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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. 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..7a6f906 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63162 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63162) diff --git a/old/63162-0.txt b/old/63162-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 682f691..0000000 --- a/old/63162-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4630 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Haven Children, by Emilie Foster - -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: The Haven Children - or Frolics at the Funny Old House on Funny Street - -Author: Emilie Foster - -Release Date: September 9, 2020 [EBook #63162] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HAVEN CHILDREN *** - - - - -Produced by Charlene Taylor, Paul Clark and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -[Illustration: Frontispiece. - -Kit and Larry Launching their Boats. Page 243.] - - - - - THE HAVEN CHILDREN - - OR - - FROLICS AT THE FUNNY OLD HOUSE ON - FUNNY STREET - - BY - - EMILIE FOSTER - - [Illustration: - “Johnny Black - Who always came back”] - - NEW YORK - E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY - 713 BROADWAY - 1876 - - - - - Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1875, by - E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY, - In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. - - - - - To CHRISTIAN BAYARD BÖRS, - - WHO, FOR FOUR YEARS, GAVE TO THE FUNNY HOUSE - ON FUNNY STREET, - SO MUCH OF ITS LIFE AND BRIGHTNESS, - AND - A MERRY BAND - OF NIECES AND NEPHEWS, - THIS LITTLE BOOK IS INSCRIBED, BY THEIR LOVING AUNT, - “Who asks not a life for those dear ones, - All radiant, as others have done, - But that life may have just enough shadow - To temper the glare of the sun.” - -_Providence, 1875._ - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - Chap. Page. - - _I. The Great Surprise_, 7 - - _II. The Haven Family_, 19 - - _III. Journey to Providence_, 30 - - _IV. Sunday in the Nursery_, 47 - - _V. Rainy-day Frolics in the Old Garret_, 69 - - _VI. Frolics in the Garden_, 86 - - _VII. The Fairy Feast_, 98 - - _VIII. On the Road_, 114 - - _IX. The Old Brown Farm_, 129 - - _X. Tea Under the Great Elm_, 148 - - _XI. A Sail down Narragansett Bay_, 160 - - _XII. Jem, Kit, Ned, Grace, May, and Alice_, 179 - - _XIII. Fourth of July at Harmony Hall_, 193 - - _XIV. Shore Dinner and Clam Bake_, 214 - - _XV. Tiger and Ranger_, 234 - - _XVI. On the Yacht, bound for Rocky Point_, 250 - - _XVII. Farewell to the Funny House on Funny Street_, 260 - - - - -THE HAVEN CHILDREN; - -OR, - -_FROLICS AT THE FUNNY OLD HOUSE ON FUNNY STREET_. - - “A dreary place would be this earth, - Were there no little people in it; - The song of life would lose its mirth, - Were there no children to begin it.” - - -Daisy Havens was awakened from a sound sleep, one bright June morning, -by a fearful banging on her bedroom door, and as she rubbed her sleepy -eyes, and curled herself up for another nap, there came a shrill volley -of boy’s talk through the key-hole. - -“I say, Daisy Havens, I’d be ashamed to be such a sleepy-head. There’s -no end of fun going on in the nursery. The Menagerie are all up and -dressed, and Mamma has invited them to feed in the dining-room. I say, -sleeping beauty, open your ears, if your eyes _are_ shut. Mamma has a -letter from Papa, with a surprise for us. So there--sleep on now, as -much as you _can_. I’m off, for one.” - -The last shot through the key-hole has taken effect, and Daisy’s -bare feet patter quickly across the hall, where, leaning over the -bannisters, she catches a glimpse of Artie’s blue sailor-suit, -disappearing through the nursery door, from whence proceeds a merry -clangor of high-pitched young sopranos and the deeper tones of -desperate nurses. - -Daisy hastens back, almost forgetting the surprise in store, for very -vexation that “Artie couldn’t just wait a minute.” - -What trials await her now! Those little elves from the “city of -mischief,” so prone to visit children all agog with excitement about -some expected pleasure, are all about and around her; now tangling her -crimped locks, and cruelly waylaying her comb in its way through them, -now whisking off a button or the tin of a boot-lace, now shaking her -arm and tumbling her tooth-brush into the slop-jar. Poor Daisy! tears -are in her eyes, as she bends over to fish for the troublesome little -brush. Alas! her trials are not over, for turning hastily around, she -forgets the full pitcher, which, in her bewilderment, she placed on the -floor, and now a cool douche reminds her of its presence. - - “There’s water, water all around, - But not a drop to drink.” - -The pretty rose-buds and fern-leaves on the new carpet are completely -drowned. Daisy’s neat boots are weighed down with their additional -weight of water, and Daisy herself stands upon a chair, “sending coals -to Newcastle,” as the torrent pours from her blue eyes. Just then -the door bursts open, and Jacko, the little monkey, escaped from the -family menagerie keeper, shouts out, “Oh, Daisy, ain’t you coming -to the exprise?” then lowering his tones as he catches sight of the -catastrophe and tearful Daisy on her high perch, cries-- - -“Was you shipwrecked, Daisy dear, and was you throwed on the rocks? Oh, -isn’t it fun to paddle? I think water is the best fun of anything.” - -“Dais-y! where _is_ the child?” sounds out a loud, ringing voice, as -Rosie, the companion monkey of the family collection, appears on the -threshold. “Doesn’t she know what’s going on? Oh, dear, dear, what a -awful splash! What ever’ll happen to you, Miss Daisy?” - -With this crumb of doubtful comfort dropped, Rosie runs off panting to -the nursery, to tell how “Miss Daisy, that’s always preaching to us -children, is behaving a purpose.” - -Now Daisy, be it known, is the family owl, and has the habit of looking -very grave and wise, and using those aggravating words, “I told you -so,” to the younger members of the family, so Daisy’s misfortune, this -morning, is rather “nuts” for the companion monkeys to crack. - -The news of the “shipwreck” reaches the nursery, and Charlotte, who has -a very soft spot in her heart for little folks in distress, and whose -office it is to mend the family jars and straighten out the family -tangles, hastens to the floating island, rescues the family owl, dries -the dripping feathers, and then marshals the chattering group to the -dining-room for the rare pleasure of a “high breakfast” with Mamma and -Aunt Lellie. - -A smiling greeting there awaits them, and then Mamma bids Artie take -Papa’s place at the head of the table, and after a simple grace, enters -into the general fun. - -“Mamma,” pleads one, “need nobody count our cakes this morning, and may -we make our own spread of marmalade?” - -“Mamma, dear, can’t we have two helps of strawberries. They are so very -delicious, and Charlotte will give us peppermint and sugar if they -hurt.” - -Aunt Lellie’s suggestion that, by way of preventive, the strawberries -should be seasoned with peppermint and sugar, was received with merry -laughter, and then the clamor went on. - -“Oh, Mamma, just look at Rosie!” - - “Bee’s in the honey-pot - Up to its eyes,” - -quoted Artie. - -“Oh, I ain’t either, I was just peering to see if the honey would last -for another ‘go-round,’” indignantly replied Rosie, whilst the delicate -touches of sweets on the end of her “tip-tilted” little nose, and on -her round forehead, produced a merry laugh from all, and proved nearly -fatal to Jacko, with his mouth full of buttered cakes. - -The din of mingled voices, with their interrogations and exclamations, -re-echoed by Baby Mocking-Bird’s accompaniment of Pap-spoon Tatto on -her plate, began to grow terrific, so Mamma, by a single word, summoned -the little ones to perfect quiet, whilst she unfolded “the surprise” in -Papa’s letter. - -Let us pass over the pleas used to convince Mamma, to the single -sentence-- - -“I want you to send on the whole Menagerie (little Birdie excepted) -with one of the nurses, by the Shore-line train, to Providence, -Saturday, to accept Aunt Emma’s kind invitation to visit her. Hugh and -I will meet them at the station.” - - * * * * * - -The reading of the letter was followed by an almost painful calm. Its -meaning was too great to be taken in all at once, but gradually it -dawned upon their bewildered little intellects that this was Saturday, -and in less than four hours they would be on their journey to the -far-away city and “Aunt Emma,” who was, to them, a sort of good fairy, -who always remembered the six birthdays, and seemed a kind of familiar -friend of Santa Claus, or, as Rosie said--“She guessed they had growed -up together, and been to the same school.” - -However that may be, certain fact it was, that whatever wishes they had -whispered up the dark chimney the week before, were sure to be realized -when, Christmas morning, the Adams Express wagon left a huge box marked -“Providence,” with Aunt Emma’s card fastened on to the plum pudding, -so sure to form the first layer, with the good Auntie’s assurance to -Mamma, “It was made, by Celia, very weak, to suit the children.” - -The nurses now appeared to carry off the younger folk to the -nursery, thereby making short work of Jack’s series of joy-speaking -somersaults, whose chief feature, much to his elder brother’s scarcely -veiled contempt, seemed to be, that the heels never reached their -destination, but remained dangling in the air. - -Whilst the little ones, in the nursery, are riding astride the trunks -which had appeared there, or tumbling over the piles of clean clothes -spread out by Kitty; Artie and Daisy, as eldest son and daughter, are -listening to some good advice from Mamma, who is putting the younger -members of her flock under their care, urging Artie not to tease poor -little Bear, who is really not well, and apt sometimes to be a little -tiresome, and--cross, if we must say it. Daisy, too, is to try to be -more gentle and patient with her little sister and brother. Then she -bids them remember the verse which formed the subject of last Sunday -evening’s talk,--“Be ye kindly affectionate one toward another, in -honor preferring one another.” - -She had then told them in how many ways they might bring sunshine into -their own homes, the great outside world, and into their own hearts -too, if they were constantly striving to be “kindly affectionate” and -studying how they might - - “Yield their way to others’ way,” - -not selfishly seeking for themselves the best. She begged them to keep -this little verse ever in their childish hearts, that so, with the dear -Lord’s blessing, its echo might be found in their lives. - -Mamma did not make her sober talk very long, for she knew the little -heads and hearts had just about enough to fill them now, and she saw -Artie’s big blue eyes were growing hazy, for with all his faults, he -was a boy of loving heart, where Mamma reigned supreme, and just then -a little cloud was drifting over the bright sunny prospect before him, -as he thought of leaving her without Papa or eldest son to care for her. - -Little boys know how soon their sailor-coat-sleeves will dry up tearful -eyes and let bright sunshine again into boy-hearts (for mammas and -nurses well know that a little boy’s handkerchief is a myth), and Artie -was soon chasing his sister up the stairs, “two steps at a time,” to -hunt for his fishing-line, which, in New York, had only caught such -fish as might present themselves, whilst angling over the bannisters, -or from between the bars of nursery windows, but now the young -fisherman’s eyes sparkled as he thought of squirming perch, silvery -scup and tautog to be caught in old Narragansett Bay, as his Papa had -done in his boy-days. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - - “I pray you hear my song of this nest, - For it is not long.” - - -I suppose I must follow the fashion of all story-tellers, and introduce -my young readers to the Haven family, one by one. I grant it is rather -tiresome, but you know, the first thing in the study of grammar is to -get some knowledge of all the little parts which make up the great -Family of Speech; so, in your Geography, you must make the separate -acquaintance of little streams and bays as well as of great rivers -and oceans, tiny capes, huge promontories, and continents, before you -can have much idea of the great world; so, in every-day life, we get -on better, and feel much more at our ease with new acquaintances, -after we have learned something about them, so I will begin by telling -you that Mr. and Mrs. Havens lived in a brown stone house on Madison -avenue, and if you had chanced to pass Forty-second street early some -Spring morning, and looked up to the third story windows of one of the -houses on your left, you, most likely, would have seen six little faces -looking out, six little noses and six pairs of chubby cheeks flattened -against the window-panes, earnestly studying the movements of that -little girl in soiled dress. Poor child! her tatters, flapping apart -with the motion of the warm south wind, show two thin, stockingless, -shoeless legs, telling a tale of want and neglect at home, as her -little iron hook clinks against the curb-stones, seeking to find -hidden treasures of rags or bread-crust to fill the bag she bears. Do -you guess why the thin, soiled, childish face looks up so earnestly -at the window of No. 310, as she passes? It is because there she -finds the one little rift of cheer which steals into the poor heart, -the day long. Child as she is, knowing nothing of a true home and -mother’s tenderness, she reads, with a child’s instinct, the sympathy -and companionship in those bright young faces, and well remembers how, -early every Sunday morning, a little basket is let down from those -windows filled with nice bits which the children have saved from their -Saturday’s dinner and Sunday’s breakfast, gifts costing them often a -little self-denial, for which they are well repaid by the bright look -in the girl’s face as she draws out the apple or the orange which, -yesterday, was handled over so many times, and wistfully gazed at -before its owner could quite willingly consign it to the little basket. -Can you not see, now, why Papa and Mamma, gazing from the windows, -regard that poor child’s bag with so much interest, nay, almost -reverence? They feel as if, somehow, it became the little altar on -which, each Lord’s day, their dear ones offered up their gifts of that -which had cost them something of self-denial, and they prayed that the -Holy Dove might ever nestle in their young hearts, prompting to love -and kindly deeds which, offered to those little neglected city waifs, -is indeed offered to Him who has said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it -unto one of the least of these little ones, ye have done it unto Me.” - -Those third-story windows let _in_, too, a deal of sunlight to the -Family Menagerie, in the nursery, where the Keeper, Master Artie, a -bright boy of ten, when not engaged--as, very sorry I am to say it, -he sometimes is--in teasing the little animals in the nursery cage, -is often to be found quirled up in the wide window-seat, following -Napoleon Bonaparte through his snowy Russian marches, or on the bloody, -fatal field of Waterloo, or reading aloud to the never-wearied trio of -the wonderful content and skilful management of that remarkable Swiss -Family Robinson, who seem to have borrowed the brains as well as the -daring of the great Crusoe. - -Daisy, the family Owl, has a wise look beaming from her large full -eyes. Seldom does eight years bring such a deal of wisdom to a young -mind, such wonderful acuteness in discovering family faults, and such -readiness in reproving the same; but Daisy is loving, perfectly -truthful, and really a great help to the nurses in the care of the -little ones. She is a most devoted mother to two wax, two china, and -one large rag doll. Patiently and uncomplainingly, has she watched over -their sick-beds, nursing them tenderly through their various stages of -whooping cough, measles, and scarlet fever, and the nurses tell “how -pale Miss Daisy looked, one morning, when, on going to Felicie’s little -bed, she saw the face of the young French beauty quite disfigured with -what was, probably, the very disease which was then raging in New York.” - -Poor Felicie was taken, for fear of infection, to the attic, and even -now, bears traces of the sad disease. It was a most curious fact that -Master Artie, too, was kept, that very day, in solitary confinement by -Mamma for some reason, and it _was_ whispered among the servants that -_he_ could tell, better than any one else, just how and where Felicie -caught the disease. Two kittens claim Daisy as their Mamma also; she is -very careful of them, fearful that their lives may be brief, like those -of most of her pets; and it is strange that kittens, grown in the same -house with small boys, are not generally long-lived. - -There is quite a miniature cemetery at the farther end of the little -garden. A thrifty fish geranium shelters the grave of three little pets -who once inhabited the aquarium in the nursery and delighted the little -ones by their golden flashes, as they gayly tossed about. - -One morning the little lake was very, very smooth and still. No more -golden rays flashed forth. Three little fishes lay quite dead! Somehow, -for a careful search revealed the fact, their bill of fare had been -changed, and Papa’s science proved very clearly that their new diet had -been too rich for them. - -A little farther on, tiny rose-bushes adorn the graves of kittens -numberless whose life’s tales had been very short. Two tiny tablets -mark the graves of a lovely bullfinch and a rare canary, whose last -resting-places have been moistened by true mourners’ tears. - -In the attic, a miniature house may be seen. Daisy alone keeps the -key, and rarely allows visitors to enter. Peeping through the little -windows, the invalid chairs and snow-white beds reveal the fact that -this is the “Doll Hospital.” Incurables are admitted too, for there is -a headless doll, apparently standing to look out of the window. There -lies a patient with an abscess or hole in her side. I can guess what -young surgeon’s knife explored there. By this poor, thin dolly sits -another, with bandaged head slightly turned on one side. In the male -ward there are no end of patients, one-legged, no-legged, armless, -toothless, eyeless, noseless. - - “Ah, it is pitiful! - In this whole housefull, - Sound-limbed--not one.” - -A little vase of flowers on a white covered table, and various other -little tokens plainly show that the little “Sister of Mercy’s” visits -to the Hospital are very frequent. - -I have wandered far from the nursery, and now must quickly retrace my -steps, for still there is Rosie’s round, chubby face, whose archness is -partly veiled by the shower of golden curls which screen the mischief -their owner is sure to be hatching, and funny, laughing Jack, the -companion monkey. These two little folk are, generally, to be found -with their heads together, conscious that the eyes of the two nurses -are on the watch for their schemes. - -Beg pardon Bear, or Master Harry, your six years, with their little -burden of hours of pain and languor, which give your dark eyes such -a wistful look, as of longing for the great health-gift which makes -child-life such - - “A thing of joy and beauty,” - -entitle you to be introduced before the pair of rollicking young -monkies. Dear little Bear, do you know why Mamma and nurses deal -so gently with your impatience, and Sister Daisy soothes you with -such loving tones? Ah me! there is a cloud-fleck somewhere in the -bluest sky,--a shadow on each sun-lit path, a withered leaf on every -plant,--the dear Lord places a cross in every Eden, side by side with -richest earthly blessings. - -One more little figure attracts us, whose sunny ringlets, like a -golden setting, encircle the fair face of the peerless little Lily, -the Nursery Queen, at whose shrine brothers and sisters bow most loyal -subjects. - -Yes, little Mocking-bird, your sway is undisputed, you may pull off -Aunt Kitty’s cap-strings, wring young Jacko’s saucy nose, tear the -leaves of Artie’s book, or even, unrebuked, hurl your rattle at poor -little Bear’s pale face. It is all right! The acts of Queen Baby are -never questioned by her willing subjects. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - - “Whirled on with shriek and whistle.” - - -Let us draw a curtain over the scenes of the last hour at home, for -partings, though some have called them - - “Such sweet sorrow,” - -have a deal of the bitter mingled with them, when a dear Mamma and -baby-sisters have to be left behind. - -The last bell has sounded, the last trunk been hurled into the -baggage-car, the last “All aboard” has been shouted, and the -“Shore-Line Express Train,” with its precious load of human life, is -steaming out from under the shelter of the Grand Central, rushing -through the Forties, Fifties, Sixties, and past the beautiful Park, -with hasty glimpses at its trees, Casino, lakes, and glittering -equipages. - -The little travelling party have a section in the Palace Car, and -there they are sitting very demurely; they are not used to travelling, -for Mamma’s idea has always been that “Home is the best place for -little folk,” and now they are somewhat stunned by the strangeness -and excitement; but suddenly Rosie, who is not apt to stay “stunned,” -screams-- - -“O, childerns, do look out of the window. We are riding on nothing, -with all the world both sides of us.” - -The sight which met the young, eager eyes was indeed wonderful. -Ignorant of any danger, they seemed held in the air by some magic -spell. They are fairly roused now; their spirits rise to the highest -point, as they chatter of bridges, rocks, tiny men, women, and houses -beneath, when suddenly, without any preparation, a “horror of great -darkness” comes over them. What can it mean? The cold, damp dungeon, -and the loud, clanging sounds? The little faces look ghastly white by -the light of the flickering lamps above them, as they cling close to -good Charlotte. - -With the feeling of terror, to the older ones, comes back, in the -twinkling of an eye, thoughts of Him to whom they have been taught “the -darkness and the light are both alike.” Half unconsciously, little -prayers linger on their lips, thoughts of dear Mamma, with resolves -to be more “kindly affectioned,” and then they come out again into -the welcome light, and as the heavy weight of fear is lifted from -their childish hearts, their spirits rise with every advancing mile, -till their merry peals and funny speeches call forth smiles from many -travellers in the car without. - -Still on they go, with the ceaseless jarring and unearthly whistle’s -shriek, through towns and villages, woods and meadows; now journeying -side by side with the blue waters of the Sound, with its grateful -breezes, its tiny craft and pebbly shore; now hiding behind some hill -or grove to come springing upon the smiling water-view again. - -Little eyes are growing weary of sight-seeing. To little ears the cries -of conductors, pop-corn and prize-package venders have lost their -freshness; the sun seems suddenly to grow very hot. The cage seems -very narrow. Artie is crowding Daisy, and Bear “thinks the Monkies -might stop their chatter, for his head aches.” Suddenly a cool, fresh -sea-breeze blows through the heated car,--a loud bell peals, a heavy -jolt shakes the train, and Jack screams-- - -“Oh, childerns the cars is riding in a steamboat,” and Daisy reminds -Charlotte-- - -“This is the time Mamma said we were to dine.” - -What a merry pic-nic now! Hannah, the cook’s, preparation of that -basket was, indeed, a labor of love. - -Such rolls, with a “plenty of butter!” Such “a many chicken-wings” and -“drumsticks” to be picked! - -Oh, Mamma! could you have the heart to deny poor Hannah the pleasure of -“smuggling” in those tiny gooseberry tartlets? - -Good old Hannah! it was the thought of the pleasure those unusual -dainties would give the tired travellers, which moistened your eye as -you stowed the basket in the carriage at the door, for you dearly love -those bairnies, and have welcomed each one into the world of sorrow and -gladness as you did the Mother-bird, in your younger days; and those -dainty morsels are messages from your big heart, your own simple way of -telling them how dear they are to those they have left behind. How you -would have enjoyed the little dialogue which followed the swallowing of -the last crumb! - -Jack speaks: “Rosie, if I was a great King, I would have Hannah for my -wife, and eat gooseberry tarts all day long, and Sundays too, and never -stop.” - -“Sister Daisy,” breaks in Rosie, “do you suspect if the misshenries -should give the heathen-crocodiles plenty of gooseberry tarts, they -would eat such a many childerns?” - -Sister Daisy is, just now, occupied in peering under the napkin’s -folds, if, perchance, an extra tart might be there concealed, and -wondering if it would be her duty to divide it with all the little -ones, so she replied, with some tartness in her tones,-- - -“How foolish! if you will talk sense, I will answer you,” and Jack -replies meekly for his companion-- - -“Little folks can’t always tell sense, Sister Daisy.” - -There is one more package, marked, “From Mamma; not to be opened till -an hour after dinner,” and when the hour passed, there were found -bright golden bananas and oranges, with their luscious juiciness, to -refresh and amuse the weary little travellers. - -That fruit did a double duty, for the children braided the banana -rinds, made “gums” of the orange-peel, and filliped the pits out of -the window, till nothing was left of their feast; then, as the sun went -down behind the far-away hills, the little limbs grew weary, little -tempers fretful. Daisy then remembered “to be kindly affectionate -one toward another,” and with a half-suppressed sigh, closed that -interesting book, “Cushions and Corners,” just at that thrilling part -when the two children “are making wine jelly, or rather spilling wine -jelly on the kitchen floor,” and taking Rosie and Jack, one on either -side, she tells them the story of the little Cushions who ever were and -remained Cushions, and the little Corners that became Cushions, after -much tribulation. - -Daisy is well paid for her self-denial by the interest the little -upturned faces show, and soothed by her gentle tones, Bear droops his -tired head on the shawl-pillow Artie has fixed on Charlotte’s knee. - -The kind elder sister’s power of story-telling was at last quite -exhausted, and her spirit ready to rebel at Jack’s continued plea. - -“Do, Sister Daisy, do tell another. It’s so hot and tired here.” - -Just then a pleasant face looked out of the opposite section, and a -kindly voice called out-- - -“Come, little folk, come into my den, and I’ll tell you no end of -stories.” - -There was no hesitation then. Cushions and Corners, nurse, dolls, and -sleeping brother were all left behind. - -That section must have been made of India rubber; originally, it held -but two, and its occupant, the clergyman of ---- Church, Providence, -who formed the centre figure of the group, was no shadowy outline, -but real flesh and bones, and a great deal of both, yet there was room -for Artie and Daisy on either side, whilst for Rosie and Jack, there -was a knee apiece, and a shoulder, too, for each tired head; for the -clergyman had well conned the lesson of his Master-- - -“As ye have done it unto one of these little ones, ye have done it unto -Me,” and so it was that the shrill whistle shrieked out their near -approach to Providence, tired travellers took down their wraps and -bundles from the racks above, and Bear started, with a fretful cry, -before the children had thought of growing weary of the stories of -Narragansett Bay, the Indians who once inhabited its shore, with hosts -of boy-adventures so frightful as to make them shiver, or so funny as -to make them hold their wearied sides. - -The kind clergyman lifted poor little Bear, too tired to resist, -and tenderly placed him in Papa’s arms, who gratefully pressed the -stranger’s hand, whilst his quick eye searched for each household -darling to make them over to Hugh’s care, to be piloted through the -line of noisy hack and baggage-men, to the waiting carriage. - -Little Jack remembered to lift his hat, as he again caught sight of the -stranger clergyman disappearing in the crowd, and cried out, to his -lady-like Sister Daisy’s horror-- - -“Good-bye, Mister Story Teller.” - -Barnum’s animals, in their cages, passing through a city’s crowded -streets, are remarkably quiet and well-behaved, but many an inhabitant -of the good city looked up, that night, as a large, old-fashioned -family carriage and two bay horses, driven by the blackest of -coachmen, displaying, in a very pleased and harmless way, the whitest -of teeth, bearing the noisy little Madison Avenue Menagerie, rattled -over the curb-stones of Exchange Place, right under the shadow of -the Soldiers’ monument, through Westminster street, in its fearful -narrowness, and over the Great Bridge. The carriage halted here a -moment that the little animals might catch a breath of the fresh sea -air coming up from the bay, through the little river which forms the -lungs of Providence, and gives this beautiful city its Venetian aspect. - -With mingled feelings of enjoyment and terror, the young folk see -themselves ascending the steep hill-side, and are nothing loath to find -the carriage halting before a quaint, old house, whose every window -sends out a stream of light to welcome them. - -A cheery-looking old colored woman, with a brightly-turbaned head, -appears at the door, whilst a younger one peeps over her shoulder. Papa -calls out in a proud, glad tone-- - -“Here, Celia and Nan, come get these poor, stray, hungry little -creatures. I found them at the station and took pity on them. I make -them over to you and wish you joy in your bargain-- - - “So give them a supper of water and bread, - Then whip them all soundly and send them to bed.” - -Papa’s jokes were always well received and the little folk forgot the -strangeness, as they were unpacked by him and Hugh, to be handed over -to Celia and Nan’s tender care. Little Jack seemed to grow an inch -taller at hearing Celia cry out-- - -“Now then, Mister John, this child be’s your werry own self. Them -feeters is just your own. Bless the creeter. He’s my mans.” - -Papa looked at Jack’s saucy little pug nose, and felt his own Grecian -feature, evidently very much struck with the great resemblance, then -passed on, with Bear in his arms, to the library door, where good Aunt -Emma was hugging and being hugged by the other three. - -Dear old Auntie, with your plain, kindly face, and silver, corkscrew -curls! The tears of joy which sprang to your eyes when you greeted your -favorite nephew’s treasures, well up and course rapidly down your thin -cheeks as your heart goes out in sympathy for the tired little boy with -the melancholy, wistful look. - -Old Celia now appears, with Jack’s fat legs dangling over her arms, -whilst the round face is very rosy, partly from suffocation in her -tight clasp, and partly from mortification at being thus publicly -“babied.” - -No sooner were the greetings finished, than Celia cried out-- - -“Come, children to the nursery, we’ll just give a shake to them gowns -and trowsers, and wipe off a bit of the dust from your little faces, -and then have a bit of somethin’. Bread and water! Did ye hear tell? I -guess it’s likely in this yer house, and old Celia in it! Allers Mister -John must have his little joke.” - -The nursery looked so cool and pleasant, and the little table with its -tempting feast so inviting, that even Bear submitted without resistance -to a cool face-sponging and hair-dressing. - -Papa and Aunt Emma came up to see the little ones at the table enjoying -the good things Celia had provided. - -Papa shook his head, more than once, as tiny, light biscuits, cold -chicken, and strawberries disappeared, much to Celia and Nan’s -satisfaction. - -Refreshed by the rest and pleasant meal, everything was “merry as a -marriage bell.” Daisy thought “How easy it is going to be, here, to be -‘Cushions’ all the time, in such a nice, cool place as Providence.” - -The Monkey chattered over their famous jokes, and Bear’s laugh thrilled -Papa’s soul as no strain of sweet music could have done. - -The older ones bade the young party “Good-night,” and left them to -their nurses, Papa whispering to Aunt Emma, as they left the room-- - -“I am afraid we shall hear from that feast, Auntie. I shall have to -spend the night reading ‘Dewees on Children’s Diseases.’ I suspect -Fanny would think me very unfit to be trusted with her bairns.” - -“Never fear,” merrily replied Aunt Emma, “they are breathing sea air, -and are so happy, their food will do them no harm, I am quite sure, and -if Celia and I can help it, they shan’t see hominy or oat-meal whilst -they are here. Bless the darlings!” - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - - “Dippity dash, dippity dash, - Wash his face with a merry splash! - Polish it well with a towel fine,-- - Oh, how his eyes and his cheeks will shine! - Dippity dash, dippity dash.” - - -Sunday morning’s sun peered long into the windows of the quaint house -on Funny street; the milkmen, - - “All dressed in their Sunday suits,” - -completed their rounds, Grace Church chimes rang out “Jerusalem the -Golden,” and the “Old Baptist” bell sent forth its loud, full tones, -before the heavy eyelids of three little travellers had opened wide -enough to take in any idea of their whereabouts. - -Artie and Daisy, in snow-white suits, have breakfasted down stairs, and -are now curled up in comfortable sofa-corners, reading the “Children’s -Magazine.” Hugh’s voice is heard through the open window, as he sings-- - - “I am passing, passing, passing over Jordan,” - -to the accompaniment of jingling spoons and clattering dishes, whilst -Celia and Nan have stolen up to the nursery for a half-hour’s chat with -Charlotte, and to aid at the morning bath. - -Little Bear wakes languid and fretful, entirely unwilling that good old -Celia should aid, or even touch him, whilst the two Monkeys chatter -and splash in their bath, good-natured and merry, as if they had only -travelled to the Park and back. - -Splashed and bathed, rubbed and scrubbed, brushed and flushed, the -little folk draw around the waiting table, and can scarcely eat for -laughing at the prodigious joke that they,-- - -“Have real-for-fair beef-steak, like grown-up folk, and buttered toast.” - -Suddenly, the door opens to admit Papa, and then the laugh has to be -repeated with him, so funny it is that “little Monkeys and Bears should -go to visit, and be fed on cooked beef-steak and buttered toast.” - - “Papa is all drest - In his Sunday best, - -so, carefully avoids the little buttered fingers, soon waving good-bye, -for the bells are tolling Church-time, and Aunt Emma, Daisy, and Artie -are waiting below. - -“Do they have Sundays up here to my Aunt Emma’s house all the time, -Nan, and week-days too?” anxiously asks little Jack, with mouth full -of buttered toast. - -“That we don’t, childy,” she replies; “we don’t have Sundays here more -than common, and never on a week-day as I remember; but I am just going -to stop home from Church to-day and help amuse you. Let me wipe your -little fingers and then I’ll just get the very same Noah’s Ark your -Papa used to have when he was a child, for Miss Emma keeps it precious -as gold.” - -“Nan, I guess it’s best not,” timidly interrupted Bear. “Mamma lets us -have picture-books and stories and pencils, but she’d a little rather -we wouldn’t have out our toys Sundays. Only Lily has hers.” - -“But I don’t think,” said Nan, “your Mamma would object to a Noah’s -Ark, it is such a very pious toy, and I could be telling you the -Scripture-story, whilst the family and animals are being walked out.” - -“Yes, do, Nan dear,” burst in Rosie, whilst Jack stood listening -eagerly, convinced first by one party, and again by the other. “It -would just do for a Bible lesson, you know, like Sunday-school.” - -“But, Rosie,” remonstrated Bear, “when we are away from our Mamma, we -ought to do what she likes, and you know how many times she tells us if -we give up our toys on Sunday, it will be the same as a - - “Little work of love and praise - That we may do for Jesus’ sake;” - -but we might play Sunday-school, with chairs, if Charlotte would be -teacher, and she can tell stories good as any book, except Mamma.” - -The Sunday-school idea was eagerly seized upon, and the chairs were -soon arranged in Sunday-school order. Then Nan and her class of little -ones stood up in most proper order whilst they sang Charlotte’s -favorite hymn-- - - “All hail the power of Jesus’ name, - Let angels prostrate fall, - Bring forth the royal diadem, - And crown Him Lord of all.” - -Bear’s sweet treble blended nicely with the two women’s clear notes, -whilst Rosie and Jack sang true to their own idea of time, and enjoyed -the discord very much. - -Then followed a mild amount of Catechism, and Bear chose, “Jerusalem -the Golden,” for another “sing,” then Jack asked-- - -“Miss Sunday-school teacher, can’t we each another tell a true Bible -story, and me begin?” - -The teacher assented, and Jack began, at first, very confidently-- - -“Well, now, there was a little fellow, so big as me, and his name was -Jofef, and his Papa made him a coat, very buful one, blue and red and -buful brass buttons, like Fourth of July soldiers’ coats, only there -wasn’t no pantaloons with stripes, and--and two little pockets like -mine with hankshef, his Mamma put in, with his name Jack (I mean Jofef) -in the corner, and he took and--and popped some corn and--er, and--er, -I guess it’s your turn, Rosie.” - -“Well, then, I’ll finish it. He took the popped corns out to his -brethren, ten nine or twelve of them, making hay in the field, and the -wicked lots of brethren just ran and tossed the poor little fellow -into a pit, and took the span new coat his Papa made him, and got -some dreadful-for-fair blood and dipt it in, so as to make bl’eve to -their father that his dear little son was dead, and killed by the wild -animals that’s raging in the dark, wild wood.--Nan, I hope there’s no -wild woods in Providence. No? Well, I’m glad of it.” - -“Rosie, child, what are you about?” impatiently asked Bear; “don’t you -know this is Sunday-school.” - -“Oh, oh yes, I forgot. Well, then, where was I? Oh, I know; the father -was very sad, there was nothing to eat in the pantries, nor in the -barns, only there was something about a silver cup in a bag, but, and, -well--a pin seems sticking in me, Charlotte, and I believe my new -little bronze boot pinches a little right behind the heel. Isn’t it -most Bear’s turn?” - -Bear’s story was so well and truly told, that the children’s interest -was fairly roused, and Celia stole in upon them quite unobserved, with -something hid under her apron. - -The little Monkeys were the first to spy out the suspicious little -heap, and the promise of something, speaking in old Celia’s eyes, so -grew very restless during the last hymn, and whether by accident or -otherwise, we don’t feel able to say, Jack sang out Amen at the end of -the second verse, and fairly put an end to the Sunday-school by tipping -over one of the chairs, in his eagerness to reach Celia’s lap, and -stealing in his little chubby thumb - - “He drew out a plum,” - -in the form of a fine, red-cheeked cherry, and Celia apologized for -interrupting their exercises by saying-- - -“I thought may be you’d just like to finish up with a Sunday-school -pic-nic, so I brought you a few cherries.” - -The little folk were quite ready for any change. The cherries were -ripe and very delicious, and found a ready market amongst the little -scholars. Then Nan good-naturedly assented to Jack’s request, who -doubtfully watched Bear’s countenance as he uttered it,-- - -“Please, Nan, to make each of us a _Sunday_ tea-kettle out of a -stem-cherry?” - -A few moments later Daisy enters the room and inquires, in a very -eldest-sisterish tone,-- - -“Well, what have you young folks been doing since I left you?” - -“Been singing, and telling stories, and going to pic-nics, Miss Daisy,” -quickly replied Rosie. - -“Oh Rosie Havens, what a naughty child to be telling a story, on Sunday -too!” - -“Sister Daisy, is a story worser on Sundays nor on Tuesdays and -Fridays?” quickly asked Jack. - -Daisy pays no attention to the eager little face upturned to hers, but -hurriedly passes out of the room, saying-- - -“I was just going to tell you about the beautiful church I went to, but -I shan’t now, I will go down stairs and read instead.” - -Rosie Havens is a proud little creature, and shrugs her saucy -shoulders, saying,-- - -“Miss Daisy is so very stylish in her new Polyness dress, she can’t -understand children.” - -Jack, however, is unwilling to lose the chance of hearing about the -beautiful church, so he runs to call over the bannisters,-- - -“Sister Daisy, do come and tell us all about it. Rosie was only -squizzing you. It was only but a cherry pic-nic, and meant no harm, -and here’s a Sunday stem-cherry tea-kettle you may have for your own -self.” - -Sister Daisy makes no reply, then the little voice over the bannisters -takes a more pleading tone,-- - -“Won’t you only please just to come, sister? We will be so good as ever -we can.” - -Surely, if Daisy would only turn and see that little chubby face -flattened against the stair-railing, looking so flushed and entreating, -that very little face that always has such a merry good-natured look, -and is always ready to smile assent when asked to run her many older -sister errands, surely she could not still pursue her down-stairs -journey. - -When she left church, touched and softened by what she had there heard -and seen, like many an older person, she resolved to be “so good -to-day, so kindly affectioned,” and as the soft south wind gently -brushed her ringlets, and sweet odors from summer flowers in the little -door-yards she passed, greeted her, the impressions deepened, and she -longed to be - - “Good and holy, pure and true.” - -Then came thoughts of home and the nursery group where she might do her -“little deeds of kindness,” and Daisy said,-- - -“Soon as I have taken off my things, I will go and stay with the -children and help amuse them.” - -I think Daisy fairly meant to do this, but as she passed through the -dining-room for a drink of ice-water, the cool sound of vine-leaves -rustling called her attention to such a nice shaded window-ledge, -where she might rest her book, enjoy her “Goldy” story, and watch the -busy insects and the floating clouds, by turn. The nursery path of -duty didn’t look very inviting now, besides, “wasn’t she very tired, -scarcely rested indeed, after yesterday’s long journey?” Then Daisy -uttered aloud these not very gracious words,-- - -“Well, I suppose I’ve got to go and be shut up with those three -troublesome children; I wish they had been left at home.” - -So Daisy slowly went up stairs. She thought she was conquering _self_, -that troublesome little enemy, but that was her mistake. She had not -calculated how powerful her little enemy was, nor all the weapons he -could bring to defend himself. She had, it is true, made a slight -thrust at him when she said,-- - -“I suppose I’ve got to,” and still another and a surer, when she turned -her back and started to go up stairs, but still she had not wounded him -mortally, so the little fellow limped up stairs after her, all unknown -to the confident Daisy. - -When Rosie triumphantly announced the good time “pic-nicking and -story-telling,” and Daisy saw no prospect of cherries saved for her, -her good resolutions grew fainter; then--then was the time for “self” -to assert himself, and that time he conquered fully, and so uproarious -did the little fellow grow, as Daisy turned her back upon the nursery -path of duty, that Jack’s voice was nearly drowned, as little “self” -hurled back his tiny cannon-balls of “good reasons” why in reply. - -Somehow, the window-ledge with the story-book on it isn’t quite -satisfying, after all. Goldy’s girlish face seems to turn, ever and -anon, into that of a pleading little boy, and Daisy herself seems, in -some strange manner, to be accountable for Goldy’s tribulations. A -golden butterfly lights on her book, and as her eyes follow its upward -course, they rest on the pure blue of the sky, and follow the floating -summer clouds in their God-directed way. Then comes to the little -Christian child, a remembrance of Him who can read our every thoughts, -and then _self_ seems to shrink lower and lower, and the upward glance -becomes a little prayer for - - “Grace to conquer and to help us to the end,” - -and the still, small voice of conscience repeats the verse of the -lesson heard in Church that very morning-- - -“Not rendering evil for evil, but contrariwise, blessing,” and Daisy -listens to the voice; she thrusts aside the book, and a moment later -enters the nursery with bright, kindly face, saying,-- - -“Charlotte, wouldn’t you like to go down stairs and rest with Celia and -Nan? I’ll amuse the children.” - -Daisy’s kindly spirit seems to affect all the little folk. Artie takes -“slippery Jack,” as he likes to call him, upon his knee, little Bear -leans against his sister’s shoulder, and Rosie takes a cushion at her -feet. - -First, she tells them of the sound of many voices singing their -favorite hymn-- - - “Jerusalem the Golden,” - -which sounded far away at first, and then became louder, as a -procession of men and boys came in the church, some of whom were no -bigger than Artie, and yet sang the hymn very nicely. - -“Then there were such lovely windows! One, where St. Stephen stood -holding stones. It seemed to me just as if he must love them, he was -holding them so close to his heart, and when I told Aunt Emma so, she -said in these very words-- - -“‘Perhaps you are right, Daisy. Our greatest trials, if borne meekly -for the dear Lord’s sake, may become our greatest blessings. In every -pain or trouble we may hear God telling us of His love for us.’” - -“Say that again, Sister Daisy,” whispered little Bear; “that about pain -and trouble, and sit a little closer, please.” - -“There was a picture of St. Lawrence, side by side with St. Stephen. -They were such great friends, and he was burned to death on hot irons -because he loved the Lord so dearly. There were pictures of St. Peter -and Moses, and David too. I liked so much to look at them, and Aunt -Emma said Hugh should take you all up there to see them after the -service.” - -“Oh, goody, goody,” began little Jack, but Artie clapped his hands over -his mouth, and caught his flying feet, that his sister’s story might -not be interrupted. - -“There was one window in the church where a woman was giving clothes -and bread to poor people. It was in memory of a dear, good lady, whom -everybody loved, for she spent her whole life in visiting the sick and -poor, and doing kind deeds and saying comforting words. The tears stood -in Aunt Emma’s eyes as she looked at that window, for she had known and -loved the gentle lady, and she told me that some of those very poor -people would still walk miles to visit her grave, and then she said, -‘God grant, little daughter, that you may grow to be such a lovely, -Christian woman. You must begin by faithfully doing, with God’s help, -the little every-day duties nearest you.’ Then, oh! there were lovely -windows of little children, and one you must surely look at, for a dear -little girl, no bigger than Rosie, is kneeling at Christ’s feet. She -has lain down her cross there, which means some trouble or pain she had -patiently borne, and the dear Lord was holding out for reward a lovely -crown for her head. Then there was a city, and the moon was rising over -it, and a white angel was going up into the moonlit sky, carrying, so -tenderly, a little child.” - -“Daisy, do you suppose,” interrupted little Bear, “that little child -that bore the cross, ever felt fretful, and spoke cross to her sisters, -and brothers, and didn’t mean to?” - -“Yes, little brother; don’t you remember Mamma told us we were young -Christian soldiers, and would have our little battles with our sinful -nature to fight every day and hour till our life’s end? But there’s -the dinner-bell, and I must go down stairs; and I forgot to tell you, -Auntie wants you all to come down to dessert to-day.” - -“Wait, sister darling,” pleaded Rosie, for Daisy’s kindly spirit had -broken down the little wall of pride which had risen between the -sisters. “I wanted to give you a sailor kiss. You are a darling dear, -and beautiful as a--as a--” - -“Baboon’s sister,” mischievous Artie interposed. Daisy’s gentleness -took no offence at the rather impolite quotation, and Rosie, knowing -only the very few animals included in the Family Menagerie, supposed -the phrase to be very complimentary, and added,-- - -“You are not looking one bit stylish in your new Pollyness dress, and I -was only funnin’ to say so, darling pet.” - - - - -CHAPTER V. - - “O children! come and look at me! - Was ever rain in such a glee - As I have been all day? - Drop chasing drop most merrily, - Jostling each other clumsily, - You’d think we were in play. - - “And yet see how much work we’ve done, - And then you’ll see we’re not in fun, - Whate’er you thought before. - We’ve driven the sun out of the sky, - Made all the trees and bushes cry, - And tightly closed the door.” - - -Alas for the best-laid plans of children, mice, and maiden aunties! -Even in Providence (though only forty miles from Boston) the sun does -not always shine, and so it was that the first sounds that greeted the -waking ears of the little folk in the Funny house on Funny street, were -the patter, patter, on the window panes, drip, drip, from the house -eaves, - - “The splashing, dashing, - Hurrying, skurrying,” - -of the stream of water, which, starting from College Hill, plunges down -Funny street in its mad race to empty itself into the river basin, -before its hundred fellow-streams should outstrip it. - -“Why didn’t this rain put in an appearance yesterday, I should like to -know? Of all the dry, poky days in a boy’s life, I do think a rainy day -is just the dryest. Why couldn’t we have had a rainy Sunday and done -with it?” petulantly demanded the Keeper, and even the wisdom of the -Owl failed to find answer. - -The Keeper’s state of mind was not favorable to the peace and -well-being of the little animals in his care, and he hid Bear’s -stockings, flung the soapy sponge into Jacko’s eyes, and interrupted -Rosie’s eighty times of - - “Rain, rain, go to Spain, - Never, never, come again;” - -which was sure to bring sunshine, till at last Charlotte’s patience was -quite exhausted, so Papa was appealed to, and the Keeper summoned to -sit in the Library corner a full hour, without even a book to relieve -the tiresomeness; but when Papa’s morning visit to the nursery revealed -the fact that the same mischievous spirit had thickly powdered the -children’s strawberries, and flavored their goblets of milk with salt, -Master Keeper was sentenced to solitary confinement in his own room, -and in order to confuse the plans of the Evil Spirit, - - “Who finds mischief still - For idle minds to brew,” - -Papa administered a check in the shape of a poem to be learned before -the young gentleman should dine, and poor Master Artie feasted on a -few of his own salt tear-drops, whilst searching ruefully for the -ne’er-to-be-found handkerchief, and muttering-- - -“I wish I was out of this mean, old, rainy, gloomy town. Mamma would -have understood how I just went in for a little fun. I’ll have it out -of Charlotte yet, for this mess. She shall pay well for serving me this -shabby trick. Pshaw! I do despise tell-tales. She shall hear from me. -See if she don’t.” - -I am afraid the rounds of Aunt Emma’s nice chairs were not improved -in their appearance by the Keeper’s state of mind, so strong is the -sympathy between little boys’ hearts and their feet; whilst the latter -help to flee from coming danger or evil, they also seem to help them -to bear present discomfort. Now, we don’t, for a moment, mean to -recommend little boys in trouble to relieve themselves by disfiguring -furniture--far from that--but we believe many a boy’s battle has been -fought successfully, with angry, bitter feelings, many a troubled mood -dispelled during a good, stirring game of foot-ball in the fresh, -clear air. Try it, boys, the next time everything “bothers” and life -seems “just one tangle,”--everybody saying, “Don’t do this,” or, “Why -_do_ you do that?” Sometimes it must seem to you as if there was no -place for boys, so apt are we, old folk, with our nerves and nice -surroundings, to forget our own “long ago.” If the foot-ball plan be -not possible, then make your own place for boys, by doing some helpful -deed for others, stifling your love of mischief, which, if you will -stop to think, you will soon find has its root in thoughtlessness and -love of self. All about and around you, may be found, if you earnestly -seek, plenty of material to make for yourselves places in good people’s -hearts, memories, and sympathies. - -Try it, boys, only test the scheme, the very effort will discover the -means. - -Let us go back to the Keeper caged. Is he dashing still, in fury, -against the bars? - -No. There he sits, quietly studying his task, with a sunlit face which -bears tokens of showers lately passed. - -It may be that, in fancy, he had caught a glimpse of Mamma’s sad, -disappointed face; very true it is that Mamma’s teaching has come to -his mind, and then the morning prayer, so hurriedly said, “Deliver us -from evil.” Then Artie looks upward, the promised Spirit descends as -a Dove, stilling the troubled waters of the passionate boy nature, -breathing in repentant feelings and helps to right doing. - -The “nearest duty must first be done;” and Artie takes up the dreaded -task to find his Papa has kindly chosen - - “How do the waters come down at Ladore?” - -and very soon troubles, vexations, and the pattering drops without, are -all forgotten in the bright meaning and jolly rhythm of the - - “Poet laureate to you and the Queen.” - -In the nursery fair weather prevailed, for Nan has made her beds and -dusted her rooms in the twinkling of an eye, for her heart is in the -“nussry,” and there she sits on the floor, introducing to the delighted -children, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, with their wives, in their stiff red -and yellow waterproof clothes, for you know, children, the wardrobe of -Noah’s family must have been a very scanty one. - -Nan had her own stories to tell, as the “two by twos” joined the -procession, stories so well and confidently told, that the little folk -feel as if they were standing on Mount Ararat itself, watching the -procession go by. - -Presently Jack’s bright eyes discover a pale, wistful face pressed -against the window-pane of the next house, and immediately, Shem, -Ham, and Japheth, and the “two by twos” are deserted for the new -acquaintance. - -The little boy disappears for a few moments, and then returns with a -paper, on which is printed, in large inky letters, - - WHO ARE YOU? - -Jack makes great endeavors to communicate to his new friend his name, -street, and number; and the “neighborhood boy,” as he calls him, seems -content to continue the acquaintance, and brings to the window toys and -picture-books for Jack’s approval. - -Nan seems suddenly to be struck with a new idea, which sends her flying -down the back stairs, and soon after the small boy disappears from the -window, greatly to the grief of the nursery party. - -Presently a heavy tread is heard, and Hugh enters the room and deposits -on the floor a large bundle carefully done up in waterproof cloth, -which Nan, who closely follows, proceeds to unpack. - -I wish you could have heard the merry shouts and clapping of hands, -when slowly emerged from that huge bundle the very same smiling little -fellow who had so few moments before disappeared from the other window. -What a Nan! - -Just listen to what she has to tell: - -“Mistress has given me the day to help amuse you, and here’s the key of -the big garret.” - -Do you wonder that Jack’s heels were flying in the air, and Rosie -dancing around and around, and Artie’s rhyming genius inspired him to -cry out: - - “O Nan of Nans, O Nan the Nanniest, - O plan of plans, O plan the planniest;” - -and then he rushed to call Daisy to - -“Leave her girl’s flummery and make tracks for the garret stairs.” - -Daisy scarcely remembered to shut Aunt Emma’s great piece-box, with its -no end of remnants for dolls’ dresses, which had so captivated her. - -Poor, poor little New York children, in your four-story brown stone -fronts, with their flat roofs, and six feet which make a city yard! -Little you know of the pleasure in a real-for-fair garret on a rainy -day! - -Come climb with me to the top of the funny old house on Funny street! -Don’t be afraid! There are no bats to flap their dismal wings in those -shadowy corners. “It is but the first step that costs.” Plunge boldly -in! - -What huge, strong beams for swings! - -What unsuspected corners for hide-and-seek! - -Those great smooth inclined planes for storing bedding are the jolliest -places for sliding, second only to Winter ice-hills, and a great deal -warmer and safer, too. - -See those huge, broad chimneys! Your breath comes quickly as you think -of what _may_ be behind them--goblins, elves, or blackest of cats, with -their green, glaring eyes, ready to spring out and chill your blood -with terror. - -There is all this to be said about an old garret, and yet it seems to -us peopled with the ghosts of the past, the rafters still reëchoing -the childish shouts of the “long, long ago,” and the very old trunks -telling their musty tale of the children who had once sported here, now -old men and women, with tottering step and silvery locks. - -Little thought our frolicsome party of all this. Drip, drip, drip, -sounded the rain on the roof without, but child-life brought sunlight -within, as holding tightly to Nan’s and Charlotte’s dresses, at first, -they peer curiously and cautiously into all the shadowy corners, then, -grown bolder, drag out from their hiding places the old trunks, dress -themselves in pointed slippers, white wigs, laced bodice, ball dresses, -and short clothes. - -Jack rides astride an old crutch, whilst Artie, mounted on stilts, with -curled wig and flying scarlet cloak, chases the screaming party into -the darkest corners, or sends them climbing up the smooth shelves, -where, on secure perch, they, with pillows, pelt their stilted pursuer, -till his uncertain gait makes him cry out for mercy. - -Charlotte and Nan may sit on high perch and gossip by the hour, for -there are no disputes to be settled, wounds to be bound up, or new -plays to be invented. The old garret supplies merriment enough, and the -dinner-hour comes too soon, and the twilight gloom, stealing in through -the oval windows, finds the little party very unwillingly groping down -the dark, narrow staircase on their way to nursery tea. - -Aunt Emma, sitting with Papa in the Library, a little later, hears, -through the key-hole, snatches of a whispered conversation, and -occasionally, loud tones. - -“Oh, I can’t; you are the oldest. You ought to be the one.” - -“Oh, pshaw! Don’t be such a spooney; it’s girls’ business to ask favors -of women, and you know if I ask they’ll be sure to think it’s a lark.” - -Papa looks comically at Aunt Emma, over the top of his paper, saying-- - -“Some mischief is brewing. So Auntie be prepared to shake your head and -look grave. But mum, I see, is the word.” - -Here the door slowly opened, and Daisy appeared, looking very shy and -ill at ease. - -“Please, Auntie, may we have a little fun?” - -“Pleasure,” was loudly whispered through the key-hole. - -“Oh! I meant pleasure. Could we have a little pleasure?” - -“What else have you been having all day long, I should like to know?” -asked Papa. - -“Yes, Papa; I know, but we want, I believe--” and Daisy, quite at loss -for words, looked wistfully toward the key-hole. - -“To amuse the children,” prompted Artie. - -“Oh, yes, Papa! Artie and I want to amuse the children.” - -“I should think Charlotte would rather be excused from having Artie’s -help, but Daisy, _you_ have our full and free permission to amuse the -children to your heart’s content;” saying this, Papa very suddenly -opened the door, and Artie fell in the room, headlong, whilst old -Carlo, dressed in Celia’s spectacles and cap, with black shawl and -white apron on, leaped over the prostrate form and sprang to his -mistress’s side. - -When Artie, with face very red, rose from the floor, he felt very -much relieved to see Papa and Aunt Emma looking much amused at the -picture Carlo presented, standing on his hind feet, as if begging to be -relieved of his womanly attire. - -“Papa, may we not take Carlo to the nursery, to make the children -laugh?” ventured Artie. - -“Yes, my boy; but the next time you have any not very pleasant duty to -do, don’t put it off on your sister, and shield yourself behind the -door. It doesn’t look quite manly. Indeed, to use your own, not-at-all -elegant words, ‘it looks rather spooney.’ You may run along now.” - -Through the open door the library party heard the creeping up stairs, -the suppressed titter and the loud knock, followed by such a screaming -and scampering that the Funny house on Funny street seemed to shake -on its very foundations. The sound of the uproar reached Celia in the -kitchen, who, armed with toasting-fork, accompanied by Hugh with the -carving-knife, rushed to the rescue. - -The fun lasted till Daisy, Artie, and the dog were turned out by the -nurses, that the little folk might be quieted before bed-time. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - - “So many birds live in the tree, - We do not want for fun.” - - -Tuesday morning dawns brightly, and Tuesday’s sun soon dries up -the gravelled garden walks and shady croquet ground of Aunt Emma’s -pleasant, roomy garden, where the merry party of young folk are -feasting, like the bees, tasting the various cups of pleasure which -nature offers, in most tempting freshness, to little city children in -their visits to the country. - -The Funny house on Funny street, though almost in the centre of the -city’s trade and bustle, is surrounded by a large, old-fashioned -garden, where still may be seen those grand floral sentinels, the gay -hollyhocks and the rich golden lily, whilst their lowly companions, -the larkspur, sweet pea, and marigold still grace the garden borders, -disdaining the urns and hanging baskets which confine their modern -sisters. - -The humming-bird and the golden butterfly still hover about this -festive spot, and the fattest of scarlet-vested robin gentry still sing -out their siren song, “Cherry ripe, cherry ripe,” from the great cherry -and old pear-trees which have escaped the woodman’s axe. - -Did you ever notice, children, how pert the robins are in such old city -gardens? - -They seem to think they are indeed privileged guests. - -Aunt Emma, sitting under the shady arbor, with its drapery of clematis -and honeysuckle, told the children that, one June morning, she had -discovered that the robins were greedily devouring her choicest -strawberries, so she told Hugh to hang a bell on a stick planted in the -midst of the strawberry-bed, and fasten to it a long cord which should -reach to her sitting-room window. - -The next morning she laughed to herself as she heard the “Cherry ripe, -cherry ripe,” of the early morning pillagers, saying-- - -“Ha, ha! my gay visitors. For your naughtiness you shall lose your -dainty breakfast. Stealing my finest berries without so much as ‘By -your leave, ma’am.’” - -Presently a whole flock of birdies descended upon the bed. - -“‘Tinkle, tinkle,’ sounded the bell, and then such a fluttering -of wings and spreading out of scarlet vests, and away flew the -frightened birdies, far out of sound and sight of bells and berries. - -[Illustration: Robin’s Nest in the Old Pear-tree. Page 89.] - -“I was quite satisfied with my plan,” continued Aunt Emma, “and the -next morning seated myself with my work at my window. - -“‘Cherry ripe, cherry ripe,’ sounded out their notes, but I fancied -less boldly this time. The bell tinkled, and away flew my gay visitors, -but this time they perched themselves on the old pear-tree, and chirped -and twittered loudly, evidently complaining of their treatment, and -studying, from their high perches, their enemy’s ground. - -“I told my tale triumphantly to some of my friends, and the next -morning they came to visit me and see the fun themselves. - -“‘Cherry ripe, cherry ripe,’ sounded out loud and clear, and oh! what a -bevy of birds had come for the morning’s visit! - -“‘Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle,’ sounded the bell, and would you believe it? -The knowing birds turned toward the window, bobbed their saucy heads at -me, and went on helping themselves with easy manners indeed. - -“‘Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, tinkle,’ pealed the bell, and again -the saucy fellows dived and dodged, winked and blinked their little -bright eyes, and nodded ‘It’s all right.’ - -“I was completely conquered; so now I let them take _their_ breakfast -first, and then I feast on what they leave behind. Very often I find -marks of their little beaks in the ruddiest berries on my plate, but -they, in return, cheer me with their fullest, choicest notes, give -life and brightness to my quiet garden, and guard my young plants from -the ravages of devouring insects, and attract other birds, with their -richer notes, to their banqueting spot.” - -“Aunt Emma,” said Artie, “do you think those little thieving fellows -knew you?” - -“Indeed, I flatter myself, Artie, that they consider me their best -friend. There is scarcely a morning, from the time when the last -snow-flakes of Winter melt away, that some one or more of these gay -fellows do not come to the window-sill of my sewing-room, chirp about -me, and tell a long story of joy or grievance. Sometimes I fancy it’s -a complaint of some fickle Jenny Wren who has left her true love for -a gay English Sparrow, and again another has won for his mate a saucy -Mattie Martin, and comes to me for my best wishes and the promise of -my ends of thread and bits of wool to furnish the snug little home he -is going to build for his little bride, up in the branches of my apple -tree.” - -“And does they tell you of the poor little Cock Robin that the naughty -Sparrow killed with his bow-arrow?” questioned Rosie. - -“I will tell you, Pet, if you are not already tired of my stories, a -tale something like your Cock Robin.” - -“Oh, do, do, please, Auntie, we’d never be tired of stories;” and the -children stowed themselves in a little heap on the grass, at their -Auntie’s feet, leaned their elbows on their knees, and rested their -chubby cheeks on their hands, ready for any given quantity of tales. - -“One day,” continued Aunt Emma, “having a bad headache, I sat in the -part of my room farthest from the window, to be away from the light. -Presently I heard a mournful sort of song, which soon became quite -pitiful, and then came a quick, sharp pecking at my window-pane. I -could not resist that appeal, and as I opened my window a Robin flew -quickly in, fluttered in circles over my head, uttering pitiful cries. -I followed him out into the garden till, near the old apple-tree, he -disappeared under a bush. Carefully putting aside, with my hands, the -leaves and branches, I found a poor, tiny, half-dressed Robin baby, -uttering such little, sick, feeble peeps, I seem to hear them now. I -think from the twinkle I afterward used to see in his eyes, that he -was rather an adventurous young spirit, and very likely his Papa was a -widower, for I never saw but the one parent. - -“I fancy Papa Robin had gone out that morning to do the day’s -marketing, after charging the younglings to stay quietly at home, and -this daring little spirit had taken advantage of his absence to step -out on their balcony and see the world for himself; then he must have -become giddy and fallen under the rose-bush, where his Papa had found -him, and not knowing what to do with his wee, wounded birdie, had flown -to tell me his trouble.” - -“Oh! Auntie, what did you do with the poor little thing?” cried -tender-hearted Daisy. - -“I made a soft cotton bed for it, in a little basket, and put it on a -chair near my window, in the sun, then fed it crumbs of bread wet with -wine.” - -“Did it live, Auntie, dear?” - -“Yes, children; and now for the wonderful part of my story. Every -morning the parent bird used to make a visit, bringing in his beak to -his sick birdie, a bit of caterpillar, a juicy worm, or a ripe berry. -I grew very fond of my pet, and that I might know it, if at some -distant day it should leave me, I wound a bit of silver wire about its -leg. Birdie grew stronger and saucier, and its peep fuller every day. -At last one bright morning--you may imagine my surprise--on entering -the little sewing-room, to find my pet gone; and as I thrust my head -out of the window, a loud burst of glad song, from the top of the old -apple-tree, told me that birdie was-- - - “Safe, safe, at home.” - -“Did you ever see the bird again, Auntie?” - -“One morning, weeks afterward, I was in my usual place, and suddenly a -bird appeared, from whose tiny leg dangled my thread of silver wire; -lower and lower he descended without uttering a note, then something -dropped upon the window-sill, and judge of my surprise, to find the -very ruby ring I had lost in the garden some days before. I had mourned -its loss, for it had been given me by your Papa’s own dear Mamma, on my -tenth birthday. I had, for years, worn it on my watch-chain, and lost -it whilst planting some seeds, as I supposed, in the mignonette bed. -It might have been that the saucy robins had watched me, as I stowed -away my seeds, winking their little eyes and bobbing their round heads -as they marked their larder for the morrow. What a surprise to them, -when, instead of a tiny seed, this bright jewel appeared. Some time -after this, in my garden-walks, I found a few red and yellow feathers, -a bird’s claw, and a bit of silver wire, which told the sad tale that -my pet had been sacrificed by a strange cat. - -“My story is ended. You have been patient little listeners for a full -half hour, so, run away, dears, for a morning play.” - -The merry children hasten off to welcome their little friend Charlie -Leonard, who was coming to spend the day with them. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - - “How the heart of childhood dances, - Upon a sunny day! - It has its own romances, - And a wide, wild world have they!” - - -“Hallo! Charlie boy. Come along, here’s all kinds of fun. Shall we have -blind-man’s-buff on the grass-plat, or will you play croquet with Daisy -and me?” - -“No, no, Charlie,” sounded Rosie’s beseeching tones, “come and -help me gather mullein-leaves for dollies’ blankets, and these -cunning pot-cheeses to play store with. See, Celia has lent her -for-true scales. Only look! and Hugh has given us four cents and two -ginger-snaps that weigh a pound.” - -“I want Charlie to come help me chase those darling little yellow -butterflies that’s ‘gathering honey from the opening flower’ to make -butter of,” screamed Jack. - -“Oh, Artie, just listen to that child,” said Daisy. “His mind is all -askew. He’s talking about making butter of honey.” - -“I guess the little chap remembers how the buckwheat cakes and honey -made the butterfly last winter,” replied the Keeper, as he gave a most -satisfactory send through the second wicket. - -“Will you just listen to that, Charlotte?” said Nan, who, under the old -pear-tree’s shade, was helping take out grass-stains from the dainty -city linen. - -“I tell you I never did see such sense in children in _my_ born days. -Just you wait till I run and tell Hugh and my mother ’fore it slips.” - -Nan found ready listeners in the kitchen, for old Celia laid aside -her soap and sand--Hugh ceased his psalm-singing, with knife-scraping -accompaniment, and stood with knife and cork in either hand, and mouth -and eyes opened wide to take in the “uncommon sense of Mister John’s -wonderful children.” - -“Well, now! only look at that, will ye?” - -“Only jest to hear, if that ain’t Mister John his werry self--Oh, my! -It appears to me, Nan, them childerns will be the werry death of me -yet. What with peerin’ and listenin’ and laughin’, my work’s all in -the drags. The werry pots and kettles seem just turnin’ into boys and -girls. Oh, my! Oh, my! I say, you Nan, just go long, and if you come -this yer way tellin’ any more about them childerns’ perform, I’ll -harpoon you with the toasting fork,--so off with you.” - -Nan hurried back to the grass-stains, only looking once over her -shoulder to find her mother and Hugh “peerin’” stealthily from behind -the porch, to catch, if possible, a few more crumbs from the children’s -table; but, dutiful daughter as she was, she didn’t look again, but -wider and wider stretched her mouth, brighter shone its ivory gems, and -louder sounded out her clear, rich notes, while she sang-- - - “Carry me back to old Virginny, - To old Virginny’s shore,” - -as she renewed her zeal in the cause of grass-stain cleaning, which was -just now bringing wrinkles to Charlotte’s anxious brow, which was ever -like a page in a school-mistress’s report-book. There were wrinkles -small, which meant grass-stains, bumps, rents, and childish disputes; -there were wrinkles many, which told of mischief wrought; but _these_ -were soon dispelled. There were deeper ones which told of graver -faults,--disobedience or falsehood, and others like them, which days -of anxious watching and fears of future ills had left, which could be -effaced only by His hand who can truly-- - - “Smooth the troubled brow, - And drive away our fears.” - -Little Bear, in the meantime, was finding pleasant pastime in making -larkspur wreaths and dandelion curls for his little sister’s “store,” -whilst he kept an eye on Artie’s successful game, only wishing-- - - “It might have been, - His favorite Daisy’s lot to win,” - -and pitying her, as her brother sent her balls flying to remotest parts -of the garden, to be hunted out from behind currant and gooseberry -bushes’ thick shade. - -It was a great pleasure to this little feeble city boy, with the love -of the beautiful in Nature, which so often accompanies weakness of -limb, to lie back on the cushions spread by his careful nurses under -the old apple-tree’s shade, and drink in all the beauties of the scene. - -Like a picture-gallery seemed the quaint garden, as, looking upward, -between the opening in the leafy roof above, he caught glimpses of -the blue sky, and his eye followed the islets of fleecy clouds in -their fleeting passage. The thick, grassy carpet at his feet brought -out, in all their brightness, the colors of the golden lily and the -many-tinted ladyslippers which formed borders to the broad grass-plots. -Butterflies, golden and russet-brown, were flitting all around him, -whilst robins and bluebirds, from their air-swung perches, sang sweetly -their morning hymns, and from the earth beneath, locusts and tiny -crickets joined the glad chorus. - -How true it is that our Father in Heaven has given a voice to every -thing in Nature to praise and tell of His great Love! Can you wonder -that this little feeble child, unable to join in the careless play of -the merry group, taught by a Christian mother that God was all about -and around him, should seem to hear His voice speaking in the beauty of -the scene, and gently folding his thin, white hands, should sing, in -low, sweet notes, the Morning Hymn? - - “Now the dreary night is done, - Comes again the glorious Sun: - Crimson clouds and silver-white, - Wait upon his breaking light. - - “Glistening in their garden beds, - Flowers lift up their dewy heads, - And the shrill cock claps his wings, - And the merry lark upsprings. - - “Child of Mary! Thou dost know - What of danger, joy, or woe - Shall to-day my portion be, - Let me meet it all in Thee. - - “Fretful feeling, passion, pride, - Never did with Thee abide: - Make me watch myself to-day, - That they lead me not astray.” - -Lulled by the soft music of his own notes, little Bear closes his heavy -eyelids; the crickets lend their aid to sing his lullaby, while soft -zephyrs whisper in his ears themes for sweetest, purest dreams. - -Daisy’s watchful ear missed the murmured song, and her quick eye saw -the little sleeper under his leafy canopy,--so she slips away from the -merry game of blind-man’s-buff, which had taken the place of croquet, -and hastes to mount guard over her precious charge, and wage war -against the persistent flies, whose chief delight seems to be tickling -the faces of summer sleepers. - -Pretty soon Jack appears with rather a rueful face, for the merry game -of blind-man’s-buff has ended in his and Charlie’s tumbling headlong -over one of the garden-seats, in their haste to get away from the blind -man, and poor Jack’s head has made the acquaintance of a stone which -has proved anything but soft. - -[Illustration: A Grave Ending to a Gay Game. Page 106.] - -Daisy could not find it in her heart to laugh at the funny little -picture her wounded brother presented. His sailor straw hat had come -to grief in the fall, and from between the parted straws, hung out -tufts of fair, tangled hair, buttons had flown away, and a wide crack, -in the seat of his short pants, revealed a hanging of gauze drapery; -but oh, the face! It was a kind of Mosaic pattern of grass, fruit, and -dust-stains, all blended together by the few tears which would run -down in spite of the efforts of the little dusty hand to keep them back. - -Jack’s sobs ceased as he caught sight of his sleeping brother, and -thoughts of aching head and scratched knees, left him, as a childish -fancy sprang to his mind. - -“Oh, Daisy, isn’t he just like babes in the woods? Childerns, let’s -’spose we cover him up with leaves.” - -Rosie and Charlie think it would be “lovely,” and off they scamper to -gather leaves and flowers, whilst Sister Daisy drops them over the -sleeping child, and weaves a little wreath to rest on his pale brow, -and Rosie runs to the kitchen to ask Celia and Hugh to come to see “The -butifullest picture that ever was,” and wonders why Hugh turns quickly -back, and Celia’s apron finds tears in the kindly eyes as she murmurs -out her-- - - “Blessings on the angel boy,” - -then sobs aloud as Charley Leonard whispers, “But Celia, don’t you know -angels have wings?” - -To the merry children, the picture of their sleeping brother, on the -flower-decked couch, has only beauty and brightness, as they check -their merry tones and gather around in silent admiration. - -Presently Artie whispers: - -“Oh, wouldn’t it be fun to spread out a little feast by his side, so -when he wakes up he may think the Fairies have truly visited him? I -say, Daisy Duck, let’s do it.” - -“It’s just the very thing. Oh, Artie boy! however could you have -thought of such a nice idea?” - -A rustic table was soon made of a box nicely covered with a snow-white -towel. Then each child brought a contribution of currants, gooseberries, -or strawberries, for which Daisy made pretty, leafy baskets, then ran -to beg good Delia for a very little white sugar, for Fairies liked -their berries powdered nicely. - -What a surprise for Daisy! - -Out of the grim oven’s mouth, that same Celia was drawing a pan of the -weest cookies, dainty enough for any fairy cook-shop, with the “lovely -bit of citron on top” to take away the plainness and look like a real -tea-party dish. - -Daisy couldn’t speak for very joy, as Celia stowed the inviting morsels -on a plate hidden by grape leaves, and filled a glass with powdered -sugar for “fairy snow,” while Hugh, who had disappeared a few moments -before, suddenly stood before the delighted child with a package of -fresh barley sticks and a paper of peppermint hearts, which he said, -in his judgment,-- - -“Wouldn’t hurt nobody nohow, and was just a set-off ’gainst that sour -fruit.” - -Then Hugh took pity on Daisy, as the little maid stood “embarrassed by -her riches,” and offered to carry out the cakes, following soon after -with a little salver bearing a pitcher of golden milk and six tiny -glasses. - -The excitement was now intense. Poor Jack, ignorant of the view in his -rear, attempted his heels-over-head antics, but was prudently pinioned -by the Keeper. Daisy holds tight hold of Charlie Leonard, whilst Rosie -ran and kissed the skirt of Hugh’s linen coat to relieve herself of -some of her pent-up feeling. - -Then came the trying time. The fairies were all ready, but the little -guest still slept. The gentle zephyrs were teasing the leafy -decorations to fly away and sport with them. The summer flies seemed to -think the Fairy elves had placed the golden milk for their refreshment, -and who could guard the feast? The waking guest must see no trace of -human form, so the children have hidden behind the tall lilac’s leafy -screen. - -[Illustration: The Children Hide Behind the Lilac Bush. Page 111.] - -Was there ever such a five minutes? - -Was there ever such a sleeper? - -Jack, knowing his own weakness, is cramming his mouth with grass-tufts; -Rosie has clapped both hands over hers to keep back the ringing laugh. - -What a little picture! The merriment oozes out of the corners of the -pent-up mouth, dances in the bright blue eyes, shimmers in the shaking -golden curls, and quivers in the chubby shoulders. - -Charlie Leonard is repeating - - “Old Mother Hubbard went to her cupboard,” - -the only feather from his worn-out Mother Goose which “sticks” in -his memory, and poor Artie, yielding to the temptations of the idle -hour, is just about to tickle the sleeper’s nostrils with a grassy -“horsetail,” when the Family Owl, who sees by day as well as by night, -spies out his sly intent in time to check the roguish act. - -Perhaps it was the good-natured little “scuffle” which ensued, or -perhaps the sportive zephyrs were too loudly coaxing the leafy covers, -or perhaps the greedy flies might have followed Artie’s bad example, -and having no good elder sister-fly to call them off, might have -tickled the little quivering nostrils, and made a play-ground of the -fair, dewy brow; whichever or whatever the cause, we cannot tell. -Elf-land secrets are not written on printed page, and we have no -time to seek them from tiny flower petals, murmuring brooklets, or -transparent dewdrops. - -Slowly, but surely, Bear at last came out of Dreamland, to the -children’s great delight, and, oh, how they enjoyed his bewilderment, -the questioning look, the pleasure his face showed as, little by -little, the true state of things dawned upon his waking mind, as the -little Fairies took the forms of loving brothers, sisters, and friend! - -How he laughed out as he caught sight of Rosie’s pink skirt shining -among the green branches of the old lilac bush! The little human -fairies joined hands and danced a wild, elfin dance around the tardy -guest, then seated themselves to enjoy with him the fairy feast. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - - “And when they next do go abroad, - May I be there to see.” - - -It is four o’clock, and a lively scene is taking place before the Funny -house on Funny street. The roomy carriage, drawn up before the door, -is being packed by Papa, whilst Hugh stands at his horses’ heads, -whispering lessons of patience. - -A nurse, a coachman, four boys, two girls, three dolls, a bundle of -wraps, and a large basket! Who ever saw such a load for a pleasure -drive? What would Fifth avenue think of such a turn out? Why, the very -carriage-sides creak out their remonstrance, and Jerry horse whispers -to Fash, “to turn his head, and did he ever see the like?” and Fashion -answers “Neigh.” - -Hugh gathers up his reins and seizes his whip, whilst Papa helps Aunt -Emma into a light carriage waiting near. - -At the door stands Celia, watching to see that no stray foot finds its -way into the depths of that basket, whose contents none knew better -than she, whilst Nan looks wistfully on. - -Suddenly Papa calls out: - -“Nan, could you put on your bonnet in three seconds, and stow yourself -in the cracks between the Monkeys?” then turning to his companion, -says,-- - -“Beg pardon, Auntie, for interfering with your servants, but, really, -I could not withstand the wistful looks in the face of my dark old -playmate.” - -“It is just what I was wishing, John, but I confess I couldn’t see the -possible crack.” - -“Nor I, Auntie; but I have full faith in the old saying, ‘There’s -always room for one more,’ and Nan will be sure to find it.” - -How ever that Nan got up to her attic nest, donned her best sack and -bonnet, and was out in that carriage before Papa’s watch told the third -second past, - - “Nor you, nor I, nor nobody’ll know;” - -perhaps the old creaking garret stairs had a slight idea, but _they_ -will be sure to keep dark. - -Then the reins were fairly tightened. Hugh’s long lash made a great -circle in the air, ending in a terrific crack, and off started the -merry, noisy party. Surely such a load did never coach convey since the -ride of - - “My sister and my sister’s child, - Myself and children three,” - -when the coach was a chaise and Gilpin John, on frantic steed, vainly -tried to follow. - -My young reader, do you know anything about the Providence hill-side -streets? - -If you do, you will not wonder that Bear winced, Charlotte “oh, oh’d,” -the Monkeys screamed, and Artie’s “Pshaw! don’t be foolish,” from the -coachman’s box, had a little bit of a quaver in it. - -Poor old Roger Williams! your weary spirit is at rest! There’s no more -up-hill work for _you_, but in the steep hill-sides your descendants -must daily climb, they may find fitting emblem of your life-work here -below. - -It was a great relief to Charlotte and her bairns, to see the horses’ -heads turned into the pleasant, level Prospect street, with its -veteran college buildings, so severely respectable and yet so very -shabby, which arrested Artie’s attention, and prompted him to call out: - -“Papa, what sort of a manufactory is this one on our right?” - -“For making brains, my boy.” - -“But where, sir, is the engine kept?” - -Papa points with his whip toward a pretty house on the corner. - -“But I see no smoke.” - -“No, my son; during the Summer months the steam-engine and the firemen -rest.” - -The trembling of the coachman’s box causes Artie to look up at his -companion’s face, and there learns from the glittering ivories that he -is a victim to one of Papa’s jokes. - -Now it is a very curious fact, that young folk, yea, and old folk too, -who are very fond of “quizzing” others, seldom like the ball returned; -and so Master Artie refrained from further questions, and cast a -stealthy glance behind to see if - -“That little Leonard chap knew he had been quizzed;” but the little -“chap” is busy whispering to the Monkeys: - -“I do believe Aunt Emma is going to surprise us all by a visit to the -old Brown Farm, with its cows, and pigs, and chickens, and old Poll -the Parrot, and the kind Grandma that gives children berries and milk -out under a big, big tree. Now be sure,” he adds, “you are surprised, -’cause if you are not, Aunt Emma will be disappointed, and, after -all, Jack, you needn’t say ‘Goody, goody,’ for like as not I don’t -know anything about it, and we are going to the Asylum, or somewhere -another.” - -“Charlie, if we do go to the Brown Farm, will we be sure to see -Silly-chick and the old Portulak that bit off the little Singing -Bird’s head, ’cause it didn’t know manners?” - -“Daisy, what _is_ the little fellow talking about? He speaks so fast I -can’t know what he means.” - -“Why, he thinks, Charlie, that everything in Artie’s Wonder Book is -true and for fair, like you believe your Mother Goose.” - -“Oh, but Daisy, Mother Goose is real for fair. I have seen her at a -party, and the very ‘old woman that lived in her shoe and had the many -children;’ there they were, sure enough, Daisy, for one of them, who -was peeping out of the bursted toe of the shoe, was eating bread and -butter, and winked his eye at me, and another little fellow sneezed -and seemed to have a dreadful cold in his head. What was that but -sure-enough-alive, I should like to know?” - -“But, Charlie,” Daisy reasoned, “don’t you know that was a -tableau-party, and they were playing ‘The Old Woman in her Shoe?’” - -“Well, perhaps it was; only I believe Mother Goose was real-for-fair. -Why, Daisy, don’t you know Auntie’s picture of your father that hangs -in the dining-room? Well, isn’t he sure-enough-alive, I should like to -know?” - -“Oh, but Charlie,” remonstrated little Jack, “you ought to believe my -sister Daisy. Papa says it isn’t nice manners to conterdict a lady, -and ’sides that, my Daisy ought to know, for she studies French and -definitions.” - -Where this hot little dispute would have ended, is not very clear, for -Charlie was always loath to be convinced against his will, and the Owl -had no idea of having her superior wisdom questioned by a youngling, -but just then a sudden jolt, as the carriage-wheel passed over a stone, -caused a scream of fright from the little Monkeys, and Mother Goose, -Singing Bird, and ugly Portulak, were all forgotten as the young city -folk gazed admiringly at the country landscape before them. - -A few moments before, they had seen blocks of houses, and pretty -villas, with their well-kept lawns, bright with midsummer glories, -whilst pillars of cloudy smoke loomed up from the many manufactories in -the distance. - -Now they are travelling at quick pace along the smoothest of roads. -Meadows of deepest green, gemmed with gay dandelions and wild daisies, -with a background of woodland, are hemmed in by old fences, whose -defects are changed to beauties by the Eglantine and Grape-vines which -cling about them. - -Behind these draped old fences graze gay goats, ungainly young colts, -with their bright eyes and long stilty legs; and little calves, with -their sweet “June breath” and shaggy coats, who spring up to greet the -travellers, and follow them to the full extent of their tether. - -Hugh’s gentle horses drink in refreshment from the pure country air, -whose perfumes whisper to them of abundant pastures and well-filled -barns, while their pricked ears and quivering nostrils give promise -of a breezy pace, very different from their languid walk through the -heated city streets. - -A few moments later, and the merry party near that bit of woody road, -the joy and pride of every true Nature-loving inhabitant of Providence. - -Do you know it, young reader? No? Well, then, there’s room for one -more, for omnibuses, and Narragansett Bay excursion boats have clearly -proved to the public that “two or more bodies can occupy the same -space at the same time,” whatever your Natural Philosophy may have to -say to the contrary; so jump into the old carriage, and by force of -imagination, stow yourself away in one of the “cracks.” - -We are just turning an unexpected corner, and now we find ourselves -suddenly transported from the unshaded road, into a long woody aisle -where the interlacing branches of the trees on either side form a high -leafy arch, through which, only rarely, you can gain a peep at the sky -above. - -The busy world is all shut out here. There is nothing to tell of -ceaseless labor and sordid gain. Only Nature’s voice speaks. - -The damp, cool air, the woody smell; the rustling of branches, the -quivering of leaves, the trickling of the little rills in the distance, -the noiseless flitter of the yellow butterfly, the katydid’s ceaseless -chatter, and the broad, cool surfaces of the glorious ferns, reflecting -the rare bits of sunlight which pierce through the dense arch above, -all contribute to the delicious feeling of repose and refreshment which -steal over languid city folk, tarrying in this grateful shade. - -This woody aisle reëchoes many times a day with the prattle of -childhood and the silvery laugh of light-hearted youth; but, ah! there -is rarely a day that it does not reëcho, too, the heavy tread of -funeral coach and the mourners’ quivering sob, as through the sweet -quiet of this woodland road, they bear their dearly loved to the “City -of the Dead,” that lies just beyond. - -Sometimes it seems as if this quiet woody road must whisper words of -soothing to those aching hearts, and that the glimpses, they sometimes -catch, of a bright sun behind the leafy screen, must bring, to faithful -hearts, thoughts of “the Sun of Righteousness with healing in its -beams,” which, ere long, will in mercy dispel the mists of sadness and -shine into their aching hearts. - -The little spot of light, so scarcely seen, at the far-away end of the -leafy corridor, grows wider with each advancing rod, and soon, with -a shout of joy, the spell-bound children hail the blue sky and the -smooth, light road before them. - -Another turn in the road, and Charlie Leonard cries out-- - -“Oh, I smell my fun, I smell my fun! Hoorah! Hoorah! Oh, thank you, -Miss kind Aunt Emma!” - -[Illustration: Swinging Under the Old Elm. Page 127.] - -Such a hurrahing, hat-waving, and hand-clapping as went up from that -Menagerie van, as the hospitable old gates swung out their giant arms -to welcome the noisy party to the “old Brown Farm,” Papa’s young -Paradise,--the theme of many a thrice-told nursery tale. - -The horses, too, “smell their fun,” as they plunge through the open -gateway, and, halting under an elm-tree’s shade, bend their glistening -necks to seek the sweet morsels at their feet. - -Papa looks almost a “boy again,” as with bright, glistening eyes he -unpacks and deposits on the soft turf the “two girls, two nurses, three -boys, and two dolls.” - -Just one minute to straighten out the cramped limbs, one minute of oh! -oh! ohing at the gigantic size and wonderful beauty of “the Old Elm” of -the “old, old story,” and then Charlie Leonard, whose frequent visits -here with Aunt Emma, in her quest of cream and butter, have made him -quite at home, gives the marching order, and away fly the “two girls -and three boys,” with nurses in the rear, first to the old well, for a -drink from the very same - - “Moss-covered bucket,” - -their Papa had so often uplifted in the days of his boyish thirst,--then -for a few high swings to explore the elm’s upper stories,--and then -another flutter, and away they all flew, like a flock of chattering -magpies, to find out for themselves the beauties and pleasures of the - - “Old Brown Farm.” - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - - “A sunshiny world, full of laughter and pleasure.” - - -“Oh, Auntie dear, isn’t this most like Heaven,” breaks out little Bear, -lying by his Auntie’s side, on soft cushions, under the great Elm’s -leafy canopy, drinking in the soft country air, laden with the sweet -perfume it steals from the meadows and woodlands it journeys through, -whilst his blue eyes glisten with delight at the prospect before him. - -The softest of blue skies was varied by piled-up masses of fleecy -clouds; fields of young corn waved their shining green leaves in -answer to the balmy zephyr’s greeting, whilst in the distant meadows -hay-makers tossed about their light load to the music of the mower’s -wheels. - -At the right stood the quaint old farm-house, with its festoons of -trumpet and honeysuckle vine, and its gay setting of lady-slippers and -marigold, interspersed with the housewifely marjoram and balsam. - -Papa, standing on the old porch, waiting for an answer to the huge -lion’s paw, which serves as knocker, sees with pleasure the same old -grindstone he used so proudly to turn in his childhood,--the long -tell-tale array of shining milk-pans hung upon the picket-fence, -looking quite the same, but Juba, the sportive companion of those -boyish days, lies basking in the sun, snapping maliciously at the -teasing flies and eying the visitor with suspicious glance. - -“Juba, old fellow, have you forgotten me? Can’t you give an old -playfellow a better welcome than this?” - -Was it something in the ring of the manly voice which sounded familiar -to the old dog’s ears, or was it the hospitality and courtesy of a -well-bred old family servant that led Juba, once so frolicsome and -lithe, slowly to rear up his heavy, rheumatic body, and languidly crawl -along to reply to the friendly salutation? - -“Juba, poor old fellow,” said papa, kindly patting the dog’s head, -“are you and I indeed so old? Come, good doggie, and see my little -boy. Don’t be afraid, darling, this is the very same Juba that pulled -your papa out of the duck-pond yonder, where he had fallen in, whilst -‘paddling his own canoe.’” - -The stiff old doggie responded kindly to Bear’s caresses, and to the -child’s great delight, immediately crouched at his side, whilst papa, -discouraged by his efforts with the old knocker, which never before had -failed to procure for him a warm welcome, sat down by his side. - -“Papa, will you please tell me again about the tree?” - -“Yes, my son. It is more than a hundred years old, and was planted, -when a little sapling, by one of the old inhabitants who gave to the -farm its name. There is the date, on the old board fastened on the body -of the tree. You see how those grand old branches touch the ground on -all sides? - -“This tree casts a shadow of one hundred feet. What stories, Auntie, -it could tell of those who have sported under its shade, now old -men and women! The young lovers of old now bring their children and -grandchildren to feast here on the fruits, which to them have lost -their sweetness. How many times those huge old furniture wagons have -halted here, and deposited their burden of merry boys and girls for -their yearly “school feast of berries and cream!” - -“Papa, are there any more such trees in the world so large as this elm?” - -“Oh! yes, my son, even very near Providence, in a little village called -Johnston, there is one much larger; indeed, I think it is the largest -in the country. A small house could be placed in the body very easily. -Then, in California, I have seen cedar trees, whose trunks were so -enormous that they were used as dancing halls. Fancy, Harry, how it -must seem to be dancing to merry music in a huge room within a tree! -There is one tree which has a world-wide reputation--the English have -named it Wellingtonia--after your favorite Duke, but we Americans claim -for it the name of Washingtonia. The Californians are justly proud of -this old patriarch, and well they may be. Think of its being high as -Trinity steeple, and a thousand years old!” - -“But, Papa, how can anybody tell how old a tree is?--there are no -people a thousand years old to tell when it was planted.” - -“No, dear boy, but God tells us in this way. Have you never noticed -in a piece of wood--but here is one just at hand. Do you see those -different rings?” - -“Yes, papa.” - -“Well, Harry, each of those rings show the growth of the tree during -one year; for each year a new ring or layer of wood and a ring of bark -is formed.” - -“But, papa, I only see one bark!” - -“Yes, my boy, as the new wood and bark is formed the old bark is pushed -further out to make room for the ring, and soon the old bark sheds its -coat; that is, part of its skin drops off.” - -Papa’s tree talk was just then interrupted by a merry shout from the -hay-field, and poor Bear looked up so wistfully, yet patiently, in his -father’s face, that he said,-- - -“Dear boy, you would so like to join them. It seems cruel to keep you -here.” - -“Oh! no, Papa, I don’t so much mind. It’s so sweet and beautiful here, -and the wind blows so soft on my forehead, it seems as if it was God’s -breath. No, I really don’t mind much, and sister Daisy will tell me all -about it. Oh, Papa, you don’t know about Daisy! Every night, after I -go to bed, she comes and sits by my side till I am asleep, so I won’t -miss Mamma, and she smooths my hair and says softly in my ear, ‘Daisy’s -own little comfort,’ and then, somehow, my back doesn’t seem to ache, -and I go straight to sleep, and just to think of it, she hasn’t said ‘I -told you so,’ not one single time! Oh, Papa! our Daisy is so kindly -affectioned one to another. Why, there’s Hugh hurrying back from the -field. What can the matter be?” - -“Mr. John, can I speak a moment alone with you?” - -“Certainly, Hugh.” - -“Well, sir, Nan is going on like she was mad, to have Master Harry down -yon in the hay-field with the children. Cried like a baby she did, one -spell, to think the poor little fellow was missing such fun, and that -set the children off, and they’ve give me no peace till I said ‘I’d see -what could be done,’ and then Farmer Brown came along and says he-- - -“‘Did you say, Hugh Crummell, those youngsters belonged to Mr. Havens? -You can’t mean our master, John Havens?’ - -“‘The very same,’ says I. ‘Came on last Saturday from New York.’ - -“‘Now I want to know,’ says he. ‘I can’t leave my team, and my folk -have gone to town for a few notions ’gainst the Fourth, but they’ll be -along shortly; now if you’ll just go to the further barn you’ll find -Old Meg, the lightest steppin’, gentlest old mare ever you laid eyes -on. We set great store by our old Meg, we do, wife and me. Do you mind, -Hugh, now him that’s gone, and Meg, was like colts together. Ah! ah! -ah! Well, just take the old creeter, and put the little sick youngling -on the saddle, and I give you my word for it, old Meg has that sense -she’ll steer clear off from every stone to spare jolting the bairnie, -and if you’d just say to Master John as I ain’t able to leave my team, -but if he wouldn’t mind stepping across here, I’d gin him the heartiest -grip these old horny hands could wring out, and show him as pretty a -piece of meadow-land as he’ll see this side of York State; and Hugh,’ -he called out, ‘bear my manners to Miss Emma, and tell her our folks -will never forgive, if I don’t prevail on her to stay and take a dish -of tea with us, and say I should admire to have her look at us down -here.’” - -“That’s a capital idea of good Farmer Brown’s, Hugh, so trot out old -Meg, and my patient little boy shall ride off in fine style, and visit -all the old farm’s nooks and corners.” - -Little Bear could scarcely believe his own eyes when Hugh appeared, -leading with great delight the dapple-flanked, mild-eyed old Meg, the -farmer’s pride; and when he learned that on the gentle horse’s back, -with Papa and Hugh on either side, he was to make the tour of the old -Brown Farm, and visit his sisters and brothers in the hay-field, his -cup of happiness was brimming. Dear little fellow! Big tears of joy -stood in his eyes and rolled down his thin cheeks, now flushed with -pleasure, as proudly gathering up the reins he bent over and whispered -to his father,-- - -“Oh, if only dear Mamma could see me now! But you’ll write it all to -her, Papa, won’t you?” - -Papa assented, and off started the party; and very difficult would it -have been to have told which of the three was the happiest. - -Meg’s careful pace was directed first to the hay-field, where the -little cavalier was met with a glad, noisy welcome from the young -haymakers, and Meg’s smooth sides patted gently for her kind office, -then the sport began; and little Bear almost tumbled off his steed’s -back with laughter, to see the Monkeys slowly rising from under the -huge pile of hay Artie and Charlie had thrown upon them. Like young -porcupines they looked, with the straws sticking upon them in all -directions, and such heads of hair! Poor, poor Charlotte, what work for -you in the next toilette! - -Then Papa headed the procession and introduced them, one by one, to old -Farmer Brown, and the old man wrung Master John’s hand, and laughed -till the tears _would_ come, and then the old red-stained handkerchief -_must_. - -The orchards next must be visited, the old Rhode Island greening, from -whose branches Papa fell and broke his arm, when climbing up to count -the eggs in a Bluebird’s nest; the old russet where his initials were -plainly to be seen; the pear-trees laden with fruit, which as young -saplings he had planted. - -Then came the very same old duck-pond, but those ducks had gone - - “Where all good ducks go,” - -and a most ill-bred set of fowls had taken possession, who quacked and -shook their wet feathers in the children’s faces, in a most offensive -manner, and fairly drove them away. - -Then came the poultry-yards, where the country geese hissed at the city -goslings, and the turkey-cocks gobbled out their doubtful welcome, and -the hens clucked the impolite notice that it was time for younglings to -go to roost. - -The barnyard was lively enough, for it was nearly six, and the -milkmaids, with their shining buckets, are drawing streams of milk -from the patient, mild-eyed cows. Sorry am I to say that a sad thing -occurred here, for Artie was tempted to tickle, with a long straw, -the quivering nostrils of Brindle, who, supposing the milkpail had -something to do with the affront, gave a sudden kick, which threw over -milkmaid, stool, and half-filled bucket. Artie turned whiter than the -milk itself, when he saw the mischief he had done, and flushed again as -he met Papa’s serious gaze. How different the Brown Farm looked through -the misty eyes as Papa began: - -“I am ashamed of you, my son. Instantly pick up that pail and apologize -for your unpardonable mischief. I repeat that I am ashamed of you.” - -It was rather hard for the Keeper to ask the milkmaid’s pardon before -Charlie Leonard and his young brothers and sisters, but Papa’s will was -law, and besides, the boy was already heartily ashamed of himself, and -distressed at the trouble he had caused, so he made his apology in so -earnest a manner that the tender heart of the milkmaid was touched, and -she heartily forgave him, and assured him, with Irish warmth,-- - -“That he was a rale little jintleman, and ’twas Brindle as ought to ax -the pardon, as had been tached kicking was not genteel for his likes.” - -Aunt Emma remained sitting under the “Elm,” for she had caught a -glimpse of the old Brown carryall coming up the road, and wanted to -prepare Mrs. Brown for the surprise which awaited her. - -The carryall stopped at the side-door of the carriage, and Mrs. Brown -and Norah, her “help,” descended, and proceeded to unpack their city -purchases; then, as Norah led off the horse to the barn, the good -farmer’s wife, for the first time, discovered Aunt Emma coming to meet -her. - -The kindly round face, with its crown of silver locks, grew radiant -with delight, as, with both hands extended, she hasted to greet her -guest. - -“Well, now, I want to know! However did you get here, Miss Emma, and -not a living soul to meet you and say a word of welcome? Please just -step into my cool parlor, and I’ll have a cup of tea and a bit of -somewhat to refresh you.” - -“Certainly I will go in; but, my good Mrs. Brown, you must hear my -story first. My nephew and his four children are with me for a week, -and John’s heart was set on showing his young folk ‘the old Brown Farm’ -and his good friends, and I thought it would be a novelty to those -city children to have an out-of-door tea under these trees. Now, stop, -Mrs. Brown, I know what you want to say, but you must only give us a -pitcher of your rich milk and a pot of tea, for Celia has packed a -basket. I have brought the two women who will wait on us, so you and -your husband must take tea with us. Here come Nan and Charlotte to set -the table.” - -“Well, really Miss Emma, I shall admire to join you, and so will -father, but you must let me bring out a pan of my molasses cake that -Master John was so fond of, dear boy! I can see him now. He’d never -ask for a thing, not he, but when he put his head of a Saturday in at -my kitchen door, I could seem to read ‘molasses cake’ in the twinkle -of his eyes, and it was our joke,--his and mine,--I would say ‘Johnnie -boy, could you worry down a bit of my molasses cake?’ - -“‘I’ll try, Ma’am,’ he would answer so dutiful like, ‘and if I can’t, -I’ll hide it where no human eye can see it.’ - -“My poor Father, him that’s sleepin’ now in yonder buryin’ ground, he’d -be a sittin’ behind the door, for fear of the draught, and he’d be took -with such a fit of coughin’. Don’t you see, Miss Emma, he was one of -them good Puritans, and it’s part of their religion, bless their dear -souls, not to laugh at jokes, and so they take to coughin’? But I’ll -just stop my gossip and put on my best sewin’ meetin’ cap with bright -ribands. These gray old locks, mayhap, might give Mr. John a sort of -far-away feelin’, for you know, Miss Emma, before my great sorrow came, -years agone, there was ne’er a white hair on my head. He’d a been just -two years older than Mr. John, and maybe his own bairnies would have -been sportin’ round the farm cheerin’ the old folks’ hearts. Ah! -well-a-day! We’ve had our cup of joys, and now ’tis fittin’ we should -be helpin’ put the cup brimmin’ to the young folks’ lips. I won’t be -gone a second, Ma’am.” - - - - -CHAPTER X. - - “Wee folk, old folk, - Chatting altogether.” - - -Aunt Emma and good Mrs. Brown sat in the cool cottage parlor talking, -when, suddenly, the door was thrown hurriedly open, and the two little -boys dashed in, whilst Roly-poly Rosy followed near. - -The three flushed, young faces, with their coronet of hay straws, -looked as if they had something very startling to tell, but their poor -little breaths had to be recovered first. Then came-- - -“Oh, dear! oh, dear! Aunt Emma.” - -“Mrs.--eh,--eh,--Brown--eh,--eh,--in a minute I’ll get my breath.” - -[Illustration: Waiting for a Pinch of Salt. Page 149.] - -“Miss, good Miss Brown, I--I--I mean Artie, Daisy and ----” - -“Wait a moment, dearies,” interrupted the kind farmer’s wife, feeling -relieved from her fears that Artie had fallen into the duck-pond or -Daisy from the hay-mow, “you’ve run all the little breaths out of your -pipes. Just rest yourselves, and then tell your Auntie and me.” - -“Can’t wait, Ma’am, we’re losing time,” said Charlie. - -“Oh, good Mr. Brown’s wife, won’t you please to give me, I mean Artie -and my sister Daisy, a peck of salt?” - -“No, Jack, ’tis a pinch of salt to put on the horse’s,--oh, dear! I -mean”--and Rosie stopped. - -“She means Artie’s and Daisy’s birds’ tails they are catching; that is, -they are going to, when they get the salt.” - -“Yes, yes, Pets, I understand,” and in less time than it takes me to -tell it, the children were off, with generous “pinches” of salt, on -the way to a large tree in the next meadow, where Artie and Daisy were -guarding a little song sparrow. - -The pinches must have fallen a little short of the tail, or else the -wary song sparrow had another engagement, and couldn’t wait, for -when the breathless little messengers returned, they found the state -of things quite changed, for the sparrow on his airy perch, on a -neighboring tree-top, was pouring out a defiant little song, and the -elder brother and sister quite out of sight. The little Salt Hunters -agreed,-- - -“Best thing to do was just to pile up the pinches under this plantain -leaf, and maybe the birds’ tails will get in ’out their knowing it, -and they’ll be just catched same as Artie and Daisy would have done, if -they had did it.” - -Daisy just now approaches, with an anxious face, and a sad tale she has -to tell,-- - -“Artie had come across a French boy, who could not speak any American -words but bad ones, whose father was dressed in dirty shirt-sleeves and -no stockings, hoeing corn, and the French boy had a long branch, and he -said he was going to de duck-pond for thrash it to scare de bull frogs.” - -Artie had immediately seized the idea, and a long stick, too, and said -he would indeed go in for such a “jolly lark,” and when the little -Frenchman had explained that after the poor bull-frogs had been driven, -from very fright, out upon the duck-pond’s banks, they were to have -their “back legs” chopped off at the wood-pile to make a savory supper -for the young Frenchman and his “dirty shirt-sleeved” Father; then -Daisy hesitated no longer to warn Artie against such shameful, cruel -sport. Master Artie had naughtily retorted,-- - -“He should do as he liked, and not be tied to a girl’s -apron-string,”--which was insulting, indeed, as Daisy’s dress was made -with a Polonaise, and aprons, she had long laid aside. Now, Daisy was -hurrying on to Charlotte, and trying not to hear some odious words, the -soft breezes were wafting across that sweet meadow from a young rebel’s -mouth, words which sounded very much, I am sorry to say, like-- - -“Tell-tale, tell-tale; hurry home before your shoes wear out.” - -The welcome sound of a loud bugle’s clear notes, which told of a -waiting supper, rescued Artie from the Tempter’s snare, saved the -duck-pond its “thrashing,” and the poor little bull-frogs their back -legs. The young rebel runs off his ill-humor, and overtaking his little -sister-monitor, links his arm in hers, and hurries with her to the old -farm-house porch. Clean towels and spring water brought to light a -group of merry young faces, around the table, spread under the old Elm, -whilst Papa, and the good Farmer and his Wife, look “happy as happy can -be.” - -Bear says, “It is a funny dining-room, it is papered with blue, and got -a green carpet on, and live crickets to put our feet on.” - -Then the wee folk clapped their hands loudly. Mrs. Brown looked -admiringly toward Aunt Emma, and Farmer Brown “thought he should have -died,” but did not, or he would have lost many a little joke from the -younger folk, and some so big from Papa, that even solemn Hugh was -obliged to lean against the tree to hold himself together, whilst the -tea-cups he carried on a waiter rattled out faint applause. There was -something besides joking to be done, for Celia had provided for country -appetites, and some Fairy’s wand had changed Mrs. Brown’s promised -“molasses cake and milk” into glass bowls of strawberries, with creamy -cottage cheese, and blocks of currant cake. - - “A dainty feast enough, I ween, - To set before a King or Queen.” - -Whereabouts those little folk stowed away “such a many” plates of cream -and berries, and yet found room for ham, biscuit, and cake, is beyond -my ken; nor do I know how long that feast would have continued, had -not a sudden explosion taken place, and one of Jack’s waist-buttons -flew over into Papa’s cup, which frightened Mr. Havens so much that -he sprang like a squirrel up into the tree above; and soon after down -upon the children, table, ground, Mrs. Brown’s cap, and Hugh’s shining -bald head, came a most startling shower of torpedoes. That was a signal -indeed, and away flew the screaming magpies across the meadow to take -another look at the sty where dwelt the pigs that gave the ham that -Farmer Brown might well be proud of. - -Then they paid a visit to the old back shed, where from her high perch, -old Madam Poll Parrot eyed them carefully, first turning her head on -one side, and then on the other, and finally, startling them all by -saying,-- - -“Polly wants her supper. Had yours?” - -Little Jack was so entirely surprised by the salutation, that he -demurely answered, “Yes, ma’am, thank you,” which threw the children -into fits of laughter. Madam Poll laughed too, and mortified poor Jack -by screaming long after he had got out of her sight: - -“Ha! ha! ha! Silly boy! Ha! ha! ha!” - -A stranger, on the road, was attracted by the group about Poll, and -calling them to him, said, - -“I can tell you, children, of a more wonderful Parrot than that. A -Clergyman once went on board a ship which had just made the return -voyage from Cuba, to try to get a Parrot for his children. - -“The Captain said he knew of one man in the forecastle, who had a -very unusually imitative bird, so the Clergyman went in search of -the sailor, and offered him quite a liberal price for his pet. To his -surprise the sailor replied: - -“‘I want to sell her bad, but she won’t suit the like of you, sir.’ - -“‘Oh,’ said the other, ‘I am the best judge of that, and am ready to -take all risks.’ - -“‘But, indeed, your reverence, if you must have the truth out of me, -you know we sailors are apt, the more shame for us, to let slip bad -words often, and you see the bird has got into our ways.’ - -“‘That is indeed a sad thing,’ said the Clergyman, ‘but I will engage -soon to cure him of _that_ fault.’ - -“The bargain was concluded, and Poll soon found, instead of being -laughed at and admired when she said her bad words, she was instantly -plunged into a cold bath, from which she came out so uncomfortable -that she had to fly to the warm kitchen, and sit in the chimney-corner. - -“One day a poor, shivering little chicken sought shelter in the kitchen -from a heavy shower. Poll was there, too, in disgrace, and, as she -caught sight of the dripping feathers, she said to her companion bird, -‘You say bad words, too?’ - -“Now, children, I have been told that this story is true; but, however -that may be, never utter a word you would shrink to hear this poor, -soulless creature repeat after you.” - -The children thanked the traveller for his story, and ran off for -another chat with Poll. - -Mr. Havens, in the meantime, has lighted his cigar, and is talking on -the porch steps with Farmer Brown, whose wife is showing Miss Emma her -poultry-yard and dairy, whilst Hugh, Nan, Charlotte, and Norah are -enjoying their meal under the tree. - -Then the deepening twilight reminds Papa it is time for the homeward -flitting; the bugle sounds its loud notes, the horses, refreshed by -their country supper, come gayly prancing up to the cottage door; -kisses and kind words are exchanged,--neglected dollies, recovered from -their resting-place under the bushes, the “two nurses, two girls, three -dollies, and two boys,” are again packed in; the coachman’s whip makes -its airy circles, then a crack, and homeward hie the chattering party, -just as the silvery moon’s face, peeping from behind the piled-up -summer clouds, seemed to say to those fairy lanterns, the fire-flies -twinkle, “You may go now, there is no further occasion for you.” - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - - “Here blooming fields and fertile hills appear. - Below the harbor, bay and islands lay, - And there the ocean rolls wide-stretching to the sky.” - - -Mr. Havens and his aunt were sitting in the garden on their return from -their country excursion; the little ones were sound asleep in their -nests, and Artie and his sister were chasing fire-flies to put under -glasses, when suddenly a loud ring at the front door was followed by -Hugh’s appearance with a letter for Mr. Havens, who, after reading it, -called the young folk to him-- - -“Children, do you think you could possibly manage to endure another -day’s frolic?” - -“Oh, yes, Papa, we are not one bit tired,” they eagerly replied; “we -could run all night long.” - -“I don’t intend to try you; but listen to this letter I have just -received, and see if you can make anything out of it.” - - “DEAR OLD FRIEND AND COLLEGE MATE: - - I learned to-day that you and yours were in the city; but, - unluckily for me, had gone this afternoon to the old Brown Farm. - The last train for Bristol is almost due, so I write hurriedly, to - ask you with your good Aunt, nurses, and little folk, to come to - us to-morrow afternoon, by the boat, to spend the Fourth. I have - invited a few gentlemen to pass the day on my yacht, but Gertrude - will be at home as care-taker, and the bairns will have a merry - time.” - -“Now, children, wait till we hear what Aunt Emma says.” - -“I think, John, it will be a delightful excursion for you all, and am -only sorry I cannot join your merry party, but my old friend, Mary -Graham, always passes that day with me, and I do not like to disappoint -her.” - -“Miss Mary Graham! Oh, Auntie, I remember her nerves, and it will be -a great mercy to her, if I remove my noisy collection from the house -before she comes, so I will telegraph ‘yes,’ at once. Now, children, -you can run back to your fire-flies.” - -“Oh, papa,” said Daisy, “I can only stand still and pinch myself, to -see if it is truly myself. It seems to me as if everything was getting -to be just like fairy-land. Such loads of pleasure coming all at once!” - -“And think of it, Daisy, duck, that’s the very same jolly old place -Mamma has told us about so many, many times, rainy nights, around the -Library fire, where they have no end of pets, and water running close -to the house, and clam-bakes and everything.” - -“And Alice, and Kit, and May, and Gracie, and good Jem that’s such a -hand at telling funny stories! Oh, Artie, man, how ever shall we live -till to-morrow? I feel as if I should fly to pieces this instant.” - -“I will tell you, Daisy, daughter, the best way to prepare for -to-morrow’s pleasure is to run off your excitement now, so take another -fire-fly chase and then to bed for a good sleep.” - -Mr. Haven’s dreams were disturbed at early dawn by two half-dressed -figures leaning over him, coughing violently, and as soon as he opened -his sleepy eyes, the figures asked,-- - -“Papa, had we not better begin to pack now, and dig our worms for bait?” - -“Pack yourselves off to bed, you night-walkers,” said the voice from -the high pillow, and the command was enforced by a huge shot in the -form of a pillow that sent the laughing children upon their knees. -Thence, they started off to the Nursery, when Daisy remembered Papa had -said “the little ones were to know nothing yet of the plan lest they -should grow restless,” so they wisely concluded to sit and read till it -was time to dress for breakfast. - -As the children were hurrying from the breakfast-room, Papa said,-- - -“Artie and Daisy, I did not read you the postscript to my letter, last -night, lest you should have been entirely upset by it, so here it is: - -“‘Can you not bring down your Aunt’s pet, the little Leonard boy? “The -more the merrier,” and Gertrude’s motherly heart, as well as house, has -always room for one more.’ - -“So, children, you may carry this note from me to Mr. Leonard, to see -if he is willing Charlie should go with you.” - -Mr. Leonard was just coming down the steps of his house, and stopped to -read the note, then looking up, much pleased, said,-- - -“Will you thank your Papa for me, for so kindly offering to take care -of my lonely little boy? I shall be very glad to have him enjoy such a -treat. His Aunt Julia came on from New Orleans last night, and you will -find them both in the front room, in the second story.” - -Arrived at the door of Mr. Leonard’s parlor, Artie did, indeed, try to -give a genteel knock, but somehow the nervous little fist tightened -itself into a young sledge-hammer, and the sound startled the inmates -of the room and dyed Daisy’s face with crimson blushes, as the French -maid opened the door with a surprised look, as she said,-- - -“Oh, est-ce-vous, petits? Voila un grand tappage!”[A] - -Aunt Julia came to meet them, with a pleasant smile, for Charlie -had talked to her of little else besides “his new splendid New York -friends.” Then Charlie laughed out his merry greeting, and showed them -his treasures from Aunt Julia’s trunk. A regular fort, with soldiers -and cannon, and dried-peas-cannon balls, and a scrap-book, and heaps of -colored pictures to paste in, and Charlie screamed with laughter, as he -showed them how he had cut off Louis Napoleon’s head with Nannette’s -big scissors, when Artie’s heavy knock startled them so, and Artie -apologized, saying-- - -[Illustration: Charlie Leonard’s Scrap Book. Page 166.] - -“I did not mean to give such a banger, but somehow, the fun in my mind -seemed to run right down into my fist, for only think, Charlie, we -have come to invite you to go with all of us, to stay two nights and -the Fourth of July at Bristol, where there’s an Indian pony and used -to be true Indians in King Philip’s time, and is now a bay for fishing -and clam-bakes, and two squirrels and a cart, and your father said you -might.” - -Charlie looked bewilderingly from one to the other, but when Daisy -explained the grand plan, in her more quiet manner, Charlie’s delight -became intense, and to the children’s great surprise, he ran and hid -his head on his Aunt’s shoulder, and they were still more astonished -when, a moment after, his Aunt loosened her clasp about him, to see -tears in both their eyes, for how could they know that the little -fellow’s great joy made him long for the dear Mamma, who had passed -away with the coming of the June roses she had longed for; a Mother who -was never too feeble to sympathize in his child-joys, or help him bear -his child-griefs. - -A good old poet has truly said-- - - “The tear down childhood’s cheek that flows, - Is like the dew-drop on the Rose; - When next the summer breeze pass by, - And wafts the bush, the flower is dry;” - -so in a few moments, the three children were having a merry game of -Fort-siege, pelting down with their fatal pea-shot, the brave little -soldiers who never winced or offered to run away. - -Nannette has returned, with Aunt Emma’s permission, for the children to -spend the morning, which was hailed with great delight, for sieging -forts is the work of time, and the young folk thought they could well -afford to lose their Croquet and garden sports, to capture such booty -as the fort promised. - - * * * * * - -Three o’clock _did_ come that afternoon, though there seemed to be -every reason to suppose it _never_ would, for the hands of Aunt Emma’s -tall, old-fashioned clock, which stood in the upper hall, seemed to -have grown, suddenly, stiff and rheumatic; the “here she goes, and -there she goes,” of the old pendulum, were, surely, never before so -deliberate, and as for the old moon-face above the dial, it seemed to -take such pleasure in the children’s impatience, that Artie fairly -forgot his reverence for old Father Time’s faithful servant, and shook -his fist at it, and was just about to assist the old pendulum to take a -higher flight, when the barn-yard mischief and Papa’s stern face came -to mind, and he turned away for a slide down the bannisters instead, -when he remembered Mamma had forbidden _that_, so the boy sat down on -the stair landing, leaned his elbow on his knee, his cheek on his hand, -and tried hard to think-- - -“Whatever under the sun there was a boy _could_ safely do?” and the -only thing seemed to be “to behave!” - -As we have said before, three o’clock did come at last, and found -Charlotte and Harry in the ladies’ saloon, Papa on the upper deck, -holding Jack on his knee, watching the rest of the party, under Nan’s -protection, at the side of the boat, holding on with both hands to -their hats, which the stiff sea-breeze seemed coaxing away very hard. -Whatever sea-breezes want of straw hats is a mystery to us. The -saucy fellows don’t stop for small boys’ hats alone, but Narragansett -sailors do tell of a party of grave and learned clergymen coming -from a Newport meeting, how the careless, saucy sea-breezes teased -those reverend gentlemen, and at last, when fairly out of port, the -boldest of them helped himself to the Bishop’s hat, and then ran off -to “blow” about it. What that Bishop did, History doesn’t say; whether -he made a soldier-cap of his _Providence Journal_, or a night-cap of -his pocket-handkerchief, we cannot confidently say; but, you may rest -assured, he made the best of it. - -Charlie Leonard, as the most experienced sailor of the party, is -explaining to them the nature of the foaming water about them. - -“You see, Daisy, you think it’s all for fair white soap-suds, but you -see it isn’t so, but the bottom of the bay is all white salt, and when -the keel of the boat rubs it, you see it makes that white salt water, -just like when you rub your wet hands on soap. One time, when I was -quite small, I thought just as you do, but I found out afterward the -truth of it myself.” - -Charlie seemed a little disappointed, when Mr. Havens called the group -to him and explained-- - -“Children, you recollect when you blow through your bubble-pipe into -your soap and water, how many bubbles are formed by the air rushing -through the water; just so the paddle-wheel of the boat acts as your -pipe; it agitates or puts in violent motion the water, dashing air -down into the water and dashing water up into the air, thus forming -multitudes of bubbles which, when driven together, look, as Charley -says, like ‘for-fair soap-suds.’ If you could see the paddle-wheel, -you would find it covered with those bubbles.” - -“But, Papa,” said Artie, “why do we have to put soap in the water to -make our bubbles?” - -“Anything which thickens or makes the water firmer, makes the bubbles -last longer, Artie; and the oil in your soap does that. You have often -seen men along the streets with those bright-colored balloons you are -so fond of; those are gum-elastic bubbles, and the sides of which are -quite firm. - -“I have given you quite a lecture, now you can go back to your ‘soapy -waves.’” - -“I will be boat-manager,” said Charlie, proudly, “and tell you all the -places as we go along. You see that wire bridge? well, in a minute our -whistle will scream to it to swing round the half of it, and you see -when we get to it, we will go through just as easy! - -“That large, white house is where they make good boys out of bad ones, -and the name of it is the ‘Reform School.’ That high frame on the shore -is a ‘Grain Elevator.’ It takes the grain right out of the boats and -swings it up into stores; that great brick building, with the smooth -lawn, is the ‘Hospital.’ I have been there with Aunt Emma to take some -toys to a poor little boy who had to have his leg cut off.” - -The suspension bridge was passed through, just “as easy” as Charlie had -predicted,--the dingy docks and gloomy coal vessels were left behind; -and stiffer, bolder sea-breezes loudly-flapped awnings, made sport of -women’s and girls’ dresses, and, at last, fairly drove the merry party -into the shelter of the upper saloon, from whence they could safely -admire the pretty villages and country-seats which dotted both sides of -Narragansett Bay. - -Charlie pointed out “Squantum Club-House,” famous for its weekly -summer clam-bakes, where the wise men, the rich men, the learned men, -and the witty men of Providence meet to eat so many clams, and make -so many jokes, that the clams which were so happy as to survive those -bakes, had swallowed so many of their crumbs of worldly wisdom and -knowledge that, it is said, last summer they formed themselves into -a manufacturer’s club, and a literary club, too. One learned Doctor -gained such an intimate acquaintance with them that they let him into -some of their secrets, and lent him some verses they had composed, -which were read at the next learned clam-bake,--and all were clamorous -for copies. - -Rocky Point’s high tower now loomed up in the distance, and as the boat -passed, Charlie told off the swinging boats, the miniature railway, the -flying horses, and cages of monkeys, which attracted such hosts of men -and women, boys, girls, and babies, day after day. Then the bay grew -wider, and little islands rose out of its waters, and one little rock, -with a stone light-house, where, Mr. Havens told them, the Keeper, -whose business it was always to keep the lamp lighted at night, to warn -vessels off the rocks, lived with his little son, in a small house; and -one severe winter night the water rose and the ice carried away little -house, man, and boy, who were fortunately rescued by a life-boat. - -The children’s attention was next arrested by a school of black -porpoises, see-sawing on the waves’ tops, and Jack asked-- - -“Why they went to school, when they had no heads nor book-straps?” - -Papa explained, as well as he could, “That they went to school to learn -to catch small fish, and Dame Nature was their teacher;” at which the -children laughed merrily, and were interested in Papa’s account of some -gentleman’s experience in raising and training fish. How they would -come to get their dinner when the bell was rung for them, and of little -gold rings being fastened on their fins when they were tiny fish, which -were found long after upon large fish, caught in nets, showing what -good sailors they were that, after going off to strange waters, they -were able to find their way back to their own homes again. - -The pretty villas of Newport Harbor were now visible, then the steeples -of Fall River, and very soon the boat slackened its speed,--the bell -rung,--the sailors rushed to throw the huge cables over the dock’s -posts, and the children see Papa waving his hat to a gentleman in a -large beach wagon, on the wharf, who returns the salute with such a -bright, pleased look, as promises well for the longed-for visit at -Bristol. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - - “Over the river and through the wood, - To have a first-rate play. - Over the river and through the wood, - And straight through the barn-yard gate - We seem to go - Extremely slow,-- - It is so hard to wait. - Hurrah for the fun! - Our ride is done, - And our frolics are just begun!” - - -“Now,” said Mr. Harwood, when the Menagerie were safely packed, -“we will start for the station, where Jem, my oldest, is due from -boarding-school. Come, ponies, do your best, we won’t keep the dear boy -waiting.” - -There, upon the station steps, guarding his trunk and packages, stood -a tall boy of fifteen, in gray uniform, looking eagerly up the road. -Mr. Harwood tightly grasped the boy’s brown hand as he presented him -to his friend. Jem’s first words were an inquiry after his Mamma, -and then, without ceremony, he plunged in among the young folk, and -before a single mile of the long road which lay between Bristol and -his country home was passed, Jem Harwood was regarded by all the -little party as just the best fellow that ever lived. How patiently -that big boy, who had travelled all day in a heated rail-car, answered -all those little questions! Yes! and put away from his mind pleasant -thoughts of the longed-for meeting with the darling mother, to repeat -to them the stories they had heard so many, many times. How little -Alice was missed one Saturday afternoon at “Tub” time, as they called -the bathing-hour, and was found bare-footed, in the brook, with the -new little Indian pony, giving him his Saturday bath, scrubbing him -down with her little pocket-handkerchief, and smoothing out his long, -glossy mane with her own comb, whilst her tooth-brush, powder-box, and -toilet-soap were lying, ready for use, in a little basket, suspended -from her neck. “The squirrel” was as playful as ever, and one day he -had hidden in Ned’s overcoat, quite unknown to its owner, who had hung -it up in the school-room hall, and was surprised enough, when prayers -were over, to see the squirrel hopping upon the master’s table. - -How the children screamed with fun to see how spryly Johnny Black -sprung away from the master’s long arm, till, at last, the teacher was -fairly tired out, and Johnny Black gained for the boys a good hour’s -play, hunting him from pillar to post, and finally catching him by the -aid of a slip-noose. “The fun,” Jem said, “did not appear half so funny -when the recess brought to light the fact that Johnny Black, always so -well-behaved at home, had spent the prayer-time in pilfering nuts from -the boys’ dinner-baskets, and nibbling their crackers and cheese. Poor -Ned felt he was somehow to blame for the theft, and coaxed Mamma into -giving him a basket of “goodies” to make a regular “spread” for the -next day’s nooning. - -“Johnny Black is a funny name for a gray squirrel, Jem,” said little -Bear, who was taking a lively interest in the stories. - -“Oh! we had two squirrels, and the other, whose name was Dandy Jim, was -lost. We got the names from some funny verses in May’s Rhyme Book.” - -“Do say them, Jem, dear,” begged Rosie. - -“Well, then, here goes-- - - “Two little squirrels lived in a wood, - One was naughty and one was good; - The naughty one’s name was Dandy Jim, - (His mother was very fond of him;) - The good one’s name was Johnny Black, - He had beautiful fur all down his back, - And he never went near the railroad track. - But Dandy Jim (alas for him!) - Would not heed what his mother did say, - But far away from his home would stray - Over the hills and far away. - And one bright summer day - He _never_ came back! - For, going too near the railroad track, - The locomotive ran over him, - And that was the end of Dandy Jim. - But Johnny Black, - He _always_ came back. - He never went far from his home astray, - He thought that at home was the place to stay, - He minded his Mother, where’er he might be; - He thought that his Mother knew better than he.” - -The children clapped their hands so loudly, when Jem finished, that -the horses pricked up their ears and started off on a brisk gallop. -Presently, a gay sight met the eyes of the party. - -Coming up the road to meet them, was a little cart, drawn by a -solemn-looking Indian pony, whose head and harness were decked with -small flags; the cart was filled to overflowing with merry-faced boys -and girls, with flags and streamers fastened to their hats, and bearing -a banner with the words “Welcome Home,” in large letters, upon its -face. - -Mr. Harwood reined in the impatient horses as the gay cavalcade -came near, whilst Jem stood up and raised his hat. Then came such -a hurrahing and clapping of hands, and flapping of streamers, in -which the Haven children joined so heartily that Artie’s hands were -blistered, and Jack’s voice hoarse as a young raven’s for hours after. - -The good-natured elder brother had to get down from the wagon, and -submit to be smothered with kisses, and then it was arranged that all -the boys, except Harry, should ride together in the cart, and the -little girls were lifted up into the beach wagon, where, at first, they -felt a little shy, till May discovered a dolly’s head peeping from -under Daisy’s wrap, and then the young mothers “found their tongues,” -and very soon everybody was talking,--and nobody was listening,--and -every little body thought every other little body “ever so nice.” - -Presently, the pony-cart drew up to the wagon-side, and Jem called out-- - -“Mr. Havens, and Papa, is there any objection to our stopping a few -moments at Sam Colt’s, the blacksmith’s? It seems these city children -have never seen a horse shod, and I see Mike taking in Farmer Boyce’s -gray.” - -“Thank you for the thought, Jem,” called Papa; “and the little girls -would enjoy it, too.” - -[Illustration: Sam Colt Shoeing Farmer Boyce’s Gray. Page 186.] - -The old tumble-down blacksmith’s shop, at the fork of the roads, was -a picture indeed. The red-hot iron, throwing out its shower of golden -sparks, Farmer Boyce’s gray, bending his proud, arched neck, and meekly -yielding his fore foot to the clasp of the smith’s sinewy arm! -Little Jack thought it must be “so nice to sleep in your shoes, and -have no bother with shoe-butnens and laces,” but timidly shrank back at -the nailing part, and could not be made to understand that it was not -painful to the horny hoof. - -Now, the road, for a short distance, lies close along the shore of -Bristol Bay, where the setting sun has just given a golden “tipping” -to the wavelets, whose soft lapping sound is new music to the city -children’s ears. - -A huge farm-gate, at the end of this bit of shore road, swings open -to receive the gay cavalcade; a thick grove of chestnut trees was -passed through, then beach wagon and pony cart halted at the door of -a large, old-fashioned farm-house, over whose broad porch rose-bushes -and honeysuckles climbed at will, even boldly venturing to peer into -the very windows of the chambers above, whilst buttercups and white -daisies, quite at home, nestling in the green grass of the smooth lawn, -laughed out their bright welcome to the little folk, and bade them make -themselves at home, too, for this was Liberty Hall. - -Jem gives a spring, and is in the lovely-looking lady’s arms, who -stands waiting on the porch, whilst shy little Bessie hides her curly -head in the folds of her mother’s dress, half afraid and half eager for -the stranger brother’s kiss. - -Mrs. Harwood needs no introduction to her dear friend’s children, for -Mamma’s letters have long ago made “Artie, Daisy, Rosie, Harry, and -Jack,” household words at Harmony Hall. - -The bread and butter on the waiting tea-table was capital, never milk -more golden, Lady Bee at home, and Busy Bee in her hive, have helped to -spread the table with dainties, and salt sea is the best sauce in the -world; but still the ten children found it a tedious meal, and wondered -whether good Jem had been quite starved at school,--that he could stow -away such a quantity of food, and whether he had not, may be, lost his -teeth, that he took such a while. - -Kind Mr. Harwood, at last, read the wistful look in their faces, and -bade them take a run to the shore before it grew too late, and good Jem -left such a bit of cocoanut cake on his plate as boarding-school boys -only _dream_ of, to marshal the excited little crowd down the sloping -lawn to the nice sanded floor of their shore parlor, and out to the -edge of the little wharf where lay _Psyche_, Mr. Harwood’s yacht, -with its gay streamers, in anticipation of the morrow’s sport. The -good-natured yachtsmen helped all the little ones on board, and enjoyed -the eagerness with which they examined sails, anchor, cable, compass, -cabin, deck, and pantry, and peered into the well-filled hampers. -Then, on shore again, Jem and his brothers exhibited rare powers of -“skipping” stones, and the younger ones splashed and dashed with bits -of wood and pebbles, to their hearts’ content. Ned suddenly cried-- - -“Halloo! men alive, if there isn’t old Sam, the blind clam-man, and his -cart, coming up our road. What does that mean, I should like to know? -Let’s find out.” - -“The men alive,” consisting of Ned, Artie, Charlie, and Kit, with -little Jack toiling in their rear, started off on a quick run to find -out for themselves the “meaning” of Black Sam’s clam-cart paying them -a visit at that time of night. Mamma explained the mystery thus-- - -“You know, children, to-morrow is the Fourth, and as your Papa and his -friends are to be gone all day on the yacht, I thought the greatest -pleasure I could give you was an out-of-door fish dinner, which you are -to prepare entirely yourselves. I will be your guest. I know you like -to dig your own clams; but, as you will need many, Papa thought it best -for Sam to bring some to-night, with oysters, too.” - -“Thank you, Mamma; clam-bakes are the best of fun,” screamed Ned, and -Jem, coming near with the little girls, called out-- - -“Three cheers for the best Mamma in the world!” That was a signal; and -I am sure the clams in Bristol Bay must have heard those cheers, and -opened their mouths in astonishment, and am quite certain the fishes -must have popped up their heads to ask if the Fourth of July had really -come. Oh, wasn’t it well for those soft-shelled clams and simple fishes -that they could not know what the morrow was to bring forth? - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - - “Forward, Light Brigade!” - - -Mr. Havens could hardly believe his sleepy eyes, as, wakened at sunrise -by the sound of booming cannon and distant church bells, he parted his -curtains and saw--yes, really saw,--a procession of children, bearing -drums, guns, and banners, whilst gay barn-yard feathers tipped their -three-cornered soldier hats. There they all were--Artie, Ned, Daisy, -Kit, Alice, Charlie, May, Rosie, Jack, Grace, with Nan in their rear. - -“Is Charlotte crazy,” yawns Papa, “to let those children out at such an -hour? I must speak seriously to her about this.” - -But Papa did not speak “seriously” to Charlotte about this, for the -next moment he caught sight of Jem dragging a little wagon, in which -Bear was seated most comfortably, waving a flag, and leading by a long -string the family pet lamb, with gay streamers floating from his snowy -neck, and as Papa saw the look of delight on his sick boy’s face, all -thoughts of displeasure vanished, and his heart thrilled with pleasure. -Faithful Charlotte walked close beside her little charge, and Ranger, -the great mastiff, solemnly kept her company. - -Bright eyes soon discover Papa peeping through the curtains. Captain -Ned gives orders to “Halt! Turn! About face! Fire!” - -And the drums beat, guns fire, and flags wave a salute, and then comes -the marching order, whilst Yankee Doodle is famously played on combs -and Jew’s harp. - -Tramp, tramp, tramp! and the second halt is made at the barn-yard, -where each member of the regiment, including the lamb, is refreshed -by a drink of warm milk in the little cup which each has fastened to -his or her waist; then the new Alderney calf, with its bright gazelle -eyes and sweet June breath, comes gayly up to meet them, and be duly -smoothed and admired, whilst the anxious mother watches Jem a little -doubtfully whilst he celebrates the calf’s first national birthday by -tying a flag to her tail. Next in order comes the poultry-yard with -its new brood of tiny sebrights--Gracie’s special charge--the pure -white bantams with their scarlet topknots and feather pantalettes, -and the quacking ducks with clumsy waddling gait. Old Zero, the cross -game-cock, eyes the visitors with some displeasure, betrays a little -disposition to “show fight,” and refuses stoutly to “turn tail,” that -the saucy rogues may rob him of some of his glorious plumage. Very -likely the far-seeing bird recognized some of his own feathers, gayly -waving in the morning breeze, from the top of the soldiers’ caps, and -this accounts for the party not being in “high feather” with him. - -Ned discovers to Artie the secrets of the nests, and the two boys come -out triumphant with hands full of eggs and hair full of straws, which -suggests further sport in that direction, and the regiment disbands for -a roll on the haymow, which ends by Artie’s finding himself suddenly -lying in the manger, where Nero and Zantippe, from their stalls, survey -him with huge, surprised eyes, as if wondering at which end they should -begin to nibble. Our young master was a good deal terrified at his -situation, and not much relieved when roguish Kit Harwood offered -“to help him out with a pitchfork;” but good Jem, who had warned the -children to beware of the hole where the horses’ food was thrown -down to them, soon came to the rescue, and lent a helping hand. The -pigeon-house at the top of the barn was next resorted to, and Jem -stayed with little Bear, and brought a chickling, which had lately -burst his shell, and laid the little peeping chick in the thin hand -which could only be tender in its touch. Cæsar, the coachman, lifts -Jack upon Nero’s high back, whilst the children watch the horses eating -their morning meal so solemnly and slowly too. - -Jack runs to wash his little fat hands in the morning dew, for Cæsar -does it, and so it must be “the thing.” - -Suddenly the large bell in the hall rings loudly, and this welcome -message from the waiting breakfast finds ready echo in their willing -ears, and a general stampede follows. - -That was a merry morning meal. Papa and his friends had sailed an hour -ago in the trim _Psyche_, from its little harbor at the wharf, and -there were so many pleasures, past and yet to come, that a great deal -of talking had to be done, besides their exercise in the cool morning -air seemed to have turned each little body into a huge hamper, where a -marvellous amount of soft-boiled eggs, muffins, and cold ham had to be -packed out of sight for the day’s needs. - -Mamma was just proposing they should remain near the house till midday, -keeping the shore pleasures for a later hour, when the little pony -suddenly came walking into the dining-room through the low porch! He -had heard the merry voices, and knew Alice had a bit of sugar for him. -What could be the matter? Hadn’t he waited out by the window, nibbled -off the leaves of the rose-bush, and finally thrust in his head, all in -vain? Alice is listening to one of Jem’s boarding-school tales, and has -no eyes or ears for pony this morning; so, of course, there was nothing -else for pony to do but to walk upon the clean porch, after having, it -is hoped, carefully cleaned his shoes on the scraper, then step lightly -into the hall, and thence to the dining-room. Jem must stop his tale -now, and let the old school-bell hang without its pillaged clapper, for -never before was Harmony Hall honored by such a guest. Pony had thought -it could be no harm to take such a liberty, just for once, and wasn’t -this a free country, and weren’t we all independent citizens? If not, -pony would like to know why the cannons, bells, pistols, and squibs -had been saying so ever since daylight. Pony was right, Mamma seemed -to think--for she herself picked out the largest lump of sugar, which -the old silver claw could grasp, and fed him with it, gently reminding -Coco that only on the Fourth of July could such liberties be permitted. -Nan came in the room, in the midst of the scene, with Baby Bess in her -arms, who screamed with delight at seeing Coco in the dining-room, and -called so loudly, “Me yide, me yide,” that Jem held her on his back, -whilst he turned him out on the lawn. - -The rabbit-hutch is the next place to be visited, for Jem said “he had -not yet paid his respects to his ‘bunnies,’” and as everybody agreed to -everything in Harmony Hall, off started the noisy band. - -The rabbits were a little shy at first, but were very soon lured from -their burrows by the smell of the dewy clover and cabbage leaves Jem -had carried for them, who showed the children the different marks -called “smut” upon their faces, which told their value. - -The finest specimen had a black “smut,” or patch of dark fur. The -single smut was a patch on one side of the nose; the double, on each -side, and the butterfly, a patch on either side, and one on the ridge -of the nose. Then he exhibited the “dew laps and long laps,” and told -them how bravely they would defend their young. Jem said,-- - -“Our French teacher, at school, is from Poland, where the snow lies -long and is very deep. He says that in his country the hares choose -spots in the snow to lie down in, and let the snow fall all around and -about them, thus forming a cave for their winter house. Their warm -breath thaws the snow about their nose so as to make air-holes to -breathe through. Hunters know of this, and train their dogs to search -for these air-holes, and stand guard till _they_ arrive to shoot them. -Then, they have a funny trait, like some children: they are always -looking behind them, and so often, whilst looking for danger in their -rear, rush right in among hunters and their dogs without seeing them.” - -“Now, Jem,” said Artie, as they left the rabbit-hutch, “what is the -next animal to be seen? I like your menagerie a great deal better than -ours. I mean, real animals are a great deal more fun than boys and -girls, shut up in a city house, with scarcely a tree or bit of sky that -seems to belong to you.” - -“However, boy,” said Kit, “did you get to call yourselves The -Menagerie?” - -“Why, this is how: One rainy day, Papa was ill with a cold, and Mamma -got a letter from your mother telling about your pets, and we were -discontented because we had none but a dog and cat; so Papa proposed we -should form ourselves into a Home Menagerie, and we had such regular -fun that day making cages, feeding and performing, that we have kept up -our names ever since.” - -“Oh, Jem dear,” said Gracie, “if you are not too tired to-night won’t -you please play elephant and old cat, like you used to? It’s such a -while since we have seen them.” - -“Yes, little sister, I will certainly do it if you are all good -children. Now we will go to visit the old dormouse.” - -“What a nice brother to have, Jem is!” said Daisy, taking Alice’s hand -as they walked along. “He seems so ready to do everything you ask him.” - -“Yes,” said solemn-eyed little Alice, as her eyes proudly followed -the tall boy in gray uniform, with boys on either side; boys and girls -before and behind, and small boy riding on his back. “Yes, we all like -Jem. He is so generous and wise to us.” - -“Why is the fellow called Dormouse?” asked Daisy. - -“Because,” Jem answered, “the word means sleepy-mouse, and he spends -most of his time napping. Just feel, Daisy, how soft and delicate his -long hair is! You need not squirm so, he won’t jump at you. He is too -much of a sleepy-head to take any trouble; see, I can tumble him right -over without waking him.” - -“Oh, Jem, tell the story Mamma read us about the English lady and the -dormice,” said Kit, “it is so famous.” - -“An English lady was invited to take tea one night with an old lady -who had a pair of pet dormice; after tea, the visitor went to an -evening concert, and on her return home found a note from the old lady, -saying,--that immediately after she left the house, one of the dormice -was missing, and begged she would carefully examine her clothes,--for -sometimes her pets would hide away in the folds of a dress for hours. -The lady searched in vain; no pet dormouse appeared, so she began to -prepare for bed, when, to her great astonishment, on combing out her -long hair, she found the mouse hiding in a thick curl. How he got up -there, or when, or how he managed to hang on, was always a mystery.” - -“That was funny enough,” agreed the children, and turned their -attention to the squirrel in his cage. Jem threw in a handful of nuts, -and it was curious to see how daintily he turned them all over, -throwing aside those that were not perfectly good, and when he found -one just to his taste, sat himself on his hind legs, cushioning his -seat with his tail, then holding the nut in the fore paws, he chiselled -out the tip with his front teeth, then broke off the shell, and slowly -nibbled the kernel. Jem told the children how useful that great bushy -tail was--as cushion by day, and warm blanket at night. - -Next on the list came the pigs. But pig-sties, in summer, are not -places to tarry long near, so the children started for home, when, -suddenly, a loud scream was heard, and Jem darted back in the direction -from which the sound came, and soon learned its cause. The two Monkeys -had slipped away from the party, to take another look at the pigs, and -climbed to the top of the fence, with long sticks in their hands, -“to worry the pigs.” The old Lady of the Sty was so indignant that, -at the first thrust, she had rushed toward the fence, making such a -fearful noise, that the terrified Rosie had lost her balance, and -something or somebody (Rosie, in her fright, could not tell which, but -rather thought it was herself) fell over into the sty, right under the -quivering nostrils of the angry pigs. There stood Rosie, screaming and -stamping outside, whilst roguish Jack was running away as fast as his -little short legs could carry him, and Jem found, to his great relief, -that what Rosie, in her fright, had supposed to be her little self, was -really only her pretty straw hat which piggies were devouring, daisy, -wreath and all. - -Kind-hearted Jem sat down on the trunk of a tree, near, and, taking -the sobbing child on his knee, tenderly soothed her, first promising -one of Alice’s sunbonnets for her future use, then, as the children -gathered anxiously about him, the boy proposed to tell them a Family -Pig Story. - -“Do, Jem,” half sobbed, half laughed little Rosie, “I really think it -would make my scare better.” - -“Do, Jem, old fellow,” chimed in Ned and Kit; “stories of animals never -seem to grow rusty.” - -“Mamma ought really to tell this,” said Jem, “for she has a kind of -a way, when she tells her stories, of seeming to make everything and -everybody walk right before your eyes; but I’ll do the best I can.” - -“Once upon a time, in the History of the Harwood Family, news came to -the house that one of the Madame Pigs had died in the night, and left -behind her a poor little baby-pig, which had no one to pity and take -care of him. So the family finished their breakfast, in a great hurry, -and started off for the sty, or, rather, for the sake of ears polite, -we will say the pig parlor.” - -“Oh, Jem, don’t be a goose, go on,” impatiently cried Kit. - -“There, sure enough, was found a white-skinned, pink-nosed little -piggie, looking very disconsolate, ‘whilst the salt tear-drops streamed -down piggie’s eyes.’ Papa said we must bring her up by hand, and from -that hour, Piggie Pink, as we called her, was our special pet, and the -lawn her play-ground. Alice and Grace spent all their money in ribbons -for her. You may imagine she was a beauty, she kept herself very clean, -and Gracie tied pink ribbons about her neck and a pink sash around her -waist, and a rosette upon her tail, every birthday or festival. We -used to coax Mamma to let us bring Piggie Pink into the house, but to -that she would never consent. One Fourth of July, every one but Mamma -had gone to the village to see the goings-on there--even the servants -had gone, for Mamma said she would enjoy the quiet, and not feel -lonely. She seated herself upstairs, with a book, when the thought came -into her head, ‘I will first go downstairs and make the children a nice -loaf of their favorite citron cake; they will come home very hungry, -and enjoy it so much.’ So the nice loaf of cake was made and put in -the tin box in the pantry, and the kind Mamma sat down again to her -story. Once or twice, she fancied she heard funny little noises; but as -she wasn’t afraid of ghosts, and knew Ranger would keep off robbers, -she paid no attention to the noise at first; at last her curiosity -was aroused, and off she started, to find out what company she was -entertaining. The parlor was empty, and so was the library, but as she -stepped through the open door of the dining-room, she found her pantry -door open,--the tin cake-box she had put on the shelf was open, too, -on the floor,--outside of it were two little white legs and a little -quirled tail, with a pink rosette on it, and over the edge of the tall -cake-box hung a pink sash, whilst two fore paws and a pink head were -buried in her nice, soft warm cake. Mamma was sorry to have no cake -to offer us when we got home, but she said she had had a very hearty -laugh. Piggie Pink had seemed so unconscious that she was not doing the -proper thing, and never once offered to run away. That’s all my story, -says Peter Parley.” - -“Jem,” asked Rosie, who had quite forgotten her recent adventure, “what -is a ghost?” - -“Well, really, my little maid, you bother me there,” said Jem, -thoughtfully, “I should say it was a--a--” - -“Isn’t it really a kind of a live nothing, Jem?” asked Charlie Leonard. - -“Well, yes, Charlie,” Jem answered. “I should say you had just about -got the idea.” - -The children next bent their steps to the house, where Mamma gave them -a nice lunch of bread and fruit, and then sent the little ones off with -the nurse, for a nap to rest them before the great frolic of the day. - -The older boys threw themselves into the hammocks, under the shady -trees, while Mrs. Harwood, in the cool library, read some of Hans -Andersen’s bewitching tales to the little girls, who sat dressing their -dolls in their sea-side suits, to be in readiness for the shore dinner. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - - “How happy are they - Who have clams every day!” - - -One o’clock finds the girls, boys, nurses, dollies, and big Ranger -escorting Mamma to the shore, where Jem, Ned, and Kit threw off their -coats, which Artie saw meant work, and so immediately followed their -example. - -Now, fresh water must be brought, in pails, from the little spring -which rippled from a rock near the water’s edge. A large iron bar had -next to be run through a hole in one of the fence-posts, and upon -it an iron pot was hung. To the small boys was given the privilege -of picking up pieces of brush in the grove and piling them up under -the kettle, all ready for Jem to kindle a grand fire. Then shoes and -stockings had to be pulled off, and the four older boys, with shovels, -rakes, and baskets, waded in the shallow water for the great work of -digging clams. Artie thought it about the most prodigious sport he had -ever dreamed of, and shouted loudly to all his brothers and sisters to -look at every clam he was fortunate enough to bring to light, whilst -Jack, always true to his belief that “paddling in the water was the -best fun of anything,” sat on a rock, looking wistfully on and digging -up the sand around him with his impatient little toes. - -Then the baskets of clams were set down in the water, that the tide -might wash through them and carry away some of the mud and sand -which clings to them; and whilst this process was going on, Kit good -humoredly brought a small part of the coveted Bay to the little ones. -Oh, what a Kit! May runs to the house for the little wooden pails and -shovels, and oh, how those little beavers work! What cannot be made out -of sand and water I should like to know? Beautiful gardens appear, with -rows of little trees, and walks paved with tiny shells and glittering -pebbles. Old Lottie, who sprang to life from the family rag-bag, is -condemned to be buried alive, whilst for Maude and Evangeline, dainty -city dolls, fine thrones are piled up, from which they may look down -on the dirty hands and aprons of their young mothers and uncles. Dr. -Kit prescribes for Euphemia, who has fits of not being able to stand on -her feet, continued “hot sand baths.” Then dollies are left in peace, -whilst all turn their hands to manufacturing sand pies, and then wells -must be dug and filled with water for future use. - -Presently the children see Artie and Ned rushing to the house to -harness Coco to the little cart to bring down black Sam’s loads of -oysters and clams. Alice sets the example of cleanliness to her -companions by going down to the water’s edge to wash her hands, and -instantly the fashion takes, and Bristol Bay is turned into a huge -water basin, and its sandy shores into a dressing-room. - -Nan, Charlotte, and the Haven servants now came down from the house, -in merry mood, bearing brown bread, a pail of butter packed in ice, -chickens dressed for the gridiron, and a huge Indian pudding. Artie -and Kit tumble over the Princesses Maude and Evangeline, making their -thrones things of the past, in their haste to get over into the next -field to dig the fresh, new potatoes. Gracie, under Sarah, the cook’s, -direction, with Daisy for her assistant, prepares the chowder. First -into the iron pot she places slices of pork, which she heats to a crisp -brown; then go in layers of well-seasoned clams, shorn of their ugly -shells by Jem’s jack-knife; layers of sliced potatoes, and onions and -crackers. Then layers of clams again till the pot is quite filled. I -assure you very delicious is the steamy odor which soon fills the air -and quickens the appetite. Two wooden horses are saddled with boards -and blanketed with snow-white table cloths, to bear the burden of the -day’s feast. In the middle stands the grand Indian pudding, with a flag -springing up from the centre to mark the day, and guarded on each side -by great piles of brown-bread. Jem carefully brings the rich green -watermelon from the spring where it has been cooling, and with deft -hands and valuable jack-knife, cuts it up into most bewitching mitre -forms. Sarah, the cook, ladles out, on huge platters, the smoking, -savory chowder. Then Jem, with Mamma’s permission, gives the order -to “Fall in!” and in much less time than it takes me to tell it, the -little Madison Avenue Menagerie make the acquaintance of the Rhode -Island shore dinner which has made the tiny State so famous. - -Little Jack, with mouth full of brown-bread, says,-- - -“I always frought bakes was in ovens and boils was in pots,” which -makes the Harwood children laugh as they explain it is not yet time for -“the bake;” there is fishing to be done first. - -When the rods were brought out, wasn’t Artie pleased to find his so -admired! Jem, himself, had never seen one so fine--even Jem, who showed -him how to cut clams and put them on the hook, as better bait than -worms,--told him from just what spot on the wharf he must fling out his -line, and watched that line as well as his own, telling him just how -long to let the fish nibble and just when to draw in. - -When, finally, the prize came to land, it proved to be a large-sized, -silvery scup, and then the city boy was almost wild with joy. Oh, -wouldn’t that be a story to tell his children’s children, how -their grandfather, at the age of ten, caught a regular scup, and a -“two-pounder at that!” - - “For he looked at the scales and found it so, - Just as his friend, Jem, had told him, oh!” - -How Artie longed to lay the squirming trophy at his Mamma’s feet, and -claim a loving kiss as best reward! - -But, look! this is no time for dreaming! Jem’s “bob” has disappeared -entirely, and “Jem is having a tricky one to deal with,” Ned whispers,-- - -Ha! ha! Master Fish, you have got your match at the other end of the -line. Our Jem is an “old hand,” he knows all your wiles, and even now -is pretending not to have the least idea you are in his power. Now he -loosens; now tightens gently his line; slowly winds up; and now, with -dexterous jerk, swings upon the sand a fine tautog, Newporters’ dainty -breakfast. Yes; there is the poor fellow, with his fine, bright eyes, -white skin and black scales, leaping in the air! - -The sport went on. Tautog, scup, and sometimes a striped bass, lie -quivering on the sand. - -Bear asks Aunt Gertrude,-- - -“Why do they give the fish such a queer name as _tautog_?” - -“It is from two Indian words--_taut_, which means _rocks_, and _og_, -fish. This tautog hides among the rocks, when the tide comes in, to get -away from the larger fish, who would eat him up. He lives mostly on sea -plants and insects.” - -“But don’t you think it seems cruel to kill the poor things?” - -“Scarcely that, dear, for God has made them for our use. Don’t you -remember our Saviour’s feeding the hungry multitude with loaves and -fishes in the wilderness? The fish, in their turn, devour insects, and -as they peep their heads above the waters to catch them, the instinct -of the birds, which seems God’s voice in them, teaches them to watch -for their appearance, dart down upon and devour them. But, see, Artie -is beckoning for us, and here comes Nan to carry you up to the bake.” - -For the sake of far-away children, who have never visited Narragansett -shores, let me explain, that upon stones, which have been thoroughly -heated, large quantities of sea-weed are thrown, and upon that, clams, -oysters, and sometimes lobsters, chickens, sweet-potatoes, and corn are -put. - -After Jem had placed his clams and oysters on the sea-weed, the boys -covered them up with more weed, and over the smoking mass placed a -large piece of sail-cloth, from whose seams and cracks, ere long, -came an odor which was well worth a journey from New York to inhale, -for certainly there is nothing just like it. It will not be strange -if ere long enterprising Rhode Island druggists send to the far-away -cities bottles marked “Clam-bake Perfume,” which shall rival that of -“Heliotrope” or “New Mown Hay.” - -The table has been neatly prepared, Sarah’s broiled chickens are -smoking there, and now every boy, - - “Be he great or be he small,” - -has the pleasure of raking over the smoking seaweed, to bring to -light the steaming clams and oysters, and filling the great earthen -pudding-dishes with them, ready for the eating. - -How the Haven children looked to see the Harwood boys, yes, and girls -too, eating clams as if “fingers had, indeed, been made before forks!” -Aunt Gertrude read their look of astonishment, and explained to them -that picking out clams with the fingers at a clam-bake was quite -allowable, and that she herself always did it; and so the children -quickly followed her example. It really was great fun for the boys with -appetites sharpened by hard work, to run races eating clams,--striving -to see who could soonest get a pile of shells he could not look over. -This sounds to city ears, unused to clam-bake tastes, very, very -strange, almost very improper; but we can only plead-- - - “’Tis a way we have in Rhode Island, boys! - To drive dull care away.” - -The children’s attention was presently diverted from their Bake by the -sight of a large bird hovering over them, holding something in her beak. - -Their eyes followed the bird as she made great circles in the -air,--descending lower and lower, till just as she was within shot, -something dropped heavily upon the table, which proved to be a poor -bleeding fish. Mrs. Harwood said-- - -“This bird is a Fish Hawk, and has its nest in one of our old pear -trees, which you will presently see. It hovers over the water to watch -for fish, coming to the surface to get their dinner of insects, and -then pounces down upon them. You see, to-day she has caught a poor -little bass, and, as she was carrying it through the air to her nest, -the little fish’s tender flesh has been torn away, and he has dropped -from his enemy’s beak upon the table before us. The Fish Hawk nest was -built here before my husband’s birth, and is more than fifty years -old. It is about as large in size as a half barrel, but none of us -have ever seen the inside, for, generally, it has a very bad odor of -stale fish. The Hawk has a great time every spring, house-cleaning, and -putting down their fresh carpets of twigs and pebbles.” - -“Why don’t you climb up, Jem, and see the inside of the nest for -yourself?” asked Artie. - -“For three good reasons, sir: First and foremost, Papa would not allow -it; second, the _tree_ would not, for it is quite dead, and unsafe for -climbing; and, lastly, because I am so fortunate as to have a nose.” - -“Daisy,” said Kit, “do look over the fence into the next field, and -see those solemn cows watching us over the bars. They always come and -stare at us when we have our Bakes, and generally, when we are fishing -or digging clams on the shore, they come and stand in the water, and -watch us by the hour, with their big, serious eyes.” - -Rosie asked Aunt Gertrude if she might give the good cows some -clam-bake? - -“Yes, dear,” she replied, “I think they would enjoy the melon-rind and -bread-crusts, very much.” - -Rosie filled a basket with the remnants of the feast, and emptied it -between the bars right at the feet of a “baby-cow,” as she called it, -when, to her terror, just as the little calf put her head down to taste -the nice morsels, two of the old cows came running toward her in a most -furious manner, lowering their horns as if they were going to toss her; -at which the baby-cow galloped off as fast as possible, and the selfish -old animals ate up the whole feast, and went off leisurely, chewing -their cud as if they had been doing the most well-behaved and proper -thing in the world. - -Jem told Rosie to “never mind, it was their way;” and Aunt Gertrude -said-- - -“Cows are very sensitive; they will not stand any disrespect from the -young ones. In a herd of cattle the eldest always takes the lead, and -none of the young dare leave the pasture till the older ones have set -the example. - -“It is quite funny to see with how much contempt a new calfie is -treated, when she makes her first appearance in the barn-yard. -She is pushed aside by her elders, and not allowed to go near the -feeding-trough till they have finished their meal, sometimes losing -her supper altogether; but when another calf comes in, calfie the -first turns tyrant, and treats her in the same manner. When I have -seen young people push past older persons, in going out from a room, -or choose for themselves the most comfortable seats, I have said to -myself, ‘Even the little calves have been better trained.’ Indeed, I -assure you, there is a deal of etiquette observed in the barn-yard -parlor.” - -“Do cows ever hurt children, Aunt Gertie,” asked little Bear. - -“Sometimes, dear, but very rarely. A very short while ago a friend of -mine, the widow of a clergyman, went with her only child, a lovely, -bright boy of eight, to live in a quiet little mountain village. Here -Spencer, for that was his name, soon won the love of all the villagers, -by his gentle manners and helpful ways. His mother playfully wrote me -that it seemed as if the child looked upon the village as ‘his father’s -parish, and the villagers as parishioners left to his charge by that -father.’ Day after day the little fellow might be seen wending his way -through the village streets with his little pail of soup, or basket of -dainties, for some sick person. Other days, the cottagers would stand -at their doors watching the ‘minister’s boy,’ as he was always called, -dragging out, in his little wagon, a neighbor’s sick baby, whilst the -mother rested her weary back; and from this child of eight, those -simple folk learned lessons of charity never to be forgotten. - -“One summer morning, his mother heard him, at daylight, passing her -bedroom door. She called, him to come to her, and he came in with his -little box of tools, saying, ‘I did not mean to waken you, mother dear, -but last night, when I passed poor old widow Sampson’s, I saw a board -loose on her steps, and I kept waking up in the night and worrying for -fear the poor old lady might fall and badly hurt herself before I could -get there to fix it.’ - -“Just as he was about to leave the room, he said, ‘Oh, mother, in my -hurry, I have forgotten my morning prayer; may I kneel here by your -bed, and say it?’ His mother heard him whispering the Lord’s Prayer, -till he came to the words, ‘Thy will be done.’ There he stopped, then -slowly repeated the petition, and finishing his prayer, stooped over -and kissed his mother many times, and then ran off, humming a favorite -song. - -“An hour after, distressed villagers brought back little Spencer’s -lifeless body. A farmer had called to ask him if he would stand and -hold open a gate, whilst his cattle were driven through, and as he -stood there, a cross animal lowered its horns suddenly, and tossed -the little fellow in the air, killing him instantly. - -[Illustration: Little Spencer Gathering Brush for Widow Sampson’s Fire. -Page 233.] - -“The whole village mourned the child, and poor Widow Sampson came to -tell the mother how she had been the little fellow’s care during all -the last winter. Every snow-storm brought Spencer to her door with his -little barrow, filled with bits of brush he had gathered, and when ill, -he came every day to minister to her wants. - -“I have been told that the farmer immediately killed the treacherous -cow, and when he sent its flesh to the poor people, they all sent back, -saying, ‘they thanked him kindly, but that meat they could not eat.’ - -“I am afraid my story has saddened you, but I see the _Psyche_ is in -sight, and Papa is making signals. I know he wanted to give us a little -sail when he returned, so we must hurry.” - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - - “To bravest heart, the tenderest touch belongs.” - - -It is evening, and the family party, young and old, are gathered on the -porch, talking over the pleasures of the past day, whilst Ranger lies -close at Mr. Harwood’s feet. - -Mr. Haven remarks, “That’s a grand mastiff, Fred, but what has become -of my old friend Tiger? How much he used to enjoy your yachting -parties! How his tail showed the interest he took in our fishing, and -how frantic he became whenever a fine fish was drawn on board! He was a -nice fellow, I should like to see him again.” - -“His disappearance has never fully been accounted for,” replied Mr. -Harwood. “Perhaps, Artie, you and Daisy have never heard how Ranger -came to us?” - -“No, sir,” eagerly answered the children. “Is there a story about it?” - -“You may be sure, youngsters,” Papa laughingly interposed, “that where -there’s a dog there’s sure to be a tale.” - -“Yes, sir,” quickly added Jem, “but it isn’t every dog that leaves a -tale behind him.” - -“You are right, Jem, I yield the point, and ask the company’s pardon -for keeping the tale hanging.” - -“Your Aunt Gertrude,” continued Mr. Havens, “has a brother, an Army -Surgeon, who was at one time stationed at a Florida fort close by the -Everglades.” - -“Papa,” said Kit, “hadn’t you better explain to the children what -Everglades are?--one time I didn’t know myself.” - -“That is right, Kit. There is a part of Florida, as large, I should -think, as the whole State of Massachusetts, which is covered with -water. Tall grass and reeds grow up in this water, and occasionally -small islands are found, covered with trees and tangled vines. Some -of our most beautiful flowering vines, such as the Wisteria, with its -purple clusters of blossoms, which you see hanging from the posts of -our back piazza, and the sweet-scented jessamine, are brought from -those islands which are homes for snakes, alligators, wild boars, and -wolves. Indians used often to hide themselves in these Everglades, -and come down in their canoes by night and attack the neighboring -settlements. In order to protect the lives of the people near, the -United States erected a fort close by, and the soldiers were constantly -sent out from it into these Everglades to hunt out the Indians. It was -soon found that some other plan must be adopted, for soldiers died -rapidly, as those places were filled with a very unhealthy atmosphere -called _miasma_, much like that of the jungles you have heard of in -India, where the only paths are those which the wild beasts make on -their way to find water. Wolves and tigers hide there in the dark -thickets to spring out upon travellers, and huge boa-constrictors hang -from the branches of the trees ready to spring down, wind themselves -around their victims, and crush them instantly. - -“There are fierce wild animals in the Florida Everglades, but the -atmosphere is just about as fatal to life. - -“The soldiers having died in great numbers, large mastiffs, or -bloodhounds, were sent in the Everglades to do the work, but the hounds -would not serve the soldiers. Perhaps the Indians made friends with -them, or they liked the wild life and plenteous game of the glades; -however that may be, the hounds all disappeared, and nothing was heard -of them for a long time, excepting an occasional baying during the -stillness of the night. - -“One day, one of them, this very Ranger, came back to the fort, -terribly mangled, his body torn open by the polished tusks of the wild -boar, and, with what seemed human reason, the poor, suffering creature -made his way directly up to the surgeon’s quarters, and presented his -case to Uncle Lee, who always had a great fondness for animals of every -sort. He examined the wound carefully, and found it would be necessary -to sew it up at once; but this his brother officers entreated him not -to attempt. They said it would be foolhardy, for at the first prick of -the needle, the animal would, of course, turn upon the hand that gave -the pain, and fearfully injure him. - -“Uncle Lee hesitated; but the dog looked up piteously in his face, as -if saying, - -“‘You are my only hope,’ and he could not resist that look of entreaty. - -“The officers, seeing he was determined, surrounded the animal; one -stood with loaded musket aimed at his head, so that at the first -attempt on his part to injure the surgeon, he could shoot him instantly. - -“It must have been a thrilling scene, that savage bloodhound standing -so patient, Uncle Lee, with face white as a sheet, and his friends -silent from dread and terror. An officer present, wrote me of it in -these words: - -“‘Only for a moment was Lee’s face pale, and then the man was forgotten -in the surgeon. Moment after moment the sharp steel pierced the hound’s -quivering flesh. The animal was mute, only once turning his head toward -the surgeon; but there was no need of pistol then; he had only turned -to lick the surgeon’s hand, as if to encourage him to proceed. He -remained at the fort till the wound had perfectly healed, and then, one -day, disappeared, to the great grief of all the garrison, with whom he -had become a great pet.’ - -“He was gone about two days, and on the evening of the second, knocked -with his huge paw at the surgeon’s door, lay down by his bed, and from -that hour has been his most devoted servant. The soldiers thought he -must have gone back to the Everglades to settle up some old debts, and -then returned for a quiet life of devotion to his kind friend. - -“When Lee came to visit us, the hound took a great fancy to your Aunt -Gertrude, and was content to let his master go to Europe without him. -Think how that creature, once so bloodthirsty, boys, has been changed -by kind treatment, and then tell me what there is that kindness and -gentleness cannot accomplish. He guards our little Bessie’s cradle -carefully now, and licks her soft cheeks with gentle affection.” - -“But, Papa,” broke in the two boys, “you mustn’t forget to tell about -Tiger’s disappearance.” - -“You must know,” continued Papa, “our old dog had never had a rival in -the dog line, and when he came in the house the day of Uncle Lee’s -arrival, and found Ranger, quite at home in the hall, surrounded by the -children, all admiring and stroking his glossy skin, a look of anger -and great disgust came over his face, and then he ran quickly out of -the house, across the lawn, and out of the gate, up on the public road. -In vain the tender-hearted children followed him, calling him to come -back; he never once turned. - -“He has been gone now two years, and we have not yet discovered his -home; but very often we see him watching us through the fence, and if -the children are on the way to the shore, and Ranger is not with them, -he will follow them, but always remaining in the lane, and keeping the -fence between him and them.” - -“Except once, Papa, you remember--don’t you?” - -“Yes, children; I shall not soon forget that day. Kit and Larry -Holmes, a neighbor’s child, were launching their toy boats down in the -little cove yonder. Kit had been up to the house to get his knife, -and scrambling hastily down the steep bank, lost his footing and fell -several feet, striking his head upon a sharp rock. - -“Larry was a timid boy, and was so terrified by the sight of his -companion lying as if dead, and covered with blood, that he ran away as -far and fast as possible. - -“Tiger must have been watching near, for Mamma, sitting in her room, -was startled by a heavy knocking at her door, and opening it, found -old Tiger, leaping about as if to show his joy; but when she stooped -to fondle him, he impatiently broke from her and started for the -hall-door, looking back to see if she followed, and if she stopped, -he pulled her dress, and seemed imploring. Suddenly Mamma remembered -she had seen from her window Kit and Larry going toward the shore with -their gayly-painted ship. Just then her eye caught sight of the tiny -vessel wrecked on a small rock, a little way out, but her heart sank as -she saw no trace, heard no sound of the little captains. - -“Presently she saw Tiger plunge down a steep bank, and following his -lead, found poor Kit lying insensible on the shore, covered with blood. - -“Your aunt lifted the boy’s head upon her lap, and bathed it with cold -water, then looked about in hope some one might be on the shore whom -she might hail to come and help her. No one was in sight; then suddenly -came the thought, as she noticed Tiger whining and pulling at the boy’s -jacket. - -“‘Why, Tiger is of the St. Bernard breed--dogs trained to carry on -their backs travellers exhausted in their efforts to cross the snowy -Alps--I will try to make him of use.’ - -“The dog stood perfectly quiet whilst she laid the boy upon his back, -and then off they started, Tiger walking slowly along the shore till he -came to a gentle slope of the bank, and then he turned toward home. - -“At the door stood the pony-cart, with Jem and his sisters, just -returned from the village; so pony’s head was instantly turned toward -Bristol to summon Dr. Jones and myself. - -“In the confusion, Tiger was for a moment forgotten, and when -remembered, the most careful search could not reveal his whereabouts. -He still visits the lane, and thrusts his nose through the bars, -or follows the children to the shore, but no amount of coaxing can -persuade him to come into the lawn.” - -As Mr. Harwood finished his account of Tiger’s disappearance, a -rattling of wheels on the gravel road was heard, and from behind the -house appeared a most distressed-looking old man, with slouched hat -drawn over his eyes, and coat and pants hanging in tatters about him, -dragging a wagon in which was seated an immense gray cat, with a -dark-brown tail dragging over the wagon’s back. Upon her head was a -broad-frilled cap, and green goggles hid her eyes. The old cat bowed, -first on one side, and then on the other, waving as she did so a -lighted torch she held in her hand. - -The man halted in the centre of the lawn, and sang, with cracked -voice, a few verses of a comic song, and suddenly ended with a loud -“Ha! ha!” and jumped right over pussy-cat, wagon, and lighted torch. -Then came such a whizzing, buzzing, crackling, and banging, as is -seldom heard either side of the Fourth of July, whilst the old man -dashed wildly about, showers of sparks flying in all directions from -his coat and hat. - -Rosie and Jack would have been frightened had they not been safely -held on Papa’s lap, and Aunt Gertrude, who had her arm tightly clasped -about Charlie Leonard, had whispered some words which had made him -quite ready to join the general clapping that followed, for was not -the giant, gray puss, with long, black tail, our own “Ned,” his face -covered with a fur mask, and body by an old fur cape, whilst the long -tail was Mamma’s boa, which the saucy rogue had helped himself to. -Sarah laughed till the tears run down her cheeks, as, seated upon the -carriage-block, she tells Charlotte and Nan, - -“How this werry night she had hunted for them glasses from Dan to -Beersheby, and had she a had ’em she should have ’spied her Sunday -stay-at-home-from-meeting cap was a-missin’. But if it gives them -young uns a saffishfacthun, as is got such tender hearts allers, Sarah -Jenkins’ll not say the first word if the cap be used up entirely. For -if young folks can’t take their liberties on the Fourth of July, she’d -like, for one, to know what freedom was fought for, anyway.” - -Papa explained that Jem, the man so “tattered and torn,” had -privately fastened pin-wheels on his hat, and sewed several packs of -fire-crackers to the lining of the coat, and pussy-cat had taken good -care that when he leaped over her, his coat-tails should brush against -the lighted torch and give a voice to the many squibs. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - - “The world of waters is our home, - And merry boys are we.” - - -At breakfast the next morning, Mr. Havens said, “Children, I have still -another pleasure to announce to you!” - -“Oh, what can it be! What can come next?” cried they. - -“You are to have a couple of hours more for your country frolics, and -then, just think of it, this kind Uncle Fred proposes to take us all, -on our homeward journey, in his yacht, as far as Rocky Point.” - -“Oh, isn’t that beautiful, elegant, splendid, delicious?” chimed -in many voices; and May slipped her hand into her father’s as she -whispered-- - -“Oh, Papa, if _we_ only but just could, too!” - -“Well, little daughter,” he replied, “you only just are to, all of you, -with Mamma to keep you steady. No, boys, no clapping,--you must quietly -enjoy the fact.” - -The boys obeyed their father’s words, but somehow the soft eggs in -their glasses needed an unusual amount of violent spoon-stirring, and -Mr. Havens heard little Alice, his next neighbor, repeating to herself, -over and over again, one of Kit’s favorite couplets-- - - “Says Aaron to Moses, let’s cut off our noses, - Says Moses to Aaron, it’s the fashion to wear ’em.” - -in order to restrain her impatience, for the child’s appetite had -quite left her, when she heard of the good time that was coming, and -breakfast seemed like such a long meal. - -“Those boys never know when to stop,” she said to herself, more than -once. - -The boys did “stop,” however, and directly after were seen trooping -down the lawn to the shore, for a boat launch. May, Gracie, and Daisy -were soon busy at work, making wreaths with Harry’s help, to deck the -pretty lamb, whilst Alice, with Mamma’s permission, carried Rosie off -to Farmer Shedd’s, to see the Donkeys in the old stable, first stopping -to fill their aprons with fresh clover and buttercups. Rosie had never -seen donkeys, and when, through the half-opened stable door, the pair -thrust out their shaggy necks, and pricked up their long ears, Rosie -was tempted to retreat; but when she heard Alice’s petting words, as -she stroked the peaceable animals, and saw how daintily they ate -all the nice grass she had brought, without once offering to bite the -white apron she held out, Rosie grew bolder, and emptied many times -the little cart of its load of grass, which shy Tommy Shedd brought -to them, and fed the good donkeys, even venturing to pat their shaggy -manes and tell the homely animals what “regular beauties” they were. - -[Illustration: Alice and Rosie visit Farmer Shedd’s Donkeys. Page 253.] - -The walk home didn’t prove a pleasant one, for, in an unlucky moment, -Charlotte had dressed Rosie in a scarlet flannel sack, because the -morning air was fresh and chill, and this very gay sack attracted a -Turkey Gobbler’s eye, as he strutted through Farmer Shedd’s yard, and -immediately he gobbled out a warning to Rosie to leave the premises, -and then started off in hot pursuit. Alice saw his Lordship’s meaning, -and began to run, pulling Rosie so hard to get her off the Gobbler’s -grounds, that roly-poly Rosie tripped her foot over a pan of chicken’s -food and fell upon the ground, screaming with terror. - -_Then_ shy Tommy Shedd showed what stuff _he_ was made of, for, -catching up an old broom, he gave the wrathful turkey such a chase, -that he flew on the high branch of a cherry tree, and there gobbled out -to his children’s children the tale of his rights and wrongs, whilst -Alice picked Rosie up and ran with her to the shelter of the home nest -for comfort and cleansing. - - * * * * * - -Two hours later, the _Psyche_ gracefully glides out of its little -harbor at the foot of the lawn, and spreads her trim sails to coax -the strong breeze to help her bear her merry party fairly out to the -beautiful Narragansett Bay. - -Yacht decks do not afford much space for young people to run about; but -the boys found a great deal to interest them in watching the steersman -managing the sails and rudder, as a rider his gay steed’s motions, -whilst the good-natured sailor spun many a yarn to while away the -time. Artie thought it great fun to hail the passing boats and receive -salutes in return; but the crowning bliss was when, gliding along in a -steamer’s wake, the spray showered them well, and drove them, screaming -with laughter, to the little cabin, whence they were driven out again -by their sisters, who were dressing their dolls for a wedding at sea; -for Daisy and May had agreed that, as they were so soon to be parted, -“it would be a comfort to know their dolls were relations to one -another, and even if the bride left for New York the next day, letters -could be written, and perhaps an occasional visit made, if either -pined for the other.” - -Jem was presently “whispered” down to perform the ceremony, for the -girls all were agreed if Kit, Ned, or Artie got an inkling of what was -going on, they were sure to turn everything into fun, and Gracie and -May had an instinctive idea that, somehow, getting married was not a -joke, but a very, very serious thing. Daisy had herself been with Mamma -at a church-wedding in New York, where some of the bridal guests shed -tears, so she thought that was the proper thing, and instructed the -girls to do the same, taking upon herself the duty of wiping Jack’s and -Charlie Leonard’s eyes, who, as privileged guests, were allowed to be -present, but were sure Daisy said, “to have no pocket-handkerchiefs.” - -Whilst the wedding was taking place, the boys, on deck, attempted a -game of Jackstraws, but in the midst of it, whilst Kit was excitedly -declaring that “Artie’s hand shook the least bit in the world,” and -Artie as warmly contending-- - -“It was only the tilting of the yacht,” a fresh breeze coolly settled -the hot little dispute by whisking away the straws, and provoking a -merry laugh. - -The gay party was just in the midst of their luncheon when the tower -of Rocky Point appeared, and very soon the _Psyche_ lay beside the -long wharf, the steersman its only occupant, whilst its chattering -passengers were climbing in advance of their elders up the steep -hill path, at the side of the hotel, in search of that greatest of -diversions, the “Monkey’s Cage.” An excursion boat had just landed -hundreds of pleasure-seekers, and they, too, with few exceptions, -crowded about the huge wire house. Red-faced Germans with wives, -children of all sizes and ages, and huge baskets of provisions, Irish -military men, with shamrock on their caps, and sweetheart or wife -on one arm, and the always present basket on the other, Frenchmen, -Englishmen, Portuguese, all crowding around, chattering their various -languages--made this inclosure a very Tower of Babel. It seemed queer -enough that the objects of so much attention should seem so utterly -unconscious of it all. There sat those little specimens of mock -humanity, nibbling the nuts thrown at them, combing their short hair -before their looking-glasses, or climbing up huge poles to tumble -down again, making grimaces at the lookers on, or slyly jumping up -to bite the tip of a fellow monkey’s tail, hanging invitingly from -the perch above. Week after week, month after month, year after year, -crowds gather about the monkey play-ground,--rich and poor, old and -young, grave and gay. The middle-aged college professor, wending his -way to the cool groves, where he may sit to read or think, fanned by -soft sea breezes, and refreshed by odors of fresh foliage and sweet -wild flowers,--halts here, and then goes smiling on his way to wonder -“whether monkeys are not, perhaps, his cousins after all.” - -Gay city damsels gather up their flounces, as they pass the dusty -throng, but are seen to cast a stealthy look, exclaiming as they do so-- - -“What _can_ people see so fascinating in monkeys!” and yet these same -monkeys daily attract to their performances, crowds of spectators, and -win shouts of applause on every side. - -We have only two hours to stay at Rocky Point, so we take off our hats -and wave our adieu to the chattering Jackos, and wend our way to peep -in the cave so gloomy, and thence to the inclined railway for a ride in -the little passenger car; now we stop for a moment to see the dancing -Bear uncork and drink his bottle of soda water; thence a hurried look -at the cage of birds, with their glorious plumage,--but we cannot -stop, for the younger children are clamoring loudly for a “ride on the -steam-horses,” so we hasten through the field to the inclosed yard, -where a dozen pairs of ponies, large and small, stand ready harnessed -for action. Hurrying through the little gate we lay down our pile of -clean ten-cent pieces,--seize our riding-whips, mount the gay ponies, -then a bell rings, the engine puffs, and away gallop the pairs of -ponies with their shouting riders. Papa and his companions, sitting -on a rustic bench near, find even the beautiful water-view has less -attraction for them than the bright faces of the ten young riders, -waving their whips, as they catch sight of the Papas and Mammas. -Nan and Charlotte press close to the scene of action, resting their -chins on the pickets which guard the enclosure, looking as if they, -too, would fain be young again. Soon Papa gives the signal that it is -nearly boat hour, and very reluctantly ponies and steam engine are -left behind, and all wend their way to the great piazza to watch the -steamboat’s approach, and as it comes puffing to the wharf, the young -faces lengthen as they bid “good-by,” and utter hopes of another speedy -meeting; then some climb down the little ladder to the yacht’s deck, -and the rest of the party press with the multitude through the gate, -and thence to the saloon of the _Morning Star_, on their return voyage -to Providence. - -It was a pretty well-fagged and drowsy party that tumbled into the -old family carriage that waited on the dock, and tumbled out again -as the horses stopped at the door of the Funny old house in Funny -street, and soon after, too tired to enjoy the nursery tea, tumbled -into their little beds to dream of bright green meadows, sandy parlors, -clam-bakes, and chattering monkeys. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -CONCLUSION. - - “It was nine years back, or more--if I don’t forget; - But as to the children, Fannie, they’re all about me yet. - Often they come to the door, in a pleasant kind of dream, - They come and sit by my chair, they hover about my bed,-- - I am not always certain if they be alive or dead.” - - -Aunt Emma came into the garden on the last morning of the children’s -visit, and calling them into the little arbor, said, - -“I feel sorry, dears, to interrupt your merry games, but I think, as -you are to travel all the afternoon, it is best you should rest now, so -I propose sitting with you for a quiet talk, and that you may remain -in the garden till the last moment, Celia will have lunch for us under -the trees.” - -“Oh! isn’t that nice, Auntie? We don’t mind one bit giving up, I Spy, -and Lady Queen Annie she sits in the Sun, she sends you three letters -and prays you read one,” cried Artie; and little Bear looking up -eagerly said, - -“Would it be too much trouble, Auntie, for you to tell us a good-bye -story?” - -“Certainly not, darling, but what shall it be about? You shall choose, -Harry.” - -“Well, I think I’d a little rather hear a story about animals than most -anything I can think of.” - -“Have I ever told you about Old Whitey?” - -“No, indeed,” cry all, “will you do it now?” - -“Some years ago, I went to board for a few weeks in a quiet mountain -village in Connecticut. The Farmer’s wife, with whom I stayed, was a -simple body who loved her cows, pigs and chickens next to her boys; but -above all of their out-of-door pets Old Whitey Cow reigned chief. One -day, I went into the barnyard, with Mrs. May, to watch the milking. -Whitey’s turn always came first, but for some wise reason of her own, -that morning, Madam Whitey kept out of the way, till her patient -Mistress could wait no longer, so called Speckled Sides to come to -her. Just as the white stream began to flow into the shining pail, Old -Whitey appeared, looking very much excited. Trotting briskly up to -Speckled Sides, she pushed her away with her horns, kicked over the -pail of milk, and _then_ stood demurely before her Mistress, as if she -had only done the most proper thing in the world. - -“One rainy morning, as I pushed my window-curtain aside, I saw Tom -May and his Brother coming up the lane, with a large umbrella over -their heads, from under which Whitey’s broad flanks and bushy tail -appeared. Mrs. May told me whenever the boys came into the pasture with -an umbrella, Whitey would come trotting up and put her head under its -shelter, and walk along as the village people used to say, ‘just like -folks.’ - -“One day the good old creature strayed away from home and visited -the village, where she surprised a fine city lady who was boarding -there for the Summer, by suddenly thrusting her head under her silk -sun-umbrella and showing her intention to join in the promenade. -When the lady indignantly stamped her foot and scolded, Old Whitey -retreated as if subdued, but, a moment after, ran up behind her, thrust -her horns under the umbrella, and, to the great amusement of the -lookers on, and greatly to the indignation of the umbrella’s owner, -bore it triumphantly off through the principal street of the village. - -“Fancy the surprise of the May family, when they saw Old Whitey coming -up the lane, with her head sheltered by a silk umbrella through which -her horns were sticking. - -“Mrs. May tells another story about her favorite’s intelligence. She -had an Irish girl living with her, who had a lover, a stable boy, -living near. One day Mike visited his Biddie as she was preparing to -milk Whitey, and Biddie became so engaged in her talk that she forgot -her business. - -“In vain Whitey whisked her bushy tail in the milk-maid’s face; Biddie -had eyes and ears for no one but Mike. At last the impatient animal -turned slowly around to see what was the trouble, and immediately -rushed up to poor Mike, and fairly drove him from the barn yard, then -took her place before the astonished Biddie, who did not need to be -again reminded of her duty.” - -That is the end of the Whitey story, and there is Papa coming to join -us, and Hugh follows with the table. - -“Oh, isn’t this a regular Pic-Nic,” said the children, as they gathered -around the little table which Celia had taken pains should be covered -with her daintiest dishes. - -“And Auntie dear,” said thoughtful Daisy, “I don’t think we can ever -thank you enough for giving us such a lovely time. I don’t think any -children ever had so much pleasure.” - -“I wish,” said little Jack, with mouth full, as usual, “I wish there -was out of doors in New York ’cept the Park.” - -In spite of the parting so near, that was a pleasant meal. The old -apple tree spread its branches protectingly over the young heads, -choice flowers perfumed the air about them, and Robins, Locusts and -Crickets formed an Orchestra to supply sweet music. - -Papa’s watch at last told the parting near, and very sad were the -little faces that Aunt Emma saw looking back from the open carriage, at -the Funny House on Funny Street. - -“God bless and keep my darlings,” the old Auntie murmured, “and bring -us all to meet one day in that bright land where partings are unknown.” - -Then the kind old Aunt, taking Charlie Leonard with her, went to see a -poor sick girl, and whilst she spoke words of comfort to the sufferer, -the ache left her own heart, and all was peace and joy within. - - * * * * * - -Thrusting aside the Library curtains at 310 Madison Avenue, for we fain -would have another glance at the Little Menagerie, we see them all -gathered about Mamma, all so eager to tell of the rare pleasures they -have enjoyed, and all so happy to be at home again, that there is no -room in their young hearts for regrets for past pleasures. - -Farewell, little folk! The Funny Old House on Funny Street no longer -reëchoes with your merry voices and frolicsome steps, but the sunshine -you brought there still seems to linger in its every apartment, but -most of all in the loving hearts you have left behind. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[A] “Oh, is it you, little one? That was a great knocking.” - - - - -Transcriber's Note: - - -Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as -possible, including inconsistent hyphenation. 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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: The Haven Children - or Frolics at the Funny Old House on Funny Street - -Author: Emilie Foster - -Release Date: September 9, 2020 [EBook #63162] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HAVEN CHILDREN *** - - - - -Produced by Charlene Taylor, Paul Clark and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter" id="cover"> - <img src="images/cover.jpg" width="601" height="800" alt="" /> -</div> - -<h1>The Haven Children</h1> - -<div class="figcenter illow457px" id="frontis"> -<img src="images/frontis.png" width="457" height="600" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> - -<p class="right">Frontispiece.</p> - -<p>Kit and Larry Launching their Boats. Page 243.</p></div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="center"><span class="xxlarge">THE HAVEN CHILDREN</span><br /> -OR<br /> -<span class="xlarge">FROLICS AT THE FUNNY OLD HOUSE ON<br /> -FUNNY STREET</span></p> - -<p class="center p2">BY<br /> -<span class="large">EMILIE FOSTER</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter p2" id="titlepage"> - <img src="images/titlepage.png" width="268" height="262" alt="" /> -</div> -<div class="center"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Johnny Black</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Who always came back”</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="center p2">NEW YORK<br /> -<span class="large">E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">713 Broadway</span><br /> -1876<br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="center">Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1875, by<br /> -E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY,<br /> -In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="center">To CHRISTIAN BAYARD BÖRS,</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Who, for Four Years, gave to The Funny House<br /> -on Funny Street,<br /> -so much of its Life and Brightness,<br /> -and<br /> -A Merry Band<br /> -of Nieces and Nephews,<br /> -This Little Book is Inscribed, by their loving Aunt</span>, -</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Who asks not a life for those dear ones,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">All radiant, as others have done,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But that life may have just enough shadow</div> - <div class="verse indent2">To temper the glare of the sun.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><i>Providence, 1875.</i></p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<table summary="Table of contents"> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr small smcap">Chap.</td> -<td> </td> -<td class="tdl small smcap">Page.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_I">I</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>The Great Surprise</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">7</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_II">II</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>The Haven Family</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">19</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_III">III</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>Journey to Providence</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">30</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">IV</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>Sunday in the Nursery</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">47</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_V">V</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>Rainy-day Frolics in the Old Garret</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">69</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">VI</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>Frolics in the Garden</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">86</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">VII</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>The Fairy Feast</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">98</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">VIII</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>On the Road</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">114</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">IX</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>The Old Brown Farm</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">129</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_X">X</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>Tea Under the Great Elm</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">148</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">XI</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>A Sail down Narragansett Bay</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">160</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">XII</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>Jem, Kit, Ned, Grace, May, and Alice</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">179</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">XIII</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>Fourth of July at Harmony Hall</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">193</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">XIV</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>Shore Dinner and Clam Bake</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">214</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">XV</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>Tiger and Ranger</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">234</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">XVI</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>On the Yacht, bound for Rocky Point</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">250</td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><i><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">XVII</a>.</i></td> -<td class="tdtitle"><i>Farewell to the Funny House on Funny Street</i>,</td> -<td class="tdr">260</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[Pg 7]</span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_I"><span class="smcap">The Haven Children</span>;</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">OR,<br /> -<span class="large"><i>FROLICS AT THE FUNNY OLD HOUSE ON<br /> -FUNNY STREET</i>.</span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“A dreary place would be this earth,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Were there no little people in it;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The song of life would lose its mirth,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Were there no children to begin it.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Daisy Havens was awakened from a -sound sleep, one bright June morning, -by a fearful banging on her bedroom door, -and as she rubbed her sleepy eyes, and -curled herself up for another nap, there came -a shrill volley of boy’s talk through the key-hole.</p> - -<p>“I say, Daisy Havens, I’d be ashamed to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[Pg 8]</span> -be such a sleepy-head. There’s no end of -fun going on in the nursery. The Menagerie -are all up and dressed, and Mamma has -invited them to feed in the dining-room. I -say, sleeping beauty, open your ears, if your -eyes <i>are</i> shut. Mamma has a letter from Papa, -with a surprise for us. So there—sleep on -now, as much as you <i>can</i>. I’m off, for one.”</p> - -<p>The last shot through the key-hole has -taken effect, and Daisy’s bare feet patter -quickly across the hall, where, leaning over -the bannisters, she catches a glimpse of Artie’s -blue sailor-suit, disappearing through the -nursery door, from whence proceeds a merry -clangor of high-pitched young sopranos and -the deeper tones of desperate nurses.</p> - -<p>Daisy hastens back, almost forgetting the -surprise in store, for very vexation that “Artie -couldn’t just wait a minute.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[Pg 9]</span></p> - -<p>What trials await her now! Those little -elves from the “city of mischief,” so prone to visit -children all agog with excitement about some -expected pleasure, are all about and around -her; now tangling her crimped locks, and cruelly -waylaying her comb in its way through -them, now whisking off a button or the tin of -a boot-lace, now shaking her arm and tumbling -her tooth-brush into the slop-jar. Poor -Daisy! tears are in her eyes, as she bends -over to fish for the troublesome little brush. -Alas! her trials are not over, for turning hastily -around, she forgets the full pitcher, which, -in her bewilderment, she placed on the floor, -and now a cool douche reminds her of its -presence.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“There’s water, water all around,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But not a drop to drink.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The pretty rose-buds and fern-leaves on<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[Pg 10]</span> -the new carpet are completely drowned. Daisy’s -neat boots are weighed down with their -additional weight of water, and Daisy herself -stands upon a chair, “sending coals to Newcastle,” -as the torrent pours from her blue -eyes. Just then the door bursts open, and -Jacko, the little monkey, escaped from the -family menagerie keeper, shouts out, “Oh, -Daisy, ain’t you coming to the exprise?” then -lowering his tones as he catches sight of the -catastrophe and tearful Daisy on her high -perch, cries—</p> - -<p>“Was you shipwrecked, Daisy dear, and was -you throwed on the rocks? Oh, isn’t it fun to -paddle? I think water is the best fun of anything.”</p> - -<p>“Dais-y! where <i>is</i> the child?” sounds out a -loud, ringing voice, as Rosie, the companion -monkey of the family collection, appears on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[Pg 11]</span> -threshold. “Doesn’t she know what’s going on? -Oh, dear, dear, what a awful splash! What -ever’ll happen to you, Miss Daisy?”</p> - -<p>With this crumb of doubtful comfort dropped, -Rosie runs off panting to the nursery, to tell how -“Miss Daisy, that’s always preaching to us children, -is behaving a purpose.”</p> - -<p>Now Daisy, be it known, is the family owl, -and has the habit of looking very grave and -wise, and using those aggravating words, “I told -you so,” to the younger members of the family, -so Daisy’s misfortune, this morning, is rather -“nuts” for the companion monkeys to crack.</p> - -<p>The news of the “shipwreck” reaches the -nursery, and Charlotte, who has a very soft -spot in her heart for little folks in distress, -and whose office it is to mend the family jars -and straighten out the family tangles, hastens -to the floating island, rescues the family owl,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[Pg 12]</span> -dries the dripping feathers, and then marshals -the chattering group to the dining-room for -the rare pleasure of a “high breakfast” with -Mamma and Aunt Lellie.</p> - -<p>A smiling greeting there awaits them, and -then Mamma bids Artie take Papa’s place at -the head of the table, and after a simple grace, -enters into the general fun.</p> - -<p>“Mamma,” pleads one, “need nobody count -our cakes this morning, and may we make -our own spread of marmalade?”</p> - -<p>“Mamma, dear, can’t we have two helps -of strawberries. They are so very delicious, and -Charlotte will give us peppermint and sugar -if they hurt.”</p> - -<p>Aunt Lellie’s suggestion that, by way of -preventive, the strawberries should be seasoned -with peppermint and sugar, was received with -merry laughter, and then the clamor went on.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[Pg 13]</span></p> - -<p>“Oh, Mamma, just look at Rosie!”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Bee’s in the honey-pot</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Up to its eyes,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>quoted Artie.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I ain’t either, I was just peering to -see if the honey would last for another ‘go-round,’” -indignantly replied Rosie, whilst the delicate -touches of sweets on the end of her -“tip-tilted” little nose, and on her round forehead, -produced a merry laugh from all, and -proved nearly fatal to Jacko, with his mouth -full of buttered cakes.</p> - -<p>The din of mingled voices, with their interrogations -and exclamations, re-echoed by -Baby Mocking-Bird’s accompaniment of Pap-spoon -Tatto on her plate, began to grow terrific, -so Mamma, by a single word, summoned -the little ones to perfect quiet, whilst -she unfolded “the surprise” in Papa’s letter.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[Pg 14]</span></p> - -<p>Let us pass over the pleas used to convince -Mamma, to the single sentence—</p> - -<p>“I want you to send on the whole Menagerie -(little Birdie excepted) with one of -the nurses, by the Shore-line train, to Providence, -Saturday, to accept Aunt Emma’s kind -invitation to visit her. Hugh and I will meet -them at the station.”</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The reading of the letter was followed by -an almost painful calm. Its meaning was too -great to be taken in all at once, but gradually -it dawned upon their bewildered little -intellects that this was Saturday, and in less -than four hours they would be on their journey -to the far-away city and “Aunt Emma,” -who was, to them, a sort of good fairy, who -always remembered the six birthdays, and -seemed a kind of familiar friend of Santa<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[Pg 15]</span> -Claus, or, as Rosie said—“She guessed they -had growed up together, and been to the -same school.”</p> - -<p>However that may be, certain fact it was, -that whatever wishes they had whispered up -the dark chimney the week before, were sure -to be realized when, Christmas morning, -the Adams Express wagon left a huge box -marked “Providence,” with Aunt Emma’s card -fastened on to the plum pudding, so sure to -form the first layer, with the good Auntie’s -assurance to Mamma, “It was made, by -Celia, very weak, to suit the children.”</p> - -<p>The nurses now appeared to carry off -the younger folk to the nursery, thereby -making short work of Jack’s series of joy-speaking -somersaults, whose chief feature, much -to his elder brother’s scarcely veiled contempt, -seemed to be, that the heels never<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[Pg 16]</span> -reached their destination, but remained dangling -in the air.</p> - -<p>Whilst the little ones, in the nursery, are -riding astride the trunks which had appeared -there, or tumbling over the piles of clean -clothes spread out by Kitty; Artie and Daisy, -as eldest son and daughter, are listening to -some good advice from Mamma, who is putting -the younger members of her flock under -their care, urging Artie not to tease poor little -Bear, who is really not well, and apt -sometimes to be a little tiresome, and—cross, -if we must say it. Daisy, too, is to try to -be more gentle and patient with her little sister -and brother. Then she bids them remember -the verse which formed the subject -of last Sunday evening’s talk,—“Be ye kindly -affectionate one toward another, in honor preferring -one another.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[Pg 17]</span></p> - -<p>She had then told them in how many ways -they might bring sunshine into their own homes, -the great outside world, and into their own -hearts too, if they were constantly striving to -be “kindly affectionate” and studying how -they might</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Yield their way to others’ way,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>not selfishly seeking for themselves the best. -She begged them to keep this little verse ever -in their childish hearts, that so, with the dear -Lord’s blessing, its echo might be found in -their lives.</p> - -<p>Mamma did not make her sober talk very -long, for she knew the little heads and hearts -had just about enough to fill them now, and -she saw Artie’s big blue eyes were growing -hazy, for with all his faults, he was a boy of -loving heart, where Mamma reigned supreme,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[Pg 18]</span> -and just then a little cloud was drifting over -the bright sunny prospect before him, as he -thought of leaving her without Papa or eldest -son to care for her.</p> - -<p>Little boys know how soon their sailor-coat-sleeves -will dry up tearful eyes and let -bright sunshine again into boy-hearts (for -mammas and nurses well know that a little -boy’s handkerchief is a myth), and Artie was -soon chasing his sister up the stairs, “two -steps at a time,” to hunt for his fishing-line, -which, in New York, had only caught such -fish as might present themselves, whilst angling -over the bannisters, or from between -the bars of nursery windows, but now the -young fisherman’s eyes sparkled as he thought -of squirming perch, silvery scup and tautog -to be caught in old Narragansett Bay, as his -Papa had done in his boy-days.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[Pg 19]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“I pray you hear my song of this nest,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">For it is not long.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>I suppose I must follow the fashion of -all story-tellers, and introduce my young -readers to the Haven family, one by one. -I grant it is rather tiresome, but you know, -the first thing in the study of grammar is to -get some knowledge of all the little parts -which make up the great Family of Speech; -so, in your Geography, you must make the -separate acquaintance of little streams and -bays as well as of great rivers and oceans, -tiny capes, huge promontories, and continents, -before you can have much idea of the great<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[Pg 20]</span> -world; so, in every-day life, we get on better, -and feel much more at our ease with -new acquaintances, after we have learned something -about them, so I will begin by telling -you that Mr. and Mrs. Havens lived in a -brown stone house on Madison avenue, and -if you had chanced to pass Forty-second street -early some Spring morning, and looked up -to the third story windows of one of the -houses on your left, you, most likely, would -have seen six little faces looking out, six little -noses and six pairs of chubby cheeks -flattened against the window-panes, earnestly -studying the movements of that little girl in -soiled dress. Poor child! her tatters, flapping -apart with the motion of the warm south wind, -show two thin, stockingless, shoeless legs, telling -a tale of want and neglect at home, as her little -iron hook clinks against the curb-stones,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[Pg 21]</span> -seeking to find hidden treasures of rags or -bread-crust to fill the bag she bears. Do you -guess why the thin, soiled, childish face looks -up so earnestly at the window of No. 310, -as she passes? It is because there she finds -the one little rift of cheer which steals into -the poor heart, the day long. Child as she -is, knowing nothing of a true home and mother’s -tenderness, she reads, with a child’s instinct, -the sympathy and companionship in -those bright young faces, and well remembers -how, early every Sunday morning, a little basket -is let down from those windows filled -with nice bits which the children have saved -from their Saturday’s dinner and Sunday’s -breakfast, gifts costing them often a little -self-denial, for which they are well repaid by -the bright look in the girl’s face as she draws -out the apple or the orange which, yesterday,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[Pg 22]</span> -was handled over so many times, and wistfully -gazed at before its owner could quite -willingly consign it to the little basket. Can -you not see, now, why Papa and Mamma, -gazing from the windows, regard that poor -child’s bag with so much interest, nay, almost -reverence? They feel as if, somehow, it became -the little altar on which, each Lord’s -day, their dear ones offered up their gifts of -that which had cost them something of self-denial, -and they prayed that the Holy Dove -might ever nestle in their young hearts, -prompting to love and kindly deeds which, offered -to those little neglected city waifs, is indeed -offered to Him who has said, “Inasmuch -as ye have done it unto one of the least of -these little ones, ye have done it unto Me.”</p> - -<p>Those third-story windows let <i>in</i>, too, a -deal of sunlight to the Family Menagerie, in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[Pg 23]</span> -the nursery, where the Keeper, Master Artie, -a bright boy of ten, when not engaged—as, -very sorry I am to say it, he sometimes is—in -teasing the little animals in the nursery -cage, is often to be found quirled up in the -wide window-seat, following Napoleon Bonaparte -through his snowy Russian marches, or -on the bloody, fatal field of Waterloo, or -reading aloud to the never-wearied trio of -the wonderful content and skilful management -of that remarkable Swiss Family Robinson, -who seem to have borrowed the brains as -well as the daring of the great Crusoe.</p> - -<p>Daisy, the family Owl, has a wise look -beaming from her large full eyes. Seldom -does eight years bring such a deal of wisdom -to a young mind, such wonderful acuteness in -discovering family faults, and such readiness in -reproving the same; but Daisy is loving, per<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[Pg 24]</span>fectly -truthful, and really a great help to the -nurses in the care of the little ones. She is -a most devoted mother to two wax, two china, -and one large rag doll. Patiently and uncomplainingly, -has she watched over their sick-beds, -nursing them tenderly through their -various stages of whooping cough, measles, -and scarlet fever, and the nurses tell “how -pale Miss Daisy looked, one morning, when, -on going to Felicie’s little bed, she saw the -face of the young French beauty quite disfigured -with what was, probably, the very disease -which was then raging in New York.”</p> - -<p>Poor Felicie was taken, for fear of infection, -to the attic, and even now, bears traces -of the sad disease. It was a most curious -fact that Master Artie, too, was kept, that -very day, in solitary confinement by Mamma -for some reason, and it <i>was</i> whispered among<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[Pg 25]</span> -the servants that <i>he</i> could tell, better than -any one else, just how and where Felicie -caught the disease. Two kittens claim Daisy -as their Mamma also; she is very careful of -them, fearful that their lives may be brief, like -those of most of her pets; and it is strange -that kittens, grown in the same house with -small boys, are not generally long-lived.</p> - -<p>There is quite a miniature cemetery at -the farther end of the little garden. A thrifty -fish geranium shelters the grave of three -little pets who once inhabited the aquarium -in the nursery and delighted the little ones -by their golden flashes, as they gayly tossed -about.</p> - -<p>One morning the little lake was very, very -smooth and still. No more golden rays flashed -forth. Three little fishes lay quite dead! -Somehow, for a careful search revealed the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[Pg 26]</span> -fact, their bill of fare had been changed, and -Papa’s science proved very clearly that their -new diet had been too rich for them.</p> - -<p>A little farther on, tiny rose-bushes adorn -the graves of kittens numberless whose life’s -tales had been very short. Two tiny tablets -mark the graves of a lovely bullfinch and -a rare canary, whose last resting-places have -been moistened by true mourners’ tears.</p> - -<p>In the attic, a miniature house may be -seen. Daisy alone keeps the key, and rarely -allows visitors to enter. Peeping through the -little windows, the invalid chairs and snow-white -beds reveal the fact that this is the -“Doll Hospital.” Incurables are admitted too, -for there is a headless doll, apparently standing -to look out of the window. There lies -a patient with an abscess or hole in her side. -I can guess what young surgeon’s knife ex<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[Pg 27]</span>plored -there. By this poor, thin dolly sits -another, with bandaged head slightly turned -on one side. In the male ward there are no -end of patients, one-legged, no-legged, armless, -toothless, eyeless, noseless.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Ah, it is pitiful!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">In this whole housefull,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Sound-limbed—not one.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>A little vase of flowers on a white covered -table, and various other little tokens plainly -show that the little “Sister of Mercy’s” visits -to the Hospital are very frequent.</p> - -<p>I have wandered far from the nursery, -and now must quickly retrace my steps, for -still there is Rosie’s round, chubby face, whose -archness is partly veiled by the shower of -golden curls which screen the mischief their -owner is sure to be hatching, and funny,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[Pg 28]</span> -laughing Jack, the companion monkey. These -two little folk are, generally, to be found with -their heads together, conscious that the eyes -of the two nurses are on the watch for their -schemes.</p> - -<p>Beg pardon Bear, or Master Harry, your -six years, with their little burden of hours of -pain and languor, which give your dark eyes -such a wistful look, as of longing for the -great health-gift which makes child-life such</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“A thing of joy and beauty,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>entitle you to be introduced before the pair of -rollicking young monkies. Dear little Bear, -do you know why Mamma and nurses deal -so gently with your impatience, and Sister -Daisy soothes you with such loving tones? -Ah me! there is a cloud-fleck somewhere in -the bluest sky,—a shadow on each sun-lit path,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[Pg 29]</span> -a withered leaf on every plant,—the dear -Lord places a cross in every Eden, side by -side with richest earthly blessings.</p> - -<p>One more little figure attracts us, whose -sunny ringlets, like a golden setting, encircle -the fair face of the peerless little Lily, the -Nursery Queen, at whose shrine brothers and -sisters bow most loyal subjects.</p> - -<p>Yes, little Mocking-bird, your sway is undisputed, -you may pull off Aunt Kitty’s cap-strings, -wring young Jacko’s saucy nose, tear -the leaves of Artie’s book, or even, unrebuked, -hurl your rattle at poor little Bear’s -pale face. It is all right! The acts of Queen -Baby are never questioned by her willing -subjects.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[Pg 30]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Whirled on with shriek and whistle.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Let us draw a curtain over the scenes of -the last hour at home, for partings, -though some have called them</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Such sweet sorrow,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>have a deal of the bitter mingled with them, -when a dear Mamma and baby-sisters have -to be left behind.</p> - -<p>The last bell has sounded, the last trunk -been hurled into the baggage-car, the last -“All aboard” has been shouted, and the “Shore-Line -Express Train,” with its precious load of -human life, is steaming out from under the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[Pg 31]</span> -shelter of the Grand Central, rushing through -the Forties, Fifties, Sixties, and past the beautiful -Park, with hasty glimpses at its trees, Casino, -lakes, and glittering equipages.</p> - -<p>The little travelling party have a section -in the Palace Car, and there they are sitting -very demurely; they are not used to travelling, -for Mamma’s idea has always been that -“Home is the best place for little folk,” and -now they are somewhat stunned by the strangeness -and excitement; but suddenly Rosie, who -is not apt to stay “stunned,” screams—</p> - -<p>“O, childerns, do look out of the window. -We are riding on nothing, with all the world -both sides of us.”</p> - -<p>The sight which met the young, eager eyes -was indeed wonderful. Ignorant of any danger, -they seemed held in the air by some -magic spell. They are fairly roused now;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[Pg 32]</span> -their spirits rise to the highest point, as they -chatter of bridges, rocks, tiny men, women, -and houses beneath, when suddenly, without -any preparation, a “horror of great darkness” -comes over them. What can it mean? The -cold, damp dungeon, and the loud, clanging -sounds? The little faces look ghastly white -by the light of the flickering lamps above -them, as they cling close to good Charlotte.</p> - -<p>With the feeling of terror, to the older -ones, comes back, in the twinkling of an eye, -thoughts of Him to whom they have been -taught “the darkness and the light are both -alike.” Half unconsciously, little prayers linger -on their lips, thoughts of dear Mamma, with -resolves to be more “kindly affectioned,” -and then they come out again into the welcome -light, and as the heavy weight of fear -is lifted from their childish hearts, their spirits<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[Pg 33]</span> -rise with every advancing mile, till their merry -peals and funny speeches call forth smiles -from many travellers in the car without.</p> - -<p>Still on they go, with the ceaseless jarring -and unearthly whistle’s shriek, through towns -and villages, woods and meadows; now journeying -side by side with the blue waters of the -Sound, with its grateful breezes, its tiny craft -and pebbly shore; now hiding behind some -hill or grove to come springing upon the -smiling water-view again.</p> - -<p>Little eyes are growing weary of sight-seeing. -To little ears the cries of conductors, pop-corn -and prize-package venders have lost their -freshness; the sun seems suddenly to grow -very hot. The cage seems very narrow. Artie -is crowding Daisy, and Bear “thinks the -Monkies might stop their chatter, for his head -aches.” Suddenly a cool, fresh sea-breeze<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[Pg 34]</span> -blows through the heated car,—a loud bell -peals, a heavy jolt shakes the train, and Jack -screams—</p> - -<p>“Oh, childerns the cars is riding in a steamboat,” -and Daisy reminds Charlotte—</p> - -<p>“This is the time Mamma said we were to -dine.”</p> - -<p>What a merry pic-nic now! Hannah, -the cook’s, preparation of that basket was, indeed, -a labor of love.</p> - -<p>Such rolls, with a “plenty of butter!” -Such “a many chicken-wings” and “drumsticks” -to be picked!</p> - -<p>Oh, Mamma! could you have the heart to -deny poor Hannah the pleasure of “smuggling” -in those tiny gooseberry tartlets?</p> - -<p>Good old Hannah! it was the thought of -the pleasure those unusual dainties would give -the tired travellers, which moistened your eye<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[Pg 35]</span> -as you stowed the basket in the carriage at -the door, for you dearly love those bairnies, -and have welcomed each one into the world -of sorrow and gladness as you did the Mother-bird, -in your younger days; and those -dainty morsels are messages from your -big heart, your own simple way of telling -them how dear they are to those they have -left behind. How you would have enjoyed the -little dialogue which followed the swallowing -of the last crumb!</p> - -<p>Jack speaks: “Rosie, if I was a great -King, I would have Hannah for my wife, and -eat gooseberry tarts all day long, and Sundays -too, and never stop.”</p> - -<p>“Sister Daisy,” breaks in Rosie, “do you -suspect if the misshenries should give the -heathen-crocodiles plenty of gooseberry tarts, -they would eat such a many childerns?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[Pg 36]</span></p> - -<p>Sister Daisy is, just now, occupied in peering -under the napkin’s folds, if, perchance, an -extra tart might be there concealed, and wondering -if it would be her duty to divide it -with all the little ones, so she replied, with -some tartness in her tones,—</p> - -<p>“How foolish! if you will talk sense, I will -answer you,” and Jack replies meekly for his -companion—</p> - -<p>“Little folks can’t always tell sense, Sister -Daisy.”</p> - -<p>There is one more package, marked, “From -Mamma; not to be opened till an hour after -dinner,” and when the hour passed, there were -found bright golden bananas and oranges, -with their luscious juiciness, to refresh and -amuse the weary little travellers.</p> - -<p>That fruit did a double duty, for the children -braided the banana rinds, made “gums”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[Pg 37]</span> -of the orange-peel, and filliped the pits out of -the window, till nothing was left of their feast; -then, as the sun went down behind the far-away -hills, the little limbs grew weary, little -tempers fretful. Daisy then remembered “to -be kindly affectionate one toward another,” -and with a half-suppressed sigh, closed that -interesting book, “Cushions and Corners,” just -at that thrilling part when the two children “are -making wine jelly, or rather spilling wine -jelly on the kitchen floor,” and taking Rosie -and Jack, one on either side, she tells them -the story of the little Cushions who ever were -and remained Cushions, and the little Corners -that became Cushions, after much tribulation.</p> - -<p>Daisy is well paid for her self-denial by the -interest the little upturned faces show, and -soothed by her gentle tones, Bear droops his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[Pg 38]</span> -tired head on the shawl-pillow Artie has fixed -on Charlotte’s knee.</p> - -<p>The kind elder sister’s power of story-telling -was at last quite exhausted, and her spirit -ready to rebel at Jack’s continued plea.</p> - -<p>“Do, Sister Daisy, do tell another. It’s so -hot and tired here.”</p> - -<p>Just then a pleasant face looked out of -the opposite section, and a kindly voice called -out—</p> - -<p>“Come, little folk, come into my den, and -I’ll tell you no end of stories.”</p> - -<p>There was no hesitation then. Cushions -and Corners, nurse, dolls, and sleeping brother -were all left behind.</p> - -<p>That section must have been made of India -rubber; originally, it held but two, and its -occupant, the clergyman of —— Church, Providence, -who formed the centre figure of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[Pg 39]</span> -group, was no shadowy outline, but real flesh -and bones, and a great deal of both, yet -there was room for Artie and Daisy on either -side, whilst for Rosie and Jack, there was a -knee apiece, and a shoulder, too, for each -tired head; for the clergyman had well conned -the lesson of his Master—</p> - -<p>“As ye have done it unto one of these -little ones, ye have done it unto Me,” and so -it was that the shrill whistle shrieked out -their near approach to Providence, tired -travellers took down their wraps and bundles -from the racks above, and Bear started, with a -fretful cry, before the children had thought of -growing weary of the stories of Narragansett -Bay, the Indians who once inhabited its shore, -with hosts of boy-adventures so frightful as to -make them shiver, or so funny as to make -them hold their wearied sides.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[Pg 40]</span></p> - -<p>The kind clergyman lifted poor little Bear, -too tired to resist, and tenderly placed him in -Papa’s arms, who gratefully pressed the stranger’s -hand, whilst his quick eye searched for -each household darling to make them over to -Hugh’s care, to be piloted through the line -of noisy hack and baggage-men, to the waiting -carriage.</p> - -<p>Little Jack remembered to lift his hat, as -he again caught sight of the stranger clergyman -disappearing in the crowd, and cried out, -to his lady-like Sister Daisy’s horror—</p> - -<p>“Good-bye, Mister Story Teller.”</p> - -<p>Barnum’s animals, in their cages, passing -through a city’s crowded streets, are remarkably -quiet and well-behaved, but many an inhabitant -of the good city looked up, that night, -as a large, old-fashioned family carriage and -two bay horses, driven by the blackest of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[Pg 41]</span> -coachmen, displaying, in a very pleased and -harmless way, the whitest of teeth, bearing the -noisy little Madison Avenue Menagerie, rattled -over the curb-stones of Exchange Place, -right under the shadow of the Soldiers’ monument, -through Westminster street, in its fearful -narrowness, and over the Great Bridge. -The carriage halted here a moment that the -little animals might catch a breath of the fresh -sea air coming up from the bay, through the -little river which forms the lungs of Providence, -and gives this beautiful city its Venetian aspect.</p> - -<p>With mingled feelings of enjoyment and -terror, the young folk see themselves ascending -the steep hill-side, and are nothing loath to -find the carriage halting before a quaint, old -house, whose every window sends out a stream -of light to welcome them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[Pg 42]</span></p> - -<p>A cheery-looking old colored woman, with -a brightly-turbaned head, appears at the door, -whilst a younger one peeps over her shoulder. -Papa calls out in a proud, glad tone—</p> - -<p>“Here, Celia and Nan, come get these poor, -stray, hungry little creatures. I found them at -the station and took pity on them. I make -them over to you and wish you joy in your -bargain—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“So give them a supper of water and bread,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Then whip them all soundly and send them to bed.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Papa’s jokes were always well received -and the little folk forgot the strangeness, as -they were unpacked by him and Hugh, to be -handed over to Celia and Nan’s tender care. -Little Jack seemed to grow an inch taller at -hearing Celia cry out—</p> - -<p>“Now then, Mister John, this child be’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[Pg 43]</span> -your werry own self. Them feeters is just -your own. Bless the creeter. He’s my -mans.”</p> - -<p>Papa looked at Jack’s saucy little pug -nose, and felt his own Grecian feature, evidently -very much struck with the great resemblance, -then passed on, with Bear in his -arms, to the library door, where good Aunt -Emma was hugging and being hugged by -the other three.</p> - -<p>Dear old Auntie, with your plain, kindly -face, and silver, corkscrew curls! The tears -of joy which sprang to your eyes when you -greeted your favorite nephew’s treasures, well -up and course rapidly down your thin cheeks -as your heart goes out in sympathy for the -tired little boy with the melancholy, wistful -look.</p> - -<p>Old Celia now appears, with Jack’s fat<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[Pg 44]</span> -legs dangling over her arms, whilst the round -face is very rosy, partly from suffocation in -her tight clasp, and partly from mortification -at being thus publicly “babied.”</p> - -<p>No sooner were the greetings finished, than -Celia cried out—</p> - -<p>“Come, children to the nursery, we’ll just -give a shake to them gowns and trowsers, -and wipe off a bit of the dust from your little -faces, and then have a bit of somethin’. -Bread and water! Did ye hear tell? I guess -it’s likely in this yer house, and old Celia in -it! Allers Mister John must have his little -joke.”</p> - -<p>The nursery looked so cool and pleasant, -and the little table with its tempting feast so -inviting, that even Bear submitted without resistance -to a cool face-sponging and hair-dressing.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[Pg 45]</span></p> - -<p>Papa and Aunt Emma came up to see the -little ones at the table enjoying the good things -Celia had provided.</p> - -<p>Papa shook his head, more than once, as -tiny, light biscuits, cold chicken, and strawberries -disappeared, much to Celia and Nan’s satisfaction.</p> - -<p>Refreshed by the rest and pleasant meal, -everything was “merry as a marriage bell.” -Daisy thought “How easy it is going to be, -here, to be ‘Cushions’ all the time, in such -a nice, cool place as Providence.”</p> - -<p>The Monkey chattered over their famous -jokes, and Bear’s laugh thrilled Papa’s soul -as no strain of sweet music could have done.</p> - -<p>The older ones bade the young party “Good-night,” -and left them to their nurses, Papa -whispering to Aunt Emma, as they left the -room—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[Pg 46]</span></p> - -<p>“I am afraid we shall hear from that feast, -Auntie. I shall have to spend the night reading -‘Dewees on Children’s Diseases.’ I suspect -Fanny would think me very unfit to be trusted -with her bairns.”</p> - -<p>“Never fear,” merrily replied Aunt Emma, -“they are breathing sea air, and are so happy, -their food will do them no harm, I am quite -sure, and if Celia and I can help it, they -shan’t see hominy or oat-meal whilst they are -here. Bless the darlings!”</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[Pg 47]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Dippity dash, dippity dash,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Wash his face with a merry splash!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Polish it well with a towel fine,—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Oh, how his eyes and his cheeks will shine!</div> - <div class="verse indent10">Dippity dash, dippity dash.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Sunday morning’s sun peered long into -the windows of the quaint house on -Funny street; the milkmen,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“All dressed in their Sunday suits,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>completed their rounds, Grace Church chimes -rang out “Jerusalem the Golden,” and the -“Old Baptist” bell sent forth its loud, full -tones, before the heavy eyelids of three little -travellers had opened wide enough to take in -any idea of their whereabouts.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[Pg 48]</span></p> - -<p>Artie and Daisy, in snow-white suits, have -breakfasted down stairs, and are now curled -up in comfortable sofa-corners, reading the -“Children’s Magazine.” Hugh’s voice is heard -through the open window, as he sings—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“I am passing, passing, passing over Jordan,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>to the accompaniment of jingling spoons and -clattering dishes, whilst Celia and Nan have -stolen up to the nursery for a half-hour’s chat -with Charlotte, and to aid at the morning -bath.</p> - -<p>Little Bear wakes languid and fretful, entirely -unwilling that good old Celia should aid, -or even touch him, whilst the two Monkeys -chatter and splash in their bath, good-natured -and merry, as if they had only travelled to -the Park and back.</p> - -<p>Splashed and bathed, rubbed and scrubbed,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[Pg 49]</span> -brushed and flushed, the little folk draw around -the waiting table, and can scarcely eat for -laughing at the prodigious joke that they,—</p> - -<p>“Have real-for-fair beef-steak, like grown-up -folk, and buttered toast.”</p> - -<p>Suddenly, the door opens to admit Papa, -and then the laugh has to be repeated with -him, so funny it is that “little Monkeys and -Bears should go to visit, and be fed on cooked -beef-steak and buttered toast.”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Papa is all drest</div> - <div class="verse indent0">In his Sunday best,</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>so, carefully avoids the little buttered fingers, -soon waving good-bye, for the bells are tolling -Church-time, and Aunt Emma, Daisy, and -Artie are waiting below.</p> - -<p>“Do they have Sundays up here to my -Aunt Emma’s house all the time, Nan, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[Pg 50]</span> -week-days too?” anxiously asks little Jack, -with mouth full of buttered toast.</p> - -<p>“That we don’t, childy,” she replies; “we -don’t have Sundays here more than common, -and never on a week-day as I remember; -but I am just going to stop home from Church -to-day and help amuse you. Let me wipe -your little fingers and then I’ll just get the -very same Noah’s Ark your Papa used to have -when he was a child, for Miss Emma keeps -it precious as gold.”</p> - -<p>“Nan, I guess it’s best not,” timidly interrupted -Bear. “Mamma lets us have picture-books -and stories and pencils, but she’d a -little rather we wouldn’t have out our toys -Sundays. Only Lily has hers.”</p> - -<p>“But I don’t think,” said Nan, “your Mamma -would object to a Noah’s Ark, it is such -a very pious toy, and I could be telling you<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[Pg 51]</span> -the Scripture-story, whilst the family and animals -are being walked out.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, do, Nan dear,” burst in Rosie, whilst -Jack stood listening eagerly, convinced first by -one party, and again by the other. “It would -just do for a Bible lesson, you know, like -Sunday-school.”</p> - -<p>“But, Rosie,” remonstrated Bear, “when we -are away from our Mamma, we ought to do -what she likes, and you know how many times -she tells us if we give up our toys on Sunday, -it will be the same as a</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Little work of love and praise</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That we may do for Jesus’ sake;”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>but we might play Sunday-school, with chairs, -if Charlotte would be teacher, and she can -tell stories good as any book, except Mamma.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[Pg 52]</span></p> - -<p>The Sunday-school idea was eagerly seized -upon, and the chairs were soon arranged in -Sunday-school order. Then Nan and her class -of little ones stood up in most proper order -whilst they sang Charlotte’s favorite hymn—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“All hail the power of Jesus’ name,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Let angels prostrate fall,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Bring forth the royal diadem,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And crown Him Lord of all.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Bear’s sweet treble blended nicely with the -two women’s clear notes, whilst Rosie and -Jack sang true to their own idea of time, and -enjoyed the discord very much.</p> - -<p>Then followed a mild amount of Catechism, -and Bear chose, “Jerusalem the Golden,” for -another “sing,” then Jack asked—</p> - -<p>“Miss Sunday-school teacher, can’t we each -another tell a true Bible story, and me begin?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[Pg 53]</span></p> - -<p>The teacher assented, and Jack began, at -first, very confidently—</p> - -<p>“Well, now, there was a little fellow, so -big as me, and his name was Jofef, and his -Papa made him a coat, very buful one, blue -and red and buful brass buttons, like Fourth -of July soldiers’ coats, only there wasn’t no -pantaloons with stripes, and—and two little -pockets like mine with hankshef, his Mamma -put in, with his name Jack (I mean Jofef) in -the corner, and he took and—and popped -some corn and—er, and—er, I guess it’s your -turn, Rosie.”</p> - -<p>“Well, then, I’ll finish it. He took the popped -corns out to his brethren, ten nine or -twelve of them, making hay in the field, and -the wicked lots of brethren just ran and tossed -the poor little fellow into a pit, and took the -span new coat his Papa made him, and got<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[Pg 54]</span> -some dreadful-for-fair blood and dipt it in, so -as to make bl’eve to their father that his dear -little son was dead, and killed by the wild animals -that’s raging in the dark, wild wood.—Nan, -I hope there’s no wild woods in Providence. -No? Well, I’m glad of it.”</p> - -<p>“Rosie, child, what are you about?” impatiently -asked Bear; “don’t you know this is -Sunday-school.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, oh yes, I forgot. Well, then, where -was I? Oh, I know; the father was very -sad, there was nothing to eat in the pantries, -nor in the barns, only there was something -about a silver cup in a bag, but, and, well—a -pin seems sticking in me, Charlotte, and I -believe my new little bronze boot pinches a -little right behind the heel. Isn’t it most -Bear’s turn?”</p> - -<p>Bear’s story was so well and truly told, that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[Pg 55]</span> -the children’s interest was fairly roused, and -Celia stole in upon them quite unobserved, with -something hid under her apron.</p> - -<p>The little Monkeys were the first to spy out -the suspicious little heap, and the promise of -something, speaking in old Celia’s eyes, so -grew very restless during the last hymn, and -whether by accident or otherwise, we don’t -feel able to say, Jack sang out Amen at the -end of the second verse, and fairly put an -end to the Sunday-school by tipping over one -of the chairs, in his eagerness to reach Celia’s -lap, and stealing in his little chubby thumb</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“He drew out a plum,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>in the form of a fine, red-cheeked cherry, and -Celia apologized for interrupting their exercises -by saying—</p> - -<p>“I thought may be you’d just like to finish<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[Pg 56]</span> -up with a Sunday-school pic-nic, so I brought -you a few cherries.”</p> - -<p>The little folk were quite ready for any -change. The cherries were ripe and very -delicious, and found a ready market amongst -the little scholars. Then Nan good-naturedly -assented to Jack’s request, who doubtfully -watched Bear’s countenance as he uttered it,—</p> - -<p>“Please, Nan, to make each of us a <i>Sunday</i> -tea-kettle out of a stem-cherry?”</p> - -<p>A few moments later Daisy enters the room -and inquires, in a very eldest-sisterish tone,—</p> - -<p>“Well, what have you young folks been -doing since I left you?”</p> - -<p>“Been singing, and telling stories, and going -to pic-nics, Miss Daisy,” quickly replied Rosie.</p> - -<p>“Oh Rosie Havens, what a naughty child -to be telling a story, on Sunday too!”</p> - -<p>“Sister Daisy, is a story worser on Sundays<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[Pg 57]</span> -nor on Tuesdays and Fridays?” quickly asked -Jack.</p> - -<p>Daisy pays no attention to the eager little -face upturned to hers, but hurriedly passes out -of the room, saying—</p> - -<p>“I was just going to tell you about the -beautiful church I went to, but I shan’t now, I -will go down stairs and read instead.”</p> - -<p>Rosie Havens is a proud little creature, and -shrugs her saucy shoulders, saying,—</p> - -<p>“Miss Daisy is so very stylish in her new -Polyness dress, she can’t understand children.”</p> - -<p>Jack, however, is unwilling to lose the chance -of hearing about the beautiful church, so he -runs to call over the bannisters,—</p> - -<p>“Sister Daisy, do come and tell us all about -it. Rosie was only squizzing you. It was only -but a cherry pic-nic, and meant no harm, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[Pg 58]</span> -here’s a Sunday stem-cherry tea-kettle you may -have for your own self.”</p> - -<p>Sister Daisy makes no reply, then the little -voice over the bannisters takes a more pleading -tone,—</p> - -<p>“Won’t you only please just to come, sister? -We will be so good as ever we can.”</p> - -<p>Surely, if Daisy would only turn and see that -little chubby face flattened against the stair-railing, -looking so flushed and entreating, that very -little face that always has such a merry good-natured -look, and is always ready to smile -assent when asked to run her many older sister -errands, surely she could not still pursue -her down-stairs journey.</p> - -<p>When she left church, touched and softened -by what she had there heard and seen, like -many an older person, she resolved to be “so -good to-day, so kindly affectioned,” and as the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[Pg 59]</span> -soft south wind gently brushed her ringlets, -and sweet odors from summer flowers in the little -door-yards she passed, greeted her, the impressions -deepened, and she longed to be</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Good and holy, pure and true.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Then came thoughts of home and the nursery -group where she might do her “little deeds -of kindness,” and Daisy said,—</p> - -<p>“Soon as I have taken off my things, I -will go and stay with the children and help -amuse them.”</p> - -<p>I think Daisy fairly meant to do this, but -as she passed through the dining-room for a -drink of ice-water, the cool sound of vine-leaves -rustling called her attention to such a -nice shaded window-ledge, where she might -rest her book, enjoy her “Goldy” story, and -watch the busy insects and the floating clouds,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[Pg 60]</span> -by turn. The nursery path of duty didn’t look -very inviting now, besides, “wasn’t she very -tired, scarcely rested indeed, after yesterday’s -long journey?” Then Daisy uttered aloud -these not very gracious words,—</p> - -<p>“Well, I suppose I’ve got to go and be -shut up with those three troublesome children; -I wish they had been left at home.”</p> - -<p>So Daisy slowly went up stairs. She thought -she was conquering <i>self</i>, that troublesome little -enemy, but that was her mistake. She had -not calculated how powerful her little enemy -was, nor all the weapons he could bring to -defend himself. She had, it is true, made a -slight thrust at him when she said,—</p> - -<p>“I suppose I’ve got to,” and still another -and a surer, when she turned her back and -started to go up stairs, but still she had not -wounded him mortally, so the little fellow<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[Pg 61]</span> -limped up stairs after her, all unknown to the -confident Daisy.</p> - -<p>When Rosie triumphantly announced the -good time “pic-nicking and story-telling,” and -Daisy saw no prospect of cherries saved for -her, her good resolutions grew fainter; then—then -was the time for “self” to assert himself, -and that time he conquered fully, and so uproarious -did the little fellow grow, as Daisy -turned her back upon the nursery path of -duty, that Jack’s voice was nearly drowned, as -little “self” hurled back his tiny cannon-balls of -“good reasons” why in reply.</p> - -<p>Somehow, the window-ledge with the story-book -on it isn’t quite satisfying, after all. -Goldy’s girlish face seems to turn, ever and -anon, into that of a pleading little boy, and -Daisy herself seems, in some strange manner, -to be accountable for Goldy’s tribulations. A<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[Pg 62]</span> -golden butterfly lights on her book, and as -her eyes follow its upward course, they rest -on the pure blue of the sky, and follow the -floating summer clouds in their God-directed -way. Then comes to the little Christian child, -a remembrance of Him who can read our -every thoughts, and then <i>self</i> seems to shrink -lower and lower, and the upward glance becomes -a little prayer for</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Grace to conquer and to help us to the end,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>and the still, small voice of conscience repeats -the verse of the lesson heard in Church that -very morning—</p> - -<p>“Not rendering evil for evil, but contrariwise, -blessing,” and Daisy listens to the voice; -she thrusts aside the book, and a moment -later enters the nursery with bright, kindly -face, saying,—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[Pg 63]</span></p> - -<p>“Charlotte, wouldn’t you like to go down -stairs and rest with Celia and Nan? I’ll amuse -the children.”</p> - -<p>Daisy’s kindly spirit seems to affect all -the little folk. Artie takes “slippery Jack,” as -he likes to call him, upon his knee, little -Bear leans against his sister’s shoulder, and -Rosie takes a cushion at her feet.</p> - -<p>First, she tells them of the sound of many -voices singing their favorite hymn—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Jerusalem the Golden,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>which sounded far away at first, and then became -louder, as a procession of men and boys -came in the church, some of whom were no -bigger than Artie, and yet sang the hymn -very nicely.</p> - -<p>“Then there were such lovely windows! -One, where St. Stephen stood holding stones.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[Pg 64]</span> -It seemed to me just as if he must love -them, he was holding them so close to his -heart, and when I told Aunt Emma so, she -said in these very words—</p> - -<p>“‘Perhaps you are right, Daisy. Our greatest -trials, if borne meekly for the dear Lord’s -sake, may become our greatest blessings. In -every pain or trouble we may hear God telling -us of His love for us.’”</p> - -<p>“Say that again, Sister Daisy,” whispered -little Bear; “that about pain and trouble, and -sit a little closer, please.”</p> - -<p>“There was a picture of St. Lawrence, -side by side with St. Stephen. They were -such great friends, and he was burned to -death on hot irons because he loved the Lord -so dearly. There were pictures of St. Peter -and Moses, and David too. I liked so much -to look at them, and Aunt Emma said Hugh<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[Pg 65]</span> -should take you all up there to see them after -the service.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, goody, goody,” began little Jack, but -Artie clapped his hands over his mouth, and -caught his flying feet, that his sister’s story -might not be interrupted.</p> - -<p>“There was one window in the church -where a woman was giving clothes and bread -to poor people. It was in memory of a dear, -good lady, whom everybody loved, for she -spent her whole life in visiting the sick and -poor, and doing kind deeds and saying comforting -words. The tears stood in Aunt Emma’s -eyes as she looked at that window, for -she had known and loved the gentle lady, -and she told me that some of those very poor -people would still walk miles to visit her -grave, and then she said, ‘God grant, little -daughter, that you may grow to be such a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[Pg 66]</span> -lovely, Christian woman. You must begin by -faithfully doing, with God’s help, the little every-day -duties nearest you.’ Then, oh! there were -lovely windows of little children, and one you -must surely look at, for a dear little girl, no -bigger than Rosie, is kneeling at Christ’s feet. -She has lain down her cross there, which -means some trouble or pain she had patiently -borne, and the dear Lord was holding out -for reward a lovely crown for her head. Then -there was a city, and the moon was rising -over it, and a white angel was going up into -the moonlit sky, carrying, so tenderly, a little -child.”</p> - -<p>“Daisy, do you suppose,” interrupted -little Bear, “that little child that bore the -cross, ever felt fretful, and spoke cross to -her sisters, and brothers, and didn’t mean -to?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[Pg 67]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, little brother; don’t you remember -Mamma told us we were young Christian soldiers, -and would have our little battles with -our sinful nature to fight every day and hour -till our life’s end? But there’s the dinner-bell, -and I must go down stairs; and I forgot to -tell you, Auntie wants you all to come down -to dessert to-day.”</p> - -<p>“Wait, sister darling,” pleaded Rosie, for -Daisy’s kindly spirit had broken down the little -wall of pride which had risen between the -sisters. “I wanted to give you a sailor kiss. -You are a darling dear, and beautiful as a—as -a—”</p> - -<p>“Baboon’s sister,” mischievous Artie interposed. -Daisy’s gentleness took no offence -at the rather impolite quotation, and -Rosie, knowing only the very few animals -included in the Family Menagerie, supposed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[Pg 68]</span> -the phrase to be very complimentary, and -added,—</p> - -<p>“You are not looking one bit stylish in -your new Pollyness dress, and I was only -funnin’ to say so, darling pet.”</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[Pg 69]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“O children! come and look at me!</div> - <div class="verse indent4">Was ever rain in such a glee</div> - <div class="verse indent4">As I have been all day?</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Drop chasing drop most merrily,</div> - <div class="verse indent4">Jostling each other clumsily,</div> - <div class="verse indent4">You’d think we were in play.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“And yet see how much work we’ve done,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And then you’ll see we’re not in fun,</div> - <div class="verse indent4">Whate’er you thought before.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">We’ve driven the sun out of the sky,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Made all the trees and bushes cry,</div> - <div class="verse indent4">And tightly closed the door.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Alas for the best-laid plans of children, -mice, and maiden aunties! Even in -Providence (though only forty miles from Boston) -the sun does not always shine, and so<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[Pg 70]</span> -it was that the first sounds that greeted the -waking ears of the little folk in the Funny -house on Funny street, were the patter, patter, -on the window panes, drip, drip, from -the house eaves,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“The splashing, dashing,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Hurrying, skurrying,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>of the stream of water, which, starting from -College Hill, plunges down Funny street in -its mad race to empty itself into the river -basin, before its hundred fellow-streams should -outstrip it.</p> - -<p>“Why didn’t this rain put in an appearance -yesterday, I should like to know? Of all -the dry, poky days in a boy’s life, I do think -a rainy day is just the dryest. Why couldn’t -we have had a rainy Sunday and done with -it?” petulantly demanded the Keeper, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[Pg 71]</span> -even the wisdom of the Owl failed to find answer.</p> - -<p>The Keeper’s state of mind was not favorable -to the peace and well-being of the little -animals in his care, and he hid Bear’s -stockings, flung the soapy sponge into Jacko’s -eyes, and interrupted Rosie’s eighty times of</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Rain, rain, go to Spain,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Never, never, come again;”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>which was sure to bring sunshine, till at last -Charlotte’s patience was quite exhausted, so -Papa was appealed to, and the Keeper summoned -to sit in the Library corner a full hour, -without even a book to relieve the tiresomeness; -but when Papa’s morning visit to the -nursery revealed the fact that the same mischievous -spirit had thickly powdered the children’s -strawberries, and flavored their goblets of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[Pg 72]</span> -milk with salt, Master Keeper was sentenced -to solitary confinement in his own room, and -in order to confuse the plans of the Evil -Spirit,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Who finds mischief still</div> - <div class="verse indent0">For idle minds to brew,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Papa administered a check in the shape of a -poem to be learned before the young gentleman -should dine, and poor Master Artie feasted -on a few of his own salt tear-drops, whilst -searching ruefully for the ne’er-to-be-found handkerchief, -and muttering—</p> - -<p>“I wish I was out of this mean, old, rainy, -gloomy town. Mamma would have understood -how I just went in for a little fun. I’ll have -it out of Charlotte yet, for this mess. She -shall pay well for serving me this shabby trick. -Pshaw! I do despise tell-tales. She shall hear -from me. See if she don’t.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[Pg 73]</span></p> - -<p>I am afraid the rounds of Aunt Emma’s -nice chairs were not improved in their appearance -by the Keeper’s state of mind, so strong -is the sympathy between little boys’ hearts -and their feet; whilst the latter help to flee -from coming danger or evil, they also seem -to help them to bear present discomfort. Now, -we don’t, for a moment, mean to recommend -little boys in trouble to relieve themselves by -disfiguring furniture—far from that—but we believe -many a boy’s battle has been fought successfully, -with angry, bitter feelings, many a -troubled mood dispelled during a good, stirring -game of foot-ball in the fresh, clear air. -Try it, boys, the next time everything “bothers” -and life seems “just one tangle,”—everybody -saying, “Don’t do this,” or, “Why <i>do</i> you -do that?” Sometimes it must seem to you -as if there was no place for boys, so apt are<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[Pg 74]</span> -we, old folk, with our nerves and nice surroundings, -to forget our own “long ago.” If -the foot-ball plan be not possible, then make -your own place for boys, by doing some helpful -deed for others, stifling your love of mischief, -which, if you will stop to think, you will -soon find has its root in thoughtlessness and -love of self. All about and around you, may -be found, if you earnestly seek, plenty of material -to make for yourselves places in good -people’s hearts, memories, and sympathies.</p> - -<p>Try it, boys, only test the scheme, the -very effort will discover the means.</p> - -<p>Let us go back to the Keeper caged. Is -he dashing still, in fury, against the bars?</p> - -<p>No. There he sits, quietly studying his -task, with a sunlit face which bears tokens of -showers lately passed.</p> - -<p>It may be that, in fancy, he had caught a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[Pg 75]</span> -glimpse of Mamma’s sad, disappointed face; -very true it is that Mamma’s teaching has -come to his mind, and then the morning -prayer, so hurriedly said, “Deliver us from -evil.” Then Artie looks upward, the promised -Spirit descends as a Dove, stilling the troubled -waters of the passionate boy nature, breathing -in repentant feelings and helps to right doing.</p> - -<p>The “nearest duty must first be done;” -and Artie takes up the dreaded task to find -his Papa has kindly chosen</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“How do the waters come down at Ladore?”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>and very soon troubles, vexations, and the pattering -drops without, are all forgotten in the -bright meaning and jolly rhythm of the</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Poet laureate to you and the Queen.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[Pg 76]</span></p> -<p>In the nursery fair weather prevailed, for -Nan has made her beds and dusted her rooms -in the twinkling of an eye, for her heart is in -the “nussry,” and there she sits on the floor, -introducing to the delighted children, Shem, -Ham, and Japheth, with their wives, in their -stiff red and yellow waterproof clothes, for you -know, children, the wardrobe of Noah’s family -must have been a very scanty one.</p> - -<p>Nan had her own stories to tell, as the -“two by twos” joined the procession, stories -so well and confidently told, that the little folk -feel as if they were standing on Mount Ararat -itself, watching the procession go by.</p> - -<p>Presently Jack’s bright eyes discover a pale, -wistful face pressed against the window-pane -of the next house, and immediately, Shem, -Ham, and Japheth, and the “two by twos” -are deserted for the new acquaintance.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[Pg 77]</span></p> - -<p>The little boy disappears for a few moments, -and then returns with a paper, on -which is printed, in large inky letters,</p> - -<p class="center xxlarge">WHO ARE YOU?</p> - -<p>Jack makes great endeavors to communicate -to his new friend his name, street, and -number; and the “neighborhood boy,” as he -calls him, seems content to continue the acquaintance, -and brings to the window toys and -picture-books for Jack’s approval.</p> - -<p>Nan seems suddenly to be struck with a -new idea, which sends her flying down the back -stairs, and soon after the small boy disappears -from the window, greatly to the grief of the -nursery party.</p> - -<p>Presently a heavy tread is heard, and Hugh -enters the room and deposits on the floor a -large bundle carefully done up in waterproof<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[Pg 78]</span> -cloth, which Nan, who closely follows, proceeds -to unpack.</p> - -<p>I wish you could have heard the merry -shouts and clapping of hands, when slowly -emerged from that huge bundle the very -same smiling little fellow who had so few moments -before disappeared from the other window. -What a Nan!</p> - -<p>Just listen to what she has to tell:</p> - -<p>“Mistress has given me the day to help -amuse you, and here’s the key of the big garret.”</p> - -<p>Do you wonder that Jack’s heels were flying -in the air, and Rosie dancing around and -around, and Artie’s rhyming genius inspired -him to cry out:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“O Nan of Nans, O Nan the Nanniest,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">O plan of plans, O plan the planniest;”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>and then he rushed to call Daisy to</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[Pg 79]</span></p> - -<p>“Leave her girl’s flummery and make tracks -for the garret stairs.”</p> - -<p>Daisy scarcely remembered to shut Aunt -Emma’s great piece-box, with its no end of -remnants for dolls’ dresses, which had so captivated -her.</p> - -<p>Poor, poor little New York children, in -your four-story brown stone fronts, with their -flat roofs, and six feet which make a city -yard! Little you know of the pleasure in a -real-for-fair garret on a rainy day!</p> - -<p>Come climb with me to the top of the -funny old house on Funny street! Don’t be -afraid! There are no bats to flap their dismal -wings in those shadowy corners. “It is but -the first step that costs.” Plunge boldly in!</p> - -<p>What huge, strong beams for swings!</p> - -<p>What unsuspected corners for hide-and-seek!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[Pg 80]</span></p> - -<p>Those great smooth inclined planes for -storing bedding are the jolliest places for sliding, -second only to Winter ice-hills, and a -great deal warmer and safer, too.</p> - -<p>See those huge, broad chimneys! Your -breath comes quickly as you think of what -<i>may</i> be behind them—goblins, elves, or blackest -of cats, with their green, glaring eyes, -ready to spring out and chill your blood -with terror.</p> - -<p>There is all this to be said about an old -garret, and yet it seems to us peopled with -the ghosts of the past, the rafters still reëchoing -the childish shouts of the “long, -long ago,” and the very old trunks telling -their musty tale of the children who had -once sported here, now old men and women, -with tottering step and silvery locks.</p> - -<p>Little thought our frolicsome party of all<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[Pg 81]</span> -this. Drip, drip, drip, sounded the rain on -the roof without, but child-life brought sunlight -within, as holding tightly to Nan’s and -Charlotte’s dresses, at first, they peer curiously -and cautiously into all the shadowy corners, -then, grown bolder, drag out from their hiding -places the old trunks, dress themselves in -pointed slippers, white wigs, laced bodice, -ball dresses, and short clothes.</p> - -<p>Jack rides astride an old crutch, whilst -Artie, mounted on stilts, with curled wig and -flying scarlet cloak, chases the screaming party -into the darkest corners, or sends them climbing -up the smooth shelves, where, on secure perch, -they, with pillows, pelt their stilted pursuer, till -his uncertain gait makes him cry out for -mercy.</p> - -<p>Charlotte and Nan may sit on high perch and -gossip by the hour, for there are no disputes<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[Pg 82]</span> -to be settled, wounds to be bound up, or new -plays to be invented. The old garret supplies -merriment enough, and the dinner-hour comes -too soon, and the twilight gloom, stealing in -through the oval windows, finds the little party -very unwillingly groping down the dark, narrow -staircase on their way to nursery tea.</p> - -<p>Aunt Emma, sitting with Papa in the Library, -a little later, hears, through the key-hole, -snatches of a whispered conversation, and -occasionally, loud tones.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I can’t; you are the oldest. You -ought to be the one.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, pshaw! Don’t be such a spooney; -it’s girls’ business to ask favors of women, -and you know if I ask they’ll be sure to think -it’s a lark.”</p> - -<p>Papa looks comically at Aunt Emma, over -the top of his paper, saying—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[Pg 83]</span></p> - -<p>“Some mischief is brewing. So Auntie be -prepared to shake your head and look grave. -But mum, I see, is the word.”</p> - -<p>Here the door slowly opened, and Daisy -appeared, looking very shy and ill at ease.</p> - -<p>“Please, Auntie, may we have a little -fun?”</p> - -<p>“Pleasure,” was loudly whispered through -the key-hole.</p> - -<p>“Oh! I meant pleasure. Could we have a -little pleasure?”</p> - -<p>“What else have you been having all day -long, I should like to know?” asked Papa.</p> - -<p>“Yes, Papa; I know, but we want, I believe—” -and Daisy, quite at loss for words, -looked wistfully toward the key-hole.</p> - -<p>“To amuse the children,” prompted Artie.</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, Papa! Artie and I want to -amuse the children.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[Pg 84]</span></p> - -<p>“I should think Charlotte would rather be -excused from having Artie’s help, but Daisy, -<i>you</i> have our full and free permission to -amuse the children to your heart’s content;” -saying this, Papa very suddenly opened the -door, and Artie fell in the room, headlong, -whilst old Carlo, dressed in Celia’s spectacles -and cap, with black shawl and white apron -on, leaped over the prostrate form and sprang -to his mistress’s side.</p> - -<p>When Artie, with face very red, rose from -the floor, he felt very much relieved to see -Papa and Aunt Emma looking much amused -at the picture Carlo presented, standing on -his hind feet, as if begging to be relieved of -his womanly attire.</p> - -<p>“Papa, may we not take Carlo to the nursery, -to make the children laugh?” ventured -Artie.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[Pg 85]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, my boy; but the next time you -have any not very pleasant duty to do, don’t -put it off on your sister, and shield yourself -behind the door. It doesn’t look quite manly. -Indeed, to use your own, not-at-all elegant -words, ‘it looks rather spooney.’ You may -run along now.”</p> - -<p>Through the open door the library party -heard the creeping up stairs, the suppressed -titter and the loud knock, followed by such -a screaming and scampering that the Funny -house on Funny street seemed to shake on -its very foundations. The sound of the uproar -reached Celia in the kitchen, who, armed with -toasting-fork, accompanied by Hugh with the -carving-knife, rushed to the rescue.</p> - -<p>The fun lasted till Daisy, Artie, and the -dog were turned out by the nurses, that the -little folk might be quieted before bed-time.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[Pg 86]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“So many birds live in the tree,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">We do not want for fun.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Tuesday morning dawns brightly, and -Tuesday’s sun soon dries up the gravelled -garden walks and shady croquet ground -of Aunt Emma’s pleasant, roomy garden, where -the merry party of young folk are feasting, -like the bees, tasting the various cups of -pleasure which nature offers, in most tempting -freshness, to little city children in their visits -to the country.</p> - -<p>The Funny house on Funny street, though -almost in the centre of the city’s trade and -bustle, is surrounded by a large, old-fashioned<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[Pg 87]</span> -garden, where still may be seen those grand -floral sentinels, the gay hollyhocks and the -rich golden lily, whilst their lowly companions, -the larkspur, sweet pea, and marigold still -grace the garden borders, disdaining the urns -and hanging baskets which confine their modern -sisters.</p> - -<p>The humming-bird and the golden butterfly -still hover about this festive spot, and the fattest -of scarlet-vested robin gentry still sing -out their siren song, “Cherry ripe, cherry ripe,” -from the great cherry and old pear-trees which -have escaped the woodman’s axe.</p> - -<p>Did you ever notice, children, how pert the -robins are in such old city gardens?</p> - -<p>They seem to think they are indeed privileged -guests.</p> - -<p>Aunt Emma, sitting under the shady arbor, -with its drapery of clematis and honeysuckle,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[Pg 88]</span> -told the children that, one June morning, she -had discovered that the robins were greedily -devouring her choicest strawberries, so she -told Hugh to hang a bell on a stick planted -in the midst of the strawberry-bed, and fasten -to it a long cord which should reach to her -sitting-room window.</p> - -<p>The next morning she laughed to herself -as she heard the “Cherry ripe, cherry ripe,” of -the early morning pillagers, saying—</p> - -<p>“Ha, ha! my gay visitors. For your naughtiness -you shall lose your dainty breakfast. -Stealing my finest berries without so much as -‘By your leave, ma’am.’”</p> - -<p>Presently a whole flock of birdies descended -upon the bed.</p> - -<p>“‘Tinkle, tinkle,’ sounded the bell, and then -such a fluttering of wings and spreading out -of scarlet vests, and away flew the frightened<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[Pg 89]</span> -birdies, far out of sound and sight of bells and -berries.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="facing088"> -<img src="images/facing088.png" width="418" height="600" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> - -<p>Robin’s Nest in the Old Pear-tree. Page 89.</p></div> -</div> - -<p>“I was quite satisfied with my plan,” continued -Aunt Emma, “and the next morning -seated myself with my work at my window.</p> - -<p>“‘Cherry ripe, cherry ripe,’ sounded out -their notes, but I fancied less boldly this time. -The bell tinkled, and away flew my gay visitors, -but this time they perched themselves on -the old pear-tree, and chirped and twittered -loudly, evidently complaining of their treatment, -and studying, from their high perches, their enemy’s -ground.</p> - -<p>“I told my tale triumphantly to some of my -friends, and the next morning they came to -visit me and see the fun themselves.</p> - -<p>“‘Cherry ripe, cherry ripe,’ sounded out -loud and clear, and oh! what a bevy of birds -had come for the morning’s visit!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[Pg 90]</span></p> - -<p>“‘Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle,’ sounded the bell, -and would you believe it? The knowing birds -turned toward the window, bobbed their saucy -heads at me, and went on helping themselves -with easy manners indeed.</p> - -<p>“‘Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, tinkle,’ pealed -the bell, and again the saucy fellows dived and -dodged, winked and blinked their little bright -eyes, and nodded ‘It’s all right.’</p> - -<p>“I was completely conquered; so now I let -them take <i>their</i> breakfast first, and then I feast -on what they leave behind. Very often I find -marks of their little beaks in the ruddiest berries -on my plate, but they, in return, cheer me -with their fullest, choicest notes, give life and -brightness to my quiet garden, and guard my -young plants from the ravages of devouring -insects, and attract other birds, with their -richer notes, to their banqueting spot.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[Pg 91]</span></p> - -<p>“Aunt Emma,” said Artie, “do you think -those little thieving fellows knew you?”</p> - -<p>“Indeed, I flatter myself, Artie, that they -consider me their best friend. There is -scarcely a morning, from the time when the -last snow-flakes of Winter melt away, that -some one or more of these gay fellows do -not come to the window-sill of my sewing-room, -chirp about me, and tell a long story -of joy or grievance. Sometimes I fancy it’s -a complaint of some fickle Jenny Wren who -has left her true love for a gay English -Sparrow, and again another has won for his -mate a saucy Mattie Martin, and comes to -me for my best wishes and the promise of -my ends of thread and bits of wool to furnish -the snug little home he is going to build -for his little bride, up in the branches of my -apple tree.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[Pg 92]</span></p> - -<p>“And does they tell you of the poor little -Cock Robin that the naughty Sparrow -killed with his bow-arrow?” questioned Rosie.</p> - -<p>“I will tell you, Pet, if you are not already -tired of my stories, a tale something -like your Cock Robin.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, do, do, please, Auntie, we’d never -be tired of stories;” and the children stowed -themselves in a little heap on the grass, at -their Auntie’s feet, leaned their elbows on -their knees, and rested their chubby cheeks -on their hands, ready for any given quantity -of tales.</p> - -<p>“One day,” continued Aunt Emma, “having -a bad headache, I sat in the part of my -room farthest from the window, to be away -from the light. Presently I heard a mournful -sort of song, which soon became quite -pitiful, and then came a quick, sharp peck<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[Pg 93]</span>ing -at my window-pane. I could not resist -that appeal, and as I opened my window a -Robin flew quickly in, fluttered in circles -over my head, uttering pitiful cries. I followed -him out into the garden till, near the -old apple-tree, he disappeared under a bush. -Carefully putting aside, with my hands, the -leaves and branches, I found a poor, tiny, -half-dressed Robin baby, uttering such little, -sick, feeble peeps, I seem to hear them now. -I think from the twinkle I afterward used to -see in his eyes, that he was rather an adventurous -young spirit, and very likely his -Papa was a widower, for I never saw but -the one parent.</p> - -<p>“I fancy Papa Robin had gone out that -morning to do the day’s marketing, after -charging the younglings to stay quietly at -home, and this daring little spirit had taken<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[Pg 94]</span> -advantage of his absence to step out on -their balcony and see the world for himself; -then he must have become giddy and fallen -under the rose-bush, where his Papa had -found him, and not knowing what to do -with his wee, wounded birdie, had flown to -tell me his trouble.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! Auntie, what did you do with the -poor little thing?” cried tender-hearted Daisy.</p> - -<p>“I made a soft cotton bed for it, in a little -basket, and put it on a chair near my window, -in the sun, then fed it crumbs of bread -wet with wine.”</p> - -<p>“Did it live, Auntie, dear?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, children; and now for the wonderful -part of my story. Every morning the parent -bird used to make a visit, bringing in his -beak to his sick birdie, a bit of caterpillar, a -juicy worm, or a ripe berry. I grew very<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[Pg 95]</span> -fond of my pet, and that I might know it, if -at some distant day it should leave me, I -wound a bit of silver wire about its leg. -Birdie grew stronger and saucier, and its peep -fuller every day. At last one bright morning—you -may imagine my surprise—on entering -the little sewing-room, to find my pet -gone; and as I thrust my head out of the -window, a loud burst of glad song, from the -top of the old apple-tree, told me that birdie -was—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Safe, safe, at home.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>“Did you ever see the bird again, Auntie?”</p> - -<p>“One morning, weeks afterward, I was in -my usual place, and suddenly a bird appeared, -from whose tiny leg dangled my thread of -silver wire; lower and lower he descended -without uttering a note, then something dropped<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96"></a>[Pg 96]</span> -upon the window-sill, and judge of my surprise, -to find the very ruby ring I had lost -in the garden some days before. I had mourned -its loss, for it had been given me by your -Papa’s own dear Mamma, on my tenth birthday. -I had, for years, worn it on my watch-chain, -and lost it whilst planting some seeds, -as I supposed, in the mignonette bed. It -might have been that the saucy robins had -watched me, as I stowed away my seeds, -winking their little eyes and bobbing their -round heads as they marked their larder for -the morrow. What a surprise to them, when, -instead of a tiny seed, this bright jewel appeared. -Some time after this, in my garden-walks, -I found a few red and yellow feathers, -a bird’s claw, and a bit of silver wire, which -told the sad tale that my pet had been sacrificed -by a strange cat.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97"></a>[Pg 97]</span></p> - -<p>“My story is ended. You have been patient -little listeners for a full half hour, so, run -away, dears, for a morning play.”</p> - -<p>The merry children hasten off to welcome -their little friend Charlie Leonard, who was -coming to spend the day with them.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98"></a>[Pg 98]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“How the heart of childhood dances,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Upon a sunny day!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">It has its own romances,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And a wide, wild world have they!”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>“Hallo! Charlie boy. Come along, -here’s all kinds of fun. Shall we -have blind-man’s-buff on the grass-plat, or -will you play croquet with Daisy and me?”</p> - -<p>“No, no, Charlie,” sounded Rosie’s beseeching -tones, “come and help me gather mullein-leaves -for dollies’ blankets, and these cunning -pot-cheeses to play store with. See, Celia -has lent her for-true scales. Only look! and -Hugh has given us four cents and two ginger-snaps -that weigh a pound.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99"></a>[Pg 99]</span></p> - -<p>“I want Charlie to come help me chase -those darling little yellow butterflies that’s -‘gathering honey from the opening flower’ to -make butter of,” screamed Jack.</p> - -<p>“Oh, Artie, just listen to that child,” said -Daisy. “His mind is all askew. He’s talking -about making butter of honey.”</p> - -<p>“I guess the little chap remembers how -the buckwheat cakes and honey made the -butterfly last winter,” replied the Keeper, as -he gave a most satisfactory send through the -second wicket.</p> - -<p>“Will you just listen to that, Charlotte?” said -Nan, who, under the old pear-tree’s shade, -was helping take out grass-stains from the -dainty city linen.</p> - -<p>“I tell you I never did see such sense in children -in <i>my</i> born days. Just you wait till I run -and tell Hugh and my mother ’fore it slips.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100"></a>[Pg 100]</span></p> - -<p>Nan found ready listeners in the kitchen, -for old Celia laid aside her soap and sand—Hugh -ceased his psalm-singing, with knife-scraping -accompaniment, and stood with knife -and cork in either hand, and mouth and eyes -opened wide to take in the “uncommon sense -of Mister John’s wonderful children.”</p> - -<p>“Well, now! only look at that, will ye?”</p> - -<p>“Only jest to hear, if that ain’t Mister -John his werry self—Oh, my! It appears to -me, Nan, them childerns will be the werry -death of me yet. What with peerin’ and listenin’ -and laughin’, my work’s all in the drags. -The werry pots and kettles seem just turnin’ -into boys and girls. Oh, my! Oh, my! I -say, you Nan, just go long, and if you come -this yer way tellin’ any more about them childerns’ -perform, I’ll harpoon you with the toasting -fork,—so off with you.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101"></a>[Pg 101]</span></p> - -<p>Nan hurried back to the grass-stains, only -looking once over her shoulder to find her -mother and Hugh “peerin’” stealthily from behind -the porch, to catch, if possible, a few more -crumbs from the children’s table; but, -dutiful daughter as she was, she didn’t look -again, but wider and wider stretched her -mouth, brighter shone its ivory gems, and -louder sounded out her clear, rich notes, while -she sang—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Carry me back to old Virginny,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To old Virginny’s shore,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>as she renewed her zeal in the cause of grass-stain -cleaning, which was just now bringing -wrinkles to Charlotte’s anxious brow, which -was ever like a page in a school-mistress’s report-book. -There were wrinkles small, which -meant grass-stains, bumps, rents, and childish -disputes; there were wrinkles many, which told<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102"></a>[Pg 102]</span> -of mischief wrought; but <i>these</i> were soon dispelled. -There were deeper ones which told of -graver faults,—disobedience or falsehood, and -others like them, which days of anxious watching -and fears of future ills had left, which could -be effaced only by His hand who can truly—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Smooth the troubled brow,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And drive away our fears.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Little Bear, in the meantime, was finding -pleasant pastime in making larkspur wreaths -and dandelion curls for his little sister’s “store,” -whilst he kept an eye on Artie’s successful -game, only wishing—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“It might have been,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">His favorite Daisy’s lot to win,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>and pitying her, as her brother sent her balls -flying to remotest parts of the garden, to be -hunted out from behind currant and gooseberry -bushes’ thick shade.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103"></a>[Pg 103]</span></p> - -<p>It was a great pleasure to this little feeble -city boy, with the love of the beautiful in Nature, -which so often accompanies weakness of -limb, to lie back on the cushions spread by his -careful nurses under the old apple-tree’s shade, -and drink in all the beauties of the scene.</p> - -<p>Like a picture-gallery seemed the quaint -garden, as, looking upward, between the opening -in the leafy roof above, he caught glimpses -of the blue sky, and his eye followed the -islets of fleecy clouds in their fleeting passage. -The thick, grassy carpet at his feet brought -out, in all their brightness, the colors of the -golden lily and the many-tinted ladyslippers -which formed borders to the broad grass-plots. -Butterflies, golden and russet-brown, were flitting -all around him, whilst robins and bluebirds, -from their air-swung perches, sang sweetly -their morning hymns, and from the earth be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104"></a>[Pg 104]</span>neath, -locusts and tiny crickets joined the glad -chorus.</p> - -<p>How true it is that our Father in Heaven -has given a voice to every thing in Nature to -praise and tell of His great Love! Can -you wonder that this little feeble child, unable -to join in the careless play of the merry group, -taught by a Christian mother that God was all -about and around him, should seem to hear -His voice speaking in the beauty of the scene, -and gently folding his thin, white hands, should -sing, in low, sweet notes, the Morning Hymn?</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Now the dreary night is done,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Comes again the glorious Sun:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Crimson clouds and silver-white,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Wait upon his breaking light.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Glistening in their garden beds,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Flowers lift up their dewy heads,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And the shrill cock claps his wings,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And the merry lark upsprings.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105"></a>[Pg 105]</span> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Child of Mary! Thou dost know</div> - <div class="verse indent0">What of danger, joy, or woe</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Shall to-day my portion be,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Let me meet it all in Thee.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Fretful feeling, passion, pride,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Never did with Thee abide:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Make me watch myself to-day,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That they lead me not astray.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Lulled by the soft music of his own notes, -little Bear closes his heavy eyelids; the crickets -lend their aid to sing his lullaby, while soft -zephyrs whisper in his ears themes for sweetest, -purest dreams.</p> - -<p>Daisy’s watchful ear missed the murmured -song, and her quick eye saw the little sleeper -under his leafy canopy,—so she slips away from -the merry game of blind-man’s-buff, which had -taken the place of croquet, and hastes to -mount guard over her precious charge, and -wage war against the persistent flies, whose<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106"></a>[Pg 106]</span> -chief delight seems to be tickling the faces of -summer sleepers.</p> - -<p>Pretty soon Jack appears with rather a rueful -face, for the merry game of blind-man’s-buff -has ended in his and Charlie’s tumbling headlong -over one of the garden-seats, in their haste -to get away from the blind man, and poor -Jack’s head has made the acquaintance of a stone -which has proved anything but soft.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="facing106"> -<img src="images/facing106.png" width="402" height="600" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> - -<p>A Grave Ending to a Gay Game. Page 106.</p></div> -</div> - -<p>Daisy could not find it in her heart to -laugh at the funny little picture her wounded -brother presented. His sailor straw hat had -come to grief in the fall, and from between the -parted straws, hung out tufts of fair, tangled -hair, buttons had flown away, and a wide crack, -in the seat of his short pants, revealed a hanging -of gauze drapery; but oh, the face! It was a -kind of Mosaic pattern of grass, fruit, and dust-stains, -all blended together by the few tears<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107"></a>[Pg 107]</span> -which would run down in spite of the efforts of -the little dusty hand to keep them back.</p> - -<p>Jack’s sobs ceased as he caught sight of his -sleeping brother, and thoughts of aching head -and scratched knees, left him, as a childish -fancy sprang to his mind.</p> - -<p>“Oh, Daisy, isn’t he just like babes in the -woods? Childerns, let’s ’spose we cover him up -with leaves.”</p> - -<p>Rosie and Charlie think it would be “lovely,” -and off they scamper to gather leaves and -flowers, whilst Sister Daisy drops them over -the sleeping child, and weaves a little wreath -to rest on his pale brow, and Rosie runs to -the kitchen to ask Celia and Hugh to come -to see “The butifullest picture that ever was,” -and wonders why Hugh turns quickly back, -and Celia’s apron finds tears in the kindly eyes -as she murmurs out her—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108"></a>[Pg 108]</span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Blessings on the angel boy,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>then sobs aloud as Charley Leonard whispers, -“But Celia, don’t you know angels have -wings?”</p> - -<p>To the merry children, the picture of their -sleeping brother, on the flower-decked couch, -has only beauty and brightness, as they check -their merry tones and gather around in silent -admiration.</p> - -<p>Presently Artie whispers:</p> - -<p>“Oh, wouldn’t it be fun to spread out a -little feast by his side, so when he wakes up -he may think the Fairies have truly visited -him? I say, Daisy Duck, let’s do it.”</p> - -<p>“It’s just the very thing. Oh, Artie boy! -however could you have thought of such a -nice idea?”</p> - -<p>A rustic table was soon made of a box -nicely covered with a snow-white towel. Then<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109"></a>[Pg 109]</span> -each child brought a contribution of currants, -gooseberries, or strawberries, for which Daisy -made pretty, leafy baskets, then ran to beg -good Delia for a very little white sugar, for -Fairies liked their berries powdered nicely.</p> - -<p>What a surprise for Daisy!</p> - -<p>Out of the grim oven’s mouth, that same -Celia was drawing a pan of the weest cookies, -dainty enough for any fairy cook-shop, -with the “lovely bit of citron on top” to -take away the plainness and look like a real -tea-party dish.</p> - -<p>Daisy couldn’t speak for very joy, as -Celia stowed the inviting morsels on a plate -hidden by grape leaves, and filled a glass -with powdered sugar for “fairy snow,” while -Hugh, who had disappeared a few moments -before, suddenly stood before the delighted -child with a package of fresh barley sticks<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110"></a>[Pg 110]</span> -and a paper of peppermint hearts, which he -said, in his judgment,—</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t hurt nobody nohow, and was -just a set-off ’gainst that sour fruit.”</p> - -<p>Then Hugh took pity on Daisy, as the -little maid stood “embarrassed by her riches,” -and offered to carry out the cakes, following -soon after with a little salver bearing a pitcher -of golden milk and six tiny glasses.</p> - -<p>The excitement was now intense. Poor -Jack, ignorant of the view in his rear, attempted -his heels-over-head antics, but was -prudently pinioned by the Keeper. Daisy -holds tight hold of Charlie Leonard, whilst -Rosie ran and kissed the skirt of Hugh’s -linen coat to relieve herself of some of her -pent-up feeling.</p> - -<p>Then came the trying time. The fairies -were all ready, but the little guest still slept.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111"></a>[Pg 111]</span> -The gentle zephyrs were teasing the leafy -decorations to fly away and sport with them. -The summer flies seemed to think the Fairy -elves had placed the golden milk for their -refreshment, and who could guard the feast? -The waking guest must see no trace of human -form, so the children have hidden behind -the tall lilac’s leafy screen.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="facing110"> -<img src="images/facing110.png" width="378" height="600" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> - -<p>The Children Hide Behind the Lilac Bush. Page 111.</p></div> -</div> - -<p>Was there ever such a five minutes?</p> - -<p>Was there ever such a sleeper?</p> - -<p>Jack, knowing his own weakness, is cramming -his mouth with grass-tufts; Rosie has -clapped both hands over hers to keep back -the ringing laugh.</p> - -<p>What a little picture! The merriment -oozes out of the corners of the pent-up -mouth, dances in the bright blue eyes, shimmers -in the shaking golden curls, and quivers -in the chubby shoulders.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112"></a>[Pg 112]</span></p> - -<p>Charlie Leonard is repeating</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Old Mother Hubbard went to her cupboard,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>the only feather from his worn-out Mother -Goose which “sticks” in his memory, and -poor Artie, yielding to the temptations of -the idle hour, is just about to tickle the -sleeper’s nostrils with a grassy “horsetail,” -when the Family Owl, who sees by day as -well as by night, spies out his sly intent in -time to check the roguish act.</p> - -<p>Perhaps it was the good-natured little -“scuffle” which ensued, or perhaps the sportive -zephyrs were too loudly coaxing the -leafy covers, or perhaps the greedy flies -might have followed Artie’s bad example, and -having no good elder sister-fly to call them -off, might have tickled the little quivering -nostrils, and made a play-ground of the fair, -dewy brow; whichever or whatever the cause,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113"></a>[Pg 113]</span> -we cannot tell. Elf-land secrets are not written -on printed page, and we have no time -to seek them from tiny flower petals, murmuring -brooklets, or transparent dewdrops.</p> - -<p>Slowly, but surely, Bear at last came out -of Dreamland, to the children’s great delight, -and, oh, how they enjoyed his bewilderment, -the questioning look, the pleasure his face -showed as, little by little, the true state of -things dawned upon his waking mind, as the -little Fairies took the forms of loving brothers, -sisters, and friend!</p> - -<p>How he laughed out as he caught sight of -Rosie’s pink skirt shining among the green -branches of the old lilac bush! The little human -fairies joined hands and danced a wild, -elfin dance around the tardy guest, then seated -themselves to enjoy with him the fairy feast.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114"></a>[Pg 114]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“And when they next do go abroad,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">May I be there to see.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>It is four o’clock, and a lively scene is taking -place before the Funny house on -Funny street. The roomy carriage, drawn up -before the door, is being packed by Papa, -whilst Hugh stands at his horses’ heads, whispering -lessons of patience.</p> - -<p>A nurse, a coachman, four boys, two girls, -three dolls, a bundle of wraps, and a large -basket! Who ever saw such a load for a -pleasure drive? What would Fifth avenue -think of such a turn out? Why, the very -carriage-sides creak out their remonstrance,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115"></a>[Pg 115]</span> -and Jerry horse whispers to Fash, “to turn -his head, and did he ever see the like?” and -Fashion answers “Neigh.”</p> - -<p>Hugh gathers up his reins and seizes his -whip, whilst Papa helps Aunt Emma into a -light carriage waiting near.</p> - -<p>At the door stands Celia, watching to see -that no stray foot finds its way into the depths -of that basket, whose contents none knew better -than she, whilst Nan looks wistfully on.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Papa calls out:</p> - -<p>“Nan, could you put on your bonnet in -three seconds, and stow yourself in the cracks -between the Monkeys?” then turning to his -companion, says,—</p> - -<p>“Beg pardon, Auntie, for interfering with -your servants, but, really, I could not withstand -the wistful looks in the face of my dark old -playmate.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116"></a>[Pg 116]</span></p> - -<p>“It is just what I was wishing, John, but -I confess I couldn’t see the possible crack.”</p> - -<p>“Nor I, Auntie; but I have full faith in -the old saying, ‘There’s always room for one -more,’ and Nan will be sure to find it.”</p> - -<p>How ever that Nan got up to her attic -nest, donned her best sack and bonnet, and -was out in that carriage before Papa’s watch -told the third second past,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Nor you, nor I, nor nobody’ll know;”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>perhaps the old creaking garret stairs had a -slight idea, but <i>they</i> will be sure to keep -dark.</p> - -<p>Then the reins were fairly tightened. -Hugh’s long lash made a great circle in the -air, ending in a terrific crack, and off started -the merry, noisy party. Surely such a load -did never coach convey since the ride of</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117"></a>[Pg 117]</span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“My sister and my sister’s child,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Myself and children three,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>when the coach was a chaise and Gilpin John, -on frantic steed, vainly tried to follow.</p> - -<p>My young reader, do you know anything -about the Providence hill-side streets?</p> - -<p>If you do, you will not wonder that Bear -winced, Charlotte “oh, oh’d,” the Monkeys -screamed, and Artie’s “Pshaw! don’t be foolish,” -from the coachman’s box, had a little bit -of a quaver in it.</p> - -<p>Poor old Roger Williams! your weary -spirit is at rest! There’s no more up-hill work -for <i>you</i>, but in the steep hill-sides your descendants -must daily climb, they may find fitting -emblem of your life-work here below.</p> - -<p>It was a great relief to Charlotte and her -bairns, to see the horses’ heads turned into the -pleasant, level Prospect street, with its veteran<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118"></a>[Pg 118]</span> -college buildings, so severely respectable and -yet so very shabby, which arrested Artie’s attention, -and prompted him to call out:</p> - -<p>“Papa, what sort of a manufactory is this -one on our right?”</p> - -<p>“For making brains, my boy.”</p> - -<p>“But where, sir, is the engine kept?”</p> - -<p>Papa points with his whip toward a pretty -house on the corner.</p> - -<p>“But I see no smoke.”</p> - -<p>“No, my son; during the Summer months -the steam-engine and the firemen rest.”</p> - -<p>The trembling of the coachman’s box causes -Artie to look up at his companion’s face, and -there learns from the glittering ivories that he -is a victim to one of Papa’s jokes.</p> - -<p>Now it is a very curious fact, that young -folk, yea, and old folk too, who are very fond -of “quizzing” others, seldom like the ball re<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119"></a>[Pg 119]</span>turned; -and so Master Artie refrained from -further questions, and cast a stealthy glance -behind to see if</p> - -<p>“That little Leonard chap knew he had -been quizzed;” but the little “chap” is busy -whispering to the Monkeys:</p> - -<p>“I do believe Aunt Emma is going to surprise -us all by a visit to the old Brown Farm, -with its cows, and pigs, and chickens, and old -Poll the Parrot, and the kind Grandma that -gives children berries and milk out under a -big, big tree. Now be sure,” he adds, “you -are surprised, ’cause if you are not, Aunt -Emma will be disappointed, and, after all, Jack, -you needn’t say ‘Goody, goody,’ for like as -not I don’t know anything about it, and we are -going to the Asylum, or somewhere another.”</p> - -<p>“Charlie, if we do go to the Brown Farm, -will we be sure to see Silly-chick and the old<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120"></a>[Pg 120]</span> -Portulak that bit off the little Singing Bird’s -head, ’cause it didn’t know manners?”</p> - -<p>“Daisy, what <i>is</i> the little fellow talking -about? He speaks so fast I can’t know -what he means.”</p> - -<p>“Why, he thinks, Charlie, that everything -in Artie’s Wonder Book is true and for fair, -like you believe your Mother Goose.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, but Daisy, Mother Goose is real -for fair. I have seen her at a party, and -the very ‘old woman that lived in her shoe -and had the many children;’ there they -were, sure enough, Daisy, for one of them, -who was peeping out of the bursted toe of -the shoe, was eating bread and butter, and -winked his eye at me, and another little fellow -sneezed and seemed to have a dreadful -cold in his head. What was that but sure-enough-alive, -I should like to know?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121"></a>[Pg 121]</span></p> - -<p>“But, Charlie,” Daisy reasoned, “don’t you -know that was a tableau-party, and they were -playing ‘The Old Woman in her Shoe?’”</p> - -<p>“Well, perhaps it was; only I believe -Mother Goose was real-for-fair. Why, Daisy, -don’t you know Auntie’s picture of your -father that hangs in the dining-room? Well, -isn’t he sure-enough-alive, I should like to -know?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, but Charlie,” remonstrated little Jack, -“you ought to believe my sister Daisy. -Papa says it isn’t nice manners to conterdict -a lady, and ’sides that, my Daisy ought -to know, for she studies French and definitions.”</p> - -<p>Where this hot little dispute would have -ended, is not very clear, for Charlie was always -loath to be convinced against his will, -and the Owl had no idea of having her su<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122"></a>[Pg 122]</span>perior -wisdom questioned by a youngling, -but just then a sudden jolt, as the carriage-wheel -passed over a stone, caused a scream -of fright from the little Monkeys, and Mother -Goose, Singing Bird, and ugly Portulak, -were all forgotten as the young city folk -gazed admiringly at the country landscape -before them.</p> - -<p>A few moments before, they had seen -blocks of houses, and pretty villas, with their -well-kept lawns, bright with midsummer glories, -whilst pillars of cloudy smoke loomed up -from the many manufactories in the distance.</p> - -<p>Now they are travelling at quick pace -along the smoothest of roads. Meadows of -deepest green, gemmed with gay dandelions -and wild daisies, with a background of woodland, -are hemmed in by old fences, whose -defects are changed to beauties by the Eg<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123"></a>[Pg 123]</span>lantine -and Grape-vines which cling about -them.</p> - -<p>Behind these draped old fences graze gay -goats, ungainly young colts, with their bright -eyes and long stilty legs; and little calves, -with their sweet “June breath” and shaggy -coats, who spring up to greet the travellers, -and follow them to the full extent of their tether.</p> - -<p>Hugh’s gentle horses drink in refreshment -from the pure country air, whose perfumes -whisper to them of abundant pastures and well-filled -barns, while their pricked ears and quivering -nostrils give promise of a breezy pace, -very different from their languid walk through -the heated city streets.</p> - -<p>A few moments later, and the merry party -near that bit of woody road, the joy and pride -of every true Nature-loving inhabitant of Providence.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124"></a>[Pg 124]</span></p> - -<p>Do you know it, young reader? No? Well, -then, there’s room for one more, for omnibuses, -and Narragansett Bay excursion boats have -clearly proved to the public that “two or more -bodies can occupy the same space at the same -time,” whatever your Natural Philosophy may -have to say to the contrary; so jump into the -old carriage, and by force of imagination, stow -yourself away in one of the “cracks.”</p> - -<p>We are just turning an unexpected corner, -and now we find ourselves suddenly transported -from the unshaded road, into a long woody aisle -where the interlacing branches of the trees on -either side form a high leafy arch, through -which, only rarely, you can gain a peep at -the sky above.</p> - -<p>The busy world is all shut out here. There -is nothing to tell of ceaseless labor and sordid -gain. Only Nature’s voice speaks.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125"></a>[Pg 125]</span></p> - -<p>The damp, cool air, the woody smell; the -rustling of branches, the quivering of leaves, -the trickling of the little rills in the distance, -the noiseless flitter of the yellow butterfly, the -katydid’s ceaseless chatter, and the broad, cool -surfaces of the glorious ferns, reflecting the -rare bits of sunlight which pierce through the -dense arch above, all contribute to the delicious -feeling of repose and refreshment which -steal over languid city folk, tarrying in this -grateful shade.</p> - -<p>This woody aisle reëchoes many times a day -with the prattle of childhood and the silvery -laugh of light-hearted youth; but, ah! there is -rarely a day that it does not reëcho, too, the -heavy tread of funeral coach and the mourners’ -quivering sob, as through the sweet quiet of this -woodland road, they bear their dearly loved to -the “City of the Dead,” that lies just beyond.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126"></a>[Pg 126]</span></p> - -<p>Sometimes it seems as if this quiet woody -road must whisper words of soothing to those -aching hearts, and that the glimpses, they sometimes -catch, of a bright sun behind the leafy -screen, must bring, to faithful hearts, thoughts -of “the Sun of Righteousness with healing in -its beams,” which, ere long, will in mercy dispel -the mists of sadness and shine into their -aching hearts.</p> - -<p>The little spot of light, so scarcely seen, at -the far-away end of the leafy corridor, grows -wider with each advancing rod, and soon, with a -shout of joy, the spell-bound children hail the -blue sky and the smooth, light road before them.</p> - -<p>Another turn in the road, and Charlie Leonard -cries out—</p> - -<p>“Oh, I smell my fun, I smell my fun! -Hoorah! Hoorah! Oh, thank you, Miss kind -Aunt Emma!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127"></a>[Pg 127]</span></p><div class="figcenter" id="facing126"> -<img src="images/facing126.png" width="392" height="600" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> - -<p>Swinging Under the Old Elm. Page 127.</p></div> -</div> - -<p>Such a hurrahing, hat-waving, and hand-clapping -as went up from that Menagerie van, -as the hospitable old gates swung out their -giant arms to welcome the noisy party to the -“old Brown Farm,” Papa’s young Paradise,—the -theme of many a thrice-told nursery tale.</p> - -<p>The horses, too, “smell their fun,” as they -plunge through the open gateway, and, halting -under an elm-tree’s shade, bend their -glistening necks to seek the sweet morsels at -their feet.</p> - -<p>Papa looks almost a “boy again,” as with -bright, glistening eyes he unpacks and deposits -on the soft turf the “two girls, two nurses, -three boys, and two dolls.”</p> - -<p>Just one minute to straighten out the -cramped limbs, one minute of oh! oh! ohing at -the gigantic size and wonderful beauty of “the -Old Elm” of the “old, old story,” and then<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128"></a>[Pg 128]</span> -Charlie Leonard, whose frequent visits here -with Aunt Emma, in her quest of cream and -butter, have made him quite at home, gives the -marching order, and away fly the “two girls and -three boys,” with nurses in the rear, first to -the old well, for a drink from the very same</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Moss-covered bucket,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>their Papa had so often uplifted in the days -of his boyish thirst,—then for a few high -swings to explore the elm’s upper stories,—and -then another flutter, and away they all -flew, like a flock of chattering magpies, to find -out for themselves the beauties and pleasures -of the</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Old Brown Farm.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129"></a>[Pg 129]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“A sunshiny world, full of laughter and pleasure.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>“Oh, Auntie dear, isn’t this most like -Heaven,” breaks out little Bear, lying -by his Auntie’s side, on soft cushions, under -the great Elm’s leafy canopy, drinking in the -soft country air, laden with the sweet perfume -it steals from the meadows and woodlands -it journeys through, whilst his blue eyes glisten -with delight at the prospect before him.</p> - -<p>The softest of blue skies was varied by -piled-up masses of fleecy clouds; fields of -young corn waved their shining green leaves -in answer to the balmy zephyr’s greeting,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130"></a>[Pg 130]</span> -whilst in the distant meadows hay-makers -tossed about their light load to the music of -the mower’s wheels.</p> - -<p>At the right stood the quaint old farm-house, -with its festoons of trumpet and honeysuckle -vine, and its gay setting of lady-slippers -and marigold, interspersed with the housewifely -marjoram and balsam.</p> - -<p>Papa, standing on the old porch, waiting for -an answer to the huge lion’s paw, which serves -as knocker, sees with pleasure the same old -grindstone he used so proudly to turn in his -childhood,—the long tell-tale array of shining -milk-pans hung upon the picket-fence, looking -quite the same, but Juba, the sportive companion -of those boyish days, lies basking in the sun, -snapping maliciously at the teasing flies and -eying the visitor with suspicious glance.</p> - -<p>“Juba, old fellow, have you forgotten me?<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131"></a>[Pg 131]</span> -Can’t you give an old playfellow a better welcome -than this?”</p> - -<p>Was it something in the ring of the manly -voice which sounded familiar to the old dog’s -ears, or was it the hospitality and courtesy of a -well-bred old family servant that led Juba, once -so frolicsome and lithe, slowly to rear up his -heavy, rheumatic body, and languidly crawl along -to reply to the friendly salutation?</p> - -<p>“Juba, poor old fellow,” said papa, kindly -patting the dog’s head, “are you and I indeed so -old? Come, good doggie, and see my little boy. -Don’t be afraid, darling, this is the very same -Juba that pulled your papa out of the duck-pond -yonder, where he had fallen in, whilst ‘paddling -his own canoe.’”</p> - -<p>The stiff old doggie responded kindly to -Bear’s caresses, and to the child’s great delight, -immediately crouched at his side, whilst papa,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132"></a>[Pg 132]</span> -discouraged by his efforts with the old knocker, -which never before had failed to procure for him -a warm welcome, sat down by his side.</p> - -<p>“Papa, will you please tell me again about -the tree?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, my son. It is more than a hundred years -old, and was planted, when a little sapling, by -one of the old inhabitants who gave to the farm -its name. There is the date, on the old board -fastened on the body of the tree. You see how -those grand old branches touch the ground on -all sides?</p> - -<p>“This tree casts a shadow of one hundred -feet. What stories, Auntie, it could tell of those -who have sported under its shade, now old men -and women! The young lovers of old now bring -their children and grandchildren to feast here on -the fruits, which to them have lost their sweetness. -How many times those huge old furni<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133"></a>[Pg 133]</span>ture -wagons have halted here, and deposited -their burden of merry boys and girls for their -yearly “school feast of berries and cream!”</p> - -<p>“Papa, are there any more such trees in the -world so large as this elm?”</p> - -<p>“Oh! yes, my son, even very near Providence, -in a little village called Johnston, there is one -much larger; indeed, I think it is the largest in -the country. A small house could be placed in -the body very easily. Then, in California, I have -seen cedar trees, whose trunks were so enormous -that they were used as dancing halls. -Fancy, Harry, how it must seem to be dancing to -merry music in a huge room within a tree! -There is one tree which has a world-wide reputation—the -English have named it Wellingtonia—after -your favorite Duke, but we Americans -claim for it the name of Washingtonia. The -Californians are justly proud of this old patriarch,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134"></a>[Pg 134]</span> -and well they may be. Think of its being high -as Trinity steeple, and a thousand years old!”</p> - -<p>“But, Papa, how can anybody tell how old a -tree is?—there are no people a thousand years -old to tell when it was planted.”</p> - -<p>“No, dear boy, but God tells us in this way. -Have you never noticed in a piece of wood—but -here is one just at hand. Do you see those -different rings?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, papa.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Harry, each of those rings show the -growth of the tree during one year; for each year -a new ring or layer of wood and a ring of bark is -formed.”</p> - -<p>“But, papa, I only see one bark!”</p> - -<p>“Yes, my boy, as the new wood and bark is -formed the old bark is pushed further out to -make room for the ring, and soon the old bark -sheds its coat; that is, part of its skin drops off.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135"></a>[Pg 135]</span></p> - -<p>Papa’s tree talk was just then interrupted by -a merry shout from the hay-field, and poor Bear -looked up so wistfully, yet patiently, in his -father’s face, that he said,—</p> - -<p>“Dear boy, you would so like to join them. -It seems cruel to keep you here.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! no, Papa, I don’t so much mind. It’s so -sweet and beautiful here, and the wind blows so -soft on my forehead, it seems as if it was God’s -breath. No, I really don’t mind much, and sister -Daisy will tell me all about it. Oh, Papa, you -don’t know about Daisy! Every night, after I -go to bed, she comes and sits by my side till I -am asleep, so I won’t miss Mamma, and she -smooths my hair and says softly in my ear, -‘Daisy’s own little comfort,’ and then, somehow, -my back doesn’t seem to ache, and I go straight -to sleep, and just to think of it, she hasn’t said -‘I told you so,’ not one single time! Oh, Papa!<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136"></a>[Pg 136]</span> -our Daisy is so kindly affectioned one to another. -Why, there’s Hugh hurrying back from the field. -What can the matter be?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. John, can I speak a moment alone with -you?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, Hugh.”</p> - -<p>“Well, sir, Nan is going on like she was mad, -to have Master Harry down yon in the hay-field -with the children. Cried like a baby she did, one -spell, to think the poor little fellow was missing -such fun, and that set the children off, and -they’ve give me no peace till I said ‘I’d see what -could be done,’ and then Farmer Brown came -along and says he—</p> - -<p>“‘Did you say, Hugh Crummell, those -youngsters belonged to Mr. Havens? You -can’t mean our master, John Havens?’</p> - -<p>“‘The very same,’ says I. ‘Came on -last Saturday from New York.’</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137"></a>[Pg 137]</span></p> - -<p>“‘Now I want to know,’ says he. ‘I -can’t leave my team, and my folk have gone -to town for a few notions ’gainst the Fourth, -but they’ll be along shortly; now if you’ll -just go to the further barn you’ll find Old -Meg, the lightest steppin’, gentlest old mare -ever you laid eyes on. We set great store -by our old Meg, we do, wife and me. Do -you mind, Hugh, now him that’s gone, and -Meg, was like colts together. Ah! ah! ah! -Well, just take the old creeter, and put the -little sick youngling on the saddle, and I -give you my word for it, old Meg has that -sense she’ll steer clear off from every stone -to spare jolting the bairnie, and if you’d just -say to Master John as I ain’t able to leave -my team, but if he wouldn’t mind stepping -across here, I’d gin him the heartiest grip -these old horny hands could wring out, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138"></a>[Pg 138]</span> -show him as pretty a piece of meadow-land -as he’ll see this side of York State; and -Hugh,’ he called out, ‘bear my manners to -Miss Emma, and tell her our folks will never -forgive, if I don’t prevail on her to stay and -take a dish of tea with us, and say I should -admire to have her look at us down here.’”</p> - -<p>“That’s a capital idea of good Farmer -Brown’s, Hugh, so trot out old Meg, and my -patient little boy shall ride off in fine style, -and visit all the old farm’s nooks and corners.”</p> - -<p>Little Bear could scarcely believe his own -eyes when Hugh appeared, leading with great -delight the dapple-flanked, mild-eyed old Meg, -the farmer’s pride; and when he learned that -on the gentle horse’s back, with Papa and -Hugh on either side, he was to make the tour -of the old Brown Farm, and visit his sisters<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139"></a>[Pg 139]</span> -and brothers in the hay-field, his cup of -happiness was brimming. Dear little fellow! -Big tears of joy stood in his eyes and rolled -down his thin cheeks, now flushed with pleasure, -as proudly gathering up the reins he -bent over and whispered to his father,—</p> - -<p>“Oh, if only dear Mamma could see me -now! But you’ll write it all to her, Papa, -won’t you?”</p> - -<p>Papa assented, and off started the party; -and very difficult would it have been to have -told which of the three was the happiest.</p> - -<p>Meg’s careful pace was directed first to the -hay-field, where the little cavalier was met -with a glad, noisy welcome from the young -haymakers, and Meg’s smooth sides patted -gently for her kind office, then the sport began; -and little Bear almost tumbled off his -steed’s back with laughter, to see the Monkeys<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140"></a>[Pg 140]</span> -slowly rising from under the huge pile of hay -Artie and Charlie had thrown upon them. -Like young porcupines they looked, with the -straws sticking upon them in all directions, -and such heads of hair! Poor, poor Charlotte, -what work for you in the next toilette!</p> - -<p>Then Papa headed the procession and introduced -them, one by one, to old Farmer -Brown, and the old man wrung Master John’s -hand, and laughed till the tears <i>would</i> come, -and then the old red-stained handkerchief -<i>must</i>.</p> - -<p>The orchards next must be visited, the old -Rhode Island greening, from whose branches -Papa fell and broke his arm, when climbing -up to count the eggs in a Bluebird’s nest; -the old russet where his initials were plainly -to be seen; the pear-trees laden with fruit, -which as young saplings he had planted.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141"></a>[Pg 141]</span></p> - -<p>Then came the very same old duck-pond, -but those ducks had gone</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Where all good ducks go,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>and a most ill-bred set of fowls had taken -possession, who quacked and shook their wet -feathers in the children’s faces, in a most -offensive manner, and fairly drove them -away.</p> - -<p>Then came the poultry-yards, where the -country geese hissed at the city goslings, and -the turkey-cocks gobbled out their doubtful -welcome, and the hens clucked the impolite -notice that it was time for younglings to go to -roost.</p> - -<p>The barnyard was lively enough, for it was -nearly six, and the milkmaids, with their shining -buckets, are drawing streams of milk from -the patient, mild-eyed cows. Sorry am I to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142"></a>[Pg 142]</span> -say that a sad thing occurred here, for Artie -was tempted to tickle, with a long straw, the -quivering nostrils of Brindle, who, supposing -the milkpail had something to do with the -affront, gave a sudden kick, which threw over -milkmaid, stool, and half-filled bucket. Artie -turned whiter than the milk itself, when he -saw the mischief he had done, and flushed -again as he met Papa’s serious gaze. How -different the Brown Farm looked through the -misty eyes as Papa began:</p> - -<p>“I am ashamed of you, my son. Instantly -pick up that pail and apologize for -your unpardonable mischief. I repeat that I -am ashamed of you.”</p> - -<p>It was rather hard for the Keeper to -ask the milkmaid’s pardon before Charlie -Leonard and his young brothers and sisters, -but Papa’s will was law, and besides, the boy<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143"></a>[Pg 143]</span> -was already heartily ashamed of himself, and -distressed at the trouble he had caused, so -he made his apology in so earnest a manner -that the tender heart of the milkmaid was -touched, and she heartily forgave him, and assured -him, with Irish warmth,—</p> - -<p>“That he was a rale little jintleman, and -’twas Brindle as ought to ax the pardon, as -had been tached kicking was not genteel for -his likes.”</p> - -<p>Aunt Emma remained sitting under the -“Elm,” for she had caught a glimpse of the -old Brown carryall coming up the road, and -wanted to prepare Mrs. Brown for the surprise -which awaited her.</p> - -<p>The carryall stopped at the side-door of -the carriage, and Mrs. Brown and Norah, -her “help,” descended, and proceeded to unpack -their city purchases; then, as Norah<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144"></a>[Pg 144]</span> -led off the horse to the barn, the good -farmer’s wife, for the first time, discovered -Aunt Emma coming to meet her.</p> - -<p>The kindly round face, with its crown of -silver locks, grew radiant with delight, as, with -both hands extended, she hasted to greet -her guest.</p> - -<p>“Well, now, I want to know! However -did you get here, Miss Emma, and not a living -soul to meet you and say a word of welcome? -Please just step into my cool parlor, and I’ll -have a cup of tea and a bit of somewhat to -refresh you.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly I will go in; but, my good Mrs. -Brown, you must hear my story first. My -nephew and his four children are with me for -a week, and John’s heart was set on showing -his young folk ‘the old Brown Farm’ and -his good friends, and I thought it would be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145"></a>[Pg 145]</span> -a novelty to those city children to have -an out-of-door tea under these trees. Now, -stop, Mrs. Brown, I know what you want to -say, but you must only give us a pitcher of -your rich milk and a pot of tea, for Celia -has packed a basket. I have brought the two -women who will wait on us, so you and -your husband must take tea with us. Here -come Nan and Charlotte to set the table.”</p> - -<p>“Well, really Miss Emma, I shall admire to -join you, and so will father, but you must let me -bring out a pan of my molasses cake that Master -John was so fond of, dear boy! I can see him -now. He’d never ask for a thing, not he, but -when he put his head of a Saturday in at my kitchen -door, I could seem to read ‘molasses cake’ -in the twinkle of his eyes, and it was our joke,—his -and mine,—I would say ‘Johnnie boy, could -you worry down a bit of my molasses cake?’</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146"></a>[Pg 146]</span></p> - -<p>“‘I’ll try, Ma’am,’ he would answer so dutiful -like, ‘and if I can’t, I’ll hide it where no human -eye can see it.’</p> - -<p>“My poor Father, him that’s sleepin’ now in -yonder buryin’ ground, he’d be a sittin’ behind -the door, for fear of the draught, and he’d be -took with such a fit of coughin’. Don’t you see, -Miss Emma, he was one of them good Puritans, -and it’s part of their religion, bless their -dear souls, not to laugh at jokes, and so they -take to coughin’? But I’ll just stop my gossip -and put on my best sewin’ meetin’ cap with -bright ribands. These gray old locks, mayhap, -might give Mr. John a sort of far-away feelin’, -for you know, Miss Emma, before my great -sorrow came, years agone, there was ne’er a -white hair on my head. He’d a been just -two years older than Mr. John, and maybe -his own bairnies would have been sportin’<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147"></a>[Pg 147]</span> -round the farm cheerin’ the old folks’ hearts. -Ah! well-a-day! We’ve had our cup of joys, -and now ’tis fittin’ we should be helpin’ put -the cup brimmin’ to the young folks’ lips. I -won’t be gone a second, Ma’am.”</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148"></a>[Pg 148]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Wee folk, old folk,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Chatting altogether.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Aunt Emma and good Mrs. Brown sat -in the cool cottage parlor talking, when, -suddenly, the door was thrown hurriedly open, -and the two little boys dashed in, whilst Roly-poly -Rosy followed near.</p> - -<p>The three flushed, young faces, with their -coronet of hay straws, looked as if they had -something very startling to tell, but their poor -little breaths had to be recovered first. Then -came—</p> - -<p>“Oh, dear! oh, dear! Aunt Emma.”</p> - -<p>“Mrs.—eh,—eh,—Brown—eh,—eh,—in a -minute I’ll get my breath.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149"></a>[Pg 149]</span></p><div class="figcenter" id="facing148"> -<img src="images/facing148.png" width="600" height="366" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> - -<p>Waiting for a Pinch of Salt. Page 149.</p></div> -</div> - -<p>“Miss, good Miss Brown, I—I—I mean Artie, -Daisy and ——”</p> - -<p>“Wait a moment, dearies,” interrupted the -kind farmer’s wife, feeling relieved from her -fears that Artie had fallen into the duck-pond -or Daisy from the hay-mow, “you’ve run all -the little breaths out of your pipes. Just rest -yourselves, and then tell your Auntie and me.”</p> - -<p>“Can’t wait, Ma’am, we’re losing time,” said -Charlie.</p> - -<p>“Oh, good Mr. Brown’s wife, won’t you -please to give me, I mean Artie and my -sister Daisy, a peck of salt?”</p> - -<p>“No, Jack, ’tis a pinch of salt to put on -the horse’s,—oh, dear! I mean”—and Rosie -stopped.</p> - -<p>“She means Artie’s and Daisy’s birds’ -tails they are catching; that is, they are -going to, when they get the salt.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150"></a>[Pg 150]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, Pets, I understand,” and in -less time than it takes me to tell it, the -children were off, with generous “pinches” -of salt, on the way to a large tree in the -next meadow, where Artie and Daisy were -guarding a little song sparrow.</p> - -<p>The pinches must have fallen a little short -of the tail, or else the wary song sparrow -had another engagement, and couldn’t wait, -for when the breathless little messengers -returned, they found the state of things quite -changed, for the sparrow on his airy perch, -on a neighboring tree-top, was pouring out -a defiant little song, and the elder brother -and sister quite out of sight. The little Salt -Hunters agreed,—</p> - -<p>“Best thing to do was just to pile up the -pinches under this plantain leaf, and maybe -the birds’ tails will get in ’out their<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151"></a>[Pg 151]</span> -knowing it, and they’ll be just catched same -as Artie and Daisy would have done, if -they had did it.”</p> - -<p>Daisy just now approaches, with an anxious -face, and a sad tale she has to tell,—</p> - -<p>“Artie had come across a French boy, -who could not speak any American words -but bad ones, whose father was dressed in -dirty shirt-sleeves and no stockings, hoeing -corn, and the French boy had a long branch, -and he said he was going to de duck-pond -for thrash it to scare de bull frogs.”</p> - -<p>Artie had immediately seized the idea, -and a long stick, too, and said he would indeed -go in for such a “jolly lark,” and when -the little Frenchman had explained that after -the poor bull-frogs had been driven, from -very fright, out upon the duck-pond’s banks, -they were to have their “back legs” chopped<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152"></a>[Pg 152]</span> -off at the wood-pile to make a savory -supper for the young Frenchman and his -“dirty shirt-sleeved” Father; then Daisy hesitated -no longer to warn Artie against such -shameful, cruel sport. Master Artie had -naughtily retorted,—</p> - -<p>“He should do as he liked, and not be -tied to a girl’s apron-string,”—which was insulting, -indeed, as Daisy’s dress was made -with a Polonaise, and aprons, she had long -laid aside. Now, Daisy was hurrying on to -Charlotte, and trying not to hear some -odious words, the soft breezes were wafting -across that sweet meadow from a young rebel’s -mouth, words which sounded very much, I am -sorry to say, like—</p> - -<p>“Tell-tale, tell-tale; hurry home before -your shoes wear out.”</p> - -<p>The welcome sound of a loud bugle’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153"></a>[Pg 153]</span> -clear notes, which told of a waiting supper, -rescued Artie from the Tempter’s snare, -saved the duck-pond its “thrashing,” and the -poor little bull-frogs their back legs. The -young rebel runs off his ill-humor, and overtaking -his little sister-monitor, links his arm -in hers, and hurries with her to the old -farm-house porch. Clean towels and spring -water brought to light a group of merry -young faces, around the table, spread under -the old Elm, whilst Papa, and the good -Farmer and his Wife, look “happy as happy -can be.”</p> - -<p>Bear says, “It is a funny dining-room, -it is papered with blue, and got a green -carpet on, and live crickets to put our feet -on.”</p> - -<p>Then the wee folk clapped their hands -loudly. Mrs. Brown looked admiringly toward<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154"></a>[Pg 154]</span> -Aunt Emma, and Farmer Brown “thought -he should have died,” but did not, or he -would have lost many a little joke from the -younger folk, and some so big from Papa, -that even solemn Hugh was obliged to lean -against the tree to hold himself together, -whilst the tea-cups he carried on a waiter -rattled out faint applause. There was something -besides joking to be done, for Celia -had provided for country appetites, and some -Fairy’s wand had changed Mrs. Brown’s promised -“molasses cake and milk” into glass bowls -of strawberries, with creamy cottage cheese, -and blocks of currant cake.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“A dainty feast enough, I ween,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To set before a King or Queen.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Whereabouts those little folk stowed away -“such a many” plates of cream and berries, -and yet found room for ham, biscuit, and cake,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155"></a>[Pg 155]</span> -is beyond my ken; nor do I know how long -that feast would have continued, had not a -sudden explosion taken place, and one of -Jack’s waist-buttons flew over into Papa’s cup, -which frightened Mr. Havens so much that he -sprang like a squirrel up into the tree above; -and soon after down upon the children, table, -ground, Mrs. Brown’s cap, and Hugh’s shining -bald head, came a most startling shower of -torpedoes. That was a signal indeed, and -away flew the screaming magpies across the -meadow to take another look at the sty where -dwelt the pigs that gave the ham that Farmer -Brown might well be proud of.</p> - -<p>Then they paid a visit to the old back -shed, where from her high perch, old Madam -Poll Parrot eyed them carefully, first turning -her head on one side, and then on the other, -and finally, startling them all by saying,—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156"></a>[Pg 156]</span></p> - -<p>“Polly wants her supper. Had yours?”</p> - -<p>Little Jack was so entirely surprised by -the salutation, that he demurely answered, -“Yes, ma’am, thank you,” which threw the -children into fits of laughter. Madam Poll -laughed too, and mortified poor Jack by -screaming long after he had got out of her -sight:</p> - -<p>“Ha! ha! ha! Silly boy! Ha! ha! ha!”</p> - -<p>A stranger, on the road, was attracted by -the group about Poll, and calling them to -him, said,</p> - -<p>“I can tell you, children, of a more wonderful -Parrot than that. A Clergyman once -went on board a ship which had just made -the return voyage from Cuba, to try to get a -Parrot for his children.</p> - -<p>“The Captain said he knew of one man in -the forecastle, who had a very unusually imita<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157"></a>[Pg 157]</span>tive -bird, so the Clergyman went in search of -the sailor, and offered him quite a liberal price -for his pet. To his surprise the sailor replied:</p> - -<p>“‘I want to sell her bad, but she won’t suit -the like of you, sir.’</p> - -<p>“‘Oh,’ said the other, ‘I am the best -judge of that, and am ready to take all risks.’</p> - -<p>“‘But, indeed, your reverence, if you must -have the truth out of me, you know we sailors -are apt, the more shame for us, to let -slip bad words often, and you see the bird -has got into our ways.’</p> - -<p>“‘That is indeed a sad thing,’ said the -Clergyman, ‘but I will engage soon to cure -him of <i>that</i> fault.’</p> - -<p>“The bargain was concluded, and Poll soon -found, instead of being laughed at and admired -when she said her bad words, she was instantly -plunged into a cold bath, from which she came<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_158"></a>[Pg 158]</span> -out so uncomfortable that she had to fly to -the warm kitchen, and sit in the chimney-corner.</p> - -<p>“One day a poor, shivering little chicken -sought shelter in the kitchen from a heavy -shower. Poll was there, too, in disgrace, and, -as she caught sight of the dripping feathers, -she said to her companion bird, ‘You say bad -words, too?’</p> - -<p>“Now, children, I have been told that this -story is true; but, however that may be, never -utter a word you would shrink to hear this -poor, soulless creature repeat after you.”</p> - -<p>The children thanked the traveller for his -story, and ran off for another chat with Poll.</p> - -<p>Mr. Havens, in the meantime, has lighted -his cigar, and is talking on the porch steps -with Farmer Brown, whose wife is showing -Miss Emma her poultry-yard and dairy, whilst<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159"></a>[Pg 159]</span> -Hugh, Nan, Charlotte, and Norah are enjoying -their meal under the tree.</p> - -<p>Then the deepening twilight reminds Papa -it is time for the homeward flitting; the bugle -sounds its loud notes, the horses, refreshed -by their country supper, come gayly prancing -up to the cottage door; kisses and kind words -are exchanged,—neglected dollies, recovered -from their resting-place under the bushes, the -“two nurses, two girls, three dollies, and two -boys,” are again packed in; the coachman’s -whip makes its airy circles, then a crack, and -homeward hie the chattering party, just as the -silvery moon’s face, peeping from behind the -piled-up summer clouds, seemed to say to -those fairy lanterns, the fire-flies twinkle, “You -may go now, there is no further occasion for -you.”</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160"></a>[Pg 160]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Here blooming fields and fertile hills appear.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Below the harbor, bay and islands lay,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And there the ocean rolls wide-stretching to the sky.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Mr. Havens and his aunt were sitting -in the garden on their return from -their country excursion; the little ones were -sound asleep in their nests, and Artie and his -sister were chasing fire-flies to put under -glasses, when suddenly a loud ring at the front -door was followed by Hugh’s appearance with -a letter for Mr. Havens, who, after reading it, -called the young folk to him—</p> - -<p>“Children, do you think you could possibly -manage to endure another day’s frolic?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, Papa, we are not one bit tired,”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161"></a>[Pg 161]</span> -they eagerly replied; “we could run all night -long.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t intend to try you; but listen to -this letter I have just received, and see if you -can make anything out of it.”</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Dear old Friend and College Mate</span>:</p> - -<p>I learned to-day that you and yours were in the city; -but, unluckily for me, had gone this afternoon to the old -Brown Farm. The last train for Bristol is almost due, so I -write hurriedly, to ask you with your good Aunt, nurses, and -little folk, to come to us to-morrow afternoon, by the boat, -to spend the Fourth. I have invited a few gentlemen to -pass the day on my yacht, but Gertrude will be at home as -care-taker, and the bairns will have a merry time.”</p></blockquote> - -<p>“Now, children, wait till we hear what Aunt -Emma says.”</p> - -<p>“I think, John, it will be a delightful excursion -for you all, and am only sorry I cannot -join your merry party, but my old friend, Mary<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162"></a>[Pg 162]</span> -Graham, always passes that day with me, and I -do not like to disappoint her.”</p> - -<p>“Miss Mary Graham! Oh, Auntie, I -remember her nerves, and it will be a great -mercy to her, if I remove my noisy collection -from the house before she comes, so I -will telegraph ‘yes,’ at once. Now, children, -you can run back to your fire-flies.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, papa,” said Daisy, “I can only stand -still and pinch myself, to see if it is truly -myself. It seems to me as if everything -was getting to be just like fairy-land. Such -loads of pleasure coming all at once!”</p> - -<p>“And think of it, Daisy, duck, that’s the -very same jolly old place Mamma has told -us about so many, many times, rainy nights, -around the Library fire, where they have no -end of pets, and water running close to the -house, and clam-bakes and everything.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163"></a>[Pg 163]</span></p> - -<p>“And Alice, and Kit, and May, and Gracie, -and good Jem that’s such a hand at telling -funny stories! Oh, Artie, man, how ever -shall we live till to-morrow? I feel as if I -should fly to pieces this instant.”</p> - -<p>“I will tell you, Daisy, daughter, the best -way to prepare for to-morrow’s pleasure is -to run off your excitement now, so take -another fire-fly chase and then to bed for a -good sleep.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Haven’s dreams were disturbed at -early dawn by two half-dressed figures leaning -over him, coughing violently, and as -soon as he opened his sleepy eyes, the -figures asked,—</p> - -<p>“Papa, had we not better begin to pack -now, and dig our worms for bait?”</p> - -<p>“Pack yourselves off to bed, you night-walkers,” -said the voice from the high pillow,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164"></a>[Pg 164]</span> -and the command was enforced by a huge -shot in the form of a pillow that sent the -laughing children upon their knees. Thence, -they started off to the Nursery, when Daisy -remembered Papa had said “the little ones -were to know nothing yet of the plan lest -they should grow restless,” so they wisely -concluded to sit and read till it was time -to dress for breakfast.</p> - -<p>As the children were hurrying from the -breakfast-room, Papa said,—</p> - -<p>“Artie and Daisy, I did not read you the -postscript to my letter, last night, lest you -should have been entirely upset by it, so -here it is:</p> - -<p>“‘Can you not bring down your Aunt’s -pet, the little Leonard boy? “The more the -merrier,” and Gertrude’s motherly heart, as well -as house, has always room for one more.’</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165"></a>[Pg 165]</span></p> - -<p>“So, children, you may carry this note -from me to Mr. Leonard, to see if he is -willing Charlie should go with you.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Leonard was just coming down the -steps of his house, and stopped to read the -note, then looking up, much pleased, said,—</p> - -<p>“Will you thank your Papa for me, for -so kindly offering to take care of my lonely -little boy? I shall be very glad to have him -enjoy such a treat. His Aunt Julia came on -from New Orleans last night, and you will find -them both in the front room, in the second -story.”</p> - -<p>Arrived at the door of Mr. Leonard’s parlor, -Artie did, indeed, try to give a genteel -knock, but somehow the nervous little fist -tightened itself into a young sledge-hammer, -and the sound startled the inmates of the -room and dyed Daisy’s face with crimson<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166"></a>[Pg 166]</span> -blushes, as the French maid opened the door -with a surprised look, as she said,—</p> - -<p>“Oh, est-ce-vous, petits? Voila un grand -tappage!”<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a></p> - -<p>Aunt Julia came to meet them, with a pleasant -smile, for Charlie had talked to her of -little else besides “his new splendid New -York friends.” Then Charlie laughed out his -merry greeting, and showed them his treasures -from Aunt Julia’s trunk. A regular fort, with -soldiers and cannon, and dried-peas-cannon balls, -and a scrap-book, and heaps of colored pictures -to paste in, and Charlie screamed with laughter, -as he showed them how he had cut off -Louis Napoleon’s head with Nannette’s big -scissors, when Artie’s heavy knock startled -them so, and Artie apologized, saying—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167"></a>[Pg 167]</span></p><div class="figcenter" id="facing166"> -<img src="images/facing166.png" width="420" height="600" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> - -<p>Charlie Leonard’s Scrap Book. Page 166.</p></div> -</div> - -<p>“I did not mean to give such a banger, but -somehow, the fun in my mind seemed to run -right down into my fist, for only think, Charlie, -we have come to invite you to go with all -of us, to stay two nights and the Fourth of -July at Bristol, where there’s an Indian pony -and used to be true Indians in King Philip’s -time, and is now a bay for fishing and clam-bakes, -and two squirrels and a cart, and your -father said you might.”</p> - -<p>Charlie looked bewilderingly from one to -the other, but when Daisy explained the grand -plan, in her more quiet manner, Charlie’s delight -became intense, and to the children’s -great surprise, he ran and hid his head on -his Aunt’s shoulder, and they were still more -astonished when, a moment after, his Aunt -loosened her clasp about him, to see tears in -both their eyes, for how could they know that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168"></a>[Pg 168]</span> -the little fellow’s great joy made him long -for the dear Mamma, who had passed away -with the coming of the June roses she had -longed for; a Mother who was never too -feeble to sympathize in his child-joys, or help -him bear his child-griefs.</p> - -<p>A good old poet has truly said—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“The tear down childhood’s cheek that flows,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Is like the dew-drop on the Rose;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">When next the summer breeze pass by,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And wafts the bush, the flower is dry;”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>so in a few moments, the three children were -having a merry game of Fort-siege, pelting -down with their fatal pea-shot, the brave little -soldiers who never winced or offered to run -away.</p> - -<p>Nannette has returned, with Aunt Emma’s -permission, for the children to spend the morning, -which was hailed with great delight, for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169"></a>[Pg 169]</span> -sieging forts is the work of time, and the -young folk thought they could well afford to -lose their Croquet and garden sports, to capture -such booty as the fort promised.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Three o’clock <i>did</i> come that afternoon, though -there seemed to be every reason to suppose -it <i>never</i> would, for the hands of Aunt Emma’s -tall, old-fashioned clock, which stood in -the upper hall, seemed to have grown, suddenly, -stiff and rheumatic; the “here she goes, -and there she goes,” of the old pendulum, -were, surely, never before so deliberate, and -as for the old moon-face above the dial, it -seemed to take such pleasure in the children’s -impatience, that Artie fairly forgot his reverence -for old Father Time’s faithful servant, -and shook his fist at it, and was just about -to assist the old pendulum to take a higher<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170"></a>[Pg 170]</span> -flight, when the barn-yard mischief and Papa’s -stern face came to mind, and he turned away -for a slide down the bannisters instead, when -he remembered Mamma had forbidden <i>that</i>, -so the boy sat down on the stair landing, -leaned his elbow on his knee, his cheek on -his hand, and tried hard to think—</p> - -<p>“Whatever under the sun there was a boy -<i>could</i> safely do?” and the only thing seemed -to be “to behave!”</p> - -<p>As we have said before, three o’clock did -come at last, and found Charlotte and Harry -in the ladies’ saloon, Papa on the upper deck, -holding Jack on his knee, watching the rest -of the party, under Nan’s protection, at the -side of the boat, holding on with both hands -to their hats, which the stiff sea-breeze seemed -coaxing away very hard. Whatever sea-breezes -want of straw hats is a mystery to us. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171"></a>[Pg 171]</span> -saucy fellows don’t stop for small boys’ hats -alone, but Narragansett sailors do tell of a party -of grave and learned clergymen coming from a -Newport meeting, how the careless, saucy sea-breezes -teased those reverend gentlemen, and -at last, when fairly out of port, the boldest of -them helped himself to the Bishop’s hat, and -then ran off to “blow” about it. What that -Bishop did, History doesn’t say; whether he -made a soldier-cap of his <i>Providence Journal</i>, -or a night-cap of his pocket-handkerchief, we -cannot confidently say; but, you may rest assured, -he made the best of it.</p> - -<p>Charlie Leonard, as the most experienced -sailor of the party, is explaining to them -the nature of the foaming water about them.</p> - -<p>“You see, Daisy, you think it’s all for fair -white soap-suds, but you see it isn’t so, but -the bottom of the bay is all white salt, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172"></a>[Pg 172]</span> -when the keel of the boat rubs it, you see -it makes that white salt water, just like -when you rub your wet hands on soap. One -time, when I was quite small, I thought just -as you do, but I found out afterward the -truth of it myself.”</p> - -<p>Charlie seemed a little disappointed, when -Mr. Havens called the group to him and explained—</p> - -<p>“Children, you recollect when you blow -through your bubble-pipe into your soap and -water, how many bubbles are formed by the -air rushing through the water; just so the -paddle-wheel of the boat acts as your pipe; -it agitates or puts in violent motion the water, -dashing air down into the water and dashing -water up into the air, thus forming multitudes -of bubbles which, when driven together, look, -as Charley says, like ‘for-fair soap-suds.’ If<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173"></a>[Pg 173]</span> -you could see the paddle-wheel, you would -find it covered with those bubbles.”</p> - -<p>“But, Papa,” said Artie, “why do we have -to put soap in the water to make our bubbles?”</p> - -<p>“Anything which thickens or makes the -water firmer, makes the bubbles last longer, -Artie; and the oil in your soap does that. -You have often seen men along the streets -with those bright-colored balloons you are so -fond of; those are gum-elastic bubbles, and the -sides of which are quite firm.</p> - -<p>“I have given you quite a lecture, now -you can go back to your ‘soapy waves.’”</p> - -<p>“I will be boat-manager,” said Charlie, -proudly, “and tell you all the places as we -go along. You see that wire bridge? well, in -a minute our whistle will scream to it to -swing round the half of it, and you see when<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174"></a>[Pg 174]</span> -we get to it, we will go through just as -easy!</p> - -<p>“That large, white house is where they -make good boys out of bad ones, and the -name of it is the ‘Reform School.’ That high -frame on the shore is a ‘Grain Elevator.’ It -takes the grain right out of the boats and -swings it up into stores; that great brick -building, with the smooth lawn, is the ‘Hospital.’ -I have been there with Aunt Emma to -take some toys to a poor little boy who had -to have his leg cut off.”</p> - -<p>The suspension bridge was passed through, -just “as easy” as Charlie had predicted,—the -dingy docks and gloomy coal vessels were -left behind; and stiffer, bolder sea-breezes -loudly-flapped awnings, made sport of women’s -and girls’ dresses, and, at last, fairly drove -the merry party into the shelter of the upper<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175"></a>[Pg 175]</span> -saloon, from whence they could safely admire -the pretty villages and country-seats which -dotted both sides of Narragansett Bay.</p> - -<p>Charlie pointed out “Squantum Club-House,” -famous for its weekly summer clam-bakes, where -the wise men, the rich men, the learned men, and -the witty men of Providence meet to eat so -many clams, and make so many jokes, that -the clams which were so happy as to survive -those bakes, had swallowed so many of their -crumbs of worldly wisdom and knowledge that, -it is said, last summer they formed themselves -into a manufacturer’s club, and a literary club, -too. One learned Doctor gained such an intimate -acquaintance with them that they let -him into some of their secrets, and lent him -some verses they had composed, which were -read at the next learned clam-bake,—and all -were clamorous for copies.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_176"></a>[Pg 176]</span></p> - -<p>Rocky Point’s high tower now loomed up -in the distance, and as the boat passed, Charlie -told off the swinging boats, the miniature -railway, the flying horses, and cages of monkeys, -which attracted such hosts of men and -women, boys, girls, and babies, day after day. -Then the bay grew wider, and little islands -rose out of its waters, and one little rock, -with a stone light-house, where, Mr. Havens -told them, the Keeper, whose business it was -always to keep the lamp lighted at night, to -warn vessels off the rocks, lived with his little -son, in a small house; and one severe winter -night the water rose and the ice carried away -little house, man, and boy, who were fortunately -rescued by a life-boat.</p> - -<p>The children’s attention was next arrested -by a school of black porpoises, see-sawing on -the waves’ tops, and Jack asked—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_177"></a>[Pg 177]</span></p> - -<p>“Why they went to school, when they had -no heads nor book-straps?”</p> - -<p>Papa explained, as well as he could, “That -they went to school to learn to catch small -fish, and Dame Nature was their teacher;” at -which the children laughed merrily, and were -interested in Papa’s account of some gentleman’s -experience in raising and training fish. -How they would come to get their dinner -when the bell was rung for them, and of little -gold rings being fastened on their fins -when they were tiny fish, which were found -long after upon large fish, caught in nets, -showing what good sailors they were that, after -going off to strange waters, they were -able to find their way back to their own -homes again.</p> - -<p>The pretty villas of Newport Harbor were -now visible, then the steeples of Fall River,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178"></a>[Pg 178]</span> -and very soon the boat slackened its speed,—the -bell rung,—the sailors rushed to throw -the huge cables over the dock’s posts, and -the children see Papa waving his hat to a -gentleman in a large beach wagon, on the -wharf, who returns the salute with such a -bright, pleased look, as promises well for the -longed-for visit at Bristol.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179"></a>[Pg 179]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Over the river and through the wood,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To have a first-rate play.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Over the river and through the wood,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And straight through the barn-yard gate</div> - <div class="verse indent6">We seem to go</div> - <div class="verse indent6">Extremely slow,—</div> - <div class="verse indent4">It is so hard to wait.</div> - <div class="verse indent8">Hurrah for the fun!</div> - <div class="verse indent8">Our ride is done,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And our frolics are just begun!”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>“Now,” said Mr. Harwood, when the Menagerie -were safely packed, “we will -start for the station, where Jem, my oldest, is -due from boarding-school. Come, ponies, do -your best, we won’t keep the dear boy waiting.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180"></a>[Pg 180]</span></p> - -<p>There, upon the station steps, guarding his -trunk and packages, stood a tall boy of fifteen, -in gray uniform, looking eagerly up the road. -Mr. Harwood tightly grasped the boy’s brown -hand as he presented him to his friend. -Jem’s first words were an inquiry after his -Mamma, and then, without ceremony, he -plunged in among the young folk, and before -a single mile of the long road which lay between -Bristol and his country home was passed, -Jem Harwood was regarded by all the little -party as just the best fellow that ever lived. -How patiently that big boy, who had travelled -all day in a heated rail-car, answered all -those little questions! Yes! and put away -from his mind pleasant thoughts of the longed-for -meeting with the darling mother, to repeat -to them the stories they had heard so many, -many times. How little Alice was missed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_181"></a>[Pg 181]</span> -one Saturday afternoon at “Tub” time, as -they called the bathing-hour, and was found -bare-footed, in the brook, with the new little -Indian pony, giving him his Saturday bath, -scrubbing him down with her little pocket-handkerchief, -and smoothing out his long, -glossy mane with her own comb, whilst her -tooth-brush, powder-box, and toilet-soap were -lying, ready for use, in a little basket, suspended -from her neck. “The squirrel” was as playful -as ever, and one day he had hidden in Ned’s -overcoat, quite unknown to its owner, who -had hung it up in the school-room hall, and -was surprised enough, when prayers were -over, to see the squirrel hopping upon the -master’s table.</p> - -<p>How the children screamed with fun to see -how spryly Johnny Black sprung away from -the master’s long arm, till, at last, the teacher<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_182"></a>[Pg 182]</span> -was fairly tired out, and Johnny Black gained -for the boys a good hour’s play, hunting him -from pillar to post, and finally catching him -by the aid of a slip-noose. “The fun,” Jem -said, “did not appear half so funny when the -recess brought to light the fact that Johnny -Black, always so well-behaved at home, had -spent the prayer-time in pilfering nuts from -the boys’ dinner-baskets, and nibbling their -crackers and cheese. Poor Ned felt he was -somehow to blame for the theft, and coaxed -Mamma into giving him a basket of “goodies” -to make a regular “spread” for the next day’s -nooning.</p> - -<p>“Johnny Black is a funny name for a gray -squirrel, Jem,” said little Bear, who was taking -a lively interest in the stories.</p> - -<p>“Oh! we had two squirrels, and the other, -whose name was Dandy Jim, was lost. We<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183"></a>[Pg 183]</span> -got the names from some funny verses in -May’s Rhyme Book.”</p> - -<p>“Do say them, Jem, dear,” begged Rosie.</p> - -<p>“Well, then, here goes—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Two little squirrels lived in a wood,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">One was naughty and one was good;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The naughty one’s name was Dandy Jim,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">(His mother was very fond of him;)</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The good one’s name was Johnny Black,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">He had beautiful fur all down his back,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And he never went near the railroad track.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But Dandy Jim (alas for him!)</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Would not heed what his mother did say,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But far away from his home would stray</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Over the hills and far away.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And one bright summer day</div> - <div class="verse indent0">He <i>never</i> came back!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">For, going too near the railroad track,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The locomotive ran over him,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And that was the end of Dandy Jim.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184"></a>[Pg 184]</span> - <div class="verse indent0">But Johnny Black,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">He <i>always</i> came back.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">He never went far from his home astray,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">He thought that at home was the place to stay,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">He minded his Mother, where’er he might be;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">He thought that his Mother knew better than he.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The children clapped their hands so loudly, -when Jem finished, that the horses pricked up -their ears and started off on a brisk gallop. -Presently, a gay sight met the eyes of -the party.</p> - -<p>Coming up the road to meet them, was a -little cart, drawn by a solemn-looking Indian -pony, whose head and harness were decked -with small flags; the cart was filled to overflowing -with merry-faced boys and girls, with -flags and streamers fastened to their hats, and -bearing a banner with the words “Welcome -Home,” in large letters, upon its face.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185"></a>[Pg 185]</span></p> - -<p>Mr. Harwood reined in the impatient horses -as the gay cavalcade came near, whilst Jem -stood up and raised his hat. Then came such -a hurrahing and clapping of hands, and flapping -of streamers, in which the Haven children -joined so heartily that Artie’s hands were -blistered, and Jack’s voice hoarse as a young -raven’s for hours after.</p> - -<p>The good-natured elder brother had to get -down from the wagon, and submit to be smothered -with kisses, and then it was arranged -that all the boys, except Harry, should ride -together in the cart, and the little girls were -lifted up into the beach wagon, where, at first, -they felt a little shy, till May discovered a dolly’s -head peeping from under Daisy’s wrap, -and then the young mothers “found their -tongues,” and very soon everybody was talking,—and -nobody was listening,—and every lit<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186"></a>[Pg 186]</span>tle -body thought every other little body “ever -so nice.”</p> - -<p>Presently, the pony-cart drew up to the -wagon-side, and Jem called out—</p> - -<p>“Mr. Havens, and Papa, is there any -objection to our stopping a few moments at -Sam Colt’s, the blacksmith’s? It seems these -city children have never seen a horse shod, -and I see Mike taking in Farmer Boyce’s -gray.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you for the thought, Jem,” called -Papa; “and the little girls would enjoy it, -too.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="facing186"> -<img src="images/facing186.png" width="455" height="600" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> - -<p>Sam Colt Shoeing Farmer Boyce’s Gray. Page 186.</p></div> -</div> - -<p>The old tumble-down blacksmith’s shop, at -the fork of the roads, was a picture indeed. -The red-hot iron, throwing out its shower of -golden sparks, Farmer Boyce’s gray, bending -his proud, arched neck, and meekly yielding -his fore foot to the clasp of the smith’s sinewy<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187"></a>[Pg 187]</span> -arm! Little Jack thought it must be “so nice -to sleep in your shoes, and have no bother -with shoe-butnens and laces,” but timidly shrank -back at the nailing part, and could not be -made to understand that it was not painful -to the horny hoof.</p> - -<p>Now, the road, for a short distance, lies -close along the shore of Bristol Bay, where -the setting sun has just given a golden “tipping” -to the wavelets, whose soft lapping -sound is new music to the city children’s -ears.</p> - -<p>A huge farm-gate, at the end of this bit -of shore road, swings open to receive the gay -cavalcade; a thick grove of chestnut trees -was passed through, then beach wagon and -pony cart halted at the door of a large, old-fashioned -farm-house, over whose broad porch -rose-bushes and honeysuckles climbed at will,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188"></a>[Pg 188]</span> -even boldly venturing to peer into the very -windows of the chambers above, whilst buttercups -and white daisies, quite at home, nestling -in the green grass of the smooth lawn, -laughed out their bright welcome to the little -folk, and bade them make themselves at home, -too, for this was Liberty Hall.</p> - -<p>Jem gives a spring, and is in the lovely-looking -lady’s arms, who stands waiting on -the porch, whilst shy little Bessie hides her -curly head in the folds of her mother’s dress, -half afraid and half eager for the stranger -brother’s kiss.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harwood needs no introduction to her -dear friend’s children, for Mamma’s letters -have long ago made “Artie, Daisy, Rosie, -Harry, and Jack,” household words at Harmony -Hall.</p> - -<p>The bread and butter on the waiting tea-<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189"></a>[Pg 189]</span>table -was capital, never milk more golden, -Lady Bee at home, and Busy Bee in her hive, -have helped to spread the table with dainties, and -salt sea is the best sauce in the world; but -still the ten children found it a tedious meal, -and wondered whether good Jem had been -quite starved at school,—that he could stow -away such a quantity of food, and whether he -had not, may be, lost his teeth, that he took -such a while.</p> - -<p>Kind Mr. Harwood, at last, read the wistful -look in their faces, and bade them take a -run to the shore before it grew too late, and -good Jem left such a bit of cocoanut cake -on his plate as boarding-school boys only -<i>dream</i> of, to marshal the excited little crowd -down the sloping lawn to the nice sanded -floor of their shore parlor, and out to the -edge of the little wharf where lay <i>Psyche</i>, Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190"></a>[Pg 190]</span> -Harwood’s yacht, with its gay streamers, in anticipation -of the morrow’s sport. The good-natured -yachtsmen helped all the little ones on -board, and enjoyed the eagerness with which -they examined sails, anchor, cable, compass, -cabin, deck, and pantry, and peered into the -well-filled hampers. Then, on shore again, -Jem and his brothers exhibited rare powers of -“skipping” stones, and the younger ones -splashed and dashed with bits of wood and -pebbles, to their hearts’ content. Ned suddenly -cried—</p> - -<p>“Halloo! men alive, if there isn’t old Sam, -the blind clam-man, and his cart, coming up -our road. What does that mean, I should like -to know? Let’s find out.”</p> - -<p>“The men alive,” consisting of Ned, Artie, -Charlie, and Kit, with little Jack toiling in their -rear, started off on a quick run to find out<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191"></a>[Pg 191]</span> -for themselves the “meaning” of Black Sam’s -clam-cart paying them a visit at that time of -night. Mamma explained the mystery thus—</p> - -<p>“You know, children, to-morrow is the -Fourth, and as your Papa and his friends are -to be gone all day on the yacht, I thought -the greatest pleasure I could give you was an -out-of-door fish dinner, which you are to prepare -entirely yourselves. I will be your guest. -I know you like to dig your own clams; but, -as you will need many, Papa thought it best -for Sam to bring some to-night, with oysters, -too.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Mamma; clam-bakes are the -best of fun,” screamed Ned, and Jem, coming -near with the little girls, called out—</p> - -<p>“Three cheers for the best Mamma in the -world!” That was a signal; and I am sure -the clams in Bristol Bay must have heard<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192"></a>[Pg 192]</span> -those cheers, and opened their mouths in astonishment, -and am quite certain the fishes -must have popped up their heads to ask if -the Fourth of July had really come. Oh, wasn’t -it well for those soft-shelled clams and simple -fishes that they could not know what the morrow -was to bring forth?</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_193"></a>[Pg 193]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Forward, Light Brigade!”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Mr. Havens could hardly believe his -sleepy eyes, as, wakened at sunrise by -the sound of booming cannon and distant church -bells, he parted his curtains and saw—yes, really -saw,—a procession of children, bearing drums, -guns, and banners, whilst gay barn-yard feathers -tipped their three-cornered soldier hats. There -they all were—Artie, Ned, Daisy, Kit, Alice, -Charlie, May, Rosie, Jack, Grace, with Nan in -their rear.</p> - -<p>“Is Charlotte crazy,” yawns Papa, “to let -those children out at such an hour? I must -speak seriously to her about this.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194"></a>[Pg 194]</span></p> - -<p>But Papa did not speak “seriously” to -Charlotte about this, for the next moment he -caught sight of Jem dragging a little wagon, in -which Bear was seated most comfortably, waving -a flag, and leading by a long string the family -pet lamb, with gay streamers floating from his -snowy neck, and as Papa saw the look of delight -on his sick boy’s face, all thoughts of displeasure -vanished, and his heart thrilled with pleasure. -Faithful Charlotte walked close beside her little -charge, and Ranger, the great mastiff, solemnly -kept her company.</p> - -<p>Bright eyes soon discover Papa peeping -through the curtains. Captain Ned gives orders -to “Halt! Turn! About face! Fire!”</p> - -<p>And the drums beat, guns fire, and flags -wave a salute, and then comes the marching -order, whilst Yankee Doodle is famously played -on combs and Jew’s harp.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195"></a>[Pg 195]</span></p> - -<p>Tramp, tramp, tramp! and the second halt -is made at the barn-yard, where each member of -the regiment, including the lamb, is refreshed -by a drink of warm milk in the little cup which -each has fastened to his or her waist; then the -new Alderney calf, with its bright gazelle eyes -and sweet June breath, comes gayly up to meet -them, and be duly smoothed and admired, whilst -the anxious mother watches Jem a little doubtfully -whilst he celebrates the calf’s first national -birthday by tying a flag to her tail. Next in -order comes the poultry-yard with its new -brood of tiny sebrights—Gracie’s special -charge—the pure white bantams with their -scarlet topknots and feather pantalettes, and -the quacking ducks with clumsy waddling gait. -Old Zero, the cross game-cock, eyes the visitors -with some displeasure, betrays a little disposition -to “show fight,” and refuses stoutly to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196"></a>[Pg 196]</span> -“turn tail,” that the saucy rogues may rob him -of some of his glorious plumage. Very likely -the far-seeing bird recognized some of his own -feathers, gayly waving in the morning breeze, -from the top of the soldiers’ caps, and this accounts -for the party not being in “high feather” -with him.</p> - -<p>Ned discovers to Artie the secrets of the -nests, and the two boys come out triumphant -with hands full of eggs and hair full of straws, -which suggests further sport in that direction, -and the regiment disbands for a roll on the -haymow, which ends by Artie’s finding himself -suddenly lying in the manger, where Nero and -Zantippe, from their stalls, survey him with -huge, surprised eyes, as if wondering at which -end they should begin to nibble. Our young -master was a good deal terrified at his situation, -and not much relieved when roguish Kit Har<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_197"></a>[Pg 197]</span>wood -offered “to help him out with a pitchfork;” -but good Jem, who had warned the -children to beware of the hole where the horses’ -food was thrown down to them, soon came to -the rescue, and lent a helping hand. The -pigeon-house at the top of the barn was next -resorted to, and Jem stayed with little Bear, -and brought a chickling, which had lately burst -his shell, and laid the little peeping chick in the -thin hand which could only be tender in its -touch. Cæsar, the coachman, lifts Jack upon -Nero’s high back, whilst the children watch the -horses eating their morning meal so solemnly -and slowly too.</p> - -<p>Jack runs to wash his little fat hands in the -morning dew, for Cæsar does it, and so it must -be “the thing.”</p> - -<p>Suddenly the large bell in the hall rings -loudly, and this welcome message from the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_198"></a>[Pg 198]</span> -waiting breakfast finds ready echo in their -willing ears, and a general stampede follows.</p> - -<p>That was a merry morning meal. Papa -and his friends had sailed an hour ago in the -trim <i>Psyche</i>, from its little harbor at the wharf, -and there were so many pleasures, past and yet -to come, that a great deal of talking had to be -done, besides their exercise in the cool morning -air seemed to have turned each little body into -a huge hamper, where a marvellous amount of -soft-boiled eggs, muffins, and cold ham had to -be packed out of sight for the day’s needs.</p> - -<p>Mamma was just proposing they should -remain near the house till midday, keeping the -shore pleasures for a later hour, when the little -pony suddenly came walking into the dining-room -through the low porch! He had heard -the merry voices, and knew Alice had a bit of -sugar for him. What could be the matter?<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199"></a>[Pg 199]</span> -Hadn’t he waited out by the window, nibbled -off the leaves of the rose-bush, and finally -thrust in his head, all in vain? Alice is listening -to one of Jem’s boarding-school tales, and -has no eyes or ears for pony this morning; so, -of course, there was nothing else for pony to -do but to walk upon the clean porch, after -having, it is hoped, carefully cleaned his shoes -on the scraper, then step lightly into the hall, -and thence to the dining-room. Jem must -stop his tale now, and let the old school-bell -hang without its pillaged clapper, for never -before was Harmony Hall honored by such -a guest. Pony had thought it could be no -harm to take such a liberty, just for once, and -wasn’t this a free country, and weren’t we all -independent citizens? If not, pony would like -to know why the cannons, bells, pistols, and -squibs had been saying so ever since day<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200"></a>[Pg 200]</span>light. -Pony was right, Mamma seemed to think—for -she herself picked out the largest lump -of sugar, which the old silver claw could grasp, -and fed him with it, gently reminding Coco -that only on the Fourth of July could such liberties -be permitted. Nan came in the room, -in the midst of the scene, with Baby Bess in -her arms, who screamed with delight at seeing -Coco in the dining-room, and called so loudly, -“Me yide, me yide,” that Jem held her on his -back, whilst he turned him out on the lawn.</p> - -<p>The rabbit-hutch is the next place to be -visited, for Jem said “he had not yet paid his -respects to his ‘bunnies,’” and as everybody -agreed to everything in Harmony Hall, off -started the noisy band.</p> - -<p>The rabbits were a little shy at first, but -were very soon lured from their burrows by -the smell of the dewy clover and cabbage<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201"></a>[Pg 201]</span> -leaves Jem had carried for them, who showed -the children the different marks called “smut” -upon their faces, which told their value.</p> - -<p>The finest specimen had a black “smut,” -or patch of dark fur. The single smut was a -patch on one side of the nose; the double, on -each side, and the butterfly, a patch on either -side, and one on the ridge of the nose. Then -he exhibited the “dew laps and long laps,” -and told them how bravely they would defend -their young. Jem said,—</p> - -<p>“Our French teacher, at school, is from -Poland, where the snow lies long and is very -deep. He says that in his country the hares -choose spots in the snow to lie down in, and -let the snow fall all around and about them, -thus forming a cave for their winter house. -Their warm breath thaws the snow about their -nose so as to make air-holes to breathe through.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202"></a>[Pg 202]</span> -Hunters know of this, and train their dogs to -search for these air-holes, and stand guard till -<i>they</i> arrive to shoot them. Then, they have a -funny trait, like some children: they are always -looking behind them, and so often, whilst -looking for danger in their rear, rush right in -among hunters and their dogs without seeing -them.”</p> - -<p>“Now, Jem,” said Artie, as they left the -rabbit-hutch, “what is the next animal to be -seen? I like your menagerie a great deal better -than ours. I mean, real animals are a -great deal more fun than boys and girls, shut -up in a city house, with scarcely a tree or bit -of sky that seems to belong to you.”</p> - -<p>“However, boy,” said Kit, “did you get to -call yourselves The Menagerie?”</p> - -<p>“Why, this is how: One rainy day, Papa -was ill with a cold, and Mamma got a letter<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_203"></a>[Pg 203]</span> -from your mother telling about your pets, and -we were discontented because we had none -but a dog and cat; so Papa proposed we -should form ourselves into a Home Menagerie, -and we had such regular fun that day making -cages, feeding and performing, that we have -kept up our names ever since.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Jem dear,” said Gracie, “if you are -not too tired to-night won’t you please play -elephant and old cat, like you used to? It’s -such a while since we have seen them.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, little sister, I will certainly do it if you -are all good children. Now we will go to -visit the old dormouse.”</p> - -<p>“What a nice brother to have, Jem is!” -said Daisy, taking Alice’s hand as they walked -along. “He seems so ready to do everything -you ask him.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said solemn-eyed little Alice, as her<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_204"></a>[Pg 204]</span> -eyes proudly followed the tall boy in gray -uniform, with boys on either side; boys and -girls before and behind, and small boy riding -on his back. “Yes, we all like Jem. He is -so generous and wise to us.”</p> - -<p>“Why is the fellow called Dormouse?” -asked Daisy.</p> - -<p>“Because,” Jem answered, “the word means -sleepy-mouse, and he spends most of his time -napping. Just feel, Daisy, how soft and delicate -his long hair is! You need not squirm -so, he won’t jump at you. He is too much -of a sleepy-head to take any trouble; see, I -can tumble him right over without waking -him.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Jem, tell the story Mamma read us -about the English lady and the dormice,” said -Kit, “it is so famous.”</p> - -<p>“An English lady was invited to take tea<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_205"></a>[Pg 205]</span> -one night with an old lady who had a pair -of pet dormice; after tea, the visitor went to -an evening concert, and on her return home -found a note from the old lady, saying,—that -immediately after she left the house, one of -the dormice was missing, and begged she -would carefully examine her clothes,—for sometimes -her pets would hide away in the folds -of a dress for hours. The lady searched in -vain; no pet dormouse appeared, so she began -to prepare for bed, when, to her great astonishment, -on combing out her long hair, she found -the mouse hiding in a thick curl. How he -got up there, or when, or how he managed to -hang on, was always a mystery.”</p> - -<p>“That was funny enough,” agreed the children, -and turned their attention to the squirrel -in his cage. Jem threw in a handful of nuts, -and it was curious to see how daintily he turned<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206"></a>[Pg 206]</span> -them all over, throwing aside those that were -not perfectly good, and when he found one -just to his taste, sat himself on his hind legs, -cushioning his seat with his tail, then holding -the nut in the fore paws, he chiselled out the -tip with his front teeth, then broke off the -shell, and slowly nibbled the kernel. Jem told -the children how useful that great bushy tail -was—as cushion by day, and warm blanket -at night.</p> - -<p>Next on the list came the pigs. But pig-sties, -in summer, are not places to tarry long -near, so the children started for home, when, -suddenly, a loud scream was heard, and Jem -darted back in the direction from which the -sound came, and soon learned its cause. The -two Monkeys had slipped away from the party, -to take another look at the pigs, and climbed -to the top of the fence, with long sticks in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207"></a>[Pg 207]</span> -their hands, “to worry the pigs.” The old -Lady of the Sty was so indignant that, at the -first thrust, she had rushed toward the fence, -making such a fearful noise, that the terrified -Rosie had lost her balance, and something or -somebody (Rosie, in her fright, could not tell -which, but rather thought it was herself) fell -over into the sty, right under the quivering -nostrils of the angry pigs. There stood Rosie, -screaming and stamping outside, whilst roguish -Jack was running away as fast as his little -short legs could carry him, and Jem found, to -his great relief, that what Rosie, in her fright, -had supposed to be her little self, was really only -her pretty straw hat which piggies were devouring, -daisy, wreath and all.</p> - -<p>Kind-hearted Jem sat down on the trunk -of a tree, near, and, taking the sobbing child -on his knee, tenderly soothed her, first prom<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208"></a>[Pg 208]</span>ising -one of Alice’s sunbonnets for her future -use, then, as the children gathered anxiously -about him, the boy proposed to tell them a -Family Pig Story.</p> - -<p>“Do, Jem,” half sobbed, half laughed little -Rosie, “I really think it would make my scare -better.”</p> - -<p>“Do, Jem, old fellow,” chimed in Ned and -Kit; “stories of animals never seem to grow -rusty.”</p> - -<p>“Mamma ought really to tell this,” said -Jem, “for she has a kind of a way, when she -tells her stories, of seeming to make everything -and everybody walk right before your eyes; -but I’ll do the best I can.”</p> - -<p>“Once upon a time, in the History of the -Harwood Family, news came to the house -that one of the Madame Pigs had died in the -night, and left behind her a poor little baby-<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209"></a>[Pg 209]</span>pig, -which had no one to pity and take care -of him. So the family finished their breakfast, -in a great hurry, and started off for the sty, -or, rather, for the sake of ears polite, we will -say the pig parlor.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Jem, don’t be a goose, go on,” impatiently -cried Kit.</p> - -<p>“There, sure enough, was found a white-skinned, -pink-nosed little piggie, looking very -disconsolate, ‘whilst the salt tear-drops streamed -down piggie’s eyes.’ Papa said we must bring -her up by hand, and from that hour, Piggie -Pink, as we called her, was our special pet, -and the lawn her play-ground. Alice and -Grace spent all their money in ribbons for her. -You may imagine she was a beauty, she kept -herself very clean, and Gracie tied pink ribbons -about her neck and a pink sash around -her waist, and a rosette upon her tail, every<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210"></a>[Pg 210]</span> -birthday or festival. We used to coax Mamma -to let us bring Piggie Pink into the house, -but to that she would never consent. One -Fourth of July, every one but Mamma had -gone to the village to see the goings-on there—even -the servants had gone, for Mamma -said she would enjoy the quiet, and not feel -lonely. She seated herself upstairs, with a -book, when the thought came into her head, -‘I will first go downstairs and make the children -a nice loaf of their favorite citron cake; -they will come home very hungry, and enjoy -it so much.’ So the nice loaf of cake was -made and put in the tin box in the pantry, -and the kind Mamma sat down again to her -story. Once or twice, she fancied she heard -funny little noises; but as she wasn’t afraid of -ghosts, and knew Ranger would keep off robbers, -she paid no attention to the noise at<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211"></a>[Pg 211]</span> -first; at last her curiosity was aroused, and off -she started, to find out what company she -was entertaining. The parlor was empty, and -so was the library, but as she stepped through -the open door of the dining-room, she found -her pantry door open,—the tin cake-box she -had put on the shelf was open, too, on the -floor,—outside of it were two little white legs -and a little quirled tail, with a pink rosette -on it, and over the edge of the tall cake-box -hung a pink sash, whilst two fore paws and -a pink head were buried in her nice, soft -warm cake. Mamma was sorry to have no -cake to offer us when we got home, but she -said she had had a very hearty laugh. Piggie -Pink had seemed so unconscious that she was -not doing the proper thing, and never once -offered to run away. That’s all my story, says -Peter Parley.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_212"></a>[Pg 212]</span></p> - -<p>“Jem,” asked Rosie, who had quite forgotten -her recent adventure, “what is a -ghost?”</p> - -<p>“Well, really, my little maid, you bother -me there,” said Jem, thoughtfully, “I should -say it was a—a—”</p> - -<p>“Isn’t it really a kind of a live nothing, -Jem?” asked Charlie Leonard.</p> - -<p>“Well, yes, Charlie,” Jem answered. “I -should say you had just about got the -idea.”</p> - -<p>The children next bent their steps to the -house, where Mamma gave them a nice lunch -of bread and fruit, and then sent the little -ones off with the nurse, for a nap to rest them -before the great frolic of the day.</p> - -<p>The older boys threw themselves into the -hammocks, under the shady trees, while Mrs. -Harwood, in the cool library, read some of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_213"></a>[Pg 213]</span> -Hans Andersen’s bewitching tales to the little -girls, who sat dressing their dolls in their sea-side -suits, to be in readiness for the shore -dinner.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_214"></a>[Pg 214]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“How happy are they</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Who have clams every day!”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>One o’clock finds the girls, boys, nurses, -dollies, and big Ranger escorting Mamma -to the shore, where Jem, Ned, and Kit -threw off their coats, which Artie saw meant -work, and so immediately followed their example.</p> - -<p>Now, fresh water must be brought, in -pails, from the little spring which rippled from -a rock near the water’s edge. A large iron -bar had next to be run through a hole in -one of the fence-posts, and upon it an iron -pot was hung. To the small boys was given<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_215"></a>[Pg 215]</span> -the privilege of picking up pieces of brush in -the grove and piling them up under the kettle, -all ready for Jem to kindle a grand fire. Then -shoes and stockings had to be pulled off, and -the four older boys, with shovels, rakes, and -baskets, waded in the shallow water for the -great work of digging clams. Artie thought -it about the most prodigious sport he had ever -dreamed of, and shouted loudly to all his brothers -and sisters to look at every clam he was -fortunate enough to bring to light, whilst Jack, -always true to his belief that “paddling in the -water was the best fun of anything,” sat on -a rock, looking wistfully on and digging up -the sand around him with his impatient little -toes.</p> - -<p>Then the baskets of clams were set down -in the water, that the tide might wash through -them and carry away some of the mud and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_216"></a>[Pg 216]</span> -sand which clings to them; and whilst this -process was going on, Kit good humoredly -brought a small part of the coveted Bay to -the little ones. Oh, what a Kit! May runs -to the house for the little wooden pails and -shovels, and oh, how those little beavers work! -What cannot be made out of sand and water -I should like to know? Beautiful gardens -appear, with rows of little trees, and -walks paved with tiny shells and glittering -pebbles. Old Lottie, who sprang to life from -the family rag-bag, is condemned to be buried -alive, whilst for Maude and Evangeline, dainty -city dolls, fine thrones are piled up, from -which they may look down on the dirty -hands and aprons of their young mothers -and uncles. Dr. Kit prescribes for Euphemia, -who has fits of not being able to -stand on her feet, continued “hot sand baths.”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_217"></a>[Pg 217]</span> -Then dollies are left in peace, whilst all turn -their hands to manufacturing sand pies, and -then wells must be dug and filled with water -for future use.</p> - -<p>Presently the children see Artie and Ned -rushing to the house to harness Coco to the -little cart to bring down black Sam’s loads of -oysters and clams. Alice sets the example of -cleanliness to her companions by going down -to the water’s edge to wash her hands, and -instantly the fashion takes, and Bristol Bay is -turned into a huge water basin, and its sandy -shores into a dressing-room.</p> - -<p>Nan, Charlotte, and the Haven servants -now came down from the house, in merry -mood, bearing brown bread, a pail of butter -packed in ice, chickens dressed for the gridiron, -and a huge Indian pudding. Artie and -Kit tumble over the Princesses Maude and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_218"></a>[Pg 218]</span> -Evangeline, making their thrones things of the -past, in their haste to get over into the next -field to dig the fresh, new potatoes. Gracie, -under Sarah, the cook’s, direction, with Daisy -for her assistant, prepares the chowder. First -into the iron pot she places slices of pork, -which she heats to a crisp brown; then go in -layers of well-seasoned clams, shorn of their -ugly shells by Jem’s jack-knife; layers of -sliced potatoes, and onions and crackers. -Then layers of clams again till the pot is -quite filled. I assure you very delicious is -the steamy odor which soon fills the air and -quickens the appetite. Two wooden horses -are saddled with boards and blanketed with -snow-white table cloths, to bear the burden of -the day’s feast. In the middle stands the -grand Indian pudding, with a flag springing -up from the centre to mark the day, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_219"></a>[Pg 219]</span> -guarded on each side by great piles of brown-bread. -Jem carefully brings the rich green -watermelon from the spring where it has been -cooling, and with deft hands and valuable -jack-knife, cuts it up into most bewitching -mitre forms. Sarah, the cook, ladles out, on -huge platters, the smoking, savory chowder. -Then Jem, with Mamma’s permission, gives -the order to “Fall in!” and in much less time -than it takes me to tell it, the little Madison -Avenue Menagerie make the acquaintance of -the Rhode Island shore dinner which has made -the tiny State so famous.</p> - -<p>Little Jack, with mouth full of brown-bread, -says,—</p> - -<p>“I always frought bakes was in ovens and -boils was in pots,” which makes the Harwood -children laugh as they explain it is not yet time -for “the bake;” there is fishing to be done first.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_220"></a>[Pg 220]</span></p> - -<p>When the rods were brought out, wasn’t -Artie pleased to find his so admired! Jem, -himself, had never seen one so fine—even Jem, -who showed him how to cut clams and put -them on the hook, as better bait than worms,—told -him from just what spot on the wharf -he must fling out his line, and watched that -line as well as his own, telling him just how -long to let the fish nibble and just when to -draw in.</p> - -<p>When, finally, the prize came to land, it -proved to be a large-sized, silvery scup, and -then the city boy was almost wild with joy. -Oh, wouldn’t that be a story to tell his children’s -children, how their grandfather, at the -age of ten, caught a regular scup, and a “two-pounder -at that!”</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“For he looked at the scales and found it so,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Just as his friend, Jem, had told him, oh!”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_221"></a>[Pg 221]</span></p> -<p>How Artie longed to lay the squirming -trophy at his Mamma’s feet, and claim a loving -kiss as best reward!</p> - -<p>But, look! this is no time for dreaming! -Jem’s “bob” has disappeared entirely, and -“Jem is having a tricky one to deal with,” -Ned whispers,—</p> - -<p>Ha! ha! Master Fish, you have got your -match at the other end of the line. Our Jem -is an “old hand,” he knows all your wiles, -and even now is pretending not to have the -least idea you are in his power. Now he -loosens; now tightens gently his line; slowly -winds up; and now, with dexterous jerk, -swings upon the sand a fine tautog, Newporters’ -dainty breakfast. Yes; there is the -poor fellow, with his fine, bright eyes, white -skin and black scales, leaping in the air!</p> - -<p>The sport went on. Tautog, scup, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_222"></a>[Pg 222]</span> -sometimes a striped bass, lie quivering on the -sand.</p> - -<p>Bear asks Aunt Gertrude,—</p> - -<p>“Why do they give the fish such a queer -name as <i>tautog</i>?”</p> - -<p>“It is from two Indian words—<i>taut</i>, which -means <i>rocks</i>, and <i>og</i>, fish. This tautog hides -among the rocks, when the tide comes in, to -get away from the larger fish, who would eat -him up. He lives mostly on sea plants and -insects.”</p> - -<p>“But don’t you think it seems cruel to kill -the poor things?”</p> - -<p>“Scarcely that, dear, for God has made -them for our use. Don’t you remember our -Saviour’s feeding the hungry multitude with -loaves and fishes in the wilderness? The -fish, in their turn, devour insects, and as they -peep their heads above the waters to catch<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_223"></a>[Pg 223]</span> -them, the instinct of the birds, which seems -God’s voice in them, teaches them to watch -for their appearance, dart down upon and -devour them. But, see, Artie is beckoning -for us, and here comes Nan to carry you up -to the bake.”</p> - -<p>For the sake of far-away children, who -have never visited Narragansett shores, let -me explain, that upon stones, which have been -thoroughly heated, large quantities of sea-weed -are thrown, and upon that, clams, oysters, -and sometimes lobsters, chickens, sweet-potatoes, -and corn are put.</p> - -<p>After Jem had placed his clams and oysters -on the sea-weed, the boys covered them -up with more weed, and over the smoking -mass placed a large piece of sail-cloth, from -whose seams and cracks, ere long, came an -odor which was well worth a journey from<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_224"></a>[Pg 224]</span> -New York to inhale, for certainly there is -nothing just like it. It will not be strange if -ere long enterprising Rhode Island druggists -send to the far-away cities bottles marked -“Clam-bake Perfume,” which shall rival that -of “Heliotrope” or “New Mown Hay.”</p> - -<p>The table has been neatly prepared, -Sarah’s broiled chickens are smoking there, -and now every boy,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Be he great or be he small,”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>has the pleasure of raking over the smoking -seaweed, to bring to light the steaming clams -and oysters, and filling the great earthen pudding-dishes -with them, ready for the eating.</p> - -<p>How the Haven children looked to see the -Harwood boys, yes, and girls too, eating clams -as if “fingers had, indeed, been made before -forks!” Aunt Gertrude read their look of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_225"></a>[Pg 225]</span> -astonishment, and explained to them that picking -out clams with the fingers at a clam-bake -was quite allowable, and that she herself -always did it; and so the children quickly -followed her example. It really was great fun -for the boys with appetites sharpened by hard -work, to run races eating clams,—striving to -see who could soonest get a pile of shells he -could not look over. This sounds to city ears, -unused to clam-bake tastes, very, very strange, -almost very improper; but we can only -plead—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“’Tis a way we have in Rhode Island, boys!</div> - <div class="verse indent6">To drive dull care away.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The children’s attention was presently diverted -from their Bake by the sight of a -large bird hovering over them, holding something -in her beak.</p> - -<p>Their eyes followed the bird as she made<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_226"></a>[Pg 226]</span> -great circles in the air,—descending lower and -lower, till just as she was within shot, something -dropped heavily upon the table, which -proved to be a poor bleeding fish. Mrs. -Harwood said—</p> - -<p>“This bird is a Fish Hawk, and has its -nest in one of our old pear trees, which you -will presently see. It hovers over the water -to watch for fish, coming to the surface to get -their dinner of insects, and then pounces down -upon them. You see, to-day she has caught -a poor little bass, and, as she was carrying -it through the air to her nest, the little fish’s -tender flesh has been torn away, and he has -dropped from his enemy’s beak upon the -table before us. The Fish Hawk nest was -built here before my husband’s birth, and is -more than fifty years old. It is about as -large in size as a half barrel, but none of us<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_227"></a>[Pg 227]</span> -have ever seen the inside, for, generally, it has -a very bad odor of stale fish. The Hawk -has a great time every spring, house-cleaning, -and putting down their fresh carpets of twigs -and pebbles.”</p> - -<p>“Why don’t you climb up, Jem, and see -the inside of the nest for yourself?” asked -Artie.</p> - -<p>“For three good reasons, sir: First and -foremost, Papa would not allow it; second, -the <i>tree</i> would not, for it is quite dead, and -unsafe for climbing; and, lastly, because I am -so fortunate as to have a nose.”</p> - -<p>“Daisy,” said Kit, “do look over the fence -into the next field, and see those solemn cows -watching us over the bars. They always come -and stare at us when we have our Bakes, -and generally, when we are fishing or digging -clams on the shore, they come and stand in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_228"></a>[Pg 228]</span> -the water, and watch us by the hour, with -their big, serious eyes.”</p> - -<p>Rosie asked Aunt Gertrude if she might -give the good cows some clam-bake?</p> - -<p>“Yes, dear,” she replied, “I think they -would enjoy the melon-rind and bread-crusts, -very much.”</p> - -<p>Rosie filled a basket with the remnants -of the feast, and emptied it between the bars -right at the feet of a “baby-cow,” as she -called it, when, to her terror, just as the little -calf put her head down to taste the nice -morsels, two of the old cows came running -toward her in a most furious manner, lowering -their horns as if they were going to -toss her; at which the baby-cow galloped off -as fast as possible, and the selfish old animals -ate up the whole feast, and went off -leisurely, chewing their cud as if they had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_229"></a>[Pg 229]</span> -been doing the most well-behaved and proper -thing in the world.</p> - -<p>Jem told Rosie to “never mind, it was -their way;” and Aunt Gertrude said—</p> - -<p>“Cows are very sensitive; they will not -stand any disrespect from the young ones. -In a herd of cattle the eldest always takes -the lead, and none of the young dare leave -the pasture till the older ones have set the -example.</p> - -<p>“It is quite funny to see with how much -contempt a new calfie is treated, when she -makes her first appearance in the barn-yard. -She is pushed aside by her elders, and not -allowed to go near the feeding-trough till -they have finished their meal, sometimes losing -her supper altogether; but when another -calf comes in, calfie the first turns tyrant, and -treats her in the same manner. When I have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_230"></a>[Pg 230]</span> -seen young people push past older persons, -in going out from a room, or choose for -themselves the most comfortable seats, I have -said to myself, ‘Even the little calves have -been better trained.’ Indeed, I assure you, -there is a deal of etiquette observed in the -barn-yard parlor.”</p> - -<p>“Do cows ever hurt children, Aunt Gertie,” -asked little Bear.</p> - -<p>“Sometimes, dear, but very rarely. A very -short while ago a friend of mine, the widow -of a clergyman, went with her only child, a -lovely, bright boy of eight, to live in a quiet -little mountain village. Here Spencer, for -that was his name, soon won the love of all -the villagers, by his gentle manners and helpful -ways. His mother playfully wrote me that -it seemed as if the child looked upon the village -as ‘his father’s parish, and the villagers<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_231"></a>[Pg 231]</span> -as parishioners left to his charge by that -father.’ Day after day the little fellow might -be seen wending his way through the village -streets with his little pail of soup, or basket of -dainties, for some sick person. Other days, -the cottagers would stand at their doors watching -the ‘minister’s boy,’ as he was always -called, dragging out, in his little wagon, a -neighbor’s sick baby, whilst the mother rested -her weary back; and from this child of eight, -those simple folk learned lessons of charity -never to be forgotten.</p> - -<p>“One summer morning, his mother heard -him, at daylight, passing her bedroom door. -She called, him to come to her, and he came -in with his little box of tools, saying, ‘I did -not mean to waken you, mother dear, but -last night, when I passed poor old widow -Sampson’s, I saw a board loose on her steps,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_232"></a>[Pg 232]</span> -and I kept waking up in the night and worrying -for fear the poor old lady might fall -and badly hurt herself before I could get there -to fix it.’</p> - -<p>“Just as he was about to leave the room, -he said, ‘Oh, mother, in my hurry, I have forgotten -my morning prayer; may I kneel here -by your bed, and say it?’ His mother heard -him whispering the Lord’s Prayer, till he came -to the words, ‘Thy will be done.’ There he -stopped, then slowly repeated the petition, and -finishing his prayer, stooped over and kissed -his mother many times, and then ran off, humming -a favorite song.</p> - -<p>“An hour after, distressed villagers brought -back little Spencer’s lifeless body. A farmer -had called to ask him if he would stand and -hold open a gate, whilst his cattle were driven -through, and as he stood there, a cross ani<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_233"></a>[Pg 233]</span>mal -lowered its horns suddenly, and tossed the -little fellow in the air, killing him instantly.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="facing232"> -<img src="images/facing232.png" width="415" height="600" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> - -<p>Little Spencer Gathering Brush for Widow Sampson’s Fire. -Page 233.</p></div> -</div> - -<p>“The whole village mourned the child, and -poor Widow Sampson came to tell the mother -how she had been the little fellow’s care during -all the last winter. Every snow-storm -brought Spencer to her door with his little -barrow, filled with bits of brush he had gathered, -and when ill, he came every day to minister -to her wants.</p> - -<p>“I have been told that the farmer immediately -killed the treacherous cow, and when -he sent its flesh to the poor people, they all -sent back, saying, ‘they thanked him kindly, -but that meat they could not eat.’</p> - -<p>“I am afraid my story has saddened you, -but I see the <i>Psyche</i> is in sight, and Papa is -making signals. I know he wanted to give us a -little sail when he returned, so we must hurry.”</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_234"></a>[Pg 234]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“To bravest heart, the tenderest touch belongs.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>It is evening, and the family party, young -and old, are gathered on the porch, talking -over the pleasures of the past day, -whilst Ranger lies close at Mr. Harwood’s -feet.</p> - -<p>Mr. Haven remarks, “That’s a grand mastiff, -Fred, but what has become of my old -friend Tiger? How much he used to enjoy -your yachting parties! How his tail showed -the interest he took in our fishing, and how -frantic he became whenever a fine fish was -drawn on board! He was a nice fellow, I -should like to see him again.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_235"></a>[Pg 235]</span></p> - -<p>“His disappearance has never fully been -accounted for,” replied Mr. Harwood. “Perhaps, -Artie, you and Daisy have never heard -how Ranger came to us?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir,” eagerly answered the children. -“Is there a story about it?”</p> - -<p>“You may be sure, youngsters,” Papa laughingly -interposed, “that where there’s a dog -there’s sure to be a tale.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” quickly added Jem, “but it isn’t -every dog that leaves a tale behind him.”</p> - -<p>“You are right, Jem, I yield the point, and -ask the company’s pardon for keeping the tale -hanging.”</p> - -<p>“Your Aunt Gertrude,” continued Mr. -Havens, “has a brother, an Army Surgeon, -who was at one time stationed at a Florida -fort close by the Everglades.”</p> - -<p>“Papa,” said Kit, “hadn’t you better ex<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_236"></a>[Pg 236]</span>plain -to the children what Everglades are?—one -time I didn’t know myself.”</p> - -<p>“That is right, Kit. There is a part of -Florida, as large, I should think, as the whole -State of Massachusetts, which is covered with -water. Tall grass and reeds grow up in this -water, and occasionally small islands are -found, covered with trees and tangled vines. -Some of our most beautiful flowering vines, -such as the Wisteria, with its purple clusters -of blossoms, which you see hanging from -the posts of our back piazza, and the sweet-scented -jessamine, are brought from those -islands which are homes for snakes, alligators, -wild boars, and wolves. Indians used often to -hide themselves in these Everglades, and -come down in their canoes by night and -attack the neighboring settlements. In order -to protect the lives of the people near, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_237"></a>[Pg 237]</span> -United States erected a fort close by, and the -soldiers were constantly sent out from it into -these Everglades to hunt out the Indians. It -was soon found that some other plan must be -adopted, for soldiers died rapidly, as those -places were filled with a very unhealthy atmosphere -called <i>miasma</i>, much like that of -the jungles you have heard of in India, -where the only paths are those which the wild -beasts make on their way to find water. -Wolves and tigers hide there in the dark -thickets to spring out upon travellers, and -huge boa-constrictors hang from the branches -of the trees ready to spring down, wind themselves -around their victims, and crush them -instantly.</p> - -<p>“There are fierce wild animals in the -Florida Everglades, but the atmosphere is -just about as fatal to life.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_238"></a>[Pg 238]</span></p> - -<p>“The soldiers having died in great numbers, -large mastiffs, or bloodhounds, were sent -in the Everglades to do the work, but the -hounds would not serve the soldiers. Perhaps -the Indians made friends with them, or they -liked the wild life and plenteous game of the -glades; however that may be, the hounds all -disappeared, and nothing was heard of them -for a long time, excepting an occasional baying -during the stillness of the night.</p> - -<p>“One day, one of them, this very Ranger, -came back to the fort, terribly mangled, his -body torn open by the polished tusks of the -wild boar, and, with what seemed human -reason, the poor, suffering creature made his -way directly up to the surgeon’s quarters, -and presented his case to Uncle Lee, who always -had a great fondness for animals of -every sort. He examined the wound care<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_239"></a>[Pg 239]</span>fully, -and found it would be necessary to sew -it up at once; but this his brother officers -entreated him not to attempt. They said it -would be foolhardy, for at the first prick of -the needle, the animal would, of course, turn -upon the hand that gave the pain, and fearfully -injure him.</p> - -<p>“Uncle Lee hesitated; but the dog looked -up piteously in his face, as if saying,</p> - -<p>“‘You are my only hope,’ and he could -not resist that look of entreaty.</p> - -<p>“The officers, seeing he was determined, -surrounded the animal; one stood with loaded -musket aimed at his head, so that at the first -attempt on his part to injure the surgeon, he -could shoot him instantly.</p> - -<p>“It must have been a thrilling scene, that -savage bloodhound standing so patient, Uncle -Lee, with face white as a sheet, and his friends<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_240"></a>[Pg 240]</span> -silent from dread and terror. An officer present, -wrote me of it in these words:</p> - -<p>“‘Only for a moment was Lee’s face pale, -and then the man was forgotten in the surgeon. -Moment after moment the sharp steel -pierced the hound’s quivering flesh. The animal -was mute, only once turning his head -toward the surgeon; but there was no need -of pistol then; he had only turned to lick the -surgeon’s hand, as if to encourage him to -proceed. He remained at the fort till the -wound had perfectly healed, and then, one day, -disappeared, to the great grief of all the garrison, -with whom he had become a great pet.’</p> - -<p>“He was gone about two days, and on the -evening of the second, knocked with his huge -paw at the surgeon’s door, lay down by his -bed, and from that hour has been his most devoted -servant. The soldiers thought he must<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_241"></a>[Pg 241]</span> -have gone back to the Everglades to settle up -some old debts, and then returned for a quiet -life of devotion to his kind friend.</p> - -<p>“When Lee came to visit us, the hound -took a great fancy to your Aunt Gertrude, -and was content to let his master go to Europe -without him. Think how that creature, -once so bloodthirsty, boys, has been changed -by kind treatment, and then tell me what there -is that kindness and gentleness cannot accomplish. -He guards our little Bessie’s cradle -carefully now, and licks her soft cheeks with -gentle affection.”</p> - -<p>“But, Papa,” broke in the two boys, “you -mustn’t forget to tell about Tiger’s disappearance.”</p> - -<p>“You must know,” continued Papa, “our -old dog had never had a rival in the dog line, -and when he came in the house the day of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_242"></a>[Pg 242]</span> -Uncle Lee’s arrival, and found Ranger, quite -at home in the hall, surrounded by the children, -all admiring and stroking his glossy -skin, a look of anger and great disgust came -over his face, and then he ran quickly out of -the house, across the lawn, and out of the -gate, up on the public road. In vain the tender-hearted -children followed him, calling him -to come back; he never once turned.</p> - -<p>“He has been gone now two years, and -we have not yet discovered his home; but -very often we see him watching us through -the fence, and if the children are on the way -to the shore, and Ranger is not with them, -he will follow them, but always remaining in -the lane, and keeping the fence between him -and them.”</p> - -<p>“Except once, Papa, you remember—don’t -you?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_243"></a>[Pg 243]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes, children; I shall not soon forget -that day. Kit and Larry Holmes, a neighbor’s -child, were launching their toy boats -down in the little cove yonder. Kit had been -up to the house to get his knife, and scrambling -hastily down the steep bank, lost his -footing and fell several feet, striking his head -upon a sharp rock.</p> - -<p>“Larry was a timid boy, and was so terrified -by the sight of his companion lying as if dead, -and covered with blood, that he ran away as -far and fast as possible.</p> - -<p>“Tiger must have been watching near, for -Mamma, sitting in her room, was startled by -a heavy knocking at her door, and opening it, -found old Tiger, leaping about as if to show -his joy; but when she stooped to fondle him, -he impatiently broke from her and started for -the hall-door, looking back to see if she fol<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_244"></a>[Pg 244]</span>lowed, -and if she stopped, he pulled her dress, -and seemed imploring. Suddenly Mamma remembered -she had seen from her window Kit -and Larry going toward the shore with their -gayly-painted ship. Just then her eye caught -sight of the tiny vessel wrecked on a small rock, -a little way out, but her heart sank as she saw -no trace, heard no sound of the little captains.</p> - -<p>“Presently she saw Tiger plunge down a -steep bank, and following his lead, found poor -Kit lying insensible on the shore, covered -with blood.</p> - -<p>“Your aunt lifted the boy’s head upon her -lap, and bathed it with cold water, then looked -about in hope some one might be on the -shore whom she might hail to come and help -her. No one was in sight; then suddenly -came the thought, as she noticed Tiger whining -and pulling at the boy’s jacket.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_245"></a>[Pg 245]</span></p> - -<p>“‘Why, Tiger is of the St. Bernard breed—dogs -trained to carry on their backs travellers -exhausted in their efforts to cross the -snowy Alps—I will try to make him of -use.’</p> - -<p>“The dog stood perfectly quiet whilst she -laid the boy upon his back, and then off they -started, Tiger walking slowly along the shore -till he came to a gentle slope of the bank, -and then he turned toward home.</p> - -<p>“At the door stood the pony-cart, with Jem -and his sisters, just returned from the village; -so pony’s head was instantly turned -toward Bristol to summon Dr. Jones and myself.</p> - -<p>“In the confusion, Tiger was for a moment -forgotten, and when remembered, the -most careful search could not reveal his -whereabouts. He still visits the lane, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_246"></a>[Pg 246]</span> -thrusts his nose through the bars, or follows -the children to the shore, but no amount -of coaxing can persuade him to come into the -lawn.”</p> - -<p>As Mr. Harwood finished his account of -Tiger’s disappearance, a rattling of wheels on -the gravel road was heard, and from behind -the house appeared a most distressed-looking -old man, with slouched hat drawn over his -eyes, and coat and pants hanging in tatters -about him, dragging a wagon in which was -seated an immense gray cat, with a dark-brown -tail dragging over the wagon’s back. -Upon her head was a broad-frilled cap, and -green goggles hid her eyes. The old cat -bowed, first on one side, and then on the -other, waving as she did so a lighted torch -she held in her hand.</p> - -<p>The man halted in the centre of the lawn,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_247"></a>[Pg 247]</span> -and sang, with cracked voice, a few verses -of a comic song, and suddenly ended with a -loud “Ha! ha!” and jumped right over -pussy-cat, wagon, and lighted torch. Then -came such a whizzing, buzzing, crackling, and -banging, as is seldom heard either side of the -Fourth of July, whilst the old man dashed -wildly about, showers of sparks flying in all -directions from his coat and hat.</p> - -<p>Rosie and Jack would have been frightened -had they not been safely held on Papa’s -lap, and Aunt Gertrude, who had her arm -tightly clasped about Charlie Leonard, had -whispered some words which had made him -quite ready to join the general clapping that -followed, for was not the giant, gray puss, -with long, black tail, our own “Ned,” his -face covered with a fur mask, and body by -an old fur cape, whilst the long tail was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_248"></a>[Pg 248]</span> -Mamma’s boa, which the saucy rogue had -helped himself to. Sarah laughed till the -tears run down her cheeks, as, seated upon -the carriage-block, she tells Charlotte and -Nan,</p> - -<p>“How this werry night she had hunted -for them glasses from Dan to Beersheby, and -had she a had ’em she should have ’spied her -Sunday stay-at-home-from-meeting cap was a-missin’. -But if it gives them young uns a -saffishfacthun, as is got such tender hearts -allers, Sarah Jenkins’ll not say the first word -if the cap be used up entirely. For if young -folks can’t take their liberties on the Fourth -of July, she’d like, for one, to know what freedom -was fought for, anyway.”</p> - -<p>Papa explained that Jem, the man so “tattered -and torn,” had privately fastened pin-wheels -on his hat, and sewed several packs<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_249"></a>[Pg 249]</span> -of fire-crackers to the lining of the coat, and -pussy-cat had taken good care that when he -leaped over her, his coat-tails should brush -against the lighted torch and give a voice to -the many squibs.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_250"></a>[Pg 250]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“The world of waters is our home,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And merry boys are we.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>At breakfast the next morning, Mr. Havens -said, “Children, I have still another -pleasure to announce to you!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, what can it be! What can come -next?” cried they.</p> - -<p>“You are to have a couple of hours more -for your country frolics, and then, just think -of it, this kind Uncle Fred proposes to take -us all, on our homeward journey, in his yacht, -as far as Rocky Point.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, isn’t that beautiful, elegant, splendid, -delicious?” chimed in many voices; and May<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_251"></a>[Pg 251]</span> -slipped her hand into her father’s as she -whispered—</p> - -<p>“Oh, Papa, if <i>we</i> only but just could, -too!”</p> - -<p>“Well, little daughter,” he replied, “you -only just are to, all of you, with Mamma to -keep you steady. No, boys, no clapping,—you -must quietly enjoy the fact.”</p> - -<p>The boys obeyed their father’s words, but -somehow the soft eggs in their glasses needed -an unusual amount of violent spoon-stirring, and -Mr. Havens heard little Alice, his next neighbor, -repeating to herself, over and over again, one -of Kit’s favorite couplets—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Says Aaron to Moses, let’s cut off our noses,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Says Moses to Aaron, it’s the fashion to wear ’em.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>in order to restrain her impatience, for the -child’s appetite had quite left her, when she<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_252"></a>[Pg 252]</span> -heard of the good time that was coming, -and breakfast seemed like such a long meal.</p> - -<p>“Those boys never know when to stop,” -she said to herself, more than once.</p> - -<p>The boys did “stop,” however, and directly -after were seen trooping down the lawn to -the shore, for a boat launch. May, Gracie, -and Daisy were soon busy at work, making -wreaths with Harry’s help, to deck the pretty -lamb, whilst Alice, with Mamma’s permission, -carried Rosie off to Farmer Shedd’s, to see -the Donkeys in the old stable, first stopping -to fill their aprons with fresh clover and buttercups. -Rosie had never seen donkeys, and -when, through the half-opened stable door, -the pair thrust out their shaggy necks, and -pricked up their long ears, Rosie was tempted -to retreat; but when she heard Alice’s petting -words, as she stroked the peaceable ani<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_253"></a>[Pg 253]</span>mals, -and saw how daintily they ate all the -nice grass she had brought, without once offering -to bite the white apron she held out, -Rosie grew bolder, and emptied many times -the little cart of its load of grass, which shy -Tommy Shedd brought to them, and fed the -good donkeys, even venturing to pat their -shaggy manes and tell the homely animals -what “regular beauties” they were.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="facing252"> -<img src="images/facing252.png" width="447" height="600" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> - -<p>Alice and Rosie visit Farmer Shedd’s Donkeys. Page 253.</p></div> -</div> - -<p>The walk home didn’t prove a pleasant -one, for, in an unlucky moment, Charlotte -had dressed Rosie in a scarlet flannel sack, -because the morning air was fresh and chill, -and this very gay sack attracted a Turkey -Gobbler’s eye, as he strutted through Farmer -Shedd’s yard, and immediately he gobbled out -a warning to Rosie to leave the premises, -and then started off in hot pursuit. Alice -saw his Lordship’s meaning, and began to run,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_254"></a>[Pg 254]</span> -pulling Rosie so hard to get her off the Gobbler’s -grounds, that roly-poly Rosie tripped -her foot over a pan of chicken’s food and fell -upon the ground, screaming with terror.</p> - -<p><i>Then</i> shy Tommy Shedd showed what stuff -<i>he</i> was made of, for, catching up an old broom, -he gave the wrathful turkey such a chase, -that he flew on the high branch of a cherry -tree, and there gobbled out to his children’s -children the tale of his rights and wrongs, -whilst Alice picked Rosie up and ran with -her to the shelter of the home nest for comfort -and cleansing.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Two hours later, the <i>Psyche</i> gracefully glides -out of its little harbor at the foot of the lawn, -and spreads her trim sails to coax the strong -breeze to help her bear her merry party fairly -out to the beautiful Narragansett Bay.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_255"></a>[Pg 255]</span></p> - -<p>Yacht decks do not afford much space for -young people to run about; but the boys -found a great deal to interest them in watching -the steersman managing the sails and rudder, -as a rider his gay steed’s motions, whilst -the good-natured sailor spun many a yarn to -while away the time. Artie thought it great -fun to hail the passing boats and receive salutes -in return; but the crowning bliss was -when, gliding along in a steamer’s wake, the -spray showered them well, and drove them, -screaming with laughter, to the little cabin, -whence they were driven out again by their -sisters, who were dressing their dolls for a -wedding at sea; for Daisy and May had agreed -that, as they were so soon to be parted, “it -would be a comfort to know their dolls were -relations to one another, and even if the bride -left for New York the next day, letters could<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_256"></a>[Pg 256]</span> -be written, and perhaps an occasional visit -made, if either pined for the other.”</p> - -<p>Jem was presently “whispered” down to -perform the ceremony, for the girls all were -agreed if Kit, Ned, or Artie got an inkling -of what was going on, they were sure to turn -everything into fun, and Gracie and May had -an instinctive idea that, somehow, getting married -was not a joke, but a very, very serious -thing. Daisy had herself been with Mamma -at a church-wedding in New York, where -some of the bridal guests shed tears, so she -thought that was the proper thing, and instructed -the girls to do the same, taking upon -herself the duty of wiping Jack’s and Charlie -Leonard’s eyes, who, as privileged guests, -were allowed to be present, but were sure -Daisy said, “to have no pocket-handkerchiefs.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_257"></a>[Pg 257]</span></p> - -<p>Whilst the wedding was taking place, the -boys, on deck, attempted a game of Jackstraws, -but in the midst of it, whilst Kit was -excitedly declaring that “Artie’s hand shook -the least bit in the world,” and Artie as -warmly contending—</p> - -<p>“It was only the tilting of the yacht,” a -fresh breeze coolly settled the hot little dispute -by whisking away the straws, and provoking -a merry laugh.</p> - -<p>The gay party was just in the midst of -their luncheon when the tower of Rocky Point -appeared, and very soon the <i>Psyche</i> lay beside -the long wharf, the steersman its only -occupant, whilst its chattering passengers were -climbing in advance of their elders up the steep -hill path, at the side of the hotel, in search of -that greatest of diversions, the “Monkey’s -Cage.” An excursion boat had just landed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_258"></a>[Pg 258]</span> -hundreds of pleasure-seekers, and they, too, -with few exceptions, crowded about the huge -wire house. Red-faced Germans with wives, -children of all sizes and ages, and huge baskets -of provisions, Irish military men, with -shamrock on their caps, and sweetheart or -wife on one arm, and the always present basket -on the other, Frenchmen, Englishmen, -Portuguese, all crowding around, chattering -their various languages—made this inclosure a -very Tower of Babel. It seemed queer enough -that the objects of so much attention should -seem so utterly unconscious of it all. There -sat those little specimens of mock humanity, -nibbling the nuts thrown at them, combing their -short hair before their looking-glasses, or climbing -up huge poles to tumble down again, making -grimaces at the lookers on, or slyly jumping -up to bite the tip of a fellow monkey’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_259"></a>[Pg 259]</span> -tail, hanging invitingly from the perch above. -Week after week, month after month, year after -year, crowds gather about the monkey -play-ground,—rich and poor, old and young, -grave and gay. The middle-aged college professor, -wending his way to the cool groves, -where he may sit to read or think, fanned by -soft sea breezes, and refreshed by odors of -fresh foliage and sweet wild flowers,—halts -here, and then goes smiling on his way to -wonder “whether monkeys are not, perhaps, -his cousins after all.”</p> - -<p>Gay city damsels gather up their flounces, -as they pass the dusty throng, but are seen -to cast a stealthy look, exclaiming as they do -so—</p> - -<p>“What <i>can</i> people see so fascinating in -monkeys!” and yet these same monkeys daily -attract to their performances, crowds of spec<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_260"></a>[Pg 260]</span>tators, -and win shouts of applause on every -side.</p> - -<p>We have only two hours to stay at Rocky -Point, so we take off our hats and wave our -adieu to the chattering Jackos, and wend our -way to peep in the cave so gloomy, and thence -to the inclined railway for a ride in the little -passenger car; now we stop for a moment to see -the dancing Bear uncork and drink his bottle -of soda water; thence a hurried look at the -cage of birds, with their glorious plumage,—but -we cannot stop, for the younger children -are clamoring loudly for a “ride on the steam-horses,” -so we hasten through the field to the -inclosed yard, where a dozen pairs of ponies, -large and small, stand ready harnessed for action. -Hurrying through the little gate we lay -down our pile of clean ten-cent pieces,—seize -our riding-whips, mount the gay ponies, then<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_261"></a>[Pg 261]</span> -a bell rings, the engine puffs, and away gallop -the pairs of ponies with their shouting -riders. Papa and his companions, sitting on a -rustic bench near, find even the beautiful water-view -has less attraction for them than the -bright faces of the ten young riders, waving -their whips, as they catch sight of the Papas -and Mammas. Nan and Charlotte press close to -the scene of action, resting their chins on the -pickets which guard the enclosure, looking as -if they, too, would fain be young again. Soon -Papa gives the signal that it is nearly boat hour, -and very reluctantly ponies and steam engine -are left behind, and all wend their way to the -great piazza to watch the steamboat’s approach, -and as it comes puffing to the wharf, the -young faces lengthen as they bid “good-by,” -and utter hopes of another speedy meeting; -then some climb down the little ladder to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_262"></a>[Pg 262]</span> -yacht’s deck, and the rest of the party press -with the multitude through the gate, and thence -to the saloon of the <i>Morning Star</i>, on their -return voyage to Providence.</p> - -<p>It was a pretty well-fagged and drowsy -party that tumbled into the old family carriage -that waited on the dock, and tumbled out -again as the horses stopped at the door of -the Funny old house in Funny street, and -soon after, too tired to enjoy the nursery tea, -tumbled into their little beds to dream of bright -green meadows, sandy parlors, clam-bakes, and -chattering monkeys.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_263"></a>[Pg 263]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.<br /> -CONCLUSION.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“It was nine years back, or more—if I don’t forget;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But as to the children, Fannie, they’re all about me yet.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Often they come to the door, in a pleasant kind of dream,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">They come and sit by my chair, they hover about my bed,—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">I am not always certain if they be alive or dead.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Aunt Emma came into the garden on -the last morning of the children’s visit, -and calling them into the little arbor, said,</p> - -<p>“I feel sorry, dears, to interrupt your -merry games, but I think, as you are to -travel all the afternoon, it is best you should -rest now, so I propose sitting with you for -a quiet talk, and that you may remain in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_264"></a>[Pg 264]</span> -the garden till the last moment, Celia will -have lunch for us under the trees.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! isn’t that nice, Auntie? We don’t -mind one bit giving up, I Spy, and Lady -Queen Annie she sits in the Sun, she -sends you three letters and prays you -read one,” cried Artie; and little Bear -looking up eagerly said,</p> - -<p>“Would it be too much trouble, Auntie, -for you to tell us a good-bye story?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly not, darling, but what shall it -be about? You shall choose, Harry.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I think I’d a little rather hear a -story about animals than most anything I can -think of.”</p> - -<p>“Have I ever told you about Old -Whitey?”</p> - -<p>“No, indeed,” cry all, “will you do it -now?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_265"></a>[Pg 265]</span></p> - -<p>“Some years ago, I went to board for a -few weeks in a quiet mountain village in -Connecticut. The Farmer’s wife, with whom -I stayed, was a simple body who loved her -cows, pigs and chickens next to her boys; but -above all of their out-of-door pets Old Whitey -Cow reigned chief. One day, I went into the -barnyard, with Mrs. May, to watch the milking. -Whitey’s turn always came first, but for -some wise reason of her own, that morning, -Madam Whitey kept out of the way, till her -patient Mistress could wait no longer, so -called Speckled Sides to come to her. Just -as the white stream began to flow into the -shining pail, Old Whitey appeared, looking -very much excited. Trotting briskly up to -Speckled Sides, she pushed her away with -her horns, kicked over the pail of milk, and -<i>then</i> stood demurely before her Mistress, as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_266"></a>[Pg 266]</span> -if she had only done the most proper thing -in the world.</p> - -<p>“One rainy morning, as I pushed my -window-curtain aside, I saw Tom May and -his Brother coming up the lane, with a -large umbrella over their heads, from under -which Whitey’s broad flanks and bushy tail -appeared. Mrs. May told me whenever the -boys came into the pasture with an umbrella, -Whitey would come trotting up and put her -head under its shelter, and walk along as the -village people used to say, ‘just like folks.’</p> - -<p>“One day the good old creature strayed -away from home and visited the village, -where she surprised a fine city lady who was -boarding there for the Summer, by suddenly -thrusting her head under her silk sun-umbrella -and showing her intention to join in the -promenade. When the lady indignantly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_267"></a>[Pg 267]</span> -stamped her foot and scolded, Old Whitey -retreated as if subdued, but, a moment after, -ran up behind her, thrust her horns under -the umbrella, and, to the great amusement of -the lookers on, and greatly to the indignation -of the umbrella’s owner, bore it triumphantly -off through the principal street of the village.</p> - -<p>“Fancy the surprise of the May family, -when they saw Old Whitey coming up the -lane, with her head sheltered by a silk umbrella -through which her horns were sticking.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. May tells another story about her -favorite’s intelligence. She had an Irish girl -living with her, who had a lover, a stable -boy, living near. One day Mike visited his -Biddie as she was preparing to milk Whitey, -and Biddie became so engaged in her talk -that she forgot her business.</p> - -<p>“In vain Whitey whisked her bushy tail in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_268"></a>[Pg 268]</span> -the milk-maid’s face; Biddie had eyes and -ears for no one but Mike. At last the impatient -animal turned slowly around to see -what was the trouble, and immediately rushed -up to poor Mike, and fairly drove him from -the barn yard, then took her place before -the astonished Biddie, who did not need to -be again reminded of her duty.”</p> - -<p>That is the end of the Whitey story, and -there is Papa coming to join us, and Hugh -follows with the table.</p> - -<p>“Oh, isn’t this a regular Pic-Nic,” said the -children, as they gathered around the little -table which Celia had taken pains should be -covered with her daintiest dishes.</p> - -<p>“And Auntie dear,” said thoughtful Daisy, -“I don’t think we can ever thank you enough -for giving us such a lovely time. I don’t -think any children ever had so much pleasure.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_269"></a>[Pg 269]</span></p> - -<p>“I wish,” said little Jack, with mouth full, -as usual, “I wish there was out of doors in -New York ’cept the Park.”</p> - -<p>In spite of the parting so near, that was a -pleasant meal. The old apple tree spread -its branches protectingly over the young heads, -choice flowers perfumed the air about them, -and Robins, Locusts and Crickets formed an -Orchestra to supply sweet music.</p> - -<p>Papa’s watch at last told the parting near, -and very sad were the little faces that Aunt -Emma saw looking back from the open carriage, -at the Funny House on Funny Street.</p> - -<p>“God bless and keep my darlings,” the -old Auntie murmured, “and bring us all to -meet one day in that bright land where partings -are unknown.”</p> - -<p>Then the kind old Aunt, taking Charlie -Leonard with her, went to see a poor sick<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_270"></a>[Pg 270]</span> -girl, and whilst she spoke words of comfort -to the sufferer, the ache left her own heart, -and all was peace and joy within.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Thrusting aside the Library curtains at -310 Madison Avenue, for we fain would have -another glance at the Little Menagerie, we -see them all gathered about Mamma, all so -eager to tell of the rare pleasures they have -enjoyed, and all so happy to be at home -again, that there is no room in their young -hearts for regrets for past pleasures.</p> - -<p>Farewell, little folk! The Funny Old -House on Funny Street no longer reëchoes -with your merry voices and frolicsome steps, -but the sunshine you brought there still -seems to linger in its every apartment, but -most of all in the loving hearts you have -left behind.</p> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[A]</a> “Oh, is it you, little one? That was a great knocking.”</p></div></div> - -<div class="figcenter" id="backcover"> - <img src="images/backcover.jpg" width="464" height="600" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="transnote"> -<h3>Transcriber's Note:</h3> - -<p>Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as -possible, including inconsistent hyphenation. Some minor corrections -of spelling and punctuation have been made.</p> -</div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Haven Children, by Emilie Foster - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HAVEN CHILDREN *** - -***** This file should be named 63162-h.htm or 63162-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/1/6/63162/ - -Produced by Charlene Taylor, Paul Clark and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - -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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