If you say so, I -will send for him at once." - -To this Gofaster assented, and said he would go to the forest when the -meal closed, and see if his Majesty and the nobles were there, engaged -in the hunt. "But," he added, "I might meet with some wild beast, and -should like to have a weapon to defend myself." - -"As for that," replied Hepsone, "I can serve you there too. I had a -lodger a year since who was here with the hope of marrying the Princess -Amber, but he failed to win her favor or do anything worthy of note. His -money ran out at the last, and in part settlement of his account with me -he left a very valuable sword. As it is too long for any of our people, -I have had it by me ever since. You might gird that upon you, but, if I -may advise you, I would also take that battle-axe you see on the wall, -which you will find a more ready weapon in a close encounter." - -Gofaster accepted both these offers, and with sword at his side and -battle-axe in hand, started off in the direction of the forest, which he -soon reached. He wandered there for some time without meeting any one or -anything, until finally he heard the sound of a horn. Making his way in -that direction, he saw a group of men, and among them one who was a -little taller than the others, whom, from that fact, and also because he -was the only one bonneted, he inferred to be the King. He placed himself -beside a huge fir tree, which was almost the sole kind in the forest, in -order to observe more closely; but at that moment the King waved his -hand, and the group, apparently at his order, broke and dispersed in -various directions. - -The giant made his way at a respectful distance after the King, who was -attended only by a large hound. The latter was fleet of foot, but as the -strides of the giant were one-half as long again as those of the King, -Gofaster was enabled to keep at the same distance without exertion. For -a half-hour nothing out of the way occurred, nor did the hound seem to -put up any game. At length the animal started, stopped, sniffed the air, -and with a loud bay bounded off, followed quickly by the King, and, in -turn, by Gofaster. As the two latter ran they heard the sound of a -conflict, with a yelp of pain from the dog, and both came suddenly to an -open space, where they found that the animal had encountered a huge -white bear, for whom he was no match, and had speedily been despatched -by his antagonist. - -[Illustration] - -The King was armed only with a hunting-spear and sword, and the bear, -made furious by the attack of the dog, at once turned upon his human -enemy. The latter, spear in hand, stood firmly; but the bear, with a -sweep of his powerful arm, struck the weapon with such force sidewise as -to shatter the shaft. In an instant more the monarch, who had drawn his -sword, would have been unable to make any serious resistance; but -Gofaster, who had rushed forward, and whose step had not attracted the -attention of the beast, drove his battle-axe with full force into the -skull of the bear, and the huge animal fell dead at the feet of the -King. - -King Jornet coolly returned his sword to its scabbard. "Sir Stranger," -said he, "you have rendered us a service most opportune. Eighteen inches -of cold steel would have no chance against that brute's claws. May I ask -to whom I am indebted for this aid?" - -"A mere private gentleman," replied Gofaster, "from the country of the -giants, who is travelling here for pleasure, and who happily strolled -this way this morning. May I ask whom I have had the honor of serving?" - -"I am the King," said the latter, "and I should be glad to see you at -Court as early as may suit your convenience, that I may express my -thanks in a more fitting way than I can do now." - -"I shall not fail to obey your Majesty's command," said the giant, -bowing. - -"And your name?" asked the King. - -"Gofaster, your Majesty." - -"Well, then, _Count_ Gofaster," said the King, laying emphasis on the -title, "in less than a week we shall expect to see you." The King bowed, -which the giant took to be an expression that he desired him not to be -present when his courtiers came; and as the King applied his horn to his -lips and sounded a few notes, Gofaster returned to the house of Hepsone. - -Shortly after his departure the courtiers came in from various -directions, and looked with astonishment at the bear and the dead hound. - -"He was killed by a stranger, who came in good time," said the King, -pointing to the dead bear; but he gave no further word of explanation. - - -CHAPTER III. - -On his return to the house of Hepsone, Gofaster found there a crooked -little man, whom his host introduced as Snipper, the tailor. After a -bargain had been made, and as the tailor was measuring his new -customer--which in order to do completely he was obliged to stand on a -stool--Hepsone examined the battle-axe, which the giant had laid aside. - -"Why," said he, "the edge of this is nicked in two places, and it is -marked with blood. Did you meet with game?" - -"Yes," said the giant, "a white bear, and he lies there in the forest." - -"A white bear!" cried the host, in amazement. "Did you have the courage -to face a brute like that?" - -"Oh," replied Gofaster, laughing, "I dealt him a coward's blow from -behind; but I take no shame for it, since I would have had no chance had -I faced him." - -"I should like to know all about it," said Hepsone, eagerly. - -"At some other time, but not now," said the giant, for he reflected that -the King might not wish the adventure recounted without his consent. - -After the departure of the tailor the giant took another stroll, in -order to gain an appetite for dinner. This time he made his way up a -hill, whose sides were covered with small evergreen-bushes, from whose -summit he thought he would obtain a good view of the town below. As he -advanced higher the bushes disappeared, and the ground was barren and -destitute of herbage. He then recognized a disagreeable odor, which -increased as he advanced. He feared that he was approaching the abode of -the dragon, but could see no signs of the beast or his habitation. He -came at length to some openings in the ground, which emitted a stench -that seemed strangely familiar. - -"Why," said he, "this resembles the gas springs which we have in my -country, which we conduct through pipes to the town, and use it for -purposes of illumination and heat. I must remember this, and take -advantage of it." - -Three days later the tailor returned with his new clothes. They fitted -perfectly, and he felt himself ready for the audience. - -As he was hesitating whether or not to seek the King, he heard horses' -hoofs without, and, looking through the low window, beheld a group of -gentlemen, each of less than medium height, who were mounted upon -ponies. They were in conversation with his host, and as they spake -loudly, he heard their words. - -"We have been seeking through the town," said the spokesman, "for a -foreign gentleman, the Count Gofaster, and not finding him, have come -here with the hope that he might lodge with you." - -"There is a gentleman here," said Hepsone, "but I did not know that he -was a Count. Has he done anything wrong?" - -"Not that I know of," said the other, laughing; "but his Majesty the -King and her Royal Highness the Princess Amber are desirous of seeing -him, and we are ordered to summon him to Court." - -At this Gofaster emerged from the door and confronted the group. "I am -Gofaster," he said, "and the gracious wishes of his Majesty are -commands. I shall have the honor of seeking an audience without delay." - -"We have brought a horse for your convenience, Count," said the -spokesman, pointing to a gaudily caparisoned pony about twelve hands -high. - -The giant could scarcely suppress a laugh. "I think," said he, dryly, -"that walking would be an easier mode of travelling. With your -permission, I shall accompany you on foot." - -[Illustration: GOFASTER ESCORTED TO THE KING'S PALACE.] - -The party then set out, and made their way through the town to the royal -palace. Curious crowds lined the narrow streets, and were with -difficulty kept back by the police, so eager were they to see this -gigantic stranger. - -"Count," said the monarch, as he received him in the palace, "we have -sent for you because we were impatient to thank you in this public -manner for the service you so promptly rendered to our person, and to -welcome to our Court a nobleman whom we hope to see one of its chiefest -ornaments. Let me present you to Count Snarlitz, our Prime-minister." - -Gofaster and Snarlitz bowed to each other, the former with good-humor, -and the latter with a sneer on his lip and a twinkle of ill will in his -eye which the giant did not fail to recognize. - -"In faith," said the giant to himself, "I feel this to be an enemy, and -will have to be on guard. He fears that I will be a favorite, and may -interfere with his hold on the King." - -The King now descended from his throne, followed by the Princess, to -whom Gofaster was presented. At a signal from the King, Snarlitz and the -others fell back, and the Princess added her thanks in a manner that -showed her appreciation of the service rendered and but half-concealed -admiration for the new-comer. - -At command of the King, Gofaster was assigned apartments in the royal -palace, and a week thereafter, the faithful tailor having fully stocked -his wardrobe, he took possession of them. - -Before this, however, a banquet was given in his honor, and at this -Count Snarlitz changed his manner in the most marked way, and paid the -giant the most profound deference, indulging in compliments at times so -extreme as to be offensive. - -Before the guests had arisen from the board the Prime-minister, in the -course of conversation, said: "If it please your Majesty, I look upon it -as most fortunate that this gallant gentleman is one who is able to -render a most marked service to the state. He is the only one, I think, -who has the courage and the power to face and destroy the powerful -dragon of the reservoir." - -"No, no!" said the Princess Amber, instantly; "that is too perilous." - -"Nay, daughter," said the King, "let us hear what the Count himself has -to say on the matter." - -Gofaster hesitated a moment. His cap, which had already given him such -trusty counsel, had been removed, and he could not replace it in the -King's presence; but his embarrassment was at once relieved. A hollow -laugh at his elbow told him that his invisible friend, the Phooka, was -there, and he heard a voice unheard by the others, which said to him, -"Accept for a week hence." - -Then Gofaster arose, and bowing to the King, said, "In a week from this -time, with your Majesty's permission, I shall undertake the adventure." - -To his great delight, the giant saw the Princess turn pale at this -announcement, and his heart beat high with hope. But after the banquet -was over, and he had taken his leave, he felt that he had done a rash -thing. - -"How shall I be able," he said, "to face, much less to overcome, this -terrible Slander, whose breath is poison to all who confront it." - -"Easily enough," said the voice of the Phooka in his ear. "There is a -little herb called truth, which grows in out-of-the-way places, and I -can lead you to it. Mix that with honey, of which the dragon is -extremely fond, and which he can scent at some distance. He will not -detect the mixture, but eat the honey greedily, and the truth in it will -kill him." - - -CHAPTER IV. - -The night before the day he had fixed for the adventure Gofaster went to -the house of Hepsone, where he slept. Before retiring he sent for a pot -of honey, which was brought him. - -[Illustration: THE DRAGON MAKES FOR THE POT OF HONEY.] - -The next morning, with the honey and a large dish, he went from the hut -of Hepsone in search of the herb called truth. It was soon obtained, for -he who seeks truth earnestly can always find it. Gathering a quantity, -he mixed it thoroughly with the honey; and then, still under the -Phooka's direction, travelled to a spot at no great distance from the -reservoir, where he placed the great dish on the ground, poured into it -the contents of the jar, and retreated to a safe distance, where from a -grove he could observe events. He had not long to wait. He heard a -peculiar sound, which satisfied him that the great beast had scented the -honey and would proceed in search of it. Standing behind a tree, he saw -the animal emerge into an open space, and was struck with something like -fear when he beheld its immense size. This was not unmixed with -admiration. The body of the animal as it appeared approaching through -the trees was covered with glittering scales, which flashed in the -sunlight at every motion. It hurried eagerly to the honey, which it -lapped up with its tongue, after the manner of the dog, until he had -entirely cleaned the dish of its contents, swallowing at the same time -the herb. He stood with what appeared to be an air of satisfaction for -some time, glancing around, so that Gofaster was obliged to hide himself -still more effectually behind the trunk, lest he might be seen. - -After a while a noise as of some one beating the earth furiously caused -the giant to peer cautiously from one side of his hiding-place. There he -beheld the dragon making the most terrible contortions, beating the -ground with his long and massive tail, and apparently suffering great -agony. This continued for some time; then the motion of the beast became -weaker, and finally, with a terrific roar, it lay over on its back and -became perfectly motionless. - -"It may not be dead," said Gofaster, "and I had better wait." - -"Slander is dead!" said the voice of the Phooka. "Truth has killed him. -You may advance without fear and cut off his head." - -"Why should I do that?" said the giant. - -"Simply as an evidence of your exploit; otherwise your friend Count -Snarlitz might not be convinced. Beware of the Count." - -"I have seen enough to make me do that already," replied Gofaster. - -"Very good; but you must have friends at Court. There are two parties -there; that of Count Snarlitz is a power just now, but he has a rival in -Count Merit, and you must attach yourself to him." - -"But why should I," inquired the giant, "a stranger here, meddle in -Court politics? Is it not safer to stand between both and lean to -neither, and thus get none of the tumble when the seesaw goes up or -down?" - -"Did you ever, as a boy, play at seesaw?" asked the Phooka. - -"Yes, and generally stood in the centre and balanced myself." - -"Then," said the Phooka, "you had all the tumbles and none of the rides. -Make yourself friends with Count Merit." - -"I see," replied the giant. - -By this time they had reached the dead dragon, and with a few powerful -strokes of his huge sword Gofaster severed the head from the body. -Raising it with ease, through the immense strength conveyed by the -jerkin, the giant proceeded towards the house of Hepsone. The weight he -bore was enormous, but the shoes of endurance played their part well, -and it seemed to him almost as light as a feather. - -[Illustration: GOFASTER CARRIES THE DRAGON'S HEAD TO TOWN.] - -Before he had gone half a mile he came upon some boys gathering wild -berries, which grew here and there upon the sides of the declivity. They -looked at the head of the beast in wonder, and then scampered to the -town with the news that the dragon had been slain. - -By the time Gofaster reached his lodging-place he found it surrounded by -groups of the townsfolk, who had come to verify the truth of the story -told by the boys. Soon there came others and others; by night--that is, -by the night of the giant, for he kept time by his watch, and not by the -sun--the place was surrounded by a crowd, whose shouts rent the air, and -who hailed Gofaster as the great benefactor of the state. - -Presently a troop of soldiers having a small wagon came, and on the -vehicle they brought Gofaster placed the head, and bidding adieu to -Hepsone, the giant made his way with it through the crowds that -accompanied and hovered around him until he entered the palace grounds, -where the King and Court, having been apprised of the exploit, waited to -receive the trophy and honor the victor. - -There was but one exception to the general rejoicing and -congratulations. Count Snarlitz stood on one side, moody and depressed. -One gentleman advanced from the group and presented his hand to -Gofaster. - -"Count," said he, "let me introduce myself. I am Count Merit, and I -congratulate you on the eminent service you have this day rendered the -state." - -"I like this man," said the giant to himself, as he took the proffered -hand. Bowing to the King, he glanced timidly at the Princess Amber. - -She said nothing, but the expression in her eyes and the color that came -and went in her face made his heart throb with joy. - -"Count," said the King, advancing, "for the service you have this day -rendered we are not able to fully compensate you, but we shall create -you Knight Grand Cross of the New Noble Order of the White Bear, which -we have this day established, and call you to our Privy Council. If -there be anything you desire, you have only to name it." - -"With my thanks for your Majesty's gracious favor already bestowed, I -have only to ask a private audience, that I may communicate to your -Majesty a matter of importance." - -"By all means," said the King. "Accompany me to my private cabinet. -Daughter, we will excuse your attendance." - -"If your Majesty please," interposed Gofaster, "there is no reason why -her Royal Highness should not be present. They say a woman cannot keep a -secret, but I have found them to be the most trusty confidantes." - -"You must have a sister or a sweetheart," said the Princess Amber. - -"Neither, your Royal Highness." - -"Then," said the Princess, smiling, "you remember your mother." - -"Now," said the King, as the three entered the cabinet, "I am ready to -listen." - -Gofaster then spoke of the insufficient means of light during the six -months of night peculiar to the country, and spoke of his discovery of -the gas springs. - -"Yes," said the King, "we all know it; it is a great injury in rainy -weather, when the stench is blown into the town, to the annoyance of our -people as well as to ourself. Attempts have been made to fill these -holes up, but everything thrown in is ejected with some force, or, if -very heavy, disappears without making any marked change. If you could -rid us of it you would confer the last of the three great favors of the -state, and then--" With these words he glanced at Princess Amber, who -blushed. - -Gofaster now detailed his plan to the King, by which he hoped to conduct -the gas--which was inflammable--safely into the royal palace and through -the town for the purposes of illumination. The King was struck with the -idea, but said it was impracticable on account of the expense. The taxes -were already as high as the people could well bear, and the treasury was -nearly empty. - -"But," said Gofaster, "I have ample means, and I propose to do this at -my own expense." - -"You shall have our permission, and may make it a monopoly to your own -advantage." - -"That I do not desire," replied the giant. "It is enough if I can give -more comfort to your people, and will aid in making your Majesty's reign -still more notable." - - -CHAPTER V. - -Presently there ran a rumor through the town that Count Gofaster, who -had already performed two notable exploits, was engaged in something -which promised to be of great advantage to the people of the capital -city. What that was no one knew besides the King and Princess, but it -was noticed that a number of mechanics, among them a noted boiler-maker, -had been sent for, and visited the apartments of Gofaster in the palace, -whence they emerged with countenances of satisfaction, which proved they -were to be employed on a job they deemed to be profitable; but they had -been forbidden to speak on the matter until the time came. - -It was a month before even they learned the nature of the undertaking, -and in the mean while other rumors arose of a different nature. It was -whispered around that the stranger was a foreign prince in disguise, a -son of the King of Giant-land, and that he was merely paving the way to -an attempt to dethrone King Jornet and crown himself instead. Some -believed the story, and some did not. The party of Count Snarlitz were -active in circulating and commenting upon the charge, while the party of -Count Merit ridiculed it and branded it as an absurdity. The people -loved their King, but the mass of them remembered that Gofaster had -saved his Majesty from death, and had destroyed one of the greatest -perils to the state; and the general current of opinion sided with the -party of Count Merit. It was well known too by this time that the -Princess Amber--who was even more beloved than her father--favored the -stranger, who had nothing to gain but almost everything to lose by -sinister conduct. Of this Gofaster would have known nothing, perhaps, -had it not been for his friend the Phooka, who told him of the rumors -and the discussion thereon. - -These, he said, were through Count Snarlitz, who would probably make -them the basis of charges later on, leaving no means untried which would -crush this stranger, to whom he had taken an invincible dislike. "Count -Merit," said the Phooka, "well divines the object of this movement and -who has set it on foot, and will use it as a lever to overthrow his -rival and elevate himself to power. You now see the advantage of having -gained a friend in Count Merit. Go on with your present design, and let -these parties in the mean time fight it out. It is enough for you to -face the danger openly when it presents itself." - -Gofaster took this advice, and making no sign that he knew of the -intrigues around him, proceeded with his work. Large iron tubes were -brought from time to time to the park around the palace, and to various -points between that and the gas springs, and these were carefully -guarded. Then a troop of laborers, like busy ants, began to delve around -the gas springs, excavating a large circle, and from thence making a -ditch down the hill and through the town so far as the royal palace: a -cross ditch was also made along the principal street. - -When the authorities, under the direction of the Minister of the -Interior, prepared to stop this work, they were shown the King's order -investing Gofaster with full power. Count Snarlitz, on learning of this, -waited upon the King, and supposing that his services could not be -dispensed with, complained that a royal order had been issued, contrary -to form, without being attested by him, and tendered his resignation. To -his great surprise and chagrin, the King accepted it, and sent for Count -Merit, whom he commanded to form a ministry. - -Though there were no newspapers but one--the _Court Journal_--and this -was seen by but few people, the news of the downfall of the Snarlitz -ministry went from mouth to ear throughout the country. Count Snarlitz -had been so haughty and overbearing that he had few friends among the -common folk; and among the nobles his party speedily diminished when it -was discovered that he had lost the confidence of the King, and that the -Princess Amber was decidedly unfriendly to him. He retired from office, -secretly vowing vengeance on the stranger, and waiting for an -opportunity to gratify his malice. - -The people soon forgot all about him in their wonder at the new and -strange work going on under their eyes. They speculated a deal upon it -without learning its object, since none, with the exception of Gofaster, -knew that the gas of the springs could be burned, and if they had would -not have believed that it could be done with safety. - -Even when the masons had built a wall around the cavity that had been -made at the springs, and immense columns had been erected around it, -they were still ignorant, and their wonder heightened. It was only when -the boiler-makers had completed a huge tank which filled the cavity, and -connected the pipes therewith--smaller tubes having been laid in the -King's palace, and others connected with the pipes buried in the -streets--that the people became aware of what was to be done. - -And now there arose a whisper around which soon deepened into clamor. It -was said that the purpose of Gofaster was to force this deadly gas into -the palace, killing the King and Court, and, by throwing the bulk of it -into the town, so enfeeble the people, as well as the army, that the -place would become a ready prey to a band of giants, who were to come no -one knew how, and whence no one could tell. - -The populace fell under the influence of this rumor, scandalously -circulated by the Snarlitz faction, and assembling in large numbers, -marched to the palace, where they demanded the cessation of the -dangerous work and the immediate banishment of Count Gofaster from the -realm. The new Prime-minister had not, however, been idle. Fearing this -uprising, and having been let into this secret by the giant, he had -without noise marched a considerable military force into the park, and -when the rioters entered they were confronted by a body of soldiers -drawn up in line. The mob hesitated, and a mob which hesitates can -easily be diverted from its purpose. It was armed after a fashion, but -had no system or discipline, and stood there fearing to advance or -retreat. - -At that moment the King and his daughter suddenly appeared upon the -palace steps. A hoarse roar arose from the multitude, demanding the -banishment, if not the death, of the stranger, who was to destroy them -all. - -The King waved his hand for silence, but the alarm of the people seemed -to be intensified by the momentary check; and the clamor increased in -violence. It seemed as though a revolution were imminent, not merely of -the ministry, but one that imperilled the King himself. At that moment -the Princess Amber stepped forward, and the crowd was hushed to silence, -for the Princess was beloved of the common people exceedingly. Her -interest in their needs and sufferings, her many benefactions, and the -well-known fact of her influence with her royal father--all these had at -various times succeeded in lowering the exactions of the -Prime-ministers, and in relieving the people from many abuses that had -crept into the state. She had, therefore, never appeared before them -without exciting admiration. - -"Good people," she said, "can you not trust in what I tell you?" - -The tide was turned in an instant, and the cry came as if from one man, -"Yes, we can trust you!" - -"Then," she said, "hear me. Bad men have abused your confidence. We have -full knowledge of what is doing and why it has been done; it is for the -benefit of all of you; it is to cheer your homes and to make life during -the dreary winter nights not only endurable, but one that you can enjoy. -Continue to trust me, who never have deceived any one. Go home peaceably -and quietly, and with confidence in what I tell you, await a happy -result." - -There is nothing so sudden as the reaction of a mob. Smiles succeeded -frowns, the crowd gave loud cheers for the Princess, and then melted -slowly and quietly away. The danger to the throne had passed. - - -CHAPTER VI. - -The work done inside the King's palace was not seen by the multitude, -but they saw large pipes laid in the ditches, the ditches themselves -filled up, and a long row of tubes rising ten or twelve feet in the air, -whose uses they could not divine. But in spite of the diverse rumors -still circulated by the Snarlitz faction, the people cheered themselves -with the reassuring words of the Princess Amber, and patiently awaited -results. This was strengthened by the reports of the workmen who were -employed in the palace, and who averred--though they were bound to -secrecy--that what was to be done would be a great public benefit. Much -speculation was indulged in as to what the secret doings were, but after -a time this faded out; the people minded their own affairs, and only -talked about the matter occasionally when they passed the tall tubes in -the roadway. A guard was placed on the great tank on the hill, and the -public at large were forbidden to visit the spot. - -And so time passed on until the six-months day had ended, the sun had -sunk out of sight, and the twilight had deepened into gloom. Then -suddenly bright lights were seen in all the windows of the King's -palace, and there issued forth a number of men bearing lighted torches, -which they applied hurriedly to the tops of the tubes that lined the -roadway down into and along the principal streets of the town. - -A steady light was given out by each of these gigantic candles, making -the roadway and street light and cheery, while crowds of people came -from all quarters to enjoy the novel spectacle. - -Count Gofaster was the hero of the hour. Even the adherents of Snarlitz -were silenced and forced to admit that the giant had conferred the third -great benefit on the state. The King, in his own brilliantly lighted -hall of audience, thanked him before the assembled nobles of the Court -for the great service he had rendered. - -"In due time," said the King, "every street in the town shall be lighted -through this means, and if the six months of night be not bright as day, -they will at least be rendered enjoyable." - -It was now the opportunity of Gofaster to demand the fulfilment of the -King's pledge in regard to the man who should confer three benefits on -the state and obtain the favor of the Princess. - -But Gofaster dared not speak. To his surprise and sorrow, he found that -the manner of the Princess was not only less cordial, but shy and -reserved, and that she seemed to avoid him. The young giant was not -versed in the ways of womankind, and found discouragement in what should -have given him hope. He had not studied the proverb, "Faint heart never -won fair lady," and reflected much upon his former comparatively low -condition, from which he had only been removed by the favor of the -sovereign, and which did not seem to warrant a close alliance with the -royal family. He became moody, and sank into a kind of hopeless gloom, -under which his health suffered. His friend the Prime-minister saw this, -but did not conjecture the cause; neither, apparently, did the King nor -Princess. - -Gofaster withdrew himself as much as possible from the royal presence, -and seemed to have no friend to whom he was willing to confide his -trouble. He even forgot the Phooka, but the latter did not forget him. - -As Gofaster was seated in his apartments, ruminating upon his sad fate, -he heard a hollow laugh near him, which he recognized as that of his -invisible guardian. - -"Clearly," said the goblin, "all human beings are fools, and Count -Gofaster seems to be about the biggest fool of all." - -The giant did not resent the reproach, for the gratitude toward his -benefactor blunted the point of it, if it did not relieve the sting. - -"Possibly," he said, in reply. "But why now more than usual?" - -"Clearly," answered the other, "because you are breaking your heart -about the love of a young woman who is breaking hers because you do not -make the proper advances. Do you expect a maiden, setting aside her high -rank, to be won without wooing?" - -"But I dare not," said Gofaster, despairingly. - -"He who dares not is lost," said the Phooka. "I know everything that -goes on through the palace, because I pass everywhere without -observation. The Princess believes you indifferent to her charms, and is -mortified that she has given her heart to one who treats her with -neglect. The whole town is talking of it, and wondering why you do not -embrace the good-fortune in store for you." - -A new light broke in upon the giant's mind. "I shall try," he said. - -"Try is the best dog in the pack," said the goblin. - -Gofaster now plucked up courage and appeared at the audience--which was -given every twenty-four hours--bravely arrayed, and with a cheerful -face. He joined in conversation with the friends whom he had made among -the nobles, and even ventured to address some observations to the -Princess and the ladies of honor around her, the latter of whom received -him with marked pleasure. Bit by bit the conversation in this group -became general, and finally the Princess herself joined in it, throwing -off her reserve. As the two spoke together more freely, the ladies of -honor drew back, as if by tacit agreement, and the Princess and Gofaster -were left together. - -"I have not sufficiently congratulated you, Count," said the Princess, -"on your last great achievement." - -"Nor have I, your Royal Highness," answered he, "thanked you for the -kindly and effective words you spoke in behalf of my project when its -success seemed doubtful." - -"But _I_ never doubted it or you," said the Princess. - -"Princess Amber," said the giant. But here he stopped. - -"Well, Count?" said the Princess. - -"I have been fortunate enough," said he, "to render three times some -service to the state, and might claim some reward for it; but there is -only one reward that I desire, and that depends upon your Royal -Highness." - -"Name it," said the Princess. "Speak freely." - -"I would be bold enough to ask your father for your hand were I sure it -would meet with approval from you, but I have not had the presumption to -hope." - -"He who deserves," said the Princess, blushing, "does not presume," and -she turned away. - -Thus encouraged, Gofaster boldly preferred a request to the King that -the royal pledge should be fulfilled. The King smiled good-naturedly, -and saying "A King should never break his word," led him to the Princess -and joined their hands. Then turning to the Court, he said: "We give our -daughter a fitting mate and the kingdom an heir-presumptive on whose -courage and capacity it can rely." - -The lords and ladies of the Court congratulated the betrothed couple, -who were shortly after wedded in great state, to the satisfaction of -all. - -Some weeks after the marriage, as Prince Gofaster--for he had been -raised to that rank--was passing into his cabinet, he heard the hollow -laugh which betokened the presence of Shon the Phooka. Turning to face -the sound, he saw before him a laughing boy a little over four feet in -height, who wore what seemed to be the jerkin of strength and the shoes -of endurance, shrunk to his own size. - -"I have resumed my property," said Shon, "because you have no further -use for them, with the exception of the cap of intellect, which I leave -behind for your use. So long as you have that it will give you what -additional strength and endurance you require. I now leave you. My term -of banishment will end in a week. If my monarch knew what service I had -rendered you I should be banished again; but, fortunately, there is no -stray Phooka here to tattle, and I shall keep my own counsel. Rely upon -the cap of intellect, and your future, though it may be checkered by -losses and crosses, will be a glorious one." - -"In what way can I show my gratitude to you?" said Gofaster. "How can I -let you know what I feel?" - -"Best," replied the goblin, "by forgetting me in course of time. As days -and years go by all sense of obligation in human creatures grows less, -and I doubt if you will be the sole exception to the rule." Then, with a -hollow laugh, he disappeared. - -The Princess Amber succeeded to the throne. How long and how wisely they -ruled the kingdom, and how, when the King died, he was succeeded by his -oldest son--this is all written in the chronicles of Huperborea. I -should be glad to tell all about it, but I have not been able to obtain -a copy of those chronicles. The Phooka has never shown himself to me, -and I have not been able to get him to convey me midway beyond the -barrier of ice and snow which separates Huperborea and its surrounding -kingdoms from the rest of the world; and the reader must be content with -what I have given him and ask for no more. - - - - -AN EXTRAVAGANT COSTUME. - - -There have been dandies and dudes in all ages. A hundred years ago these -were known humorously as "Macaronis," and their dress was wonderful. A -journal published at that time says: - -"A few days ago a Macaroni made his appearance in the Assembly Rooms at -Whitehaven in the following dress: A mixed silk coat, pink sattin -waistcoat and breeches, covered with an elegant silver nett; white silk -stockings, with pink clocks; pink sattin shoes and large pearl buckles; -a mushroom-coloured stock, covered with a fine point-lace; his hair -dressed remarkably high, and stuck full of pearl pins." - - - - -[Illustration] - -THE CHRISTMAS PIE. - -BY MRS. DAVID MACLURE. - - - It was a merry Christmas Day - Not many years gone by; - A day of gifts and songs, my dear-- - Description they defy; - But some especial features were - Roast turkey, nuts, and pie-- - Particularly Pie! - - On that bright day, not long ago, - A little friend of mine - Had had a merry time, my dear - (His age, I think, was nine); - He had a merry time, I say, - With all that cash could buy-- - Especially with Pie! - - He went to bed that Christmas night, - And closed his weary eye; - And what occurred thereafter, dear, - Was traceable to pie, - Though turkey had a share indeed, - Which no one can deny-- - But not compared with Pie! - - At midnight's still uncanny hour, - Lo! perched on each bedpost, - Appeared a long-necked turkey hen-- - A pale, plucked, pimply ghost-- - And sat and ogled him the while, - With wicked, leering eye, - Ejaculating "Pie!" - - And there they sat through all the night, - Except that once each chime - They played at leap-frog on the bed, - And chanted all the time - A very melancholy song, - In tones pitched harsh and high: - "O give, O give me Pie!" - - At early dawn my youthful friend - Sprang from his bed in flight, - To find the phantoms of his dreams - Had vanished with the night. - Said he: "Good Christmas cheer is fine, - But Wisdom's voice doth cry: - Pray draw the line at Pie!" - - So, dear young friends, a word to you - Right at this Christmas Eve: - Use caution with your appetite, - Or cause may come to grieve. - Remember, _Indigestion_, dear, - Few stomachs can defy, - And draw the line at Pie. - - - - -THE MAGIC STOCKING. - -A BIT OF CHRISTMAS MERRIMENT IN ONE ACT. - - -_CHARACTERS_: - - SANTA CLAUS, _a jolly old elf_. - MARY, _mother's little woman, aged thirteen_. - NAN, _a stout champion of_ Santa Claus, _aged eight_. - LUCY, _a wee darling of three years_. - TOMMY, _a scoffer at_ Santa Claus, _aged eleven_. - - TIME.--_The night before Christmas._ - - Scene.--_A cosy nursery with low-turned lights and bright fire. The - curtain rises, showing the children grouped around the fire, - little_ Lucy _in night-gown and tiny night-cap, cuddled with_ Mary - _in the big arm-chair_. Nan _is seated on a low stool_, Tommy _is - stretched at full length on the rug. They are making preparations - to hang up their stockings_. - - -_Nan_. Now let's begin at the beginning and sing it all over again. - -_Mary_ (_caressingly_). But Lucy is so sleepy. - -_Lucy_ (_drowsily_). Lucy isn't sleepy. Lucy wants to wait for Santa -Claus. - -_Tommy_ (_contemptuously_). Santa Claus! - -_Mary_ (_reproachfully_). Oh, Tommy! - -_Nan_ (_tying on her night-cap_). You start it, Mary. - - [They all sing.] - - "'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house - Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. - The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, - In hopes that old Santa Claus soon would be there. - The children were nestled all--" - -_Tommy_. Oh, but you know there isn't any such person as Santa Claus. - -_Mary_ (_very reproachfully_). Oh, Tommy! - -_Nan_. Now, Tommy, you just stop. - -_Tommy_. But there isn't, and you know it. It's just our fath-- - -_Nan_. Of course there's a Santa Claus. - -_Lucy_ (_sleepily_). Dear old Santa Claus! He'll come down the chimney -pretty soon, won't he, Mary? - -_Mary_. Yes, darling. You'll hear the tinkle of his jolly little -sleigh-bells, and then up he'll fly with his eight tiny reindeer. - - [Sings.] - - "To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall, - Now dash away, dash away, dash away all. - And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof - The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. - As I drew in my head and was turning around - Down the chimney old Santa Claus came with a bound!" - -_Nan_ (_triumphantly_). There, Mr. Tommy, do you hear what it says? - -_Tommy_. I don't care what it says. That's just a baby story. Santa -Claus! Shoot Santa Claus! - -_Nan_. You'll catch it when he does come! - -_Lucy_ (_confidently_). He's coming pretty soon, I guess. - -_Tommy_. I ain't afraid of any Santa Claus. No reindeer could go flying -over house-tops. Now, I leave it to you, could they? Deers and cows and -horses and that kind of animals ain't made to fly. 'Tain't reasonable. -Santa Claus! I tell you there ain't any. There never was and never will -be. He's just a big, old-- - -_Nan_. Delicious, delightful-- - -_Tommy_. Deceitful, de-mol-al-iz-ing Fraud! - -_Lucy_ (_sleepily_). Dear old Santa Claus! When he comes I'll just give -him a great big hug (_nodding_). I love good old Santa Claus. We love -him (_dreamily_), don't we, Nannie? but Tommy says--Tommy he says-- - -_Mary_ (_soothingly_). Never mind what Tommy says, darling. - - [Sings softly.] - - "He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work - And filled all the stockings--" - -_Tommy_. That's a likely story! - -_Nan_. He won't put much in your stocking, Tommy Franklin. - -_Mary_ (_softly_). 'Sh! Lucy's sound asleep, little sweetheart. - -_Nan_. You've hung up the biggest stocking of any of us. What did you -hang up your stocking for if there isn't any Santa Claus? - -_Tommy_ (_with pretended indifference_). Oh, just out of habit, I -s'pose. Just 'cause I always have. And I know well enough who'll fill -it. It isn't any old humbug of a Santa Claus. - - [_While they have been talking and singing the children have hung - their stockings in a row on the mantel._ Tommy's _being a - conspicuously large and long one. A faint tinkle of sleigh-bells is - now heard. It comes nearer and nearer, and finally stops. The - children listen intently_.] - -_Nan_ (_in an excited whisper_). I believe he's come! - -_Mary_. Oh, hark! - -_Tommy_. I tell you, Santa Claus is a great big humbug. - - [_A loud jingling of bells is heard, and a great stamping of feet - at the door._ Lucy _wakes and rubs her eyes_. Tommy _tries to look - unconcerned_. Nan, _half frightened, draws closer to_ Mary, _and, - as the last word drops from_ Tommy's _lips_, Santa Claus _enters - with a bound. The children make inarticulate exclamations of - rapture and delight, and watch the movements of_ Santa Claus _with - wide-open eyes_. Santa Claus, _after depositing his pack on the - floor, proceeds to the business of filling the stockings_.] - -_Santa Claus_ (_chuckling to himself_). Well, well, well! Here's a nice -row of stockings--a nice row of dear children's stockings! And here are -the blessed children themselves waiting patiently till I don't know what -o'clock at night, just to catch a glimpse of old Santa. That's the way -with the darlings. They know who loves them. They know--oh yes, -yes!--they know old Santa. - -_Lucy_ (_slipping from_ Mary's _lap and timidly approaching_ Santa -Claus). I love you more than a bushel, dear Santa Claus. - -_Santa Claus_ (_taking her upon his knee_). Bless her heart, of course -she does. And she may sit on old Santa's knee and watch him while he -fills her own cunning stocking. Here it is, the little one at the end of -the row. Now let me see (_scratches his head reflectively_)--let me see. -Ah, yes! here's a tiny gold ring, that shall go into the toe. And here's -a little pink tea-set and a lovely, lovely dolly, and a carriage for her -to ride in. That must go outside, it is such a wee stocking. I declare, -here's another dolly--a jolly sailor-boy, and a dainty box of -sweets--all for the sweet baby that loves Santa Claus. - -_Nan_ (_in an undertone_). Now, what do you think, Mr. Tommy? - -_Tommy_ (_in a loud whisper_). Humbug! - -_Girls_. For shame! - -_Santa Claus_ (_putting_ Lucy _gently back into_ Mary's _arms_). Now for -the next one! Ah, yes! Here's another little ring, with a blue set, for -a girl with blue eyes-- - -_Nan_ (_rapturously_). That's me. - -_Santa Claus_. And here goes a silver bracelet and a jolly bottle of -mignonette and (_searching his pack_)--and--let me see--a copy of -_Old-fashioned Girl_-- - -_Nan_. Just what I was wishing for! - -_Santa Claus_. And a box of sweets--it won't do to forget that--and a -funny puzzle for a clever little head to solve, and a mysterious -package--she'll find what's in it in the morning. (_Chuckles to -himself_) - -_Nan_. Now it's yours, Mary dear. - -_Santa Claus_ (_taking_ Mary's _stocking_). Now for the next one. No -time to lose. This is a busy night for St. Nick. 'Way down in the very -tip-toe shall go this bright little watch, to tick away the happy -minutes of the New Year for mother's own little woman. - -_Nan_. You hear that, Tommy. - -_Tommy_. Don't you believe it. - -_Santa Claus_. This work-basket must go outside with the books. And now -for the next. Well, this is a big one. - -_Tommy_ (_in an undertone_). I borrowed it of cook--the longest and -biggest she had. - -_Santa Claus_ (_deliberately regarding_ Tommy's _stocking_). Is it -possible there is a greedy child here? - -_Nan_. Now, Tommy, aren't you ashamed of yourself. - -_Santa Claus_ (_reflectively_). A greedy child. I hope not, I hope not. -Well, we'll see. We'll soon see (_searching his pack_). Here is a -splendid pair of skates for a good boy-- - -_Tommy_ (_gleefully_). That's me. - -_Santa Claus_. And here's a box of chess-men, and a-- Why, upon my word! -upon my word! when has this happened before? (Santa Claus _pauses in his -work, showing every evidence of great astonishment, for as he undertakes -to put the gifts into_ Tommy's _stocking, they behave in a most contrary -and unaccountable way. They drop to the floor, and the stocking seems to -refuse to take them_. Santa Claus _makes several efforts to insert the -gifts in the stocking, but without success_.) Well, well, I haven't had -an experience like this for many a long year. What will Mrs. Santa Claus -say, when I go back to the North Pole and tell her I found a contrary -stocking. A contrary stocking, which means but one thing--that the child -who hung it does not believe in Santa Claus. (_Sadly._) Oh dear, what a -pity! what a pity! Well, if I must, I must. (_Searches his pack._) It is -many a year since I have had any use for these things. I did hope I -should never have to take them out again. (_Draws from the depth of his -pack a broad leather strap, a large slipper, and other articles -mentioned later. He meets with no difficulty as he drops them one by one -into_ Tommy's _big stocking_.) There! (_Thrusting in the strap._) If he -don't know the use of that, I suppose his father will have to teach him, -and this (_holding up the slipper before putting it into the stocking_), -no doubt his mother will know what it is for. Oh dear! oh dear! -(_Shaking his head sorrowfully._) This is too bad! too bad! It will -spoil my Christmas completely. No box of goodies for this stocking-- It -wouldn't do--no, it wouldn't do at all. I'll have to put in this package -of smarty pepper candy, to make the boy's tongue tingle that says Santa -Claus is a Humbug. - -_Nan_. What did I tell you? - -_Lucy_. Poor Tommy. - -_Santa Claus_. And here is a tin horn (_tries it_) without any blow in -it. My good horns are for good boys to toot in my honor on Christmas -day. Now a book--here is one--a nice Spelling Book, full of all the hard -words that were ever invented, and not a picture in it. And here is -another--a book on Good Manners--it is for the boy to study who says -that Santa Claus is a Fraud. - -_Tommy_. Boo-hoo! boo-hoo! boo-hoo! boo-hoo! I didn't mean it! Oh, I -didn't mean it at all! I was just a-fooling. Boo-hoo! Oh, dear! -Boo-hoo-o-o-o! - -_Lucy_ (_putting her arms around his neck_). Oh, poor, poor Tommy! I'll -give you my nice candy. Don't cry, Tommy. - -_Tommy_. Boo-hoo! I didn't mean it. I won't do so again. I'll stand by -you forever. Indeed I will, Mr. Santa Claus, if you'll only forgive my -badness. (Tommy _kneels and clasps the knees of_ Santa Claus -_imploringly_.) Oh, please forgive me, and I'll never, never doubt you -again, dear, good Santa Claus! - -_Mary_ (_entreatingly_). Dear Santa Claus, please forgive him. - -_Nan_. He don't deserve it, but please try him. - -_Lucy_. Santa Claus, please love Tommy again. - -_Santa Claus_ (_heartily_). Well, well, well! I want to forgive him -badly enough, and for your sakes I will. But, mind you this, Tommy, my -lad, I must have your true allegiance from this time forth. - -_Tommy_. Oh, good Santa Claus, I promise it truly, truly! Honor bright! -Hope to die! - -_Santa Claus_. I believe you, my lad. There, there. Give me your hand. I -want to be good friends with every child in the whole happy world on the -glad Christmas day. Now, we'll try again. (_He draws out the strap, -etc., from_ Tommy's _stocking, and deftly inserts in their places -skates, books, etc._) Ah, the magic stocking opens to receive gifts for -a loyal child. Here go the skates, and the boys' own _Swiss Family -Robinson_. (_Searches his pack._) Aha, this tool-chest evidently belongs -here, and this big horn, with a jolly toot in it (_tries it_), and, ah, -yes, a whole menagerie of candy pigs and elephants and monkeys, and not -a pepper drop in the lot. (Tommy _looks on in delight, and the children -hug each other gleefully_.) Now, bless your sweet hearts, I must be -going. Here I am, delaying as if there were not hundreds of stockings to -be filled before daylight. (_Kisses little_ Lucy.) Good-night, my -precious one. Good-night, my darlings, and a merry, merry Christmas to -you all! - - [Santa Claus _gathers up his pack, straps it upon his shoulders, - and departs_.] - -[Song, with soft accompaniment of sleigh-bells.] - - Hurrah for the merry Christmas-time, - And the jolly Christmas cheer, - And the reindeer sleigh when it comes this way, - And brings old Santa Claus dear. - Hurrah and hurrah! - For the merry Christmas-time, and the happy Christmas cheer! - - Hurrah and hurrah! - For our Santa Claus so dear! - -[Softly.] - - Hurrah and hurrah! - For the merry Christmas-time, and the happy Christmas cheer! - - Hurrah and hurrah! - For our Santa Claus so dear! - -CURTAIN. - - - - -THE IMP OF THE TELEPHONE. - -BY JOHN KENDRICK BANGS. - -VII.--THE POETRY BOOK, AND THE END. - - -The Imp then arranged the wires so that the Poetry Book could recite -itself to Jimmieboy, after which he went back to his office to see who -it was that had been ringing the bell. - -"My first poem," said a soft silvery voice from the top shelf, towards -which Jimmieboy immediately directed his attention--"my first poem is a -perfect gem. I have never seen anything anywhere that could by any -possibility be finer than it is, unless it be in my new book, which -contains millions of better ones. It is called, 'To a Street Lamp,' and -goes this way: - - "You seem quite plain, old Lamp, to men, - Yet 'twould be hard to say - What we should do without you when - Night follows on the day; - - "And while your lumination seems - Much less than that of sun, - I truly think but for your beams - We would be much undone. - - "And who knows, Lamp, but to some wight, - Too small for me to see, - You are just such a wondrous sight - As old Sol is to me!" - -"Isn't that simply lovely?" said the soft silvery voice when the poem -was completed. - -"Yes; but I don't think it's very funny," said Jimmieboy. "I like to -laugh, you know, and I couldn't laugh at that." - -"Oh!" said the silvery voice, with a slight tinge of disappointment in -it. "You want fun, do you? Well, how do you like this? I think it is the -funniest thing ever written, except others by the same author: - - "There was an old man in New York - Who thought he'd been changed to a stork; - He stood on one limb - 'Til his eyesight grew dim, - And used his left foot for a fork." - -"That's the kind," said Jimmieboy, enthusiastically. "I could listen to -a million of that sort of poems." - -"I'd be very glad to tell you a million of them," returned the voice, -"but I don't believe there's electricity enough for me to do it under -twenty-five minutes, and as we only have five left, I'm going to recite -my lines on 'A Sulphur Match.' - - "The flame you make, O Sulphur Match! - When your big head I chance to scratch, - - "Appears so small most people deem - You lilliputian, as you seem. - - "And yet the force that in you lies - Can fight with brilliance all the skies. - - "There's strength enough in you to send - Great cities burning to their end; - - "So that we have a hint in you - Of what the smallest thing can do." - -"Don't you like that?" queried the voice, anxiously. "I do hope you do, -because I am especially proud of that. The word lilliputian is a -tremendous word for a poet of my size, and to think that I was able, -alone and unassisted, to lift it bodily out of the vocabulary into the -poem makes me feel very, very proud of myself, and agree with my mother -that I am the greatest poet that ever lived." - -"Well, if you want me to, I'll like it," said Jimmieboy, who was in an -accommodating mood. "I'll take your word for it that it is a tremendous -poem, but if you think of repeating it over again to me, don't do it. -Let me have another comic poem." - -"All right," said Pixyweevil--for it was he that spoke through the book. -"You are very kind to like my poem just to please me. Tell me anything -in the world you want a poem about, and I'll let you have the poem." - -"Really?" cried Jimmieboy, delighted to meet with so talented a person -as Pixyweevil. "Well--let me see--I'd like a poem about my garden rake." - -"Certainly. Here it is: - - "I had a little garden rake - With seven handsome teeth, - It followed me o'er fern and brake, - O'er meadow-land and heath. - - "And though at it I'd often scowl, - And treat it far from right, - My garden rake would never growl, - Nor use its teeth to bite." - -"Elegant!" ejaculated Jimmieboy. "Say it again." - -"Oh no! we haven't time for that. Besides, I've forgotten it. What else -shall I recite about?" queried Pixyweevil. - -"I don't know; I can't make up my mind," said Jimmieboy. - -"Oh dear me! that's awful easy," returned Pixyweevil. "I can do that -with my eyes shut. Here she goes: - - "Shall I become a lawyer great, - A captain of a yacht, - A man who deals in real estate, - A doctor, or a what? - Ah me! Oh ho! - _I_ do not know. - I can't make up my mind. - - "I have a penny. Shall I buy - An apple or a tart? - A bit of toffee or a pie, - A cat-boat or a cart? - Ah me! Oh ho! - I do not know. - I can't make up my mind." - -"Splendid!" cried Jimmieboy. - -"That's harder--much harder," said Pixyweevil, "but I'll try. How is -this: - - "I bought one day, in Winnipeg, - A truly wondrous heavy egg; - And when my homeward course was run - I showed it to my little son. - 'Dear me!' said he, - When he did see, - 'I think that hen did - Splen-did-ly!' - - "I saw a bird--'twas reddish-brown-- - One day while in a country town, - Which sang, 'Oh, Johnny, Get Your Gun'; - And when I told my little son, - In tones of glee - Said he, 'Dear me! - I think that wren did - Splen-did-ly!" - -"That's the best I can do with splendid," said Pixyweevil. - -"Well, it's all you can do now, anyhow," came a voice from the doorway, -which Jimmieboy immediately recognized as the Imp's; "for Jimmieboy's -mamma has just telephoned that she wants him to come home right away." - -"It was very nice, Mr. Pixyweevil," said Jimmieboy, as he rose to -depart. "And I am very much obliged." - -"Thank you," returned Pixyweevil. "You are very polite, and exceedingly -truthful. I believe myself that, as that 'Splendid' poem might say, if -it had time, - - "I've truly ended - Splen-did-ly." - -And then Jimmieboy and the Imp passed out of the library back through -the music and cookery room. The Imp unlocked the door, and, fixing the -wires, sent Jimmieboy sliding down to the back hall, whence he had -originally entered the little telephone closet. - -[Illustration: "HULLO!" SAID HIS PAPA. "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?"] - -"Hullo!" said his papa. "Where have you been?" - -"Having a good time," said Jimmieboy. - -"And what have you done with the key of my cigar-box?" - -"Oh, I forgot," said Jimmieboy. "I left it in the telephone door." - -"What a queer place to leave it," said his papa. "Let me have it, -please, for I want to smoke." - -And Jimmieboy went to get it, and, sure enough, there it was in the -little box, and it unlocked it, too; but when his father came to open -the door and look inside, the Imp had disappeared. - -THE END. - - - - -[Illustration: INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT] - - -The final game of the Long Island League was played on Thanksgiving day -at Eastern Park, between Poly Prep, and the Brooklyn High-School. -Although Pratt Institute had won the League championship, and both the -contesting elevens had been defeated by St. Paul's, the interest taken -by Brooklyn football enthusiasts in the rivalry of these two teams was -sufficient to draw a larger crowd to Eastern Park than has been seen -there at a football game since Yale played Princeton in 1890. Over 7000 -people paid admission to witness this interscholastic contest. The game -resulted in a victory for the High-School--16-12. The defensive work of -both teams was weak, and when once one of the elevens secured the ball, -they were pretty sure of carrying it down the field for a touch-down, -unless they lost it on a fumble. The cause for this weakness in -defensive play is no doubt due to the fact that it is the hardest kind -of work to get a scrub team for the first eleven of either school to -practise against. St. Paul's is about the only school in the Long Island -League that can boast of a regularly organized second eleven. At the -other schools no one seems to care about going on the field unless he is -reasonably sure of securing a position on the first team. - -In the first half, High-School scored ten points and Poly Prep. six. The -work of both teams in this half was of about an even order; neither -kicked, apparently feeling that the only hope for success was to cling -to the possession of the ball. This was a mistake on Poly Prep.'s part, -for in Mason, their full-back, they have a punter whose superior is not -to be found on any school team of the Long Island League. In the second -half, Poly Prep. took a brace, and although High-School scored again, -they never gave up hope of success. The Prep. team scored chiefly -because of the plunges through the line of Mason and Bresze, who carried -the ball for repeated gains through tackle and guard, while Richards -went around the end a number of times. These men did the best offensive -work of the day for their side. Robeson at quarter did well, and seemed -to have gotten rid of that nervousness which characterized his play -earlier in the season. His passing was clean and accurate, and he used -good generalship in giving signals. Bresze's tackling was low and hard, -and at breaking up interference he proved himself most valuable. The -best defence was put up by Boorum at centre, and by Norton and Hoover, -his guards. Only one gain was made through them. - -[Illustration: BERKELEY _VS._ PRATT. - -Full-back "bucking" the line.] - -For the High-School, Laner, the Captain, and Lambert did the best work. -The latter's offence was strong, and his good runs around the ends were -in a large measure responsible for High-School's victory. This team was -strong at the ends and back of the line, in this having some advantage -over their opponents. In no game that I have seen this season has there -been so little kicking; High-School did not kick at all, and Poly Prep. -only once. This was when Mason punted for a 35-yard gain into -High-School territory, Laner missing the catch, and letting the ball go -to Poly Prep. on the 30-yard line. This should have encouraged the Poly -Prep. Captain to play more of a kicking game, but he was apparently -blind to his advantage. Both elevens were weak at tackle, and most of -the plays were shoved through here on both sides. - -[Illustration: BERKELEY _VS._ ST. PAUL'S. - -Holding in the rush-line.] - -The Long Island football season has not been so successful this year as -might have been desired. It made a bad start and ended up weakly. Bryant -and Stratton's decided at the beginning of the season not to put a team -in the field. Adelphi, after being defeated 66-0 by Pratt Institute, -disbanded her eleven, and forfeited the remaining games scheduled. A -little later the Latin School followed suit. The latter had played but -one game with High-School, in which they did good work, although the -score was 18-0 against them. This wholesale resignation left only four -teams in the League: St. Paul's, Pratt Institute, Poly Prep., and -High-School. The reason given by Bryant and Stratton's for withdrawing -from the League was that so little interest was taken in football that -it was impossible to organize an eleven. I think the additional reason -of bad management on the part of the Athletic Committee might well be -added to this. At Adelphi one player was hurt early in the season, -whereupon the parents of five of the best players in school took it upon -themselves to prohibit their sons from taking any further part in the -game. Another reason given by the Adelphians is that their men were so -light that it was useless to attempt to pit them against the heavier -teams of the League. - -The Latin School eleven was unfortunate in having some of its best -players laid up at the start. This seemed to discourage the men, and -some of them announced openly that they intended to play Poly Prep., but -would forfeit to St. Paul's and Pratt Institute, because they were not -heavy enough to play against such teams. Later in the season they did, -in fact, play Poly Prep., and were defeated 20-10. This business of -forfeiting games for one reason or another is a very bad thing. The -League ought to have some rule to penalize such conduct, or every season -will see the same kind of fizzle that this year has exhibited. Any team -that feels it cannot win in Brooklyn decides apparently that the noblest -course of action is to forfeit at once. This is not sportsmanlike, and -very little thought on the part of athletic leaders across the river -ought to show them what a serious mistake they make by encouraging or -allowing any such conduct on the part of the Captains or Managers of -football teams. - -[Illustration: BERKELEY _VS._ ST. PAUL'S. - -Formation for tandem play.] - -When the season opened, St. Paul's School was looked upon as a probable -winner of the championship, but after the eleven had played several -games it became apparent that the men lost heart in an uphill contest. -In the game against Berkeley, however, they belied this reputation by -playing a beautiful uphill game. High-School and Poly Prep. are now -tied for third place, in spite of the fact that the former was -victorious in the Thanksgiving-day game. The League will undoubtedly -give to the Latin School the game that her eleven played against the -High-School, which the latter won 18-0, and in which there was that -peculiar agreement between the Captains to which I referred some weeks -ago. - -The results of the games played in the Long Island Interscholastic -Football League this fall, are as follows: - - Pratt Institute, 18--High-School, 0. - Pratt Institute, 66--Adelphi, 0. - Pratt Institute, 26--St. Paul's, 0. - Pratt Institute, 24--Poly Prep., 4. - St. Paul's, 36--Poly Prep., 0. - St. Paul's, 18--High-School, 0. - High-School, 18--Latin School, 0. - High-School, 16--Poly Prep., 12. - Poly Prep., 20--Latin School, 10. - -Adelphi forfeited to all except Pratt Institute; and Bryant and -Stratton's forfeited to everybody. The Latin School forfeited to Pratt -Institute and to St. Paul's. Poly Prep. was the only team to score -against Pratt Institute. - -Matters of importance have been occupying the New York Inter-scholastic -Athletic Association's attention for the past two weeks. These matters -are of importance not only to students of the New York schools -immediately interested in the questions in dispute, but also to all -readers of this Department who favor cleanliness and honesty in school -sport. Space will not allow me to go very fully into the questions that -came up for decision at the two meetings of the N.Y.I.S.A.A., recently -held here and fully discussed in the daily papers; but I shall try to -touch broadly enough upon the principles involved to make the resulting -lesson of service even to those who may not be familiar with the details -of the two cases. The N.Y.I.S.A.A. this fall found that it had two -difficult matters to settle. One of them was a charge brought by the -rector of Trinity School against the head-master of Barnard School, -accusing him of calling upon and personally asking a member of Trinity -School to leave that institution and to accept a free scholarship at -Barnard. The purpose of this inducement was said to be that Barnard -wished thus to add to the strength of her football team. At the meeting -of the committee intrusted with the task of deciding whether or no these -charges were justified, Barnard School was represented by a lawyer, two -teachers, and a stenographer, and doubtless with a very strong defense, -because the committee after a protracted session decided to dismiss the -complaint. The second question that the Arbitration Committee had to -pass upon was the protest against Ehrich, of Harvard School, filed last -spring by De La Salle. - -The Ehrich matter is already familiar to readers of this Department, for -I touched upon it at the time the protest was made in June. It will be -remembered that in the game for the championship of the New York League -in baseball, Ehrich caught for Harvard in spite of the fact that De La -Salle claimed he had no right to play, having been a student at the -College of the City of New York. Harvard School won that game, and as a -result the pennant was subsequently awarded to them. At the recent -meeting of the Arbitration Committee to decide the question of fraud on -the part of Harvard, this school claimed that the association had -already legally awarded the championship, and that therefore no further -action could be taken. De La Salle, on the other hand, contended that -they had protested Ehrich before the final game of last year, and showed -that he was ineligible to the Harvard team because of having been -enrolled the previous autumn in the Freshman class of a college. - -According to the constitution of the N.Y.I.S.A.A. any violation of the -rules is fraud. There is a rule which says that no one having attended a -college may thereafter play upon a school team. De La Salle therefore -charged Harvard School with being guilty of fraud, and tried to have the -question settled last spring. Three attempts were made to have the -protest decided. The first time there was no quorum present; at the -second meeting the Condon delegates left the room, refusing to pass on -any question of fraud; at the third meeting, on June 19th, the -championship was awarded to the Harvard School; but from all I hear, the -voting was carried on in a most questionable and peculiar manner. I hope -there is no truth in the report that clerks from the drug-store located -in the building were brought in as delegates, to make a quorum, and -voted as such. - -When the question came up before the Arbitration Committee last week, De -La Salle claimed that, according to the constitution, charges of fraud -must be referred not to the Executive Committee of the I.S.A.A., but to -an Arbitration Committee, which is an entirely different body. De La -Salle also asserted that their delegates had never been notified of the -meeting at which the championship was awarded, and that even had they -been notified they could not have been present because their school -closed a week before. After a long debate Harvard School was found -guilty by the Arbitration Committee of violating the constitution and, -consequently, guilty of fraud. - -The penalty for fraud is expulsion from the Association. Harvard now -cries that it has been unfairly treated, and the principal of the school -has stated in the newspapers that he will withdraw his school from the -Association. This, of course, he cannot do, because Harvard has charges -pending against her, and under these conditions resignation is out of -the question. The action of the Arbitration Committee in thus stamping -out the least semblance of professionalism in the Association cannot be -too highly commended. Last year the N.Y.I.S.A.A. was run almost entirely -by a few schools, and there was a great howl against "ring politics" -from certain quarters. The outsiders formed themselves into a "reform -party," and early this fall selected the men they chose to have -represent them in the Executive Committee of the Association, nominated -these men, and elected the entire ticket. It is to be hoped that this -"reform party" will stick to its determination to keep scholastic -athletics in New York clean and honest, and absolutely free from even -the slightest rumor or suspicion of professional tendencies. - -If the managers of New York school athletics cannot do this, if they -cannot keep the professional spirit out of sport, they had better -disband their elevens and their nines, rather than make sport a farce -and a masquerade for dishonesty. A commendable step in the -"house-cleaning" now going forward is the revision of the constitution. - -The most interesting, most scientific, and most important game of the -Boston season was that played Thanksgiving morning between Boston Latin -and English High Schools, before three thousand spectators. English High -pulled out the game, and thus won the championship with a clean score -of victories. The Latin School played desperately, realizing that to win -the game meant to tie English High for the championship. - -After an exchange of kicks at the start, English High took the ball at -the centre of the field, and worked it over the line for the only score -of the game, without losing it. It was brilliant, hard, irresistible -playing that did it, and it won the game. It was the best football that -has been seen in the League this season. The only thing to be compared -to it is the game that Boston Latin played from that moment until time -was called. Latin forced the playing, after that fatal touch-down, until -the end. English High was on the defence throughout. But that defence -was so good that Latin, with an attack far better than it has ever shown -before, was unable to score. Three or four times Latin carried the ball -to the five-yard line of their opponents, only to be held for downs, and -see the ball kicked safely down the field. The play on both sides was of -the surest and most satisfactory order. There were no flukes to regret, -no incompetent officials to turn the result of the game. - -There was almost no fumbling or poor tackling. Every five yards that was -gained was earned by straight, hard-played football. Every time four -downs were called it was because of superior defence. The football that -was played in this game would be a credit to any college team, and many -a 'varsity player could learn a lesson of sand from these boys. - -Whittemore of the English High-School, and Maguire of the Latin, were -stars even in this group. Each one played football every minute of the -game. In offence or defence, not an error was made by either. Not far -behind them comes Callahan, English High's centre. In spite of two -recently sprained ankles, he played a most aggressive game, repeatedly -getting out and stopping end and tackle plays. It was his hole-making, -too, in this game, as heretofore, that made Ellsworth such a brilliant -line-bucker. Besides Callahan and Whittemore, Ashley and Eaton were most -valuable to English High. Ashley got around the end in a way that must -have surprised him. As a ground-gainer, Eaton, the guard, was not as -successful as usual, but he did an immense amount of work on defence. -Purtell, his side partner, played a steady, sure game. - -For the Latin school, Maguire's work was far ahead of any one's else. He -was their surest ground-gainer and their surest tackler. McLachlan, who -is the tallest man in the League, played the best end in the game. He is -a hard man to put out, and is a great interferer. Daly, at quarter, had -a brainy day, and ran the team faultlessly. Nagle, at guard, quit even -with Eaton, and time and again helped Teevens, the full-back, through -the line. - -Man for man, the teams were evenly matched. In the matter of sand -neither side can claim any superiority. English High can rest assured -that the championship was never more gloriously won. Boston Latin need -feel no chagrin because their opponents played a game just one whit -better than their own. - -Two other great games were played Thanksgiving morning, one between -Cambridge Manual and Cambridge High and Latin, the other between Boston -English High and Boston Latin. The first-named game was played on a -soggy, slippery field, which did not allow of much good football. It was -intensely interesting and exciting, however, and resulted in a tie. In -the first half it looked like High-School's game; but in the second -Manual had everything her own way. It would be unfair to say that it was -a poor exhibition in so far as playing football was concerned, for the -miserable field was responsible for that. The backs never got started -well, and the punters could not stand firmly enough to do good kicking, -and anything but the most elementary plays was impossible. - -High and Latin had a much better defence than Manual; there was but one -weak spot in the line, but that--left tackle--was worked repeatedly for -big gains. Cambridge played a new man at left end, Warnock, and he gives -promise of doing great work next year. Warren, at guard, and Saul, at -quarter, played their usual reliable defence, and Beardsell, at end, -played a most brilliant game. He followed the ball wonderfully. Nine -times out of ten, when the ball was fumbled, it was Beardsell who fell -on it. For Manual, Moore, at centre, played the most aggressive game. -White excelled among the backs, keeping his feet remarkably well in the -mud. - -This game was to decide which team would finish last in the race; but it -failed to do so, as each of these schools now has four defeats and one -tie on its record. The question of last place must be decided, however, -in order to give Somerville High, who won the junior championship, a -chance to enter the senior league next year. - - THE GRADUATE. - - - - -ADVERTISEMENTS. - - - - -Highest of all in Leavening Strength.--Latest U. S. Gov't Report. - -[Illustration: Royal Baking Powder] - - - - -Arnold - -Constable & Co - - * * * * * - -Winter Underwear. - -"CARTWRIGHT & WARNER'S" - -Celebrated Manufacture - -_for Men, Women, and Children_. - - * * * * * - -HOSIERY. - -_Ladies' Silk Hose, Plain, Open-work, and_ - -_Embroidered Fronts_. - - * * * * * - -Men's Silk Half-Hose - -_for Evening Wear, Plain, and Embroidered Fronts_. - - * * * * * - -Children's Silk Hose and Socks - -_for Dancing-School and Evening Wear_. - - * * * * * - -Ladies' Knit Skating-Jackets, - -Men's Bicycle Hose. - - * * * * * - -GLOVES. - - * * * * * - -Broadway & 19th st. - -NEW YORK. - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - -Our - -STAR - -CIRCUS - -IS COMING! - -Continuous performance. Don't let the children miss it. Clowns, acrobats -and performing animals. Naturally colored, on cardboard. Will stand -alone. Sent postpaid to any address, on receipt of =SIX CENTS= in stamps. -Amuses the children, and makes the mother acquainted with - -WILLIMANTIC - -STAR THREAD. - -Send for a set for each of the children. - -Address - -WILLIMANTIC THREAD CO., - -Willimantic, Conn. - - - - -PLAYS - -Dialogues, Speakers, Magic Tricks, Wigs, Mustaches, Music Goods, Catalog -=Free=. - -G. H. W. Bates, Boston, Mass. - - - - -FREE. - -Comic return envelopes. Sleiqht of Hand exposed. List of 500 gifts. -Album of cards. Send 2c stamp for postage. Address Banner Card Co., -Cadiz, Ohio. - - - - -[Illustration: BICYCLING] - - The Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject. - Our maps and tours contain much valuable data kindly supplied from - the official maps and road-books of the League of American - Wheelmen. Recognizing the value of the work being done by the - L. A. W. the Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with - membership blanks and information so far as possible. - - -[Illustration: Copyright, 1895, by Harper & Brothers.] - -The excellent roads and pleasant mingling of inland and coast scenery -make the cycling trip to Nantasket and the shore one of the most -enjoyable in the vicinity of Boston. The rendezvous is at Copley Square -in front of the new Public Library. Start northward through Dartmouth -Street, turn to the left onto Commonwealth Avenue, a finely macadamized -street, and follow the same until you reach Charlesgate Street, West; -here bear to the left, and cross the bridge over the Boston and Albany -tracks; this will bring the rider into the Fenway Parks, a part of the -great Metropolitan Park System. After leaving the bridge at the first -fork of the roads keep to the right, and shortly afterward to the right -again, thus following the main Boulevard to Brookline Avenue. There turn -to the left, and in a few rods to the right again. For some distance -after passing this point there are a few easy hills and moderate coasts, -the road winding in and out between picturesque hills and through -beautiful woodlands. - -On coming in sight of Jamaica Pond turn to the left, and take the next -road to the right, passing the pond on the right hand, and taking the -main driveway in Jamaica Park. At this last turn, the rider passes on -the right a building so peculiar as to attract more than usual -attention; it is the Holland House, which was bought after the close of -the exposition in Chicago, and transported to its present site. After -passing the small pond on the left of Pond Street turn to the left, and -at the first fork of the roads keep to the left, and take the next road -to the right, which runs along the northern boundary of the Arnold -Arboretum (place of trees) with the Adams Nervine Asylum and -Agricultural College on the right. Keep now to the direct road, which -winds a little, crosses the tracks of the New York and New Haven -Railroad, and skirts Franklin Park on the south, bearing here the name -of Morton Street. - -From the beginning of our ride up to the end of Franklin Park all the -roadway is of the best macadamized construction with smooth and -perfectly preserved surface. The rider gets a comprehensive view of the -Fenway Parks, Jamaica Park, and a glimpse of the Arnold Arboretum, and -Franklin Park, immediately to the south of which is Forest Hills -Cemetery, with the Blue Hills of Milton in the distance. - -On leaving Franklin Park keep the direct road on Morton Street to Milton -Lower Mills. On reaching Sanford Street turn to the left, and at the -next corner to the right, past the Library Building; then bear to the -left on to Dorchester Avenue and across the bridge over Neponset River, -by the Milton Station on Adams Street, which we follow directly to East -Milton Station. - -Just after leaving the river there is a stiff climb up Milton Hill, at -the summit of which there is a fine panoramic view of the country -through which we have passed, and of the region through which we are to -ride. We now have a good dirt road with some clay here and there, with -down grade and excellent coasts. Keep on Adams Street into Quincy, with -a sharp turn to the right after crossing the tracks of the Old Colony -Railroad, which brings us to Hancock Street, and there we turn to the -left at Washington Street, and follow the street railway track over -Quincy Point across the bridge into North Weymouth. Follow Bridge -Street, keep to the left at fountain into North Weymouth village, and -then to the left by Weymouth draw-bridge to Hingham. Bear to the left at -Hingham Station, crossing the bridge past the boat-house, and follow -Summer Street, which joins Rockland Street, a direct way to Nantasket, -where at the Post-office the road branches. The road to the left from -the Post-office takes one to Nantasket Beach. Distance of round trip -forty-nine miles. - - - - -[Illustration: THE CAMERA CLUB] - - Any questions in regard to photograph matters will be willingly - answered by the Editor of this column, and we should be glad to - hear from any of our club who can make helpful suggestions. - -PAPERS FOR BEGINNERS, No. 17. - -INDEXING AND STORING NEGATIVES. - - -To save time, trouble, and vexation of spirit one should have his -negatives in such order that he can put his hand on the very one he -wants at a minute's notice, and unless one forms the habit of indexing -and storing his negatives as fast as they are made, his photographic -affairs are sure to get into a hopeless tangle. - -The easiest and most convenient way which the editor has found for -storing negatives is to have a cupboard partitioned off into -pigeon-holes large enough to hold 25 negatives each. The pigeon-holes -should be 3-1/2 inches in width and 6 inches in height, in which can be -conveniently stored 25 4x5 or 5x8 negatives. The negatives are first -placed in strong manila envelopes which can be bought of any dealer in -photographic supplies at from 25c. to 35c. a 100, according to size. -These envelopes are marked on the outside--No. ----, Name ----, Notes -----. Place the negative in the envelope, and in the proper places write -the name and number of the picture, and under the heading "Notes" write -anything about the picture which you wish to remember in regard to the -making, printing, etc., and also the date of taking. Copy the numbers -and names of the pictures in a blank-book which will be the negative -catalogue. Write nothing in the book but the numbers and names of the -negatives. All notes should be made on the envelope containing the -negative. - -On the edge of each pigeon-hole should be marked the number of negatives -which it contains, thus: "1 to 25," "26 to 50," "51 to 75," etc. Such a -method of storing one's negatives makes the finding of any one an easy -matter. - -Some amateurs classify their negatives, putting landscapes, interiors, -groups, etc., by themselves, but it is really more simple to number and -name them in the order in which they are made, and make a supplementary -classified list. Have the general list, and then, as one makes a -landscape and wishes to have the names of the landscapes, add it to the -classified list in this way: Landscapes--View on Hudson, No. 11. Mall, -Central Park, No. 14. A Mountain Road, No. 23, or whatever name and -number the negatives may be which comprise your landscapes. Place the -figure studies by themselves in a classified list, but make the general -list as directed. One remembers almost by instinct the number of a -negative he has once placed in his collection. - -If one has not a convenient cupboard a wooden soap box fitted with -pigeon-holes, which can be done by any ingenious boy or girl, answers -every purpose. The box should be fastened to the wall, a tape tied to -the negative catalogue, and the tape fastened to the side of the box; -then the two will never become separated. - - SIR KNIGHT HOWELLS FRECHETTE, No. 55 James St., Ottawa, Canada, - wishes some member living in Washington to exchange a view of the - Capitol for one of the Parliament buildings with him, or, if - preferred, will send any view round Ottawa. He also asks if the - editor would advise the use of combined bath with solio paper. The - combined bath is generally preferred, and if used according to - directions the results are very satisfactory. - - - - -ILL-TEMPERED BABIES - -are not desirable in any home. Insufficient nourishment produces ill -temper. Guard against fretful children by feeding nutritious and -digestible food. The Gail Borden Eagle Brand Condensed Milk is the most -successful of all infant foods.--[_Adv._] - - - - -ADVERTISEMENTS. - - - - -[Illustration] - -A poor wheel is like a poor horse--it costs more than it's worth to keep -it. In the Monarch the necessity of repair has been reduced to a -minimum. Its strength, lightness and beauty make it a marvel of modern -mechanical skill. The - -MONARCH - -is undoubtedly king of bicycles. A wheel that you can depend upon in any -emergency. Made in 4 models. $85 & $100. Send for Monarch book. - -MONARCH CYCLE MFG. CO., - -Lake and Halsted Sts. - -CHICAGO. - -Branches--New York, San Francisco, Portland, Salt Lake City, Denver, -Memphis, Detroit, Toronto. - - - - -Timely Warning. - -[Illustration] - -The great success of the chocolate preparations of the house of =Walter -Baker & Co.= (established in 1780) has led to the placing on the market -many misleading and unscrupulous imitations of their name, labels, and -wrappers. Walter Baker & Co. are the oldest and largest manufacturers of -pure and high-grade Cocoas and Chocolates on this continent. No -chemicals are used in their manufactures. - -Consumers should ask for, and be sure that they get, the genuine Walter -Baker & Co.'s goods. - -WALTER BAKER & CO., Limited, - -DORCHESTER, MASS. - - - - -ANOTHER HALF-DOZEN BOOKS - -For Boys and Girls. - - -Child Sketches from George Eliot. - - Selected and arranged from the works of the great novelist by JULIA - MAGRUDER. Illustrated by R. B. Birch and Amy Brooks. Square 8vo, - cloth, $1.25. - -The Children's Nonsense Book. - - Tales and rhymes of fun, nonsense, and absurdity, by favorite - fun-makers. 4to, illustrated, cloth, $1.50. - -The Children's Wonder Book. - - Tales of marvel, mystery, and merriment, by popular story-tellers. - Illustrated, 4to, cloth, $1.50. - -The Impostor: _A College Story_. - - By CHARLES REMINGTON TALBOT. Illustrated by H. P. Barnes. 12mo, - cloth, $1.50. - -The Mammoth Hunters: _An Alaskan Story of Adventure_. - - By WILLIS BOYD ALLEN. Illustrated by Jos. H. Hatfield. 12mo, cloth, - 75 cents. - -The Old Town Pump: _A Village Story_. - - By MARGARET SIDNEY. Illustrated by H. F. Barnes. 12mo, cloth, - $1.25. - -For sale at all Bookstores. Send postal for Illustrated Holiday List, -New Descriptive Catalogue, and sample copy of _The Pansy_ containing -great PRIZE OFFER to Boys and Girls. Mailed free. - -LOTHROP PUBLISHING COMPANY, - -92 Pearl Street, Boston. - - - - -[Illustration] - -THE - -BALTIMOREAN PRINTING-PRESS - -has earned more money for boys than all other presses in the market. -Boys, don't idle away your time when you can buy a self-inking -printing-press, type, and complete outfit for $5.00. Write for -particulars, there is money in it for you. - -THE J. F. W. DORMAN CO., - -Baltimore, Md., U.S.A. - - - - -FREE - -[Illustration] - -As a sample of our 1000 BARGAINS we will send FREE this elegant Fountain -Pen, warranted a perfect writer, and immense Illus. Bargain Catalogue, -for 10c. to cover postage, etc. - -R. H. INGERSOLL & BRO., 65 CORTLANDT ST., N. Y. CITY. - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration] - -"Napoleon" - -Handsome, instructive. - -One of the new - -Parker - -Games - -For Boys and Girls. - - * * * * * - -"Innocence Abroad," "Waterloo," "Chivalry," "Yankee Doodle." - -ASK FOR THEM. - - - - -CHATTERBOX - -THE KING OF JUVENILES. - -No book has ever been made for young people which compares in value, or -has had one-tenth the sale of this great annual. =Millions of copies have -been sold.= The new volume for 1895-6 is just ready, and has over 200 -large and entirely new pictures, several new stories, (each a book in -itself), and hundreds of short stories, anecdotes, etc. The best Xmas -present possible for boys and girls of all ages. Order from your -bookseller or of us. - -ESTES & LAURIAT, Publishers, Boston. - - - - -Postage Stamps, &c. - - - - -[Illustration] - -STAMPS! - -800 fine mixed Victoria, Cape of G. H., India, Japan, etc., with fine -Stamp Album, only 10c. New 80-p. Price-list free. _Agents wanted_ at 50% -commission. STANDARD STAMP CO., 4 Nicholson Place, St. Louis, Mo. Old -U. S. and Confederate Stamps bought. - - - - -[Illustration] - -100 all dif. Venezuela, Bolivia, etc., only 10c.; 200 all dif. Hayti, -Hawaii, etc., only 50c. Ag'ts w't'd at 50% com. List FREE! =C. A. -Stegmann=, 5941 Cote Brilliante Ave., St. Louis, Mo - - - - -TUNIS - -Set of Tunis to every one applying for approval sheets. PENN STAMP CO., -WIND GAP, PA. - - - - -FOREIGN STAMPS ON APPROVAL. References required; agents wanted at 50% -com. Lists free. - -CHAS. B. RAUB, New London, Conn. - - - - -25 - -Varieties U. S. Adhesive Stamps sent on receipt of ten cents. - -CALEDONIA STAMP CO., Northampton, Mass. - - - - -FINE APPROVAL SHEETS. Agents wanted at 50% com. P. S. Chapman, Box 151, -Bridgeport, Ct. - - - - -STAMPS! 100 all dif. Barbados, etc. Only 10c. Ag'ts w't'd at 50% com. -List free. L. DOVER & CO., 1469 Hodiamont, St. Louis, Mo. - - - - -10 RARE STAMPS FREE. - -Send 2c. stamp. - -F. E. THORP, Norwich, N. Y. - - - - -[Illustration: THE PUDDING STICK] - - This Department is conducted in the interest of Girls and Young - Women, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the - subject so far as possible. Correspondents should address Editor. - - -I am so pleased, Katharine and Eleanor, to hear that you are going away -on a week's visit--one to the city, and one to the country--and that you -are both anticipating a very pleasant time. The date, I understand, is -not yet absolutely fixed, but the visit is to be made before long, and -you would like to know what to take with you in the way of clothes, and -to have all the hints I can give about making such a visit successfully. - -Well, we will begin at the beginning. When the note of invitation from -your friend arrives, the first thing to do is to answer it, setting the -day and the train when she may expect you. She probably mentioned the -first in her invitation, and inclosed a time-table so that you might -select your train. Having decided on this, keep your engagement. Do not -allow a slight inconvenience, or an invitation elsewhere, or a caprice, -to let you change your plan. Go when you are expected, and stay as long -as you are asked to stay. An invitation usually mentions whether your -friend would like you to come for a week, or ten days, or a fortnight, -or it may read thus: "Please give us the great pleasure of a visit from -you. Come on Friday afternoon and stay until Tuesday," or on "Monday, -and help us celebrate Louise's birthday, which occurs on Tuesday; we -will hope to keep you with us until Friday." It is very much pleasanter -to know for how long you are invited than to have it left uncertain; but -when no time is mentioned, one takes it for granted that a week will -cover the period of the visit. - -By all means, when you can do this easily, take a small trunk for your -wardrobe for a week. If not a trunk, then take a large dress-suit case, -or one of those handy bags called telescopes, which may be stretched out -or compressed as occasion demands. You must not forget that in some -places expressage is difficult, though this is probably not the case in -any town or village near a railroad. There are localities in our country -where luggage is difficult of transportation, and trunks have to wait on -the chance of a neighborly lift, but this is understood by those who -travel there, and they arrange accordingly. A small trunk gives a girl a -chance to carry several pretty waists and skirts, and to dress with -greater variety while at her friend's house. But one may pack a great -many things in her brother's suit-case. - -A girl will find her pretty travelling dress, which at this season is of -rough cloth, dark brown or blue by preference, with a thick jacket and a -neat little hat, suitable for walking, driving, and sight-seeing while -away from home. She must be sure that her boots and gloves are in dainty -order, without missing buttons, and, if she chooses, a fur collar or boa -and a muff may complete her out-door costume. For use in company, -afternoon teas, evenings, little gatherings of friends at dinner, or any -fête to which she is invited, a pretty waist of silk or chiffon and a -skirt of silk or fine wool will be appropriate. In packing waists use -plenty of soft white tissue-paper, so that they will come out uninjured -at the journey's end. Your mother will provide you with a simple evening -gown, if she thinks it needful, and a girl never looks sweeter than in -simple white muslin or in a white gown of some sort. With the white gown -must be white shoes, and house gowns of all kinds need dainty foot-gear. - -Now, pray forgive me, but when going on a visit never omit your -night-gowns, changes of underclothing, stockings and handkerchiefs in -abundance. A lady is never unprovided with enough of these essentials. -Take your own comb and brush, your tooth-powder, tooth-brush, cold -cream, and all the little toilet accessories which you like to have at -home. Supply yourself with pins, the common kind and the sheath kind, -and have your needle and thread in case of a rent to be mended. Also -carry note-paper, stamps, and envelopes, so that you may write to the -home people often. - -[Illustration] - - - - -An Appeal for a School-house. - - -Come, dear readers of the Table--Ladies, Knights, Patrons, and their -friends--let us make possible the laying of the corner-stone of Good -Will School next spring. The task is not a difficult one. It can be -accomplished in this way: - -Get one subscriber to HARPER'S ROUND TABLE. Remit the $2 for it for one -year. Attach the accompanying Coupon. Say in your letter that you wish -the 50 cents turned into the Fund. And the thing is done. The Fund is -complete. The corner-stone will be laid. The boys will have an -industrial school-house. The Order will have performed a grand, a -chivalrous deed. - -At this holiday-time every person who reads these lines has it within -his or her power to build this school-house. Because, if _you_ get the -one subscriber, the house will be built. If you do not, it will not--not -now. All depends on you. - -Go out and ask your friends about it. Ask them to help you get the -subscriber. Your parents and teachers will help you. Ask them to do so. -Set your heart on getting this one subscriber. Go to a Sunday-school or -church committee, a day school, some well-to-do man or woman who has -young persons in the household. Ask the well-to-do neighbor. Relate the -merits of the paper, and show a sample copy and Prospectus. We furnish -them free. Ask us to do so. - -But do more than this. Relate the story of Good Will. Tell the person -whom you are asking to subscribe why you want the subscription, and why -you want it now. Tell him or her that Good Will Farm, while in Maine, -takes boys from any part of the country, and is therefore not a local, -but a national enterprise. Say that it is a house for an industrial -school that the Order is to build. The Farm is in good hands, and the -school itself will be well conducted. Our task is only to put up the -building, not to conduct the school. Say that during the last few -years--two or three--more than 700 poor boys have applied for admission -to Good Will, and had to be refused it for lack of room. These boys were -deserving. Say further that if you get the subscription the school will -be built, and, by turning a house now used for the school into a -dwelling, more boys can be taken--boys of five, six, and seven years of -age, who are now homeless, may be given homes, school advantages, and a -chance to become useful Christian men. - -During the next two weeks will _you_ get this subscription? Talk it -up--and get it. The appeal is not made to the Order. It is made to -_you_. If you do not wish to cut out the coupon, make a pen one nearly -like it, ask us for duplicates, or send on the subscription without a -coupon, simply saying that you got it to help the school, and that you -want 50 cents of the $2 given to the Fund. Be sure to give the -subscription address, and your own name for the Honor Roll. - -Come on, dear friends, let us build this school-house. - - THIS COUPON - - Will be received by the publishers of HARPER'S ROUND TABLE as - - [Illustration] - - when accompanied by an order for a NEW subscription to HARPER'S - ROUND TABLE and One Dollar and Fifty Cents. The intent of this - Coupon is to pay you for inducing another person, _not now a - subscriber_, to subscribe for HARPER'S ROUND TABLE for one year. - This Coupon has nothing whatever to do with your own subscription; - that is, with the copy you expect to read next year, it matters not - in whose name it be ordered, and will not be accepted as payment - for any part of it. It is good for its face in the hands of any - person who performs the work indicated, whether said person is a - subscriber or not. HARPER & BROTHERS. - - * * * * * - -More about Garter-snakes. - - Some weeks ago I noticed an inquiry by Vincent V. M. Beede whether - or not there is a distinct variety of garter-snake living near or - in the water. In reply to this I will say that I think there is. - Last spring when trying to catch some tadpoles in a small pond, I - saw a large snake swim towards me. Like Sir Vincent, I at first - took it to be a water-adder, but on looking at it a second time I - saw that it was a large, dull-colored garter-snake. A few days - after I was at another pool in the woods and saw at the edge of the - water a similar snake, which was wriggling about in a peculiar way. - I watched it closely, and saw that it was catching and swallowing - tadpoles. - - From these observations I am inclined to think that there is a - separate variety of garter-snake. Both snakes were very large and - less brilliantly striped than any I had seen before. Can any one - tell me more on the subject? I should like to see and talk with Sir - Vincent. Does he attend the E. O. High-school? I would like some - correspondents. - - EVELYN G. MITCHELL, R.T.F. - EAST ORANGE. - -Sir Vincent, who is one of our most popular Table contributors, attends -the Centenary Institute at Hackettstown. - - * * * * * - -A Pretty Experiment. - - The natural colors of a leaf may be easily transferred to paper. - Take a leaf of a tree or shrub, place over it a small piece of - white linen soaked in spirits of nitre, and insert between the - leaves of a heavy book with a sheet of paper to receive the - impression. Lay the book aside for a few days. The leaf will be - found devoid of color, which will have been transferred to the - paper in all the original beauty of tint and outline of leaf. - - WILBUR E. CLAYBERGER, R.T.K. - - * * * * * - -Another Virgil Version. - - In the ROUND TABLE for October 29th Sir Knight Alfred G. Baker - asked about a line from Virgil, "The Poles Resound." The ancients - believed that the earth was flat, and that the sky revolved round - it. On one side of the sky was the north star, and on the other - another star. Therefore the line is translated by, "The sky," not - the earth, "resounds with heavy thunders." - - C. F. WHEELER. - - - - -[Illustration: STAMPS] - - This Department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin - collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question - on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address - Editor Stamp Department. - - -So many inquiries come to me regarding value of coins, that I shall give -lists of the prices _asked by dealers_ for U. S. coins. These lists will -not be reprinted. Collectors will therefore preserve the Numbers -containing the same. The prices as quoted are for coins in "fair" -condition. For coins in "good," "very good," "fine," and "very fine" -condition much larger prices are asked. To begin with the lowest. - -HALF-CENTS.--1796, $12; 1797, lettered edge 1802, $2.50 each; 1793, 1795 -lettered edge, $1.50 each; all the others from 10c. to 50c. each. - -CENTS.--1787, two varieties, 20c., 50c.; 1793, six varieties, $3.50, $5, -$8, and upward; 1794, 50c.; 1795, two varieties, 50c., $1; 1796, three -varieties, 50c., 75c., $2; 1797, four varieties, 25c., 50c., 75c., $1; -1799 over 98, $7.50; 1799, perfect date, $10; 1801, United, $1; 1804, -$4; 1809, $1; 1839 over 36, $3; 1851 over 81, $2; the balance from 5c. -to 75c. each, mostly 5c. - -SMALL CENTS.--1856, flying eagle, $4. All the others, 5c. or 10c. each. - -TWO CENTS.--1873, $1.75. All the others 10c. each. - -THREE CENTS (NICKEL).--1877, proofs only, $2.50. All the others 10c. or -15c. - -FIVE CENTS (NICKEL).--1877, proofs only, $2.50. All the others 10c. or -15c. - -THREE CENTS (SILVER)--From 1863 to 1873 inclusive, 75c. to $1 each. All -the others 10c. each. - -FIVE CENTS (SILVER).--1802, $250; 1805, $7.50; 1860, no arrow, $5; 1794, -1801, 1846, $2.50 each; 1795, 1796, 1797, 1800, 1803, $1 to $2 each. The -others from 10c. to 30c. each. - -DIMES.--1804, $25; 1796 to 1803, inclusive, and 1822, from $2 to $3 -each; 1809, 1846, $1 each. The others from 15c. to 50c. each. - -TWENTY CENTS.--1875, 40c.; 1876, 50c.; 1877, 1878, $3 each. - - M. R. GAUSE.--The four coins are common, and worth face value only. - You failed to give your address. - - M. HALE.--The 1839 cent struck over 1836 is sold by dealers at $3. - The regular 1839 has no premium. The other coins are sold at 10c. - each. - - MRS. A. M. R.--I cannot give addresses of dealers in this column. - Ordinary current stamps have little value. Ten million of the - present 2c. red are used every day. - - CORPORAL P. CONN.--Dealers ask from 15c. to 40c. according to - condition. - - A. L. CHURCHMAN.--Dealers ask 5c. - - R. HITCHENS.--Dealers do not pay premiums at present on any - Columbians except the dollar values. - - Z. C. FRICK.--Dealers ask 5c. each for the coins mentioned. - - DUBUQUE, IOWA.--(No name signed to inquiry).--The 1795 dollar, - lettered edge, is worth $3.50. The other coins about twice face - value. Confederate paper money, as a rule, has no value. U.S. - fractional currency in good fresh condition is worth twice face. If - dirty or crumpled it has no premium value. - - J. HALL.--Yes. Stamps catalogued at $2 each, or over, are disposed - of to best advantage by auction. Common stamps catalogued from 1c. - to 50c. each, do not as a rule bring anything like their value at - auction. - - L. RICHARDSON.--Dealers charge $50 for the 1852 dollar. If yours is - in good condition, a dealer might buy it for $25 or $30. If the - date is not clear, or the coin is badly worn, it is not worth so - much. - - PHILATUS. - - - - -[Illustration] - -Copyright, 1885, by The Procter & Gamble Co., Cin'ti. - -Every lot of Ivory Soap is carefully analyzed, and comparisons are made -with analyses of the popular castile and toilet soaps. Ivory Soap -contains less of impurities, less of free alkali and more real soap than -any of them; that is why it can be used without injury to the rose leaf -skin of the baby, to the sheerest of linens or to the daintiest of -laces. - - - - -PRINTING OUTFIT 10c. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: G. A. R. 25c.] - -[Illustration: Brownies 10c.] - -For printing cards, marking linen, books, etc. Contains everything shown -in cut. Type, Tweezers, Holder, Indelible Ink, Ink Pad, etc. Thoroughly -practical for business or household use and a most instructive -amusement. Sent with catalogue illustrating over 1000 Tricks and -Novelties, for 10c. in stamps to pay postage and packing on outfit and -catalogue. Same outfit with figures 15c. Large outfit for printing two -lines 25c. - -=Brownie Rubber Stamps=--A set of 6 grotesque little people with ink pad; -price, postpaid, 10c. - -G. A. R. series Rubber Stamps, 12 characters. Makes all kinds of -Battles, Encampments and other military pictures, 25c. postpaid. Address - -ROBERT H. INGERSOLL & BRO. - -Dep't No. 62. 65 Cortlandt St., New York. - - - - -[Illustration] - -Highest Award - -WORLD'S FAIR. - -SKATES - -CATALOGUE FREE. - -BARNEY & BERRY, Springfield, Mass. - - - - -BREAKFAST--SUPPER. - -EPPS'S - -GRATEFUL--COMFORTING. - -COCOA - -BOILING WATER OR MILK. - - - - -OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - -OF THE AWARD ON - -=GILLOTT'S PENS= at the CHICAGO EXPOSITION. - -=AWARD:= "For excellence of steel used in their manufacture, it being fine -grained and elastic; superior workmanship, especially shown by the -careful grinding which leaves the pens free from defects. The tempering -is excellent and the action of the finished pens perfect." - - Approved: JOHN BOYD THACHER, - _Chairman Exec. Com. on Awards_ - - - - -Ancient Indian Relics - -Stone tomahawk dug from mound, arrow heads, flint spears, beads, and -other relics sent postpaid for $2. Valuable collection for sale from -Ohio mounds. Write for description. - -F. I. BROWN, Hayden Block, Columbus, O. - - - - -NEW PLAYS - -READINGS, RECITATIONS, - -CATALOGUES FREE!!! - -DE WITT, ROSE ST., N. Y. - - - - -GEO. F. CRANE, - -90 Nassau St., - -NEW YORK, - -will pay cash for collections or scarce stamps. - - - - -HOOPING-COUGH - -CROUP. - -Roche's Herbal Embrocation. - -The celebrated and effectual English Cure without internal medicine. -Proprietors, W. EDWARD & SON. London, England. - -E. Fougera & Co., 30 North William St., N.Y. - - -BAKER sells recitations and PLAYS - -23 Winter St., Boston - -CATALOGUES FREE. - - - - -CARDS - -The FINEST SAMPLE BOOK of Gold Beveled Edge, Hidden Name, Silk Fringe, -Envelope and Calling Cards ever offerer for a 2 cent Stamp. These are -GENUINE CARDS, NOT TRASH. - -UNION CARD CO., COLUMBUS, OHIO. - - - - -[Illustration] - - - - -Harper's - -Round Table - -for 1895 - -Volume XVI. With 1096 Pages, and about 750 Illustrations. 4to, Cloth, -Ornamental, $3.50. - - A literal mine of instruction and entertainment.... The young - person who receives this beautiful book as a Christmas gift is an - enviable person indeed.--_Examiner_, N. Y. - - There is nothing, we imagine, that the young reader would be likely - to prize more.--_N. Y. Sun_. - - A truly royal volume for the youthful reading appetite.--_Boston - Courier_. - - * * * * * - -Harper & Brothers, Publishers, N. Y. - - - - -[Illustration: REHEARSING FOR THE CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME. - -THE BEAR (_at rehearsal_). "SEE HERE, DOROTHY, WHEN I BEGIN TO DEVOUR -YOU IN THE CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE, YOU OUGHT TO BE AWFUL SCART, INSTEAD -OF GIGGLING." - -DOROTHY. "BUT YOU MAKE ME GIGGLE, YOUR WHISKERS TICKLE ME SO."] - - - - -A WREATH OF CHRISTMAS SMILES. - -BY CODDLES AND TODDLES. - - -C. (1 A.M.). "Is it raining out, Tod?" - -T. "Raining! No; it's snowing hard." - -C. "I don't think Santa Claus will come, then, 'cause papa said he uses -_reindeers_ only to pull his sleigh." - - * * * * * - -T. (2 A.M.). "Cod, I wonder why Santa Claus only comes at night!" - -C. "I guess it's because he doesn't want to make his _presents_ known." - - * * * * * - -C. (3 A.M.). "Say, Tod, wake up! I thought you said you were not going -to sleep till Santa Claus came." - -T. "I didn't go to sleep. I only forgot I was awake." - - * * * * * - -T. (4 A.M.). "Santa Claus is so long in coming, I think he's mistaken us -for somebody he's left presents with." - -C. "Probably he's had a _misgiving_, and left them with somebody else." - - * * * * * - -C. (5 A.M.). "Tod, did you hear that crash?" - -T. "No; what was it?" - -C. "The day breaking through the window." - - * * * * * - -T. (6 A.M.). "I wonder what time it is, Cod?" - -C. "Don't know; it's so cold, I guess the clock's frozen." - -T. "Ha! ha! don't you know a clock has a running spring, and that never -freezes?" - - * * * * * - -C. (7 A.M.). "I wonder where Santa Claus learned to come down chimneys?" - -T. "That's easy. He took lessons off that camel that went through the -eye of a needle." - - * * * * * - -T. (8 A.M.). "Look here, Cod, you shouldn't have eaten all little -Ethel's buckwheat cakes like that. Mamma's awful angry." - -C. "Well, I only did what papa told me, and that was to always take her -part." - - * * * * * - -C. (9 A.M.). "Papa, did Santa Claus ever go to school?" - -Papa. "I guess so." - -T. "I don't think he had to study hard, 'cause he was a _gifted_ scholar -before he went." - - * * * * * - -T. (10 A.M.). "I wonder why Santa Claus gave me this rocking-horse?" - -C. "What is the matter with the horse?" - -T. "Why, you know all horses have to be broken before they are ridden, -and if I break this one, I don't see how I can use him." - - * * * * * - -C. (11 A.M.). "I am going to have lots of fights with the bicycle Santa -Claus gave me." - -T. "What's wrong about it?" - -C. "Oh, I'll have to give it a blowing up every now and then." - - * * * * * - -T. (12 M., _in a whisper_). "Cod, that turkey looks fine, doesn't it? -Ain't you afraid that when he goes to the next world he'll haunt you?" - -C. "No. Turkeys have their _necks twirled_ in this." - - * * * * * - -C. (1 P.M.). "Say, Tod, this plum-pudding reminds me of a river with a -dam in it." - -T. "Why?" - -C. "Oh, because the currants are all stemmed." - - * * * * * - -T. (2 P.M.). "Cod, mamma said she is sorry she bought the Christmas -turkey for dinner." - -C. "Did she?" - -T. "Yes; mamma said we developed into such fine _turkey gobblers_ that -we might have been used instead." - - * * * * * - -C. (3 P.M.). "Papa, Dan couldn't pull this sleigh if he didn't have -legs, could he?" - -Papa. "No, of course not." - -C. "Everything that runs has to have legs." - -T. "Oh no, they don't. The runners of this sleigh haven't any legs." - - * * * * * - -T. (4 P.M.). "Did you ever see any peddlers in the Park, papa? Cod says -there's lots of them." - -Papa. "I never noticed any." - -C. "Oh yes, papa! there are scores of bicycle-pedallers here every day." - - * * * * * - -C. (5 P.M.). "Did you know even old Father Time made us a Christmas gift -of an hour to-day." - -T. "What hour is that, Tod?" - -C. "Why, the _present_ one." - - * * * * * - -T. (6 P.M.). "You'd better look out for those turkey patties, Tod. -They're dangerous, and might go off." - -C. "What's the matter with them?" - -T. "They're full of _fowl in pieces_." - - * * * * * - -C. (7 P.M.). "Do you know why Santa Claus is like the weather to-day?" - -T. "No." - -C. "Because he was _dew_ this morning and is _mist_ to-night." - - * * * * * - -T. (8 P.M.) "Cod, look! that Christmas tree is so heavily loaded with -presents I'm afraid it will sink through the floor." - -C. "Papa will start the candles on it in a minute, and then it will grow -much lighter." - - * * * * * - -C. (9 P.M.). "That little girl over there borrowed a face to come to our -party to-night." - -T. "What makes you think that?" - -C. "I heard mamma say she had her father's eyes and her mother's nose -and chin." - - * * * * * - -T. (10 P.M.). "We've taken pains to eat so many good things to-day, I -guess we'll have to do without to-morrow." - -C. "Oh, we'll get something to-morrow for our pains." - - * * * * * - -C. (11 P.M.). "Mamma, Time takes wings on Christmas day like butterflies -on hot cakes. Can't you stop the clock for an hour?" - -Mamma. "Why don't you ask papa?" - -C. "'Cause you told me time stops for no man." - - * * * * * - -T. (12 M.). "Good-night, papa; we're tucked in all right." - -Papa. "Now, boys, go to sleep." - -C. "We're going to. Uncle Jack said there'd be a big war in us when the -turkey and plum-pudding discovered each other, and so we're going to -rest before the fight." - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, December 17, 1895, by Various - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, DEC 17, 1895 *** - -***** This file should be named 50319-8.txt or 50319-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/3/1/50319/ - -Produced by Annie R. McGuire -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Harper's Round Table, December 17, 1895 - -Author: Various - -Release Date: October 26, 2015 [EBook #50319] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, DEC 17, 1895 *** - - - - -Produced by Annie R. McGuire - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHRISTMAS_ON_MAJUBA_STATION">CHRISTMAS ON MAJUBA STATION.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_FREYS_CHRISTMAS_PARTY">THE FREYS' CHRISTMAS PARTY.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#FOR_KING_OR_COUNTRY1">FOR KING OR COUNTRY.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_LITTLE_GOOSES_DREAM">THE LITTLE GOOSE'S DREAM.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_LITTLE_GIANT">THE LITTLE GIANT.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_CHRISTMAS_PIE">THE CHRISTMAS PIE.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_MAGIC_STOCKING">THE MAGIC STOCKING.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_IMP_OF_THE_TELEPHONE">THE IMP OF THE TELEPHONE.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#INTERSCHOLASTIC_SPORT">INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#BICYCLING">BICYCLING.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_CAMERA_CLUB">THE CAMERA CLUB.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_PUDDING_STICK">THE PUDDING STICK.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#STAMPS">STAMPS.</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 800px;"> -<img src="images/ill_001.jpg" width="800" height="269" alt="HARPER'S ROUND TABLE" /> -</div> - -<p class="center">Copyright, 1895, by <span class="smcap">Harper & Brothers</span>. All Rights Reserved.</p> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">published weekly</span>.</td><td align="center">NEW YORK, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1895.</td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">five cents a copy</span>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Vol. XVII</span>.—<span class="smcap">No</span>. 842.</td><td align="right"></td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">two dollars a year</span>.</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;"><a name="CHRISTMAS_ON_MAJUBA_STATION" id="CHRISTMAS_ON_MAJUBA_STATION"></a> -<img src="images/ill_002.jpg" width="700" height="481" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h2>CHRISTMAS ON MAJUBA STATION.</h2> - -<h3>BY RICHARD BARRY.</h3> - -<p>December on the Majuba coast, and the day had been the hottest of the -month, as the log-book entry showed.</p> - -<p>It was a few minutes past sundown, and the awnings that had covered the -decks of the old steam-frigate <i>Sumter</i> were being taken in to allow a -freer passage for any air that might begin to stir with the nightfall.</p> - -<p>The barefooted sailors trod gingerly about, carefully avoiding the -metal-work on the hatch combings and the soft blotches of pitch that had -bubbled up through the deck seams. The only sounds were the chattering -of a large monkey that was swinging himself to and fro in the -heat-slackened shrouds, and the discordant squawking of some tame -parrots on the forecastle.</p> - -<p>A group of officers lolled against the after-rail, and three or four -youngsters, a little apart from them, had just finished a whispered -conversation. But for some minutes there had not been a loud word spoken -throughout the ship. There was one thought present in the minds and -hearts of all, from the Captain, ill and half delirious with fever below -in his close sweltering cabin, to Midshipman Bobby Seymour, who had had -a lump in his throat for the past twenty-four hours—one thought, over -and over—home, home, home.</p> - -<p>It was the early evening of the night before Christmas. A sagging -wind-sail, that hung down the forward hatchway like a huge empty trouser -leg, swayed a little, and the movement caught the junior Lieutenant's -eye.</p> - -<p>"The land breeze! Feel it?" he said, lifting his hand as if to enforce -silence.</p> - -<p>Warm, and almost fetid with an indescribable odor, a breath had crept -softly across the water from the low-lying African coast—a breath -redolent of swamps, of strange unhealthy products of the overheated -earth, suggestive of fever that burned into the bones.</p> - -<p>"I don't like it," said Bobby Seymour, wriggling his small shoulders. He -spoke in a half whisper. "I wish I was at Irvington with the river all -iced up, the sleigh-bells jingling-jangling everywhere, and—"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I say, quit, please, won't you?" interrupted the boy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> at his elbow. -"It's hard enough to stand things as they are. What wouldn't we all -give—" Then he shut his lips firmly without finishing his sentence. -"Hear that surf!" he added, after a moment's silence.</p> - -<p>Borne on the slight air from the eastward came a deep sound like the -booming of a thousand giant drums.</p> - -<p>"It doesn't look like any landing to-morrow," remarked Midshipman -Seymour, wisely.</p> - -<p>Just then the thin musical notes of a concertina drifted out from the -forecastle.</p> - -<p class="center">"'Be it never so humble, there's no place like home,'"</p> - -<p>chanted a voice.</p> - -<p>"They have it there too," said Bobby Seymour to himself. "Why shouldn't -they?"</p> - -<p>But the song died away almost as soon as it had begun. In fact, it had -been more like a deep-chested musical sigh than anything else.</p> - -<p>"I wonder if we couldn't get the Kroomen to sing something jolly for us -to-night?" suggested one of the larger midshipmen.</p> - -<p>"I think the old man is too ill to stand much celebrating just now," -spoke up another. "But I say, Remson, let's see if one of us can't get -ashore to-morrow and get something fresh to eat. I'm sick of this old -hooker, anyhow. Might as well be docked in Portsmouth, for all the good -we're doing here."</p> - -<p>This was fact. Watching for slave-traders under such restrictive orders -from the government at Washington as precluded the faintest possibility -of making a capture was far from exciting, and, besides, the goings on -at home had produced a feeling of uneasiness on shipboard, for this was -the troublous winter of '60-1.</p> - -<p>It was little wonder that things were doleful on board the old <i>Sumter</i> -this particular Christmas eve, and so it passed like the evening of any -other day.</p> - -<p>But Bobby Seymour, when he awakened the next morning, gazed up at the -huge deck beams of the steerage, and suddenly remembered something.</p> - -<p>He slid out of his hammock and scrambled over to the chest that had his -initials on the lid. He opened it, and dug out a neatly tied package -from a corner. It was addressed to him with his full title, and was -inscribed "Not to be opened until Xmas day."</p> - -<p>He crawled over to an open port, and sitting down on the deck, deftly -undid the wrapping. But he paused for a minute before he looked to see -what it contained, and his eyes took on the sightless expression of deep -thoughts far away as he gazed out over the sea.</p> - -<p>The sun was flaming above the tree-tops on the distant shore, and the -warm morning breeze fluttered the hair of his tousled curly head.</p> - -<p>But Bobby did not see the sun or feel the breeze. He saw a wide stretch -of snow-covered lawn, with the pine branches that lined the driveway -weighted down, and each elm and apple bough all a-sparkle in a case of -ice, and the sleigh bells "jingle-jangling" everywhere. He knew how his -skates looked, hanging up on the nail behind the door, and his -hockey-stick, and his sled. He could smell the hot buckwheat cakes and -hear his little sisters laughing.</p> - -<p>"They'd just be taking down their stockings," he said, a quiver coming -to his eyelid.</p> - -<p>In truth, Midshipman Bobby Seymour was nothing but a boy, and not a very -tall one. He looked even younger than he really was as he sat there on -the deck hugging his bare knees up to his chin, the still unopened -package held tightly under his arm, and if a tear did roll down his -cheek, and all the way down his neck beneath his collar, it was nothing -to be ashamed of.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Seymour," broke in a voice that brought back the heat and the smell -of the ship quite suddenly. "Mr. Jephson wishes to see you on deck as -soon as possible, sir."</p> - -<p>Bobby made a dash at his eyes with the back of his hand, and looked up -at the big red-mustached orderly. "Very good; be up there right away," -he answered.</p> - -<p>Then he arose and hurried into his things, only glancing into the -package, and catching sight of two or three letters and some mysterious -objects done up in tissue-paper.</p> - -<p>As he came on deck he walked quietly aft and touched his cap. Mr. -Jephson, the executive officer, saw him.</p> - -<p>"Ah, Mr. Seymour, merry Christmas!" he remarked, much as if it was the -usual thing to say. "I have some work for your boat's crew, sir. Just -step here a minute."</p> - -<p>Bobby hastened to the quarter-deck.</p> - -<p>"There, do you see that," said the Lieutenant, pointing towards the dark -green line of coast—"that white thing floating there, a mile or more -from shore?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," said Bobby, squinting his little sleepy eyes.</p> - -<p>Mr. Jephson picked up his sea-glasses. "In my mind it will help clear up -the meaning of that glare to the westward two nights ago," he said. "I -think it's a bit of wreckage, or an overturned boat that is drifting -in." The Lieutenant spoke slowly as he adjusted the binoculars. Then he -turned, and added, quickly:</p> - -<p>"Get your coffee; see that the men get theirs; lower away the cutter; -pick that up or find out what it is, and come back to the ship. You will -be here by breakfast-time."</p> - -<p>"Aye, aye, sir," Bobby answered.</p> - -<p>All hands were turning out as he entered the steerage, but he heard few -"Merry Christmases," and the coffee tasted bitterer than ever. All at -once an idea seized him, and he thrust the precious package into his -jacket. He could read the letters anyhow as he rowed back to the ship. -In another moment he was stepping through the gangway.</p> - -<p>"Don't go too close to the white water, youngster," said one of the -junior officers, who had come on deck, "or you'll be a Robinson Crusoe -before you know it."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir," replied Bobby, as he hastened down the companion -ladder. He had to make a leap of it into the cutter, where the men were -waiting for him, in no pleasant frame of mind at the prospect of a long -pull so early. In another minute they were heading shorewards. On board -the ship, so used had every one become to the slow rolling, that it was -hard to believe that such a sea was running. But from the boat the -ground-swells seemed great hills, so smooth that an oar left a swirl in -the green water as a paddle might in a mill-pond.</p> - -<p>They had rowed some distance, now climbing up slowly, then coasting down -with a rush, before Bobby caught sight of the floating object gleaming -on the top of a great lift of sea a mile nearer the shore; he pointed it -out to the coxswain, and sat down to read his letters.</p> - -<p>As he drew the package from his breast he became conscious that it would -not be quite comfortable to open it with twelve pairs of curious eyes -gazing at him, so he brought forth only two of the letters with an -affectation of carelessness, tied up the rest of the little bundle, and -thrust it back into his jacket again.</p> - -<p>Sitting there in the stern-sheets of the cutter, with the scorching -African sun overhead, and the "thrim-thrum" of oars in his ears, once -more his thoughts jumped back to the snow and the sleigh-bells as he -opened the first little note. It was written in lead-pencil on very -fancy paper, all posies and forget-me-nots. Nor was it written exactly. -Most of the words were printed in capital letters, the I's carefully -dotted, and the T's laboriously crossed. The lump came into Bobby's -throat as he read it slowly.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Brother Robert</span>" [it began],—"I made this for you all myself. -Merry Christmas. I have a kitten and its name is—"</p></blockquote> - -<p>The boat had given such a sickening downward swoop that Bobby looked up -suddenly. Never had he seen such a wave in all his short experience. And -the sensation! It reminded him of the time he was tossed in a blanket at -Annapolis. Yet the water's surface was smooth and oily—not the sound of -a ripple—dead silence.</p> - -<p>The men slackened in their stroke as another came on astern and raised -them upwards. When at its summit Bobby looked towards the shore.</p> - -<p>Nothing but a succession of green ridges. But suddenly a line of white -like a rip in a great cloth stretched along against the mass of foliage -above the beach. Then down the cutter raced.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p> - -<p>Midshipman Seymour felt that the eyes of his crew were all upon him; he -had detected a frightened glance or two, and the bowmen were looking -over their shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Steady, there!" he said, crumpling the letters into his pocket as he -stood up. Then his spirits rose. Only a few hundred feet further on -floated the mysterious object, rising in plain sight; it was a heavy -chest, with lettering of some sort on it.</p> - -<p>"Oars!" he shouted, and the men rested, glancing uneasily at their -companions on the thwarts. Bobby looked back at the ship.</p> - -<p>It scorned incredible that they could have covered that distance in such -a space of time.</p> - -<p>"In bow there, with your boat-hooks!" he shouted. But before the men -could get to their feet an expression of horror crossed every face. -Three or four cried out in fear. Once more Bobby turned, and a sick -feeling came all over him.</p> - -<p>The coxswain leaned forward. "We're going to catch it, sir," he -whispered, and he made as if to kick off his shoes.</p> - -<p>Full half a mile seaward one of the tall waves had broken at its height, -and widening and frothing, it spread out in a mass of glistening -smother. The sight made the little midshipman think of an army of white -horses rising at a great green hedge.</p> - -<p>The water around the boat began to clop noisily against the gunwales, -and the wave crests on either hand danced and tottered uneasily. Then, -pitching down into a hollow, the white horses disappeared for an -instant, and nothing could be seen but a green wall in front. But the -charge was coming—nearing; they could hear the roaring of it now.</p> - -<p>"Steady, men!" said Bobby. "Coxswain, it's too late to turn her; we'll -have to ride it in." Even to himself his voice sounded strange and deep. -He forgot he was a boy. Was not he responsible? Were not they all -looking to him to bring them safely through? He was an officer.</p> - -<p>It was not customary for the regular crew of any ship to make a landing -on this part of the African coast. For this service a tribe of hardy -blacks, Kroomen they were called, provided expert boatmen to any ship on -coast station. They knew how to ride the surf, and the best man-o'-war's -man was but a novice to them. But for the last three days even the -blacks had declared the surf too heavy for safe landing, and now Bobby -and his cutter were going to try it, much against their wills.</p> - -<p>As the broken roaring water rushed down upon them the noise drowned even -his thoughts, and as it caught the boat full astern each man held his -breath. But the oars pulling furiously kept the cutter's nose in the -right direction, and catching the impetus, she tore shoreward like a -runaway engine. After the first shock it was exciting. Bobby even forgot -the danger. He noticed the unlucky chest turning over and over in the -foam, and peering ahead he became aware for the first time that they -were nearing the outlet of a small river that debouched into the sea.</p> - -<p>The surf was running high up on the beach, and frothing across a bar at -the river's mouth, where a little island made a delta on each side. No -sooner had he noticed this when he saw something else—a score of naked -black figures running up the sand. Now the Majuba tribes are cannibals. -Bobby's heart stood still. To provide a Christmas dinner to a lot of -hungry savages was not a pleasant prospect.</p> - -<p>"Pull, port! hold, starboard!" shouted the young commander. The men bent -to their oars, and, wonder of wonders, with a great heave and a twist -the cutter crossed the bar, and shot up on a wave between the green -shelving banks of an unknown river, where a white man's boat had never -been before. Keeping well to the centre of the stream, the cutter at -last reached smooth water, and Bobby found himself standing up, his -knees trembling slightly, and not one hundred yards away a horde of the -evilest-looking wild black men he had ever set his eyes on. Something -had to be done, and to take advantage of their surprise was his first -thought. "Why not sing?" he murmured out loud. They were waiting for -some demonstration, evidently.</p> - -<p>But as the rest of this narrative would make a long story in itself, it -is best to let Midshipman Seymour tell it shortly, as he did in the -letter to his sister Dorothy, which he wrote three days later.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">Dear little Sis</span> [it ran]—You will have to write again and tell me -the name of the kitten, for I have lost your beautiful letter -before I could finish reading it. And the fine bead-work -pin-cushion, full of the very sharpest pins, I had to give away, -and Jack's six-bladed knife, and Nell's fancy-work purse, and -mother's silk handkerchief, and grandma's silk gloves, and the -package of rock-candy; in fact, everything you sent me now belongs -to a great ugly cannibal king whose name is Matagoolah. But all -this means a story, so I will tell it as quickly as I can. On -Christmas day I was sent out from the ship with my boat's crew to -pick up something that was floating in the water. It proved to be a -chest from the slaver <i>Nightingale</i> that had burned up 'way out to -sea. As we rowed along we were caught in the surf, and by good luck -were carried up a little river that no one knew existed. I tell you -your red-headed brother was very badly frightened when he saw a lot -of savages standing on the bank. I thought, 'Oh, if grandma could -only see me now!' The savages were so astonished that they did not -do anything, and I thought I'd make believe I came to see them on -purpose.</p> - -<p>"So I signaled out an old fellow who appeared to be a chief, and -making my very best bow, I began to sing, very solemnly and loudly, -'Haul the bow-line; well I love my darling,' and the men all joined -in the chorus. Then I thought of the only presents I had—which -were yours—and rowing up close, I had four of the crew carry me -ashore, where I presented everything I had to the chief, singing -the only thing that came into my head—'Hail Columbia!'—at the top -of my voice. It was quite funny. When he saw the pin-cushion he was -so delighted; and as he received one thing after another he began -to grin and chatter. But the rock-candy! My! when he tasted it I -was afraid he was going to eat me up for joy! He gave some orders, -and all of his men threw down their spears and fell flat on their -faces. So I ordered my crew to come ashore, which they did, pretty -well frightened.</p> - -<p>"Now what to do I did not know; but looking towards the ship, which -was some three miles out to sea, I saw a puff of smoke, and I knew -they were firing one of the big guns as a signal to call back the -other boats, so I lifted up my hands and waved them; then as the -report came I bent down low, and all of my men did the same. This -time the chief himself fell on his knees! But what will you suppose -I saw also? The big chest that I had started out to get! It was -rolling up in the surf near the beach. At once I began to make -motions as if I were hauling something in with a rope, and told -four of my crew to go fetch the chest from the sea. When they -plunged in and brought it out the savages looked scared to death. -And breaking it open, what do you suppose it contained? Why, beads -and knives and trinkets, a big brass crown—in fact, a complete -trader's outfit, enough to have bought fifty slaves and more. That -settled it. The king would have given me the heads of half his -people.</p> - -<p>"Well, to make it short, we were feasted and treated, and I am -afraid prayed to for two days. I kept a flag flying from a -tree-top; the trees are not tall, but I knew they could see it from -the ship, and yesterday they managed to land three boats with more -presents for my black friends, and took us off. But I really -believe that it was your 'Merry Xmas' pin-cushion that saved our -lives. Make me another, tell me the name of the kitten, and whether -you are having good coasting; and take lots of love and kisses for -all.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 23em;">"From your loving brother,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 23em;">"<span class="smcap">Rob</span>."</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>And this is the story of a rather unusual Christmas day, and explains -the reason why Bobby Seymour was given the title of "Envoy Extraordinary -to his Majesty King Matagoolah, Ruler of the Majubas."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="THE_FREYS_CHRISTMAS_PARTY" id="THE_FREYS_CHRISTMAS_PARTY">THE FREYS' CHRISTMAS PARTY.</a></h2> - -<h3>BY RUTH McENERY STUART.</h3> - -<p>There was a great sensation in the old Coppenole house three days before -Christmas.</p> - -<p>The Freys, who lived on the third floor, were going to give a Christmas -dinner party, and all the other tenants were invited.</p> - -<p>Such a thing had never happened before, and, as Miss Penny told her -canary-birds while she filled their seed-cup, it was "like a clap of -thunder out of a clear sky."</p> - -<p>The Frey family, consisting of a widow and her brood of half a dozen -children, were as poor as any of the tenants in the old building, for -wasn't the mother earning a scant living as a beginner in newspaper -work? Didn't the Frey children do every bit of the house-work, not to -mention little outside industries by which the older ones earned small -incomes? Didn't Meg send soft gingerbread to the Christian Woman's -Exchange twice a week, and Ethel find time, with all her studies, to -paint butterflies on Swiss aprons for fairs or fêtes?</p> - -<p>Didn't everybody know that Conrad, now but thirteen, was a regular -solicitor for orders for Christmas trees, palmetto palms, and gray moss -from the woods for decorative uses on holiday occasions?</p> - -<p>The idea of people in such circumstances as these giving dinner parties! -It was almost incredible, but it was true, for tiny notes of invitation -tied with rose-colored ribbons had been flying over the building all the -afternoon. The Frey twins, Felix and Félicie, both barefoot, had carried -one to each door.</p> - -<p>They were written with gold ink on pink paper, and a water-colored -butterfly poised in mid-air somewhere on each one, while at the left -lower end were the mysterious letters "R.S.V.P."</p> - -<p>The old Professor who lived in the room next the Frey kitchen got one, -and Miss Penny, who occupied the room beyond. So did Mademoiselle -Guyosa, who made paper flowers, and the mysterious little woman of the -last, worst room in the house—a tiny figure whose face none of her -neighbors had even seen, but who had given her name to the baker and -milkman as "Mamzelle St. John."</p> - -<p>And there were others. Madame Coraline, the fortune-teller, who rented -the hall room on the second floor, was perhaps more surprised at her -invitation than any of the rest. No one ever asked her anywhere. Even -the veiled ladies who sometimes visited her darkened chamber always -tiptoed up the steps as if they were half ashamed of going there.</p> - -<p>The twins had a time getting her to come to the door to receive the -invitation, and after vainly rapping several times, had finally brought -a parasol and hammered upon the horseshoe tacked upon the door, until at -last it opened just about an inch. And then she was invited.</p> - -<p>But indeed it is time to be telling how the party originated.</p> - -<p>It had been the habit of the Frey children, since they could remember, -to save up spare coins all the year for a special fund which they called -"Christmas Money."</p> - -<p>The old fashion of spending these small amounts in presents for one -another had long ago given place to the better one—more in the -Christmas spirit—of using it to brighten the day for some one less -blessed than themselves.</p> - -<p>It is true that on the Christmas before the one of this story they had -broken the rule, or only strained it, perhaps, to buy a little stove for -their mother's room.</p> - -<p>But a rule that would not stretch enough to take in such a home need -would be a poor one indeed.</p> - -<p>This year they had had numerous schemes, but somehow none had seemed to -appeal to the stockholders in the Christmas firm, and so they had -finally called a meeting on the subject.</p> - -<p>It was at this meeting that Meg, fourteen years old, having taken the -floor, said: "Well, it seems to <i>me</i> that the <i>worst</i> kind of a -Christmas must be a lonely one. Just think how nearly all the roomers in -this house spent last Christmas—most of 'em sittin' by their lone -selves in their rooms, and some of 'em just eatin' every-day things! The -Professor hadn't a thing but Bologna-sausage and crackers. <i>I -know—'cause I peeped.</i> An' now, whatever you all are goin' to do -with <i>your</i> money, <i>mine's</i> goin' right into this house, to the -roomers—<i>some way</i>."</p> - -<p>"If we knew what we could do, Meg?" said Ethel.</p> - -<p>"If we knew what we could do or <i>how we could do it</i>," interrupted -Conrad, "why, I'd give my eighty-five cents in a minute. I'd give it to -the old Professor to have his curls cut."</p> - -<p>Conrad was a true-hearted fellow, but he was full of mischief.</p> - -<p>"Shame on you, Buddy!" said Meg, who was thoroughly serious. "Can't you -be in earnest for just a minute?"</p> - -<p>"I am in earnest, Meg. I think your scheme is bully—if it could be -worked; but the Professor wouldn't take our money any more'n we'd take -his."</p> - -<p>"Neither would any of them." This was Ethel's first real objection.</p> - -<p>"Who's goin' to offer 'em money?" rejoined Meg.</p> - -<p>"I tell you what we <i>might</i> do, maybe," Conrad suggested, dubiously. "We -<i>might</i> buy a lot of fine grub, an' send it in to 'em sort o' -mysteriously. How'd that do?"</p> - -<p>"Twouldn't do at all," Meg replied. "The idea! Who'd enjoy the finest -Christmas dinner in the world by his lone self, with nothin' but a -lookin'-glass to look into and holler 'Merry Christmas' to?"</p> - -<p>Conrad laughed. "Well, the Professor's little cracked glass wouldn't be -much of a comfort to a hungry fellow. It gives you two mouths!"</p> - -<p>Conrad was nothing if not facetious.</p> - -<p>"There you are again, Buddy! <i>Do</i> be serious," said Meg. And then she -added, desperately, "The thing <i>I</i> want to do is to <i>invite</i> 'em!"</p> - -<p>"Invite! Who? What? When? How? Where?"</p> - -<p>Such was the chorus that greeted Meg's astounding proposition.</p> - -<p>"Why, I say," she explained, nothing daunted, "let's put all our -Christmas money together and get the very best dinner we can, and invite -all the roomers to come and eat it with us. <i>Now I've said it!</i> And I -ain't foolin', either."</p> - -<p>"And we haven't a whole table-cloth to our names, Meg Frey, and you know -it!" It was Ethel who spoke again.</p> - -<p>"And what's that got to do with it, Sisty? We ain't goin' to eat the -cloth. Besides, can't we set the dish-mats over the holes? 'Twouldn't be -the first time."</p> - -<p>"But Meg, dearie, you surely are not proposing to invite<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> company to -dine in the kitchen, are you? And who'd cook the dinner, not to mention -buying it?"</p> - -<p>"Well, now, listen, Sisty dear. The dinner that's in my mind isn't a -society-column dinner like those Momsy writes about, and those we are -goin' to invite don't wear out much table-linen at home. And they cook -their own dinners, too, most of 'em—exceptin' when they eat 'em in the -French market, with a Chinaman on one side of 'em and an Indian on the -other.</p> - -<p>"<i>I'm</i> goin' to cook <i>ours</i>, and as for eatin' in the kitchen, why, we -won't need to. Just see how warm it is! The frost hasn't even nipped the -banana leaves over there. And Buddy can pull the table out on the big -back gallery, an' we'll hang papa's old gray soldier blanket for a -portière to keep the Quinettes from lookin' in; and, Sisty, you can -write the invitations an' paint butterflies on 'em."</p> - -<p>Ethel's eyes for the first time sparkled with interest, but she kept -silent, and Meg continued:</p> - -<p>"An' Buddy'll bring in a lot of gray moss and <i>latanier</i> to dec'rate -with, an'—"</p> - -<p>"An' us'll wait on the table!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, us'll wait on the table!" cried the twins.</p> - -<p>"But," added Felix, in a moment, "you mustn't invite Miss Penny, -Meg,'cause if you do F'lissy an' me'll be thest shore to disgrace the -party a-laughin'. She looks thest ezzac'ly like a canary-bird, an' Buddy -has tooken her off till we thest die a-laughin' every time we see her. I -think she's raised canaries till she's a sort o' half-canary herself. -Don't let's invite her, Sisty."</p> - -<p>"And don't you think Miss Penny would enjoy a slice of Christmas turkey -as well as the rest of us, Felix?"</p> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 224px;"> -<img src="images/ill_003.jpg" width="224" height="400" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">"SHE OUGHT TO EAT CANARY-SEED AND FISH-BONE."</span> -</div> - -<p>"No; I fink she ought to eat canary-seed and fish-bone," chirped in -Dorothea.</p> - -<p>Dorothea was only five, and this from her was so funny that even Meg -laughed.</p> - -<p>"An' Buddy says he knows she sleeps perched on the towel-rack, 'cause -they ain't a sign of a bed in her room."</p> - -<p>The three youngest were fairly choking with laughter now. But the older -ones had soon grown quite serious in consulting about all the details of -the matter, and even making out a conditional list of guests.</p> - -<p>When they came to the fortune-teller, both Ethel and Conrad hesitated, -but Meg, true to her first impulse, had soon put down opposition by a -single argument.</p> - -<p>"It seems to me she's the special one <i>to</i> invite to a Christmas party -like ours," she pleaded. "The lonesomer an' horrider they are, the more -they belong, an' the more they'll enjoy it, too."</p> - -<p>"Accordin' to that," said Conrad, "the whole crowd ought to have a dizzy -good time, for they're about as fine a job lot of lonesomes as I ever -struck. And as for beauty! 'Vell, my y'ung vriends, how you was -to-morrow?'" he continued, thrusting his thumbs into his armholes and -strutting in imitation of the old Professor.</p> - -<p>Meg was almost out of patience. "Do hush, Buddy!" she protested, "an' -let's talk business. First of all, we have to put it to vote to see -whether we <i>want</i> to have the party or not."</p> - -<p>"I ain't a-goin' to give my money to no such a ugly ol' party," cried -Felix. "I want pretty little girls with curls an' wreafs on to my -party."</p> - -<p>"An' me, too. I want a organ-grinder to the party that gets my half o' -our seventy cents," echoed Félicie.</p> - -<p>Meg was indeed having a hard time of it.</p> - -<p>"You see, Conrad"—the use of that name meant reproof from Meg—"you -see, Conrad, this all comes from your makin' fun of everybody. But of -course we can get an organ-grinder if the little ones want him."</p> - -<p>Ethel still seemed somewhat doubtful about the whole affair. Ethel was -in the high-school. She had a lofty bridge to her nose. She was fifteen, -and she never left off her final g's as the others did. These are, no -doubt, some of the reasons why she was regarded as a sort of superior -person in the family. If it had not been for the prospect of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> painting -the cards, and a certain feeling of benevolence in the matter, it would -have been hard for her to agree to the party at all. As it was, her -voice had a note of mild protest as she said:</p> - -<p>"It's going to cost a good deal, Meg. How much money have we? Let's -count up. I have a dollar and eighty-five cents."</p> - -<p>"And I've got two dollars," said Meg.</p> - -<p>"How is it you always save the most? I haven't saved but ninety cents." -Conrad spoke with a little real embarrassment as he laid his little pile -of coins upon the table.</p> - -<p>"I reckon it's 'cause I've got a regular plan, Buddy. I save a dime out -of every dollar I get all through the year. It's the best way. And how -much have you ponies got?"</p> - -<p>"We've got seventy cents together, an' we been a-whiskerin' in our ears -about it, too. We don't want our money put-ed in the dinner with the -rest. We want to see what we are givin'."</p> - -<p>"Well, suppose you buy the fruit. Seventy cents'll get bananas and -oranges enough for the whole party."</p> - -<p>"An' us wants to buy 'em ourselfs, too—hey, F'lix?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, us wants to buy 'em ourselfs, too."</p> - -<p>"And so you shall. And now all in favor of the party hold up right -hands."</p> - -<p>All hands went up.</p> - -<p>"Contr'ry, no!" Meg continued.</p> - -<p>"Contr'ry, no!" echoed the twins.</p> - -<p>"Hush! You mustn't say that. That's just what they say at votin's."</p> - -<p>"Gee-man-tally! But you girls're awfully mixed," Conrad howled with -laughter. "They don't have any 'contr'ry no's' when they vote by holdin' -up right hands. Besides, Dorothea held up her left hand, for I saw her."</p> - -<p>"Which is quite correct, Mr. Smartie, since we all know that Dolly is -left-handed. You meant to vote for the party, didn't you, dearie?" Meg -added, turning to Dorothea.</p> - -<p>For answer the little maid only bobbed her head, thrusting both hands -behind her, as if afraid to trust them again.</p> - -<p>"But I haven't got but thest a nickel," she ventured, presently. "F'lix -says it'll buy salt."</p> - -<p>"Salt!" said Conrad. "Well, I should smile! It would buy salt enough to -pickle the whole party. Why, that little St. Johns woman goes out with a -nickel an' lays in provisions. I've seen her do it."</p> - -<p>"Shame on you, Buddy!"</p> - -<p>"I'm not jokin', Meg. At least I saw her buy a <i>quartie's</i> worth o' -coffee and <i>quartie's</i> worth o' sugar, an' then ask for lagniappe o' -salt. Ain't that layin' in provisions? She uses a cigar-box for her -pantry, too."</p> - -<p>"Well," she protested seriously, "what of it, Conrad? It doesn't take -much for one very little person. Now, then, the party is voted for; but -there's one more thing to be done before it can be really decided. We -must ask Momsy's permission, of course. And that is goin' to be hard, -because I don't want her to know about it. She has to be out reportin' -festivals for the paper clear up to Christmas mornin', and if she knows -about it, she'll worry over it. So I propose to ask her to let us give -her a Christmas surprise, and not tell her what it is."</p> - -<p>"And we know just what she'll say," Conrad interrupted; "she'll say, 'If -you older children all agree upon anything, I'm sure it can't be very -far wrong or foolish'—just as she did time we put up the stove in her -room."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I can hear her now," said Ethel. "But still we must <i>let</i> her say -it before we do a single thing, because, you know, <i>she mightn't</i>. An' -then where'd the party be?"</p> - -<p>"It would be scattered around where it was last Christmas—where all the -parties are that don't be," said Conrad. "They must be the ones we are -always put down for, an' that's how we get left; eh, Sisty?"</p> - -<p>"Never mind, Buddy; we won't get left as you call it, this time, -anyway—unless, of course, Momsy vetoes it."</p> - -<p>"Vetoes what, children?"</p> - -<p>They had been so noisy that they had not heard their mother's step on -the creaking stairs.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Frey carried her pencil and notes, and she looked tired, but she -smiled indulgently as she repeated, "What am I to veto, dearies—or to -approve?"</p> - -<p>"It's a sequet! A Trismas sequel!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, an' it's got owanges in it—"</p> - -<p>"—An' bananas!"</p> - -<p>"Hush, you ponies! And, Dolly, not another word!" Meg had resolutely -taken the floor again.</p> - -<p>"Momsy, we've been consulting about our Christmas money, and we've voted -to ask you to let us do something with it, and not tell you a thing -about it, only"—and here she glanced for approval at Ethel and -Conrad—"only we <i>ought</i> to tell you, Momsy dear, that the surprise -isn't for you this time."</p> - -<p>And then Mrs. Frey, sweet mother that she was, made just the little -speech they thought she would make, and when they had kissed her, and -all, even to Ethel, who seemed now as enthusiastic as the others, caught -hands and danced around the dinner table, she was glad she had -consented.</p> - -<p>It was such a delight to be able to supplement their scant Christmas -prospects with an indulgence giving such pleasure.</p> - -<p>"And I'm glad it isn't for me, children," she added, as soon as the -hubbub gave her a hearing, "I'm very glad. You know you strained a point -last year, and I'm sure you did right. My little stove has been a great -comfort. But I am always certain of just as many home-made presents as I -have children, and they are the ones I value. Dolly's lamp-lighters are -not all used up yet, and if she <i>was</i> to give me another bundle this -Christmas I shouldn't feel sorry. But our little Christmas <i>money</i> we -want to send out on some loving mission. And, by-the-way, I have two -dollars which may go with yours if you need it—if it will make some -poor body's bed softer or his dinner better."</p> - -<p>"Momsy's guessed!" Felix clapped his hands with delight.</p> - -<p>"'Sh! Hush, Felix! Yes, Momsy, it'll do one of those things exactly," -said Meg. "And now <i>I</i> say we'd better break up this meeting before the -ponies tell the whole business."</p> - -<p>"F'lix never telled a thing," chirped Félicie, always ready to defend -her mate. "Did you, F'lixy? Momsy said 'dinner' herself."</p> - -<p>"So I did, dear; but who is to get the dinner and why you are going to -send it are things mother doesn't wish to know. And here are my two -dollars. Now off to bed, the whole trundle-bed crowd, for I have a lot -of copy to write to-night. Ethel may bring me a bite, and then sit -beside me and write while I sip my tea and dictate and Meg puts the -chickens to roost. And Conrad will keep quiet over his books. Just one -kiss apiece and a hug for Dolly. Shoo now!"</p> - -<p>So the party was decided.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The Frey home, although one of the poorest, was one of the happiest in -New Orleans, for it was made up of cheery workers, even little Dorothea -having her daily self-assumed tasks. Miss Dorothea, if you please, -dusted the banisters round the porch every day, straightened the rows of -shoes in mother's closet, folded the daily paper in the rack, and kept -the one rug quite even with the front of the hearth. And this young lady -had, furthermore, her regular income of five cents a week.</p> - -<p>Of course her one nickel contributed to the party had been saved only a -few hours, but Dorothea was only five, and the <i>praline</i> woman knew -about her income, and came trudging all the way up the stairs each week -on "pay-day."</p> - -<p>Even after the invitations were sent, it seemed to Dolly that the -"party-day" would never come, for there were to be "three sleeps" before -it should arrive.</p> - -<p>It was Ethel's idea to send the cards early, so as to forestall any home -preparation among the guests.</p> - -<p>But all things come to him who waits—even Christmas. And so at last the -great day arrived.</p> - -<p>Nearly all the invited had accepted, and everything was very exciting; -nor was the situation without its difficulties.</p> - -<p>Even though she was out every day, it had been so hard to keep every -tell-tale preparation out of Mrs. Frey's sight. But when she had found a -pan of crullers on the top pantry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> shelf, or heard the muffled -"gobble-gobble" of the turkey shut up in the old flour-barrel, or smelt -invisible bananas and apples, she had been truly none the wiser, but had -only said: "Bless their generous hearts! They are getting up a fine -dinner to send to somebody."</p> - -<p>Indeed Mrs. Frey never got an inkling of the whole truth until she -tripped up the stairs a half-hour before dinner on Christmas day, to -find the feast all spread.</p> - -<p>The old mahogany table, extended to its full length, stood gorgeous in -decorations of palmetto, moss, and flowers, out upon the deep back -porch, which was converted into a very pretty chamber by the hanging -curtain of gray.</p> - -<p>If she had any misgivings about it, she betrayed them by no single word -or look, but there were bright red spots upon her usually pale cheeks as -she passed, smiling, into her room to dash into the dinner dress Ethel -had laid out for her.</p> - -<p>To have her poverty-stricken home invaded by a host of strangers was -striking a blow at the most sensitive weakness of this proud woman. And -yet the loving motive which was so plain through it all, showing the -very spirit in her dear children for which she had prayed, was too -sacred a thing to be chilled by even a half-shade of disapproval.</p> - -<p>"And who are coming, dear?" she asked of Meg, as soon as she could trust -her voice.</p> - -<p>"All the roomers, Momsy, excepting the little hunchback lady and Madame -Coraline."</p> - -<p>"Madame Coraline!" Mrs. Frey could not help exclaiming.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Momsy. She accepted, and she <i>even came</i>, but she went back just -now. She was dressed terribly fine—gold lace and green silk, but it was -old and dowdy; and, Momsy, her cheeks were just as red! I was on the -step-ladder tackin' up the Bethlehem picture, Sisty was standin' on the -high chair hanging up the star, and Buddy's arms were full of gray moss -that he was wrappin' round your chair. But we were just as polite to her -as we could be, and asked her to take a seat. And we all thought she sat -down; but she went, Momsy, and no one saw her go. Buddy says she's a -witch. She left that flower-pot of sweet-basil on the table. I s'pose -she brought it for a present. Do you think that we had better send for -her to come back, Momsy?"</p> - -<p>"No, daughter, I think not. No doubt she had her own reasons for going, -and she may come back. And are the rest all coming?"</p> - -<p>"Yes'm; but we had a time gettin' Miss Guyosa to come. She says she's a -First Family, an' she never mixes. But I told her so were we, and we -mixed. And then I said that if she'd come she could sit at one end o' -the table and carve the ham, while you'd do the turkey. But she says -Buddy ought to do the turkey. But she's comin'. And, Momsy, the turkey -is a perfect beauty. We put pecans in him. Miss Guyosa gave us the -receipt and the nuts, too. Her cousin sent 'em to her from his -plantation. And did you notice the paper roses in the moss festoons, -Momsy? She made those. She has helped us fix up <i>a lot</i>. She made all -the Easter flowers on St. Joseph's altar at the Cathedral, too, and—"</p> - -<p>A rap at the floor announcing a first guest sent the little cook -bounding to the kitchen, while Ethel rushed into her mother's room, her -mouth full of pins and her sash on her arm.</p> - -<p>She had dressed the three little ones a half-hour ago; and Conrad, who -had also made an early toilet, declared that they had all three walked -round the dinner table thirty-nine times since their appearance in the -"dining-room." When he advanced to do the honors, the small procession -toddling single file behind him, somehow it had not occurred to him that -he might encounter Miss Penny, the canary lady, standing in a dainty old -dress of yellow silk just outside the door, nor, worse still, that she -should bear in her hands a tiny cage containing a pair of young -canaries.</p> - -<p>He said afterward that "everything would have passed off all right if it -hadn't been for the twins." Of course he had forgotten that he had -himself been the first one to compare Miss Penny to a canary.</p> - -<p>By the time the little black-eyed woman had flitted into the door, and -in a chirpy, birdlike voice wished them a merry Christmas, Felix had -stuffed his entire handkerchief into his mouth. Was it any wonder that -Félicie and Dorothea, seeing this, did actually disgrace the whole party -by convulsions of laughter?</p> - -<p>They were soon restored to order, though, by the little yellow-gowned -lady herself, for it took her but half a minute to say that the birds -were a present for the twins—"the two little ones who brought me the -invitation."</p> - -<p>Such a present as this is no laughing matter, and, besides, the little -Frey children were at heart polite. And so they had soon forgotten their -mirth in their new joy.</p> - -<p>And then other guests were presently coming in, and Mrs. Frey, looking -startlingly fine and pretty in her fresh ruches and new tie, was saying -pleasant things to everybody, while Ethel and Meg, tripping lightly in -and out, brought in the dishes.</p> - -<p>As there was no parlor, guests were received in a corner of the -"dining-room." No one was disposed to be formal, and when the old -Professor entered with a little brown paper parcel, which he declared, -after his greetings, to contain his dinner, everybody felt that the -etiquette of the occasion was not to be very strict or in the least -embarrassing.</p> - -<p>Of course Mrs. Frey, as hostess, "hoped the Professor would reconsider, -and have a slice of the Christmas turkey"; but when they had presently -all taken their seats at the table, and the eccentric guest had actually -opened his roll of bread and cheese upon his empty plate, over which he -began to pass savory dishes to his neighbors, she politely let him have -his way. Indeed, there was nothing else to do, as he declared, declining -the first course with a wave of his hand, that he had come "yust for the -sake of sociapility."</p> - -<p>"I haf seen efery day doze children work und sing so nize togedder yust -like leetle mans und ladies, so I come yust to eggsbress my t'anks for -de compliment, und to make de acquaintance off doze nize y'ung -neighbors." This with a courtly bow to each one of the children -separately. And he added in a moment: "De dinner iss very fine, but for -me one dinner iss like anudder. Doze are all externals."</p> - -<p>To which measured and kindly speech Conrad could not help replying, "It -won't be an external to us, Professor, by the time we get through."</p> - -<p>"Oho!" exclaimed the old man, delighted with the boy's ready wit. "Dot's -a wery schmart boy you got dhere, Mrs. Vrey."</p> - -<p>At which exhibition of broken English the twins, who were waiting on the -table, thought it safe to rush to the kitchen on pretence of changing -plates, while Dorothea, seated at the Professor's left, found it -necessary to bite both lips, and to stare hard at the vinegar-cruet for -fully a second, to keep from laughing. Then, to make sure of her -self-possession, she artfully changed the subject, remarking, dryly,</p> - -<p>"My nickel buyed the ice."</p> - -<p>This was much funnier than the Professor's speech, judging from the -laughter that followed it. And Miss Dorothea Frey's manners were saved, -which was the important thing.</p> - -<p>It would be impossible in this short space to give a full account of -this novel and interesting dinner party, but if any one supposes that -there was a dull moment in it, he is altogether mistaken.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Frey and Ethel saw to it that no one was neglected in conversation; -Meg and Conrad looked after the prompt replenishing of plates, though -the alert little waiters, Felix and Félicie, anticipated every want, and -were as sprightly as two crickets, while Dorothea provoked frequent -laughter by a random fire of unexpected remarks, never failing, for -instance, to offer ice-water during every "still minute"; and, indeed, -once that young lady did a thing that might have proved quite terrible -had the old lady Saxony, who sat opposite, been disagreeable or -sensitive.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p> - -<p>What Dorothea said was innocent enough—only a single word of two -letters, to begin with.</p> - -<p>She had been looking blankly at her opposite neighbor for a full minute, -when she suddenly exclaimed,</p> - -<p>"Oh!"</p> - -<p>That was all, but it made everybody look, first at Dolly and then across -the table. Whereupon the little maid, seeing her blunder, hastened to -add:</p> - -<p>"That's nothin'. My grandma's come out too."</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 236px;"> -<img src="images/ill_004.jpg" width="236" height="400" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">THE ITALIAN ORGAN-GRINDER ARRIVES.</span> -</div> - -<p>And then, of course, everyone noticed that old lady Saxony held her -dainty hemstitched handkerchief quite over her mouth. Fortunately Mrs. -Saxony's good sense was as great as her appreciation of humor, and her -twinkling eyes, as she shook her finger threateningly at Dorothea, gave -everybody leave to laugh. So "Dolly's terrible break," as Conrad called -it, really went far to making the dinner a success—that is, if -story-telling and laughter and the merry clamor such as distinguish the -gayest of dinner parties the world over count as success.</p> - -<p>It was while the Professor was telling a funny story of his boy life in -Germany that there came a rap at the door, and the children, thinking -only of Madame Coraline, turned their eyes toward the door, only to see -the Italian organ-grinder, whom, in the excitement of the dinner party, -they had forgotten to expect. He was to play for the children to dance -after dinner, and had come a little early—or perhaps dinner was late.</p> - -<p>Seeing the situation, the old man began bowing himself out, when the -Professor, winking mysteriously at Mrs. Frey, and gesticulating -animatedly, pointed first to the old Italian and then to Madame -Coraline's vacant chair. Everybody understood, and smiling faces had -already shown approval when Mrs. Frey said, quietly, "Let's put it to -vote. All in favor raise glasses."</p> - -<p>Every glass went up. The old Italian understood little English, but the -offer of a seat is a simple pantomime, and he was presently declining -again and again, bowing lower each time, until before he knew it—all -the time refusing—he was in the chair, his plate was filled, and Dolly -was asking him to have ice-water. No guest of the day was more welcome. -None enjoyed his dinner more, judging from the indications. And as to -Meg, the moving spirit in the whole party, she was beside herself with -delight over the unexpected guest.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> -<img src="images/ill_005.jpg" width="600" height="426" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">THE PROFESSOR NOT ONLY SANG BUT DANCED.</span> -</div> - -<p>The dinner all through was what Conrad called a "rattlin' success," and -the evening afterward, during which nearly every guest contributed some -entertainment, was one long to be remembered. The Professor not only -sang, but danced. Miss Penny whistled so like a canary that one could -really believe her when she said she always trained her young birds' -voices. Miss Guyosa told charming folk-lore anecdotes, handed down in -her family since the old Spanish days in Louisiana.</p> - -<p>The smiling organ-grinder played his engaged twenty-five cents' worth of -tunes over and over again, and when the evening was done persistently -refused to take the money until Felix slipped it into his pocket.</p> - -<p>The Frey party will long be remembered in the Coppenole house, and -beyond it, too, for some very pleasant friendships date from this -Christmas dinner. The old Professor was just the man to help Conrad with -his German lessons. It was so easy for Meg to send him a cup of hot -coffee on cold mornings. Mrs. Frey and Miss Guyosa soon found many ties -in common friends of their youth. Indeed, the twins had gotten their -French names from a remote Creole cousin, who proved to be also a -kinswoman to Miss Guyosa. It was such a comfort, when Mrs. Frey was kept -out late at the office, for the children to have Miss Guyosa come and -sit with them, telling stories or reading aloud, and they brought much -brightness into her life too.</p> - -<p>Madame Coraline soon moved away, and, indeed, before another Christmas -the Freys had moved too—to a small cottage all their own, sitting in -the midst of a pretty rose garden. Here often come Miss Guyosa and the -Professor, both welcome guests, and Conrad says the Professor makes love -to Miss Guyosa, but it is hard to tell.</p> - -<p>One cannot keep up with two people who can tell jokes in four languages, -but the Professor has a way of dropping in as if by accident on the -evenings Miss Guyosa is visiting the Freys, and they do read the same -books—in four languages. There's really no telling.</p> - -<p>When the Frey children are playing on the <i>banquette</i> at their front -gate on sunny afternoons, the old organ-grinder often stops, plays a -free tune or two for them to dance by, smilingly doffs his hat to the -open window above, and passes on.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p><div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> -<img src="images/ill_006.jpg" width="600" height="199" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;"><a name="FOR_KING_OR_COUNTRY1" id="FOR_KING_OR_COUNTRY1"></a> -<img src="images/ill_007.jpg" width="700" height="490" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h2>FOR KING OR COUNTRY.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></h2> - -<h4>A Story of the Revolution.</h4> - -<h3>BY JAMES BARNES.</h3> - -<h3>CHAPTER IX.</h3> - -<h3>THE MESSENGER FROM STATEN ISLAND.</h3> - -<p>For a long time George lay awake underneath the pier, worrying more and -more about Carter. At last he decided that it was better to take the -brightest view of things, and that there was no use borrowing trouble, -taking all into consideration.</p> - -<p>"He may have hailed and I not heard him," he reasoned, sensibly, putting -it out of his mind; and looking out, he saw that the fog had cleared -away, the anchor lights of the fleet shone brightly, and their -reflections flashed in the waters of the bay.</p> - -<p>While watching he fell asleep again. But he was soon awakened by -footsteps that literally sounded in his ears. The planks of the pier -were only a few inches above his head, and some sand fell through the -cracks upon him. It had been daylight for two hours or more, and it was -stifling hot in his cramped hiding-place.</p> - -<p>The sounds that had aroused him had been made by a party of sailors -coming ashore from some of the boats that were tied to the landing. On -the beach below a number of small craft were drawn up, and some Jack -Tars and a few soldiers were digging in the sand for clams.</p> - -<p>"Jupiter, but I'm hungry," murmured the young Yankee soldier, "and as -dry in my throat as a sooty chimney!"</p> - -<p>Something that was said above his head rang so well with his thoughts -just then that he made a sudden movement, and almost broke his nose -against a beam.</p> - -<p>"What have ye in th' bottle, Jock, my lad? Douse my pipes! but have ye -got into the Admiral's cellar?"</p> - -<p>"Nothin' but cold spring water, messmate," was answered, cheerily. "But -I fain 'twere what had once been inside this bit of glass. I'm sick of -the mealy wet they give us on the <i>Roebuck</i>."</p> - -<p>"Water's water the world over, when it comes to drinkin'," was the -answer. "I wouldn't spoil the thirst I have on me for my morning's grog -for the best spring water in this curst land we've come to."</p> - -<p>"Hist! here," said the water-drinker; "I've got something else, me -hearty, that will make your tongue curl. It's a meat pie and a big hunk -of cheese. I prigged it out of the kitchen window up at the big house -yonder."</p> - -<p>"Let's off where we can get a taste and smell, messmate. It will be hard -to take with us."</p> - -<p>"Stay! here comes the Captain! Hide your prog; we'll come back for it. -Don't be caught red-handed, man!"</p> - -<p>George saw the bottle and a bundle wrapped in an old bit of straw -matting thrust under the boards of the pier.</p> - -<p>The two men hastened to the float and joined five or six of their -companions, who were waiting there.</p> - -<p>Presently a man with a cocked hat came down, walking quickly. He gave a -few curt orders, and the sailors manned one of the boats and pulled for -the first of the outlying vessels.</p> - -<p>"Necessity knows no law," said George, reaching out with the boat-hook.</p> - -<p>He skilfully rolled the bottle towards him. It had once contained -Madeira. Then he hooked on to the bundle, and soon landed the meat pie -and the cheese. This done, he poked the matting outside in full view.</p> - -<p>"Three good meals here," he said, munching away flat on his back. "Now, -how to get out of this."</p> - -<p>There were only two plans left—to wait until dark and try to obtain -possession of one of the boats, or go inland and attempt to find a -friend in one of the island farmers. He decided on the former.</p> - -<p>It would take too much space to detail the conversations he overheard, -or to tell of the chagrin of the sailor-men when they found out that -some one had unearthed their spoils. They laid the blame on a -landing-party from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> another vessel, however, and their language was that -generally accredited to pirates; but it seemed to ease their minds in a -measure. While they were declaring in several different languages that -they would catch the thief George smiled in his hole in the sand, and -commenced his mid-day meal.</p> - -<p>His range of vision was somewhat constricted on account of his narrow -quarters, but he could see everything plainly that went on seaward.</p> - -<p>The sailors and soldiers appeared to crack rough jokes and grumble -rather than carry on coherent intercourse, and so far as news went, -nothing could be gleaned.</p> - -<p>About five o'clock in the afternoon George heard something at last that -made him strain every nerve to listen. His heart thumped against his -ribs.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, my Lord," a rich voice spoke, "but to-night would be the -time. Look at yonder clouds. The Yankees would hardly expect us to land -in the face of such threatening weather. 'Twould be a trick worthy of -their own invention."</p> - -<p>"There will be a storm, Cornwallis," answered a good-natured drawl. "I -hate to start the ball rolling to the accompaniment of Jove's music, and -I think rain dampens ardor. But it is as my brother says."</p> - -<p>"What think you, my Lord Howe?" asked the one addressed as Cornwallis.</p> - -<p>"If it storms, land twenty thousand troops. The rebels will not come to -terms—deluded fools! Let's have no more temporizing." This was said in -low firm tones that showed the speaker was accustomed to authority.</p> - -<p>"Land it is," replied Cornwallis. "I doubt if they have a sentry posted. -Phœbus Apollo! Look at the front of that black cloud. Hurry, sirs, or -we will not make the ships before it be upon us."</p> - -<p>Three gentlemen in silk stockings—for George could see their -well-shaped legs before he caught a glimpse of anything else—walked -down the pier. The sailors lounging about sprang up to attention; a -soldier who had been playing leap-frog with a companion froze stiff with -his hand to his sweltering forehead.</p> - -<p>"Out oars! Give way!" and two big barges left the float, Cornwallis in -one, and the two other distinguished figures in the second.</p> - -<p>"Lord Howe and his brother, the General, that's who you are," whispered -George. "And you are going to land twenty thousand troops on Long -Island, eh? Oh, if Washington only knew! and I am going to let him into -the secret, gentlemen, if the good Lord will prosper me."</p> - -<p>He lay back again and proved for darkness, for his plans were now well -formed.</p> - -<p>A few yards up the beach lay a ship's dingy—the smallest boat swung at -her side or stern quarters. Stoutly built and bluff in the bows, it was -made for weather. Extending over the gunwale was a pair of new oars. The -little boat had been hauled up on the sands to be calked and painted. -The job had been finished early in the morning. All day had George cast -covetous eyes at her.</p> - -<p>Now as if in answer to his prayer, it had grown dark suddenly, as if the -night had sprung forward some five hours. There was great to do out on -the water.</p> - -<p>Signals climbed up and down the halyards. Drums tapped, and on shore -trumpets answered one another, it grew darker and darker, and, be -joyful! the tide was coming in strong, rippling against the pier-head -and creeping up the beach. All of the boats had been called back to the -fleet; but the dingy was left, and George's hopes rose. All his chances -lay in her.</p> - -<p>The pier was deserted, and he loosened his limbs from their temporary -grave, and worked his head and shoulders out and looked around. "There -lies the city," he said. At this moment a great seam of fire ran across -the cloud and hurled itself down at the earth. A burst of thunder -followed. This was the bolt that had felled the elm so close to his -friend Carter.</p> - -<p>George crawled out and stumbled. He was so stiff that his knees hurt him -when he moved. Now the wind came, and the rain began that wonderful -downpour; the lightning flashed incessantly. George hid alongside the -dingy. He caught momentary glimpses of the nearest ships getting out -stern anchors.</p> - -<p>Now was the time for moving. The rain fairly stung him as he stood up -and applied his shoulder to the dingy's bow. He dug his bare toes into -the sand, and the muscles knotted in his arms and back. But the boat -moved not so much as a finger's breadth. Again he took fresh hold, and -strained until his ears pained and the cords of his neck were tense as -bow-strings.</p> - -<p>The small boat ploughed backwards, the tide caught the stern; then the -rest of the launching was easy.</p> - -<p>Many a sailor in that great fleet could not have done what this -deep-chested boy of sixteen had accomplished by sheer strength.</p> - -<p>As the dingy floated, George waded after her, and giving a final push, -tumbled over the side. The current swept him up the shore. Even if seen -by the big sloop-of-war that lay nearest to him, he reasoned that in the -midst of all the bustle on board no one would think of putting after a -drifting boat. He shipped the tiller, and kept well out of sight until -the pitching and tossing told him he was getting into deeper water.</p> - -<p>When he raised his head he was surprised to see what a distance he had -travelled, and he thanked the lightning; it enabled him to keep his -course. By stepping one of the oars in the mast-hole he increased his -speed perceptibly.</p> - -<p>It was manifest that Lord Howe meant what he said, for now and then he -saw crowded boats running before the gale straight for the Gravesend -beach. Rolling and plunging, the dingy made headway to the north.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Washington was holding a conference with his officers in the big room of -the Kenedy House. Lately it had been rumored that Howe was going to up -anchor and make sail for Philadelphia.</p> - -<p>The storm raging without at times compelled a pause in the conversation. -It was nearly midnight when a rapid knocking on the door followed the -lull caused by a tremendous thunder-clap.</p> - -<p>An officer thrust his head in from the hallway. "Pardon me, your -Excellency," he said, "but there's a well-nigh drowned youth here, who -claims he has come from Staten Island and bears news of importance."</p> - -<p>"Show him in at once," said Washington, pushing back from the -map-covered table.</p> - -<p>Some of the officers half arose as a bedraggled figure entered. -Barefooted, clad only in his shirt and trousers, with a big smooch of -black paint covering half his face, the messenger drew himself up at -attention.</p> - -<p>"Well, sir," said the General, "what have you to tell, my lad?"</p> - -<p>"I have just come from the British fleet," was the reply. "They are -landing twenty thousand men on Long Island near Gravesend, your -Excellency."</p> - -<p>In a few words he told his story, and great was the excitement. In -obedience to an invitation, the bearer of the tidings had sat down in a -corner of a big sofa. The water dripped from his soaked clothing.</p> - -<p>"Here, one of you gentlemen take this brave lad and find him something -warm and dry to wear," spoke the Commander-in-chief, kindly.</p> - -<p>One of the aides arose. "I have nothing but a spare uniform," he -remarked, as the two went out into the hall and climbed the stairs to a -little room on the third floor.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes they returned, each dressed in the full uniform of a -lieutenant.</p> - -<p>Three cannon had fired in quick succession, and as they entered they -roared again from the Battery.</p> - -<p>Most of the officers had disappeared. Two were despatched to inform the -Convention at White Plains. But near the door stood one who had -evidently just come in out of the storm. It was John Clarkson, -commanding the Tenth New Jersey Foot—George's own Captain.</p> - -<p>Washington was standing; he took a step nearer as the two young men came -into the room. "I have seen you somewhere before, my lad," he said, -"have I not?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, General," was the response. "You did me the honor of speaking to -me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I remember," said the Commander-in-chief; "your name is Frothingham, -and you have a sister and aunt. Am I not right?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, General."</p> - -<p>"You are now a sergeant," went on Washington.</p> - -<p>"Yes, your Excellency."</p> - -<p>"I have in my hand your commission as Lieutenant."</p> - -<p>George almost fell, and so overcome was he that he could not reply.</p> - -<p>Captain Clarkson hurried up and grasped his hand. "God bless you, my -boy!" he said, much affected.</p> - -<p>"I pray you will accept the loan of the uniform," said the young aide. -"There will be no time to get another."</p> - -<p>At first George demurred, but his new friend insisted.</p> - -<p>"You will honor it," he said, showing his fine teeth in a gracious -smile. "No need of further thanks."</p> - -<p>A tall dark man spoke up. "I have a vacancy in my regiment. May I have -this young man to fill it?" he asked.</p> - -<p>Washington smiled. "You are hereby assigned to Colonel Hand's regiment -of rifles," he said. "Now, gentlemen, there is work before us on Long -Island."</p> - -<p>George, huddled under a canvas tent an hour later, in the clumsy boat -that was ferrying him and some of his brother officers across the East -River, glanced at the lace on his cuffs.</p> - -<p>"I never thought of asking his name," he said, out loud. "What a dolt I -am!"</p> - -<p>One thing had begun to weigh on his mind increasingly. He had heard no -news of Carter. He breathed a fervent prayer that he would see his -friend again.</p> - -<p>The next day was the 23d of August.</p> - -<p>When the young Lieutenant crept out of the hay of a small barn early in -the morning—for he had joined his new command the night before through -all the storm—he walked to the brow of a little hill that overlooked -the marshes and meadows in the direction of Gravesend. The branches of -the trees along the hill were filled with men watching intently -something that was going on below. George climbed a short distance up a -small oak.</p> - -<p>There they were—the British! It seemed to him thousands upon thousands. -Their red coats gleamed, and occasionally a musket or a sword flashed in -the distance; the different bodies of troops moved like red caterpillars -across the meadow and along the beach. Numbers of boats were drawn up on -the sand; many more were shuttling back and forth to the vessels in the -bay; three large frigates were anchored quite close in shore.</p> - -<p>He looked at the men about him. It hardly seemed possible that these -lads, many scarcely older than himself, in gray yarn stockings and -patched coats, would be able to stand for an instant against that brave -array. Oh, if his brother William were only here beside him! and yet he -heaved a sigh of relief, for who could tell what was going to happen?</p> - -<p>A bugle sounded, and the men ran back to the clearing and formed in -line. Their faces were pale, and there was little talking. A feeling of -unreality was in George's mind; he could scarcely believe that there was -going to be a battle. As yet he had not heard a death-dealing shot fired -in all his life, and he did not know that it seemed to have a different -sound from that of a gun discharged in practice or in sport.</p> - -<p>Soon the regiment was on the move. They drove before them, as they made -their way along the ridge of hills, all the cattle and live-stock that -could be gathered in from the surrounding farms.</p> - -<p>Looking back, they could see columns of smoke rising from the direction -of New Utrecht and Gravesend. Some cannon-shots were also heard, and -every heart beat quickly with excitement.</p> - -<p>At last they reached the spot where the road crossed the Flatbush -meadows and wound up the valley. It was known as Central Pass. Here -coats were thrown aside, and with spades and improvised picks and -shovels a long redoubt was thrown up along the ridge. For three days -they toiled incessantly, felling trees and making escarpments of -sharpened stakes.</p> - -<p>It had rained almost incessantly, and it seemed to George that his new -clothes would never get dry again. He had slept each night upon the -soaked ground, and his hands and feet were sore and blistered.</p> - -<p>It was nine o'clock in the morning. The redoubt had been finished, and -the men, after an early parade, were cooking their breakfasts over -little smoky fires in the thickets. Suddenly the booming of two guns was -heard behind them.</p> - -<p>For a day or so there had been random shots in front, but what did these -two lone reports mean? The soldiers jumped to their arms. A bugle had -rung clearly and sharply at the bottom of the hill. It was a strange -call it played.</p> - -<p>"Steady!" was the word that came down the line. "Keep your fire until -they are close to us. Aim low. Keep cool."</p> - -<p>Such were the instructions that were passed along by the officers. -Colonel Hand had stationed himself behind George's company. He was -standing so close that the latter could overhear what passed.</p> - -<p>"I know not what those two guns mean," said Colonel Hand to a Major -Chauncey, "but signals of some kind, I judge they must be, from -Sullivan's forces over to the eastward."</p> - -<p>But little did he know that it was those two signal-guns that had set on -foot the action, and that the sound had caused a feeling of exultation -to run through the English lines.</p> - -<p>Now at the bottom of the hill could be seen moving troops; strange tall -hats extended above the shrubbery, and a line of brilliantly uniformed -soldiers burst out into the meadow. The green coats, the white and red -facings, and the glitter of brass told who they were.</p> - -<p>"The Hessians!" exclaimed Major Chauncey. "Steady, lads. We can lick the -Dutchmen."</p> - -<p>On they came. The clicking of the locks could be heard along the -redoubt. The men, trembling, but cool under the influence of their -commander, were settling themselves in easy positions for taking aim, -when suddenly a spreading volley was heard in the rear.</p> - -<p>What could it mean? Surely there were none of the enemy behind them. Why -should the forces be firing?</p> - -<p>"Here, some one climb a tree! Take this glass!" shouted Colonel Hand.</p> - -<p>George stepped forward. It was no effort for him to make his way up into -the branches; but he did not need the glass, and his heart stood still. -He could hardly form the words that were upon his lips. What he had seen -was this: Gleams of red flaring here and there along the hill-side -behind them.</p> - -<p>"We are surrounded," he shouted down, and slid through the branches with -a crash.</p> - -<p>Some of the riflemen were sent back to meet the new forces in the rear, -but by this time the firing had commenced along the line, and the -Hessians were swarming up the hill. So confused now became events that -George could only see what happened close to him, and even of that his -recollections were most vague.</p> - -<p>A tall form burst through the bushes, and a great red-bearded face -thrust itself over the redoubt. In an instant the forms seemed to be all -around him. The shouts varied, first in one direction and then another. -He could never forget the horror with which he saw a tall Hessian draw -back his bayonet at a young figure on the ground.</p> - -<p>Twigs snapped and crackled all around, the bullets ripped through the -leaves of the trees, and the first thing the young sergeant knew he was -standing breast-high in a thicket, and before him stood a green-coated -foreigner who was breathing hard from the charge through the brush, and -who held at George's throat the point of a bayonet.</p> - -<p>Captain Clarkson's company was at the extreme left wing. A little brook -ran down the hollow, and most of the fighting had been at the front and -to the left.</p> - -<p>George scarcely noticed the shrieks and cries for mercy and the groans. -His eye was upon the figure standing in front of him, and the blade of -the roughly made sword he carried was grating against the bayonet that -was thrusting at him viciously. Twice he parried, and then his opponent -lunged again. The hilt and the musket came together<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> with a clash. -George lost his footing, tripped over a fallen branch, and fell -backwards; but so great was the force of the lunge the green-coated -soldier had levelled at him that the latter too lost his balance and -pitched forward. Both fell over the bank of the little brook and rolled -down into the shallow water. They were now out of sight of the fighting -and locked in each other's arms. The Hessian snapped with his teeth like -a cornered dog, and with his fingers tried to close about George's -throat. But the boy was strong and wiry, and the man was tired from his -sharp run up the hill. Over and over they went in the sand and pebbles, -the young American silent, but the Hessian grunting and cursing in his -foreign tongue. At last George was on top, and his hand closed about a -large stone. He struck the man a heavy blow between the eyes, and the -latter relaxed his hold. He lay there with his body half in the muddy -waters of the brook.</p> - -<p>George looked about him. The firing had now grown less and less, but the -shouts were still heard, and occasionally a bullet whistled through the -trees. Stooping, he picked up his dented sword, and without a glance at -the figure of the senseless German, made his way down the stream. He -crawled under the corner of a rail fence, and lay there in the ferns -trying to get his breath.</p> - -<p>It was evident that Colonel Hand's brave forces had been destroyed; the -Americans had been driven back and defeated.</p> - -<p>As night came on George moved from his hiding-place, and crawling on his -hands and knees, made his way again to the top of the incline. And now -his experience "playing Injun" at Stanham Mills came into good use. He -knew that the Americans must be to the northward.</p> - -<p>Occasionally, as he went through the bushes, he stumbled across the -victims of the Hessians' fury, and, strange to say, again a feeling of -unreality came over him, his mind was so fixed on his own dangerous -position.</p> - -<p>Watch-fires were on every side. Once or twice he had, unseen, crawled -across the beat of a British sentry, and in this way he entered the -American lines. In fact, he did not know he was there until he saw the -heavy earth-works, and heard a voice exclaim quite close to him:</p> - -<p>"New York is lost, but we can whip them in New Jersey, I can promise -you."</p> - -<p>George knew that voice in an instant. He arose from behind the stone -wall along which he had been crawling—for he had long since been in -among the houses. "Colonel Hewes!" he said. "Oh, Colonel Hewes!"</p> - -<p>The party gathered about the fire in the road-side started.</p> - -<p>"Who's there? Who called me?" inquired the one who had been speaking.</p> - -<p>"I, George Frothingham," was the reply.</p> - -<h4>[<span class="smcap">to be continued</span>.]</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="THE_LITTLE_GOOSES_DREAM" id="THE_LITTLE_GOOSES_DREAM">THE LITTLE GOOSE'S DREAM.</a></h2> - -<p>A little goose eight months old—just old enough to be a very lively -goose, and not of a sufficiently mature age to be a Christmas -goose—stood upon the bank of the old mill-pond, lost in as pensive a -reverie as it is possible for a little goose of ordinary intelligence to -indulge in. She felt very sad and sore in spirit—sad, because the pond -was frozen as stiff as the dignity of a prime minister, and sore, -because she had but a short time before flopped down off the bank for a -swim, only to experience, upon coming in contact with the ice, a shock -that almost snapped her little wish-bone in twain. So the poor little -goose stood upon one foot while she buried the other in her plumage that -she might rub the sore spot. And while she stood in this position she -became drowsy in the Christmas-flavored air, and thrusting her head -beneath her wing fell asleep.</p> - -<p>And while she was lost in slumber, she dreamed that she was a little toy -goose in a shop window on a busy thoroughfare. The window was dressed -for the Christmas season, and the poor young goose felt very humble and -out of place in the society of so many toy animals of a superior order. -Instead of being able to waddle about, she was fixed in a stationary -position upon an inclined platform, which worked up and down, after the -manner of an accordion, and created a sound which the maker believed -children would accept as a faithful imitation of the anserine voice. Now -this little toy goose was quite indignant to think that her notes were -so unnatural, for they were really no more like those of a goose than a -locomotive whistle is like a cornet solo. Still, the little goose -determined to make the best of the situation, and it is only fair to say -that her vanity was greatly tickled when she saw the children coming -from school pause at the window and look at her eagerly. A few days -before Christmas the little toy goose felt very sad and lonely when a -fat man with great white whiskers came in and purchased her for some -little boy, for she had become very fond of a toy ostrich, an old -companion in the window, and had always cherished the fond hope that -they might be purchased by the same person. And it almost made her cry -when she was wrapped in a piece of brown paper and thrust into the -darkness of the valise of her purchaser. Out of the store she went, she -knew not where until she was removed from her paper wrapper in a small -country house and set on a nursery mantel-piece, beside the clock, whose -ticking made her so nervous that she couldn't find the rest she so -greatly needed. A cotton lamb and a woollen doll, however, reminded her -of the shop window, and she would probably have felt perfectly happy if -she could only have forgotten her old friend the toy ostrich. -Fortunately, while thinking of the ostrich and the bitter pangs of -enforced separation, the clock stopped, and she fell asleep. In the -morning she was taken with the other Christmas toys (which the fat man -with the white whiskers had left) right into bed by Reginald, who made -her squeak with great delight.</p> - -<p>And when he took her into the bath-room she fairly yearned to be in the -tub with him and his tin steamboat.</p> - -<p>"Oh, how I want to swim!" thought the little goose, as she looked at the -dimpled water, and envied the happy steamboat. "But then I must remember -that I am made of pasteboard, and that if I should go into the water it -would surely result in my having my paint washed off, even if I should -not turn into pulp and sink. But some day I shall be a great big goose— -No, I shall not, because I don't grow. I shall always be the same size -and age—"</p> - -<p>Here she was interrupted by Reginald's little terrier, who came into the -room and commenced to paw her about playfully on the white pine floor. -He accidentally scratched out one of her eyes, and this made her sadder -than ever, because she could only see what was going on on one side of -her. And what made it worse, her eye could not be restored with glue, -because it had fallen through a knot-hole. A day or two later the little -toy goose was placed upon the dining-room window-sill in such a position -that she could look out on the barn-yard. There she saw geese wandering -around at will as their fancies directed them. And it made her feel that -it was indeed a sorry lot to be a pasteboard, stationary toy goose, -instead of being a real live specimen hatched under fortune's star. She -saw them talking in a most sociable manner, just as little Reginald's -mother and the other members of the church sewing society talked when -that body met in the library down-stairs.</p> - -<p>Then the little goose tried to close its eye upon a tragedy without, but -couldn't, because it was not, and never had been, in the enjoyment of -eyelids. So she had to look on while the coachman chased the flock. He -finally caught a large lordly gander, and chopping his head off, started -with him towards the kitchen. The others set up such a cackling as has -never been heard since the geese were instrumental in saving Rome from -the invading Gaul.</p> - -<p>And the cackling was so intense that it woke the little goose from her -dream, and she heard all her sisters and brothers and uncles and aunts -flapping their wings and cackling at a great rate. And when she saw -Michael carrying an axe in one hand and a gander in the other towards -the house, her tender soul heaved with emotion, and two tears coursed -down her cheeks like twin pearls as she observed,</p> - -<p>"Alas! they have gone and killed poor Uncle William to play the star -part at the Christmas feast!"</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 23em;"><span class="smcap">R. K. Munkittrick</span>.</span><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="THE_LITTLE_GIANT" id="THE_LITTLE_GIANT"></a> -<img src="images/ill_008.jpg" width="500" height="139" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h2>The Little Giant.</h2> - -<h3>By Thomas Dunn English.</h3> - -<h3>CHAPTER I.</h3> - -<p>Once upon a time, in the country of the giants, there lived a young man -who was the mock of all his companions because he was somewhat deficient -in the qualities of a first-rate giant. He was very little, being not -seven feet high, while not one of his kinsfolk were less than ten; he -had so little bodily strength that he could scarcely lift an ox; and he -was so slow in his movements that his companions, in derision, called -him Gofaster. Although that was not his name, it clung to him, and he -was never known by any other. He had some merits, however; for he was -not only sensible and full of truthfulness and honor, but so -good-natured and kind-hearted that he was ever ready to do a good turn -to others, and would not harm even the meanest creeping thing.</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 342px;"> -<img src="images/ill_009.jpg" width="342" height="400" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">GOFASTER FALLS IN WITH THE COWARDLY GIANTS.</span> -</div> - -<p>It chanced one day that Gofaster fell in with some giants who were great -cowards, but who took advantage of their superior strength to cuff him -and tweak his nose. As he had the heart of a lion, he fought them -lustily. But their numbers and strength were too much for him, and so -they overcame him and beat him severely. Then they carried away his cap, -his jerkin, and his shoes, leaving his head, back, and feet bare, and -his body bruised.</p> - -<p>Poor Gofaster, so soon as his tormentors had gone, wandered into the -woodland in no very pleasant frame of mind. Bewailing his unhappy lot, -he came across a wretched hut with a low door, through which he entered -by stooping. He found there no occupants nor sign of human habitation -but a small heap of clothes, which lay upon the earthen floor. Examining -these, he found them to consist of a cap, a jerkin, and a pair of shoes. -They all seemed too small for him, but on trying them on they fitted -admirably.</p> - -<p>"They are just what I want," said he, "and it is good fortune to find -them. On second thoughts, however, I shall put them off, for they are -not mine, and I must not, because of my need, rob another."</p> - -<p>"You may take them and welcome," said a voice. "I have no use for them -for eleven months, and before that time you can return them to me, as -you will then have other garments to wear."</p> - -<p>"But who are you," said Gofaster, "and where are you?"</p> - -<p>"I am a Phooka," said the voice, "and my name is Shon. I am condemned to -be invisible for eleven months of the year, and banishment from Wales, -from whence I came, is also my penalty."</p> - -<p>"But what was your fault?" asked Gofaster.</p> - -<p>"My fault is like yours," said the goblin: "I am naturally too -good-natured. The Phookas, to whom I belong, are not only full of -mischief, but ill-natured in the pranks they play upon men. I am -mischievous also, but never to any one's hurt or serious annoyance. -Hence it is that the King of the Phookas has banished me from Wales for -three years, and my term will not expire for a twelvemonth. He has also -condemned me to be visible for only one month in the year. I have -watched you for months. I am the little old man whom you helped out of a -ditch to your own discomfort. I sympathize with you in your distress, -and, if you take my counsel, will bring you to good fortune."</p> - -<p>"That is very kind of you," said Gofaster. "But how?"</p> - -<p>"A thousand miles from here, in the far north," replied the Phooka, "in -the city of Huperborea, there reigns a King named Jornet, who has an -only child—a daughter called Amber. The Huperboreans are what you would -call dwarfs, being under five feet in height, with the exception of the -King, who is three inches taller than any of his subjects. He married in -the country of the giants where you live, and his daughter, though much -smaller than her mother, is within two inches of your height. She is -beautiful, intelligent, and affectionate, but no one of the princes -around have sought her hand, because of her height. Her father has been -enraged at this, and declares that the first man coming to his country, -though he be a private gentleman, if taller than she, provided he does -three things for the benefit of the state, shall be her husband and -succeed to the crown. Many have tried, having heard of these conditions, -but have done nothing worthy of the prize; besides, none of them found -favor in the eyes of the Princess Amber, and that is a part of the -conditions. You shall go, and you shall win."</p> - -<p>"But how am I to get there, so great a distance? and how am I to support -myself when there? and what am I to do if I were to get there?"</p> - -<p>"Listen," said the Phooka. "The clothes you have assumed have magic -powers. The cap is the cap of intellect, and makes you see clearly and -determine correctly. When in doubt, state the case in your own mind; -when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> you have come to what you should do, the cap will bind itself -tightly to your head. The jerkin is the jerkin of strength. While you -wear it you will have four times the strength of other men. The shoes -are the shoes of endurance. So long as they are on your feet you will be -able to bear any toil without fatigue. As for means to support you, -place your hand in your pocket and draw out a purse which it contains."</p> - -<p>Gofaster obeyed, and drew out a small silken purse. "Why, this," he -said, "contains but one coin—a broad gold piece."</p> - -<p>"Take out the coin and put it in your pocket." And Gofaster obeyed.</p> - -<p>"Why," said the giant, "there is another piece in the purse."</p> - -<p>"Do with that as you did with the other." And Gofaster did so.</p> - -<p>"Well," said the giant, "there seems to be another still."</p> - -<p>"As often as you draw out," said the goblin, "from that inexhaustible -treasury it will be replaced by another. And now I can transport you to -Huperborea. You could not get there without my assistance, for between -that country and this there are hundreds of miles of eternal ice and -snow, with a very short season of growth of stunted herbage, with few -animals that you could kill for support; and those who have tried to -visit this great open sea, which skirts the Huperborea kingdom, have -either been obliged to turn back or have perished miserably. I have the -power to transport you thither. How will you go? Above, below, or -between?"</p> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/ill_010.jpg" width="400" height="301" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">THE JOURNEY TO HUPERBOREA.</span> -</div> - -<p>Gofaster said to himself, "Which shall it be? Shall I go upward or on -the ground—that seems best—or midway?"</p> - -<p>When he uttered to himself "midway" the cap clasped itself tightly to -his head, so he answered, "Midway."</p> - -<p>The goblin gave a hollow laugh. "The cap has counselled you wisely," he -said. "Had you said above, I should have carried you so high that you -would have almost died of terror before we ended our short journey. Had -you said on the ground, you would have been dragged over rocks and -bushes, so as to get there much hurt, and I would have had no power to -change this. But as you have said midway, you will have a swift and -pleasant journey. Let us depart."</p> - -<p>Gofaster felt something take his hand and lead him out of the door. Then -he was drawn upward slightly, and forward, with great speed but no -discomfort. It was noon when they started. They passed over lakes, -rivers, and mountains, the weather changing to somewhat more chilly from -what they had departed; and it seemed as though they must have gone the -whole night through without his knowing it, for when they gently touched -the ground at the end of the journey there appeared to Gofaster the rays -of the morning sun.</p> - -<h3>CHAPTER II.</h3> - -<p>The place where the giant alighted was nearly in front of what, in spite -of its two stories, seemed to be a mere hut. It was surrounded by a -well-kept garden.</p> - -<p>"I wonder," said Gofaster, aloud, "if I will get shelter here for the -night."</p> - -<p>A hollow laugh at his elbow showed that his friend had not departed. -"The days here," said the goblin, "are six months long, and the nights -are just as long as the days. During the day, which has just begun, the -weather is tolerably comfortable, and mid-day is the only summer the -Huperboreans have; the night is intensely cold, but you will be able to -purchase furs to make you comfortable. Tho owner of this house is a man -of fair fortune, but as he lives on the outskirts of the city, apart -somewhat from his fellows, he likes to entertain travellers if he take -the least fancy toward them at sight. Knock, and make your bargain with -him, for you will find there a good place to stay for a while, and its -owner can give you whatever information you require about the King, the -Court, and the people."</p> - -<p>Gofaster obeyed the commands of his monitor. He entered the pathway, -and, on arriving at the door, rapped. In a moment or so the door was -opened, and there stood a slender old man, with a face full of wrinkles, -in which appeared a pair of sharp, twinkling eyes.</p> - -<p>"I am called Gofaster," said the giant, bowing, "and am on a visit to -this country unattended. I am informed that you occasionally entertain -travellers, and if you could make room for me I should feel under -obligation, and be prepared to compensate you fairly."</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 287px;"> -<img src="images/ill_011.jpg" width="287" height="400" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">"THERE IS NO BEDSTEAD LONG ENOUGH FOR YOU."</span> -</div> - -<p>The host looked up and said, "You are one of the giants, and would have -to sleep on the floor, for there is no bedstead long enough for you."</p> - -<p>"That would suit me very well," said Gofaster.</p> - -<p>"My terms are two lyro a day," said the other, "and my name is Hepsone."</p> - -<p>"I am not familiar," said the giant, "with the coin of this country."</p> - -<p>"This is a lyro," replied Hepsone, taking from his pocket and displaying -a coin of about the size of a half-dollar.</p> - -<p>"I do not have silver," returned the giant, producing a coin from his -pocket. "How many lyros are there in this?"</p> - -<p>Hepsone looked at it curiously. "About fifteen, I should say," was his -answer.</p> - -<p>"In my country," said the giant, "it would take twenty of such coin as -that you show me to balance this, but I suppose silver is more valuable -here. Your terms are reasonable, and I accept them with thanks."</p> - -<p>"Come in, then," said Hepsone, and they entered.</p> - -<p>The door opened into a side hall about a foot higher than the giant's -head; for though he had to stoop to enter, when once in he easily stood -upright.</p> - -<p>"Pray be seated," said Hepsone; "and as we have an hour left before -breakfast, let us talk a little. May I ask why you came here—on -business or pleasure?"</p> - -<p>"On pleasure, I hope," replied Gofaster; "and that I may more readily -secure it I should like to know something about the King, the royal -family, and the nobles of the people. Is your King a good one?"</p> - -<p>"As kings go, yes," replied Hepsone. "As his faithful subject, I have no -fault to find with him, nor is there any occasion. He rules as justly as -his Prime-minister, Count Snarlitz, will let him, is very kind-hearted -and anxious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> for the good of his people, but he generally leaves public -affairs to his ministers, especially in the season of hunting, of which -sport he is very fond. He hunts to-day in the forest a mile beyond, and -if you care to look at him you need only go there after breakfast, and -probably will be able to cross his path. As for the royal family, it is -a very small one. The Queen died five years since, and the King has -declared that he will never again marry. He has only one child, a -daughter, who is distinguished from the ladies of the Court by the fact -that she is nearly as tall as you. She is very lovely, in spite of her -size, and is almost worshipped by the mass of people, who desire to see -her mated in order that the succession may not go to a distant -connection of the King, a man who is hated by all classes. As for the -people, they are like the people everywhere, I suppose. There is a -sprinkling of honest men, another of wise men, as many as both of -rogues, and all the rest are fools."</p> - -<p>In the course of the conversation Gofaster learned some facts of -interest. He found that life must be very dreary indeed during the six -months of night the people had, their main light coming from torches -made from split pieces of pine, and all business being suspended not -only during hours of sleep, but in the intervals of meals, until the six -months of day came back. He also learned that the people suffered every -month from a species of water famine. The water was supplied from a -reservoir on a high hill back of the city, which was fed from a large -spring; for a month at a time the spring ceased to flow, the reservoir -was drained dry, and water for domestic purposes of any kind had to be -brought from a distance.</p> - -<p>In this reservoir there lived a huge water dragon over fifty feet long -who was called Slander; and no one could get there to examine the cause -of the stoppage on account of the breath of this brute, which breath -poisoned every one who came within reach of it.</p> - -<p>After more conversation breakfast was announced, and our traveller found -the meal to be a very good one and well served, though his seat was so -low that as he sat there his knees were on a level with the top of the -table. After breakfast he asked Hepsone how he should manage to purchase -a wardrobe, as he supposed there was no ready-made clothing in the city -beyond which would fit him.</p> - -<p>"As for that," said Hepsone, "there need be no trouble. I know a very -worthy tailor who will be glad to make you anything that you desire at -the shortest notice, and though he makes for some of the nobles of the -Court, will be ready, for cash, to do it reasonably. If you say so, I -will send for him at once."</p> - -<p>To this Gofaster assented, and said he would go to the forest when the -meal closed, and see if his Majesty and the nobles were there, engaged -in the hunt. "But," he added, "I might meet with some wild beast, and -should like to have a weapon to defend myself."</p> - -<p>"As for that," replied Hepsone, "I can serve you there too. I had a -lodger a year since who was here with the hope of marrying the Princess -Amber, but he failed to win her favor or do anything worthy of note. His -money ran out at the last, and in part settlement of his account with me -he left a very valuable sword. As it is too long for any of our people, -I have had it by me ever since. You might gird that upon you, but, if I -may advise you, I would also take that battle-axe you see on the wall, -which you will find a more ready weapon in a close encounter."</p> - -<p>Gofaster accepted both these offers, and with sword at his side and -battle-axe in hand, started off in the direction of the forest, which he -soon reached. He wandered there for some time without meeting any one or -anything, until finally he heard the sound of a horn. Making his way in -that direction, he saw a group of men, and among them one who was a -little taller than the others, whom, from that fact, and also because he -was the only one bonneted, he inferred to be the King. He placed himself -beside a huge fir tree, which was almost the sole kind in the forest, in -order to observe more closely; but at that moment the King waved his -hand, and the group, apparently at his order, broke and dispersed in -various directions.</p> - -<p>The giant made his way at a respectful distance after the King, who was -attended only by a large hound. The latter was fleet of foot, but as the -strides of the giant were one-half as long again as those of the King, -Gofaster was enabled to keep at the same distance without exertion. For -a half-hour nothing out of the way occurred, nor did the hound seem to -put up any game. At length the animal started, stopped, sniffed the air, -and with a loud bay bounded off, followed quickly by the King, and, in -turn, by Gofaster. As the two latter ran they heard the sound of a -conflict, with a yelp of pain from the dog, and both came suddenly to an -open space, where they found that the animal had encountered a huge -white bear, for whom he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> no match, and had speedily been despatched -by his antagonist.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> -<img src="images/ill_012.jpg" width="600" height="94" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The King was armed only with a hunting-spear and sword, and the bear, -made furious by the attack of the dog, at once turned upon his human -enemy. The latter, spear in hand, stood firmly; but the bear, with a -sweep of his powerful arm, struck the weapon with such force sidewise as -to shatter the shaft. In an instant more the monarch, who had drawn his -sword, would have been unable to make any serious resistance; but -Gofaster, who had rushed forward, and whose step had not attracted the -attention of the beast, drove his battle-axe with full force into the -skull of the bear, and the huge animal fell dead at the feet of the -King.</p> - -<p>King Jornet coolly returned his sword to its scabbard. "Sir Stranger," -said he, "you have rendered us a service most opportune. Eighteen inches -of cold steel would have no chance against that brute's claws. May I ask -to whom I am indebted for this aid?"</p> - -<p>"A mere private gentleman," replied Gofaster, "from the country of the -giants, who is travelling here for pleasure, and who happily strolled -this way this morning. May I ask whom I have had the honor of serving?"</p> - -<p>"I am the King," said the latter, "and I should be glad to see you at -Court as early as may suit your convenience, that I may express my -thanks in a more fitting way than I can do now."</p> - -<p>"I shall not fail to obey your Majesty's command," said the giant, -bowing.</p> - -<p>"And your name?" asked the King.</p> - -<p>"Gofaster, your Majesty."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, <i>Count</i> Gofaster," said the King, laying emphasis on the -title, "in less than a week we shall expect to see you." The King bowed, -which the giant took to be an expression that he desired him not to be -present when his courtiers came; and as the King applied his horn to his -lips and sounded a few notes, Gofaster returned to the house of Hepsone.</p> - -<p>Shortly after his departure the courtiers came in from various -directions, and looked with astonishment at the bear and the dead hound.</p> - -<p>"He was killed by a stranger, who came in good time," said the King, -pointing to the dead bear; but he gave no further word of explanation.</p> - -<h3>CHAPTER III.</h3> - -<p>On his return to the house of Hepsone, Gofaster found there a crooked -little man, whom his host introduced as Snipper, the tailor. After a -bargain had been made, and as the tailor was measuring his new -customer—which in order to do completely he was obliged to stand on a -stool—Hepsone examined the battle-axe, which the giant had laid aside.</p> - -<p>"Why," said he, "the edge of this is nicked in two places, and it is -marked with blood. Did you meet with game?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the giant, "a white bear, and he lies there in the forest."</p> - -<p>"A white bear!" cried the host, in amazement. "Did you have the courage -to face a brute like that?"</p> - -<p>"Oh," replied Gofaster, laughing, "I dealt him a coward's blow from -behind; but I take no shame for it, since I would have had no chance had -I faced him."</p> - -<p>"I should like to know all about it," said Hepsone, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"At some other time, but not now," said the giant, for he reflected that -the King might not wish the adventure recounted without his consent.</p> - -<p>After the departure of the tailor the giant took another stroll, in -order to gain an appetite for dinner. This time he made his way up a -hill, whose sides were covered with small evergreen-bushes, from whose -summit he thought he would obtain a good view of the town below. As he -advanced higher the bushes disappeared, and the ground was barren and -destitute of herbage. He then recognized a disagreeable odor, which -increased as he advanced. He feared that he was approaching the abode of -the dragon, but could see no signs of the beast or his habitation. He -came at length to some openings in the ground, which emitted a stench -that seemed strangely familiar.</p> - -<p>"Why," said he, "this resembles the gas springs which we have in my -country, which we conduct through pipes to the town, and use it for -purposes of illumination and heat. I must remember this, and take -advantage of it."</p> - -<p>Three days later the tailor returned with his new clothes. They fitted -perfectly, and he felt himself ready for the audience.</p> - -<p>As he was hesitating whether or not to seek the King, he heard horses' -hoofs without, and, looking through the low window, beheld a group of -gentlemen, each of less than medium height, who were mounted upon -ponies. They were in conversation with his host, and as they spake -loudly, he heard their words.</p> - -<p>"We have been seeking through the town," said the spokesman, "for a -foreign gentleman, the Count Gofaster, and not finding him, have come -here with the hope that he might lodge with you."</p> - -<p>"There is a gentleman here," said Hepsone, "but I did not know that he -was a Count. Has he done anything wrong?"</p> - -<p>"Not that I know of," said the other, laughing; "but his Majesty the -King and her Royal Highness the Princess Amber are desirous of seeing -him, and we are ordered to summon him to Court."</p> - -<p>At this Gofaster emerged from the door and confronted the group. "I am -Gofaster," he said, "and the gracious wishes of his Majesty are -commands. I shall have the honor of seeking an audience without delay."</p> - -<p>"We have brought a horse for your convenience, Count," said the -spokesman, pointing to a gaudily caparisoned pony about twelve hands -high.</p> - -<p>The giant could scarcely suppress a laugh. "I think," said he, dryly, -"that walking would be an easier mode of travelling. With your -permission, I shall accompany you on foot."</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 297px;"> -<img src="images/ill_013.jpg" width="297" height="400" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">GOFASTER ESCORTED TO THE KING'S PALACE.</span> -</div> - -<p>The party then set out, and made their way through the town to the royal -palace. Curious crowds lined the narrow streets, and were with -difficulty kept back by the police, so eager were they to see this -gigantic stranger.</p> - -<p>"Count," said the monarch, as he received him in the palace, "we have -sent for you because we were impatient to thank you in this public -manner for the service you so promptly rendered to our person, and to -welcome to our Court a nobleman whom we hope to see one of its chiefest -ornaments. Let me present you to Count Snarlitz, our Prime-minister."</p> - -<p>Gofaster and Snarlitz bowed to each other, the former with good-humor, -and the latter with a sneer on his lip and a twinkle of ill will in his -eye which the giant did not fail to recognize.</p> - -<p>"In faith," said the giant to himself, "I feel this to be an enemy, and -will have to be on guard. He fears that I will be a favorite, and may -interfere with his hold on the King."</p> - -<p>The King now descended from his throne, followed by the Princess, to -whom Gofaster was presented. At a signal from the King, Snarlitz and the -others fell back, and the Princess added her thanks in a manner that -showed her appreciation of the service rendered and but half-concealed -admiration for the new-comer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> - -<p>At command of the King, Gofaster was assigned apartments in the royal -palace, and a week thereafter, the faithful tailor having fully stocked -his wardrobe, he took possession of them.</p> - -<p>Before this, however, a banquet was given in his honor, and at this -Count Snarlitz changed his manner in the most marked way, and paid the -giant the most profound deference, indulging in compliments at times so -extreme as to be offensive.</p> - -<p>Before the guests had arisen from the board the Prime-minister, in the -course of conversation, said: "If it please your Majesty, I look upon it -as most fortunate that this gallant gentleman is one who is able to -render a most marked service to the state. He is the only one, I think, -who has the courage and the power to face and destroy the powerful -dragon of the reservoir."</p> - -<p>"No, no!" said the Princess Amber, instantly; "that is too perilous."</p> - -<p>"Nay, daughter," said the King, "let us hear what the Count himself has -to say on the matter."</p> - -<p>Gofaster hesitated a moment. His cap, which had already given him such -trusty counsel, had been removed, and he could not replace it in the -King's presence; but his embarrassment was at once relieved. A hollow -laugh at his elbow told him that his invisible friend, the Phooka, was -there, and he heard a voice unheard by the others, which said to him, -"Accept for a week hence."</p> - -<p>Then Gofaster arose, and bowing to the King, said, "In a week from this -time, with your Majesty's permission, I shall undertake the adventure."</p> - -<p>To his great delight, the giant saw the Princess turn pale at this -announcement, and his heart beat high with hope. But after the banquet -was over, and he had taken his leave, he felt that he had done a rash -thing.</p> - -<p>"How shall I be able," he said, "to face, much less to overcome, this -terrible Slander, whose breath is poison to all who confront it."</p> - -<p>"Easily enough," said the voice of the Phooka in his ear. "There is a -little herb called truth, which grows in out-of-the-way places, and I -can lead you to it. Mix that with honey, of which the dragon is -extremely fond, and which he can scent at some distance. He will not -detect the mixture, but eat the honey greedily, and the truth in it will -kill him."</p> - -<h3>CHAPTER IV.</h3> - -<p>The night before the day he had fixed for the adventure Gofaster went to -the house of Hepsone, where he slept. Before retiring he sent for a pot -of honey, which was brought him.</p> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 180px;"> -<img src="images/ill_014.jpg" width="180" height="400" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">THE DRAGON MAKES FOR THE POT OF HONEY.</span> -</div> - -<p>The next morning, with the honey and a large dish, he went from the hut -of Hepsone in search of the herb called truth. It was soon obtained, for -he who seeks truth earnestly can always find it. Gathering a quantity, -he mixed it thoroughly with the honey; and then, still under the -Phooka's direction, travelled to a spot at no great distance from the -reservoir, where he placed the great dish on the ground, poured into it -the contents of the jar, and retreated to a safe distance, where from a -grove he could observe events. He had not long to wait. He heard a -peculiar sound, which satisfied him that the great beast had scented the -honey and would proceed in search of it. Standing behind a tree, he saw -the animal emerge into an open space, and was struck with something like -fear when he beheld its immense size. This was not unmixed with -admiration. The body of the animal as it appeared approaching through -the trees was covered with glittering scales, which flashed in the -sunlight at every motion. It hurried eagerly to the honey, which it -lapped up with its tongue, after the manner<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> of the dog, until he had -entirely cleaned the dish of its contents, swallowing at the same time -the herb. He stood with what appeared to be an air of satisfaction for -some time, glancing around, so that Gofaster was obliged to hide himself -still more effectually behind the trunk, lest he might be seen.</p> - -<p>After a while a noise as of some one beating the earth furiously caused -the giant to peer cautiously from one side of his hiding-place. There he -beheld the dragon making the most terrible contortions, beating the -ground with his long and massive tail, and apparently suffering great -agony. This continued for some time; then the motion of the beast became -weaker, and finally, with a terrific roar, it lay over on its back and -became perfectly motionless.</p> - -<p>"It may not be dead," said Gofaster, "and I had better wait."</p> - -<p>"Slander is dead!" said the voice of the Phooka. "Truth has killed him. -You may advance without fear and cut off his head."</p> - -<p>"Why should I do that?" said the giant.</p> - -<p>"Simply as an evidence of your exploit; otherwise your friend Count -Snarlitz might not be convinced. Beware of the Count."</p> - -<p>"I have seen enough to make me do that already," replied Gofaster.</p> - -<p>"Very good; but you must have friends at Court. There are two parties -there; that of Count Snarlitz is a power just now, but he has a rival in -Count Merit, and you must attach yourself to him."</p> - -<p>"But why should I," inquired the giant, "a stranger here, meddle in -Court politics? Is it not safer to stand between both and lean to -neither, and thus get none of the tumble when the seesaw goes up or -down?"</p> - -<p>"Did you ever, as a boy, play at seesaw?" asked the Phooka.</p> - -<p>"Yes, and generally stood in the centre and balanced myself."</p> - -<p>"Then," said the Phooka, "you had all the tumbles and none of the rides. -Make yourself friends with Count Merit."</p> - -<p>"I see," replied the giant.</p> - -<p>By this time they had reached the dead dragon, and with a few powerful -strokes of his huge sword Gofaster severed the head from the body. -Raising it with ease, through the immense strength conveyed by the -jerkin, the giant proceeded towards the house of Hepsone. The weight he -bore was enormous, but the shoes of endurance played their part well, -and it seemed to him almost as light as a feather.</p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 345px;"> -<img src="images/ill_015.jpg" width="345" height="400" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">GOFASTER CARRIES THE DRAGON'S HEAD TO TOWN.</span> -</div> - -<p>Before he had gone half a mile he came upon some boys gathering wild -berries, which grew here and there upon the sides of the declivity. They -looked at the head of the beast in wonder, and then scampered to the -town with the news that the dragon had been slain.</p> - -<p>By the time Gofaster reached his lodging-place he found it surrounded by -groups of the townsfolk, who had come to verify the truth of the story -told by the boys. Soon there came others and others; by night—that is, -by the night of the giant, for he kept time by his watch, and not by the -sun—the place was surrounded by a crowd, whose shouts rent the air, and -who hailed Gofaster as the great benefactor of the state.</p> - -<p>Presently a troop of soldiers having a small wagon came, and on the -vehicle they brought Gofaster placed the head, and bidding adieu to -Hepsone, the giant made his way with it through the crowds that -accompanied and hovered around him until he entered the palace grounds, -where the King and Court, having been apprised of the exploit, waited to -receive the trophy and honor the victor.</p> - -<p>There was but one exception to the general rejoicing and -congratulations. Count Snarlitz stood on one side, moody and depressed. -One gentleman advanced from the group and presented his hand to -Gofaster.</p> - -<p>"Count," said he, "let me introduce myself. I am Count Merit, and I -congratulate you on the eminent service you have this day rendered the -state."</p> - -<p>"I like this man," said the giant to himself, as he took the proffered -hand. Bowing to the King, he glanced timidly at the Princess Amber.</p> - -<p>She said nothing, but the expression in her eyes and the color that came -and went in her face made his heart throb with joy.</p> - -<p>"Count," said the King, advancing, "for the service you have this day -rendered we are not able to fully compensate you, but we shall create -you Knight Grand Cross of the New Noble Order of the White Bear, which -we have this day established, and call you to our Privy Council. If -there be anything you desire, you have only to name it."</p> - -<p>"With my thanks for your Majesty's gracious favor already bestowed, I -have only to ask a private audience, that I may communicate to your -Majesty a matter of importance."</p> - -<p>"By all means," said the King. "Accompany me to my private cabinet. -Daughter, we will excuse your attendance."</p> - -<p>"If your Majesty please," interposed Gofaster, "there is no reason why -her Royal Highness should not be present. They say a woman cannot keep a -secret, but I have found them to be the most trusty confidantes."</p> - -<p>"You must have a sister or a sweetheart," said the Princess Amber.</p> - -<p>"Neither, your Royal Highness."</p> - -<p>"Then," said the Princess, smiling, "you remember your mother."</p> - -<p>"Now," said the King, as the three entered the cabinet, "I am ready to -listen."</p> - -<p>Gofaster then spoke of the insufficient means of light during the six -months of night peculiar to the country, and spoke of his discovery of -the gas springs.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the King, "we all know it; it is a great injury in rainy -weather, when the stench is blown into the town, to the annoyance of our -people as well as to ourself. Attempts have been made to fill these -holes up, but everything thrown in is ejected with some force, or, if -very heavy, disappears without making any marked change. If you could -rid us of it you would confer the last of the three great favors of the -state, and then—" With these words he glanced at Princess Amber, who -blushed.</p> - -<p>Gofaster now detailed his plan to the King, by which he hoped to conduct -the gas—which was inflammable—safely into the royal palace and through -the town for the purposes of illumination. The King was struck with the -idea, but said it was impracticable on account of the expense. The taxes -were already as high as the people could well bear, and the treasury was -nearly empty.</p> - -<p>"But," said Gofaster, "I have ample means, and I propose to do this at -my own expense."</p> - -<p>"You shall have our permission, and may make it a monopoly to your own -advantage."</p> - -<p>"That I do not desire," replied the giant. "It is enough if I can give -more comfort to your people, and will aid in making your Majesty's reign -still more notable."</p> - -<h3>CHAPTER V.</h3> - -<p>Presently there ran a rumor through the town that Count Gofaster, who -had already performed two notable exploits, was engaged in something -which promised to be of great advantage to the people of the capital -city. What that was no one knew besides the King and Princess, but it -was noticed that a number of mechanics, among them a noted boiler-maker, -had been sent for, and visited the apartments of Gofaster in the palace, -whence they emerged with countenances of satisfaction, which proved they -were to be employed on a job they deemed to be profitable; but they had -been forbidden to speak on the matter until the time came.</p> - -<p>It was a month before even they learned the nature of the undertaking, -and in the mean while other rumors arose of a different nature. It was -whispered around that the stranger was a foreign prince in disguise, a -son of the King of Giant-land, and that he was merely paving the way to -an attempt to dethrone King Jornet and crown himself instead. Some -believed the story, and some did not. The party of Count Snarlitz were -active in circulating and commenting upon the charge, while the party of -Count<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> Merit ridiculed it and branded it as an absurdity. The people -loved their King, but the mass of them remembered that Gofaster had -saved his Majesty from death, and had destroyed one of the greatest -perils to the state; and the general current of opinion sided with the -party of Count Merit. It was well known too by this time that the -Princess Amber—who was even more beloved than her father—favored the -stranger, who had nothing to gain but almost everything to lose by -sinister conduct. Of this Gofaster would have known nothing, perhaps, -had it not been for his friend the Phooka, who told him of the rumors -and the discussion thereon.</p> - -<p>These, he said, were through Count Snarlitz, who would probably make -them the basis of charges later on, leaving no means untried which would -crush this stranger, to whom he had taken an invincible dislike. "Count -Merit," said the Phooka, "well divines the object of this movement and -who has set it on foot, and will use it as a lever to overthrow his -rival and elevate himself to power. You now see the advantage of having -gained a friend in Count Merit. Go on with your present design, and let -these parties in the mean time fight it out. It is enough for you to -face the danger openly when it presents itself."</p> - -<p>Gofaster took this advice, and making no sign that he knew of the -intrigues around him, proceeded with his work. Large iron tubes were -brought from time to time to the park around the palace, and to various -points between that and the gas springs, and these were carefully -guarded. Then a troop of laborers, like busy ants, began to delve around -the gas springs, excavating a large circle, and from thence making a -ditch down the hill and through the town so far as the royal palace: a -cross ditch was also made along the principal street.</p> - -<p>When the authorities, under the direction of the Minister of the -Interior, prepared to stop this work, they were shown the King's order -investing Gofaster with full power. Count Snarlitz, on learning of this, -waited upon the King, and supposing that his services could not be -dispensed with, complained that a royal order had been issued, contrary -to form, without being attested by him, and tendered his resignation. To -his great surprise and chagrin, the King accepted it, and sent for Count -Merit, whom he commanded to form a ministry.</p> - -<p>Though there were no newspapers but one—the <i>Court Journal</i>—and this -was seen by but few people, the news of the downfall of the Snarlitz -ministry went from mouth to ear throughout the country. Count Snarlitz -had been so haughty and overbearing that he had few friends among the -common folk; and among the nobles his party speedily diminished when it -was discovered that he had lost the confidence of the King, and that the -Princess Amber was decidedly unfriendly to him. He retired from office, -secretly vowing vengeance on the stranger, and waiting for an -opportunity to gratify his malice.</p> - -<p>The people soon forgot all about him in their wonder at the new and -strange work going on under their eyes. They speculated a deal upon it -without learning its object, since none, with the exception of Gofaster, -knew that the gas of the springs could be burned, and if they had would -not have believed that it could be done with safety.</p> - -<p>Even when the masons had built a wall around the cavity that had been -made at the springs, and immense columns had been erected around it, -they were still ignorant, and their wonder heightened. It was only when -the boiler-makers had completed a huge tank which filled the cavity, and -connected the pipes therewith—smaller tubes having been laid in the -King's palace, and others connected with the pipes buried in the -streets—that the people became aware of what was to be done.</p> - -<p>And now there arose a whisper around which soon deepened into clamor. It -was said that the purpose of Gofaster was to force this deadly gas into -the palace, killing the King and Court, and, by throwing the bulk of it -into the town, so enfeeble the people, as well as the army, that the -place would become a ready prey to a band of giants, who were to come no -one knew how, and whence no one could tell.</p> - -<p>The populace fell under the influence of this rumor, scandalously -circulated by the Snarlitz faction, and assembling in large numbers, -marched to the palace, where they demanded the cessation of the -dangerous work and the immediate banishment of Count Gofaster from the -realm. The new Prime-minister had not, however, been idle. Fearing this -uprising, and having been let into this secret by the giant, he had -without noise marched a considerable military force into the park, and -when the rioters entered they were confronted by a body of soldiers -drawn up in line. The mob hesitated, and a mob which hesitates can -easily be diverted from its purpose. It was armed after a fashion, but -had no system or discipline, and stood there fearing to advance or -retreat.</p> - -<p>At that moment the King and his daughter suddenly appeared upon the -palace steps. A hoarse roar arose from the multitude, demanding the -banishment, if not the death, of the stranger, who was to destroy them -all.</p> - -<p>The King waved his hand for silence, but the alarm of the people seemed -to be intensified by the momentary check; and the clamor increased in -violence. It seemed as though a revolution were imminent, not merely of -the ministry, but one that imperilled the King himself. At that moment -the Princess Amber stepped forward, and the crowd was hushed to silence, -for the Princess was beloved of the common people exceedingly. Her -interest in their needs and sufferings, her many benefactions, and the -well-known fact of her influence with her royal father—all these had at -various times succeeded in lowering the exactions of the -Prime-ministers, and in relieving the people from many abuses that had -crept into the state. She had, therefore, never appeared before them -without exciting admiration.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Good people," she said, "can you not trust in what I tell you?"</p> - -<p>The tide was turned in an instant, and the cry came as if from one man, -"Yes, we can trust you!"</p> - -<p>"Then," she said, "hear me. Bad men have abused your confidence. We have -full knowledge of what is doing and why it has been done; it is for the -benefit of all of you; it is to cheer your homes and to make life during -the dreary winter nights not only endurable, but one that you can enjoy. -Continue to trust me, who never have deceived any one. Go home peaceably -and quietly, and with confidence in what I tell you, await a happy -result."</p> - -<p>There is nothing so sudden as the reaction of a mob. Smiles succeeded -frowns, the crowd gave loud cheers for the Princess, and then melted -slowly and quietly away. The danger to the throne had passed.</p> - -<h3>CHAPTER VI.</h3> - -<p>The work done inside the King's palace was not seen by the multitude, -but they saw large pipes laid in the ditches, the ditches themselves -filled up, and a long row of tubes rising ten or twelve feet in the air, -whose uses they could not divine. But in spite of the diverse rumors -still circulated by the Snarlitz faction, the people cheered themselves -with the reassuring words of the Princess Amber, and patiently awaited -results. This was strengthened by the reports of the workmen who were -employed in the palace, and who averred—though they were bound to -secrecy—that what was to be done would be a great public benefit. Much -speculation was indulged in as to what the secret doings were, but after -a time this faded out; the people minded their own affairs, and only -talked about the matter occasionally when they passed the tall tubes in -the roadway. A guard was placed on the great tank on the hill, and the -public at large were forbidden to visit the spot.</p> - -<p>And so time passed on until the six-months day had ended, the sun had -sunk out of sight, and the twilight had deepened into gloom. Then -suddenly bright lights were seen in all the windows of the King's -palace, and there issued forth a number of men bearing lighted torches, -which they applied hurriedly to the tops of the tubes that lined the -roadway down into and along the principal streets of the town.</p> - -<p>A steady light was given out by each of these gigantic candles, making -the roadway and street light and cheery, while crowds of people came -from all quarters to enjoy the novel spectacle.</p> - -<p>Count Gofaster was the hero of the hour. Even the adherents of Snarlitz -were silenced and forced to admit that the giant had conferred the third -great benefit on the state. The King, in his own brilliantly lighted -hall of audience, thanked him before the assembled nobles of the Court -for the great service he had rendered.</p> - -<p>"In due time," said the King, "every street in the town shall be lighted -through this means, and if the six months of night be not bright as day, -they will at least be rendered enjoyable."</p> - -<p>It was now the opportunity of Gofaster to demand the fulfilment of the -King's pledge in regard to the man who should confer three benefits on -the state and obtain the favor of the Princess.</p> - -<p>But Gofaster dared not speak. To his surprise and sorrow, he found that -the manner of the Princess was not only less cordial, but shy and -reserved, and that she seemed to avoid him. The young giant was not -versed in the ways of womankind, and found discouragement in what should -have given him hope. He had not studied the proverb, "Faint heart never -won fair lady," and reflected much upon his former comparatively low -condition, from which he had only been removed by the favor of the -sovereign, and which did not seem to warrant a close alliance with the -royal family. He became moody, and sank into a kind of hopeless gloom, -under which his health suffered. His friend the Prime-minister saw this, -but did not conjecture the cause; neither, apparently, did the King nor -Princess.</p> - -<p>Gofaster withdrew himself as much as possible from the royal presence, -and seemed to have no friend to whom he was willing to confide his -trouble. He even forgot the Phooka, but the latter did not forget him.</p> - -<p>As Gofaster was seated in his apartments, ruminating upon his sad fate, -he heard a hollow laugh near him, which he recognized as that of his -invisible guardian.</p> - -<p>"Clearly," said the goblin, "all human beings are fools, and Count -Gofaster seems to be about the biggest fool of all."</p> - -<p>The giant did not resent the reproach, for the gratitude toward his -benefactor blunted the point of it, if it did not relieve the sting.</p> - -<p>"Possibly," he said, in reply. "But why now more than usual?"</p> - -<p>"Clearly," answered the other, "because you are breaking your heart -about the love of a young woman who is breaking hers because you do not -make the proper advances. Do you expect a maiden, setting aside her high -rank, to be won without wooing?"</p> - -<p>"But I dare not," said Gofaster, despairingly.</p> - -<p>"He who dares not is lost," said the Phooka. "I know everything that -goes on through the palace, because I pass everywhere without -observation. The Princess believes you indifferent to her charms, and is -mortified that she has given her heart to one who treats her with -neglect. The whole town is talking of it, and wondering why you do not -embrace the good-fortune in store for you."</p> - -<p>A new light broke in upon the giant's mind. "I shall try," he said.</p> - -<p>"Try is the best dog in the pack," said the goblin.</p> - -<p>Gofaster now plucked up courage and appeared at the audience—which was -given every twenty-four hours—bravely arrayed, and with a cheerful -face. He joined in conversation with the friends whom he had made among -the nobles, and even ventured to address some observations to the -Princess and the ladies of honor around her, the latter of whom received -him with marked pleasure. Bit by bit the conversation in this group -became general, and finally the Princess herself joined in it, throwing -off her reserve. As the two spoke together more freely, the ladies of -honor drew back, as if by tacit agreement, and the Princess and Gofaster -were left together.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I have not sufficiently congratulated you, Count," said the Princess, -"on your last great achievement."</p> - -<p>"Nor have I, your Royal Highness," answered he, "thanked you for the -kindly and effective words you spoke in behalf of my project when its -success seemed doubtful."</p> - -<p>"But <i>I</i> never doubted it or you," said the Princess.</p> - -<p>"Princess Amber," said the giant. But here he stopped.</p> - -<p>"Well, Count?" said the Princess.</p> - -<p>"I have been fortunate enough," said he, "to render three times some -service to the state, and might claim some reward for it; but there is -only one reward that I desire, and that depends upon your Royal -Highness."</p> - -<p>"Name it," said the Princess. "Speak freely."</p> - -<p>"I would be bold enough to ask your father for your hand were I sure it -would meet with approval from you, but I have not had the presumption to -hope."</p> - -<p>"He who deserves," said the Princess, blushing, "does not presume," and -she turned away.</p> - -<p>Thus encouraged, Gofaster boldly preferred a request to the King that -the royal pledge should be fulfilled. The King smiled good-naturedly, -and saying "A King should never break his word," led him to the Princess -and joined their hands. Then turning to the Court, he said: "We give our -daughter a fitting mate and the kingdom an heir-presumptive on whose -courage and capacity it can rely."</p> - -<p>The lords and ladies of the Court congratulated the betrothed couple, -who were shortly after wedded in great state, to the satisfaction of -all.</p> - -<p>Some weeks after the marriage, as Prince Gofaster—for he had been -raised to that rank—was passing into his cabinet, he heard the hollow -laugh which betokened the presence of Shon the Phooka. Turning to face -the sound, he saw before him a laughing boy a little over four feet in -height, who wore what seemed to be the jerkin of strength and the shoes -of endurance, shrunk to his own size.</p> - -<p>"I have resumed my property," said Shon, "because you have no further -use for them, with the exception of the cap of intellect, which I leave -behind for your use. So long as you have that it will give you what -additional strength and endurance you require. I now leave you. My term -of banishment will end in a week. If my monarch knew what service I had -rendered you I should be banished again; but, fortunately, there is no -stray Phooka here to tattle, and I shall keep my own counsel. Rely upon -the cap of intellect, and your future, though it may be checkered by -losses and crosses, will be a glorious one."</p> - -<p>"In what way can I show my gratitude to you?" said Gofaster. "How can I -let you know what I feel?"</p> - -<p>"Best," replied the goblin, "by forgetting me in course of time. As days -and years go by all sense of obligation in human creatures grows less, -and I doubt if you will be the sole exception to the rule." Then, with a -hollow laugh, he disappeared.</p> - -<p>The Princess Amber succeeded to the throne. How long and how wisely they -ruled the kingdom, and how, when the King died, he was succeeded by his -oldest son—this is all written in the chronicles of Huperborea. I -should be glad to tell all about it, but I have not been able to obtain -a copy of those chronicles. The Phooka has never shown himself to me, -and I have not been able to get him to convey me midway beyond the -barrier of ice and snow which separates Huperborea and its surrounding -kingdoms from the rest of the world; and the reader must be content with -what I have given him and ask for no more.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h3>AN EXTRAVAGANT COSTUME.</h3> - -<p>There have been dandies and dudes in all ages. A hundred years ago these -were known humorously as "Macaronis," and their dress was wonderful. A -journal published at that time says:</p> - -<p>"A few days ago a Macaroni made his appearance in the Assembly Rooms at -Whitehaven in the following dress: A mixed silk coat, pink sattin -waistcoat and breeches, covered with an elegant silver nett; white silk -stockings, with pink clocks; pink sattin shoes and large pearl buckles; -a mushroom-coloured stock, covered with a fine point-lace; his hair -dressed remarkably high, and stuck full of pearl pins."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="THE_CHRISTMAS_PIE" id="THE_CHRISTMAS_PIE"></a> -<img src="images/ill_016.jpg" width="400" height="372" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h2>THE CHRISTMAS PIE.</h2> - -<h3>BY MRS. DAVID MACLURE.</h3> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">It was a merry Christmas Day</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Not many years gone by;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">A day of gifts and songs, my dear—</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Description they defy;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">But some especial features were</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Roast turkey, nuts, and pie—</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 25em;">Particularly Pie!</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">On that bright day, not long ago,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">A little friend of mine</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">Had had a merry time, my dear</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">(His age, I think, was nine);</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">He had a merry time, I say,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">With all that cash could buy—</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 25em;">Especially with Pie!</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">He went to bed that Christmas night,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">And closed his weary eye;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">And what occurred thereafter, dear,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Was traceable to pie,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">Though turkey had a share indeed,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Which no one can deny—</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 25em;">But not compared with Pie!</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">At midnight's still uncanny hour,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Lo! perched on each bedpost,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">Appeared a long-necked turkey hen—</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">A pale, plucked, pimply ghost—</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">And sat and ogled him the while,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">With wicked, leering eye,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 25em;">Ejaculating "Pie!"</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">And there they sat through all the night,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Except that once each chime</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">They played at leap-frog on the bed,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">And chanted all the time</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">A very melancholy song,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">In tones pitched harsh and high:</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 25em;">"O give, O give me Pie!"</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">At early dawn my youthful friend</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Sprang from his bed in flight,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">To find the phantoms of his dreams</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Had vanished with the night.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">Said he: "Good Christmas cheer is fine,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">But Wisdom's voice doth cry:</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 25em;">Pray draw the line at Pie!"</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">So, dear young friends, a word to you</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Right at this Christmas Eve:</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">Use caution with your appetite,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Or cause may come to grieve.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">Remember, <i>Indigestion</i>, dear,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Few stomachs can defy,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 25em;">And draw the line at Pie.</span><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p> - -<h2><a name="THE_MAGIC_STOCKING" id="THE_MAGIC_STOCKING">THE MAGIC STOCKING.</a></h2> - -<h3>A BIT OF CHRISTMAS MERRIMENT IN ONE ACT.</h3> - -<h4><span class="smcap"><i>CHARACTERS</i></span>:</h4> - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Santa Claus</span>, <i>a jolly old elf</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Mary</span>, <i>mother's little woman, aged thirteen</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Nan</span>, <i>a stout champion of</i> Santa Claus, <i>aged eight</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lucy</span>, <i>a wee darling of three years</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Tommy</span>, <i>a scoffer at</i> Santa Claus, <i>aged eleven</i>.</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<blockquote> - -<p><span class="smcap">Time</span>.—<i>The night before Christmas.</i></p> - -<p>Scene.—<i>A cosy nursery with low-turned lights and bright fire. The -curtain rises, showing the children grouped around the fire, -little</i> Lucy <i>in night-gown and tiny night-cap, cuddled with</i> Mary -<i>in the big arm-chair</i>. Nan <i>is seated on a low stool</i>, Tommy <i>is -stretched at full length on the rug. They are making preparations -to hang up their stockings</i>. -</p></blockquote> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. Now let's begin at the beginning and sing it all over again.</p> - -<p><i>Mary</i> (<i>caressingly</i>). But Lucy is so sleepy.</p> - -<p><i>Lucy</i> (<i>drowsily</i>). Lucy isn't sleepy. Lucy wants to wait for Santa -Claus.</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i> (<i>contemptuously</i>). Santa Claus!</p> - -<p><i>Mary</i> (<i>reproachfully</i>). Oh, Tommy!</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i> (<i>tying on her night-cap</i>). You start it, Mary.</p> - -<p class="center">[They all sing.]</p> - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">In hopes that old Santa Claus soon would be there.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">The children were nestled all—"</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<p><i>Tommy</i>. Oh, but you know there isn't any such person as Santa Claus.</p> - -<p><i>Mary</i> (<i>very reproachfully</i>). Oh, Tommy!</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. Now, Tommy, you just stop.</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i>. But there isn't, and you know it. It's just our fath—</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. Of course there's a Santa Claus.</p> - -<p><i>Lucy</i> (<i>sleepily</i>). Dear old Santa Claus! He'll come down the chimney -pretty soon, won't he, Mary?</p> - -<p><i>Mary</i>. Yes, darling. You'll hear the tinkle of his jolly little -sleigh-bells, and then up he'll fly with his eight tiny reindeer.</p> - -<p class="center">[Sings.]</p> - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">"To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Now dash away, dash away, dash away all.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">As I drew in my head and was turning around</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Down the chimney old Santa Claus came with a bound!"</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<p><i>Nan</i> (<i>triumphantly</i>). There, Mr. Tommy, do you hear what it says?</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i>. I don't care what it says. That's just a baby story. Santa -Claus! Shoot Santa Claus!</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. You'll catch it when he does come!</p> - -<p><i>Lucy</i> (<i>confidently</i>). He's coming pretty soon, I guess.</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i>. I ain't afraid of any Santa Claus. No reindeer could go flying -over house-tops. Now, I leave it to you, could they? Deers and cows and -horses and that kind of animals ain't made to fly. 'Tain't reasonable. -Santa Claus! I tell you there ain't any. There never was and never will -be. He's just a big, old—</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. Delicious, delightful—</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i>. Deceitful, de-mol-al-iz-ing Fraud!</p> - -<p><i>Lucy</i> (<i>sleepily</i>). Dear old Santa Claus! When he comes I'll just give -him a great big hug (<i>nodding</i>). I love good old Santa Claus. We love -him (<i>dreamily</i>), don't we, Nannie? but Tommy says—Tommy he says—</p> - -<p><i>Mary</i> (<i>soothingly</i>). Never mind what Tommy says, darling.</p> - -<p class="center">[Sings softly.]</p> - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">"He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">And filled all the stockings—"</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<p><i>Tommy</i>. That's a likely story!</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. He won't put much in your stocking, Tommy Franklin.</p> - -<p><i>Mary</i> (<i>softly</i>). 'Sh! Lucy's sound asleep, little sweetheart.</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. You've hung up the biggest stocking of any of us. What did you -hang up your stocking for if there isn't any Santa Claus?</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i> (<i>with pretended indifference</i>). Oh, just out of habit, I -s'pose. Just 'cause I always have. And I know well enough who'll fill -it. It isn't any old humbug of a Santa Claus.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>[<i>While they have been talking and singing the children have hung -their stockings in a row on the mantel.</i> Tommy's <i>being a -conspicuously large and long one. A faint tinkle of sleigh-bells is -now heard. It comes nearer and nearer, and finally stops. The -children listen intently</i>.]</p></blockquote> - -<p><i>Nan</i> (<i>in an excited whisper</i>). I believe he's come!</p> - -<p><i>Mary</i>. Oh, hark!</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i>. I tell you, Santa Claus is a great big humbug.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>[<i>A loud jingling of bells is heard, and a great stamping of feet -at the door.</i> Lucy <i>wakes and rubs her eyes</i>. Tommy <i>tries to look -unconcerned</i>. Nan, <i>half frightened, draws closer to</i> Mary, <i>and, -as the last word drops from</i> Tommy's <i>lips</i>, Santa Claus <i>enters -with a bound</i>. <i>The children make inarticulate exclamations of -rapture and delight, and watch the movements of</i> Santa Claus <i>with -wide-open eyes</i>. Santa Claus, <i>after depositing his pack on the -floor, proceeds to the business of filling the stockings</i>.]</p></blockquote> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i> (<i>chuckling to himself</i>). Well, well, well! Here's a nice -row of stockings—a nice row of dear children's stockings! And here are -the blessed children themselves waiting patiently till I don't know what -o'clock at night, just to catch a glimpse of old Santa. That's the way -with the darlings. They know who loves them. They know—oh yes, -yes!—they know old Santa.</p> - -<p><i>Lucy</i> (<i>slipping from</i> Mary's <i>lap and timidly approaching</i> Santa -Claus). I love you more than a bushel, dear Santa Claus.</p> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i> (<i>taking her upon his knee</i>). Bless her heart, of course -she does. And she may sit on old Santa's knee and watch him while he -fills her own cunning stocking. Here it is, the little one at the end of -the row. Now let me see (<i>scratches his head reflectively</i>)—let me see. -Ah, yes! here's a tiny gold ring, that shall go into the toe. And here's -a little pink tea-set and a lovely, lovely dolly, and a carriage for her -to ride in. That must go outside, it is such a wee stocking. I declare, -here's another dolly—a jolly sailor-boy, and a dainty box of -sweets—all for the sweet baby that loves Santa Claus.</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i> (<i>in an undertone</i>). Now, what do you think, Mr. Tommy?</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i> (<i>in a loud whisper</i>). Humbug!</p> - -<p><i>Girls</i>. For shame!</p> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i> (<i>putting</i> Lucy <i>gently back into</i> Mary's <i>arms</i>). Now for -the next one! Ah, yes! Here's another little ring, with a blue set, for -a girl with blue eyes—</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i> (<i>rapturously</i>). That's me.</p> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i>. And here goes a silver bracelet and a jolly bottle of -mignonette and (<i>searching his pack</i>)—and—let me see—a copy of -<i>Old-fashioned Girl</i>—</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. Just what I was wishing for!</p> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i>. And a box of sweets—it won't do to forget that—and a -funny puzzle for a clever little head to solve, and a mysterious -package—she'll find what's in it in the morning. (<i>Chuckles to -himself</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. Now it's yours, Mary dear.</p> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i> (<i>taking</i> Mary's <i>stocking</i>). Now for the next one. No -time to lose. This is a busy night for St. Nick. 'Way down in the very -tip-toe shall go this bright little watch, to tick away the happy -minutes of the New Year for mother's own little woman.</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. You hear that, Tommy.</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i>. Don't you believe it.</p> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i>. This work-basket must go outside with the books. And now -for the next. Well, this is a big one.</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i> (<i>in an undertone</i>). I borrowed it of cook—the longest and -biggest she had.</p> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i> (<i>deliberately regarding</i> Tommy's <i>stocking</i>). Is it -possible there is a greedy child here?</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. Now, Tommy, aren't you ashamed of yourself.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i> (<i>reflectively</i>). A greedy child. I hope not, I hope not. -Well, we'll see. We'll soon see (<i>searching his pack</i>). Here is a -splendid pair of skates for a good boy—</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i> (<i>gleefully</i>). That's me.</p> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i>. And here's a box of chess-men, and a— Why, upon my word! -upon my word! when has this happened before? (Santa Claus <i>pauses in his -work, showing every evidence of great astonishment, for as he undertakes -to put the gifts into</i> Tommy's <i>stocking, they behave in a most contrary -and unaccountable way. They drop to the floor, and the stocking seems to -refuse to take them</i>. Santa Claus <i>makes several efforts to insert the -gifts in the stocking, but without success</i>.) Well, well, I haven't had -an experience like this for many a long year. What will Mrs. Santa Claus -say, when I go back to the North Pole and tell her I found a contrary -stocking. A contrary stocking, which means but one thing—that the child -who hung it does not believe in Santa Claus. (<i>Sadly.</i>) Oh dear, what a -pity! what a pity! Well, if I must, I must. (<i>Searches his pack.</i>) It is -many a year since I have had any use for these things. I did hope I -should never have to take them out again. (<i>Draws from the depth of his -pack a broad leather strap, a large slipper, and other articles -mentioned later. He meets with no difficulty as he drops them one by one -into</i> Tommy's <i>big stocking</i>.) There! (<i>Thrusting in the strap.</i>) If he -don't know the use of that, I suppose his father will have to teach him, -and this (<i>holding up the slipper before putting it into the stocking</i>), -no doubt his mother will know what it is for. Oh dear! oh dear! -(<i>Shaking his head sorrowfully.</i>) This is too bad! too bad! It will -spoil my Christmas completely. No box of goodies for this stocking— It -wouldn't do—no, it wouldn't do at all. I'll have to put in this package -of smarty pepper candy, to make the boy's tongue tingle that says Santa -Claus is a Humbug.</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. What did I tell you?</p> - -<p><i>Lucy</i>. Poor Tommy.</p> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i>. And here is a tin horn (<i>tries it</i>) without any blow in -it. My good horns are for good boys to toot in my honor on Christmas -day. Now a book—here is one—a nice Spelling Book, full of all the hard -words that were ever invented, and not a picture in it. And here is -another—a book on Good Manners—it is for the boy to study who says -that Santa Claus is a Fraud.</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i>. Boo-hoo! boo-hoo! boo-hoo! boo-hoo! I didn't mean it! Oh, I -didn't mean it at all! I was just a-fooling. Boo-hoo! Oh, dear! -Boo-hoo-o-o-o!</p> - -<p><i>Lucy</i> (<i>putting her arms around his neck</i>). Oh, poor, poor Tommy! I'll -give you my nice candy. Don't cry, Tommy.</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i>. Boo-hoo! I didn't mean it. I won't do so again. I'll stand by -you forever. Indeed I will, Mr. Santa Claus, if you'll only forgive my -badness. (Tommy <i>kneels and clasps the knees of</i> Santa Claus -<i>imploringly</i>.) Oh, please forgive me, and I'll never, never doubt you -again, dear, good Santa Claus!</p> - -<p><i>Mary</i> (<i>entreatingly</i>). Dear Santa Claus, please forgive him.</p> - -<p><i>Nan</i>. He don't deserve it, but please try him.</p> - -<p><i>Lucy</i>. Santa Claus, please love Tommy again.</p> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i> (<i>heartily</i>). Well, well, well! I want to forgive him -badly enough, and for your sakes I will. But, mind you this, Tommy, my -lad, I must have your true allegiance from this time forth.</p> - -<p><i>Tommy</i>. Oh, good Santa Claus, I promise it truly, truly! Honor bright! -Hope to die!</p> - -<p><i>Santa Claus</i>. I believe you, my lad. There, there. Give me your hand. I -want to be good friends with every child in the whole happy world on the -glad Christmas day. Now, we'll try again. (<i>He draws out the strap, -etc., from</i> Tommy's <i>stocking, and deftly inserts in their places -skates, books, etc.</i>) Ah, the magic stocking opens to receive gifts for -a loyal child. Here go the skates, and the boys' own <i>Swiss Family -Robinson</i>. (<i>Searches his pack.</i>) Aha, this tool-chest evidently belongs -here, and this big horn, with a jolly toot in it (<i>tries it</i>), and, ah, -yes, a whole menagerie of candy pigs and elephants and monkeys, and not -a pepper drop in the lot. (Tommy <i>looks on in delight, and the children -hug each other gleefully</i>.) Now, bless your sweet hearts, I must be -going. Here I am, delaying as if there were not hundreds of stockings to -be filled before daylight. (<i>Kisses little</i> Lucy.) Good-night, my -precious one. Good-night, my darlings, and a merry, merry Christmas to -you all!</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>[Santa Claus <i>gathers up his pack, straps it upon his shoulders, -and departs</i>.]</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center">[Song, with soft accompaniment of sleigh-bells.]</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 15em;">Hurrah for the merry Christmas-time,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">And the jolly Christmas cheer,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 15em;">And the reindeer sleigh when it comes this way,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">And brings old Santa Claus dear.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 20em;">Hurrah and hurrah!</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 11em;">For the merry Christmas-time, and the happy Christmas cheer!</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 20em;">Hurrah and hurrah!</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">For our Santa Claus so dear!</span><br /> -</p> - -<p class="center">[Softly.]</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 20em;">Hurrah and hurrah!</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 11em;">For the merry Christmas-time, and the happy Christmas cheer!</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 20em;">Hurrah and hurrah!</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">For our Santa Claus so dear!</span><br /> -</p> - -<h4><span class="smcap">Curtain</span>.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="THE_IMP_OF_THE_TELEPHONE" id="THE_IMP_OF_THE_TELEPHONE">THE IMP OF THE TELEPHONE.</a></h2> - -<h3>BY JOHN KENDRICK BANGS.</h3> - -<h3>VII.—THE POETRY BOOK, AND THE END.</h3> - -<p>The Imp then arranged the wires so that the Poetry Book could recite -itself to Jimmieboy, after which he went back to his office to see who -it was that had been ringing the bell.</p> - -<p>"My first poem," said a soft silvery voice from the top shelf, towards -which Jimmieboy immediately directed his attention—"my first poem is a -perfect gem. I have never seen anything anywhere that could by any -possibility be finer than it is, unless it be in my new book, which -contains millions of better ones. It is called, 'To a Street Lamp,' and -goes this way:</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"You seem quite plain, old Lamp, to men,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">Yet 'twould be hard to say</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">What we should do without you when</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">Night follows on the day;</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"And while your lumination seems</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">Much less than that of sun,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">I truly think but for your beams</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">We would be much undone.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"And who knows, Lamp, but to some wight,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">Too small for me to see,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">You are just such a wondrous sight</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">As old Sol is to me!"</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"Isn't that simply lovely?" said the soft silvery voice when the poem -was completed.</p> - -<p>"Yes; but I don't think it's very funny," said Jimmieboy. "I like to -laugh, you know, and I couldn't laugh at that."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" said the silvery voice, with a slight tinge of disappointment in -it. "You want fun, do you? Well, how do you like this? I think it is the -funniest thing ever written, except others by the same author:</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"There was an old man in New York</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">Who thought he'd been changed to a stork;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">He stood on one limb</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">'Til his eyesight grew dim,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">And used his left foot for a fork."</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"That's the kind," said Jimmieboy, enthusiastically. "I could listen to -a million of that sort of poems."</p> - -<p>"I'd be very glad to tell you a million of them," returned the voice, -"but I don't believe there's electricity enough for me to do it under -twenty-five minutes, and as we only have five left, I'm going to recite -my lines on 'A Sulphur Match.'</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"The flame you make, O Sulphur Match!</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">When your big head I chance to scratch,</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"Appears so small most people deem</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">You lilliputian, as you seem.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"And yet the force that in you lies</span><br /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span><span style="margin-left: 16em;">Can fight with brilliance all the skies.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"There's strength enough in you to send</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">Great cities burning to their end;</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"So that we have a hint in you</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">Of what the smallest thing can do."</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"Don't you like that?" queried the voice, anxiously. "I do hope you do, -because I am especially proud of that. The word lilliputian is a -tremendous word for a poet of my size, and to think that I was able, -alone and unassisted, to lift it bodily out of the vocabulary into the -poem makes me feel very, very proud of myself, and agree with my mother -that I am the greatest poet that ever lived."</p> - -<p>"Well, if you want me to, I'll like it," said Jimmieboy, who was in an -accommodating mood. "I'll take your word for it that it is a tremendous -poem, but if you think of repeating it over again to me, don't do it. -Let me have another comic poem."</p> - -<p>"All right," said Pixyweevil—for it was he that spoke through the book. -"You are very kind to like my poem just to please me. Tell me anything -in the world you want a poem about, and I'll let you have the poem."</p> - -<p>"Really?" cried Jimmieboy, delighted to meet with so talented a person -as Pixyweevil. "Well—let me see—I'd like a poem about my garden rake."</p> - -<p>"Certainly. Here it is:</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">"I had a little garden rake</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">With seven handsome teeth,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">It followed me o'er fern and brake,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">O'er meadow-land and heath.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">"And though at it I'd often scowl,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">And treat it far from right,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">My garden rake would never growl,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">Nor use its teeth to bite."</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"Elegant!" ejaculated Jimmieboy. "Say it again."</p> - -<p>"Oh no! we haven't time for that. Besides, I've forgotten it. What else -shall I recite about?" queried Pixyweevil.</p> - -<p>"I don't know; I can't make up my mind," said Jimmieboy.</p> - -<p>"Oh dear me! that's awful easy," returned Pixyweevil. "I can do that -with my eyes shut. Here she goes:</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">"Shall I become a lawyer great,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">A captain of a yacht,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">A man who deals in real estate,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">A doctor, or a what?</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Ah me! Oh ho!</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;"><i>I</i> do not know.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">I can't make up my mind.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">"I have a penny. Shall I buy</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">An apple or a tart?</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 17em;">A bit of toffee or a pie,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">A cat-boat or a cart?</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Ah me! Oh ho!</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">I do not know.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">I can't make up my mind."</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"Splendid!" cried Jimmieboy.</p> - -<p>"That's harder—much harder," said Pixyweevil, "but I'll try. How is -this:</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"I bought one day, in Winnipeg,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">A truly wondrous heavy egg;</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">And when my homeward course was run</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">I showed it to my little son.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">'Dear me!' said he,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">When he did see,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 20em;">'I think that hen did</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 24em;">Splen-did-ly!'</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"I saw a bird—'twas reddish-brown—</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">One day while in a country town,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">Which sang, 'Oh, Johnny, Get Your Gun';</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16em;">And when I told my little son,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">In tones of glee</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Said he, 'Dear me!</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 20em;">I think that wren did</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 24em;">Splen-did-ly!"</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"That's the best I can do with splendid," said Pixyweevil.</p> - -<p>"Well, it's all you can do now, anyhow," came a voice from the doorway, -which Jimmieboy immediately recognized as the Imp's; "for Jimmieboy's -mamma has just telephoned that she wants him to come home right away."</p> - -<p>"It was very nice, Mr. Pixyweevil," said Jimmieboy, as he rose to -depart. "And I am very much obliged."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," returned Pixyweevil. "You are very polite, and exceedingly -truthful. I believe myself that, as that 'Splendid' poem might say, if -it had time,</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 18em;">"I've truly ended</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 20em;">Splen-did-ly."</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>And then Jimmieboy and the Imp passed out of the library back through -the music and cookery room. The Imp unlocked the door, and, fixing the -wires, sent Jimmieboy sliding down to the back hall, whence he had -originally entered the little telephone closet.</p> - -<p>"Hullo!" said his papa. "Where have you been?"</p> - -<p>"Having a good time," said Jimmieboy.</p> - -<p>"And what have you done with the key of my cigar-box?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I forgot," said Jimmieboy. "I left it in the telephone door."</p> - -<p>"What a queer place to leave it," said his papa. "Let me have it, -please, for I want to smoke."</p> - -<p>And Jimmieboy went to get it, and, sure enough, there it was in the -little box, and it unlocked it, too; but when his father came to open -the door and look inside, the Imp had disappeared.</p> - -<h4>THE END.</h4> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 342px;"> -<img src="images/ill_017.jpg" width="342" height="400" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">"HULLO!" SAID HIS PAPA. "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?"</span> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="INTERSCHOLASTIC_SPORT" id="INTERSCHOLASTIC_SPORT"></a> -<img src="images/ill_018.jpg" width="600" height="124" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The final game of the Long Island League was played on Thanksgiving day -at Eastern Park, between Poly Prep, and the Brooklyn High-School. -Although Pratt Institute had won the League championship, and both the -contesting elevens had been defeated by St. Paul's, the interest taken -by Brooklyn football enthusiasts in the rivalry of these two teams was -sufficient to draw a larger crowd to Eastern Park than has been seen -there at a football game since Yale played Princeton in 1890. Over 7000 -people paid admission to witness this interscholastic contest. The game -resulted in a victory for the High-School—16-12. The defensive work of -both teams was weak, and when once one of the elevens secured the ball, -they were pretty sure of carrying it down the field for a touch-down, -unless they lost it on a fumble. The cause for this weakness in -defensive play is no doubt due to the fact that it is the hardest kind -of work to get a scrub team for the first eleven of either school to -practise against. St. Paul's is about the only school in the Long Island -League that can boast of a regularly organized second eleven. At the -other schools no one seems to care about going on the field unless he is -reasonably sure of securing a position on the first team.</p> - -<p>In the first half, High-School scored ten points and Poly Prep. six. The -work of both teams in this half was of about an even order; neither -kicked, apparently feeling that the only hope for success was to cling -to the possession of the ball. This was a mistake on Poly Prep.'s part, -for in Mason, their full-back, they have a punter whose superior is not -to be found on any school team of the Long Island League. In the second -half, Poly Prep. took a brace, and although High-School scored again, -they never gave up hope of success. The Prep. team scored chiefly -because of the plunges through the line of Mason and Bresze, who carried -the ball for repeated gains through tackle and guard, while Richards -went around the end a number of times. These men did the best offensive -work of the day for their side. Robeson at quarter did well, and seemed -to have gotten rid of that nervousness which characterized his play -earlier in the season. His passing was clean and accurate, and he used -good generalship in giving signals. Bresze's tackling was low and hard, -and at breaking up interference he proved himself most valuable. The -best defence was put up by Boorum at centre, and by Norton and Hoover, -his guards. Only one gain was made through them.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/ill_019.jpg" width="400" height="153" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">BERKELEY <i>VS.</i> PRATT.<br /> -Full-back "bucking" the line.</span> -</div> - -<p>For the High-School, Laner, the Captain, and Lambert did the best work. -The latter's offence was strong, and his good runs around the ends were -in a large measure responsible for High-School's victory. This team was -strong at the ends and back of the line, in this having some advantage -over their opponents. In no game that I have seen this season has there -been so little kicking; High-School did not kick at all, and Poly Prep. -only once. This was when Mason punted for a 35-yard gain into -High-School territory, Laner missing the catch, and letting the ball go -to Poly Prep. on the 30-yard line. This should have encouraged the Poly -Prep. Captain to play more of a kicking game, but he was apparently -blind to his advantage. Both elevens were weak at tackle, and most of -the plays were shoved through here on both sides.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/ill_020.jpg" width="400" height="146" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">BERKELEY <i>VS.</i> ST. PAUL'S.<br /> -Holding in the rush-line.</span> -</div> - -<p>The Long Island football season has not been so successful this year as -might have been desired. It made a bad start and ended up weakly. Bryant -and Stratton's decided at the beginning of the season not to put a team -in the field. Adelphi, after being defeated 66-0 by Pratt Institute, -disbanded her eleven, and forfeited the remaining games scheduled. A -little later the Latin School followed suit. The latter had played but -one game with High-School, in which they did good work, although the -score was 18-0 against them. This wholesale resignation left only four -teams in the League: St. Paul's, Pratt Institute, Poly Prep., and -High-School. The reason given by Bryant and Stratton's for withdrawing -from the League was that so little interest was taken in football that -it was impossible to organize an eleven. I think the additional reason -of bad management on the part of the Athletic Committee might well be -added to this. At Adelphi one player was hurt early in the season, -whereupon the parents of five of the best players in school took it upon -themselves to prohibit their sons from taking any further part in the -game. Another reason given by the Adelphians is that their men were so -light that it was useless to attempt to pit them against the heavier -teams of the League.</p> - -<p>The Latin School eleven was unfortunate in having some of its best -players laid up at the start. This seemed to discourage the men, and -some of them announced openly that they intended to play Poly Prep., but -would forfeit to St. Paul's and Pratt Institute, because they were not -heavy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> enough to play against such teams. Later in the season they did, -in fact, play Poly Prep., and were defeated 20-10. This business of -forfeiting games for one reason or another is a very bad thing. The -League ought to have some rule to penalize such conduct, or every season -will see the same kind of fizzle that this year has exhibited. Any team -that feels it cannot win in Brooklyn decides apparently that the noblest -course of action is to forfeit at once. This is not sportsmanlike, and -very little thought on the part of athletic leaders across the river -ought to show them what a serious mistake they make by encouraging or -allowing any such conduct on the part of the Captains or Managers of -football teams.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/ill_021.jpg" width="400" height="156" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">BERKELEY <i>VS.</i> ST. PAUL'S.<br /> -Formation for tandem play.</span> -</div> - -<p>When the season opened, St. Paul's School was looked upon as a probable -winner of the championship, but after the eleven had played several -games it became apparent that the men lost heart in an uphill contest. -In the game against Berkeley, however, they belied this reputation by -playing a beautiful uphill game. High-School and Poly Prep. are now -tied for third place, in spite of the fact that the former was -victorious in the Thanksgiving-day game. The League will undoubtedly -give to the Latin School the game that her eleven played against the -High-School, which the latter won 18-0, and in which there was that -peculiar agreement between the Captains to which I referred some weeks -ago.</p> - -<p>The results of the games played in the Long Island Interscholastic -Football League this fall, are as follows:</p> - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Pratt Institute, 18—High-School, 0.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pratt Institute, 66—Adelphi, 0.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pratt Institute, 26—St. Paul's, 0.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Pratt Institute, 24—Poly Prep., 4.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">St. Paul's, 36—Poly Prep., 0.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">St. Paul's, 18—High-School, 0.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">High-School, 18—Latin School, 0.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">High-School, 16—Poly Prep., 12.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Poly Prep., 20—Latin School, 10.</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<p>Adelphi forfeited to all except Pratt Institute; and Bryant and -Stratton's forfeited to everybody. The Latin School forfeited to Pratt -Institute and to St. Paul's. Poly Prep. was the only team to score -against Pratt Institute.</p> - -<p>Matters of importance have been occupying the New York Inter-scholastic -Athletic Association's attention for the past two weeks. These matters -are of importance not only to students of the New York schools -immediately interested in the questions in dispute, but also to all -readers of this Department who favor cleanliness and honesty in school -sport. Space will not allow me to go very fully into the questions that -came up for decision at the two meetings of the N.Y.I.S.A.A., recently -held here and fully discussed in the daily papers; but I shall try to -touch broadly enough upon the principles involved to make the resulting -lesson of service even to those who may not be familiar with the details -of the two cases. The N.Y.I.S.A.A. this fall found that it had two -difficult matters to settle. One of them was a charge brought by the -rector of Trinity School against the head-master of Barnard School, -accusing him of calling upon and personally asking a member of Trinity -School to leave that institution and to accept a free scholarship at -Barnard. The purpose of this inducement was said to be that Barnard -wished thus to add to the strength of her football team. At the meeting -of the committee intrusted with the task of deciding whether or no these -charges were justified, Barnard School was represented by a lawyer, two -teachers, and a stenographer, and doubtless with a very strong defense, -because the committee after a protracted session decided to dismiss the -complaint. The second question that the Arbitration Committee had to -pass upon was the protest against Ehrich, of Harvard School, filed last -spring by De La Salle.</p> - -<p>The Ehrich matter is already familiar to readers of this Department, for -I touched upon it at the time the protest was made in June. It will be -remembered that in the game for the championship of the New York League -in baseball, Ehrich caught for Harvard in spite of the fact that De La -Salle claimed he had no right to play, having been a student at the -College of the City of New York. Harvard School won that game, and as a -result the pennant was subsequently awarded to them. At the recent -meeting of the Arbitration Committee to decide the question of fraud on -the part of Harvard, this school claimed that the association had -already legally awarded the championship, and that therefore no further -action could be taken. De La Salle, on the other hand, contended that -they had protested Ehrich before the final game of last year, and showed -that he was ineligible to the Harvard team because of having been -enrolled the previous autumn in the Freshman class of a college.</p> - -<p>According to the constitution of the N.Y.I.S.A.A. any violation of the -rules is fraud. There is a rule which says that no one having attended a -college may thereafter play upon a school team. De La Salle therefore -charged Harvard School with being guilty of fraud, and tried to have the -question settled last spring. Three attempts were made to have the -protest decided. The first time there was no quorum present; at the -second meeting the Condon delegates left the room, refusing to pass on -any question of fraud; at the third meeting, on June 19th, the -championship was awarded to the Harvard School; but from all I hear, the -voting was carried on in a most questionable and peculiar manner. I hope -there is no truth in the report that clerks from the drug-store located -in the building were brought in as delegates, to make a quorum, and -voted as such.</p> - -<p>When the question came up before the Arbitration Committee last week, De -La Salle claimed that, according to the constitution, charges of fraud -must be referred not to the Executive Committee of the I.S.A.A., but to -an Arbitration Committee, which is an entirely different body. De La -Salle also asserted that their delegates had never been notified of the -meeting at which the championship was awarded, and that even had they -been notified they could not have been present because their school -closed a week before. After a long debate Harvard School was found -guilty by the Arbitration Committee of violating the constitution and, -consequently, guilty of fraud.</p> - -<p>The penalty for fraud is expulsion from the Association. Harvard now -cries that it has been unfairly treated, and the principal of the school -has stated in the newspapers that he will withdraw his school from the -Association. This, of course, he cannot do, because Harvard has charges -pending against her, and under these conditions resignation is out of -the question. The action of the Arbitration Committee in thus stamping -out the least semblance of professionalism in the Association cannot be -too highly commended. Last year the N.Y.I.S.A.A. was run almost entirely -by a few schools, and there was a great howl against "ring politics" -from certain quarters. The outsiders formed themselves into a "reform -party," and early this fall selected the men they chose to have -represent them in the Executive Committee of the Association, nominated -these men, and elected the entire ticket. It is to be hoped that this -"reform party" will stick to its determination to keep scholastic -athletics in New York clean and honest, and absolutely free from even -the slightest rumor or suspicion of professional tendencies.</p> - -<p>If the managers of New York school athletics cannot do this, if they -cannot keep the professional spirit out of sport, they had better -disband their elevens and their nines, rather than make sport a farce -and a masquerade for dishonesty. A commendable step in the -"house-cleaning" now going forward is the revision of the constitution.</p> - -<p>The most interesting, most scientific, and most important game of the -Boston season was that played Thanksgiving morning between Boston Latin -and English High Schools, before three thousand spectators. English High -pulled out the game, and thus won the championship with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> a clean score -of victories. The Latin School played desperately, realizing that to win -the game meant to tie English High for the championship.</p> - -<p>After an exchange of kicks at the start, English High took the ball at -the centre of the field, and worked it over the line for the only score -of the game, without losing it. It was brilliant, hard, irresistible -playing that did it, and it won the game. It was the best football that -has been seen in the League this season. The only thing to be compared -to it is the game that Boston Latin played from that moment until time -was called. Latin forced the playing, after that fatal touch-down, until -the end. English High was on the defence throughout. But that defence -was so good that Latin, with an attack far better than it has ever shown -before, was unable to score. Three or four times Latin carried the ball -to the five-yard line of their opponents, only to be held for downs, and -see the ball kicked safely down the field. The play on both sides was of -the surest and most satisfactory order. There were no flukes to regret, -no incompetent officials to turn the result of the game.</p> - -<p>There was almost no fumbling or poor tackling. Every five yards that was -gained was earned by straight, hard-played football. Every time four -downs were called it was because of superior defence. The football that -was played in this game would be a credit to any college team, and many -a 'varsity player could learn a lesson of sand from these boys.</p> - -<p>Whittemore of the English High-School, and Maguire of the Latin, were -stars even in this group. Each one played football every minute of the -game. In offence or defence, not an error was made by either. Not far -behind them comes Callahan, English High's centre. In spite of two -recently sprained ankles, he played a most aggressive game, repeatedly -getting out and stopping end and tackle plays. It was his hole-making, -too, in this game, as heretofore, that made Ellsworth such a brilliant -line-bucker. Besides Callahan and Whittemore, Ashley and Eaton were most -valuable to English High. Ashley got around the end in a way that must -have surprised him. As a ground-gainer, Eaton, the guard, was not as -successful as usual, but he did an immense amount of work on defence. -Purtell, his side partner, played a steady, sure game.</p> - -<p>For the Latin school, Maguire's work was far ahead of any one's else. He -was their surest ground-gainer and their surest tackler. McLachlan, who -is the tallest man in the League, played the best end in the game. He is -a hard man to put out, and is a great interferer. Daly, at quarter, had -a brainy day, and ran the team faultlessly. Nagle, at guard, quit even -with Eaton, and time and again helped Teevens, the full-back, through -the line.</p> - -<p>Man for man, the teams were evenly matched. In the matter of sand -neither side can claim any superiority. English High can rest assured -that the championship was never more gloriously won. Boston Latin need -feel no chagrin because their opponents played a game just one whit -better than their own.</p> - -<p>Two other great games were played Thanksgiving morning, one between -Cambridge Manual and Cambridge High and Latin, the other between Boston -English High and Boston Latin. The first-named game was played on a -soggy, slippery field, which did not allow of much good football. It was -intensely interesting and exciting, however, and resulted in a tie. In -the first half it looked like High-School's game; but in the second -Manual had everything her own way. It would be unfair to say that it was -a poor exhibition in so far as playing football was concerned, for the -miserable field was responsible for that. The backs never got started -well, and the punters could not stand firmly enough to do good kicking, -and anything but the most elementary plays was impossible.</p> - -<p>High and Latin had a much better defence than Manual; there was but one -weak spot in the line, but that—left tackle—was worked repeatedly for -big gains. Cambridge played a new man at left end, Warnock, and he gives -promise of doing great work next year. Warren, at guard, and Saul, at -quarter, played their usual reliable defence, and Beardsell, at end, -played a most brilliant game. He followed the ball wonderfully. Nine -times out of ten, when the ball was fumbled, it was Beardsell who fell -on it. For Manual, Moore, at centre, played the most aggressive game. -White excelled among the backs, keeping his feet remarkably well in the -mud.</p> - -<p>This game was to decide which team would finish last in the race; but it -failed to do so, as each of these schools now has four defeats and one -tie on its record. The question of last place must be decided, however, -in order to give Somerville High, who won the junior championship, a -chance to enter the senior league next year.</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 23em;"><span class="smcap">The Graduate</span>.</span><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>ADVERTISEMENTS.</h2> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>Highest of all in Leavening Strength.—Latest U. S. Gov't Report.</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> -<img src="images/ill_022.jpg" width="600" height="165" alt="Royal Baking Powder" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>Arnold</h2> - -<h2>Constable & Co</h2> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h3>Winter Underwear.</h3> - -<h4>"CARTWRIGHT & WARNER'S"</h4> - -<p class="center">Celebrated Manufacture</p> - -<p class="center"><i>for Men, Women, and Children</i>.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h4>HOSIERY.</h4> - -<p class="center"><i>Ladies' Silk Hose, Plain, Open-work, and</i></p> - -<p class="center"><i>Embroidered Fronts</i>.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h4>Men's Silk Half-Hose</h4> - -<p class="center"><i>for Evening Wear, Plain, and Embroidered Fronts</i>.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h4>Children's Silk Hose and Socks</h4> - -<p class="center"><i>for Dancing-School and Evening Wear</i>.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="center">Ladies' Knit Skating-Jackets,</p> - -<p class="center">Men's Bicycle Hose.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h4>GLOVES.</h4> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h3>Broadway & 19th st.</h3> - -<h4>NEW YORK.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/ill_023.jpg" width="400" height="59" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> -<img src="images/ill_024.jpg" width="350" height="236" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h3>Our</h3> - -<h3>STAR</h3> - -<h4>CIRCUS</h4> - -<h3>IS COMING!</h3> - -<p>Continuous performance. Don't let the children miss it. Clowns, acrobats -and performing animals. Naturally colored, on cardboard. Will stand -alone. Sent postpaid to any address, on receipt of <b>SIX CENTS</b> in stamps. -Amuses the children, and makes the mother acquainted with</p> - -<h3>WILLIMANTIC</h3> - -<h3>STAR THREAD.</h3> - -<p class="center">Send for a set for each of the children.</p> - -<p class="center">Address</p> - -<h4>WILLIMANTIC THREAD CO.,</h4> - -<h4>Willimantic, Conn.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>PLAYS</h2> - -<p class="center">Dialogues, Speakers, Magic Tricks, Wigs, Mustaches, Music Goods, Catalog -<b>Free</b>.</p> - -<h4>G. H. W. Bates, Boston, Mass.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>FREE.</h2> - -<p>Comic return envelopes. Sleiqht of Hand exposed. List of 500 gifts. -Album of cards. Send 2c stamp for postage. Address Banner Card Co., -Cadiz, Ohio.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="BICYCLING" id="BICYCLING"></a> -<img src="images/ill_025.jpg" width="400" height="96" alt="BICYCLING" /> -</div> - -<blockquote> - -<p>The Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject. -Our maps and tours contain much valuable data kindly supplied from -the official maps and road-books of the League of American -Wheelmen. Recognizing the value of the work being done by the L. A. W. -the Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership -blanks and information so far as possible.</p></blockquote> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 280px;"> -<img src="images/ill_026.jpg" width="280" height="600" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">Copyright, 1895, by Harper & Brothers.</span> -</div> - -<p>The excellent roads and pleasant mingling of inland and coast scenery -make the cycling trip to Nantasket and the shore one of the most -enjoyable in the vicinity of Boston. The rendezvous is at Copley Square -in front of the new Public Library. Start northward through Dartmouth -Street, turn to the left onto Commonwealth Avenue, a finely macadamized -street, and follow the same until you reach Charlesgate Street, West; -here bear to the left, and cross the bridge over the Boston and Albany -tracks; this will bring the rider into the Fenway Parks, a part of the -great Metropolitan Park System. After leaving the bridge at the first -fork of the roads keep to the right, and shortly afterward to the right -again, thus following the main Boulevard to Brookline Avenue. There turn -to the left, and in a few rods to the right again. For some distance -after passing this point there are a few easy hills and moderate coasts, -the road winding in and out between picturesque hills and through -beautiful woodlands.</p> - -<p>On coming in sight of Jamaica Pond turn to the left, and take the next -road to the right, passing the pond on the right hand, and taking the -main driveway in Jamaica Park. At this last turn, the rider passes on -the right a building so peculiar as to attract more than usual -attention; it is the Holland House, which was bought after the close of -the exposition in Chicago, and transported to its present site. After -passing the small pond on the left of Pond Street turn to the left, and -at the first fork of the roads keep to the left, and take the next road -to the right, which runs along the northern boundary of the Arnold -Arboretum (place of trees) with the Adams Nervine Asylum and -Agricultural College on the right. Keep now to the direct road, which -winds a little, crosses the tracks of the New York and New Haven -Railroad, and skirts Franklin Park on the south, bearing here the name -of Morton Street.</p> - -<p>From the beginning of our ride up to the end of Franklin Park all the -roadway is of the best macadamized construction with smooth and -perfectly preserved surface. The rider gets a comprehensive view of the -Fenway Parks, Jamaica Park, and a glimpse of the Arnold Arboretum, and -Franklin Park, immediately to the south of which is Forest Hills -Cemetery, with the Blue Hills of Milton in the distance.</p> - -<p>On leaving Franklin Park keep the direct road on Morton Street to Milton -Lower Mills. On reaching Sanford Street turn to the left, and at the -next corner to the right, past the Library Building; then bear to the -left on to Dorchester Avenue and across the bridge over Neponset River, -by the Milton Station on Adams Street, which we follow directly to East -Milton Station.</p> - -<p>Just after leaving the river there is a stiff climb up Milton Hill, at -the summit of which there is a fine panoramic view of the country -through which we have passed, and of the region through which we are to -ride. We now have a good dirt road with some clay here and there, with -down grade and excellent coasts. Keep on Adams Street into Quincy, with -a sharp turn to the right after crossing the tracks of the Old Colony -Railroad, which brings us to Hancock Street, and there we turn to the -left at Washington Street, and follow the street railway track over -Quincy Point across the bridge into North Weymouth. Follow Bridge -Street, keep to the left at fountain into North Weymouth village, and -then to the left by Weymouth draw-bridge to Hingham. Bear to the left at -Hingham Station, crossing the bridge past the boat-house, and follow -Summer Street, which joins Rockland Street, a direct way to Nantasket, -where at the Post-office the road branches. The road to the left from -the Post-office takes one to Nantasket Beach. Distance of round trip -forty-nine miles.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="THE_CAMERA_CLUB" id="THE_CAMERA_CLUB"></a> -<img src="images/ill_027.jpg" width="400" height="136" alt="THE CAMERA CLUB" /> -</div> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Any questions in regard to photograph matters will be willingly -answered by the Editor of this column, and we should be glad to -hear from any of our club who can make helpful suggestions.</p></blockquote> - -<h3>PAPERS FOR BEGINNERS, No. 17.</h3> - -<h3>INDEXING AND STORING NEGATIVES.</h3> - -<p>To save time, trouble, and vexation of spirit one should have his -negatives in such order that he can put his hand on the very one he -wants at a minute's notice, and unless one forms the habit of indexing -and storing his negatives as fast as they are made, his photographic -affairs are sure to get into a hopeless tangle.</p> - -<p>The easiest and most convenient way which the editor has found for -storing negatives is to have a cupboard partitioned off into -pigeon-holes large enough to hold 25 negatives each. The pigeon-holes -should be 3½ inches in width and 6 inches in height, in which can be -conveniently stored 25 4x5 or 5x8 negatives. The negatives are first -placed in strong manila envelopes which can be bought of any dealer in -photographic supplies at from 25c. to 35c. a 100, according to size. -These envelopes are marked on the outside—No. ——, Name ——, Notes -——. Place the negative in the envelope, and in the proper places write -the name and number of the picture, and under the heading "Notes" write -anything about the picture which you wish to remember in regard to the -making, printing, etc., and also the date of taking. Copy the numbers -and names of the pictures in a blank-book which will be the negative -catalogue. Write nothing in the book but the numbers and names of the -negatives. All notes should be made on the envelope containing the -negative.</p> - -<p>On the edge of each pigeon-hole should be marked the number of negatives -which it contains, thus: "1 to 25," "26 to 50," "51 to 75," etc. Such a -method of storing one's negatives makes the finding of any one an easy -matter.</p> - -<p>Some amateurs classify their negatives,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> putting landscapes, interiors, -groups, etc., by themselves, but it is really more simple to number and -name them in the order in which they are made, and make a supplementary -classified list. Have the general list, and then, as one makes a -landscape and wishes to have the names of the landscapes, add it to the -classified list in this way: Landscapes—View on Hudson, No. 11. Mall, -Central Park, No. 14. A Mountain Road, No. 23, or whatever name and -number the negatives may be which comprise your landscapes. Place the -figure studies by themselves in a classified list, but make the general -list as directed. One remembers almost by instinct the number of a -negative he has once placed in his collection.</p> - -<p>If one has not a convenient cupboard a wooden soap box fitted with -pigeon-holes, which can be done by any ingenious boy or girl, answers -every purpose. The box should be fastened to the wall, a tape tied to -the negative catalogue, and the tape fastened to the side of the box; -then the two will never become separated.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sir Knight Howells Frechette</span>, No. 55 James St., Ottawa, Canada, -wishes some member living in Washington to exchange a view of the -Capitol for one of the Parliament buildings with him, or, if -preferred, will send any view round Ottawa. He also asks if the -editor would advise the use of combined bath with solio paper. The -combined bath is generally preferred, and if used according to -directions the results are very satisfactory.</p></blockquote> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h3>ILL-TEMPERED BABIES</h3> - -<p>are not desirable in any home. Insufficient nourishment produces ill -temper. Guard against fretful children by feeding nutritious and -digestible food. The Gail Borden Eagle Brand Condensed Milk is the most -successful of all infant foods.—[<i>Adv.</i>]</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>ADVERTISEMENTS.</h2> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> -<img src="images/ill_028.jpg" width="200" height="196" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>A poor wheel is like a poor horse—it costs more than it's worth to keep -it. In the Monarch the necessity of repair has been reduced to a -minimum. Its strength, lightness and beauty make it a marvel of modern -mechanical skill. The</p> - -<h2>MONARCH</h2> - -<p>is undoubtedly king of bicycles. A wheel that you can depend upon in any -emergency. Made in 4 models. $85 & $100. Send for Monarch book.</p> - -<p class="center">MONARCH CYCLE MFG. CO.,</p> - -<p class="center">Lake and Halsted Sts.</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Chicago</span>.</p> - -<p class="center">Branches—New York, San Francisco, Portland, Salt Lake City, Denver, -Memphis, Detroit, Toronto.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>Timely Warning.</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 101px;"> -<img src="images/ill_029.jpg" width="101" height="200" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The great success of the chocolate preparations of the house of <b>Walter -Baker & Co.</b> (established in 1780) has led to the placing on the market -many misleading and unscrupulous imitations of their name, labels, and -wrappers. Walter Baker & Co. are the oldest and largest manufacturers of -pure and high-grade Cocoas and Chocolates on this continent. No -chemicals are used in their manufactures.</p> - -<p>Consumers should ask for, and be sure that they get, the genuine Walter -Baker & Co.'s goods.</p> - -<h4>WALTER BAKER & CO., Limited,</h4> - -<h4>DORCHESTER, MASS.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>ANOTHER HALF-DOZEN BOOKS</h2> - -<h3>For Boys and Girls.</h3> - -<h4>Child Sketches from George Eliot.</h4> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Selected and arranged from the works of the great novelist by <span class="smcap">Julia -Magruder</span>. Illustrated by R. B. Birch and Amy Brooks. Square 8vo, -cloth, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<h4>The Children's Nonsense Book.</h4> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Tales and rhymes of fun, nonsense, and absurdity, by favorite -fun-makers. 4to, illustrated, cloth, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<h4>The Children's Wonder Book.</h4> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Tales of marvel, mystery, and merriment, by popular story-tellers. -Illustrated, 4to, cloth, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<h4>The Impostor: <i>A College Story</i>.</h4> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Charles Remington Talbot</span>. Illustrated by H. P. Barnes. 12mo, -cloth, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<h4>The Mammoth Hunters: <i>An Alaskan Story of Adventure</i>.</h4> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Willis Boyd Allen</span>. Illustrated by Jos. H. Hatfield. 12mo, cloth, -75 cents.</p></blockquote> - -<h4>The Old Town Pump: <i>A Village Story</i>.</h4> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Margaret Sidney</span>. Illustrated by H. F. Barnes. 12mo, cloth, -$1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>For sale at all Bookstores. Send postal for Illustrated Holiday List, -New Descriptive Catalogue, and sample copy of <i>The Pansy</i> containing -great <span class="smcap">Prize Offer</span> to Boys and Girls. Mailed free.</p> - -<h4>LOTHROP PUBLISHING COMPANY,</h4> - -<p class="center">92 Pearl Street, Boston.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 175px;"> -<img src="images/ill_030.jpg" width="175" height="200" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h3>THE</h3> - -<h3>BALTIMOREAN PRINTING-PRESS</h3> - -<p>has earned more money for boys than all other presses in the market. -Boys, don't idle away your time when you can buy a self-inking -printing-press, type, and complete outfit for $5.00. Write for -particulars, there is money in it for you.</p> - -<h4>THE J. F. W. DORMAN CO.,</h4> - -<h4>Baltimore, Md., U.S.A.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>FREE</h2> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/ill_031.jpg" width="400" height="47" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>As a sample of our 1000 BARGAINS we will send FREE this elegant Fountain -Pen, warranted a perfect writer, and immense Illus. Bargain Catalogue, -for 10c. to cover postage, etc.</p> - -<h4>R. H. INGERSOLL & BRO., 65 CORTLANDT ST., N. Y. CITY.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/ill_032.jpg" width="400" height="59" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 256px;"> -<img src="images/ill_033.jpg" width="256" height="300" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h3>"Napoleon"</h3> - -<p class="center">Handsome, instructive.</p> - -<p class="center">One of the new</p> - -<h2>Parker</h2> - -<h2>Games</h2> - -<p class="center">For Boys and Girls.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="center">"Innocence Abroad," "Waterloo," "Chivalry," "Yankee Doodle."</p> - -<h4>ASK FOR THEM.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>CHATTERBOX</h2> - -<h3>THE KING OF JUVENILES.</h3> - -<p>No book has ever been made for young people which compares in value, or -has had one-tenth the sale of this great annual. <b>Millions of copies have -been sold.</b> The new volume for 1895-6 is just ready, and has over 200 -large and entirely new pictures, several new stories, (each a book in -itself), and hundreds of short stories, anecdotes, etc. The best Xmas -present possible for boys and girls of all ages. Order from your -bookseller or of us.</p> - -<h4>ESTES & LAURIAT, Publishers, Boston.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>Postage Stamps, &c.</h2> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 93px;"> -<img src="images/ill_034.jpg" width="93" height="97" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h3>STAMPS!</h3> - -<p>800 fine mixed Victoria, Cape of G. H., India, Japan, etc., with fine -Stamp Album, only 10c. New 80-p. Price-list free. <i>Agents wanted</i> at 50% -commission. STANDARD STAMP CO., 4 Nicholson Place, St. Louis, Mo. Old U. S. -and Confederate Stamps bought.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 100px;"> -<img src="images/ill_035.jpg" width="100" height="74" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>100 all dif. Venezuela, Bolivia, etc., only 10c.; 200 all dif. Hayti, -Hawaii, etc., only 50c. Ag'ts w't'd at 50% com. List FREE! <b>C. A. -Stegmann</b>, 5941 Cote Brilliante Ave., St. Louis, Mo</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>TUNIS</h2> - -<p class="center">Set of Tunis to every one applying for approval sheets. PENN STAMP CO., -WIND GAP, PA.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="center">FOREIGN STAMPS ON APPROVAL. References required; agents wanted at 50% -com. Lists free.</p> - -<h4>CHAS. B. RAUB, New London, Conn.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>25</h2> - -<p class="center">Varieties U. S. Adhesive Stamps sent on receipt of ten cents.</p> - -<h4>CALEDONIA STAMP CO., Northampton, Mass.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="center">FINE APPROVAL SHEETS. Agents wanted at 50% com. P. S. Chapman, Box 151, -Bridgeport, Ct.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="center">STAMPS! 100 all dif. Barbados, etc. Only 10c. Ag'ts w't'd at 50% com. -List free. L. DOVER & CO., 1469 Hodiamont, St. Louis, Mo.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h3>10 RARE STAMPS FREE.</h3> - -<p class="center">Send 2c. stamp.</p> - -<h4>F. E. THORP, Norwich, N. Y.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="THE_PUDDING_STICK" id="THE_PUDDING_STICK"></a> -<img src="images/ill_036.jpg" width="400" height="116" alt="THE PUDDING STICK" /> -</div> - -<blockquote> - -<p>This Department is conducted in the interest of Girls and Young -Women, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the -subject so far as possible. Correspondents should address Editor.</p></blockquote> - -<p>I am so pleased, Katharine and Eleanor, to hear that you are going away -on a week's visit—one to the city, and one to the country—and that you -are both anticipating a very pleasant time. The date, I understand, is -not yet absolutely fixed, but the visit is to be made before long, and -you would like to know what to take with you in the way of clothes, and -to have all the hints I can give about making such a visit successfully.</p> - -<p>Well, we will begin at the beginning. When the note of invitation from -your friend arrives, the first thing to do is to answer it, setting the -day and the train when she may expect you. She probably mentioned the -first in her invitation, and inclosed a time-table so that you might -select your train. Having decided on this, keep your engagement. Do not -allow a slight inconvenience, or an invitation elsewhere, or a caprice, -to let you change your plan. Go when you are expected, and stay as long -as you are asked to stay. An invitation usually mentions whether your -friend would like you to come for a week, or ten days, or a fortnight, -or it may read thus: "Please give us the great pleasure of a visit from -you. Come on Friday afternoon and stay until Tuesday," or on "Monday, -and help us celebrate Louise's birthday, which occurs on Tuesday; we -will hope to keep you with us until Friday." It is very much pleasanter -to know for how long you are invited than to have it left uncertain; but -when no time is mentioned, one takes it for granted that a week will -cover the period of the visit.</p> - -<p>By all means, when you can do this easily, take a small trunk for your -wardrobe for a week. If not a trunk, then take a large dress-suit case, -or one of those handy bags called telescopes, which may be stretched out -or compressed as occasion demands. You must not forget that in some -places expressage is difficult, though this is probably not the case in -any town or village near a railroad. There are localities in our country -where luggage is difficult of transportation, and trunks have to wait on -the chance of a neighborly lift, but this is understood by those who -travel there, and they arrange accordingly. A small trunk gives a girl a -chance to carry several pretty waists and skirts, and to dress with -greater variety while at her friend's house. But one may pack a great -many things in her brother's suit-case.</p> - -<p>A girl will find her pretty travelling dress, which at this season is of -rough cloth, dark brown or blue by preference, with a thick jacket and a -neat little hat, suitable for walking, driving, and sight-seeing while -away from home. She must be sure that her boots and gloves are in dainty -order, without missing buttons, and, if she chooses, a fur collar or boa -and a muff may complete her out-door costume. For use in company, -afternoon teas, evenings, little gatherings of friends at dinner, or any -fête to which she is invited, a pretty waist of silk or chiffon and a -skirt of silk or fine wool will be appropriate. In packing waists use -plenty of soft white tissue-paper, so that they will come out uninjured -at the journey's end. Your mother will provide you with a simple evening -gown, if she thinks it needful, and a girl never looks sweeter than in -simple white muslin or in a white gown of some sort. With the white gown -must be white shoes, and house gowns of all kinds need dainty foot-gear.</p> - -<p>Now, pray forgive me, but when going on a visit never omit your -night-gowns, changes of underclothing, stockings and handkerchiefs in -abundance. A lady is never unprovided with enough of these essentials. -Take your own comb and brush, your tooth-powder, tooth-brush, cold -cream, and all the little toilet accessories which you like to have at -home. Supply yourself with pins, the common kind and the sheath kind, -and have your needle and thread in case of a rent to be mended. Also -carry note-paper, stamps, and envelopes, so that you may write to the -home people often.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"> -<img src="images/ill_037.jpg" width="300" height="78" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h3>An Appeal for a School-house.</h3> - -<p>Come, dear readers of the Table—Ladies, Knights, Patrons, and their -friends—let us make possible the laying of the corner-stone of Good -Will School next spring. The task is not a difficult one. It can be -accomplished in this way:</p> - -<p>Get one subscriber to <span class="smcap">Harper's Round Table</span>. Remit the $2 for it for one -year. Attach the accompanying Coupon. Say in your letter that you wish -the 50 cents turned into the Fund. And the thing is done. The Fund is -complete. The corner-stone will be laid. The boys will have an -industrial school-house. The Order will have performed a grand, a -chivalrous deed.</p> - -<p>At this holiday-time every person who reads these lines has it within -his or her power to build this school-house. Because, if <i>you</i> get the -one subscriber, the house will be built. If you do not, it will not—not -now. All depends on you.</p> - -<p>Go out and ask your friends about it. Ask them to help you get the -subscriber. Your parents and teachers will help you. Ask them to do so. -Set your heart on getting this one subscriber. Go to a Sunday-school or -church committee, a day school, some well-to-do man or woman who has -young persons in the household. Ask the well-to-do neighbor. Relate the -merits of the paper, and show a sample copy and Prospectus. We furnish -them free. Ask us to do so.</p> - -<p>But do more than this. Relate the story of Good Will. Tell the person -whom you are asking to subscribe why you want the subscription, and why -you want it now. Tell him or her that Good Will Farm, while in Maine, -takes boys from any part of the country, and is therefore not a local, -but a national enterprise. Say that it is a house for an industrial -school that the Order is to build. The Farm is in good hands, and the -school itself will be well conducted. Our task is only to put up the -building, not to conduct the school. Say that during the last few -years—two or three—more than 700 poor boys have applied for admission -to Good Will, and had to be refused it for lack of room. These boys were -deserving. Say further that if you get the subscription the school will -be built, and, by turning a house now used for the school into a -dwelling, more boys can be taken—boys of five, six, and seven years of -age, who are now homeless, may be given homes, school advantages, and a -chance to become useful Christian men.</p> - -<p>During the next two weeks will <i>you</i> get this subscription? Talk it -up—and get it. The appeal is not made to the Order. It is made to -<i>you</i>. If you do not wish to cut out the coupon, make a pen one nearly -like it, ask us for duplicates, or send on the subscription without a -coupon, simply saying that you got it to help the school, and that you -want 50 cents of the $2 given to the Fund. Be sure to give the -subscription address, and your own name for the Honor Roll.</p> - -<p>Come on, dear friends, let us build this school-house.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<h4>THIS COUPON</h4> - -<p class="center">Will be received by the publishers of <span class="smcap">Harper's Round Table</span> as</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/ill_038.jpg" width="400" height="90" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>when accompanied by an order for a NEW subscription to <span class="smcap">Harper's -Round Table</span> and One Dollar and Fifty Cents. The intent of this -Coupon is to pay you for inducing another person, <i>not now a -subscriber</i>, to subscribe for <span class="smcap">Harper's Round Table</span> for one year. -This Coupon has nothing whatever to do with your own subscription; -that is, with the copy you expect to read next year, it matters not -in whose name it be ordered, and will not be accepted as payment -for any part of it. It is good for its face in the hands of any -person who performs the work indicated, whether said person is a -subscriber or not. HARPER & BROTHERS.</p></blockquote> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h3>More about Garter-snakes.</h3> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Some weeks ago I noticed an inquiry by Vincent V. M. Beede whether -or not there is a distinct variety of garter-snake living near or -in the water. In reply to this I will say that I think there is. -Last spring when trying to catch some tadpoles in a small pond, I -saw a large snake swim towards me. Like Sir Vincent, I at first -took it to be a water-adder, but on looking at it a second time I -saw that it was a large, dull-colored garter-snake. A few days -after I was at another pool in the woods and saw at the edge of the -water a similar snake, which was wriggling about in a peculiar way. -I watched it closely, and saw that it was catching and swallowing -tadpoles.</p> - -<p>From these observations I am inclined to think that there is a -separate variety of garter-snake. Both snakes were very large and -less brilliantly striped than any I had seen before. Can any one -tell me more on the subject? I should like to see and talk with Sir -Vincent. Does he attend the E. O. High-school? I would like some -correspondents.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 23em;"><span class="smcap">Evelyn G. Mitchell</span>, R.T.F.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 23em;"><span class="smcap">East Orange</span>.</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>Sir Vincent, who is one of our most popular Table contributors, attends -the Centenary Institute at Hackettstown.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h3>A Pretty Experiment.</h3> - -<blockquote> - -<p>The natural colors of a leaf may be easily transferred to paper. -Take a leaf of a tree or shrub, place over it a small piece of -white linen soaked in spirits of nitre, and insert between the -leaves of a heavy book with a sheet of paper to receive the -impression. Lay the book aside for a few days. The leaf will be -found devoid of color, which will have been transferred to the -paper in all the original beauty of tint and outline of leaf.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 23em;"><span class="smcap">Wilbur E. Clayberger</span>, R.T.K.</span><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h3>Another Virgil Version.</h3> - -<blockquote> - -<p>In the <span class="smcap">Round Table</span> for October 29th Sir Knight Alfred G. Baker -asked about a line from Virgil, "The Poles Resound." The ancients -believed that the earth was flat, and that the sky revolved round -it. On one side of the sky was the north star, and on the other -another star. Therefore the line is translated by, "The sky," not -the earth, "resounds with heavy thunders."</p></blockquote> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 23em;"><span class="smcap">C. F. Wheeler</span>.</span><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="STAMPS" id="STAMPS"></a> -<img src="images/ill_039.jpg" width="400" height="139" alt="STAMPS" /> -</div> - -<blockquote> - -<p>This Department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin -collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question -on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address -Editor Stamp Department.</p></blockquote> - -<p>So many inquiries come to me regarding value of coins, that I shall give -lists of the prices <i>asked by dealers</i> for U. S. coins. These lists will -not be reprinted. Collectors will therefore preserve the Numbers -containing the same. The prices as quoted are for coins in "fair" -condition. For coins in "good," "very good," "fine," and "very fine" -condition much larger prices are asked. To begin with the lowest.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Half-Cents</span>.—1796, $12; 1797, lettered edge 1802, $2.50 each; 1793, 1795 -lettered edge, $1.50 each; all the others from 10c. to 50c. each.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Cents</span>.—1787, two varieties, 20c., 50c.; 1793, six varieties, $3.50, $5, -$8, and upward; 1794, 50c.; 1795, two varieties, 50c., $1; 1796, three -varieties, 50c., 75c., $2; 1797, four varieties, 25c., 50c., 75c., $1; -1799 over 98, $7.50; 1799, perfect date, $10; 1801, United, $1; 1804, -$4; 1809, $1; 1839 over 36, $3; 1851 over 81, $2; the balance from 5c. -to 75c. each, mostly 5c.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Small Cents</span>.—1856, flying eagle, $4. All the others, 5c. or 10c. each.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Two Cents</span>.—1873, $1.75. All the others 10c. each.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Three Cents</span> (<span class="smcap">Nickel</span>).—1877, proofs only, $2.50. All the others 10c. or -15c.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Five Cents</span> (<span class="smcap">Nickel</span>).—1877, proofs only, $2.50. All the others 10c. or -15c.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Three Cents</span> (<span class="smcap">Silver</span>)—From 1863 to 1873 inclusive, 75c. to $1 each. All -the others 10c. each.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Five Cents</span> (<span class="smcap">Silver</span>).—1802, $250; 1805, $7.50; 1860, no arrow, $5; 1794, -1801, 1846, $2.50 each; 1795, 1796, 1797, 1800, 1803, $1 to $2 each. The -others from 10c. to 30c. each.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Dimes</span>.—1804, $25; 1796 to 1803, inclusive, and 1822, from $2 to $3 -each; 1809, 1846, $1 each. The others from 15c. to 50c. each.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Twenty Cents</span>.—1875, 40c.; 1876, 50c.; 1877, 1878, $3 each.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p><span class="smcap">M. R. Gause</span>.—The four coins are common, and worth face value only. -You failed to give your address.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">M. Hale</span>.—The 1839 cent struck over 1836 is sold by dealers at $3. -The regular 1839 has no premium. The other coins are sold at 10c. -each.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. A. M. R</span>.—I cannot give addresses of dealers in this column. -Ordinary current stamps have little value. Ten million of the -present 2c. red are used every day.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Corporal P. Conn</span>.—Dealers ask from 15c. to 40c. according to -condition.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">A. L. Churchman</span>.—Dealers ask 5c.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">R. Hitchens</span>.—Dealers do not pay premiums at present on any -Columbians except the dollar values.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Z. C. Frick</span>.—Dealers ask 5c. each for the coins mentioned.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Dubuque, Iowa</span>.—(No name signed to inquiry).—The 1795 dollar, -lettered edge, is worth $3.50. The other coins about twice face -value. Confederate paper money, as a rule, has no value. U.S. -fractional currency in good fresh condition is worth twice face. If -dirty or crumpled it has no premium value.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">J. Hall</span>.—Yes. Stamps catalogued at $2 each, or over, are disposed -of to best advantage by auction. Common stamps catalogued from 1c. -to 50c. each, do not as a rule bring anything like their value at -auction.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">L. Richardson</span>.—Dealers charge $50 for the 1852 dollar. If yours is -in good condition, a dealer might buy it for $25 or $30. If the -date is not clear, or the coin is badly worn, it is not worth so -much.</p></blockquote> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 23em;"><span class="smcap">Philatus</span>.</span><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"> -<img src="images/ill_040.jpg" width="300" height="382" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="center">Copyright, 1885, by The Procter & Gamble Co., Cin'ti.</p> - -<p>Every lot of Ivory Soap is carefully analyzed, and comparisons are made -with analyses of the popular castile and toilet soaps. Ivory Soap -contains less of impurities, less of free alkali and more real soap than -any of them; that is why it can be used without injury to the rose leaf -skin of the baby, to the sheerest of linens or to the daintiest of -laces.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>PRINTING OUTFIT 10c.</h2> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 300px;"> -<img src="images/ill_041.jpg" width="300" height="274" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 100px;"> -<img src="images/ill_042.jpg" width="100" height="90" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">G. A. R. 25c.</span> -</div> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 100px;"> -<img src="images/ill_043.jpg" width="100" height="90" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">Brownies 10c.</span> -</div> - -<p>For printing cards, marking linen, books, etc. Contains everything shown -in cut. Type, Tweezers, Holder, Indelible Ink, Ink Pad, etc. Thoroughly -practical for business or household use and a most instructive -amusement. Sent with catalogue illustrating over 1000 Tricks and -Novelties, for 10c. in stamps to pay postage and packing on outfit and -catalogue. Same outfit with figures 15c. Large outfit for printing two -lines 25c.</p> - -<p><b>Brownie Rubber Stamps</b>—A set of 6 grotesque little people with ink pad; -price, postpaid, 10c.</p> - -<p>G. A. R. series Rubber Stamps, 12 characters. Makes all kinds of -Battles, Encampments and other military pictures, 25c. postpaid. Address</p> - -<h4>ROBERT H. INGERSOLL & BRO.</h4> - -<h4>Dep't No. 62. 65 Cortlandt St., New York.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> -<img src="images/ill_044.jpg" width="200" height="165" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h3>Highest Award</h3> - -<h4>WORLD'S FAIR.</h4> - -<h2>SKATES</h2> - -<h3>CATALOGUE FREE.</h3> - -<h4>BARNEY & BERRY, Springfield, Mass.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4>BREAKFAST—SUPPER.</h4> - -<h2>EPPS'S</h2> - -<h4>GRATEFUL—COMFORTING.</h4> - -<h2>COCOA</h2> - -<h4>BOILING WATER OR MILK.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h3>OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT</h3> - -<h4>OF THE AWARD ON</h4> - -<h3><b>GILLOTT'S PENS</b> at the <span class="smcap">Chicago Exposition</span>.</h3> - -<p><b>AWARD:</b> "For excellence of steel used in their manufacture, it being fine -grained and elastic; superior workmanship, especially shown by the -careful grinding which leaves the pens free from defects. The tempering -is excellent and the action of the finished pens perfect."</p> - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Approved:</td><td align="left">JOHN BOYD THACHER,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><i>Chairman Exec. Com. on Awards</i></td></tr> -</table></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h3>Ancient Indian Relics</h3> - -<p>Stone tomahawk dug from mound, arrow heads, flint spears, beads, and -other relics sent postpaid for $2. Valuable collection for sale from -Ohio mounds. Write for description.</p> - -<h4>F. I. BROWN, Hayden Block, Columbus, O.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h3>NEW PLAYS</h3> - -<p class="center">READINGS, RECITATIONS,</p> - -<p class="center">CATALOGUES FREE!!!</p> - -<h4>DE WITT, ROSE ST., N. Y.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h3>GEO. F. CRANE,</h3> - -<h4>90 Nassau St.,</h4> - -<h4>NEW YORK,</h4> - -<p class="center">will pay cash for collections or scarce stamps.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>HOOPING-COUGH</h2> - -<h2>CROUP.</h2> - -<h3>Roche's Herbal Embrocation.</h3> - -<p>The celebrated and effectual English Cure without internal medicine. -Proprietors, <span class="smcap">W. Edward & Son</span>. London, England.</p> - -<h4>E. Fougera & Co., 30 North William St., N.Y.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="center">BAKER sells recitations and PLAYS</p> - -<p class="center">23 Winter St., Boston</p> - -<h4>CATALOGUES FREE.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h3>CARDS</h3> - -<p>The FINEST SAMPLE BOOK of Gold Beveled Edge, Hidden Name, Silk Fringe, -Envelope and Calling Cards ever offerer for a 2 cent Stamp. These are -GENUINE CARDS, NOT TRASH.</p> - -<h4>UNION CARD CO., COLUMBUS, OHIO.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/ill_045.jpg" width="400" height="59" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>Harper's</h2> - -<h2>Round Table</h2> - -<h3>for 1895</h3> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Volume XVI. With 1096 Pages, and about 750 Illustrations. 4to, Cloth, -Ornamental, $3.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A literal mine of instruction and entertainment.... The young -person who receives this beautiful book as a Christmas gift is an -enviable person indeed.—<i>Examiner</i>, N. Y.</p> - -<p>There is nothing, we imagine, that the young reader would be likely -to prize more.—<i>N. Y. Sun</i>.</p> - -<p>A truly royal volume for the youthful reading appetite.—<i>Boston -Courier</i>.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<h4>Harper & Brothers, Publishers, N. Y.</h4> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 333px;"> -<img src="images/ill_046.jpg" width="333" height="400" alt="" /> -<span class="caption">REHEARSING FOR THE CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME.<br /><br /> -THE BEAR (<i>at rehearsal</i>). "<span class="smcap">See here, Dorothy, when I begin to devour -you in the Christmas performance, you ought to be awful scart, instead -of giggling</span>."<br /> -DOROTHY. "<span class="smcap">But you make me giggle, your whiskers tickle me so</span>."</span> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>A WREATH OF CHRISTMAS SMILES.</h2> - -<h3>BY CODDLES AND TODDLES.</h3> - -<p>C. (1 <span class="smcap">a.m</span>.). "Is it raining out, Tod?"</p> - -<p>T. "Raining! No; it's snowing hard."</p> - -<p>C. "I don't think Santa Claus will come, then, 'cause papa said he uses -<i>reindeers</i> only to pull his sleigh."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>T. (2 <span class="smcap">a.m</span>.). "Cod, I wonder why Santa Claus only comes at night!"</p> - -<p>C. "I guess it's because he doesn't want to make his <i>presents</i> known."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>C. (3 <span class="smcap">a.m</span>.). "Say, Tod, wake up! I thought you said you were not going -to sleep till Santa Claus came."</p> - -<p>T. "I didn't go to sleep. I only forgot I was awake."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>T. (4 <span class="smcap">a.m</span>.). "Santa Claus is so long in coming, I think he's mistaken us -for somebody he's left presents with."</p> - -<p>C. "Probably he's had a <i>misgiving</i>, and left them with somebody else."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>C. (5 <span class="smcap">a.m</span>.). "Tod, did you hear that crash?"</p> - -<p>T. "No; what was it?"</p> - -<p>C. "The day breaking through the window."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>T. (6 <span class="smcap">a.m</span>.). "I wonder what time it is, Cod?"</p> - -<p>C. "Don't know; it's so cold, I guess the clock's frozen."</p> - -<p>T. "Ha! ha! don't you know a clock has a running spring, and that never -freezes?"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>C. (7 <span class="smcap">a.m</span>.). "I wonder where Santa Claus learned to come down chimneys?"</p> - -<p>T. "That's easy. He took lessons off that camel that went through the -eye of a needle."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>T. (8 <span class="smcap">a.m</span>.). "Look here, Cod, you shouldn't have eaten all little -Ethel's buckwheat cakes like that. Mamma's awful angry."</p> - -<p>C. "Well, I only did what papa told me, and that was to always take her -part."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>C. (9 <span class="smcap">a.m</span>.). "Papa, did Santa Claus ever go to school?"</p> - -<p>Papa. "I guess so."</p> - -<p>T. "I don't think he had to study hard, 'cause he was a <i>gifted</i> scholar -before he went."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>T. (10 <span class="smcap">a.m</span>.). "I wonder why Santa Claus gave me this rocking-horse?"</p> - -<p>C. "What is the matter with the horse?"</p> - -<p>T. "Why, you know all horses have to be broken before they are ridden, -and if I break this one, I don't see how I can use him."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>C. (11 <span class="smcap">a.m</span>.). "I am going to have lots of fights with the bicycle Santa -Claus gave me."</p> - -<p>T. "What's wrong about it?"</p> - -<p>C. "Oh, I'll have to give it a blowing up every now and then."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>T. (12 <span class="smcap">m</span>., <i>in a whisper</i>). "Cod, that turkey looks fine, doesn't it? -Ain't you afraid that when he goes to the next world he'll haunt you?"</p> - -<p>C. "No. Turkeys have their <i>necks twirled</i> in this."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>C. (1 <span class="smcap">p.m</span>.). "Say, Tod, this plum-pudding reminds me of a river with a -dam in it."</p> - -<p>T. "Why?"</p> - -<p>C. "Oh, because the currants are all stemmed."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>T. (2 <span class="smcap">p.m</span>.). "Cod, mamma said she is sorry she bought the Christmas -turkey for dinner."</p> - -<p>C. "Did she?"</p> - -<p>T. "Yes; mamma said we developed into such fine <i>turkey gobblers</i> that -we might have been used instead."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>C. (3 <span class="smcap">p.m</span>.). "Papa, Dan couldn't pull this sleigh if he didn't have -legs, could he?"</p> - -<p>Papa. "No, of course not."</p> - -<p>C. "Everything that runs has to have legs."</p> - -<p>T. "Oh no, they don't. The runners of this sleigh haven't any legs."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>T. (4 <span class="smcap">p.m</span>.). "Did you ever see any peddlers in the Park, papa? Cod says -there's lots of them."</p> - -<p>Papa. "I never noticed any."</p> - -<p>C. "Oh yes, papa! there are scores of bicycle-pedallers here every day."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>C. (5 <span class="smcap">p.m</span>.). "Did you know even old Father Time made us a Christmas gift -of an hour to-day."</p> - -<p>T. "What hour is that, Tod?"</p> - -<p>C. "Why, the <i>present</i> one."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>T. (6 <span class="smcap">p.m</span>.). "You'd better look out for those turkey patties, Tod. -They're dangerous, and might go off."</p> - -<p>C. "What's the matter with them?"</p> - -<p>T. "They're full of <i>fowl in pieces</i>."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>C. (7 <span class="smcap">p.m</span>.). "Do you know why Santa Claus is like the weather to-day?"</p> - -<p>T. "No."</p> - -<p>C. "Because he was <i>dew</i> this morning and is <i>mist</i> to-night."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>T. (8 <span class="smcap">p.m</span>.) "Cod, look! that Christmas tree is so heavily loaded with -presents I'm afraid it will sink through the floor."</p> - -<p>C. "Papa will start the candles on it in a minute, and then it will grow -much lighter."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>C. (9 <span class="smcap">p.m</span>.). "That little girl over there borrowed a face to come to our -party to-night."</p> - -<p>T. "What makes you think that?"</p> - -<p>C. "I heard mamma say she had her father's eyes and her mother's nose -and chin."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>T. (10 <span class="smcap">p.m</span>.). "We've taken pains to eat so many good things to-day, I -guess we'll have to do without to-morrow."</p> - -<p>C. "Oh, we'll get something to-morrow for our pains."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>C. (11 <span class="smcap">p.m</span>.). "Mamma, Time takes wings on Christmas day like butterflies -on hot cakes. Can't you stop the clock for an hour?"</p> - -<p>Mamma. "Why don't you ask papa?"</p> - -<p>C. "'Cause you told me time stops for no man."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>T. (12 <span class="smcap">m</span>.). "Good-night, papa; we're tucked in all right."</p> - -<p>Papa. "Now, boys, go to sleep."</p> - -<p>C. "We're going to. Uncle Jack said there'd be a big war in us when the -turkey and plum-pudding discovered each other, and so we're going to -rest before the fight."</p> - -<p style="clear:both;"> </p> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Begun in <span class="smcap">Harper's Round Table</span> No. 836.</p></div></div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, December 17, 1895, by Various - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, DEC 17, 1895 *** - -***** This file should be named 50319-h.htm or 50319-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/3/1/50319/ - -Produced by Annie R. 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