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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of St. Nicholas v. 13 No. 9 July 1886, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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
+
+
+Title: St. Nicholas v. 13 No. 9 July 1886
+       an Illustrated Magazine for Young Folks
+
+Author: Various
+
+Editor: Mary Mapes Dodge
+
+Release Date: July 16, 2011 [EBook #36750]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ST. NICHOLAS V. 13 NO. 9 JULY 1886 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Alex and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: LA FAYETTE AND THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR.]
+
+
+
+
+ST. NICHOLAS.
+
+Vol. XIII.      JULY, 1886.      No. 9.
+
+[Copyright, 1886, by THE CENTURY CO.]
+
+LA FAYETTE.
+
+By Mrs. Eugenia M. Hodge.
+
+
+One hundred and nine years ago, in the month of February, 1777, a young
+French guardsman ran away to sea.
+
+And a most singular running away it was. He did not wish to be a sailor,
+but he was so anxious to go that he bought a ship to run away in,--for he
+was a very wealthy young man; and though he was only nineteen, he held a
+commission as major-general in the armies of a land three thousand miles
+away--a land he had never seen and the language of which he could not
+speak. The King of France commanded him to remain at home; his friends and
+relatives tried to restrain him; and even the representatives, or agents,
+of the country in defense of which he desired to fight would not encourage
+his purpose. And when the young man, while dining at the house of the
+British Ambassador to France, openly avowed his sympathy with a downtrodden
+people, and his determination to help them gain their freedom, the
+Ambassador acted quickly. At his request, the rash young enthusiast was
+arrested by the French Government, and orders were given to seize his ship,
+which was awaiting him at Bordeaux. But ship and owner both slipped away,
+and sailing from the port of Pasajes in Spain, the runaway, with eleven
+chosen companions, was soon on the sea, bound for America, and beyond the
+reach of both friends and foes.
+
+On April 25, 1777, he landed at the little port of Georgetown, at the mouth
+of the Great Pee Dee river in South Carolina; and from that day forward the
+career of Marie Jean Paul Roch Yves Gilbert Motier, Marquis de La Fayette,
+has held a place in the history of America, and in the interest and
+affection of the American people.
+
+When he first arrived in the land for which he desired to fight, however,
+he found but a cool reception. The Congress of the United States was poor,
+and so many good and brave American officers who had proved their worth
+were desirous of commissions as major-generals, that the commission
+promised to this young Frenchman could not easily be put in force so far as
+an actual command and a salary were concerned.
+
+But the young general had come across the sea for a purpose, and money and
+position were not parts of that purpose. He expressed his desire to serve
+in the American army upon two very singular conditions, namely: that he
+should receive no pay, and that he should act as a volunteer. The Congress
+was so impressed with the enthusiasm and self-sacrifice of the young
+Frenchman that, on July 31, 1777, it passed a resolution directing that
+"his services be accepted and that, in consideration of his zeal,
+illustrious family and connections, he have the rank and commission of a
+Major-General of the United States."
+
+General Washington was greatly attracted by the energy and earnestness of
+the young nobleman. He took him into what was called his "military family,"
+assigned him to special and honorable duty; and when the young volunteer
+was wounded at the battle of Brandywine, the Commander-in-Chief praised his
+"bravery and military ardor" so highly that the Congress gave La Fayette
+the command of a division. Thus, before he was twenty, he was actually a
+general, and already, as one historian says, he had "justified the boyish
+rashness which his friends deplored and his sovereign resented, and had
+acquired a place in history."
+
+Notwithstanding General Washington's assertion to Congress that La Fayette
+had made "great proficiency in our language," the young marquis's
+pronunciation of English was far from perfect. French, Spanish, and Italian
+were all familiar to him, but his English was not readily understood by the
+men he was called upon to command. It was therefore necessary to find as
+his aid-de-camp one who could quickly interpret the orders of his
+commanding officer.
+
+[Illustration: STATUE OF LA FAYETTE BY A. BARTHOLDI,--
+UNION SQUARE, NEW-YORK CITY.]
+
+Such an aid was at last found in the person of a certain young Connecticut
+adjutant on the regimental staff of dashing Brigadier-General Wayne,--"Mad
+Anthony" Wayne, the hero of Stony Point.
+
+This young adjutant was of almost the same age as Lafayette; he had
+received, what was rare enough in those old days, an excellent college
+education, and he was said to be the only man in the American army who
+could speak French and English equally well.
+
+These young men, General La Fayette and his aid, grew very fond of each
+other during an intimate acquaintance of nearly seven years. The French
+marquis, with that overflow of spirits and outward demonstration so
+noticeable in most Frenchmen, freely showed his affection for the more
+reserved American--often throwing his arms around his neck, kissing him
+upon the cheek and calling him "My brave, my good, my virtuous, my adopted
+brother!"
+
+After the battle of Monmouth, which occurred on June 28, 1778, and in which
+La Fayette's command was engaged against the British forces, who were
+routed, the marquis was enthusiastic in praise of the gallant conduct of
+his friend and aid. Not content with this, he sent to him some years after,
+when the aid-de-camp, then a colonel in rank, was elected to political
+honors, the following acrostic, as a souvenir, expressive of the esteem and
+remembrance of his former commander. The initial letters of each line of
+the poem will spell out for you the name of this soldier friend of La
+Fayette. And here is an exact copy of the acrostic and of the postscript
+that accompanied it:
+
+  Sage of the East! where wisdom rears her head,
+  Augustus, taught in virtue's path to tread,
+  'Mid thousands of his race, elected stands
+  Unanimous to legislative bands;
+  Endowed with every art to frame just laws,
+  Learns to hate vice, to virtue gives applause.
+
+  Augustus, oh, thy name that's ever dear
+  Unrivaled stands to crown each passing year!
+  Great are the virtues that exalt thy mind.
+  Unenvied merit marks thy worth refined.
+  Sincerely rigid for your country's right,
+  To save her Liberty you deigned to fight;
+  Undaunted courage graced your manly brow,
+  Secured such honors as the gods endow.--
+
+  Bright is the page; the record of thy days
+  Attracts my muse thus to rehearse thy praise.
+  Rejoice then, patriots, statesmen, all rejoice!
+  Kindle his praises with one general voice!
+  Emblazon out his deeds, his virtues prize,
+  Reiterate his praises to the skies!
+                                    M. D. LA FAYETTE.
+
+P.S.--The Colonel will readily apologize for the inaccuracies of
+an unskillful muse, and be convinced the high estimation of his amiable
+character could alone actuate the author of the foregoing.
+
+                                    M. D. LA FAYETTE.
+
+So the name of the young general's friend and aid-de-camp was Samuel
+Augustus Barker.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Years passed. The Revolution was over. America was free. The French
+Revolution, with all its horrors and successes, had made France a republic.
+Napoleon had risen, conquered, ruled, fallen, and died, and the first
+quarter of the nineteenth century was nearly completed, when, in August,
+1824, an old French gentleman who had been an active participant in several
+of these historic scenes arrived in New York. It was General the Marquis de
+La Fayette, now a veteran of nearly seventy, returning to America as the
+honored guest of the growing and prosperous republic he had helped to
+found.
+
+His journey through the land was like a triumph. Flowers and decorations
+brightened his path, cheering people and booming cannon welcomed his
+approach. And in one of those welcomings, in a little village in Central
+New York, a cannon, which was heavily loaded for a salute in honor of the
+nation's guest, exploded, and killed a plucky young fellow who had
+volunteered to "touch off" the over-charged gun when no one else dared.
+Some months after, the old marquis chanced to hear of the tragedy, and at
+once his sympathies were aroused for the widowed mother of the young man.
+
+He at once wrote to the son of the man who had been his comrade in arms in
+the revolutionary days half a century before, asking full information
+concerning the fatal accident, and the needs of the mother of the poor
+young man who was killed; and having thus learned all the facts, sent the
+sum of one thousand dollars to relieve the mother's necessities and to pay
+off the mortgage on her little home.
+
+I have before me, as I write, the original letter written by the General to
+the son of his old friend, the paper marked and yellow with the creases of
+sixty years; and as I read it again, I feel that of all the incidents of
+the singularly eventful life of La Fayette there are none that show his
+noble nature more fully than those I have noted here: his enthusiastic
+services in behalf of an oppressed people, his close and devoted affection
+for his friend and comrade, and the impulsive generosity of a heart that
+was at once manly, tender, and true.
+
+And as I write, I am grateful that I can claim a certain association with
+that honored name of La Fayette; for the young adjutant to whom the
+acrostic was addressed and the friend through whom the gift to the widow
+was communicated were respectively my grandfather and my father.
+
+It is at least pleasant to know that one's ancestors were the intimate
+friends of so noble a man, of whom one biographer has recently said: "He
+was brave even to rashness, his life was one of constant peril, and yet he
+never shrank from any danger or responsibility if he saw the way open to
+spare life or suffering, to protect the defenseless, to sustain law and
+preserve order."
+
+At the southern extremity of Union Square, in the city of New York, there
+is a bronze statue of La Fayette. As you have already been told in ST.
+NICHOLAS, it represents him in graceful pose and with earnest face and
+gesture, "making offer of his sword to the country he admired--the country
+that sorely needed his aid. The left hand is extended as if in greeting and
+friendly self-surrender, and the right hand, which holds the sword, is
+pressed against the breast, as if implying that his whole heart goes with
+his sword." Lafayette's words, "As soon as I heard of American
+independence, my heart was enlisted," are inscribed upon the pedestal of
+the statue; and a short distance from it, in the plaza adjoining the
+square, is an equestrian statue of Washington. It is fitting that the
+bronze images of those two great men should thus be placed together, as the
+names of Washington and La Fayette are forever coupled in the history and
+in the affections of the American people.
+
+
+
+
+A CHILD'S FANCY.
+
+BY FRANK DEMPSTER SHERMAN.
+
+
+  The meadow is a battle-field
+    Where Summer's army comes:
+  Each soldier with a clover shield,
+    The honey-bees with drums.
+      Boom, rat-tá!--they march and pass
+        The captain tree who stands
+      Saluting with a sword of grass
+        And giving the commands.
+
+  'T is only when the breezes blow
+    Across the woody hills,
+  They shoulder arms and, to and fro,
+    March in their full-dress drills.
+      Boom, rat-tá!--they wheel in line
+        And wave their gleaming spears.
+      "March!" cries the captain, giving sign,
+        And every soldier cheers.
+
+  But when the day is growing dim
+    They gather in their camps,
+  And sing a good thanksgiving hymn
+    Around their fire-fly lamps.
+      Ra-ta-tá!--the bugle-notes
+        Call "good-night!" to the sky.--
+      I hope they all have overcoats
+        To keep them warm and dry!
+
+
+
+
+LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY.
+
+BY FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT.
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The truth was that Mrs. Errol had found a great many sad things in the
+course of her work among the poor of the little village that appeared so
+picturesque when it was seen from the moor-sides. Everything was not as
+picturesque, when seen near by, as it looked from a distance. She had found
+idleness and poverty and ignorance where there should have been comfort and
+industry. And she had discovered, after a while, that Erleboro was
+considered to be the worst village in that part of the country. Mr.
+Mordaunt had told her a great many of his difficulties and discouragements,
+and she had found out a great deal by herself. The agents who had managed
+the property had always been chosen to please the Earl, and had cared
+nothing for the degradation and wretchedness of the poor tenants. Many
+things, therefore, had been neglected which should have been attended to,
+and matters had gone from bad to worse.
+
+As to Earl's Court, it was a disgrace, with its dilapidated houses and
+miserable, careless, sickly people. When first Mrs. Errol went to the
+place, it made her shudder. Such ugliness and slovenliness and want seemed
+worse in a country place than in a city. It seemed as if there it might be
+helped. And as she looked at the squalid, uncared-for children growing up
+in the midst of vice and brutal indifference, she thought of her own little
+boy spending his days in the great, splendid castle, guarded and served
+like a young prince, having no wish ungratified, and knowing nothing but
+luxury and ease and beauty. And a bold thought came into her wise little
+mother-heart. Gradually she had begun to see, as had others, that it had
+been her boy's good fortune to please the Earl very much, and that he would
+scarcely be likely to be denied anything for which he expressed a desire.
+
+"The Earl would give him anything," she said to Mr. Mordaunt. "He would
+indulge his every whim. Why should not that indulgence be used for the good
+of others? It is for me to see that this shall come to pass."
+
+She knew she could trust the kind, childish heart; so she told the little
+fellow the story of Earl's Court, feeling sure that he would speak of it to
+his grandfather, and hoping that some good results would follow.
+
+And strange as it appeared to every one, good results did follow. The fact
+was that the strongest power to influence the Earl was his grandson's
+perfect confidence in him--the fact that Cedric always believed that his
+grandfather was going to do what was right and generous. He could not quite
+make up his mind to let him discover that he had no inclination to be
+generous at all, and that he wanted his own way on all occasions, whether
+it was right or wrong. It was such a novelty to be regarded with admiration
+as a benefactor of the entire human race, and the soul of nobility, that he
+did not enjoy the idea of looking into the affectionate brown eyes, and
+saying: "I am a violent, selfish old rascal; I never did a generous thing
+in my life, and I don't care about Earl's Court or the poor people"--or
+something which would amount to the same thing. He actually had learned to
+be fond enough of that small boy with the mop of yellow love-locks, to feel
+that he himself would prefer to be guilty of an amiable action now and
+then. And so--though he laughed at himself--after some reflection, he sent
+for Newick, and had quite a long interview with him on the subject of the
+Court, and it was decided that the wretched hovels should be pulled down
+and new houses should be built.
+
+"It is Lord Fauntleroy who insists on it," he said dryly; "he thinks it
+will improve the property. You can tell the tenants that it's his idea."
+And he looked down at his small lordship, who was lying on the hearth-rug
+playing with Dougal. The great dog was the lad's constant companion, and
+followed him about everywhere, stalking solemnly after him when he walked,
+and trotting majestically behind when he rode or drove.
+
+Of course, both the country people and the town people heard of the
+proposed improvement. At first, many of them would not believe it; but when
+a small army of workmen arrived and commenced pulling down the crazy,
+squalid cottages, people began to understand that little Lord Fauntleroy
+had done them a good turn again, and that through his innocent interference
+the scandal of Earl's Court had at last been removed. If he had only known
+how they talked about him and praised him everywhere, and prophesied great
+things for him when he grew up, how astonished he would have been! But he
+never suspected it. He lived his simple, happy child life,--frolicking
+about in the park; chasing the rabbits to their burrows; lying under the
+trees on the grass, or on the rug in the library, reading wonderful books
+and talking to the Earl about them, and then telling the stories again to
+his mother; writing long letters to Dick and Mr. Hobbs, who responded in
+characteristic fashion; riding out at his grandfather's side, or with
+Wilkins as escort. As they rode through the market town, he used to see the
+people turn and look, and he noticed that as they lifted their hats their
+faces often brightened very much, but he thought it was all because his
+grandfather was with him.
+
+[Illustration: "THE WORKMEN LIKED TO SEE HIM STAND AMONG THEM, TALKING
+AWAY, WITH HIS HANDS IN HIS POCKETS."]
+
+"They are so fond of you," he once said, looking up at his lordship with a
+bright smile. "Do you see how glad they are when they see you? I hope they
+will some day be as fond of me. It must be nice to have _every_ body like
+you." And he felt quite proud to be the grandson of so greatly admired and
+beloved an individual.
+
+When the cottages were being built, the lad and his grandfather used to
+ride over to Earl's Court together to look at them, and Fauntleroy was full
+of interest. He would dismount from his pony and go and make acquaintance
+with the workman, asking them questions about building and bricklaying, and
+telling them things about America. After two or three such conversations,
+he was able to enlighten the Earl on the subject of brickmaking, as they
+rode home.
+
+"I always like to know about things like those," he said, "because you
+never know what you are coming to."
+
+When he left them, the workmen used to talk him over among themselves, and
+laugh at his odd, innocent speeches; but they liked him, and liked to see
+him stand among them, talking away, with his hands in his pockets, his hat
+pushed back on his curls, and his small face full of eagerness. "He's a
+rare un," they used to say. "An' a woise little outspoken chap too. Not
+much o' th' bad stock in him." And they would go home and tell their wives
+about him, and the women would tell each other, and so it came about that
+almost every one talked of, or knew some story of, little Lord Fauntleroy;
+and gradually almost every one knew that the "wicked Earl" had found
+something he cared for at last--something which had touched and even warmed
+his hard, bitter old heart.
+
+But no one knew quite how much it had been warmed, and how day by day the
+old man found himself caring more and more for the child, who was the only
+creature that had ever trusted him. He found himself looking forward to the
+time when Cedric would be a young man, strong and beautiful, with life all
+before him, but having still that kind heart and the power to make friends
+everywhere; and the Earl wondered what the lad would do, and how he would
+use his gifts. Often as he watched the little fellow lying upon the hearth,
+conning some big book, the light shining on the bright young head, his old
+eyes would gleam and his cheek would flush.
+
+"The boy can do anything," he would say to himself, "anything!"
+
+He never spoke to any one else of his feeling for Cedric; when he spoke of
+him to others it was always with the same grim smile. But Fauntleroy soon
+knew that his grandfather loved him and always liked him to be near--near
+to his chair if they were in the library, opposite to him at table, or by
+his side when he rode or drove or took his evening walk on the broad
+terrace.
+
+"Do you remember," Cedric said once, looking up from his book as he lay on
+the rug, "do you remember what I said to you that first night about our
+being good companions? I don't think any people could be better companions
+than we are, do you?"
+
+"We are pretty good companions, I should say," replied his lordship. "Come
+here."
+
+Fauntleroy scrambled up and went to him.
+
+"Is there anything you want," the Earl asked; "anything you have not?"
+
+The little fellow's brown eyes fixed themselves on his grandfather with a
+rather wistful look.
+
+"Only one thing," he answered.
+
+"What is that?" inquired the Earl.
+
+Fauntleroy was silent a second. He had not thought matters over to himself
+so long for nothing.
+
+"What is it?" my lord repeated.
+
+Fauntleroy answered.
+
+"It is Dearest," he said.
+
+The old Earl winced a little.
+
+"But you see her almost everyday," he said. "Is not that enough?"
+
+"I used to see her all the time," said Fauntleroy. "She used to kiss me
+when I went to sleep at night, and in the morning she was always there, and
+we could tell each other things without waiting."
+
+The old eyes and the young ones looked into each other through a moment of
+silence. Then the Earl knitted his brows.
+
+"Do you _never_ forget about your mother?" he said.
+
+"No," answered Fauntleroy, "never; and she never forgets about me. I
+shouldn't forget about _you_, you know, if I didn't live with you. I should
+think about you all the more."
+
+"Upon my word," said the Earl, after looking at him a moment longer, "I
+believe you would!"
+
+The jealous pang that came when the boy spoke so of his mother seemed even
+stronger than it had been before--it was stronger because of this old man's
+increasing affection for the boy.
+
+But it was not long before he had other pangs, so much harder to face that
+he almost forgot, for the time, he had ever hated his son's wife at all.
+And in a strange and startling way it happened. One evening, just before
+the Earl's Court cottages were completed, there was a grand dinner party at
+Dorincourt. There had not been such a party at the Castle for a long time.
+A few days before it took place, Sir Harry Lorridaile and Lady Lorridaile,
+who was the Earl's only sister, actually came for a visit--a thing which
+caused the greatest excitement in the village and set Mrs. Dibble's
+shop-bell tingling madly again, because it was well known that Lady
+Lorridaile had only been to Dorincourt once since her marriage, thirty-five
+years before. She was a handsome old lady with white curls and dimpled,
+peachy cheeks, and she was as good as gold, but she had never approved of
+her brother any more than did the rest of the world, and having a strong
+will of her own and not being at all afraid to speak her mind frankly, she
+had, after several lively quarrels with his lordship, seen very little of
+him since her young days.
+
+She had heard a great deal of him that was not pleasant through the years
+in which they had been separated. She had heard about his neglect of his
+wife, and of the poor lady's death; and of his indifference to his
+children; and of the two weak, vicious, unprepossessing elder boys who had
+been no credit to him or to any one else. Those two elder sons, Bevis and
+Maurice, she had never seen; but once there had come to Lorridaile Park a
+tall, stalwart, beautiful young fellow about eighteen years old who had
+told her that he was her nephew Cedric Errol, and that he had come to see
+her because he was passing near the place and wished to look at his Aunt
+Constantia of whom he had heard his mother speak. Lady Lorridaile's kind
+heart had warmed through and through at the sight of the young man, and she
+had made him stay with her a week, and petted him, and made much of him and
+admired him immensely. He was so sweet-tempered, light-hearted, spirited a
+lad, that when he went away, she had hoped to see him often again; but she
+never did, because the Earl had been in a bad humor when he went back to
+Dorincourt, and had forbidden him ever to go to Lorridaile Park again. But
+Lady Lorridaile had always remembered him tenderly, and though she feared
+he had made a rash marriage in America, she had been very angry when she
+heard how he had been cast off by his father and that no one really knew
+where or how he lived. At last there came a rumor of his death, and then
+Bevis had been thrown from his horse and killed, and Maurice had died in
+Rome of the fever; and soon after came the story of the American child who
+was to be found and brought home as Lord Fauntleroy.
+
+"Probably to be ruined as the others were," she said to her husband,
+"unless his mother is good enough and has a will of her own to help her to
+take care of him."
+
+But when she heard that Cedric's mother had been parted from him she was
+almost too indignant for words.
+
+"It is disgraceful, Harry!" she said. "Fancy a child of that age being
+taken from his mother, and made the companion of a man like my brother! The
+old Earl will either be brutal to the boy or indulge him until he is a
+little monster. If I thought it would do any good to write----"
+
+"It wouldn't, Constantia," said Sir Harry.
+
+"I know it wouldn't," she answered. "I know his lordship the Earl of
+Dorincourt too well;--but it is outrageous."
+
+[Illustration: "'I WAS THINKING HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE,' SAID LORD
+FAUNTLEROY." (SEE PAGE 651.)]
+
+Not only the poor people and farmers heard about little Lord Fauntleroy;
+others knew of him. He was talked about so much and there were so many
+stories of him--of his beauty, his sweet temper, his popularity, and his
+growing influence over the Earl, his grandfather--that rumors of him
+reached the gentry at their country places and he was heard of in more than
+one county of England. People talked about him at the dinner tables, ladies
+pitied his young mother, and wondered if the boy were as handsome as he was
+said to be, and men who knew the Earl and his habits laughed heartily at
+the stories of the little fellow's belief in his lordship's amiability. Sir
+Thomas Asshe of Asshaine Hall, being in Erleboro one day, met the Earl and
+his grandson riding together and stopped to shake hands with my lord and
+congratulate him on his change of looks and on his recovery from the gout.
+"And, d'ye know!" he said, when he spoke of the incident afterward, "the
+old man looked as proud as a turkey-cock; and upon my word I don't wonder,
+for a handsomer, finer lad than his grandson I never saw! As straight as a
+dart, and sat his pony like a young trooper!"
+
+And so by degrees Lady Lorridaile, too, heard of the child; she heard about
+Higgins, and the lame boy, and the cottages at Earl's Court, and a score of
+other things,--and she began to wish to see the little fellow. And just as
+she was wondering how it might be brought about, to her utter astonishment,
+she received a letter from her brother inviting her to come with her
+husband to Dorincourt.
+
+"It seems incredible!" she exclaimed. "I have heard it said that the child
+has worked miracles, and I begin to believe it. They say my brother adores
+the boy and can scarcely endure to have him out of sight. And he is so
+proud of him! Actually, I believe he wants to show him to us." And she
+accepted the invitation at once.
+
+When she reached Dorincourt Castle with Sir Harry, it was late in the
+afternoon, and she went to her room at once before seeing her brother.
+Having dressed for dinner she entered the drawing-room. The Earl was there
+standing near the fire and looking very tall and imposing; and at his side
+stood a little boy in black velvet, and a large Vandyke collar of rich
+lace--a little fellow whose round bright face was so handsome, and who
+turned upon her such beautiful, candid brown eyes, that she almost uttered
+an exclamation of pleasure and surprise at the sight.
+
+As she shook hands with the Earl, she called him by the name she had not
+used since her girlhood.
+
+"What, Molyneux," she said, "is this the child?"
+
+"Yes, Constantia," answered the Earl, "this is the boy. Fauntleroy, this is
+your grand-aunt, Lady Lorridaile."
+
+"How do you do, Grand-Aunt?" said Fauntleroy.
+
+Lady Lorridaile put her hand on his shoulders, and after looking down into
+his upraised face a few seconds, kissed him warmly.
+
+"I am your Aunt Constantia," she said, "and I loved your poor papa, and you
+are very like him."
+
+"It makes me glad when I am told I am like him," answered Fauntleroy,
+"because it seems as if every one liked him,--just like Dearest,
+eszackly,--Aunt Constantia," (adding the two words after a second's pause.)
+
+Lady Lorridaile was delighted. She bent and kissed him again, and from that
+moment they were warm friends.
+
+"Well, Molyneux," she said aside to the Earl afterward, "it could not
+possibly be better than this!"
+
+"I think not," answered his lordship dryly. "He is a fine little fellow. We
+are great friends. He believes me to be the most charming and
+sweet-tempered of philanthropists. I will confess to you, Constantia,--as
+you would find it out if I did not,--that I am in some slight danger of
+becoming rather an old fool about him."
+
+"What does his mother think of you?" asked Lady Lorridaile, with her usual
+straightforwardness.
+
+"I have not asked her," answered the Earl, slightly scowling.
+
+"Well," said Lady Lorridaile, "I will be frank with you at the outset,
+Molyneux, and tell you I don't approve of your course, and that it is my
+intention to call on Mrs. Errol as soon as possible; so if you wish to
+quarrel with me, you had better mention it at once. What I hear of the
+young creature makes me quite sure that her child owes her everything. We
+were told even at Lorridaile Park that your poorer tenants adore her
+already."
+
+"They adore _him_," said the Earl, nodding toward Fauntleroy. "As to Mrs.
+Errol, you'll find her a pretty little woman. I'm rather in debt to her for
+giving some of her beauty to the boy, and you can go to see her if you
+like. All I ask is that she will remain at Court Lodge and that you will
+not ask me to go and see her," and he scowled a little again.
+
+"But he doesn't hate her as much as he used to, that is plain enough to
+me," her ladyship said to Sir Harry afterward. "And he is a changed man in
+a measure, and, incredible as it may seem, Harry, it is my opinion that he
+is being made into a human being, through nothing more nor less than his
+affection for that innocent, affectionate little fellow. Why, the child
+actually loves him--leans on his chair and against his knee. My lord's own
+children would as soon have thought of nestling up to a tiger."
+
+The very next day she went to call upon Mrs. Errol. When she returned, she
+said to her brother:
+
+"Molyneux, she is the loveliest little woman I ever saw! She has a voice
+like a silver bell, and you may thank her for making the boy what he is.
+She has given him more than her beauty, and you make a great mistake in not
+persuading her to come and take charge of you. I shall invite her to
+Lorridaile."
+
+"She'll not leave the boy," replied the Earl.
+
+"I must have the boy too," said Lady Lorridaile, laughing.
+
+But she knew Fauntleroy would not be given up to her, and each day she saw
+more clearly how closely those two had grown to each other, and how all the
+proud, grim old man's ambition and hope and love centered themselves in the
+child, and how the warm, innocent nature returned his affection with most
+perfect trust and good faith.
+
+She knew, too, that the prime reason for the great dinner party was the
+Earl's secret desire to show the world his grandson and heir, and to let
+people see that the boy who had been so much spoken of and described was
+even a finer little specimen of boyhood than rumor had made him.
+
+"Bevis and Maurice were such a bitter humiliation to him," she said to her
+husband. "Every one knew it. He actually hated them. His pride has full
+sway here." Perhaps there was not one person who accepted the invitation
+without feeling some curiosity about little Lord Fauntleroy, and wondering
+if he would be on view.
+
+And when the time came he was on view.
+
+"The lad has good manners," said the Earl. "He will be in no one's way.
+Children are usually idiots or bores,--mine were both,--but he can actually
+answer when he's spoken to, and be silent when he is not. He is never
+offensive."
+
+But he was not allowed to be silent very long. Every one had something to
+say to him. The fact was they wished to make him talk. The ladies petted
+him and asked him questions, and the men asked him questions too, and joked
+with him, as the men on the steamer had done when he crossed the Atlantic.
+Fauntleroy did not quite understand why they laughed so sometimes when he
+answered them, but he was so used to seeing people amused when he was quite
+serious, that he did not mind. He thought the whole evening delightful. The
+magnificent rooms were so brilliant with lights, there were so many
+flowers, the gentlemen seemed so gay, and the ladies wore such beautiful,
+wonderful dresses, and such sparkling ornaments in their hair and on their
+necks. There was one young lady who, he heard them say, had just come down
+from London, where she had spent the "season"; and she was so charming that
+he could not keep his eyes from her. She was a rather tall young lady with
+a proud little head, and very soft dark hair, and large eyes the color of
+purple pansies, and the color on her cheeks and lips was like that of a
+rose. She was dressed in a beautiful white dress, and had pearls around her
+throat. There was one strange thing about this young lady. So many
+gentlemen stood near her, and seemed anxious to please her, that Fauntleroy
+thought she must be something like a princess. He was so much interested in
+her that without knowing it he drew nearer and nearer to her and at last
+she turned and spoke to him.
+
+"Come here, Lord Fauntleroy," she said, smiling; "and tell me why you look
+at me so."
+
+"I was thinking how beautiful you are," his young lordship replied.
+
+Then all the gentlemen laughed outright, and the young lady laughed a
+little too, and the rose color in her cheeks brightened.
+
+"Ah, Fauntleroy," said one of the gentlemen who had laughed most heartily,
+"make the most of your time! When you are older you will not have the
+courage to say that."
+
+"But nobody could help saying it," said Fauntleroy sweetly. "Could you help
+it? Don't _you_ think she is pretty too?"
+
+"We are not allowed to say what we think," said the gentleman, while the
+rest laughed more than ever.
+
+But the beautiful young lady--her name was Miss Vivian Herbert--put out her
+hand and drew Cedric to her side, looking prettier than before, if
+possible.
+
+"Lord Fauntleroy shall say what he thinks," she said; "and I am much
+obliged to him. I am sure he thinks what he says." And she kissed him on
+his cheek.
+
+"I think you are prettier than any one I ever saw," said Fauntleroy,
+looking at her with innocent, admiring eyes, "except Dearest. Of course, I
+couldn't think any one _quite_ as pretty as Dearest. I think she is
+the prettiest person in the world."
+
+"I am sure she is," said Miss Vivian Herbert. And she laughed and kissed
+his cheek again.
+
+She kept him by her side a great part of the evening, and the group of
+which they were the center was very gay. He did not know how it happened,
+but before long he was telling them all about America, and the Republican
+Rally, and Mr. Hobbs and Dick, and in the end he proudly produced from his
+pocket Dick's parting gift,--the red silk handkerchief.
+
+"I put it in my pocket to-night because it was a party," he said. "I
+thought Dick would like me to wear it at a party."
+
+And queer as the big, flaming, spotted thing was, there was a serious,
+affectionate look in his eyes, which prevented his audience from laughing
+very much.
+
+"You see I like it," he said, "because Dick is my friend."
+
+But though he was talked to so much, as the Earl had said, he was in no
+one's way. He could be quiet and listen when others talked, and so no one
+found him tiresome. A slight smile crossed more than one face when several
+times he went and stood near his grandfather's chair, or sat on a stool
+close to him, watching him and absorbing every word he uttered with the
+most charmed interest. Once he stood so near the chair's arm that his cheek
+touched the Earl's shoulder, and his lordship, detecting the general smile,
+smiled a little himself. He knew what the lookers-on were thinking, and he
+felt some secret amusement in their seeing what a good friend he was to
+this youngster, who might have been expected to share the popular opinion
+of him.
+
+Mr. Havisham had been expected to arrive in the afternoon, but, strange to
+say, he was late. Such a thing had really never been known to happen before
+during all the years in which he had been a visitor at Dorincourt Castle.
+He was so late that the guests were on the point of rising to go in to
+dinner when he arrived. When he approached his host, the Earl regarded him
+with amazement. He looked as if he had been hurried or agitated; his dry,
+keen old face was actually pale.
+
+"I was detained," he said, in a low voice to the Earl, "by--an
+extraordinary event."
+
+It was as unlike the methodic old lawyer to be agitated by anything as it
+was to be late, but it was evident that he had been disturbed. At dinner he
+ate scarcely anything, and two or three times, when he was spoken to, he
+started as if his thoughts were far away. At dessert, when Fauntleroy came
+in, he looked at him more than once, nervously and uneasily. Fauntleroy
+noted the look and wondered at it. He and Mr. Havisham were on friendly
+terms, and they usually exchanged smiles. The lawyer seemed to have
+forgotten to smile that evening.
+
+The fact was he forgot everything but the strange and painful news he knew
+he must tell the Earl before the night was over--the strange news which he
+knew would be so terrible a shock, and which would change the face of
+everything. As he looked about at the splendid rooms and the brilliant
+company,--at the people gathered together, he knew, more that they might
+see the bright-haired little fellow near the Earl's chair than for any
+other reason,--as he looked at the proud old man and at little Lord
+Fauntleroy smiling at his side, he really felt quite shaken,
+notwithstanding that he was a hardened old lawyer. What a blow it was that
+he must deal them!
+
+He did not exactly know how the long, superb dinner ended. He sat through
+it as if he were in a dream, and several times he saw the Earl glance at
+him in surprise.
+
+But it was over at last, and the gentlemen joined the ladies in the
+drawing-room. They found Fauntleroy sitting on a sofa with Miss Vivian
+Herbert,--the great beauty of the last London season; they had been looking
+at some pictures, and he was thanking his companion, as the door opened.
+
+"I'm ever so much obliged to you for being so kind to me!" he was saying;
+"I never was at a party before, and I've enjoyed myself so much!"
+
+He had enjoyed himself so much that when the gentlemen gathered about Miss
+Herbert again and began to talk to her, as he listened and tried to
+understand their laughing speeches, his eyelids began to droop. They
+drooped until they covered his eyes two or three times, and then the sound
+of Miss Herbert's low, pretty laugh would bring him back, and he would open
+them again for about two seconds. He was quite sure he was not going to
+sleep, but there was a large, yellow satin cushion behind him and his head
+sank against it, and after a while his eyelids drooped for the last time.
+They did not even quite open when, as it seemed a long time after, some one
+kissed him lightly on the cheek. It was Miss Vivian Herbert, who was going
+away, and she spoke to him softly.
+
+"Good-night, little Lord Fauntleroy," she said. "Sleep well."
+
+And in the morning he did not know that he had tried to open his eyes and
+had murmured sleepily,
+
+"Good-night--I'm so--glad--I saw you--you are so--pretty----"
+
+He only had a very faint recollection of hearing the gentlemen laugh again
+and of wondering why they did it.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+No sooner had the last guest left the room, than Mr. Havisham turned from
+his place by the fire, and stepped nearer the sofa, where he stood looking
+down at the sleeping occupant. Little Lord Fauntleroy was taking his ease
+luxuriously. One leg crossed the other and swung over the edge of the sofa;
+one arm was flung easily above his head; the warm flush of healthful,
+happy, childish sleep was on his quiet face; his waving tangle of bright
+hair strayed over the yellow satin cushion. He made a picture well worth
+looking at.
+
+As Mr. Havisham looked at it, he put his hand up and rubbed his shaven
+chin, with a harassed countenance.
+
+"Well, Havisham," said the Earl's harsh voice behind him. "What is it? It
+is evident something has happened. What was the extraordinary event, if I
+may ask?"
+
+Mr. Havisham turned from the sofa, still rubbing his chin.
+
+"It was bad news," he answered, "distressing news, my lord--the worst of
+news. I am sorry to be the bearer of it."
+
+The Earl had been uneasy for some time during the evening, as he glanced at
+Mr. Havisham, and when he was uneasy he was always ill-tempered.
+
+"Why do you look so at the boy!" he exclaimed irritably. "You have been
+looking at him all the evening as if--See here now, why should you look at
+the boy, Havisham, and hang over him like some bird of ill-omen! What has
+your news to do with Lord Fauntleroy?"
+
+"My lord," said Mr. Havisham, "I will waste no words. My news has
+everything to do with Lord Fauntleroy. And if we are to believe it--it is
+not Lord Fauntleroy who lies sleeping before us, but only the son of
+Captain Errol. And the present Lord Fauntleroy is the son of your son
+Bevis, and is at this moment in a lodging-house in London."
+
+The Earl clutched the arms of his chair with both his hands until the veins
+stood out upon them; the veins stood out on his forehead too; his fierce
+old face was almost livid.
+
+"What do you mean!" he cried out. "You are mad! Whose lie is this?"
+
+"If it is a lie," answered Mr. Havisham, "it is painfully like the truth. A
+woman came to my chambers this morning. She said your son Bevis married her
+six years ago in London. She showed me her marriage certificate. They
+quarreled a year after the marriage, and he paid her to keep away from him.
+She has a son five years old. She is an American of the lower classes,--an
+ignorant person,--and until lately she did not fully understand what her
+son could claim. She consulted a lawyer and found out that the boy was
+really Lord Fauntleroy and the heir to the earldom of Dorincourt; and she,
+of course, insists on his claims being acknowledged."
+
+There was a movement of the curly head on the yellow satin cushion. A soft,
+long, sleepy sigh came from the parted lips, and the little boy stirred in
+his sleep, but not at all restlessly or uneasily. Not at all as if his
+slumber were disturbed by the fact that he was being proved a small
+impostor and that he was not Lord Fauntleroy at all and never would be the
+Earl of Dorincourt. He only turned his rosy face more on its side as if to
+enable the old man who stared at it so solemnly to see it better.
+
+The handsome, grim old face was ghastly. A bitter smile fixed itself upon
+it.
+
+"I should refuse to believe a word of it," he said, "if it were not such a
+low, scoundrelly piece of business that it becomes quite possible in
+connection with the name of my son Bevis. It is quite like Bevis. He was
+always a disgrace to us. Always a weak, untruthful, vicious young brute
+with low tastes--my son and heir, Bevis, Lord Fauntleroy. The woman is an
+ignorant, vulgar person, you say?"
+
+"I am obliged to admit that she can scarcely spell her own name," answered
+the lawyer. "She is absolutely uneducated and openly mercenary. She cares
+for nothing but the money. She is very handsome in a coarse way, but----"
+
+The fastidious old lawyer ceased speaking and gave a sort of shudder.
+
+The veins on the old Earl's forehead stood out like purple cords. Something
+else stood out upon it too--cold drops of moisture. He took out his
+handkerchief and swept them away. His smile grew even more bitter.
+
+"And I," he said, "I objected to--to the other woman, the mother of this
+child" (pointing to the sleeping form on the sofa); "I refused to recognize
+her. And yet she could spell her own name. I suppose this is retribution."
+
+Suddenly he sprang up from his chair and began to walk up and down the
+room. Fierce and terrible words poured forth from his lips. His rage and
+hatred and cruel disappointment shook him as a storm shakes a tree. His
+violence was something dreadful to see, and yet Mr. Havisham noticed that
+at the very worst of his wrath he never seemed to forget the little
+sleeping figure on the yellow satin cushions, and that he never once spoke
+loud enough to awaken it.
+
+"I might have known it," he said. "They were a disgrace to me from their
+first hour! I hated them both; and they hated me! Bevis was the worse of
+the two. I will not believe this yet, though! I will contend against it to
+the last. But it is like Bevis--it is like him!"
+
+And then he raged again and asked questions about the woman, about her
+proofs, and pacing the room, turned first white and then purple in his
+repressed fury.
+
+When at last he had learned all there was to be told, and knew the worst,
+Mr. Havisham looked at him with a feeling of anxiety. He looked broken and
+haggard and changed. His rages had always been bad for him, but this one
+had been worse than the rest because there had been something more than
+rage in it.
+
+He came slowly back to the sofa, at last, and stood near it.
+
+"If any one had told me I could be fond of a child," he said, his harsh
+voice low and unsteady, "I should not have believed them. I always detested
+children--my own more than the rest. I am fond of this one; he is fond of
+me," (with a bitter smile.) "I am not popular; I never was. But he is fond
+of me. He never was afraid of me--he always trusted me. He would have
+filled my place better than I have filled it. I know that. He would have
+been an honor to the name."
+
+He bent down and stood a minute or so looking at the happy, sleeping face.
+His shaggy eyebrows were knitted fiercely, and yet somehow he did not seem
+fierce at all. He put up his hand, pushed the bright hair back from the
+forehead, and then turned away and rang the bell.
+
+When the largest footman appeared, he pointed to the sofa.
+
+"Take"--he said, and then his voice changed a little--"take Lord Fauntleroy
+to his room."
+
+(_To be continued_.)
+
+
+
+
+THREE VELVETY BEES.
+
+BY M. M. D.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  Three velvety, busy, buzzing bees
+  Once plunged in a thistle plant up to their knees.
+  Alas! Though plucky and stout of heart,
+  They bounded away with an angry start.
+  For the thistle's the touchiest thing that grows;
+  It's the firework plant--as every one knows.
+  And every buzzer should pass it by
+  On the day that is known as the Fourth of July.
+
+
+
+
+FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT.
+
+BY RIPLEY HITCHCOCK
+
+
+There was once a boy who thought that he could choose his birthday present
+more wisely than could his father and mother. He wanted an "arrow rifle"--a
+useless affair which has long since gone to the place where toys which are
+failures go. He was disappointed however. His birthday brought him not an
+"arrow rifle," but a light, jointed fishing-rod. Now this boy had already
+done some fishing with a heavy bamboo pole, or with one cut from an alder,
+jerking the fish out of the water, and swinging them over his head. To be
+sure the heavy pole made his arms ache, but his new rod, which bent at
+every touch, seemed to him too slender and flimsy to be of any use
+whatever.
+
+I fear he was not very grateful at first, but he was properly rebuked when
+his father took a day from professional cares, and opened the lad's eyes to
+the pleasure of fishing with light tackle. When he had learned to "cast"
+flies with his elastic, strong rod, without hooking somebody or something
+not meant to be hooked; when he had seen the beautiful vermilion-spotted
+trout flash clear of the water, tempted by the flies; and when he had found
+that he could tire out and land larger fish than he had ever caught before,
+simply by pitting against their cunning and strength, skill and patience
+instead of mere brute force,--then there was opened to that boy a new world
+of sport and healthy recreation. He has never regretted the "arrow rifle";
+and he now proposes to tell the boys as well as the girls who read ST.
+NICHOLAS how to obtain something which is within the reach of both,--the
+greatest possible pleasure from fishing.
+
+If one could take a bird's-eye view of our country at any time in the
+summer, he would see boys and girls catching all kinds of fish in all kinds
+of ways; some off the coast in sailboats, tugging at bluefish or mackerel,
+others profiting by ST. NICHOLAS'S lessons in black-bass fishing,
+some "skittering" for pickerel in New England lakes, others trolling for
+pike in the lakes and rivers of the West. But of all the fresh-water game
+fish there is none more beautiful and graceful or more active than the
+trout.
+
+[Illustration: RAINBOW TROUT.]
+
+[Illustration: RANGELEY LAKE TROUT.]
+
+Any New York boy who has never caught a trout should go down to Fulton
+Market at the opening of the trout season, when trout are gathered there
+from all parts of the country. He will see "rainbow" trout from the Rocky
+Mountains, their sides iridescent, and stained as if marked by a bloody
+finger. These are being introduced into Eastern waters. He will find trout
+in the blackest of mourning robes and others gayly dressed in silver
+tinsel. Sometimes the vermilion spots on the side shine like fire; again
+they are as dull as if the fire had gone out and left only gray ashes. For
+there are several varieties of trout known to naturalists and traveled
+fishermen, and even the brook trout, called by the formidable name of
+_Salmo fontinalis_, varies greatly in color and shape in different
+localities. In Arizona, I have caught trout which were fairly black. In
+Dublin Lake in New Hampshire, the trout look like bars of polished silver
+as they are drawn up through the water. I never saw a more sharply marked
+contrast than that between the trout of two little Maine lakes, near the
+head-waters of the Androscoggin River. In one, the trout were long, and as
+thin as race-horses, and their flesh was of a salmon-pink hue; in the
+other, not half a mile away, the trout were short, thick, and almost
+hump-backed, with darker skins and lighter flesh. The first lake had a
+sandy, gravelly bottom, and the water was clear as crystal; the bottom of
+the second was muddy, and the water dark and turbid. This explained the
+difference in the fish, a difference always existing in trout of brooks or
+lakes under the same conditions.
+
+[Illustration: _Trout-rod and Tackle_.]
+
+In the great Androscoggin Lakes of Maine, the trout, which are brook trout,
+grow to the largest size known anywhere. They have been caught weighing
+twelve pounds, and many claimed that they were lake trout, until the famous
+naturalist Agassiz decided that, although living in lakes, they were true
+brook trout. These immense trout have very thick bodies and cruel hooked
+jaws; but the guides can point out many contrasts between trout from
+different lakes, or even from different parts of the same lake. There are
+trout nearly as large in the rivers of the British Provinces, Nova Scotia,
+New Brunswick, and Quebec, but these are usually lighter colored, and they
+are quite another variety, being known as sea trout, or _Salmo trutta_. All
+this adds to the interest of trout-fishing by inducing the angler to
+acquaint himself with what the Natural Histories have to tell him about the
+various kinds of trout. Then the differences in one kind teach him to be
+observant and excite a curiosity as to the habits of the trout. Here the
+Natural Histories will fail him. Only by following trout brooks and
+tempting the larger trout of lakes, can he properly study the ways and
+curious moods of this cunning, timid fish. And even then, if he be modest,
+he will often confess himself sadly puzzled; for the trout's wits are
+sometimes more than a match for the fisherman's. And this adds to the
+pleasure of trout-fishing; for if one had to deal with a fish which would
+bite at any bait, under any circumstances, and give up the fight as soon as
+hooked, the sport would soon grow very stupid. In trout-fishing, one will
+study the best conditions of wind, weather, and water, and learn how to
+approach one of the shyest of fish, how to delude one of the most wary, and
+how safely to land one of the pluckiest. To do this it is necessary to have
+reliable "tackle," a term which includes rod, reel, line, leaders, flies,
+and landing net. The rod must be so light that one can cast with it easily
+and persistently, and yet it must be strong enough to bend into all manner
+of curves without breaking, and to tire out large trout. If it is too
+stiff, the fisherman's arm will soon be wearied, and if it is too flexible
+or withy, it will not cast flies well, and it will not hold fish firmly if
+the angler needs to bring a strain upon them. In attempts to meet these
+requirements, fly rods have been made of split bamboo, ash and lance-wood,
+bethabara, greenheart, cedar, hickory, hornbeam, iron-wood, snake-wood,
+shadblow and perhaps twenty other woods, and there have even been
+experiments in making rods of thin steel tubes. The split bamboo rods are
+made of four or six triangular strips cut from the rind of Calcutta bamboo
+and carefully fitted and glued together. Sometimes the surface is rounded,
+but oftener it has six sides. These rods, when they are really good, are
+the best of all. Indeed, Americans may justly claim to make the finest rods
+in the world and also the finest lines. But I should not advise any of my
+readers to buy a split bamboo fly rod, because these rods are very
+expensive, they require very careful treatment, and if broken they must go
+back to the maker to be repaired. The fly rod which I recommend to the boys
+and girls of ST. NICHOLAS is one with an ash butt, and the second joint and
+tip of lance-wood. It should be from ten feet to ten feet and a half in
+length, and should weigh about seven ounces and a half. Such a rod can be
+obtained from any reliable dealer in any large city. I emphasize reliable
+because there are fishing-tackle stores where one may get rods nice to look
+at, but worthless to use. Nearly all dealers keep what is called an "all
+around" rod, intended to be used, for either fly or bait fishing, but this,
+like most compromises is usually unsatisfactory. This, or something like
+it, will probably be shown you if you ask for a boy's rod, so that it is
+better to tell the dealer or rod-maker exactly what you want, and to accept
+nothing else. If he takes a pride in his work and has a reputation to
+sustain, he will interest himself in picking out a rod of sound,
+well-seasoned wood, evenly balanced, elastic, with a good action, and a
+peculiar "kick" in the second joint, which is of great service in casting a
+fly. If some one can help you in making your choice, so much the better.
+Then it will be well to attach a reel and line to the rod and try it in
+actual casting, if this is possible; and when the rod is bent, see that the
+bend is an even curve. The pleasure of fly-fishing depends upon the quality
+of the rod, and the choice should therefore be made deliberately and
+wisely. Some fishermen make their own rods, and there are dealers who
+supply materials for amateur rod-makers; but this is a difficult
+undertaking and can not be described here.[A] I should advise any boy to go
+to a professional maker for his first fly rod.
+
+[Footnote A: "Fly Rods and Fly Tackle," by Mr. H. P. Wells, explains
+methods of making and repairing rods and other tackle, and gives much
+valuable instruction in fly-fishing.]
+
+[Illustration: YOUNG ANGLERS.]
+
+The "enameled water-proof" lines are the best. These are braided from
+boiled silk, and prepared to resist the action of water, which will cause
+the decay of an ordinary line. Of the various sizes, which are
+distinguished by letters, that known as F is perhaps most desirable,
+although either E or F will answer the purpose. The line should be "level,"
+not tapering, and at least twenty-five yards in length. This will be wound
+upon a "click" reel of equal capacity, preferably nickel-plated. But this
+is of less importance than the internal construction of the reel, for which
+you should have the maker's guarantee. Now come the flies. There are names
+enough to fill a directory, and a greater variety of colors than the woods
+show in autumn. A few flies like the "Montreal," "Professor," "Scarlet
+Ibis," "Coachman," and "the Hackles," are to be found in almost every
+angler's book. For the rest, it will be well to learn, from some
+experienced angler or intelligent dealer, the flies best suited to the
+particular waters which you intend to fish. At the Rangeley lakes, for
+example, you will find that large, gaudy flies are much used, like the
+"Parmachenee Belle," "Silver and Golden Doctor," and "Grizzly King," and
+there is one local fly called the "Katoodle Bug." In the Adirondacks,
+smaller flies of quieter colors are favored. For brook-fishing, very small
+flies of neutral tints are much used except when the water is very dark. A
+fly-book will be needed to contain flies and also leaders. The leader is a
+piece of "silk-worm gut," which should be about six feet in length. One end
+is fastened to the line, and the stretcher-fly is made fast at the other.
+One or two other flies, called droppers, are usually attached at intervals
+of two feet or more along the leader. Before making your choice, the
+leaders should be closely examined to see whether any part is frayed or
+cracked. They can be tested by a pull of four or five pounds on a spring
+balance. The leader is used as being less conspicuous than the line in the
+water, and, therefore, less likely to frighten away trout approaching the
+flies. Most leaders are dyed a misty bluish color which, it is thought,
+will escape even the keen eyes of the trout. A landing-net, the size and
+strength of which depend upon the fishing-ground, completes the list of
+tackle.
+
+[Illustration: TROUT FLIES.]
+
+The next step is to learn how to cast a fly, and here practice and the
+advice of some experienced fly-fisherman will be worth more than printed
+instructions.
+
+It is not necessary, however, to wait for summer nor for access to water,
+in order to practice casting. A housetop, a dooryard, or even the spacious
+floor of an old-fashioned barn, as the case may be, offers just as good a
+chance for practice as a lake or river. When the rod is jointed together,
+the reel attached, and the line passed through the rings and beyond the tip
+about the length of the rod, the learner is usually seized with a wild
+desire to flourish rod and line like a whip with a long snapper. This
+feeling must promptly be suppressed. Fly-casting is a very simple movement,
+and not a flourish. The elbow is kept down at the side, the forearm moving
+only a little, and most of the work is done by the wrist. Holding the rod
+by the "grip," the part of the butt wound with silk or rattan to assist the
+grasp, one finds that the reel, which is just below the "grip," aids in
+balancing the rod. The reel is underneath in casting. After hooking a fish,
+many anglers turn their rods so as to bring the reel to the upper side,
+thus letting the strain of the line come upon the rod itself instead of
+upon the rings. In holding the "grip," the thumb should be extended
+straight along the rod, as this gives an additional "purchase." For the
+first cast, take the end of the line in the left hand, and bring the rod
+upward and backward until the line is taut. As you release the line, the
+spring of the rod carries the line backward. This is the back cast. Then
+comes an instant's pause, while the line straightens itself out behind, and
+then, with a firm motion of the wrist, helped a little by the forearm, the
+rod is thrown forward, and the line flies easily out in front. Begin with a
+line once or once-and-a-half as long as the rod, and lengthen it out by
+degrees. The main points to be remembered are: to keep the elbow at the
+side, to train the wrist, to move the rod not too far forward or back,
+always to wait until the line is straight behind on the back cast, and to
+make sure that in this the line falls no lower than your head, a process
+which it will take time to accomplish. There is no more awkward fault than
+that of whipping a rod down to a level with the horizon before and behind,
+and swishing the flies through the air until some of them are snapped off.
+
+When the learner becomes accustomed to handling his rod, he must try to
+perfect himself in two matters of great importance--accuracy and delicacy.
+Place a small piece of paper fifteen or twenty feet away, and aim at making
+the knot in the end of the line fall easily and quietly upon it. Your
+efforts will be aided if you will raise the point of the rod a trifle, just
+as the forward impulse of the line is spent, and the line itself is
+straightened in the air for an instant in front. This is a novel kind of
+target-shooting, but its usefulness will be realized when the angler finds
+it necessary to drop his flies so lightly just over the head of some
+particularly wary trout, that the fish, although too shy or lazy to move a
+yard, will be persuaded that some tempting natural flies have foolishly
+settled on the water just within reach of his jaws. By practice of this
+kind, which is an excellent form of light exercise in itself, any boy or
+girl can learn a very fascinating art. It is not necessary to make very
+long casts. At fly-casting tournaments in Central Park, casts have been
+made of about ninety feet, but in actual fishing a third of that distance
+is usually sufficient. Never cast more line than you can conveniently and
+safely handle.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTURING TWO FISH AT ONCE,--OR "LANDING A DOUBLE."]
+
+And now that we are ready to go a-fishing, the question arises, "Where
+shall we go?" The cold, bitter weather common in early April is not
+favorable to fishermen or fish. When May sunshine brings the leaves out on
+the trees, and fields are green and skies are blue, then Long Island may
+well tempt any New York boy who has a holiday to spend in fly-fishing.
+Years ago, any Long Island water could be fished without question, but now
+nearly all the Long Island brooks and ponds are "preserved,"--that is,
+kept for personal use by clubs or private owners. A boy who has a friend
+or relative among the owners of these preserves, or can hire a fishing
+privilege, can enjoy trout-fishing within a journey of two or three hours
+from his New York home. Within a few hours' ride, also, are trout streams
+in the southern counties of New York State and in Pennsylvania, although
+the former are so often visited that the fish have not time to grow large.
+The New England boy finds trout brooks in western Connecticut, in northern
+Massachusetts, and in the Cape Cod region, in northern New Hampshire and
+Vermont, and especially in Maine. Once, almost every stream and lake in
+New England contained trout. But forests were cut down, and some of the
+streams dwindled until they went dry in summer. Saw-mills were built, the
+streams were dammed up so as to be impassable for trout, and the trout
+eggs were buried under sawdust. Manufactories have poisoned the water of
+some rivers and others have been literally "fished dry." The trout of any
+brook near a large New England town have a very poor chance of long life.
+All this is discouraging enough, but yet there are trout to be caught, as
+every New England boy knows.
+
+[Illustration: INTERIOR OF A FISHING-CAMP.]
+
+The most famous fishing-places in the East are the Rangeley Lakes in Maine
+and the Adirondacks in New York. About the third week of May the ice goes
+out of the great chain of lakes forming the head-waters of the Androscoggin
+River in Maine. Then the red-shirted river-drivers come down with "drives"
+of logs, which dash through the sluiceways of immense dams between the
+different lakes. And while the brown pine trunks are still shooting through
+the dams, fishermen begin to gather from all parts of the country, for in
+the clear cold water of these lakes the trout, feeding upon myriads of
+minnows, grow to be the giants of their race. I can wish no better
+piscatorial fortune for the children of ST. NICHOLAS than a visit to Maine
+with father or brother, and the capture of one of these large trout. I must
+confess, however, that the large trout are not to be depended upon; but
+there are small fish always to be caught in the little lakes and brooks of
+the region, and there are pleasant forest camps with cheerful fires blazing
+in great stone fireplaces. The host of one of these camps was for a long
+time a hunter and guide, and every winter he lectures before Boston
+schoolboys, dressed in his hunter's garb, and tells them about trapping and
+the adventures of life in the woods.
+
+If one can continue further into the North-east, better fishing can be
+found in New Brunswick and Quebec than in Maine, although the trout of the
+Provinces are sea trout, a distinction which does not seem to me important.
+The trout of the Adirondacks are much smaller than those of Maine or New
+Brunswick, and now that the Adirondack country is overrun with visitors,
+one must go back some distance into the woods to find good sport. South of
+Pennsylvania, there is trout-fishing in the mountain streams of West
+Virginia and North Carolina. To the west, northern Michigan tempts the
+angler, and still further north are the large trout of the Nepigon river
+which flows into Lake Superior. The States along the Mississippi Valley are
+sadly deficient in trout, but a great deal can be done with black bass, as
+Mr. Maurice Thompson has told you. Trout abound all along the Rocky
+Mountains. There are the lusty five-pounders of the Snake River in Idaho,
+the rainbow trout of California, found also, I think, in Colorado, and the
+dusky fish of New Mexico and Arizona. I do not expect that many of ST.
+NICHOLAS'S readers will visit these remote fishing-places, but between the
+three corners of the continent in which I have caught trout--Quebec,
+Washington Territory, and Arizona--there are so many chances for
+trout-fishing, that very few need fail to enjoy this most delightful of
+outdoor sports.
+
+The best month for fly-fishing is June, and the best weather a light
+southerly or southwesterly breeze and a slightly overcast sky. Morning or
+evening is the best time. The worst is the middle of an intensely hot,
+bright, still day. It is usually thought that a change in the weather makes
+trout more active. Very high or very low water is undesirable. Yet when all
+the conditions seem perfect, one may cast over a whole school of trout
+without inducing them to stir a fin; and on the other hand, when the
+weather is most unfavorable and when the fish are gorged with food, they
+will, sometimes, fairly hustle one another in their eagerness to get the
+flies. On one hot July noon, the air and water around my boat were alive
+with trout for half an hour, when they stopped rising as suddenly as they
+had begun, without any apparent reason in one case or the other. Within two
+forenoon hours, I once caught twenty-five pounds of trout at the mouth of a
+brook emptying into one of the Rangeley lakes. Early next morning, I was
+rowed to the same spot and found only one solitary trout. On another
+occasion, I landed a five-pound and a three-pound trout from a pool in a
+Canadian river, without unduly disturbing the water; but although the pool
+contained several other fish, including one estimated to weigh over five
+pounds, not another trout could be induced to look at any fly in my book.
+Trout are very fickle and changeable, and the ingenuity sometimes required
+to coax them to rise adds as much zest to the sport as the suspense and
+excitement of hooking and landing them.
+
+[Illustration: A MOUNTAIN LAKE.]
+
+But when the trout does rise, what do you suppose he thinks? Does he really
+believe that the curious creature with a barbed tail hovering over his head
+is a natural fly? I doubt it. The flies ordinarily used would drive an
+entomologist to distraction. The great scarlet and white and yellow flies
+which have caused so many Rangeley lake trout to come to grief are, I
+fancy, unlike any living insect in that region, or anywhere else. The trout
+sees something moving on the water, and as experience has taught him that
+such fluttering objects are usually good to eat, his weakness for live food
+tempts him to pounce upon it without stopping to reason out the matter. But
+when he finds that this deceitful fly is entirely tasteless, he will drop
+it at once, unless the fisherman is prompt in "striking." This means a
+quick upward movement of the tip of the rod, a motion imparted, of course,
+at the butt, but communicated along rod and line. The movement "strikes"
+the hook into the fish. One can not be too quick in striking, but if too
+much force be used, the rod may be snapped at the second joint. Yet that is
+not the way in which rods are most frequently broken. If you have drawn in
+your flies so closely that you can not readily recover them, and your rod
+is pointing nearly straight upward, even a gentle attempt to strike a small
+fish is likely to break a rod. Once, I was fishing with a heavy rod from a
+raft which was drifting across a Canadian lake. The wind was so strong that
+I was obliged to cast with it, and then the raft rapidly drifted down upon
+my flies. A trout weighing not a quarter of a pound rose when my rod was
+nearly perpendicular, and the flies were close before me; instinctively I
+struck. The reward of my carelessness was that the rod, which would have
+landed a ten-pound fish, was cleanly broken into two pieces. Never draw the
+flies so near you that you have not safe and complete control of your rod,
+either for the back cast or for a strike.
+
+The importance of the high back cast of which I have spoken, will be
+especially appreciated by ST. NICHOLAS'S boys and girls, for most of their
+trout-fishing will probably be done upon brooks where a low back cast would
+involve entanglement in grass or bushes. In brook-fishing it is usually
+necessary to use a comparatively short line, and one must learn to make
+under-hand casts,--that is, with the rod down to a horizontal level on
+either side, instead of being upright, something easily learned after one
+can cast properly over-hand. Of course my readers will see that they must
+keep themselves and their shadows out of the sight of the timid trout. When
+a fish is hooked, let him run out the reel if he is large enough, unless he
+makes for stumps or brush where the line may get entangled. Then as much of
+a strain must be brought to bear upon him as the tackle will withstand; and
+always reel in line when it is possible. The line should never be slack. If
+the trout will not rise at first, change your flies and try the old rule of
+looking closely at the insects which hover over the water and selecting a
+fly from your book that imitates those insects as nearly as possible. The
+best general rule is to use small dark flies in bright, clear water, and
+larger bright flies in dark or turbid water. I need hardly say that fish
+are not to be lifted out of the water with a fly-rod. Let the trout run and
+struggle until the strain of the rod tires him out so that he can be easily
+drawn within reach and lifted out with the landing-net.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+So you see that in fly-fishing for trout you learn a very fascinating art,
+which can be practiced among the most delightful of outdoor surroundings in
+the pleasantest months of the year. You will learn much more than books can
+tell you about the habits and curious ways of a fish which the most
+experienced anglers have considered for hundreds of years as, next to the
+salmon, their most worthy game. You will learn patience, perseverance, and
+all manner of practical lessons on trout streams, including the tying of
+knots and the repairing of rods. And the sunshine, the fragrance of flowery
+meadows, and the cool breath of the woods will give you a health which can
+not be found indoors. But let me urge upon you to remember that the true
+sportsman is always generous in his treatment of the noble fish which he
+pursues. He will never catch trout out of season. He will never kill more
+trout than can be made use of, nor will he ever kill them by unfair means.
+And he will never catch tiny troutlings, too small to afford sport, lest he
+should exhaust the streams, but he will carefully restore to the water any
+trout which are not at least six inches long. ST. NICHOLAS'S fly-fishers
+who meet the gallant trout on fair and even terms will surely give the
+beautiful fish honorable treatment.
+
+And when you go a-fishing, bearing these words in mind, may you be rewarded
+by baskets well filled with trout of noble size.
+
+
+
+
+DAISY-SONG.
+
+BY GRACE DENIO LITCHFIELD
+
+
+  I am only a plain little daisy-flower,
+  Sprung up at hap-hazard 'neath sunshine and shower,
+  To live out as I may my life's poor little hour,
+              Yet who is so happy as I?
+
+  Oh, the days they burn hot, and the nights they blow cold,
+  And the shadows and rains,--true they fall, manifold;
+  But my dress is all white, and my heart is pure gold,
+              And who is so happy as I?
+
+  There's many a gladsomer meadow than mine,
+  Where greener trees shelter and softer suns shine
+  For others than me; but how can I repine,
+              For who is so happy as I?
+
+  There 's a brook I can't see by that far-away beech,
+  And a bird that wont whistle, for all I beseech,
+  And stars are up yonder, quite out of my reach,
+              But who is so happy as I?
+
+  I just look up at Fate with my brave little face,
+  I stir from my post in no possible case,
+  And I keep my dress clean, my gold heart in its place,
+              And who is so happy as I?
+
+
+
+
+GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+[_An Historical Biography_.]
+
+BY HORACE E. SCUDDER.
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+AT VALLEY FORGE.
+
+
+The winter of 1777 passed with little fighting; and when the spring opened,
+Washington used his army so adroitly as to prevent the British from moving
+on Philadelphia, and finally crowded them out of New Jersey altogether.
+That summer, however, was an anxious one, for there was great uncertainty
+as to the plans of the enemy; and when at last a formidable British army
+appeared in the Chesapeake, whither it had been transported by sea,
+Washington hurried his forces to meet it, and fought the battle of
+Brandywine, in which he met with a severe loss. He retrieved his fortune in
+part by a brilliant attack on the enemy at Germantown, and then retired to
+Valley Forge, in Pennsylvania, where he went into winter quarters; while
+the British army was comfortably established in Philadelphia.
+
+The defeat of Burgoyne by Gates, at Saratoga, in the summer and
+Washington's splendid attack at Germantown had made a profound impression
+in Europe, and are counted as having turned the scale in favor of an
+alliance with the United States on the part of France. But when the winter
+shut down on the American army, no such good cheer encouraged it. That
+winter of 1778 was the most terrible ordeal which the army endured, and one
+has but to read of the sufferings of the soldiers to learn at how great a
+cost independence was bought. It is worth while to tell again the familiar
+story, because the leader of the army himself shared the want and privation
+of the men. To read of Valley Forge is to read of Washington.
+
+The place was chosen for winter quarters because of its position. It was
+equally distant with Philadelphia from the Brandywine and from the ferry
+across the Delaware into New Jersey. It was too far from Philadelphia to be
+in peril from attack, and yet it was so near that the American army could,
+if opportunity offered, descend quickly on the city. Then it was so
+protected by hills and streams that the addition of a few lines of
+fortification made it very secure.
+
+But there was no town at Valley Forge, and it became necessary to provide
+some shelter for the soldiers other than the canvas tents which served in
+the field in summer. It was the middle of December when the army began
+preparations for the winter, and Washington gave directions for the
+building of the little village. The men were divided into parties of
+twelve, each party to build a hut to accommodate that number; and in order
+to stimulate the men, Washington promised a reward of twelve dollars to the
+party in each regiment which finished its hut first and most
+satisfactorily. And as there was some difficulty in getting boards, he
+offered a hundred dollars to any officer or soldier who should invent some
+substitute which would be as cheap as boards and as quickly provided.
+
+[Illustration: BUILDING THE HUTS AT VALLEY FORGE.]
+
+Each hut was to be fourteen feet by sixteen, the sides, ends, and roof to
+be made of logs, and the sides made tight with clay. There was to be a
+fireplace in the rear of each hut, built of wood, but lined with clay
+eighteen inches thick. The walls were to be six and a half feet high. Huts
+were also to be provided for the officers, and to be placed in the rear of
+those occupied by the troops. All these were to be regularly arranged in
+streets. A visitor to the camp when the huts were being built, wrote of the
+army; "They appear to me like a family of beavers, every one busy; some
+carrying logs, others mud, and the rest plastering them together." It was
+bitterly cold, and for a month the men were at work, making ready for the
+winter.
+
+But in what sort of condition were the men themselves when they began this
+work? Here is a picture of one of those men on his way to Valley Forge:
+"His bare feet peep through his worn-out shoes, his legs nearly naked from
+the tattered remains of an only pair of stockings, his breeches not enough
+to cover his nakedness, his shirt hanging in strings, his hair disheveled,
+his face wan and thin, his look hungry, his whole appearance that of a man
+forsaken and neglected." And the snow was falling! This was one of the
+privates. The officers were scarcely better off. One was wrapped "in a sort
+of dressing-gown made of an old blanket or woolen bed-cover." The uniforms
+were torn and ragged; the guns were rusty; a few only had bayonets; the
+soldiers carried their powder in tin boxes and cow-horns.
+
+To explain why this army was so poor and forlorn, would be to tell a long
+story. It may be summed up briefly in these words--the army was not taken
+care of because there was no country to take care of it. There were
+thirteen States, and each of these States sent troops into the field, but
+all the States were jealous of one another. There was a Congress, which
+undertook to direct the war, but all the members of Congress, coming from
+the several States, were jealous of one another. They were agreed on only
+one thing--that it was not prudent to give the army too much power. It is
+true that they had once given Washington large authority, but they had
+given it only for a short period. They were very much afraid that somehow
+the army would rule the country, and yet they were trying to free the
+country from the rule of England. But when they talked about freeing the
+country, each man thought only of his own State. The first fervor with
+which they had talked about a common country had died away; there were some
+very selfish men in Congress, who could not be patriotic enough to think of
+the whole country.
+
+The truth is, it takes a long time for the people of a country to come to
+feel that they have a country. Up to the time of the war for independence,
+the people in America did not care much for one another or for America.
+They had really been preparing to be a nation, but they did not know it.
+They were angry with Great Britain, and they knew they had been wronged.
+They were therefore ready to fight; but it does not require so much courage
+to fight as to endure suffering and to be patient.
+
+So it was that the people of America who were most conscious that they were
+Americans were the men who were in the army, and their wives and mothers
+and sisters at home. All these were making sacrifices for their country and
+so learning to love it. The men in the army came from different States, and
+there was a great deal of State feeling among them; but, after all, they
+belonged to one army, the continental army, and they had much more in
+common than they had separately. Especially they had a great leader who
+made no distinction between Virginians and New England men. Washington felt
+keenly all the lack of confidence which Congress showed. He saw that the
+spirit in Congress was one which kept the people divided, while the spirit
+at Valley Forge kept the people united, and he wrote reproachfully to
+Congress:
+
+"If we would pursue a right system of policy, in my opinion, ... we should
+all, Congress and army, be considered as one people, embarked in one cause,
+in one interest; acting on the same principle, and to the same end. The
+distinction, the jealousies set up, or perhaps only incautiously let out,
+can answer not a single good purpose.... No order of men in the thirteen
+States has paid a more sacred regard to the proceedings of Congress than
+the army; for without arrogance or the smallest deviation from truth it may
+be said, that no history now extant can furnish an instance of an army's
+suffering such uncommon hardships as ours has done, and bearing them with
+the same patience and fortitude. To see men, without clothes to cover them,
+without blankets to lie on, without shoes (for the want of which their
+marches might be traced by the blood from their feet), and almost as often
+without provisions as with them, marching through the frost and snow, and
+at Christmas taking up their winter quarters within a day's march of the
+enemy, without a house or hut to cover them, till they could be built, and
+submitting without a murmur, is a proof of patience and obedience, which,
+in my opinion, can scarce be paralleled."
+
+The horses died of starvation, and the men harnessed themselves to trucks
+and sleds, hauling wood and provisions from storehouse to hut. At one time
+there was not a ration in camp. Washington seized the peril with a strong
+hand and compelled the people in the country about, who had been selling to
+the British army at Philadelphia, to give up their stores to the patriots
+at Valley Forge.
+
+Meanwhile, the wives of the officers came to the camp, and these brave
+women gave of their cheer to its dreary life. Mrs. Washington was there
+with her husband. "The General's apartment is very small," she wrote to a
+friend; "he has had a log cabin built to dine in, which has made our
+quarters much more tolerable than they were at first."
+
+The officers and their wives came together and told stories, perhaps over a
+plate of hickory nuts, which, we are informed, furnished General
+Washington's dessert. The General was cheerful in the little society; but
+his one thought was how to keep the brave company of men alive and prepare
+them for what lay before them. The house where he had his quarters was a
+farmhouse belonging to a quaker, Mr. Potts, who has said that one day when
+strolling up the creek, away from the camp, he heard a deep, quiet voice a
+little way off. He went nearer, and saw Washington's horse tied to a
+sapling. Hard by, in the thicket, was Washington on his knees, praying
+earnestly.
+
+[Illustration: AT VALLEY FORGE.]
+
+At the end of February, light began to break. The terrible winter was
+passing away, though the army was still in wretched state. But there came
+to camp, a volunteer, Baron Steuben, who had been trained in the best
+armies of Europe. In him Washington had, what he greatly needed, an
+excellent drill-master. He made him Inspector of the army, and soon, as if
+by magic, the men changed from slouching, careless fellows into erect,
+orderly soldiers. The Baron began with a picked company of one hundred and
+twenty men, whom he drilled thoroughly; these became the models for others,
+and so the whole camp was turned into a military school.
+
+The prospect grew brighter and brighter, until on the 4th of May, late at
+night, a messenger rode into camp with dispatches from Congress. Washington
+opened them, and his heart must have leaped for joy as he read that an
+alliance had been formed between France and the United States. Two days
+later, the army celebrated the event. The chaplains of the several
+regiments read the intelligence and then offered up thanksgiving to God.
+Guns were fired, and there was a public dinner in honor of Washington and
+his generals. There had been shouts for the King of France and for the
+American States; but when Washington took his leave, "there was," says an
+officer who was present, universal applause, "with loud huzzas, which
+continued till he had proceeded a quarter of a mile, during which time
+there were a thousand hats tossed in the air. His excellency turned round
+with his retinue, and huzzaed several times."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE CONWAY CABAL.
+
+
+There is no man so high but some will always be found who wish to pull him
+down. Washington was no exception to this rule. His men worshiped him; the
+people had confidence in him; the officers nearest to him, and especially
+those who formed a part of his military family, were warmly attached to
+him; but in Congress there were men who violently opposed him, and there
+were certain generals who not only envied him but were ready to seize any
+opportunity which might offer to belittle him and to place one of their own
+number in his place. The chief men who were engaged in this business were
+Generals Conway, Mifflin, and Gates, and from the prominent position taken
+in the affair by the first-named officer, the intrigue against Washington
+goes by the name of the Conway Cabal. A "cabal" is a secret combination
+against a person with the object of his hurt or injury.
+
+It is not easy to say just how or when this cabal first showed itself.
+Conway was a young brigadier-general, very conceited and impudent. Mifflin
+had been Quartermaster-general, but had resigned. He had been early in the
+service and was in Cambridge with Washington, but had long been secretly
+hostile to him. Gates, who had been Washington's companion in Virginia, was
+an ambitious man who never lost an opportunity of looking after his own
+interest, and had been especially fortunate in being appointed to the
+command of the northern army just as it achieved the famous victory over
+Burgoyne.
+
+The defeat at Brandywine, the failure to make Germantown a great success,
+and the occupation of Philadelphia by the British troops, while the
+American army was suffering at Valley Forge--all this seemed to many a
+sorry story compared with the brilliant victory at Saratoga. There had
+always been those who thought Washington slow and cautious. John Adams was
+one of these, and he expressed himself as heartily glad "that the glory of
+turning the tide of arms was not immediately due to the
+commander-in-chief." Others shook their heads and said that the people of
+America had been guilty of idolatry by making a man their god; and that,
+besides, the army would become dangerous to the liberties of the people if
+it were allowed to be so influenced by one man.
+
+Conway was the foremost of these critics. "No man was more a gentleman than
+General Washington, or appeared to more advantage at his table, or in the
+usual intercourse of life," he would say; then he would give his shoulders
+a shrug, and look around and add, "but as to his talents for the command of
+an army, they were miserable indeed."
+
+"Gates was the general!" Conway said. "There was a man who could fight, and
+win victories!"
+
+Gates himself was in a mood to believe it. He had been so intoxicated by
+his success against Burgoyne that he thought himself the man of the day,
+and quite forgot to send a report of the action to his commander-in-chief.
+Washington rebuked him in a letter which was severe in its quiet tone. He
+congratulated Gates on his great success, and added, "At the same time, I
+can not but regret that a matter of such magnitude, and so interesting to
+our general operations, should have reached me by report only; or through
+the channel of letters not bearing that authenticity which the importance
+of it required, and which it would have received by a line over your
+signature stating the simple fact."
+
+Gates may have winced under the rebuke, but he was then listening to
+Conway's flattery, and that was more agreeable to him. Conway, on his part,
+found Gates a convenient man to set up as a rival to Washington. He himself
+did not aspire to be commander-in-chief, though he would have had no doubt
+as to his capacity. Washington knew him well. "His merit as an officer,"
+wrote the Commander-in-chief, "and his importance in this army exist more
+in his own imagination than in reality. For it is a maxim with him to leave
+no service of his own untold, nor to want anything which is to be obtained
+by importunity." Conway thought Gates was the rising man, and he meant to
+rise with him. He filled his ear with things which he thought would please
+him, and among other letters wrote him one in which these words occurred:
+"Heaven has determined to save your country, or a weak general and bad
+counselors would have ruined it."
+
+Now Gates was foolish enough to show this letter to Wilkinson, one of his
+aids, and Wilkinson repeated it to an aid of Lord Stirling, one of
+Washington's generals, and Lord Stirling at once sat down and wrote it off
+to Washington. Thereupon Washington, who knew Conway too well to waste any
+words upon him, sat down and wrote him this letter:
+
+  "SIR,--A letter which I received last night contained the following
+paragraph:
+
+  "'In a letter from General Conway to General Gates he says: Heaven has
+determined to save your country, or a weak general and bad counselors would
+have ruined it.'
+
+            "I am, Sir, your humble servant,
+                                 "GEORGE WASHINGTON."
+
+That was all, but it was quite enough to throw Conway and Gates and Mifflin
+into a panic. How did Washington get hold of the sentence? Had he seen any
+other letters? How much did he know? In point of fact, that was all that
+Washington had seen. He had a contempt for Conway. He knew of Mifflin's
+hostility and that Gates was now cool to him; but he did not suspect Gates
+of any intrigue, and he supposed for a while that Wilkinson's message had
+been intended only to warn him of Conway's evil mind.
+
+Gates was greatly perplexed to know what to do, but he finally wrote to
+Washington as if there were some wretch who had been stealing letters and
+might be discovering the secrets of the American leaders. He begged
+Washington to help him find the rascal. Washington replied, giving him the
+exact manner in which the letter came into his hands, and then closed with
+a few sentences that showed Gates clearly that he had lost the confidence
+of his commander-in-chief.
+
+That particular occasion passed, but presently the cabal showed its head
+again, this time working through Congress. It secured the appointment of a
+Board of War, with Gates at the head, and a majority of the members from
+men who were hostile to Washington. Now, they thought, Washington will
+resign, and to help matters on they spread the report that Washington was
+about to resign. The general checkmated them at once by a letter to a
+friend, in which he wrote:
+
+  "To report a design of this kind is among the arts which those who are
+endeavoring to effect a change, are practicing to bring it to pass....
+While the public are satisfied with my endeavors, I mean not to shrink from
+the cause. But the moment her voice, _not that of faction_, calls upon me
+to resign, I shall do it with as much pleasure as ever the wearied traveler
+retired to rest."
+
+The cabal was not yet defeated. It had failed by roundabout methods. It
+looked about in Congress and counted the disaffected to see if it would be
+possible to get a majority vote in favor of a motion to arrest the
+commander-in-chief. So at least the story runs which, from its nature,
+would not be found in any record, but was whispered from one man to
+another. The day came when the motion was to be tried; the conspiracy
+leaked out, and Washington's friends bestirred themselves. They needed one
+more vote. They sent post-haste for one of their number, Gouverneur Morris,
+who was absent in camp; but they feared they could not get him in time. In
+their extremity, they went to William Duer, a member from New York, who was
+dangerously ill. Duer sent for his doctor.
+
+"Doctor," he asked, "can I be carried to Congress?"
+
+"Yes, but at the risk of your life," replied the physician.
+
+"Do you mean that I should expire before reaching the place?" earnestly
+inquired the patient.
+
+"No," came the answer; "but I would not answer for your leaving it alive."
+
+"Very well, sir. You have done your duty and I will do mine!" exclaimed
+Duer. "Prepare a litter for me; if you will not, somebody else will, but I
+prefer your aid."
+
+The demand was in earnest, and Duer had already started when it was
+announced that Morris had returned and that he would not be needed. Morris
+had come direct from the camp with the latest news of what was going on
+there. His vote would make it impossible for the enemies of Washington to
+carry their point; their opportunity was lost, and they never recovered it.
+
+It was not the end of the cabal, however. They still cherished their
+hostility to Washington, and they sought to injure him where he would feel
+the wound most keenly. They tried to win from him the young Marquis de La
+Fayette, who had come from France to join the American army, and whom
+Washington had taken to his heart. La Fayette was ambitious and
+enthusiastic. Conway, who had been in France, did his best to attach
+himself to the young Frenchman, but he betrayed his hatred of Washington,
+and that was enough to estrange La Fayette. Then a winter campaign in
+Canada was planned, and the cabal intrigued to have La Fayette appointed to
+command it. It was argued that as a Frenchman he would have an influence
+over the French Canadians. But the plotters hoped that, away from
+Washington, the young marquis could be more easily worked upon, and it was
+intended that Conway should be his second in command.
+
+Of course, in contriving this plan, Washington was not consulted; but the
+moment La Fayette was approached, he appealed to Washington for advice.
+Washington saw through the device, but he at once said, "I would rather it
+should be you than another." La Fayette insisted on Kalb being second in
+command instead of Conway, whom he disliked and distrusted. Congress was in
+session at York, and thither La Fayette went to receive his orders. Gates,
+who spent much of his time in the neighborhood of Congress, seeking to
+influence the members, was there, and La Fayette was at once invited to
+join him and his friends at dinner. The talk ran freely, and great things
+were promised of the Canada expedition, but not a word was said about
+Washington. La Fayette listened and noticed. He thought of the contrast
+between the meager fare and the sacrifices at Valley Forge, and this feast
+at which he was a guest. He watched his opportunity, and near the end of
+the dinner, he said:
+
+"I have a toast to propose. There is one health, gentlemen, which we have
+not yet drunk. I have the honor to propose it to you: The
+Commander-in-chief of the armies of the United States!"
+
+It was a challenge which no one dared openly to take up, but there was an
+end to the good spirits of the company. La Fayette had shown his colors,
+and he was let alone after that. Indeed, the Canada expedition never was
+undertaken, for the men who were urging it were not in earnest about
+anything but diminishing the honor of Washington. It is the nature of
+cabals and intrigues that they flourish in the dark. They can not bear the
+light. As soon as these hostile intentions began to reach the ears of the
+public, great was the indignation aroused, and one after another of the
+conspirators made haste to disown any evil purpose. Gates and Mifflin each
+publicly avowed their entire confidence in Washington, and Conway, who had
+fought a duel and supposed himself to be dying, made a humble apology. The
+cabal melted away, leaving Washington more secure than ever in the
+confidence of men--all the more secure that he did not lower himself by
+attempting the same arts against his traducers. When Conway was uttering
+his libels behind his back, Washington was openly declaring his judgment of
+Conway; and throughout the whole affair, Washington kept his hands clean,
+and went his way with a manly disregard of his enemies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+MONMOUTH.
+
+
+The news of the French alliance, and consequent war between France and
+England, compelled the English to leave Philadelphia. They had taken their
+ease there during the winter, while hardships and Steuben's drilling and
+Washington's unflagging zeal had made the American army at Valley Forge
+strong and determined. A French fleet might at any time sail up the
+Delaware, and with the American army in the rear, Philadelphia would be a
+hard place to hold. So General Howe turned his command over to General
+Clinton, and went home to England, and General Clinton set about marching
+his army across New Jersey to New York.
+
+The moment the troops left Philadelphia, armed men sprang up all over New
+Jersey to contest their passage, and Washington set his army in motion,
+following close upon the heels of the enemy, who were making for Staten
+Island. There was a question whether they should attack the British and
+bring on a general engagement, or only follow them and vex them. The
+generals on whom Washington most relied, Greene, La Fayette, and Wayne, all
+good fighters, urged that it would be a shame to let the enemy leave New
+Jersey without a severe punishment. The majority of generals in the
+council, however, strongly opposed the plan of giving battle. They said
+that the French alliance would undoubtedly put an end to the war at once.
+Why, then, risk life and success? The British army, moreover, was strong
+and well equipped.
+
+The most strenuous opponent of the fighting plan was General Charles Lee.
+When he was left in command of a body of troops at the time of Washington's
+crossing the Hudson river more than a year before, his orders were to hold
+himself in readiness to join Washington at any time. In his march across
+New Jersey, Washington had repeatedly sent for Lee, but Lee had delayed in
+an unaccountable manner, and finally was himself surprised by a company of
+dragoons, and taken captive. For a year he had been held a prisoner, and
+only lately had been released on exchange. He had returned to the army
+while the cabal against Washington was going on, and had taken part in it,
+for he always felt that he ought to be first and Washington second. He was
+second in command now, and his opinion had great weight. He was a trained
+soldier, and besides, in his long captivity he had become well acquainted
+with General Clinton, and he professed to know well the condition and
+temper of the British officers.
+
+Washington thus found himself unsupported by a majority of his officers.
+But he had no doubt in his own mind that the policy of attack was a sound
+one. All had agreed that it was well to harass the enemy; he therefore
+ordered La Fayette with a large division to fall upon the enemy at an
+exposed point. He thought it not unlikely that this would bring on a
+general action, and he disposed his forces so as to be ready for such an
+emergency. He gave the command to La Fayette, because Lee had disapproved
+the plan; but after La Fayette had set out, Lee came to Washington and
+declared that La Fayette's division was so large as to make it almost an
+independent army, and that therefore he would like to change his mind and
+take command. It never would do to have his junior in such authority.
+
+Here was a dilemma. Washington could not recall La Fayette. He wished to
+make use of Lee; so he gave Lee two additional brigades, sent him forward
+to join La Fayette, when, as his senior, he would of course command the
+entire force; and at the same time he notified La Fayette of what he had
+done, trusting to his sincere devotion to the cause in such an emergency.
+
+When Clinton found that a large force was close upon him, he took up his
+position at Monmouth Court House, now Freehold, New Jersey and prepared to
+meet the Americans. Washington knew Clinton's movements and sent word to
+Lee at once to attack the British, unless there should be very powerful
+reasons to the contrary; adding that he himself was bringing up the rest of
+the army. Lee had joined La Fayette and was now in command of the advance.
+La Fayette was eager to move upon the enemy.
+
+"You do not know British soldiers," said Lee; "we can not stand against
+them. We shall certainly be driven back at first, and we must be cautious."
+
+"Perhaps so," said La Fayette. "But we have beaten British soldiers, and we
+can do it again."
+
+Soon after, one of Washington's aids appeared for intelligence, and La
+Fayette, in despair at Lee's inaction, sent the messenger to urge
+Washington to come at once to the front; that he was needed. Washington was
+already on the way, before the messenger reached him, when he was met by a
+little fifer boy, who cried out:
+
+"They are all coming this way, your honor."
+
+"Who are coming, my little man?" asked General Knox, who was riding by
+Washington.
+
+"Why, our boys, your honor, our boys, and the British right after them."
+
+"Impossible!" exclaimed Washington, and he galloped to a hill just ahead.
+To his amazement and dismay, he saw his men retreating. He lost not an
+instant, but, putting spurs to his horse, dashed forward. After him flew
+the officers who had been riding by his side, but they could not overtake
+him. His horse, covered with foam, shot down the road over a bridge and up
+the hill beyond. The retreating column saw him come. The men knew him; they
+stopped; they made way for the splendid-looking man, as he, their leader,
+rode headlong into the midst of them. Lee was there, ordering the retreat,
+and Washington drew his rein as he came upon him. A moment of terrible
+silence--then Washington burst out, his eyes flashing:
+
+[Illustration: WASHINGTON REBUKING LEE, AT MONMOUTH.]
+
+"What, sir, is the meaning of this?"
+
+"Sir, sir," stammered Lee.
+
+"I desire to know, sir, the meaning of this disorder and confusion?"
+
+Lee, enraged now by Washington's towering passion, made an angry reply. He
+declared that the whole affair was against his opinion.
+
+"You are a poltroon!" flashed back Washington, with an oath. "Whatever your
+opinion may have been, I expected my orders to be obeyed."
+
+"These men can not face the British grenadiers," answered Lee.
+
+"They can do it, and they shall!" exclaimed Washington, galloping off to
+survey the ground. Presently he came back; his wrath had gone down in the
+presence of the peril to the army. He would waste no strength in cursing
+Lee.
+
+"Will you retain the command here, or shall I?" he asked. "If you will, I
+will return to the main body and have it formed on the next height."
+
+"It is equal to me where I command," said Lee, sullenly.
+
+"Then remain here," said Washington. "I expect you to take proper means for
+checking the enemy."
+
+"Your orders shall be obeyed, and I shall not be the first to leave the
+ground," replied Lee, with spirit.
+
+The rest of the day the battle raged, and when night came the enemy had
+been obliged to fall back, and Washington determined to follow up his
+success in the morning. He directed all the troops to lie on their arms
+where they were. He himself lay stretched on the ground beneath a tree, his
+cloak wrapped about him. About midnight, an officer came near with a
+message, but hesitated, reluctant to waken him.
+
+"Advance, sir, and deliver your message," Washington called out; "I lie
+here to think, and not to sleep."
+
+In the morning, Washington prepared to renew the attack, but the British
+had slipped away under cover of the darkness, not willing to venture
+another battle.
+
+Pursuit, except by some cavalry, was unavailing. The men were exhausted.
+The sun beat down fiercely, and the hot sand made walking difficult.
+Moreover, the British fleet lay off Sandy Hook, and an advance in that
+direction would lead the army nearer to the enemy's re-enforcements.
+Accordingly Washington marched his army to Brunswick and thence to the
+Hudson river, crossed it, and encamped again near White Plains.
+
+After the battle of Monmouth, Lee wrote an angry letter to Washington and
+received a cool one in reply. Lee demanded a court-martial, and Washington
+at once ordered it. Three charges were made, and Lee was convicted of
+disobedience of orders in not attacking the enemy on the 28th of June,
+agreeably to repeated instructions; misbehavior before the enemy on the
+same day, by making an unnecessary and disorderly retreat; and disrespect
+to the Commander-in-chief. He was suspended from the army for a year, and
+he never returned to it. Long after his death, facts were brought to light
+which make it seem more than probable that General Lee was so eaten up by
+vanity, by jealousy of Washington, and by a love of his profession above a
+love of his country, that he was a traitor at heart, and that instead of
+being ready to sacrifice himself for his country, he was ready to sacrifice
+the country to his own willful ambition and pride.
+
+But his disgrace was the end of all opposition to Washington. From that
+time there was no question as to who was at the head of the army and the
+people.
+
+(_To be continued_.)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: FRESH FROM A DIP IN THE BREAKERS.]
+
+
+
+
+A SONG OF SUMMER.
+
+BY EMMA C. DOWD.
+
+
+  The flowers are fringing the swift meadow brooks,
+  The songsters are nesting in shadowy nooks;
+  The birds and the blossoms are thronging to meet us,
+  With loveliness, perfume, and music they greet us,--
+        For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!
+
+  The bobolink tilts on the tall, nodding clover,
+  And sings his gay song to us over and over;
+  The wild roses beckon, with deepening blushes,
+  And sweet, from the wood, sounds the warble of thrushes,--
+        For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!
+
+  The white lilies sway with the breeze of the morning,
+  In raiment more fair than a monarch's adorning;
+  The bright-throated humming-bird, marvel of fleetness,
+  Comes questing for honey-blooms, draining their sweetness,--
+        For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!
+
+  High up in the elm is the oriole courting,
+  A new suit of velvet and gold he is sporting;
+  With gay bits of caroling, tuneful and mellow,
+  He wooes his fair lady-love, clad in plain yellow,--
+        For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!
+
+  The blossoms and birds bring us, yearly, sweet token
+  That Nature's glad promises never are broken.
+  Then sing, happy birdlings, nor ever grow weary!
+  Laugh on, merry children, 'tis time to be cheery!--
+        For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!
+
+
+
+
+THE LAST CRUISE OF "THE SLUG."
+
+BY THOMAS EDWIN TURNER.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Clifford and Jack went down from Brooklyn last summer to spend a few weeks
+with Clifford's aunt, in the cozy old homestead on the Shrewsbury River.
+Yachting was to be their chief enjoyment. To be sure, they were not
+practical yachtsmen; but Jack said he "had read up the subject," and Cliff
+"had been out in a yacht once or twice," so they had no fears.
+
+Clifford and Jack were second cousins, and great friends; but Jack had been
+in the habit of spending his summers at Saratoga, and accordingly he looked
+forward to his present trip with the feeling of an adventurous explorer of
+unknown regions. And in order to be prepared for every emergency, he
+brought an "outfit" that filled a strong trunk, two valises, a shawl-strap,
+and a number of queerly-shaped packages.
+
+[Illustration: CÆSAR AND THE PEACOCK. (SEE NEXT PAGE.)]
+
+Clifford, who for several years had spent a part of each summer at his
+aunt's, carried a handbag. When Jack asked him where the rest of his things
+were, Clifford, with a glance at his cousin's paraphernalia, answered that
+he preferred to keep his "outfit" at his aunt's. He was not likely to need
+it elsewhere, and he saved expense for extra baggage.
+
+But Cæsar was Jack's chief reliance and most weighty responsibility. Cæsar
+was a dog;--according to Jack, a setter-dog. And as Clifford was unable to
+state what was the dog's breed, if it were not a setter, Jack felt that he
+had established his point. Moreover, when Cæsar, upon their arrival at Mud
+Flat, immediately celebrated the occasion by slaughtering eight out of a
+brood of eleven Cochin China chicks that were great pets of their hostess,
+Jack claimed that his pet's success as a game dog was assured beyond cavil.
+Jack was somewhat discouraged on learning that the principal "game" in that
+vicinity was the sideling "shedder," or crab, and he acknowledged that in
+the pursuit of such plunder he feared even Cæsar was not ambitious. But
+nothing ever discouraged Cæsar, and he had more fun with Miss Goodmaid's
+favorite peacock than all the game in New Jersey would have afforded him;
+as subsequent events developed the fact that he was mortally afraid of a
+gun. This is not strange, considering that he had spent the previous eight
+months of his short life in a stable on Henry street, in Brooklyn. Indeed,
+his principal amusement during the rest of the boys' visit, was to chase
+the gorgeous bird of Juno into the branches of a pear-tree, and stand below
+and bark.
+
+Though this was severe on the nervous organism of the peacock, it seemed to
+afford unlimited satisfaction to Cæsar, and it kept him out of so much
+other possible mischief, that he was rarely interfered with on these
+occasions.
+
+[Illustration: JACK EXHIBITS HIS "OUTFIT."]
+
+As soon as Jack could have his luggage taken to the house and put in the
+room the boys were to occupy, he hastened to unpack his outfit before the
+wondering eyes of Clifford. A handsome double-barreled shot-gun, Clifford
+suggested, might be used in trying to kill his aunt's three remaining
+chickens; a delicate split-bamboo fishing-rod might come in well for
+catching live bait, if they were not in a hurry; and an extensive
+collection of artificial flies would perhaps serve to frighten away the
+mosquitoes. A large horse-pistol Cliff thought would be "just the thing for
+picking off bull-frogs in the marshes"; but he was forced to tell his
+cousin that he feared his shooting-coat, his fine yachting suit, his
+knickerbockers for mountain climbing, and his tennis flannels, would
+scarcely be needed in that vicinity.
+
+Poor Jack looked ruefully at his expensive "outfit," which Clifford seemed
+to prize so little, and then he asked his cousin to tell him what
+specialties of costume and accouterments were best fitted to the Shrewsbury
+region. Without answering in words, Clifford simply pointed to a closet,
+through the open door of which could be seen, hanging from hooks, a
+broad-brimmed straw hat, a blue flannel shirt, a stout pair of trousers,
+and a lanyard. A large jack-knife lay upon the shelf, and a substantial
+pair of high shoes stood firmly on the floor.
+
+Little more was said concerning the subject that evening, but Jack went to
+bed in a very sober frame of mind. In the morning, he put all his fancy
+toggery back into his trunk, selecting only such useful garments as
+Clifford suggested, and took an early opportunity of purchasing a hat which
+was an exact counterpart of the one worn by his cousin.
+
+Indeed, it was dangerous to mention the word "outfit" in Jack's hearing for
+a long time.
+
+Clifford's aunt, Miss Goodmaid, was asked to tell them where they could
+hire a sail-boat for their proposed trip; she had heard that Johnny
+Peltsman, the carriage-maker's son, in Mud Flat, had such a boat, and to
+him the boys went to "negotiate."
+
+Johnny Peltsman _did_ have a boat, which he said he would let, if he "could
+get his price." The Slug, he admitted, looked a trifle heavy, and, while
+under "proper conditions" she would go fast, Johnny confessed that she
+couldn't sail very close to the wind. Upon payment of five dollars, he
+said, the boys might have the boat for two weeks.
+
+"Done!" cried Jack, eagerly. "I dare say she will suit us perfectly. Some
+people may like boats that sail close to the wind. But a boat to suit me
+must be able to slide away from the wind, and not stay crawling around
+close to it!"
+
+Clifford's face was a study as his partner thus aired his nautical
+opinions, while Johnny Peltsman greeted the remark with open-mouthed
+astonishment; and when Jack concluded his observations, Johnny said
+earnestly:
+
+"By the way, young friend, it is understood, of course, that if you sink or
+wreck the Slug, you must pay damages."
+
+"Certainly, if we lose the yacht, you shall be paid for it," Jack answered,
+feeling rather indignant at the suggestion.
+
+[Illustration: THE BOYS ENGAGE THE "SLUG."]
+
+Being directed to the place where the Slug lay, the boys hastened away to
+take immediate possession. Johnny stood looking after them until they were
+out of sight. Then turning to enter his shop, he soliloquized:
+
+"Well, that beats all! The idea of hiring a boat without seeing it, and not
+caring to have it to sail close to the wind! I suppose, of course, those
+chaps can swim." And with an ominous shake of the head, Johnny resumed his
+carriage-making.
+
+Our heroes found their prize lying in a little cove just above the bridge.
+The Slug was a flat-bottomed center-board boat, fifteen feet long, five
+feet across the stern, and narrowing gradually to a point at the bows. A
+more clumsy sail-boat was never seen. But Jack only noticed the two large
+lockers, and with unbounded satisfaction, remarked to his cousin:
+
+"We can stow away a big stock of provisions in those boxes, Cliff."
+
+It was Friday, so the two boys decided to give the "yacht" a short
+trial-trip down to the Highlands and back. In that way they would become
+familiar with the boat, and on Monday morning would be ready to start on a
+week's cruise. It chanced that a flood-tide was just beginning when the
+lads shoved the Slug well out into the river, while the wind was blowing a
+brisk gale straight down-stream, the very direction in which the boys
+wished to go. Clifford was enough of a sailor to step the little mast and
+properly set the leg-of-mutton sail for a breeze directly astern. With a
+strong wind behind her, and only a weak tide opposing, it was not
+surprising that the Slug made a progress quite satisfactory to the two
+amateur yachtsmen. As the tide increased in force, however, the boat went
+slower and slower, and it was six o'clock when the Highlands "hove in
+sight," as Jack said--having learned that and other nautical terms from his
+story-books. On finding how late it was, Clifford remarked:
+
+"We'd better be making for home."
+
+The boys managed to put the Slug about, and very soon Jack ascertained that
+there were times when it was an advantage to have a boat able to sail close
+to the wind; for, as the breeze still blew down-stream, Clifford found it
+simply impossible to beat up the river in the Slug. The truth was, the only
+"proper conditions" under which Johnny Peltsman's boat would sail at all
+were those of going straight before the wind!
+
+[Illustration: "'HOW CAN YOU SLEEP?' ASKED CLIFFORD."]
+
+Clifford told Jack that they must "row the old tub back to Mud Flat," and
+both boys pluckily bent to the work. It was hard work, too. The oars were
+long and heavy, the boat was as unwieldy as a raft of logs, and at length
+Jack exclaimed:
+
+"It seems to me, Cliff, that the scenery along this river is very
+monotonous. We passed just such banks and houses as those over there, ten
+minutes ago."
+
+Clifford threw a hurried glance shoreward, looked down at the water, and
+immediately pulled his oar into the boat, saying:
+
+"The fates are against us, Jack. In spite of our pulling and tugging, we
+are actually drifting down-stream. The tide has turned; it's dead against
+us, and so is the wind. It would take a Cunarder to tow this miserable scow
+back to Mud Flat, now."
+
+"What's to be done?" asked Jack, suddenly realizing that they might be
+swept out into the bay, where the whitecaps gave evidence that a very high
+sea would be encountered.
+
+"Neither of us can swim very far," said Clifford. "Our only chance is to
+land on that little island, yonder. Luckily we're drifting straight toward
+it."
+
+Favored by the current, the boat was carried close to the sand-bar of the
+island, and by a vigorous use of the oars they were able to bring their
+craft safely to land.
+
+"We'll have to stay here until slack water," said Clifford, "and then
+perhaps we can row across to the shore. The next slack will be about
+midnight, so we'd better camp here and take advantage of to-morrow
+morning's slack. Then we can cross to the Highlands Landing, a short
+distance below here, and go back by steamboat. The Seabird will tow the
+Slug home for us."
+
+"All right; I'll stand by you," laconically answered Jack.
+
+They at once set about gathering grass and sea-weed with which to make a
+bed, intending to use the Slug's sail for a covering. After a couch had
+been arranged to their satisfaction, the two friends strolled around their
+domain, which they found to be a little larger than a city lot. During
+their walk, the boys caught four or five soft-shell crabs, which the
+epicurean Jack prudently stowed away in one of the lockers.
+
+The mosquitoes had troubled the lads greatly from the moment they landed on
+the sand-island; and, as they had no matches and could not make a "smudge,"
+they soon decided to "turn in" as Jack technically stated. But then the
+vicious insects attacked their victims in clouds, until the boys were
+forced to cover their heads and hands completely with the sail; and in that
+uncomfortable condition they finally fell asleep.
+
+It seemed but a short time to Clifford before he became conscious of a
+stinging, smarting sensation on his face that was almost unbearable, and he
+awoke to find that he was literally covered with swarms of the poisonous
+little pests, while Jack, snugly rolled up in the sailcloth of which he had
+taken complete possession in his sleep, snored loudly.
+
+Slapping, brushing, and shaking off his tormentors, Clifford punched his
+companion and exclaimed:
+
+"How can you sleep through this?"
+
+"Oh, _I'm_ all right," answered Jack, in smothered tones.
+
+"Well, _I'm_ not!" growled Clifford, as he sprang to his feet and proceeded
+to spend the few hours until daybreak in battle with his small but
+ferocious enemies.
+
+At sunrise, the castaways refreshed themselves with a prolonged bath; and
+then, hungry as bears, they impatiently waited for slack water, when they
+sprang into the Slug, and by long and hard work, at last reached the
+mainland not far above the Highlands.
+
+[Illustration: "THE TWO HUNGRY LADS WERE SOON DISPATCHING THEIR
+BREAKFAST."]
+
+An investigation of their finances showed the boys that they had, together,
+exactly sixty-five cents. With that sum, therefore, they had to provide a
+breakfast, pay steamboat fares home, and meet unknown incidental expenses.
+A little shop was soon found where coffee, butter, and a roll would be
+furnished to each boy for thirty cents. Their fares home would amount to
+twenty cents; and the boys decided to take the chance that fifteen cents
+would prove adequate to the unforeseen. Remembering the soft-shell crabs in
+the locker, Clifford induced the good-natured landlady to cook them
+"without extra charge;" and soon the two hungry lads were dispatching their
+thirty-cent breakfast, which included fried potatoes, also "donated" by the
+kind-hearted hostess.
+
+At ten o'clock on that eventful Saturday morning, the young navigators
+re-embarked and dropped down with the tide to the steamboat landing at the
+Highlands.
+
+The boys soon saw the Seabird plowing her way to the landing. When she had
+landed, the Slug was quickly made fast to the stern of the larger boat, and
+ere long the steamer was bearing them homeward.
+
+Seated well forward on the upper deck, the boys were congratulating
+themselves on being at last free from all anxiety, when suddenly they were
+startled by loud cries from the stern of the steamboat:
+
+"Hi! Hi! You lads who own the little boat astern! Hurry! quick! quick!
+She's sinking! she's sinking!"
+
+Running to the spot whence came those warning shouts; Clifford and Jack
+looked down at the Slug and saw that the small center-board had been thrown
+entirely out of its trunk by the force of the water which had been churned
+to a white foam under the huge paddle-wheels of the Seabird,--and a broad
+stream pouring through this opening into their "yacht" threatened each
+moment to swamp it.
+
+"Bother that yacht! She's going to haunt us all our lives!" cried Jack, in
+dismay; but Clifford, taking in the state of affairs at a glance, ran to
+the lower deck, and with one stroke of his pocket-knife cut the Slug's
+painter, and then the two boys silently and sadly watched their boat drop
+far behind in the fan-shaped wake of the larger vessel.
+
+"She may be picked up by some one alongshore, but, more likely, she'll go
+to the bottom," thoughtfully remarked Clifford.
+
+"I don't believe it," said Jack; "that yacht will never sink! She will be
+turning up against us all through life, bringing trouble and disgrace."
+
+In due time, the boys arrived at the Goodmaid homestead, where they
+received a warm welcome from Clifford's aunt, who had almost begun to fear
+that her young guests were at the bottom of the Shrewsbury.
+
+On Monday morning, bright and early, the two boys started down the left
+bank of the river to find their boat. They found it after an hour's walk.
+It had been hauled out upon the beach. The Slug had been sighted and
+recovered by a farmer living alongshore. After paying two dollars as
+salvage, Jack asked the farmer concerning the best way of getting the boat
+home.
+
+"There are three ways," answered the man, thoughtfully. "The first is to
+wait till there's a hurricane blowing straight up the river, when perhaps
+you can sail up. The second is to hire me to row her up. And the third is
+to let me put the boat on my lumber wagon, and haul it up to Mud Flat."
+
+"Of the three, which would be best?" persisted Jack.
+
+"Well," replied the farmer, "you may have to wait weeks for the hurricane;
+I will haul the boat for two dollars; and I will undertake to row it up the
+river--(though, understand, I don't say how long I shall be about it)--but
+row her up I will, somehow, and charge you only two hundred and fifty
+dollars for the job. And that's very cheap, I can tell you, for I know that
+boat!"
+
+It is hardly necessary to say that the boys decided that the Slug should go
+home on wheels, provided they might ride, too, without increase of pay. By
+the use of rollers, an inclined plane and levers, the boat was safely
+hoisted upon the wagon. The farmer occupied the bow, and Jack and Cliff
+each sat on a thwart.
+
+And now, for the first time in her history, the Slug was under complete
+control. The whip cracked, the horses strained at their collars, the wheels
+rolled, and away went Jack's "yacht," trundling homeward. The road led past
+the Goodmaid farm, and over the long bridge crossing the Shrewsbury. As
+they neared the farm, the boys raised a shout, and Cæsar, Jack's mongrel
+and mischievous dog, leaving the peacock for a moment, came bounding out to
+meet them.
+
+True to his nature, he at once began a series of noisy gambols about the
+farmer's young and high-spirited horses. But soon wearying of that harmless
+jumping at the wagon, the dog suddenly ran under the forward wheels, and
+sprang at the long fetlocks of the "near" horse.
+
+Like a flash, the team made a wild plunge, and dashed down the road. The
+wagon was jerked from beneath the Slug, and the boat and its passengers
+fell heavily to the ground. The anchor, dropping between the wagon-box and
+a wheel, became firmly fixed; while the line to which the anchor was
+attached, being good manilla rope, was uncoiled and dragged after the
+horses with great rapidity.
+
+Fortunately, the boys and the driver had time to jump out of the "yacht"
+before the anchor-rope was all "paid out," and so, with the exception of a
+bad shaking-up and a few bruises, they suffered no injury from their
+unceremonious disembarking. But the sudden fall had "broken the backbone"
+of the Slug, as Jack expressed it; and, as if that were not enough, the
+poor boat, as it hung by the painter, was swung, bumped, knocked, and
+dragged along, until it was literally reduced to fragments. There was
+scarcely a residence in all Mud Flat that did not have, long afterward,
+some satisfactory reminder of the last cruise of the Slug.
+
+But all agreed that the old boat had one virtue--it made famous firewood!
+
+[Illustration: THE GREAT SPRING-BOARD ACT.--BY THE ENTIRE COMPANY.]
+
+
+
+
+WONDERS OF THE ALPHABET.
+
+BY HENRY ECKFORD
+
+FIFTH PAPER
+
+
+In tracing back our letters, we now have reached Chalkis, where the
+Phoenicians under Kadmus taught the Greeks their letters. A funny thing
+occurred to the wise men who ferreted out all these facts. They could read
+Greek, and they could read Hebrew, and the strange likeness between many of
+the names for the letters in the two languages made it certain that in some
+way they were related or connected. But what meant those letters on rocks,
+metal vases, and earthenware jars that we now call Phoenician? Single
+letters looked like Greek letters distorted; but the words would not read
+as Greek. Nor would they read as Hebrew, although the characters appeared
+to have some connection with Hebrew. Greek is written like our writing,
+from left to right; but Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian are written from right
+to left. So, in those languages a book begins where our books end. It was
+found, too, that the Hebrew writing now in use is very different externally
+from that used by David and Solomon, although the names and general shape
+of the letters are the same. Have you ever seen a Hebrew Bible? The
+alphabet in which the Old Testament was originally written looked very
+different from that which the Jews now use in their Bibles; it was much
+nearer the Phoenician in appearance.
+
+For a long time it never dawned on men's minds that perhaps the Phoenician
+way of writing, from right to left, was not followed by the Greeks; but at
+last they remembered that in very early times the lines of Greek writing
+were made to read alternately from right to left and from left to right.
+Such inscriptions were called _boustrephédon_ ("turning like oxen in
+plowing"), because the letters had to be read as the oxen move from furrow
+to furrow in the field that they plow, first one way, then the other. That
+gave the needed clew.
+
+After all, if we do not connect letters one to the other, as in running
+handwriting, does it make much difference whether we set the separate
+letters down in a sequence which begins at the right and ends at the left,
+or in one that begins at the left and ends at the right? Some nations, like
+the Chinese and Tartars, find it convenient to write signs _under_ each
+other. The Egyptians used to write in at least three several directions,
+namely, downwards, from right to left, and from left to right. Generally
+one can tell how to read hieroglyphs in Egyptian and Mexican manuscripts by
+noting the direction of the faces of animals and persons pictured, and then
+reading in the opposite direction. Sometimes Egyptian hieroglyphs were
+engraved one upon the other, like a monogram.
+
+Well, putting some or all of these facts together, it suddenly flashed on
+some one that the oldest Greek letters might be nothing more or less than
+the Phoenician letters turned the other way. And when they came to examine
+the very oldest Greek inscriptions to be found, they discovered that this
+was the main difference between the two! The Greeks had borrowed the
+Phoenician letters and merely added some new characters to express sounds
+peculiar to their own tongue and neglected others that were of no service.
+
+It was this alphabet that the Greek-Phoenicians brought to Italy. When,
+centuries later, Latins and Sabines and Etruscans and Oscans, banded
+together and formed the great city of Rome, it was this alphabet they
+inherited from their forefathers. Several of the letters which the
+Etruscans thought necessary to express sounds in their language, were
+dropped before the Romans came to power and produced their great poets and
+essayists.
+
+So, now you know how the alphabet came to you, which the Irish monks taught
+our heathen forefathers. It came through the Latins from the people of
+Boeotia, or Greeks, who learned it from the Phoenicians.
+
+But that great mercantile people, the Phoenicians, also left to the nations
+near their old home in Palestine, the same precious gift of an alphabet.
+Very old inscriptions in Hebrew, lately found, are seen to be written in
+almost the same alphabet as the Phoenician. Perhaps you are beginning to
+wonder how many peoples there are who owe their letters to that old
+sea-folk who were the traders, pirates, and buccaneers of the
+Mediterranean! There is the Hebrew, which people have called the alphabet
+of God, because the Holy Scriptures were written in it, and which was also
+used by magicians for their amulets and talismans; there is the Greek, in
+which the epics of Homer, the long poems of Hesiod, and the rhapsodies of
+Pindar were taken down; there is the Latin, in which all the wisdom of the
+ancients reached us; and there are all the differing alphabets, printed
+characters, and script handwritings of Europe and America! In fact, I could
+not tell you here, so numerous are they, the names of all the languages in
+Asia, Africa, Europe, and America, that were and are written in some
+alphabet, which traces its descent from the twenty-two Phoenician letters.
+
+The connection between Greek and Phoenician is much easier to believe than
+that Arabic, a sentence of which you see here represented, should be also a
+writing derived from the Phoenician. Arabic letters are used by so large a
+portion of the inhabitants of the earth that it stands second among the
+great national, or rather, the great religious alphabets of the world. Some
+of you know, I suppose, that Mohammed was a very wise and imaginative Arab
+of an important though poor tribe of Arabia Felix. He was a great poet and
+statesman; he had visions and called himself the Prophet of God. He wrote
+the Koran, which is used by an immense multitude of men as their only
+law-book and Bible. The dialect which he and his clan used became, through
+the spread of his doctrines, the standard, first for all Arabia, and then
+for all the enormous countries a hundred times larger than Arabia which his
+disciples and their followers won by force of arms.
+
+[Illustration: This Arabic sentence is a famous inscription upon the
+colonnade of one of the great mosques at Jerusalem. The mosque is known as
+the "Dome of the Rock," and it is thought to stand upon a portion of the
+site of the great Jewish Temple. This inscription is placed near the great
+southern door of the mosque. It is in one continuous line, however, instead
+of two as represented in this fac-simile. It reads from right to left, and
+is thus translated: "This dome was built by the servant of God, Abd
+[allah-el-Imam-al-Mamûn, E] mir of the Faithful, in the year seventy-two.
+May God be well pleased, and be satisfied with him. Amen."]
+
+Of course the alphabet he used did not spring up suddenly. It was handed
+down from the early times of the Phoenicians, and gradually became so
+changed in most of the letters that you would hardly believe they had ever
+been the same as the Phoenician letters. Writers of it were so careless, or
+so proud of being able to read and write when the mass of their neighbors
+were ignorant, that, neglectfully or intentionally, they allowed many
+letters to become almost like one another. In the Arabic, Turkish, and
+Persian languages, it is hard to tell a number of the letters apart. In
+order to distinguish them, later writers devised a set of dots, like the
+dot over our small i. The same difficulty occurred among the Hebrews, whose
+wise men seemed to enjoy making writing hard to write and to read. Another
+reason why Arabic is hard to make out is because many of the letters change
+their forms according as they stand alone (unconnected), or stand at the
+beginning of a word (initial), or in between two other letters (connected)
+or at the end of a word (final). Think of having to distinguish the same
+letter under four different forms! What a bother to the children of the
+Arabs, Turks, and Persians as they sit tailor-fashion, or kneel patiently
+on the floor, their shoes left outside the threshold, while the
+school-master flourishes his rod over their puzzled noddles, or raps the
+soles of their tired little feet!
+
+Now Arabic letters and Hebrew, too, if you try to trace them back to
+Phoenician, are found to have passed through the hands of a people who
+occupied the high lands of Asia Minor, where the two great "rivers of
+Babylon," the Euphrates and the Tigris, begin to run their course. This
+land was called Aram and the ancient language spoken there, the Aramaic.
+Between Phoenician and Aramaic the connection is close. The Aramaic took
+the place of the Phoenician language, when the Phoenicians were edged out
+of Palestine westward over the Mediterranean. So we see that Arabic, which
+looks so strange and is so elegant and fantastic when embroidered on
+banners or traced on tiles or written on the beautiful mulberry-leaf paper
+of the Orient, really uses, in the main, the same alphabet that looks so
+plain and simple on the page you are reading!
+
+[Illustration: PERSIAN SENTENCE.]
+
+Both Phoenician and Aramaic were in all probability spoken and written in
+Palestine and Aram. It was in Aramaic, too, that the words of Christ and
+his apostles were spoken; and a few of the actual words are still retained
+in the New Testament, for example "Talitha cumi," meaning "Maid, arise!" It
+was probably Aramaic that prevailed also in the great capitals of
+Mesopotamia, while the rich and haughty kings of Babylonia and Assyria were
+using on their stone and plaster images and in their queer books of
+inscribed and baked brick, the writing that is called "cuneiform." It is so
+called because the letters appear to to be formed of little _cunei_,
+wedges, or nails. "Arrow-headed writing" is another name for it. Look well
+at this curious writing made by engraving on brick. Several different
+languages have been written in it.
+
+[Illustration: SPECIMEN OF CUNEIFORM WRITING.]
+
+
+
+
+A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION.
+
+BY LILIAN DYNEVOR RICE
+
+
+  I.
+
+  Six sturdy lads lay curled up in their beds
+  When the Birthday of Freedom had faded to night,
+  With burns on their fingers and pains in their heads,
+  And scarred like the heroes of many a fight.
+  But, strange to relate, as all sleepless they lay,
+  Though ten from the steeple had chimed loud and clear,
+  They sighed: "What a perfectly glorious day!
+  Too bad it can only come once in the year!"
+
+  II.
+
+  The six patient mothers, who loved the six boys,
+  Were resting at last, now the daylight was done;
+  For, with the wild racket and riot and noise,
+  No peace had been theirs since the dawn of the sun.
+  And they sighed, as they said in the weariest way
+  (And full cause had they for their feelings, I fear):
+  "This has been _such_ a terrible, ear-splitting day!
+  How lucky it only comes once in the year!"
+
+[Illustration: THE LEOPARD BROUGHT TO BAY BY WILD DOGS.]
+
+
+
+
+WILD HUNTERS.
+
+BY JOHN R. CORYELL.
+
+
+Everybody knows the old story of the father who taught his sons to be
+united by showing them a bundle of sticks. Taken together, the sticks could
+not be broken; but taken singly, they were snapped in two very quickly.
+
+The wild dogs of South Africa, like the bundle of sticks, furnish an
+example of the value of unity. A single wild dog is not very formidable,
+but a pack of wild dogs is the dread of every living creature in the part
+of Africa where they dwell; and more persevering, savage, and relentless
+hunters do not exist.
+
+The wild dog has keen scent, quick intelligence, great powers of endurance,
+and great speed; so that, however swift may be the animal pursued, it has
+cause to fear this tireless hunter. Indeed, the wild dog never seems to
+take into consideration the size, strength, or agility of its game. Even
+the lion, it is said, has learned to dread those small hunters, which seem
+to have no fear of death, but rush with fierce courage to attack the mighty
+monarch himself, should he be so unlucky as to become the object of their
+pursuit.
+
+One traveler tells of having witnessed the pursuit and destruction of a
+large leopard by a pack of wild dogs. Whether or not the dogs had set out
+with the intention of capturing the leopard, he could not tell. He saw them
+start up the great cat in a low jungle. The leopard made no effort at first
+to fight off its assailants; but, with a series of prodigious springs,
+sought shelter in the only refuge the plain afforded--a tree which had
+partially fallen.
+
+There the hunted beast stood, snarling and growling in a manner that would
+have frightened off any ordinary foe. The savage dogs, however, never
+hesitated a moment, but with agile leaps ran up the sloping trunk, and gave
+instant battle to their furious game. One after another, the dogs were
+hurled back, each stroke of the terrible paw making one foe the less. Yet
+they continued to throw themselves against the enraged creature, until,
+wearied by the contest and wounded in fifty places, it fell from the tree;
+when, still struggling, it was quickly torn to pieces.
+
+It must not be supposed, however, that the wild dog usually prefers as
+formidable game as the leopard. A sheep-fold is always an attraction too
+great for the wild dog to pass.
+
+And now, after calling this wild hunter a dog, I shall have to say that it
+is not a dog at all, but is only a sort of cousin to the dog, and really a
+nearer relative of the hyena, though it so resembles both animals as to
+have gained the name of hyena-dog. Its scientific name is _Lycaon
+venaticus_; and besides the two common names already mentioned, it has half
+a dozen more.
+
+Being neither dog nor hyena, and yet akin to both, it is one of those
+strange forms of the animal creation which naturalists call "links." It has
+four toes, like the hyena, while it has teeth like the dog's.
+
+Some attempts have been made to tame it, so as to gain the use of its
+wonderful powers of hunting; but none of these efforts have yet been
+successful, because of the suspicious nature of the animal. It seems to
+feel that every offer of kindness or familiarity is a menace to its
+liberty.
+
+
+
+
+THE THEORETIC TURTLE.
+
+BY A. R. W.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  The theoretic turtle started out to see the toad;
+  He came to a stop at a liberty-pole in the middle of the road.
+  "Now how, in the name of the spouting whale," the indignant turtle cried,
+  "Can I climb this perpendicular cliff, and get on the other side?
+  If I only could make a big balloon, I'd lightly over it fly;
+  Or a very long ladder might reach the top, though it does look fearfully
+    high.
+  If a beaver were in my place, he'd gnaw a passage through with his teeth;
+  I can't do that, but I can dig a tunnel and pass beneath."
+  He was digging his tunnel, with might and main, when a dog looked down at
+    the hole.
+  "The easiest way, my friend," said he, "is to walk around the pole."
+
+
+
+
+NAN'S REVOLT.
+
+BY ROSE LATTIMORE ALLING.
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+There was a gentlemanly raising of hats and a womanly fluttering of skirts
+at the Ferrises' door. The hats were borne down the dark avenue, and could
+be seen, occasionally, swinging briskly along under the light of successive
+lampposts. They were very stylish hats.
+
+The skirts made a soft scurrying sound as they rustled upstairs, and along
+the dim hall, disappearing into the rooms of their owners. They were very
+dainty skirts.
+
+Nan closed her door, turned up the gas, stood a moment pouting at herself
+in the glass, pulled the wilted roses from her belt with an impatient jerk,
+tossed her pretty evening dress across a chair, exchanged her boots for a
+pair of slippers, and stole noiselessly into Evelyn's room to talk over the
+party with that dear sister and Cathy, who was staying with them, as a
+guest.
+
+She found those two persons waiting for her, while they straightened out
+the fingers of their long gloves.
+
+"Well, girls," began Nan, seating herself lazily upon the middle of the
+bed, "there is just one solitary comfort left after an utterly stupid
+evening like this: you can express your feelings to your dearest friends,
+and here I am to express!"
+
+"Go on, then," sighed her sister, ruefully examining a stain on her fan;
+"but don't speak too loud or you will waken the household."
+
+"Oh, you needn't be afraid, Evelyn; I'm not in one of my fire-cracker
+moods. No, I'm cool; I have the calmness of stern resolve; I speak from
+that tranquil height which lies beyond emotion!" declaimed Nan, pulling out
+the hairpins from her artistic coils.
+
+"What notion have you in your busy head now? Hasten to divulge, for it is
+very late," suggested Cathy.
+
+"Late! who cares? I shall save years of sleep by wasting this midnight's
+gas!" and Nan showed a gleam of fire in her eye as she gave the pillow a
+vindictive thump.
+
+"Well," yawned Cathy, "proceed at once"; and forthwith the audience curled
+itself up on the lounge, regarding the speaker with expectant amusement,
+while she, after finishing off an intricate pattern in hairpins, thus
+began:
+
+"Ahem--ladies--the subject of society in general and parties in particular,
+ladies and gentlemen," waving her hand toward sundry photographs standing
+about on Evelyn's writing-desk, "has been under consideration for some
+time. _Ergo_, _I_ don't go to another one! So there! That's settled. From
+this time forth I shall proceed to enjoy life in a rational way."
+
+With this conclusion to her rapid speech, she scattered her design over the
+bedspread with one destructive finger, and flashed upon her hearers two
+bright, snapping eyes, showing that she was in earnest, despite her
+nonsense.
+
+Cathy gasped, while Evelyn exclaimed:
+
+"Why, Nan, what happened? Didn't you have a gay time?"
+
+This remark set Nan off, like a match to powder.
+
+"_Gay?_ Oh, bewilderingly, intensely gay! Yes, it was just that--'gay,' and
+nothing more. The party was all right, indeed better than most, from a high
+moral point of view, for my hair staid in curl and my gloves didn't burst;
+I danced with the most stylish goose in the room; I ate an ice with
+conceited Tom Lefferts in the conservatory; I opened and shut my fan and
+smiled and raised my eyebrows the requisite number of times to produce the
+effect of having a delightful time! Oh--
+
+  'I would not pass another such an eve,
+  Though 't were to buy a world of happy days.'"
+
+This vivid speech was uttered in irony so cold that it would have been
+quite thrilling if Nan hadn't given the pillow another vehement poke in the
+middle, which made its four corners swell up in stiff remonstrance.
+
+"Goodness!" exclaimed Cathy, with a laugh, "what in the world are you going
+to do about it, Nan? There is a full supply of nonsense in the world, I
+admit, but we can't reform the feature of the time, and we must have some
+fun----"
+
+"_Fun!_" interrupted Nan hotly. "Who is objecting to fun? Who loves fun
+better than I? But who has fun at these shows? Did you have a really happy
+time to-night, Cathy? Own up now. You know that, when the flutter is over,
+you can't remember one single thing worth remembering. Does it pay?"
+
+"But we can't help it. What are you going to do--turn blue-stocking or
+prig, Nannie, love?" mildly inquired Evelyn.
+
+"'Prig'--'blue-stocking'--no, I hate the very words," said Nan, adding,
+"I'm seeking just what you are; the only difference is, _I'm_ going to get
+it and you are not. But go on, sweet children, go on giving your hair extra
+frizzlings, go on smiling divinely at vapid nothings, and eating numberless
+plates of cream--it is a noble future to contemplate! But let me tell you,
+deluded creatures, that you will drag home just so many times neither
+benefited nor amused, and the last state of all such will be worse than the
+first. Let us weep!"
+
+[Illustration: THE GIRLS DISCUSS THE PARTY.]
+
+And now the poor pillow went flying off upon the floor, while Nan laughed
+at her own peroration.
+
+Her spell-bound hearers gave two gigantic sighs, while Cathy seized a
+cologne-bottle to restore Evelyn, who reclined tragically upon the lounge,
+feigning to be completely overcome.
+
+After they had succeeded in controlling their emotions, Cathy said in a
+wailing voice:
+
+"Yes, Nan, I have a realizing sense that you are more than half right; for
+I do believe that, when, after such an evening, I survey my giddy self in
+the glass, I sigh more often than I smile."
+
+Nan, who was venting her yet unspent spite in braiding her hair into tight
+little curls, gave her head an emphatic nod and declared her fell intention
+of finding some way out of her slough of despond. Then as the last braid
+dwindled to three hairs, she descended from the platform, and thus
+concluded:
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen, thanking you for your kind attention, I beg leave to
+announce that there will be another solemn conclave in regard to this vital
+subject, on the side veranda, to-morrow morning at ten o'clock. Good-night,
+you dear old things, you are nearly asleep, and I've wearied you more than
+did that wretched party. Why, no! Cathy's eyes are wide open! Mercy on us,
+Cathy thinks she's thinking! Go on, dear, it wont harm you at all."
+
+[Illustration: "NAN LAY IN THE HAMMOCK THINKING."]
+
+With this parting fling, she hopped to the door, holding in her hand one
+slipper, which she waved tragically, exclaiming, "Farewell, base world!"
+and was gone.
+
+"What a girl she is!" said Evelyn, as the audience unbent itself. "She
+didn't give me a chance to agree with or to combat her theories; but, do
+you know, I am tired of it, too, just as much as Nan is, only she has vigor
+enough to rebel at the thraldom of her bright, natural self, while I keep
+on and on from mere inertia."
+
+"Well," said Cathy, slowly winding her watch, "I _was_ thinking, as Nan
+said--but it is one o'clock, and I shall not say another word until
+to-morrow."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+The bell in St. Luke's steeple rang out the stroke for three-quarters after
+nine in the morning. Nan lay in the hammock, gazing up through the woodbine
+of the before-mentioned side veranda. The leaves were beginning to turn
+maroon and russet; but evidently she was not looking at these, for her
+pretty eyes were taking in a wider angle of light. In truth, there was a
+deep little wrinkle between her eyebrows, which implied deep thought.
+
+However, as the bell began on its ten strokes, she withdrew her stare from
+the far, unseen horizon, rolled out of the hammock, came down hard on her
+two trim boots, stood up straight, and gazed the landscape o'er.
+
+"Not a girl in sight," she said to herself, with an amused laugh; "I
+believe the silly things are afraid of me; maybe they think I have become
+one of those reformers--oh me, how shy girls are of a _cause_! Well,
+anyhow, I have one, or rather a _be_ cause, and they must give me a fair
+hearing, though I must be wiser than a whole collection of serpents." She
+had reflected thus far, when she espied a blue eye peeping around the
+corner of the bay-window.
+
+"Oh, Cathy!" she shouted; "oh, you perfidious foe! Come here! Where are the
+girls?"
+
+Cathy brought the companion eye into view, and finally two other pairs
+appeared, accompanied by their respective owners, Evelyn carrying a basket
+of grapes. How merry they were, and how they laughed in that contagious
+girl-fashion as they encamped about Nan! They made a group charming to
+behold, and they seemed capable of tossing anybody's blues away as easily
+as they now threw grape-skins into the sunny air. But they were not
+remarkable in any respect; they had their full share of graces and defects,
+of assorted sizes, both of feature and character. No one of them was in the
+least a heroine; but the group was very like any other group that might
+have been found in many neighborhoods, on that pleasant September morning.
+
+Bert Mitchell, who was the only addition to the party of the night before,
+ensconced herself in the hammock with Cathy Drake. The two girls differed
+from each other in many respects, but were great friends, as is often the
+case.
+
+Bert, who was never called Bertha, as she declared in extravagant phrase
+that she "perfectly loathed the name," was tall and cheery, with fine eyes,
+a mass of brown hair, and a voice a trifle loud. But the girls forgave her
+that; and whenever she began to speak, they would always listen, assured of
+hearing something bright. But her most characteristic feature was her
+hands. They were white and shapely, but she had a curious way of carrying
+them--as though she had just put them on for the first time, and was trying
+different effects with them. The girls laughingly cried, "Long may they
+wave!" and liked her all the same. She had an abundance of settled
+convictions on every possible subject,--"positive opinions hot at all
+hours," Cathy's brother Fred said of her,--and she was therefore always in
+a definite mood, and very good company.
+
+If, as some say, beauty is tested by the ability to wear one's hair combed
+straight back without being a scarecrow, Cathy, of all the girls, came
+nearest to being pretty, for she, and she alone, enjoyed the luxury of an
+even temper during high winds, damp days, and a vacation at the seashore.
+Her forehead was broad and calm, her eyes were blue and calm, and her mouth
+was sweet and calm. She was not positive about anything, which greatly
+irritated her friend Bert, who, indeed, flew into a comical passion one
+day, over her failure to arouse Cathy. Shaking her, she exclaimed, "Will
+nothing on earth move you! _Do_ get angry--at something or some one!--at
+me!--at anything! Haven't you any depths in you? If you have, stir them
+up!"
+
+Cathy raised her crescent brows, and a faint color crept into her smooth
+cheek as she quietly said: "Depths don't stir, my dear; and if stirred from
+the top, they are apt only to get muddy, you know. However, I'd like to
+accommodate you by getting furiously angry--at you, for instance; this is
+an inviting opportunity, and I don't know that I ought to miss it--but
+somehow it doesn't seem worth while." And even the obstreperous Bert was
+silenced by this covert thrust.
+
+When they all had settled themselves into various cozy attitudes, Bert
+demanded to know the object of the caucus. "I hope it is something
+interesting, for nothing but a command from you would have induced me to
+crawl out this morning," she yawned, as she adjusted a sofa-pillow for her
+comfort.
+
+Cathy murmured, "Hear! Hear!" but was evidently more absorbed in Evelyn's
+explanation of a new Kensington stitch.
+
+Nan rapped sharply with the handle of a tennis racquet, and requested
+order. Then she gave a little cough, tossed the grape-vine over her
+shoulder, and began:
+
+"Fellow-citizens! I come before you on this auspicious occasion to declare
+treason--treason to the tyrant commonly called 'polite society.' I've come
+to the solemn conclusion that it is about time I began to prepare to live."
+
+She was at this point interrupted by a groan, and Bert asked:
+
+"Why, aren't you alive, Nan? I am. Life so far is a great success, and it
+is all your own fault if you don't think so too. You have all the
+conveniences for having an uncommonly favored existence, if you only
+_insisted_ on thinking so."
+
+But Nan retorted: "That's just it--_if_ one could only think so! Aye,
+there's the rub. This is the place for tears. Oh, dear!--I can't whip my
+thoughts into obedience to my will as you can, Bert. I have, as you say,
+all the so-called 'opportunities' for having a so-called 'fine time,' and
+when I am old and gray, no one can say that I did not improve them with
+unflagging diligence. But I don't really enjoy myself, and I don't believe
+you do either--only you'll never own to it. Now, girls, honor bright, do
+you honestly think we amount to much? Are we getting the most out of life?"
+
+The impressiveness of the moment was ruined by the arrival of a green
+grape, plump upon the speaker's nose.
+
+Nan was good-natured enough to laugh with the rest, as she gave it a
+well-directed aim back at Bert.
+
+At this point Evelyn rescued the meeting from total disorder, by boldly
+announcing: "Stay, girls! I agree with Nan, so far as I know what she
+means. Oh, she was sublime last night! I wilted under the heat of her
+eloquence, and I proclaim myself her humble follower."
+
+At this encouragement, Nan administered a smothering hug to her noble
+champion; but suddenly she seemed to change her tactics from harangue to
+intrigue, for, helping herself to a bunch of Dianas, she said languidly:
+
+"Well, the curbed lion of my spirit was rampant last night, for I had a
+very inane time at that party--or perhaps I ate too much of the lemon
+streak of my Neapolitan ice; at all events, I was rash enough to declare
+war to the knife on all inducements from the giddy world again."
+
+"But you will go to the next party as usual," interrupted Bert, as she left
+the hammock. "You will go every time, my dear; you can't help it; it is
+inevitable fate; so you'd better calm down and meditate on your next gown."
+
+"Ah, Bert! You've said it now!" almost shouted Nan. "_That's_ the very
+point! Is it 'inevitable fate' that we go on and on? I want something more
+worth the while. Do be patient with me, and let me lay the case before you
+as it looks to me. Here we are, every last girl of us out of school, and
+doing absolutely nothing. What would we think of young men who dawdled
+about at this rate, contenting themselves with a little dusting, arranging
+a few flowers, doing a bit of embroidery now and then, and in _very_
+energetic moments painting a teacup, but chiefly being 'in society,' and
+not earning one square inch even of their manly clothing? Horrors! I
+wouldn't recognize such a ninny!"
+
+The silenced audience looked sufficiently awe-struck to encourage Nan to
+continue.
+
+"Now, are we one whit more to be envied, just because we are girls? Wake
+up, Bert! And now that I'm awake myself, I think I shall actually blush the
+next time Father pays me my allowance."
+
+"Well, girls, Nan is in earnest," said Evelyn. "Cathy and I were almost set
+to thinking by her burning eloquence last night--and I can assure you she
+has a scheme on foot; so, as a humble champion, I request an expression
+from the meeting, upon certain points. Firstly, all who agree that the
+present state of things isn't very satisfying, will please manifest it by
+holding up the right hand."
+
+Cathy's gold thimble gleamed in the air. Bert was ostensibly asleep, with
+her head against the pillar, but suddenly she sat erect, and said with
+great decision:
+
+"I think that you are running your precious heads against a wall--and, I
+assure you, the wall doesn't mind it in the least. You are in the world,
+and you would better treat it politely or you will get roundly snubbed in
+return. As for me, I _must_ meet people. Until Nan or some other
+philosopher offers something enticing, _I_ remain true to the ship."
+
+"But suppose we do offer something in its place," said Evelyn, who had
+rolled up her work and stuck her needle through it, as though she were
+fastening an idea within.
+
+"You are not much of a sinner, so entice away," said Bert, smilingly,
+folding her hands.
+
+"Well," Evelyn proceeded with a comical drawl, "let's be a club----"
+
+"Oh, I'm clubbed black and blue now!" gasped Bert; "do try again, sweet
+child!"
+
+"Let's be a club," Evelyn repeated severely, "and let us read, or study, or
+work, with all the might that is in us."
+
+Meanwhile, the clouds had been clearing from Nan's brow, and now she called
+out delightedly:
+
+"You are getting 'warm', as we used to say when we played 'hunt the
+thimble'; you are certainly traveling toward milder climes, Evelyn. Yes,
+let us do something in earnest--and I know what I'm going to do, too!'
+
+"What? what?" sounded in chorus.
+
+"I'm going--to--earn--my--own--living."
+
+At each emphatic word, Nan bobbed her head in the most decisive manner.
+"I'm going to seek my fortune, and I'm going to try to lead a genuine
+existence."
+
+The girls sat stunned, with wide open eyes, till Bert suddenly pounded on
+the floor with heavy applause, and Evelyn asked breathlessly:
+
+"Why, Nan, has Father failed, or lost anything?"
+
+"No, _he_ hasn't," answered Nan grimly, "but I have. What have I ever done
+since I was graduated but drift about, vainly trying to amuse myself. Why,
+girls, we have _futures_ before us----"
+
+"No, not _before_ us?" laughed Bert with mock incredulity.
+
+But Nan, undisturbed by Bert's interruption, went calmly on:
+
+"Do we wish to belong to that class of helpless women who are aghast and
+powerless if misfortune overtakes them? Do we wish to depend on others all
+our lives--even if we have a fair prospect of property of our own" (looking
+hard at Bert). "Remember that the wheel of Fortune turns once in most
+lives, and _I_ shouldn't like to be flattened under it!"
+
+The attention of her hearers was suddenly startled by an exclamation from
+Bert, who stood up, with both hands at her heart, in apparent agony.
+Recovering, however, with astonishing alacrity, she murmured: "Oh, it is
+nothing--nothing but a barbed arrow driven home."
+
+And with this mysterious remark, she settled her hat, declared it was
+dinner-time, and, refusing to explain her unwonted reserve, laughingly tore
+herself away.
+
+(_continued_)
+
+
+
+
+THE PUSSIES' COATS.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+    O pussies dear,
+    It's very queer
+  That you wear your fur coats all the year!
+
+    Mamma, in May,
+    Put hers away.
+  I should think you'd be too warm to play.
+
+
+
+
+THE KELP-GATHERERS.
+
+[_A Story of the Maine Coast._]
+
+BY J. T. TROWBRIDGE.
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+CAMPING ON THE BEACH.
+
+
+The kelp-gatherers, with their tip-cart and ox-team, had in the meanwhile
+entered the belt of woods which stretched along the coast, back from the
+sea. Tall trees rose on both sides of the narrow, sandy road, their tops
+meeting overhead. There was on the outskirts a scanty undergrowth, which,
+however, soon disappeared, leaving the open aisles of the forest, with here
+a brown carpet of pine-needles, and there a patch of bright moss.
+
+The sun was going down. The spots and flickers of wine-colored light
+vanished from the boughs. The long bars of shadow, cast by the great
+trunks, became merged in one universal shade, and evening shut down upon
+the woods.
+
+Soon another sound mingled with that of the wind sweeping through the pines
+and firs. It was the roar of the sea.
+
+The boys were more quiet now, the solemn scene filling their hearts with
+quiet joy. The large trees soon gave place to a smaller and thicker growth
+of spruce and balsam, the boughs of which now and then touched the
+cart-wheels as they passed. Somewhere in the dim wilderness, a thrush piped
+his evening song.
+
+"Hark!" said Perce. "I heard something besides a bird. Is somebody
+calling?"
+
+"A loon," said Moke.
+
+"A loon out on the water," said Poke. "The sea is just off here."
+
+They soon had glimpses of it through openings among the trees. But now the
+sound of it became louder; the woods, too, moaned like another sea in the
+wind, and the cries were no longer heard.
+
+They came out upon a spot of low grassy ground behind the sand-hills. There
+was a fresh-water pool near by. Perce thought it a good place for the oxen;
+and he turned them out on the road-side. Mrs. Murcher's boarding-house was
+in sight.
+
+"Suppose I run up there and find Olly before it gets any darker," said
+Perce. "You can be unhitching the steers from the cart, and getting 'em
+around in a good place to feed. Fasten 'em to the cart-wheel by this rope;
+tie it in the ring of the yoke. Let 'em drink first."
+
+"All right," said the twins. "Go ahead."
+
+And off Perce ran to summon his friend to their festivities.
+
+The twins turned the cattle into the grass, and then began to make things
+ready for their camp and supper; keeping up all the time an incessant
+dialogue, which prevented them from hearing again the cries of the supposed
+loon, growing fainter and fainter on the distant waves.
+
+Neither did Perce hear them as he hastened along the path in the gloomy
+hollow, and mounted the piazza steps. In the hall-door of the
+boarding-house, he was met by a tall girl of seventeen, with a fine
+brunette complexion, piercing dark eyes, and a high, thin, Roman nose.
+
+Overawed a little by her rather imposing style of dress and features, Perce
+took off his cap, and begging her pardon, inquired for Oliver Burdeen.
+
+"Burdeen? Oliver?" she queried. "Oh!" with a pleasant smile, "you mean
+Olly!"
+
+"Yes," he replied. "We all call him Olly where he lives, but I wasn't sure
+he would be known by that name here."
+
+"He isn't known by any other!" replied the young lady with a laugh. "He's
+about, somewhere; I believe he's always about, somewhere! Mrs. Merriman,"
+she called to a lady in the parlor, "where's the ubiquitous Olly?"
+
+"I don't know, Amy," replied the lady. "Didn't he go with the gentlemen in
+the yacht?"
+
+Amy "almost thought he did"; yet it seemed to her she had seen him that
+afternoon; a position of uncertainty on the part of that young lady, which
+wouldn't have been highly flattering to the vanity of Master Burdeen, even
+if he hadn't been at that moment beyond the reach of flattery.
+
+"Mrs. Murcher can tell you," she said, turning to walk back to the end of
+the hall. "She is here, in the dining-room."
+
+Mrs. Murcher thought Olly must be in his room.
+
+"I believe he is going home this evening," she said; "he wants to show his
+folks a new suit of clothes that has been given him. I guess he's trying
+them on."
+
+"I am a neighbor of his," said Perce. "I am camping on the beach with some
+friends; and we want him to join us."
+
+"Well!" exclaimed the landlady, "you can go right up to his room and find
+him. It's in the old part of the house; but you'd better go up the front
+way; it's lighter."
+
+She was explaining to Perce that he must go up one flight, proceed to the
+end of the corridor, and then step down into a lower passage--when the tall
+young brunette called over the banisters, "I'll show him!"
+
+He mounted after her; and she threw open the door of what seemed an
+unoccupied room, to let more light from its windows into the corridor.
+
+"Be careful not to stumble!" she warned him. "That's his room, right before
+you, as you go down those steps."
+
+So saying, she disappeared in some other room, and Perce was left alone in
+the dim hall. He paused a moment to get a glimpse of the sea through the
+door and window of the room she had opened, which happened to be Mr.
+Hatville's room; then he groped his way to Olly's door and knocked.
+
+In a little while, he returned alone to his friends on the beach.
+
+"I couldn't find him," he said. "Mrs. Murcher sent me up to his room, but
+he wasn't there; and I went all over the place. Then she said she thought
+he must have gone home, to show his folks a new suit of clothes; he had
+asked her if he might; but she didn't expect him to go so soon."
+
+"Olly's made, if he's got some new clothes!" said Moke.
+
+"He never would speak to us, after that!" said Poke. "Never mind; we can
+'wake Nicodemus' without him."
+
+"Wake Nicodemus!" Moke shouted gleefully, to hear his voice resound in the
+woods.
+
+"Wake Nicodemus!" Poke repeated. And the three joined gayly in the chorus
+of a song then popular:
+
+  "Now, run and tell Elijah to hurry up Pomp,
+   And meet us at the gum-tree down in the swamp,
+          To wake Nicodemus to-day!"
+
+The very human biped whose cries had been mistaken for a loon's, heard
+their voices wafted to him by the wind--the same wind that was blowing him
+farther and farther from the shore.
+
+He screamed again, wildly; but his own voice sounded weaker and weaker,
+while the merry chorus still went up from the little camping party on the
+beach:
+
+  "Wake Nicodemus to-day!"
+
+The boys sang and chatted as they worked. They made their beds in a hollow
+of the windswept dunes, where there would be less annoyance from
+mosquitoes than in the shelter of the woods, and spread their hay and
+blankets upon the dry sand.
+
+"Besides," said Perce, "the daylight will strike us here, and wake us
+early."
+
+"Wake Nicodemus!" laughed Poke.
+
+And then they all burst forth again:
+
+  "Wake Nicodemus to-day!"
+
+The chasing clouds gathered, until the sky was almost completely overcast.
+The moon would not rise till late; it became dark rapidly. But as the gloom
+of night thickened on land and sea, a little golden flame shot up on the
+shore, and grew large and bright as the surrounding shadows became more
+dense.
+
+It was the flame of the boys' camp-fire, which they kindled on the seaward
+side of the dunes, and fed with rubbish from the high-water mark of the
+recent storm. Later tides had not then reached it, and plenty of it was dry
+enough to burn.
+
+[Illustration: PERCE AND THE TWINS ON THEIR WAY TO THE BEACH.]
+
+Chips and old shingles, bleached sea-weed, broken planks, strips and slabs
+from saw-mills on some far-away river, and other refuse, littered the
+strand,--here, a broken lobster-pot which the rolling waves had washed
+ashore, and there, a ship's fender, worn smooth, with a fragment of rope
+still held in the auger-hole by its knotted end.
+
+Such of this fuel as best suited their immediate purpose the boys gathered
+for their fire; and Olly, in his wave-tossed boat, could see their agile
+figures running to and fro in the light of the flames.
+
+"There'll be heaps of flood-wood, as well as kelp, for us to gather
+to-morrow," said Perce. "Don't put any more on the fire, boys."
+
+"Why not?" asked the twins.
+
+"There's no use wasting it," answered Perce, adding, "We've fire enough.
+We'll roast our corn and go to bed, so as to be up early. It'll be high
+tide before five to-morrow."
+
+"Then wake Nicodemus!" cried Moke in a gleeful tone.
+
+And again the three boys raised the wild chorus of the old plantation song.
+
+"Olly ought to be here!" said Perce. "He must have gone home by the coast;
+and that's the way we missed him."
+
+Even then, but for the noise of the surf and the whistling of the wind,
+they might have heard Olly's last screams; and by straining their eyes they
+might have seen far out on the gloomy deep a dim object, now rising for a
+moment against the line of the evening sky, and now disappearing in a
+hollow of the waves.
+
+With hay about their heads to shelter them from the wind, and the light of
+their camp-fire gleaming over them, the kelp-gatherers lay under their
+blankets, in the hollow of the dunes. They talked or sang until the flames
+died to a feeble glimmer, that served to bring out by contrast the
+surrounding gloom of sea and land and sky.
+
+"Isn't it dark, though!" exclaimed Perce. "I had no idea it would cloud so.
+I believe it is going to rain. Then shan't we be in a fix?"
+
+"It can't rain," said Moke.
+
+"No fear of that," added Poke, in a muffled voice from under his blanket.
+
+"What's the reason?" Perce demanded.
+
+"Uncle Moses said so," replied both the twins together.
+
+"Oh, then, of course it can't!" laughed Perce. "And the wind wont change,
+and carry the kelp all off, and land it on some other beach, as it did the
+last time I was coming to get sea-weed here. The wind clipped around to the
+nor'ard and northeast, and in the morning this beach, that had been covered
+with it, was as clean as a whistle; while Coombs's Cove, where there hadn't
+been any, was full of it."
+
+"Who's going to wake Nicodemus in the morning?" asked Moke.
+
+"The one who's first awake himself," said Perce. And he sang, the others
+joining in:
+
+  "'Wake me up,' was his charge, 'at the first break of day,
+    Wake me up for the great jubilee!'"
+
+After that they became silent. The fire died on the beach. The breakers
+plunged and drew back, with incessant noise, in the darkness; the wind
+moaned in the woods, and whistled among the coarse sparse grass and wild
+peas that grew about the dunes. But notwithstanding the strangeness of
+their situation, the boys were soon asleep.
+
+Uncle Moses proved a true prophet. There was no rain in the huddling clouds
+that at one time overspread the sky. They broke and lifted, and bright
+stars peeped from under their heavy lids. Then the moon rose and silvered
+them, and shed a strange light upon the limitless, unresting, solitary
+waves.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ADRIFT IN A DORY.
+
+
+For a long time Olly could see the boys by the light of their camp-fire,
+excepting when the tops of the rolling billows hid them from view.
+
+Although too far off at any time to recognize his friends, he made out
+snatches of the song then in vogue in his neighborhood; and he believed the
+camping party to be Frog-End boys who had come to the beach for kelp.
+
+Sometimes they passed between him and the fire; and finally they stood or
+crouched around it, as the wavering flames died down to a bright-red glow
+on the shore. To see them so near and so happy--it seemed to him that
+everybody was happy who was not paddling desperately in a frail skiff,
+against a relentless wind--to hear them singing and shouting, so wholly
+unconscious of him in his distress, was intolerable agony.
+
+"Oh, why can't they hear?" he exclaimed, in a voice to the last degree
+hoarse with calling for help. "Why couldn't they look this way once? Now it
+is too late!"
+
+He was by that time greatly exhausted; for when not signaling and calling,
+he had been making frantic efforts to paddle the dory against the wind. At
+first he had used the oar-handle, but he found it wholly ineffectual. Then
+he had torn up one of the thwarts, but it was too short and too clumsy for
+his purpose; and though for a time he seemed to make headway, the distance
+from the shore was steadily increasing.
+
+If he could have held the boat in its course, as with a pair of oars, he
+might have made progress even with that unwieldly paddle. But he lost time
+and strength in shifting it from side to side; and, spite of all he could
+do, the wind and the waves would now and then give the light, veering skiff
+a turn, and he would suddenly find himself paddling out to sea! However,
+those efforts prevented him from being blown speedily out of sight of land.
+And when the boys on the beach, after due preparation, stuck their ears of
+green corn on the sharpened ends of sticks and roasted them in the fire, he
+still kept the little group in view. He had no doubt that they were cooking
+their supper. No wonder he wept with despair at the contrast of that
+cheerful scene with his own terrible situation!
+
+The fire faded to a red eye of burning coals; all other objects grew
+indistinct, excepting the black outline of the woods against the soft
+evening red of a rift in the sky, and one pure star brightening in those
+ethereal depths. Another starry beam, which he could plainly discern, but
+which was too low down for a star, Olly knew must be a light in one of the
+upper windows of the boarding-house.
+
+Was it in Mr. Hatville's room? Had he returned and discovered the loss of
+his watch? And could poor Olly hope ever to make restitution and
+explanations? Suppose he should indeed be lost at sea! Would it not be
+believed that he had yielded to temptation and had purposely run away with
+the watch?
+
+[Illustration: "HE MADE FRANTIC EFFORTS TO PADDLE THE DORY AGAINST THE
+WIND."]
+
+The danger his life was in was enough for the wretched boy, without this
+fear for his reputation. He thought of his folks at home,--his mother and
+sisters, for his father was dead,--and he wondered if they would believe
+him capable of a folly so much greater than that he had in mind when he so
+innocently (as it seemed to him then, but not now) borrowed the bright
+bauble! And what would Amy Canfield think?
+
+All vanity had been killed in him from the moment he found himself in
+actual peril. It made him sick at heart to remember the satisfaction he had
+so lately felt in his new clothes. He no longer drew the watch proudly from
+his pocket; hardly once did he glance downward at the big seal and gold
+guard hooked in the button-hole of his vest--a hated sight to him now.
+
+When all hope of reaching the shore against such a wind was gone, he still
+struggled to keep the dory within hailing distance of the yacht, when it
+should come beating up from the northeast. But no yacht hove in sight; and
+if it passed, it must have been under the shadow of the shore. Clouds
+closed again over the one bright star and the patch of silver light in the
+west. The utter desolation of night lay about him on the lonely, weltering
+waters. All along the coast now he could see occasional lights--the lights
+in happy dwellings; but on the seaward side, only a faint gleam showed the
+line where sky and ocean met. There were no sounds but the ceaseless
+turmoil of the billows, the frequent slapping of a wave under the
+flat-bottomed boat, and his own fitful sobs.
+
+His last hope lay in crossing the track of some coaster or fishing-craft
+that might pick him up. But could that occur before morning? And could he
+expect that his ill-managed dory would ride safely all night on the
+increasing waves? The strong wind off shore, meeting the ocean swells, was
+blowing up a heavy chop-sea that threatened a new danger. What a night was
+before him, at the best!
+
+Suddenly his hat blew off, and disappeared immediately on the black waves.
+
+The distant sails he had seen at first had vanished as the swift night shut
+down; but now he discerned two dim lights in different directions,
+evidently far away.
+
+He was gazing after them, and looking anxiously for nearer lights or sails,
+when he was aware of a low, dark object just before him, rising from the
+deep. What could it be?--with something white flashing upon it! And what
+was the sound he heard?
+
+"The Cow and Calf!" he exclaimed, with sudden excitement, almost as if he
+had seen a friend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE COW AND CALF.
+
+
+"The Old Cow" and "The Calf" are two enormous ledges lying not far asunder,
+within sight from the coast in clear weather. "The Cow" is never completely
+submerged; her bare brown back appears above the highest tides.
+
+"The Calf" is not so fortunate; the sea must be very calm at high water,
+when it is not buried in the surf.
+
+Near one end of it, to mark the position of the dangerous reef, a pole is
+anchored, rising out of the water with a slant that has gained for it the
+name of "The Calf's Tail." Often at high tide the tail only can be seen
+sticking out of the sea.
+
+What Olly saw and heard was the billows combing over the end of one of
+those huge rocks. He wondered why he hadn't thought of them before; for it
+now occurred to him that if he could land on "The Old Cow," he might safely
+pass the night on her back, and be seen from the shore, or from some
+passing craft, in the morning.
+
+But which of the ledges was he approaching? Familiar as their forms were to
+him, seen from the shore, he could not in his strange position, in the
+night, and amid the dashing waves, decide whether he was coming upon "The
+Old Cow" or "The Calf."
+
+Trembling with fresh hope and fear, and paddling cautiously, he strained
+his eyes in the darkness, to get the broad outline of the ledge against the
+faint sky-line. There was something awful in the sound of the surf on those
+desolate rocks. The surges leapt and fell, rushing along the reef and
+pouring in dimly-seen cataracts over the ledges, their loud buffets
+followed by mysterious gurglings and murmurings, which might well appall
+the heart of a wave-tossed boy.
+
+The wind was blowing him on; but it was still in his power to pass the end
+of the rock, or drive his dory upon the windward side, where the ocean
+swells broke with least force. If he could only be sure which rock it was!
+But he could distinguish nothing. All was as strange to him as if he had
+been adrift on the lonesomest unknown sea in the world.
+
+If it was "The Calf," then "The Tail" should be at the other end, and "The
+Old Cow" beyond. If "The Cow," "The Calf" must be in the other direction,
+and a little farther seaward; he might pass between the two.
+
+He was getting used to his clumsy paddle; with it he kept his dory off as
+well as he could, but in a state of terrible anxiety, thinking his life
+might depend on what he should decide to do the next minute. He was still
+hesitating, when accident decided for him.
+
+The skiff was headed to the wind, against which he continued to paddle,
+when suddenly a billow shot over a sunken projection of the ledge, smiting
+the end of the boat with a force that slung it half about in an instant.
+
+Olly felt a small deluge of water dash over and drench him from behind. He
+was past thinking of his new clothes now; he thought of the dory. Even then
+it might have escaped capsizing if it had not met at the same instant a
+cross-wave, which tumbled aboard from the other side.
+
+The two filled it so nearly that the water rushed cold across his knees;
+and he knew that nothing he could do would prevent the boat from sinking.
+Indeed, as the very next wave swept in, it settled on one side, and then
+slowly rolled over. To save himself, Olly sprang up, grasping first the
+uppermost rail, then clinging to the bottom of the overturned skiff, until
+another billow swept him off.
+
+He was an accomplished swimmer, as I think I have said before; and now that
+skill stood him in good stead. In the first moment of his immersion he lost
+his bearings; but rising with a wave, he looked about him from its crest,
+and saw the little island not a hundred feet away.
+
+He made for it at once, directing his course to a spot which the
+overleaping surge did not reach.
+
+The waves were dashing all about the rock, to be sure; and to land safely
+upon it at any point would require not only vigilance, but good fortune.
+
+I hardly know whether he was much frightened or not; he himself couldn't
+have told. He didn't stop for a moment to reason about the situation, but
+obeying the mere instinct of self-preservation, he swam to the ledge.
+
+He was lucky enough to find a spot where it sloped gently into the sea. He
+swam in on a wave, and as it subsided, he clung to the rock.
+
+The broken surface of the rock was covered with barnacles, which cut his
+hands; but he held on. They also scratched his knees through his torn
+clothing, as he climbed up to the smoother rocks above.
+
+The slant to the water was such that he could not, in the darkness, judge
+of his elevation above the sea-level; nor could he determine, from that,
+whether he had been thrown upon "The Old Cow" or "The Calf."
+
+Yet everything depended upon the answer to that question. If on the greater
+rock, he was comparatively safe; if on the smaller, his respite would be
+brief--he might expect the next tide to carry him off.
+
+Groping about on the jagged summit, trying to identify the rock by its
+form, his foot plashed in a pool of water. He paused, startled by the
+thought that here was a means of deciding his fate.
+
+No doubt, much sea-spray dashed upon the back even of "The Old Cow," in
+rough weather. But copious rains had succeeded the last gale; and so, if
+that little pool was on the large rock, the water it held could not be very
+salt. If on the back of "The Calf," it was the leavings of the last tide.
+He felt that his doom was in the taste of that water.
+
+He hesitated, heaving a sigh of dread; then he stooped quickly and put his
+hand into the pool. He lifted the wet fingers to his lips, and immediately
+grew faint--the water was bitterly salt.
+
+Still, after a little reflection, he would not give up all hope. The sea
+must have broken clear over "The Cow's" back, in the last storm; and the
+rain might have had little effect in freshening the contents of the basin.
+He thought of another test.
+
+Barnacles live in the sea, or in receptacles of sea-water replenished at
+every tide. If he was upon the back of "The Old Cow," the pool would be
+free from them; if on "The Calf," there would be the usual incrustations
+about its edges.
+
+Once more he put down his groping hand; and then he uttered a despairing
+wail.
+
+The barnacles were there!
+
+(_To be continued_.)
+
+[Illustration: A BELATED FAIRY.]
+
+
+
+
+AUNT DEBORAH'S LESSON.
+
+BY G. H. BASKETTE.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"The good lands! What's that!" excitedly cried frightened Aunt Deborah.
+
+Aunt Deborah might well exclaim in surprise. For as she sat knitting
+quietly and humming a quaint old tune of long ago, one she had learned as
+a child----C-r-rash! bang! came a stone into the room, shivering the
+window-pane, just missing the swinging lamp in the hallway, making an ugly
+scar on the cabinet, and breaking into fragments a handsome vase. Then, as
+if satisfied with the mischief it had done, it rolled lazily across the
+floor, and finally stopped under the table, an inert, jagged bit of
+granite.
+
+Aunt Deborah, as the stone pursued its reckless course, placed her hands
+over her head, and shrank back into her chair, a frightened and unwilling
+witness to the destruction of her property. It was quite distressing.
+
+Besides the nervous shock, there was the broken window; there was the
+cabinet showing a great white dent that could not easily be removed; and
+there, too, was the vase she had kept so many long years, lying shattered
+and ruined before her eyes.
+
+Aunt Deborah was one of the best and most kind-hearted of women; but--she
+was human, and the sudden havoc wrought by the missile exasperated as well
+as frightened her. She rushed to the window and opened it in time to see
+three or four boys scampering down the street as fast as their legs could
+carry them.
+
+"Oh, you young scapegraces!" she cried. "If I could once lay hold on you,
+wouldn't I teach you a lesson!"
+
+But the boys never stopped until they had disappeared around a friendly
+corner. Aunt Deborah was so overcome by the accident, and so intent upon
+watching the retreating boys to whom she desired to teach a lesson, that
+she did not at first notice a barefooted lad standing under the window on
+the pavement below, holding a battered old hat in his hand, and looking up
+at her with a scared face and tearful eyes.
+
+"Please, Miss," said the boy tremulously.
+
+"Oh! Who are you? Who threw that stone at my window?" called out Aunt
+Deborah, as she spied him.
+
+"Please, Miss," pleaded the boy, fumbling nervously his torn hat, "I threw
+it, but I didn't mean to do it."
+
+"Didn't mean to do it, eh?" replied Aunt Deborah, fiercely. "I suppose the
+stone picked itself up and pitched itself through my glass!"
+
+"I was going to throw it down the street, but Bill Philper touched my arm,
+and it turned and hit your window," he explained.
+
+There was an air of frankness and truth about the boy, and the fact that he
+had not run away like the others (whom, somehow, Aunt Deborah held chiefly
+responsible for the outrage), caused her to relent a little toward him.
+
+"Come in here," she said, after eying him closely for a moment.
+
+The lad hesitated; but summoning all his courage, he went up the steps, and
+soon stood in her presence.
+
+"Do you see that" she said, pointing at the window--"and that"--(at the
+cabinet)--"and that?"--(at the broken vase)--"and that?"--(at the stone.)
+"Now, isn't that a fine performance?"
+
+"I am very sorry," said the boy, the tears welling into his eyes again.
+
+He looked ruefully about at the damaged articles, and glanced at the stone,
+wishing heartily that he had never seen it.
+
+"Now, what's to be done about it?" asked she.
+
+"I don't know, ma'am," said he, very ill at ease. "I will try to pay you
+for it."
+
+"What can you pay, I should like to know?" she said, glancing at his
+patched coat and trousers and his torn hat.
+
+"I sell papers," said he; "and I can pay you a little on it every week."
+
+"What's your name?" she asked.
+
+"Sam Wadley," answered the boy.
+
+"Have you a father?"
+
+"No, ma'am," replied Sam; "he's dead."
+
+"Have you a mother?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am."
+
+"What does she do?" continued Aunt Deborah.
+
+"She sews, and I help her all I can, selling papers."
+
+"How can you pay me anything then?"
+
+[Illustration: "THERE SAT AUNT DEBORAH EARNESTLY KNITTING." [SEE NEXT
+PAGE.]]
+
+"Please, ma'am, I'll tell Mother all about it, and she'll be willing for me
+to pay you all I make."
+
+"Well, now, we'll see if you are a boy to keep his word," said Aunt
+Deborah.
+
+"How much must I pay?" Sam inquired anxiously.
+
+"Let me see." Aunt Deborah put on her spectacles and made a critical survey
+of the room. "Window--fifty cents; vase--one dollar--I wouldn't have had it
+broken for five!--That'll do--one dollar and a half. I shan't charge you
+for the dent in the furniture."
+
+"I'll try to pay you something on it every week," said Sam. "There are some
+days when I don't make anything; but when I do, I'll save it for you."
+
+"Very well," said Aunt Deborah; "you may go now."
+
+He thanked her, and went slowly out, while Aunt Deborah began to pick up
+the fragments strewn over the floor.
+
+"Oh, wait a moment!" she cried.
+
+Sam came back.
+
+"Take this stone out with you, and be careful what you do with it, next
+time," she said. "By the way, if you wish to keep out of trouble, you'd
+better not keep company with that Flipper boy--" Aunt Deborah had a rather
+poor memory for names--"if I had him, wouldn't I give him a lesson!"
+
+She uttered the last sentence with such a relish, that Sam was glad enough
+to get away. He was afraid she might conclude to bestow upon him the
+salutary lesson which she had proposed to give "Flipper," as she called
+him.
+
+Sam hurried home as fast as he could. His mother, a pale, delicate woman
+whose wan features and sunken eyes showed the effects of too hard work,
+heard his simple tale, wiped away his tears and encouraged him in his
+resolve to pay for the damage he had done.
+
+From that day, Sam began to be very diligent, and to earn pennies in every
+honest way possible to him. And every week he carried some small amount to
+Aunt Deborah.
+
+"That boy has some good in him," she said when he had brought his first
+installment. And though she grew more kind toward him every time he came,
+occasionally giving him a glass of milk, a sandwich or a cake, she rarely
+failed to warn him against the influence of that "Flipper" boy.
+
+His young companions laughed at him for paying his money to Aunt Deborah,
+and called him a coward for not running away when they ran; but all they
+said did not turn him from his purpose.
+
+One evening he went with a cheerful heart to pay his last installment.
+
+As he passed the window of the sitting-room he glanced in. There sat Aunt
+Deborah, earnestly knitting. The lamplight fell upon her sober face and Sam
+wondered if she ever looked really smiling and pleasant. "It doesn't seem
+as though she would be so stiff with a fellow," he said to himself. Then,
+in response to her "Come in," he entered the room and handed her his money.
+
+"I believe that is all, ma'am," said he.
+
+"Yes, that pays the whole sum," said Aunt Deborah; "you have done well."
+
+"I am still very sorry I have troubled you, and I hope you forgive me," he
+said.
+
+"I do, with all my heart," said she earnestly.
+
+"Thank you," said Sam, as he started out, picking his old hat from the
+floor, where he had placed it; on entering.
+
+"Come back," said Aunt Deborah, "I've something more to say to you."
+
+With a startled look he turned into the room.
+
+Aunt Deborah went to the cabinet and unlocked it. She first took out a pair
+of new shoes, then half a dozen pairs of socks, some underclothing, two
+nice shirts, a neat woolen suit, and lastly a good felt hat.
+
+"Sam," said she to the astonished lad, "I have taken your money, not
+because I wanted it, but because I wished to test you. I wished to see
+whether you really meant to pay me. That Flipper boy would never have done
+it, I am sure. You have done so well in bringing me your little savings
+that I have learned to like you very much. Now I wish to make you a present
+of these articles. In the pocket of this jacket you will find the money you
+have paid me. I wouldn't take a cent of it. It is yours. You must keep
+working and adding to it, so that you can soon help your mother more. Go to
+work now with a light heart, and grow up a true and an honest man. Tell
+your mother that I say she has a fine son."
+
+In making this speech, Aunt Deborah's features relaxed into a pleasant
+smile; and Sam smiled too, and was so pleased that he could hardly utter
+his thanks.
+
+"And mind you," continued she, suddenly changing the current of his
+thoughts, "don't associate with that Flipper boy!"
+
+"Please, ma'am," said Sam, feeling a twinge of conscience that his former
+companion should bear so much of the blame, "you have been very kind to me,
+but Bill Philper didn't know the stone would turn as it did, and break your
+window."
+
+"Then why did he run away?" inquired Aunt Deborah somewhat fiercely. "It's
+quite proper that you should try to excuse him, Sam; but I should like to
+teach him a good lesson?"
+
+"You--you--have taught me a good lesson," said Sam, with a blushing face,
+"and I--I--thank you very much for it."
+
+Aunt Deborah smiled benignly again, and warmly bidding Sam to come often to
+see her, she let him out at the door.
+
+She felt very happy as Sam disappeared down the street, and he was very
+happy, as he hurried home with his great bundle, and told his mother all
+about it, which made that good woman very happy, too. So they were very
+happy all around.
+
+And it all came about because Sam had stood up like a brave boy to confess
+his wrong, which is always manly; and had offered reparation for it, which
+is always right; and had gone forward, in spite of the taunts of his
+companions, denying himself pleasures and comforts in order to do that
+which he knew to be right, which is always heroic.
+
+
+
+
+697
+
+Of Timothy Timid and his happy thought: these lines and pictures by A.
+Brennan.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+    Timothy Timid, they say,
+    Once traveled the loneliest way;
+    For he traveled by night
+      Lest he should take fright
+  At things he could see in the day.
+
+
+
+
+READY FOR BUSINESS; OR, CHOOSING AN OCCUPATION.[B]
+
+A SERIES OF PRACTICAL PAPERS FOR BOYS.
+
+BY GEORGE J. MANSON
+
+[Footnote B: Copyright by G. J. Manson, 1884]
+
+
+BOAT-BUILDING
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Boat-building is by no means one of the "lost arts," although in this age
+of steam and iron, the "good old days" of the ship-builders are a thing of
+the past. Of late years, however, there has been a marked increase in the
+trade, and although the work is confined principally to yachts and smaller
+craft, the steady growth of this branch of boat-building offers excellent
+inducements to any young man whose tastes lie in that direction.
+
+I know of one boy at least, now sixteen years of age, who intends to fit
+himself during the next five or six years for the occupation; and his
+father, a prominent and highly successful naval architect, believes that
+there is a very promising future for American boat-building.
+
+I take it for granted that the future boat-builder has, as a boy, been fond
+of boats. He has not only taken advantage of the rivers and ponds near his
+house, has navigated them in scow, in row-boat or in sail-boat, but I will
+suppose that, from the time he has been the owner of a jack-knife, he has
+been a constructor of toy boats. And, as he has grown older and become the
+possessor of a tool-chest, or, at least, of a gauge, a mallet, a saw, a
+plane, and a good knife, he has wrought out miniature cutters and
+schooners, possibly a square-rigged ship, all of which have been much
+admired by his young companions. If it has been his object in life to
+become a boat-builder, he could not have been better employed during the
+hours that have not been taken up with school duties.
+
+In every business and profession there is some one object above all others
+sought after, upon which success may be said to depend. The orator
+endeavors to arouse our enthusiasm, the poet appeals to our sentiments, the
+lawyer to our reason, the clergyman to our conscience. The genius of the
+boat-builder lies in the one word "form." The one thing more than all
+others for which he aims to have a reputation is the ability to give a good
+shape to the mass of wood or iron coming from his hands, whether it be a
+man-of-war or a sail-boat. And so it was good for the boy that he made
+boats and models of boats. He was getting, as the naval architect would
+say, "form impressed upon his brain." It may have been, it probably was, a
+bad form, an incorrect form, but it was something from which to start. At
+all events, the boy has formed a speaking acquaintance with the occupation
+he is about to enter.
+
+I shall assume that at the age of sixteen he has finished his school
+studies, has a good knowledge of arithmetic and algebra, and has gone
+through seven books in Euclid, with special reference to being proficient
+in the fourth and seventh books. Two years before this, we will suppose, he
+has expressed a desire to be a boat-builder. He has made a model of some
+kind of a boat, and he has, as occasions have permitted, visited such
+ship-yards as could be found in his vicinity, and carefully watched the men
+while they were at work. At last, at the age of sixteen, he enters the
+office of a thoroughly competent naval architect, who either is or has been
+a practical ship-builder. The naval architect stands in the same relation
+to ship-building that the architect of houses does to house-building, with
+this difference,--not only does he make the plan, but very often he
+executes it as well.
+
+The beginner will find his quarters very pleasant. The room will be light,
+cheerful, and quiet. On the walls he will probably see pictures of famous
+yachts or other vessels; there will be a small library of technical books
+of reference, which he will have occasion to consult later on; there may be
+another student with whom he will chat now and then during the day; or his
+teacher, while they are at work, may give him some stirring bits of
+yachting reminiscence. I only mention this to show that there is none of
+that strict discipline to which the boy has been accustomed at school. The
+fact is, it is not needed, for, to use the language of a well-known
+ship-builder, "it is a fascinating occupation; it grows upon you; and the
+longer you are in it, the better you like it, that is, of course, if you
+like boats and everything pertaining to them."
+
+The boy will at first be given the drawing of a midship, or central,
+section of a boat, and required to put a body to it, to give it a bow, a
+stern--in short, to give to the boat its form. After working in that way
+for a while, he will make more extended plans, until he is able to make the
+full design of a vessel. He will remain with this naval architect for the
+space of a year; and, by that time, he should have acquired a very good
+knowledge of form.
+
+It is a fact that boys in England who choose this occupation for their
+life-work can more easily obtain a thorough education in it than can be had
+by youths in our country. In England, and in France, Denmark, and other
+European countries, there are schools where special technical instruction
+is given, and many of these are close to large ship-yards, where the
+practical work of ship-building can constantly be seen. The question now
+arises, therefore, shall the boy go to England and get the benefit of this
+instruction? It is by no means necessary that he should go there; but if he
+has begun to learn while young, he can spare the time, and his parents know
+whether they can spare the money which such a journey and residence would
+entail. If he decides to go, he will remain away for three or four years.
+
+Suppose, however, it is decided that he can not go abroad. It has cost him
+for the year's instruction he has received from the naval architect, with
+whom he had been studying, about $1000; or, he has given his services as a
+draughtsman, paid $500, and during the twelve months has "picked up" such
+knowledge as he could without receiving any regular instruction. His case
+of drawing-instruments has cost him from $50 to $250, depending on the
+number of instruments, the manner in which they are finished and the style
+of the case in which they are kept. Let us assume that he has been a
+full-pay pupil. His time is, of course, his own. It would be a good plan,
+after he has acquired some theoretical knowledge of the business, to
+regularly visit a shipyard and there begin to do the practical work which
+falls to the lot of the boat-builder; studying in the office one-half the
+time and working in the yard the other half. Now you will see, as I
+observed before, that boat-building is a profession and a trade. It is
+possible to be simply a naval architect and only make designs for boats,
+but it is not advisable; it is better, by all means, to have the practical
+knowledge which is obtained working among the men in the shipyard.
+
+They do not now apprentice boys as they did some fifty years ago. I have
+before me an indenture paper of a ship-builder (now alive) dated in the
+year 1825. In it he promises "not to waste his master's goods; not to
+contract matrimony within the said term; not to play at cards, dice, or any
+unlawful game, nor frequent ale-houses, dance-houses, or play-houses, but
+in all things behave himself as a faithful apprentice ought to do during
+the said term." There are no such rules laid down nowadays. Perhaps all the
+boys are so good that none are needed. All that needs to be done now is for
+the boy to make his verbal agreement with the owner of the shipyard, and go
+to work.
+
+And now a word or two as to this practical work which will cover the second
+method of learning boat-building as mentioned at the beginning of my paper.
+The boy who has not had the benefit of any previous training with an
+instructor may have to commence with turning the grindstone. The tools used
+in boat-building are in such constant use that they grow dull very soon,
+and the grindstone is kept going almost the whole of the day. Besides, the
+work being very heavy, the men generally work in couples, so that the
+learner when he is not turning the grindstone is assisting in lifting the
+heavy timbers that have to be used. The first tool he is generally
+permitted to use is the saw; then he begins to use the adze; then he is
+trusted with the ax, and helps get out the planking and timber for the
+frame of the ship.
+
+Then comes the difficult part of construction. The apprentice must have
+learned all this work with the tools (of which I am only able to make a
+passing mention), before he comes to the constructive part; that is, the
+part that our pupil has been studying with the naval architect.
+
+Before the building of the ship is commenced, a small wooden model is made,
+to give the owner and the builder an idea of what she is going to look
+like.
+
+  "A little model the master wrought,
+  Which should be to the larger plan
+  What the child is to the man."
+
+Doubtless, you have seen such models. They are built sometimes on a scale
+of a quarter of an inch to a foot; they are made of pieces of cedar and
+pine wood, placed alternately, and show the shape and whole arrangement of
+one side of the vessel. This model is glued, on its flat side, to a piece
+of board, for greater convenience in examination.
+
+From this model, "life-size" plans of the ship are made with chalk on the
+floor of a long, wide room, like a big garret, which is used especially for
+this purpose. It will not be necessary to enter into a technical
+description of these plans. There are three of them,--the sheer plan, the
+half-breadth plan, and the body plan. They show the position of the
+different planks to be used in the construction of the ship. To gain a
+rough idea of these plans, take a cucumber, decide which you will call the
+bottom and which the top, and cut it in the middle, lengthwise, from end to
+end. Look into its interior and fancy that it is covered with lines, both
+horizontal and vertical--and that will give you a very rough idea of the
+sheer plan. By laying the cucumber on its side and cutting it lengthwise,
+you will have a notion of the half-breadth plan. A division in the middle
+(cutting it in two parts, so that you can see the whole circumference) may
+suggest to you the body plan. This can not be made very clear, not even
+with drawings, because it is the most technical part of the work; but its
+object is apparent. From these three plans, taken from different points of
+view, the boat-builder can locate the position of every piece of plank in
+his vessel. So true is this that I understand it is possible to number the
+planks of a ship, and send them off to some distant country, where a
+ship-builder can construct the vessel without ever having seen the design.
+
+A great deal of calculation and figuring enters into this part of the work,
+but much of it has been made easy by the aid of a man (now dead, I believe)
+named Simpson, the author of what are called "Simpson's Rules." These rules
+are incorporated in small pocket handbooks which contain, in addition, a
+large number of tables, rules, and formulas pertaining to naval
+architecture. The most popular handbook of this character in England is
+said to be "Mackrow's Naval Architect and Ship-builders' Assistant," and in
+our country, "Haswell's Engineers' Pocket-book of Tables." These, however,
+are only aids in making calculations, and are very much like the interest
+tables you have probably seen, which save the trouble of going through the
+figuring in detail. There are a great many books which will be interesting
+and valuable to the young ship-builder. To give you some idea of their
+character, I copy the following from the table of contents of a recent
+standard work: "The displacement and buoyancy of ships;" "The oscillations
+of ships in still water;" "The oscillation of ships among waves;" "Methods
+of observing the rolling and pitching motions of ships;" "The structural
+strength of ships," etc.
+
+These titles may not at present indicate a very promising literary feast,
+but when the young boat-builder has mastered the rudiments of the technical
+part of the profession, he will read and reread such productions with as
+much pleasure as he now peruses the stories in ST. NICHOLAS.
+
+I have not entered into the details of iron ship-building, the practical
+part of which the boy will learn in the same yard in which he learns to
+work in wood; for it is presumed that he is going to some large yard to
+obtain his instruction. Indeed, in this occupation it is the practical part
+that is the easiest and the most interesting to young learners. They are
+apt to slight the theoretical knowledge required and to long to spend their
+time in the shipyard with real tools, doing real work, for a real ship.
+With the boy who, through force of circumstances, has to enter on the life
+of a journeyman and earn wages, there is more excuse for hastening to that
+branch of the work than for the lad who is better situated in life. The
+journeyman will learn construction last and from his master. Under the plan
+I have suggested, the other lad will learn the general principles of
+construction before he goes to the shipyard; at least he will not have to
+commence with turning the grindstone. His first few visits will be confined
+to watching the men at their work; then he will gradually make himself
+familiar with the use of the different tools.
+
+The journeyman will receive at first $1 a day; during the second year,
+$1.50 a day, and be gradually advanced until he receives the regular wages,
+at the present time from $3 to $3.25 a day. It would not be advisable to
+make any estimate of the profits of boat-building as a business, for, no
+matter what they are now, by the time my young reader has started a
+shipyard, they may be entirely different, owing to the increase or decrease
+in the cost of material and labor.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "THIS LITTLE PIG WENT TO MARKET."]
+
+WHAT IT WAS.
+
+BY MALCOLM DOUGLAS
+
+
+  Oh, they were as happy as happy could be,
+  Those two little boys who were down by the sea,
+  As each with a shovel grasped tight in his hand,
+  Like a sturdy young laborer dug in the sand!
+
+  And it finally happened, while looking around,
+  That, beside a big shell, a small star-fish they found,--
+  Such a wonderful sight, that two pairs of blue eyes
+  Grew large for a moment with puzzled surprise.
+
+  Then--"I know," said one, with his face growing bright,
+  "It's the dear little star that we've watched every night;
+  But last night, when we looked, it was nowhere on high,
+  So, of course, it has dropped from its home in the sky!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CAPTAIN JACK'S FOURTH-OF-JULY KITE.
+
+BY DANIEL C. BEARD.
+
+
+"Well, if that isn't the queerest sight!" exclaimed a passenger on the cars
+going from Flushing to New York, last Independence Day.
+
+And all the passengers on that train, and on all other trains during the
+day, echoed the same words. It was a very strange occurrence.
+
+Away up in the blue sky, and all alone, like a new declaration of
+independence, fluttered that soul-stirring piece of bunting, the stars and
+stripes. Not a sign of pole or support of any kind could the sharpest eye
+discern; and yet, as steadily as if fixed on the dome of the national
+capitol, it waved its gay stripes in the joyous breeze. It was a very
+mysterious flag.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+There was, however, one individual who was both able and willing to clear
+away the mystery--a certain jovial man who, on the morning of that
+particular day, sat in exceedingly airy attire on the front porch of the
+boathouse of the Nereus Boat Club. As his striped shirt, knee-breeches,
+and skull-cap indicated, Captain Jack Walker was an oarsman.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He afterward explained to his faithful crew that he had gone to the
+boathouse early that morning, and while there had been struck with a novel
+idea. The result of that idea was the mysterious flag which was waving over
+the salt marsh by Flushing Bay, and was puzzling the brains of many good
+citizens.
+
+Fastened to the top of the flagpole of the club's boathouse was the end of
+a piece of hempen twine. By following that piece of twine, which ran away
+into space at an angle of sixty degrees, the eye came at length to the
+floating flag. By looking closely, moreover, one could gradually discern
+that from the flag the twine ran up five or six hundred feet higher to a
+tiny kite--tiny, as seen away up there in the blue ether; but, in fact, a
+monster kite.
+
+Captain Jack had first sent up that great kite which some one had left at
+the boathouse, and had let it out five or six hundred feet; then he took a
+flag about five feet long, which belonged to one of the boats, and fastened
+the upper end of its stick firmly to the kitestring. He next broke the
+lower end of the flagstick so as to leave a short projection (_a_), just
+long enough for him to fasten a piece of twine to it.
+
+Then he again let the kite out, and also the string he had attached to the
+lower end of the flagstick. As soon as the flagstick was vertical, the line
+_a_, _b_ (see preceding page) was knotted securely to the kitestring at
+_b_. All that was necessary then was to let out about five hundred feet
+more twine, and Captain Jack's Fourth-of-July kite was soon gayly flying.
+There was to be a regatta that afternoon, however, and the gallant oarsman
+could not sit idly holding a kitestring in his hand. So he hauled down the
+boat club's flag, tied the kitestring to the flag-halyards and then hoisted
+both flag and kitestring to the top of the flagpole; and so his
+Fourth-of-July banner floated serenely in the sky all day long,--a
+beautiful sight, and an object of much surprise and wonder to all who saw
+it.
+
+
+
+
+IF.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+  If I had a big kite,
+  With a very short tail,
+  And a very stout cord,--
+  And there came a great gale,--
+
+  I'd hold fast to the string,
+  And away we would fly,
+  I and my kite,
+  Up, up to the sky!
+
+[Illustration: The biggest of birds without any wings. The oldest of
+kingdoms without any kings. GEO. R. HALM.]
+
+
+
+
+Tippie and Jimmie:
+
+[Illustration]
+
+TIPPIE AND JIMMIE.
+
+BY MARY L. FRENCH
+
+
+Tippie and Jimmie had come over to play with Ajax. Tip's whole name is
+Tippecanoe. The boys call him a black and tan, but Bessie calls him a
+darling. He has a little black shining nose that he is always sticking into
+everything, and a little smooth, tapering tail that he is always wagging.
+Jimmie's name is James Stuart; he is a little Maltese kitten, with gentle
+blue eyes, and soft fur that is always ready to be smoothed, and claws that
+are never used where they can hurt, and a purr that is always wound up.
+
+Tippie and Jimmie live together, and eat together, and are the best of
+friends.
+
+Ajax is the kitten that lives next door. He is jet black, excepting a
+little white spot where his cravat should have been tied. And he has a long
+black tail that often waves over his back like a banner. He has large green
+eyes that snap and shine when he plays, and he has just begun to look for
+mice.
+
+One day Tippie and Jimmie came around to the kitchen door of the house
+where Ajax lived, and looked in.
+
+They could not see Ajax, so Jimmie began to climb up the screen door,
+sticking his claws into the holes. He had not climbed far before the lady
+of the house saw him, and she said:
+
+"Here's Jimmie looking for Ajax. Come, Ajax, where are you?"
+
+Ajax was asleep on the lounge, but he jumped up and came running to the
+door, for he comes when he is called, "quicker than any of the other
+children," Mamie says.
+
+He touched noses with Jimmie, and then he took his visitors around to the
+front porch. There, he and Jimmie leaped upon a chair and shook their paws
+at Tippie, who was on the floor. Then Tippie got upon another chair, and
+Ajax ran under it and reached up to play with him.
+
+It really seemed as if they knew how pretty they looked. After a while,
+they all three had a good race up and down, over chairs, under chairs, and
+through chairs. Sometimes Ajax stood on the back of a chair and poked his
+paw at Tippie, and sometimes he ran to the top of a high rocking-chair and
+jumped down to the porch railing. Jimmie was not so venturesome, however.
+
+Soon they grew tired of such play, and then they rushed out-of-doors, and
+down upon the grass. There, Tippie began to tease Jimmie. He pushed him
+over, and stepped upon him, and nosed him, and even bit him gently, till
+Jimmie suddenly cried out, "Meow-ow-ow!"
+
+Ajax had been quietly looking on, with a shade of contempt on his handsome
+countenance; but when he heard that appeal, he rushed at Tippie and pushed
+him away from Jimmie and scratched him, and chased him from one end of the
+yard to the other, two or three times.
+
+When they stopped to rest after their run, Ajax settled himself comfortably
+on the grass, perfectly quiet, except for the tip of his tail, which moved
+just a little. Tippie watched that tail with longing. He danced around and
+around Ajax. He pranced forward and skipped back, and practiced all his
+dancing-steps, before he dared touch it. At last he boldly rushed upon it,
+and a moment later Ajax held him fast around the neck, and with heads close
+together, and smothered growls of happiness, the cat and the dog were
+rolling over and over. Then, they suddenly let go, and stood half a foot
+apart, glaring at each other for a second, before they rushed together
+again, and went through the whole frolic once more.
+
+Mamie and Herbert had seen it all while building ships, in the side yard,
+and as they watched the grand closing scene, Herbert, in the tone of an
+oracle, announced,
+
+The Moral:
+
+"It is good to be good-natured, but bad to be imposed upon."
+
+
+
+
+NUMBER ONE.
+
+BY CHARLES R. TALBOT.
+
+
+  "I tell you," said Robbie, eating his peach,
+    And giving his sister none,
+  "I believe in the good old saying that each
+    Should look out for Number One."
+
+  "Why, yes," answered Katie, wise little elf,
+    "But the counting should be begun
+  With the _other one_ instead of yourself,--
+    And _he_ should be Number One."
+
+    VOL. XIII.--45.
+
+
+
+
+AMUSING THE BABY.
+
+BY EVA LOVETT CARSON.
+
+
+  A sudden tumult arose one day,
+    In the nursery overhead.
+  'T was like wild horses a-galloping there,
+    Or a whole procession led.
+  Nursie, with face of terror,
+    Deserted her cup of tea,
+  And rushed up the stair, in a state of despair,
+    To see what the noise might be.
+
+  She found in the room three Zulu chiefs
+    Prancing across the floor.
+  Their faces beamed, as they danced and screamed,
+    And their arms waved more and more.
+  In a corner sat Ted, the baby,
+    Silent and pale with fright:
+  "We're amusing the baby--Oh, Nurse, come and see!"
+    Cried the Zulus in great delight.
+
+  "Oh, horrors!" cried Nursie in anger,
+    Rushing to poor little Ted.
+  "To go on that way, such ri_dic_-u-lous play!--
+    'T will put the child out of his head!"
+  --With expressions of injured goodness,
+    Stood Dudley, and Gordon, and Fred,
+  "Why, Nursie, how mean!--We should think you'd have seen,
+    We're amusing the baby!" they said.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE BROWNIES IN THE MENAGERIE.
+
+BY PALMER COX.
+
+
+  The Brownies heard the news with glee,
+  That in a city near the sea
+  A spacious building was designed
+  For holding beasts of every kind.
+  From polar snows, from desert sand,
+  From mountain peak, and timbered land,
+  The beasts with claw and beasts with hoof,
+  All met beneath one slated roof.
+  That night, like bees before the wind,
+  With home in sight, and storm behind,
+  The band of Brownies might be seen,
+  All scudding from the forest green.
+
+  Less time it took the walls to scale
+  Than is required to tell the tale.
+  The art that makes the lock seem weak,
+  The bolt to slide, the hinge to creak,
+  Was theirs to use as heretofore,
+  With good effect, on sash and door;
+  And soon the band stood face to face
+  With all the wonders of the place.
+
+  To Brownies, as to children dear,
+  The monkey seemed a creature queer;
+  They watched its skill to climb and cling,
+  By either toe or tail to swing;
+  Perhaps they got some hints that might
+  Come well in hand some future night,
+  When climbing up a wall or tree,
+  Or chimney, as the case might be.
+
+  Then off to other parts they'd range
+  To gather 'round some creature strange;
+  To watch the movements of the bear,
+  Or at the spotted serpents stare.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  The mammoth turtle from its pen
+  Was driven 'round and 'round again,
+  And though the coach proved rather slow
+  They kept it hours upon the go.
+
+  Said one, "Before your face and eyes
+  I'll take that snake from where it lies,
+  And like a Hindoo of the East,
+  Benumb and charm the crawling beast,
+  Then twist him 'round me on the spot
+  And tie him in a sailor's knot."
+
+  Another then was quick to shout,
+  "We'll leave that snake performance out!
+  I grant you all the power you claim
+  To charm, to tie, to twist and tame;
+  But let me still suggest you try
+  Your art when no one else is nigh.
+  Of all the beasts that creep or crawl
+  From Rupert's Land to China's wall,
+  In torrid, mild, or frigid zone,
+  The snake is best to let alone."
+
+  Against this counsel, seeming good,
+  At least a score of others stood.
+  Said one, "My friend, suppress alarm.
+  There's nothing here to threaten harm.
+  Be sure the power that mortals hold
+  Is not denied the Brownies bold."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  So from the nest, without ado,
+  A bunch of serpents soon they drew.
+  And harmlessly as silken bands
+  The snakes were twisted in their hands.
+  Some hauled them freely 'round the place;
+  Some braided others in a trace;
+  And every knot to sailors known,
+  Was quickly tied, and quickly shown.
+  Thus 'round from cage to cage they went,
+  For some to smile, and some comment
+  On Nature's way of dealing out
+  To this a tail, to that a snout
+  Of extra length, and then deny
+  To something else a fair supply.
+
+  Around the sleeping lion long
+  They stood an interested throng,
+  Debating o'er its strength of limb,
+  Its heavy mane or visage grim.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  But when the bear and tiger growled,
+  And wolf and lynx in chorus howled,
+  And starting from its broken sleep,
+  The monarch rose with sudden leap,
+  And, bounding round the rocking cage,
+  With lifted mane, it roared with rage,
+  And thrust its paws between the bars,
+  Until it seemed to shake the stars,
+  A panic seized the Brownies all,
+  And out they scampered from the hall,
+  As if they feared incautious men
+  Had built too frail a prison pen;
+  And though the way was long and wild,
+  With obstacles before them piled,
+  They never halted in their run
+  Until the forest shade they won.
+
+
+
+
+A LETTER FROM A LITTLE BOY.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I want to tell little boys and girls about my two pets.
+One is a hen. She lives all alone, and leaves her coop every night, and
+goes in the barn, and flies up on old Jim's back, and sleeps there all
+night. Old Jim is a horse. Old Jim has a blanket for cold nights. It is an
+old one, and there is a hole in it on the top, and the old hen walks all
+around till she finds that hole, and puts her feet in there where it is
+warm, and there we find her every morning.
+
+My other funny pet is an old cat, named Catharine. She has only three feet,
+but I liked her just as well as I ever did, till last summer, when one
+morning we found the bird-cage door pushed in, and the bird was gone. We
+have another cat. We don't know but the bird flew away; but who pushed the
+door in? I don't like any cats so well now. Your friend,
+
+                                                           RALPH.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS:
+
+  A sadder tale I never heard!
+  Just think of that poor little bird!
+  Ralph's bird was killed,--I say so, flat,--
+  By that three-footed sly old cat!
+  Now, I'm a gentlemanly pup,
+  And I say cats should be locked up.
+  For every time I walk the street,
+  A crowd of cats I'm sure to meet.
+  They rumple up my smooth, clean coat,
+  They spoil my collar, scratch my throat,
+  They rush and push, and tease and whirl,
+  And pull my ears all out of curl.--
+  There's nothing on four legs as rude
+  As cats and kittens are.
+
+    Yours,
+
+        "DUDE."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT.
+
+
+DEAR JACK-IN-THE-PULPET
+
+  If I drum in the house,
+  "Oh, what a noise you make!"
+  Sighs Mamma. "Baby'll wake!"
+         If in the garden green
+         I drum, our Bridget cries:
+         "Ye'll mak' me spile the pies
+         And cakes! I can not think!
+         That droom destroys me wit!
+         Be off, me b'y,--or quit!"
+  If I drum in the street,
+  Out comes Miss Peters, quick,
+  And says her ma is sick;
+  Or Doctor Daniel Brown
+  Calls from his window: "Bub,
+  That dreadful rub-a-dub
+  Confuses my ideas.
+  My sermon is not done.
+  Run on, my little son!"
+
+         The creeps crawl up my back
+         When I am still, and oh,
+         Nobody seems to know
+         How very tired I get
+         Without some sort of noise,
+         Such as a boy enjoys!
+
+  Last summer, on the farm,
+  I used to jump and shout,
+  For Grandpa Osterhout
+  And Grandma both are deaf.
+  But soon some neighbors came
+  And said it was a shame,
+  The way I scared them all.
+  They called my shouts "wild yells,"
+  And asked if I had "spells"
+  Or "fits, or anything."
+           You see, grown people all
+           Forget they once were small.
+
+         Now, isn't there one place
+         Where "wriggley" tired boys
+         Can make a stunning noise
+         And play wild Injun-chief,
+         And Independence-day,
+         And not be sent away?
+  Or was that place left out?
+    Dear Jack, please tell me true;
+    I've confidence in you.
+
+            Your friend without end,
+
+                                   TOMMY.
+
+This is a very touching epistle, my hearers, and Tommy has my hearty
+sympathy. There must be such a place as he is looking for, though the
+Deacon says that in the course of a long life he has never happened upon
+the exact locality. According to the Little School-ma'am, too, it is not
+described in any of the geographies; but she says that, for the sake of all
+concerned, it is very desirable that the missing paradise of little drummer
+boys should be discovered;--to which the Deacon adds, "Perhaps that's why
+the grown folk wish to find the North Pole."
+
+While we are upon this subject, here is a letter describing some tiny
+drummers that make almost as much noise as patriotic youngsters, and do
+quite as much mischief. To his credit, however, it must be said that this
+other small musician only makes his appearance as a drummer once in
+seventeen years. Is he bent on setting an example, I wonder? He is called
+
+
+THE SEVENTEEN-YEAR LOCUST.
+
+DEAR JACK: The seventeen-year locust isn't a locust at all. This may seem a
+strange thing to say, but it is true, nevertheless. The locust looks very
+much like a grasshopper, while the seventeen-year cicada, which is the
+insect's proper name, looks a great deal more like a gigantic fly than
+anything else.
+
+There is a cicada which comes every year, and is also wrongly called a
+locust. Anybody who has been in the country about harvest-time has heard
+the shrill noise made by this cicada and probably has come upon his
+cast-off shell sticking to a fence-rail or a tree-trunk.
+
+The seventeen-year cicada is a cousin of the one-year chap; though, as he
+comes only once in every seventeen years, he is probably only a far-away
+cousin. Fancy spending the best part of your life prowling about in the
+darkness underground and then coming up into the sunlight with a gorgeous
+pair of wings, only to die in a short time!
+
+That is what the seventeen-year cicada does. In the very first place, it is
+an egg which its mother deposits in a tiny hole in a twig. In a few weeks
+it makes its way out of the egg and drops to the ground, into which it
+burrows, and in which it remains for nearly seventeen years before it is
+prepared for life above ground.
+
+When, at last, it is ready for the bright sunlight, it may be one foot from
+the surface or it may be ten feet deep in the ground. In either case it
+begins to dig upward until it finds its way out, when it climbs up the
+nearest tree and fastens itself by its sharp claws to a leaf or twig. There
+it waits until its back splits open, and behold! it immediately crawls out
+of itself, so to speak.
+
+The new insect is a soft, dull fellow at first, but he grows as if he had
+been storing up energy for seventeen years for just that one purpose.
+Within an hour, two pairs of most beautiful wings have grown, and in a few
+hours more it has become hard and active.
+
+The female cicadas are quiet enough, but the males are as noisy as so many
+little boys with new drums. Indeed, they do have drums themselves. Just
+under their wings are drums made of shiny membrane as beautiful as white
+silk, and these are kept rattling almost all the time.
+
+One cicada can make noise enough; but imagine the din of millions of them
+all going at the same time. It sounds as if all the frogs in the country
+had come together to try to drown the noise of a saw-mill. Now it is the
+saw-mill you hear, and now the frogs.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It sounds like a big story to say millions, but if you could go into the
+woods where they are, you might be willing to say billions. I have counted
+over a thousand cast-off shells on one small tree, and on one birch leaf I
+have seen twelve shells. And the earth in some places is like a sieve from
+the holes made by the cicadas as they came out.
+
+But within a few weeks from the insects' first appearance their eggs have
+been laid and the cicadas have all died. A great many of them are eaten by
+the birds and chickens, but most of them simply can not live any longer.
+
+    Yours truly,
+
+            JOHN R. CORVELL
+
+
+"THE GREAT LUBBER LOCUST."
+
+As it appears from Mr. Coryell's letter that the seventeen-year cicada is
+only an imitation locust, I shall give you a portrait of another member of
+the family who is, perhaps, more nearly related to the insect he is named
+after. At all events, he is certainly more like a grasshopper than is the
+seventeen-year cicada. The grasshopper that lives in this part of the world
+is a fine fellow to hop, as you know, but he always lights on his feet, and
+looks as composed and as much at his ease as if he had walked to the spot
+in the most dignified manner.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Well, now look at this picture! See one absurd fellow lying on his back and
+pawing the air with all his long legs, and another, like a circus clown,
+standing on his own foolish green head. Would you think these awkward and
+ridiculous creatures bore any relationship to the grave little hoppers who
+gently alight on your clothes as you run through the grass, stop a moment
+to stare at you with their great goggle eyes, and then take leave without
+saying "good-morning"?
+
+He is no less than a cousin, I assure you, from the Far West, the great
+plains where few beasts, birds, or insects can find enough to live upon.
+This fellow does not suffer for food; he is the biggest of his family in
+America, and his curious performances have brought him several names. By
+some people he is called "the clumsy grasshopper," and by others he is
+dubbed "the great lubber locust," while by the scientific men, as usual, he
+has been given a long Latin name. Of course, you will be so eager to know
+it that you will wish to find it out for yourselves!
+
+
+THE DOG AND THE QUEER GRASSHOPPERS.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+By the way, a story is told of a dog that was fond of snapping up
+grasshoppers, and eating them. In one of his journeys with his master, he
+chanced to fall among those queer grasshoppers--the lubber locusts. As he
+ran along through the grass, his feet started up hundreds of the clumsy
+fellows, and, in trying to jump out of his way, they came down in groups
+upon him, as you see in the picture. Some stood on their heads upon his
+back; others turned somersaults over his ears, and a few struck him full in
+the face. Besides being impertinent they were very large, each two or three
+times the size and weight of one of our modest little hoppers. So poor Tom
+was first annoyed, and then scared. One or two, or even half a dozen, he
+could eat up or drive away, but a hundred were too many, and at last Tom
+dropped his head and tail and ran for his life, while his master scolded,
+and his master's friend laughed at the droll sight of a big dog running
+away from grasshoppers.
+
+
+
+
+THE LETTER-BOX.
+
+Contributors are respectfully informed that, between the 1st of June and
+the 15th of September, manuscripts can not conveniently be examined at the
+office of ST. NICHOLAS. Consequently, those who desire to favor
+the magazine with contributions will please postpone sending their MSS.
+until after the last-named date.
+
+
+If C. F. H. will send us her address, we shall gladly forward to her a
+number of letters sent us by readers of ST. NICHOLAS, in answer to
+her query.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                               LA CRESCENT.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: While reading in the November number of ST. NICHOLAS
+about "Our Joe," I thought some of the ST. NICHOLAS readers would be
+interested in hearing about _our_ Joe. _Our_ Joe is a Broncho pony that
+belonged to Rain-in-the-face, a chief in one of Sitting Bull's bands. When
+the ponies were taken and driven down in a drove, Our Joe got loose from
+the others and was caught somewhere near here. His name was Joe, but when
+Papa brought him home and we saw how little he was, we called him Little
+Joe, and when we rode him he went so easy we named him Little Joe Dandy.
+
+We have a little red cart we call the dump, to drive him in. He is such a
+funny little fellow that everybody has to take a second look at him. I am
+five feet tall, and his shoulders are not quite as high as mine; his hair
+in winter is as thick and long as a buffalo's; his tail touches the ground,
+and his mane hangs far down on his shoulders, and is always stuck full of
+burrs in summer. His color is iron-gray, if it's anything, but it's hard to
+tell what color he is. I had my picture taken on horseback, and he looks as
+if he was about ready to fall asleep, but he has life in him if he takes a
+notion to go! He is mean to the boys. He picked my brother up by the
+shoulder and shook him, and one day he kicked Papa.
+
+There was a pair of them--Our Joe and a Little Buckskin. The Buckskin would
+bunt his head against Joe, as a signal to go, and then they would make
+things fly! Every one who knew the pony before we got him says he was so
+ugly, it was dangerous to go around him; but he is the kindest little
+fellow to us. If I go out in the pasture where he is, he will follow me
+everywhere I go. We think the world of him. Hoping my letter is not too
+long, I remain,
+
+                                          our constant reader,        H. C.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                                   CHICAGO.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I live in Chicago, where the boys play marbles almost
+all the time in the spring. I am a fairly good player. I have six hundred
+and four. I hope the boys who read ST. NICHOLAS will try to get as many
+marbles.
+
+                                            Yours truly,        CHESHIRE S.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                            CITY OF MEXICO.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am a little girl seven years old, and live alone with
+my father, who is a Baptist missionary. I have a mother, and little
+brother, and two sisters, living in the States.
+
+I have learned to spell the names of three places that I can see from our
+roof. They are Chapultepec, and Popocatepetl, and Ixiaccihuatl.
+
+There are lots of strange things here. We never slide downhill here,
+because there is no snow. I like ST. NICHOLAS, especially the "Brownies."
+
+                                                                  EDWINA S.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                              B----A, N. J.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: In looking over our old ST. NICHOLASES we found, in the
+January number for 1882, a piece entitled, "Puppets and Puppet Shows," and
+as it struck our fancy, we agreed to try it. After several attempts, we
+succeeded in obtaining very good figures. With a little ingenuity and the
+plans of three busy brains, we arranged an excellent screen and scenery;
+then, with two of us to work and one to read, the puppets were set in
+motion. Our audience, though not large, was an appreciative one, and the
+show was a grand success. The puppets were carefully placed in a box, and
+will be kept for another entertainment.
+
+Last summer we girls made a twine house in our orchard. A couple of cows
+strayed in one afternoon and ran through the house, and the chickens dug up
+a number of the morning-glories; but, in spite of these obstacles, a great
+many happy hours were spent in the house.
+
+We wait impatiently from one month to another for your pleasant magazine,
+and we remain,
+
+                   Your interested readers,
+                                                           "PUSS-IN-BOOTS,"
+                                                           "CARABAS,"
+                                                           "CORSANDO."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CAMILLA VAN KLEECK: The article you wish is entitled "Lady Bertha," and was
+printed in ST. NICHOLAS for December, 1880.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                              EASTON, MASS.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: This is the first year I have ever taken you and the
+first year I have ever lived on a farm. I enjoy reading your stories and
+enjoy living on a farm. When I lived in the city I could not have as many
+pets as I can out here. Neither should I have had you. You are sent us
+through the kindness of a Mr. Ames, to whom I should like to extend my
+thanks through your columns. I also wish to thank you for making your pages
+so interesting to us boys and girls. Yours truly,
+
+                                                                   W. S. B.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                                 ST. LOUIS.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I have taken the ST. NICHOLAS for three years, and I
+like it very much. I take it for my little sister now, but always read it
+first myself, and enjoy it very much, and so does my little sister. I send
+it to her by mail after I am through with it.
+
+I have been making my own living for five years, and I do not get much time
+to read. I almost always read the ST. NICHOLAS going and coming from work,
+as I have to take the street-car.
+
+Seven years ago, I came from Sweden and could not speak a word of English,
+but now everybody takes me for an American.
+
+There is some splendid coasting and skating in Sweden, but I do not think
+the young people here would enjoy going to boarding-school there; at least,
+not the one I went to. They are very strict. For instance, once when I did
+not know my lesson, I had to stay up until 12 o'clock that night and study
+it by moonlight, without having had a bit of supper; and the next morning,
+instead of my breakfast, I had to stand in the center of the dining-room
+and watch the others eat. I intend to write a story when I get older, and
+relate my experience there.
+
+I should feel very proud if you would print this letter, as it is the first
+one I have written to you.
+
+                              Yours truly,                              JO.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MAY BRIDGES: The address which you desire is "The Art Interchange, 37 West
+22d street, New York City, N. Y."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                            MCGREGOR, IOWA.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I live about a mile from the "Great Father of Waters." I
+can not see the river from my home, but as I go to school in McGregor I can
+see it every day.
+
+McGregor is a small town of about 2000 inhabitants. It is nestled in among
+the hills, and some people think it a very pretty place; indeed, some think
+it ought to be a summer resort.
+
+About a mile and a half from here is the highest bluff on the Mississippi,
+called Pike's Peak. I suppose it is named after the famous Pike's Peak in
+Colorado. From it there is a very lovely view. We can see the mouth of the
+Wisconsin River, the State of Wisconsin, and a great distance up and down
+the Mississippi. The river is full of islands near here. Believe me your
+loving reader,
+
+                                                               BESSIE B. L.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+L. M.: You can obtain the information you wish, by referring to article
+"Iamblichus" in Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and
+Mythology.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                        FREDERICKSBURG, VA.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: This is the second year we have taken you; at least, the
+second year since I can remember. We took you some years ago, and then
+stopped, and started again two years ago. When Papa told us each to vote
+for which paper we wanted last year, I think we all voted for you, and take
+you again this year. I look forward to your coming with delight. I must
+confess I am selfish about it, for I always try to get you first.
+
+This is a quiet old town, with beautiful scenery all around it. There are
+no mountains, but it lies between two high hills, in a little valley.
+Washington used to live here, and his house is only a square from ours.
+Mary Washington's monument is quite near, and we often go there. I have
+often climbed the heights where the battle of Fredericksburg was fought. It
+overlooks the quiet little town, peacefully slumbering, and it is hard to
+realize that once the shells and balls were flying across it from hill to
+hill. I have lived most of my life here, and I think it the nicest place in
+the world. I fear I have tired you with my long letter. So now, good-bye,
+dear old ST. NICHOLAS. I look forward already to your next coming. I
+remain, your devoted reader,
+
+                                                                  CARRIE B.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                           FORT SILL, I. T.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I have a brother who is nearly seventeen years old. He
+had the first number of ST. NICHOLAS, and we have taken it most of the time
+ever since. I have a year's subscription for my birthday. I am always glad
+when the time comes for you.
+
+                                              Your reader,      SARAH B. H.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                    NORTH LEOMINSTER, MASS.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am a little girl eleven years old, and take your
+magazine. I am deeply interested in "Little Lord Fauntleroy" and "George
+Washington," and hope they will be continued for a long time. I have a
+number of pets; among them are nine cats, which I like better than all the
+others. One is very large; he weighs eleven and a half pounds. He stays in
+the house 'most all the time. His name is Toddlekins, and he goes to bed
+with my brother every night. We live on a farm, and keep five horses. In
+summer we go to ride almost every day. I have a pair of wooden horses,
+which I will describe to you, as it may interest some of your little
+readers. You take a keg and bore four holes in the side of it, and then
+take short round handles and put four of them into the holes. Then take two
+shingles and drive them into one end of the keg (for a neck); then take
+another shingle and cut to the shape of a horse's head, and put it between
+the two shingles that have been driven on to the top of the keg; then put a
+feather duster in the other end, and you have a horse complete; when done,
+they are comical-looking enough. I like to read the letters in the
+Letter-box. I hope you will print my letter, as I have not written one
+before.
+
+                                      Your interested reader,      M. C. B.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+                OUR PRESIDENTS.
+
+               BY G. MACLOSKEE.
+
+    _A help for memorizing United States History_.
+
+  FATHER WASHINGTON left us united and free,
+  And John Adams repelled French aggression at sea;
+  Boundless Louisiana was Jefferson's crown,
+  And when Madison's war-ships won lasting renown,
+  And the steam-boat was launched, then Monroe gave the world
+  His new doctrine; and Quincy his banner unfurled
+  For protection. Then Jackson, with railways and spoils,
+  Left Van Buren huge bankruptcies, panics, and broils.
+  Losing Harrison, Tyler by telegraph spoke;
+  And the Mexican war brought accessions to Polk.
+  Taylor lived not to wear the reward of ambition,
+  And Fillmore's sad slave-law stirred up abolition;
+  So, compromise failing, Pierce witnessed the throes
+  Of the trouble in Kansas. Secession arose
+  Through the halting Buchanan. But Lincoln was sent
+  To extinguish rebellion. Then some years were spent
+  Reconstructing by Johnson. Grant lessened our debt;
+  Hayes resumed specie-payments; and Garfield was set
+  On Reform, which, as Arthur soon found, came to stay.
+  Now for President Cleveland good citizens pray.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GREENVILLE, S. C.
+
+MY DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I have been a subscriber to your charming magazine
+for over three years, and have never yet read a letter dated Greenville, S.
+C., so thought I would write to you from that place. Greenville is a city
+in the upper part of South Carolina. It is divided into two parts by a
+small river which runs through it, and on which are several cotton-mills.
+It is about thirty miles from Cæsar's Head, a mountain said to bear a
+striking resemblance to a profile view of the human face. It used to be a
+stopping-point for travelers on their way to Greenville. During the very
+severe weather last winter, we thought that our town, instead of being
+called Greenville, should be named after some snowy berg of Greenland.
+
+It seems to be the custom of your correspondents to give their ages and a
+minute description of their occupation, so I will follow. I am fourteen
+years old, and have never been to school a day in my life, my mother having
+always taught me at home until this year, when I have a tutor for Algebra
+and Latin. I continue the study of French with my mother, using Fasquelle's
+Grammar and reading a pretty story called "Le Petit Robinson de Paris,"
+besides having lessons in English composition, geography, history,
+declamation, music, and drawing.
+
+I am a lineal descendant, being a great-great-granddaughter, of "The Martyr
+of the Revolution," as he is sometimes called, Colonel Isaac Hayne, who was
+hanged by the British, and of whose execution at Charlestown a very
+interesting account is given by Ramsay, in his "History of South Carolina."
+My grandmother had a lock of Colonel Hayne's hair. It was a beautiful
+chestnut color, and had a slight wave through it. I am also a cousin of the
+poet, Paul Hayne.
+
+I like all the stories in ST. NICHOLAS, but my favorite is "Little Lord
+Fauntleroy," who seems to be a second Paul Dombey, with his quaint,
+old-fashioned sayings. I hope he will not die shut up in the gloomy castle,
+with his cross old grandfather, away from the companionship of "Dearest."
+
+With best wishes for the welfare of your delightful magazine, I remain,
+
+                                    Your devoted reader,      MARGUERITE H.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+THE TWO TOADS.
+
+  TWO TOADS went out to take a walk,
+  And being old friends they had a long talk.
+
+  Said one to the other, "A leaf I see.
+  Will you be so kind as to bring it to me?"
+
+  "Of course!" said the other. "Let's build us a house,
+  And have for a pony a little gray mouse."
+
+  "Yes," said the other, "and a carriage too,
+  Of a nice red tulip, which I'll bring to you."
+
+  They built them the carriage and harnessed the mouse,
+  And drove to the mill-pond to build them a house.
+
+  They built them a house very near to the mill,
+  And if they're not dead, they are living there still.
+
+                          MABEL WILDER (9 years old).
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We print this little letter just as it came to us.
+
+                                                            ESCANABA, MICH.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I like you very much. since we have been taking you we
+got some ginney pigs they are quite cute.
+
+                                             GENIE A. LONGLEY (aged eight).
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A young friend sends us this drawing, which he calls:
+
+[Illustration: A FOURTH OF JULY TRAGEDY.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                           SOUTH FRONT ST., HARRISBURG, PA.
+
+EDITOR ST. NICHOLAS: I thought that perhaps the following-description of a
+sort of kaleidoscope would be of service to your magazine, for the
+entertainment of your young readers, on a rainy evening:
+
+Have the room brilliantly lighted, then raise the lid of a square piano
+just as if for a player, but, instead of resting it on the surface of the
+piano itself, let it rest upon two or three large books placed on the top
+of the piano, so as to form at the front, where the hinges are, an angle of
+sixty degrees. Cover the open side of the triangle thus formed with a thick
+cover, which should extend also over the crack caused by the hinges of the
+lid. Thus you will have a hollow, triangular prism, the length of the
+piano, open at both ends. Polish well with a silk duster the inside of one
+end of this triangular prism; hold pieces of crazy patchwork, or long
+pieces of silk ribbon,--the more variegated and brilliant the colors the
+better,--in a large hanging bunch, and shake gently about two inches in
+front of the polished end toward the angle of the front, while the
+spectator looks through the opposite end of the kaleidoscope. A watch,
+chain, or looking-glass among the ribbons makes a pleasing variety.
+
+                   Yours very respectfully,
+
+                                                              MARY J. KNOX.
+
+P. S. The lid on the top of an upright piano may also form a kaleidoscope
+in the same way, but smaller.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                        PHILADELPHIA, PENN.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am one of the many little folk who have listened to
+readings from your pages all my life. I am too small to write you a letter
+all myself, so Mamma will write it, for I wish to tell you about our salt
+crystals. You remember you told us how to make them, in your number for
+July, 1884. Mamma and I each started one, and every one thinks they are
+great curiosities. Papa photographed them so that you could see them also.
+The large one belongs to Mamma, and the small one is mine; they are about
+five months old. We have ceased adding salt and water, and have them under
+a glass shade, one resting on the other, and they make a very pretty
+ornament. Every time we stop to admire them we smack our lips and think how
+well-seasoned the ST. NICHOLAS always is.
+
+We receive our ST. NICHOLAS on the 25th of each month, and, dear Editor,
+you may always know that on that night there is a little hand resting under
+a pillow, holding tightly your enjoyable book waiting for the morn to dawn.
+
+                                          Lovingly yours,      HAROLD H. T.
+
+[Illustration: THE SALT TUMBLERS.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We thank the young friends whose names here follow for pleasant letters
+received from them: J. G. F., Bettie M. K., Gussie and Nannie M., Edith
+Norris, Harold K. Palmer, J. E. P., Eleanor D. Olney, Daisy B. Holladay,
+Nan E. Parrott, Elizabeth P., May E. Waldo, Alma and Estelle, Irene B. D.,
+H. Olina Herring, Carrie L. Walker, Hattie Homer, Florence Halsted, Fay and
+Fan, Clara E. Longworth, May M. Boyd, Annie G. Barnard, Katie E. G., Alice
+Butterfield, Mabel P., E. C., James H. Saycock, E. Converse, Abe M. B., P.
+C. Brittain, L. H. E., May M. Boyd, Marie Clark, Morris Miner, Jo and Flo
+Overstreet, Roy C. Chambers, May Barton, Bessie Heath, Lawrence E. Horton,
+Charles R. Van Horn, Albertie G. Russell, S. M. K., Henry H. Townshend,
+Edith S. C., Blanche Sloat, Sadie Nichols, Jesse L. Pusey, Bessie Lenhart,
+John N. Force, Madge C. DeW., E. A. Burnham, "Sammy," A. G. K., Fannie B.
+S., Emily T. H., John R. P., Jr., Tommy Bangs, Florence, Julia McC.,
+Brenda, Harry M. M., Gertie E. Kendall, H. E. H., A. K. E., Anna E.
+Roelker, M. H. N., "Katie," Etta A. Harper, May S., Tillie Lutz, W. P.
+Haslett, Charles L., Charlie P. Storrs, Maurice S. S., May, Freddie M.,
+Florence M. Wilcox, Ida R. G., Louis R. E., Bertha, Muriel C. Gere, Ralph
+M. Fletcher, Bertha B., Ella O., C. H. Pease, Alice W. Brown, Clara L.,
+Arthur F. Hudson, Katie, Thomas H. King, Jr., Mary L. Mayo, O. P., Carrie
+L. Moulthrop, Alice Dickey, M. Eva T., Daisy W., Marie G. Hinkley, Agatha
+Montie Duncan, Agnes S. Barker, Samuel S. Watson, Madaleine C. Selby,
+Hattie A. Taber, Cecelia R. G., Belle Sudduth, Johnnie E. Shaw, Inez B.
+Fletcher, Eva, Ferrars J., C. P, Hermann Thomas, Annie and Margaret,
+Edmonia Powers, Alice M. B., D. and A., Anna A. H., Lizzie Kellogg, Louis
+J. Hall, Charles H. Webster, C. L. Wright, Jr., Merrick R. Baldwin, Eleanor
+Hobson, Lottie A. D., John Moore, Harold Smith, C. W. F., L. Hazeltine, A.
+C. Crosby, Mabel L., May J., Grace Plummer, Alice Dodge, Bessie K. S., Ella
+Bisell, Irma St. John, Irene Lasier, F. L. Waldo, Ruth Morse, Maude G.
+Barnum, Bertha M. Crane, Aggie Drain, Roy Gray Bevan, John W. Wainwright,
+Edith, Ella L. Bridges, Bessie Rhodes, Floy G., C. A. G., L. O. C., Mary S.
+Collar, Pearl Reynolds, Evelyn Auerbach, Mabel E. D., Grace Fleming, Eddie
+Persinger, Charlie B., Lillie Story, Maude B., Mary M. Steele, Doris Hay,
+Gussie Moley, Ethel W. F., Arthur, Mary Springer, Marion M. Tooker, Mary F.
+K., Lizzie E. Crowell, Josie W. Pennypacker, Bertie Barse, Nellie B., J. W.
+L., Maude Cullen, Daisy C. Baker, Esther S. Barnard, Blanche M. C., Aurelia
+M. Snider, Howard E. T., Bacon, Hildegarde G., Kittie L. Norris, Nellie L.
+Howes, Leverette Early, Virginia Beall, Henry W. Bellows, Bissell Currie,
+Violet Quinn, Mamie Sage, Belle C. Hill, Alvah and Arden Rockwood, Lillian
+Miln, Adele Yates, Lillie S. E., Ollie C., Maggie Wispert.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The Agassiz Association. SIXTY-THIRD REPORT.]
+
+
+A COURSE OF OBSERVATIONS ON TREES.
+
+The United States Government, through the Forestry Division of the
+Agricultural Department, solicits the assistance of volunteer observers
+belonging to the Agassiz Association. The chief of the Division of
+Forestry, in consultation with the President of the A. A., is preparing a
+special "schedule of phenological observations" for the A. A. This is a
+very simple series of questions, in spite of its long name. One object of
+this series of observations is to determine the effect of climate upon the
+growth of plants. Among the facts to be noted are the dates of the
+appearance of first leaf, first flower, and first fruit. Nothing is
+required that can not be accurately and easily done by an intelligent boy
+or girl of twelve years of age. It is earnestly desired by the Department
+that as many as possible of our members undertake this work, in the
+interest of science, and for the practical results of the information
+sought.
+
+All who are willing to try, will kindly send their addresses, at once, to
+"The Chief of the Division of Forestry, Department of Agriculture,
+Washington, D. C."
+
+The complete schedule of observations desired will then be sent to them,
+and they can begin at once.
+
+
+THE IOWA CONVENTION.
+
+The following programme has been prepared for our next General Convention
+to be held at Davenport, Iowa, in August:
+
+WEDNESDAY, August 25:--9 A.M. Reception of the National delegates, and
+visit to the Academy of Sciences.--2 P.M. Opening of Convention, 1. Prayer.
+2. Address of welcome by Senator James Wilson of Iowa. 3. Response by the
+President of the A. A. 4. Reading of papers.--7 P.M. Reception and banquet,
+with toasts and responses.
+
+THURSDAY, August 26:--9 A.M. 1. Question Box. 2. Visit to the Government
+Island.--2 P.M. 1. Working Session. 2. Address by the President of the A.
+A.--7 P.M. Lecture, by Prof. T. H. McBride, of the Iowa State University.
+
+FRIDAY, August 27:--Steam-boat excursion down the Mississippi.
+
+
+PROF. CROSBY'S CLASS IN MINERALOGY.
+
+                                                              BOSTON, MASS.
+
+The class now includes 122 _bona fide_ correspondents. The great majority
+have very greatly and agreeably surprised me by the excellence of their
+work. I have been especially delighted by the success of the chemical
+experiments. I was in doubt at first as to the propriety of introducing
+these; but I should never hesitate again. The success of the class is so
+much beyond my expectations that I am fully reconciled to the time and
+labor it has cost me.
+
+                                                              W. O. CROSBY.
+
+
+HONORABLE MENTION.
+
+MR. PAUL L. SMITH, President of Chapter 653, of La Porte, Ind., goes
+fifty-nine miles, on the first Saturday of every month, to preside at the
+meetings of his Chapter. And yet some doubt whether Natural History can
+awaken the interest of the young!
+
+
+THE A. A. BY THE SEA.
+
+MISS FLORENCE MAY LYON and two associate teachers of the Detroit High
+School, members of Chapter 743, are making arrangements to take a bevy of a
+dozen or twenty young ladies for a summer vacation of six weeks, to the
+charming town of Annisquam, Mass. They propose to teach them in as
+"unbookish and delightful a way as possible about sea-side plants and
+animals." These ladies have had abundant experience, and we wish them the
+greatest success.
+
+
+BIRDS' EGGS.
+
+The destruction of the singing birds of America is a growing and a very
+serious evil. Many ladies wear on their bonnets enough birds to flood a
+grove with melody--if only the birds were not dead and in pieces.
+
+We may make an appeal on this subject to the girls and women of the A. A.,
+at a later date, but just now it is a question of robbing birds' nests.
+This association strictly maintains the scientific ground that when birds'
+eggs are actually _needed_ by a young naturalist, as a means of
+identification or of practical knowledge, it is justifiable to take them,
+when the law allows. But the collection of eggs as curiosities, and the
+wholesale robbery of nests for purposes of sale or exchange, is a wanton
+destruction wholly unworthy of any earnest student of nature.
+
+In view of the impossibility of discriminating between the two classes of
+collectors, we shall hereafter decline to publish in ST. NICHOLAS, any
+requests for the sale, purchase, or exchange of the eggs of singing or game
+birds.
+
+_We shall notice, as formerly, eggs of the Penguin, eagle, crow, and
+ostrich._
+
+
+DELAYED CHAPTER REPORTS.
+
+60, _Pigeon Cove, Mass._ We have not lost a member from our books since you
+first enrolled us, and although at present we are all so occupied by our
+daily work that we can not hold regular meetings, we all look forward to
+the time when we shall be able to begin again.--Charles H. Andrews.
+
+150, _Flushing, L. I._ Our Chapter has not been very active during the past
+year, but I hope in the near future to build up a lively Chapter. Father
+and Mother will help me.--Frances M. L. Heaton, Sec.
+
+189, _W. Medford, Mass._ The Chapter is still in existence, and is holding
+meetings every week.--Daisy G. Dame, Sec.
+
+257, _Plantsville, Conn._ We have been very successful; meetings full of
+interest and well attended. Our last paper on "Crystals" was by E. N.
+Walkley, who illustrated the subject by plaster casts. We have a good male
+quartet in our Chapter; also gentlemen who play on the violin, flute,
+piano, and 'cello, so we can have a good time if we want it, at any
+meeting.
+
+We have just papered, painted, and whitewashed our room, and intend to give
+an entertainment to procure funds to buy a new carpet (_Bravo!_)--Albert L.
+Ely, Pres.
+
+287, _Ottawa, Ill._ Our members are scattered, some in college, most of the
+others going soon; but we do not wish to be counted out of that society
+from which we have received so much pleasure and profit.--Edgar Eldredge,
+Sec.
+
+331, _New Orleans, La._ This Chapter has passed through severe trials,
+being sustained at one time by only two earnest members, but it is now
+triumphantly successful. It is unique in that it has for its president a
+gentleman, Mr. P. M. Hoit, who lives in Santa Barbara, California, more
+than fifteen hundred miles away from the Chapter. He sends plans of work,
+rules of order, by-laws, etc., and really governs the Chapter, with which
+he first became acquainted through a letter asking about exchanges. The
+Chapter has over 600 specimens.--Percy S. Benedict, Sec.
+
+350, _Los Angeles, Cal._ The children never tire of going to the beach, and
+a trip to the mountains is another favorite excursion. Our cabinets grow,
+and I sometimes fear we shall get crowded out of the house by the "trash"
+that is accumulating!--Mrs. M. F. Bradshaw, Sec.
+
+366, _Webster Groves, Mo._ We have thirteen workers, all active.
+
+We have a collection of 510 specimens, mostly minerals and fossils of our
+own State; a library of 123 volumes; a microscope; and a chemical
+laboratory. We intend to hold an encampment this summer. How do you think
+it would work to have a "Midsummer Night's Dream," on some summer
+evening?--we might have the telescope-man come out from the city, do some
+star-gazing, and have an open-air magic lantern entertainment? (_It would
+work "to a charm"!_)--Edwin R. Allan, Sec.
+
+400, _Fargo, Dakota._ We gave an oyster supper a few weeks ago, and cleared
+$15. Our rooms are in the Masonic Block, and the Masons kindly let us use
+their dishes for the occasion. We have one of the finest rooms for this
+class of work in the Northwest. Our members are taking hold in earnest, and
+it will be a success. We have a fine teacher in Judge Mitchell. Mr.
+Mitchell will be glad to aid any of the western Chapters, if they wish. I
+think for my part there could be more chapters formed in Dakota, if the
+boys and girls would volunteer work earnestly. How many of the Dakota
+Chapters would like to organize the Dakota Assembly of the A. A.? Those in
+favor will please correspond with me.--Frank Brown, Sec.
+
+
+THE FIFTH CENTURY
+
+403, _Newark, N. J._ We have begun to study the mounting of plants and
+leaves. We are going to admit some lady friends to our Chapter, which we
+think will be a great benefit to us.--Chas. Barrows, Sec. Wm. Earle, Pres.
+
+404, _Baraboo, Wis._ We are still working, and our collection is steadily
+growing. One of our boys caught a common painted turtle, I put it into a
+tub with another of the same kind. They soon became so tame that they took
+food from my hand quite readily. One day I fed them as usual, but before
+they finished their meal I emptied the water from the tub, when one of them
+that had a worm in its mouth began to choke and could not swallow. I gave
+the other one, too, but he only took the end of it in his mouth. But as
+soon as I put water enough in for them to cover their heads, they swallowed
+as easily as ever. I tried this several times with the same result. We gave
+an entertainment and cleared $25.--Marie McKennan, Sec.
+
+409, _Sag Harbor, N. Y._ This year has been marked by greater progress than
+any other since our organization. In April, 1885, a valuable addition was
+made to our cabinet by the finding of a shrew--_genus sorex_. This little
+animal, the least of the mammals, measured not quite two inches in length,
+excluding the tail. During May and June we organized for summer work, on a
+new plan,--the President appointing committees to collect in special
+departments. In July and August we spent numerous "field-days" in the woods
+and on the shore. We found a rare specimen of trap-rock. The skeleton of a
+bottle-fish excited a great deal of curiosity. One of our members who had
+caught a live one identified it.
+
+In November, we commenced a series of discussions: "Which is of more value
+to mankind--cotton or wool?" (Decided in favor of wool.) "What is the most
+useful mammal?" (Four members voted for cow and four for sheep.) "What
+insect is most valuable in promoting human happiness?" (Decided for
+honey-bee.) "What is the most valuable fish?" (Cod.) Many other questions
+were debated. We have received many curious specimens: sea-horse,
+porcupine-fish, key-hole shells, etc. We intend to collect sea-weed and
+mosses this summer.--Cornelius R. Sleight, Sec.
+
+423, _Perth Amboy, N. J._ Our thirty members have manifested great interest
+in collecting and examining specimens from the different divisions of the
+animal kingdom. Much attention has been given to articulates, including
+insects of the sea. At present we are engaged in a very interesting course
+of observation in mineralogy. We have the highest appreciation of the
+assistance we have derived from the A. A., in learning to observe and love
+nature.--Bertha M. Mitchell, Cor. Sec.
+
+424, _Decorah, Iowa._ Several of our lady members are teachers, and highly
+value our meetings. We shall try to have public lectures in geology. We are
+connecting with these subjects that of humane work, proposing to organize
+as the Agassiz Band of Mercy. So we have two harmonious lines of good work
+begun, and hope to make both of them permanent.--M. R. Steele, Sec.
+
+428, _St. Paul, Minn._ Since our organization we have had seventy-eight
+meetings, all at our house. As one of our number is studying for the
+occupation of mining engineer, and has a forge, furnace, lathe, etc., we
+have decided to study iron, steel, and the methods of mining and
+manufacturing them. We have a club-room, where we keep our cabinets, and a
+small library.--Philip C. Allen, Sec.
+
+436, _Toronto, Canada._ Our president and several of our members have moved
+from town, so we have done comparatively nothing since I wrote you. But
+Charles Ashdown and I are endeavoring to get some new members, and I
+believe we shall have a stronger and better Chapter than ever.--David J.
+Howell, Sec.
+
+439, _Wilmington, Del._ We have collected more cocoons and chrysalids this
+winter than ever before. Many of them are very rare, among them, _Achemon_,
+_P. satellitia_, _Smerinthis gemmatus_, _E. imperalis_, and _Callosama
+angulitera_.--Percy C. Pyle.
+
+440, _Keene, N. H._ We have several hundred specimens, mostly _lepidoptera_
+and _coleoptera_. Have found a great many fine beetles lately under the
+bark of dead trees and stumps where they pass the winter. We always note
+the place of capture of all specimens, and all other items of
+interest.--Frank H. Foster, Sec.
+
+448, _Washington, D. C._ We bring to our third anniversary, a gratifying
+sense of well-being and desert, with promise of continued vigor. Our
+portfolios hold 343 reports, and every member is there represented. Our
+fifty books and pamphlets are read with application. We are ambitious for a
+children's Chapter, and long to make discoveries. Perhaps some of us may
+some day, and with this thrilling thought we are planning careful summer
+walks, with thoughtful "observation books."--Sabelle Macfarland.
+
+450, _Fitchburg, Mass._ As we have consolidated all our Fitchburg Chapters
+into one, now known as No. 48, Fitchburg, A, there is no special report
+from 450, but I think we now have an earnest society on a solid
+foundation.--Geo. F. Whittemore.
+
+453, _Oswego, N. Y._ Active. Will soon hold meetings weekly instead of
+fortnightly. Special study for the year has been archaeology and geology.
+Have been much interested in the _archeopteryx_. On archaeology, will send
+you a more lengthy report.--Will A. Burr, Sec.
+
+[_The promised report came in due time, and it is a masterpiece of patient
+work,--carefully illustrated with drawings of Indian arrow-heads, axes,
+pottery, needles, fish-hooks, pipes, and anvils. It covers twelve pages
+closely written. We value it, and have placed it carefully on file._]
+
+460, _Washington, D. C._ This Chapter was organized in the spring of 1882
+from a small association we then had; it had already existed for two years
+or more when we heard of the A. A. We concluded this would give us a wider
+scope for scientific investigations, and so made formal application for
+admission into the Association, which had already advanced with marvelous
+rapidity.
+
+Vernon M. Dorsey, an unusually promising mineralogist and chemist, was
+elected president. When a new member was elected it cost him nothing, so he
+was elected with the full consent of _all_ the members, not one objecting.
+Passive members were allowed in this Chapter, they paying ten cents a
+month, which money went into the treasury.
+
+We adopted most of the rules and regulations in the Hand-book, and, after
+having arranged the executive portion of the Chapter, we commenced to have
+a regular course of essays or lectures, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, given by
+the active members, which lectures the passive members could attend if so
+inclined. After the lectures we generally had debates, and as each member
+had a different branch of Natural History to which he devoted his
+attention, the lectures and debates were not monotonous.
+
+We ran on pretty smoothly for about a year and a half, until the money in
+the treasury commenced to accumulate, when, with the exception of one or
+two members, the Chapter spontaneously combusted.
+
+We have never been able to rebuild it. We can hold no meetings. _It
+exists_, really, _only in name_, because the prospects for the future look
+rather dull.
+
+If you will allow our Chapter to remain on the list, I should much prefer
+you would do so.
+
+I have carried on investigations in various branches of zoölogy, but, as
+this is merely a report of the Chapter, I will not enter into details
+concerning them.
+
+I hope that the other Chapters will meet with better success than ours,
+though it may yet revive.
+
+                             Yours respectfully,  F. A. Reynolds, Cor. Sec.
+
+[_We are sorry that this excellent Chapter experienced "spontaneous
+combustion," but we hope and believe that it will ere long also experience
+voluntary resurrection._]
+
+465, _Waterville, Maine._ Our president has moved away. The rest of us have
+been exceedingly busy. We have been obliged to vacate our room, and, as we
+could not get another, have had to store our specimens. But we are not dead
+yet! Far from it! It is only a case of suspended animation. We fully expect
+to take up work again this summer.--Charles W. Spencer, Sec.
+
+[_Not even "suspended animation;" the Chapter is only catching its breath
+for more vigorous exertion._]
+
+470, _Nicollet, Wis._ Still prospering. We have a small room nicely fitted
+up, in our High School building, of which we are quite proud. We have a
+working membership of twenty-four, and hold regular meetings.
+
+[_A friend of the Chapter adds to this report of Miss Sara Ritchie, the
+secretary, the following:_]
+
+"I was exceedingly interested in listening to the different members
+reporting formally the occurrence of our spring birds, with which was
+associated the arrival of certain insects. Two years ago, such reports were
+impossible, as the observing faculties of very few of the members had been
+sufficiently trained. If nothing more has been acquired, this one habit of
+close observation, developed by our A. A. work, is worth all it may have
+cost those who have encouraged and carried out the plan of the
+Association."
+
+
+CHANGE OF ADDRESS
+
+The address of Chapter 850 is now simply Chapter 850 A. A., Box 1587,
+Bangor, Maine.
+
+
+EXCHANGES.
+
+Correspondence with other family Chapters whose members are beginners in
+botany or entomology.--Mrs. R. Van Dien, Jr., Box 13, Hohokus, Bergen Co.,
+N. J.
+
+Correspondence desired. Entomology and botany.--Paul L. Smith, 3348 Indiana
+Av., Chicago, Ill.
+
+Postmarks and fossils (_Lingulipis pinnaformis_) for books on zoölogy.
+Write first.--Chas. F. Baker, St. Croix Falls, Wis.
+
+_Cecropia_ moths for other _lepidoptera_.--W. B. Greenleaf, Box 311, Normal
+Park, Ill.
+
+Correspondence with other Chapters earnestly desired.--Stephen R. Wood,
+Sec. 776, Oakland, Cal.
+
+Florida (east coast) shells, star-fishes, coquina, small live alligators,
+etc., etc., for anything rare or curious.--J. Earle Bacon, Ormond, Volusia
+Co., Fla.
+
+Coquina, trap-rock, asphaltum, Skates' egg-case, key-hole shell, and
+cocoons.--C. R. Sleight, Sec. Ch. 409, Sag Harbor, L. I., N. Y.
+
+All kinds of Chinese curiosities for fine Indian relics.--Kurt
+Kleinschmidt, Box 752, Helena, Montana.
+
+
+NEW AND REORGANIZED CHAPTERS.
+
+_No._  _Name._      _No. of Members._      _Address._
+
+ 957   Galveston, Texas (B)       9   Emma E. Walden, Cor. 34th
+                                      and N. 1/2 streets.
+
+ 958   Greenup, Ky. (A)          20   Mrs. Geo. Gibbs, Box 104.
+
+ 959   Hartwick Sem., N. Y. (A)   5   Alfred A. Hiller.
+
+ 960   Geneva, N. Y. (C)          6   F. H. Bachman, Box 559.
+
+ 961   Hartford, Conn. (G)       12   Austin H. Pease,
+                                      4 Canton street.
+
+ 962   Kansas City, Mo. (B)       5   R. F. Breeze, 611 E. 17th St.
+
+ 963   Geddes, N. Y. (A)          4   G. E. Avery, Box 76.
+
+ 964   Manchester, Iowa (A)      20   Fred Blair.
+
+ 965   Three Rivers, Mich. (A)    7   G. W. Daniels.
+
+ 966   Randolph, Ill. (A)        24   Miss Grace Stewart.
+
+ 863   Hinsdale, Ill. (B)         9   N. H. Webster.
+
+  60   Rockport, Mass, (A)       12   Chas. H. Andrews.
+
+ 145   Indianapolis, Ind. (A)     8   G. L. Payne,
+                                      care of T. B. Linn.
+
+ 352   Amherst, Mass.             4   Miss Edith S. Field.
+
+DISBANDED.
+
+ 349   Linden, N. J.                  E. H. Schram.
+                                      [_Members removed._]
+
+ 494   Northfield, Vt.                T. M. Hitt.
+
+ 535   Chapel Hill, N. J.             Miss Clara J. Martin.
+
+ 371   Granville, O.                  Miss Ida M. Sanders.
+
+  83   St. Louis (A)                  Maud M. Love.
+                                      [_Members removed._]
+
+ 190   Duncannon, Pa.                 Miss Annie I. Jackson.
+
+         Address all communications for this Department to
+
+                                        MR. HARLAN H. BALLARD, Lenox, Mass.
+
+
+
+
+THE RIDDLE-BOX.
+
+
+ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN THE JUNE NUMBER.
+
+HALF-SQUARE 1. Canada. 2. Arena. 3. Neat. 4. Ant. 5, Da(w). 6. A.
+
+RHOMBOID Across: 1. Sloop. 2. Organ. 3. Ergot. 4. Eerie. 5.
+Sandy.----CROSS-WORD ENIGMA, Blossom.
+
+ST. ANDREW'S CROSS OF DIAMONDS. I. 1. P. 2. Fur. 3. Fares. 4. Puritan. 5.
+Retip. 6. Sap. 7. N. II. 1. N. 2. Fen. 3. Fagin. 4. Negroes. 5. Niobe. 6.
+Nee. 7. S. III. 1. N. 2. Pen. 3. Puman. 4. Nemesis. 5. Nasal. 6. Nil. 7. S.
+IV. 1. N. 2. Ben. 3. Baton. 4. Nettles. 5. Nolle. 6. Nee. 7. S. V. 1. S. 2.
+Let. 3. Livid. 4. Several. 5. Tired. 6. Dad. 7. L.
+
+"DIAMOND" PUZZLE. Across: 1. S. 2. Ape. 3. Bream. 4. Car. 5. R. Downward:
+1. B. 2. Arc. 3. Spear. 4. Ear. 5. M.
+
+BURIED CITIES. 1. Berne. 2. Basle. 3. Bergen. 4. Quito. 5. Herat. 6.
+Mandalay. 7. Venice. 8. Bremen.
+
+A BERRY PUZZLE. 1. Dogberry. 2. Checkerberry. 3. Strawberry. 4. Shadberry.
+5. Barberry. 6. Raspberry. 7. Partridgeberry. 8. Snowberry. 9.
+Thimbleberry. 10. Gooseberry. n. Elderberry. 12. Bayberry.
+
+DIAMOND. 1. S. 2. Lea. 3. Larva. 4. Serpent. 5. Avert. 6. Ant. 7. T.
+
+DOUBLE ACROSTICS. Primals, Thomas; finals, Arnold. Crosswords: 1. ThaliA.
+2. HorroR. 3. OberoN. 4. MikadO. 5. AstraL. 6. SinbaD.
+
+P1    In June 'tis good to lie beneath a tree
+      While the blithe season comforts every sense,
+      Steeps all the brain in rest, and heals the heart,
+      Brimming it o'er with sweetness unawares.
+      Fragrant and silent as that rosy snow
+      Wherewith the pitying apple-tree fills up
+      And tenderly lines some last year robin's nest.
+
+                                                    _James Russell Lowell._
+
+BEHEADINGS. Trinity. 1. T--ape. 2. R--asp. 3. I--con. 4. N--ail. 5. I--man.
+6. T--ide. 7. V--end.
+
+DOUBLE DIAGONALS. From 1 to 2, chaffinch; from 3 to 4, goldfinch.
+Crosswords: 1. Corroding. 2. Childhood. 3. Gradually. 4. Confident. 5.
+Chafferer. 6. Exhibited. 7. Penitence. 8. Acoustics. 9.
+Hair-cloth.----CHARADE. Jack-stones.
+
+METAMORPHOSES. 1. Ape; ale, all, ail, aim, rim, ram, ran, man. 2. Oars;
+bars, bard, card, cord, cold, colt, coat, boat. 3. Lead; bead, beat, belt,
+bolt, bold, gold. 4. Warm; harm, hard, card, cord, cold. 5. One; owe, awe,
+aye, dye, doe, toe, too, two. 6. Age; aye, dye, die, hie, his, has, gas.
+
+TO OUR PUZZLERS: In sending answers to puzzles, sign only your initials or
+use a short assumed name; but if you send a complete list of answers you
+may sign your full name. Answers should be addressed to ST. NICHOLAS
+"Riddle-box," Care of THE CENTURY CO., 33 East Seventeenth Street, New York
+City.
+
+ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN THE APRIL NUMBER were received, too late for
+acknowledgment in the June number, from Esther Reid, East Melbourne,
+Australia, I--R. F. Graham, London, England, 1.
+
+ANSWERS TO ALL THE PUZZLES IN THE APRIL NUMBER were received, before April
+20, from "B. L. Z. Bub, No. 1,"--Paul Reese--Emma St. C. Whitney--"The
+McG's"--May and Julia--Ed, Beth, and Charlie--Maggie T. Turrill--Arthur and
+Bertie Knox--N. B. Oakford--M. G. Jackson--"Cricket and Cripsy"--Elisabeth,
+Richard, and Ruth--Pough--etc.--Dorothea E. Kennade--Josie and
+Lillie--Blanche and Fred--"B. L. Z. Bub, No. 2"--"The Spencers"--C. and S.
+Andrews--The Stewart Browns--"May and 79 "--Effie K. Talboys--Delia, Lou,
+Ida, and Lillie--"San Anselmo Valley"--Madge and the Domimie--Edith
+McDonald--Maud E. Palmer--Mary Ludlow--Mamma and Jokie--"Clifford and
+Coco"--Francesco and Co.--Mamma and the Girls--Shumway Hen and
+Chickens--"Theo.Ther"--Alice--M. E. d'A.--Blithedale--"Betsy
+Trotwood"--Belle and Bertha Murdock--Judith--Randolph and Robert--"Miss M.
+and the Gals"--W. R. M.--Nellie and Reggie--Fannie and Louise
+Lockett--Bertha H.--"R. U. Pert"--Francis W. Islip--X. and Y.--Alice and
+Lizzie Pendleton--Frying-pan--Hallie Couch--S. and B. Rhodes and de
+Grassy--Savoir et Sagesse--X. Y. Z. and Ulysses--B. Z. O.--Carrie Seaver
+and Alice Young--Dash.
+
+ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN THE APRIL NUMBER were received, before April 20, from
+Foster and Remer, 2--Clark Holbrook, 3--"Triangle," 4--J. M. Moore,
+1--Eleanor B. Ripley, 6--E. M. Benedict, 1--"Block and Chip," 9--H. E.
+Hanbold, 2--A. G. Tomay, 2--E. O. Brownell, 2--Geo. S. Seymour and Co.,
+9--N. Beall, 2--Philip and Mamma, 4--N. L. Peacock, 1--"Yum Yum," 2--E.
+Parks, 1--F. A. and H. C. Hart, 2--Alice and R. G., 1--Maud S., 1--"Egg,"
+1--B., H., M., M., and A. Read, 1--Bub and Bubess, 1--"Infant," 1--Pepper
+and Maria, 9--A. Ransom and W. Chase, 1--A. H. Sibley, 1--Ned L. Mitchell,
+4--Eddie B., 1--"Lone Star," 7--A. F. S., 1--G. E. C. and E. B. F., 5--M.
+Kershey and S. Sweet, 9--G. E. Campbell, 3--G. F. Cameron, 2--B. Sudduth,
+2--Kendrick Bros., 9--R. B. C., 2--E. and K. Mitchell, 3--L. D. Shropshire,
+1--"J. McDuffe," 1--"Doane-utsand Rice," 1--"Phlimpy," 2 --D. Thomas and
+Auntie, 2--"Snags," 2--F. Althaus, 4--Daisy Condell, 3--Me and Be, 2--N. E.
+Miner, 4--Geo. Hawley, 5--A. B. Smith, 2--R. K. Allison, 1--M. Flurscheim,
+1--Mrs. Emma Sloat, 3--Millie Atkinson, 1--H. Frost, 1--B. C. Ketchum.
+1--Billy and Me, 7--S. R. Manning, 1--Mamma and Belp, 1--Rose H. Wedin,
+1--Mary and Jennie Butler, 4--No name, Fredericksburgh, 4--"Dixie," 2--M.
+S. Bird, 1--R. L. Foering, 1--F. Jarman, 3--E. F. and F. E. Bliss, i--L.
+and C. Kendrickson, 2--Tessie Gutman, 7--A. D. C., 2--Joe and Billy, i--L.
+Wainman, 2--"Yum Yum," 1--N. L. Howes, 2--"B. Rabbit and T. Baby," 4--H. S.
+Chalmers, 1--"Pen and Ink-bottle," 1--Maginnis, 1--J. R. F. S.,
+1--Christine and Cousin, 5--I. M. Lebermann, 6--Albert and Gussie, 1--C. J.
+Tully, 2--Laura W. and Alice M., 2--Grace E. Keech, 6--Agnes Converse,
+4--"Head-lights," 1--C. Gallup, 1--C. W. Chadwick, 2--Prof. P. H. Janney,
+1--E. E. Hudson, 1--"Dixie and Pixie," 1--"Mr. Pickwick," and "Sam Weller,"
+8--M. F. Davenport, 1--"89 and Chestnuts," 1--J. A Keeler, 6--Edith, Grace,
+and Jessie, 2--Bessie Jackson, 4--H. N. and Nickie Bros., 2--J. M. B., G.
+S., and A. Louise W., 8--K. L. Reeder, 1--Mamie R., 9--Walter La Bar, 8--H.
+C. Barnes, 1--Jennie Judge, 3--E. H. Seward, 3--"The Lloyds," 8--A.
+Wister, 2--Fred T. Pierce, 6--Lucia C. Bradley, 8--Puzzle Club, 9--Alina
+and Estelle, 1--Pearl Colby and Nell Betts, 7--Eleanor and Maude Peart,
+7--S. B. S. Bissell, 4--Estelle and Edith, 1--F. J. and Flip, 2--"Mohawk
+Valley," 8--H. Allen, Jr., 1--R. Lloyd, 5--Mamma and Fanny, 9--Mrs. E. and
+Grace E., 5--L. Delano and M. Wilson, 8--I. and E. Swanwick, 5--Anonymous,
+4--Herbert Wolfe, 9--Lulu May, 7--No name, 7--"Koko and Pitti-sing,"
+1--Sallie Viles, 9--Tessie and Henri, 3--Murray and Percy, 9--S. L. Meeks,
+6--Marjorie Daw, 1--C. and H. Condit, 8--"Peggotty," 7--Katie, 1--Edith
+     Young, 3--Two Cousins, 9--Eva Hamilton, 9--Chip and Block, 2.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+NUMERICAL ENIGMA.
+
+I am composed of ninety-three letters, and am a famous toast given at
+Norfolk by a distinguished naval officer who was killed in a duel in 1820.
+
+My 89-41-8-49 is a preposition. My 22-73-33 is belonging to us. My
+53-15-46-65-29-85 is a specter. My 57-70-1-10 is a float. My 25-59-3 is a
+term used in addressing a gentleman. My 13-76-48-19 is stockings. My
+68-83-26 is to fasten. My 75-5-81 is bashful. My 62-91-6-80 is a division
+of time. My 69-23-44-55 is restless. My 27-35-37-18-50-90 is the name of a
+season. My 67-63-92-88-47 is the Christian name of a famous American poet.
+My 31-28-20-58 is a conflagration. My 30-72-82-24-32-64 is intense dread.
+My 4-51-17-12-42-60 is a military engine. My 9-34-93-16-45-14-78-86 is a
+body of men commanded by a colonel. My 40-2-74-38-21-87-54-71-56 are
+renegades. My 36-39-61-79-52-11-7-66 84-77-43 is a machine-gun that can
+fire two hundred shots a minute.
+
+
+CUBE.
+
+                                  1 . . . . 2
+                                . .     . . .
+                              .   .     .   .
+                            3 . . . . 4     .
+                            .     .   .     .
+                            .     5 . . . . 6
+                            .   .     .   .
+                            . .       . .
+                            7 . . . . 8
+
+From 1 to 2, a parent; from 2 to 6, tranquillity; from 5 to 6, a
+useful instrument; from 1 to 5, a feminine name; from 3 to 4, consuming;
+from 4 to 8, voracious; from 7 to 8, actively; from 3 to 7,
+the flag which distinguishes a company of soldiers; from 1 to 3, a
+very small fragment; from 2 to 4, resounded; from 6 to 8, not difficult;
+from 5 to 7, part of the day.                                  DAVID. H. D.
+
+
+CHARADE.
+
+  My _first_ is that happy position
+    The holders of stock love to see;
+  'T is the point above which the aspiring
+    Are evermore hoping to be.
+
+  My _second_ made haste for the doctor;
+    His mother was ailing, he heard;
+  And that mother ever had taught him
+    To revere and be kind to my _third_.
+
+  Then he went to my _whole_ and requested
+    Its master his mother would see,
+  For he knew that my _first_ and my _second_
+    To his mother most welcome would be.
+
+                                                                   W. H. A.
+
+
+ANAGRAMS.
+
+The letters of each of the following anagrams may be transposed so as to
+spell the name of a well-known novel.
+
+1. Nod, quiet ox. 2. Wilt sit over? 3. Visiting near H. 4. Earning my gun.
+5. Lord Poicy is south. 6. But no nice clams. 7. I hem when I want to. 8.
+Is it of papa's homely Ted? 9. If we have lifted a cork. 10. We quit Dr.,
+and run.                                                        E. L. G. M.
+
+
+METAMORPHOSES.
+
+The problem is to change one given word to another given word, by altering
+one letter at a time, each alteration making a new word, the number of
+letters being always the same, and the letters remaining always in the same
+order. Sometimes the metamorphoses may be made in as many moves as there
+are letters in each given word, but in other instances more moves are
+required.
+
+EXAMPLE: Change LAMP to FIRE in four moves. Answer, LAMP, LAME, FAME, FARE,
+FIRE.
+
+1. Change COW to RAT in three moves. 2. Change HARD to SOFT in six moves.
+3. Change LEFT to EAST in four moves. 4. Change HIT to LOW in four moves.
+5. Change LONG to WEST in five moves.
+
+                                                           "D. I. VERSITY."
+
+
+RHOMBOIDS.
+
+                         . . . . .
+                           . . . . .
+                             . . . . .
+                               . . . . .
+                                 . . . . .
+
+I. ACROSS: 1. Poison. 2. An ancient philosopher memorable for his
+friendship with Pythias. 3. Large bundles. 4. A substance obtained from
+certain trees. 5. A strip of leather.
+
+DOWNWARD: 1. In prove. 2. A nickname. 3. To seize by a sudden grasp. 4. A
+famous mosque. 5. Certain burrowing animals. 6. A cosy place. 7. A title of
+respect. 8. A word of denial. 9. In prove.
+
+II. ACROSS: 1. A very wealthy man. 2. A bricklayer. 3. Inhabitants of a
+certain European country. 4. To send back. 5. A benefactor.
+
+DOWNWARD: 1. In Rhine. 2. A verb. 3. Vicious. 4. A low ridge of stone or
+gravel. 5. Freed from osseous substance. 6. The name of a captain in one of
+Jules Verne's stories. 7. Iniquity. 8. A preposition. 9. In Rhine.
+
+                                                           NORA L. WINSLOW.
+
+
+PI.
+
+Nilgang yam eb dais ot eb os kile eth hatemcatsim atth ti nac veern eb
+fylul ratlen.
+
+
+ZIGZAG.
+
+Each of the words described contains the same number of letters, and the
+zigzag, beginning at the upper left-hand letter, will spell a day famous in
+history.
+
+1. A creeping vine. 2. A common insect. 3. A cover. 4. Nourished. 5.
+Placed. 6. A boy's nickname. 7. A kitchen utensil. 8. To augment. 9. An
+extremity. 10. A conjunction. 11. A fabulous bird. 12. Conducted. 13. To
+delve. 14. A month. 15. A song.
+
+                                                          HENRY C. ROBERTS.
+
+
+HOUR-GLASS.
+
+                           1 . . . * . . . 3
+                             . . . * . . .
+                               . . * . .
+                                 . * .
+                                   *
+                                 . * .
+                               . . * . .
+                             . . . * . . .
+                           4 . . . * . . . 2
+
+ACROSS: 1. Unmarried women. 2. With quick beating or palpitation. 3. A
+musical term meaning "slowly." 4. A gentle blow. 5. In water. 6. An
+exclamation. 7. A marked feature. 8. A French coin. 9. More comely.
+
+The central letters spell articles much worn during the summer. The letters
+from 1 to 2 name the delight of invalids during the summer months; from 3
+to 4, an instrument used for timing races.
+
+                                                             "L. LOS REGNL"
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: All apparent printer's errors retained. Formatting transcribed as close as possible to original book.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's St. Nicholas v. 13 No. 9 July 1886, by Various
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ST. NICHOLAS V. 13 NO. 9 JULY 1886 ***
+
+***** This file should be named 36750-8.txt or 36750-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/3/6/7/5/36750/
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+	      The Project Gutenberg eBook of St. Nicholas: For Boys and Girls, 86-09 by Mary Mapes Dodge.
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of St. Nicholas v. 13 No. 9 July 1886, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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
+
+
+Title: St. Nicholas v. 13 No. 9 July 1886
+       an Illustrated Magazine for Young Folks
+
+Author: Various
+
+Editor: Mary Mapes Dodge
+
+Release Date: July 16, 2011 [EBook #36750]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ST. NICHOLAS V. 13 NO. 9 JULY 1886 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Alex and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_642" id="Page_642">[Pg 642]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 429px;">
+<img src="images/illus642.jpg" width="429" height="600" alt="La Fayette and the British Ambassador." title="" />
+<span class="caption">LA FAYETTE AND THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_643" id="Page_643">[Pg 643]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h1>ST. NICHOLAS.</h1>
+
+<hr style="width: 70%" />
+<hr style="width: 70%" />
+
+<h2><span class="smcap">Vol. XIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JULY, 1886.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No. 9.</span></h2>
+
+<hr style="width: 70%" />
+<hr style="width: 70%" />
+
+<h4>[Copyright, 1886, by <span class="smcap">The Century Co.</span>]</h4>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h2>LA FAYETTE.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Mrs. Eugenia M. Hodge.</span></h3>
+
+<p>One hundred and nine years ago, in the month of February, 1777, a young French guardsman ran away to sea.</p>
+
+<p>And a most singular running away it was. He did not wish to be a sailor, but he was so anxious to go that he bought a
+ship to run away in,&mdash;for he was a very wealthy young man; and though he was only nineteen, he held a commission as
+major-general in the armies of a land three thousand miles away&mdash;a land he had never seen and the language of which
+he could not speak. The King of France commanded him to remain at home; his friends and relatives tried to restrain him;
+and even the representatives, or agents, of the country in defense of which he desired to fight would not encourage his
+purpose. And when the young man, while dining at the house of the British Ambassador to France, openly avowed his
+sympathy with a downtrodden people, and his determination to help them gain their freedom, the Ambassador acted quickly.
+At his request, the rash young enthusiast was arrested by the French Government, and orders were given to seize his
+ship, which was awaiting him at Bordeaux. But ship and owner both slipped away, and sailing from the port of Pasajes in
+Spain, the runaway, with eleven chosen companions, was soon on the sea, bound for America, and beyond the reach of both
+friends and foes.</p>
+
+<p>On April 25, 1777, he landed at the little port of Georgetown, at the mouth of the Great Pee Dee river in South
+Carolina; and from that day forward the career of Marie Jean Paul Roch Yves Gilbert Motier, Marquis de La Fayette, has
+held a place in the history of America, and in the interest and affection of the American people.</p>
+
+<p>When he first arrived in the land for which he desired to fight, however, he found but a cool reception. The Congress
+of the United States was poor, and so many good and brave American officers who had proved their worth were desirous of
+commissions as major-generals, that the commission promised to this young Frenchman could not easily be put in force so
+far as an actual command and a salary were concerned.</p>
+
+<p>But the young general had come across the sea for a purpose, and money and position were not parts of that purpose.
+He expressed his desire to serve in the American army upon two very singular conditions, namely: that he should receive
+no pay, and that he should act as a volunteer. The Congress was so impressed with the enthusiasm and self-sacrifice of
+the young Frenchman that, on July 31, 1777, it passed a resolution directing that "his services be accepted and that, in
+consideration of his zeal, illustrious family and connections, he have the rank and commission of a Major-General of the
+United States."</p>
+
+<p>General Washington was greatly attracted by the energy and earnestness of the young nobleman. He took him into what
+was called his "military family," assigned him to special and honorable duty; and when the young volunteer was wounded
+at the battle of Brandywine, the Commander-in-Chief praised his "bravery and military ardor" so highly that the Congress
+gave
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_644" id="Page_644">[Pg 644]</a></span>
+La Fayette the command of a division. Thus, before he was twenty, he was actually a general, and already, as one
+historian says, he had "justified the boyish rashness which his friends deplored and his sovereign resented, and had
+acquired a place in history."</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding General Washington's assertion to Congress that La Fayette had made "great proficiency in our
+language," the young marquis's pronunciation of English was far from perfect. French, Spanish, and Italian were all
+familiar to him, but his English was not readily understood by the men he was called upon to command. It was therefore
+necessary to find as his aid-de-camp one who could quickly interpret the orders of his commanding officer.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 323px;">
+<img src="images/illus646.jpg" width="323" height="600" alt="Statue of La Fayette by A. Bartholdi - Union Square, New-York City." title="" />
+<span class="caption">STATUE OF LA FAYETTE BY A. BARTHOLDI,&mdash;UNION SQUARE, NEW-YORK CITY.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Such an aid was at last found in the person of a certain young Connecticut adjutant on the regimental staff of
+dashing Brigadier-General Wayne,&mdash;"Mad Anthony" Wayne, the hero of Stony Point.</p>
+
+<p>This young adjutant was of almost the same age as Lafayette; he had received, what was rare enough in those old days,
+an excellent college education, and he was said to be the only man in the American army who could speak French and
+English equally well.</p>
+
+<p>These young men, General La Fayette and his aid, grew very fond of each other during an intimate acquaintance of
+nearly seven years. The French marquis, with that overflow of spirits and outward demonstration so noticeable in most
+Frenchmen, freely showed his affection for the more reserved American&mdash;often throwing his arms around his neck,
+kissing him upon the cheek and calling him "My brave, my good, my virtuous, my adopted brother!"</p>
+
+<p>After the battle of Monmouth, which occurred on June 28, 1778, and in which La Fayette's command was engaged against
+the British forces, who were routed, the marquis was enthusiastic in praise of the gallant conduct of his friend and
+aid. Not content with this, he sent to him some years after, when the aid-de-camp, then a colonel in rank, was elected
+to political honors, the following acrostic, as a souvenir, expressive of the esteem and remembrance of his former
+commander. The initial letters of each line of the poem will spell out for you the name of this soldier friend of La
+Fayette. And here is an exact copy of the acrostic and of the postscript that accompanied it:</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Sage of the East! where wisdom rears her head,<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Augustus, taught in virtue's path to tread,<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">'Mid thousands of his race, elected stands<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Unanimous to legislative bands;<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Endowed with every art to frame just laws,<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Learns to hate vice, to virtue gives applause.<br /></span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Augustus, oh, thy name that's ever dear<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Unrivaled stands to crown each passing year!<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Great are the virtues that exalt thy mind.<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Unenvied merit marks thy worth refined.<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Sincerely rigid for your country's right,<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">To save her Liberty you deigned to fight;<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Undaunted courage graced your manly brow,<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Secured such honors as the gods endow.&mdash;<br /></span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Bright is the page; the record of thy days<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Attracts my muse thus to rehearse thy praise.<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Rejoice then, patriots, statesmen, all rejoice!<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Kindle his praises with one general voice!<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Emblazon out his deeds, his virtues prize,<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Reiterate his praises to the skies!<br /></span>
+	</div>
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">M. D. La Fayette.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+	<p>P. S.&mdash;The Colonel will readily apologize for the inaccuracies of an unskillful muse, and be convinced the high
+estimation of his amiable character could alone actuate the author of the foregoing.</p>
+	<p class="right"><span class="smcap">M. D. La Fayette.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>So the name of the young general's friend and aid-de-camp was Samuel Augustus Barker.</p>
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p>Years passed. The Revolution was over. America was free. The French Revolution, with all its horrors and successes,
+had made France a republic. Napoleon had risen, conquered, ruled,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_645" id="Page_645">[Pg 645]</a></span>
+fallen, and died, and the first quarter of the nineteenth century was nearly completed, when, in August, 1824, an old
+French gentleman who had been an active participant in several of these historic scenes arrived in New York. It was
+General the Marquis de La Fayette, now a veteran of nearly seventy, returning to America as the honored guest of the
+growing and prosperous republic he had helped to found.</p>
+
+<p>His journey through the land was like a triumph. Flowers and decorations brightened his path, cheering people and
+booming cannon welcomed his approach. And in one of those welcomings, in a little village in Central New York, a cannon,
+which was heavily loaded for a salute in honor of the nation's guest, exploded, and killed a plucky young fellow who had
+volunteered to "touch off" the over-charged gun when no one else dared. Some months after, the old marquis chanced to
+hear of the tragedy, and at once his sympathies were aroused for the widowed mother of the young man.</p>
+
+<p>He at once wrote to the son of the man who had been his comrade in arms in the revolutionary days half a century
+before, asking full information concerning the fatal accident, and the needs of the mother of the poor young man who was
+killed; and having thus learned all the facts, sent the sum of one thousand dollars to relieve the mother's necessities
+and to pay off the mortgage on her little home.</p>
+
+<p>I have before me, as I write, the original letter written by the General to the son of his old friend, the paper
+marked and yellow with the creases of sixty years; and as I read it again, I feel that of all the incidents of the
+singularly eventful life of La Fayette there are none that show his noble nature more fully than those I have noted
+here: his enthusiastic services in behalf of an oppressed people, his close and devoted affection for his friend and
+comrade, and the impulsive generosity of a heart that was at once manly, tender, and true.</p>
+
+<p>And as I write, I am grateful that I can claim a certain association with that honored name of La Fayette; for the
+young adjutant to whom the acrostic was addressed and the friend through whom the gift to the widow was communicated
+were respectively my grandfather and my father.</p>
+
+<p>It is at least pleasant to know that one's ancestors were the intimate friends of so noble a man, of whom one
+biographer has recently said: "He was brave even to rashness, his life was one of constant peril, and yet he never
+shrank from any danger or responsibility if he saw the way open to spare life or suffering, to protect the defenseless,
+to sustain law and preserve order."</p>
+
+<p>At the southern extremity of Union Square, in the city of New York, there is a bronze statue of La Fayette. As you
+have already been told in <span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span>, it represents him in graceful pose and with earnest
+face and gesture, "making offer of his sword to the country he admired&mdash;the country that sorely needed his aid. The
+left hand is extended as if in greeting and friendly self-surrender, and the right hand, which holds the sword, is
+pressed against the breast, as if implying that his whole heart goes with his sword." Lafayette's words, "As soon as I
+heard of American independence, my heart was enlisted," are inscribed upon the pedestal of the statue; and a short
+distance from it, in the plaza adjoining the square, is an equestrian statue of Washington. It is fitting that the
+bronze images of those two great men should thus be placed together, as the names of Washington and La Fayette are
+forever coupled in the history and in the affections of the American people.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+
+
+
+<h2>A CHILD'S FANCY.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Frank Dempster Sherman.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">The meadow is a battle-field<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind2">Where Summer's army comes:<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">Each soldier with a clover shield,<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind2">The honey-bees with drums.<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind3">Boom, rat-t&aacute;!&mdash;they march and pass<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind4">The captain tree who stands<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind3">Saluting with a sword of grass<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind4">And giving the commands.<br /></span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">'T is only when the breezes blow<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind2">Across the woody hills,<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">They shoulder arms and, to and fro,<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind2">March in their full-dress drills.<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind3">Boom, rat-t&aacute;!&mdash;they wheel in line<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind4">And wave their gleaming spears.<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind3">"March!" cries the captain, giving sign,<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind4">And every soldier cheers.<br /></span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">But when the day is growing dim<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind2">They gather in their camps,<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind1">And sing a good thanksgiving hymn<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind2">Around their fire-fly lamps.<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind3">Ra-ta-t&aacute;!&mdash;the bugle-notes<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind4">Call "good-night!" to the sky.&mdash;<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind3">I hope they all have overcoats<br /></span>
+		<span class="ind4">To keep them warm and dry!<br /></span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_646" id="Page_646">[Pg 646]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2>LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Frances Hodgson Burnett.</span></h3>
+<h4><span class="smcap">Chapter X.</span></h4>
+
+
+<div class="imgleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/illus652.jpg" width="100" height="115" alt="T" title="" /></div>
+
+<p>he truth was that Mrs. Errol had found a great many sad things in the course of her work among the poor of the little
+village that appeared so picturesque when it was seen from the moor-sides. Everything was not as picturesque, when seen
+near by, as it looked from a distance. She had found idleness and poverty and ignorance where there should have been
+comfort and industry. And she had discovered, after a while, that Erleboro was considered to be the worst village in
+that part of the country. Mr. Mordaunt had told her a great many of his difficulties and discouragements, and she had
+found out a great deal by herself. The agents who had managed the property had always been chosen to please the Earl,
+and had cared nothing for the degradation and wretchedness of the poor tenants. Many things, therefore, had been
+neglected which should have been attended to, and matters had gone from bad to worse.</p>
+
+<p>As to Earl's Court, it was a disgrace, with its dilapidated houses and miserable, careless, sickly people. When first
+Mrs. Errol went to the place, it made her shudder. Such ugliness and slovenliness and want seemed worse in a country
+place than in a city. It seemed as if there it might be helped. And as she looked at the squalid, uncared-for children
+growing up in the midst of vice and brutal indifference, she thought of her own little boy spending his days in the
+great, splendid castle, guarded and served like a young prince, having no wish ungratified, and knowing nothing but
+luxury and ease and beauty. And a bold thought came into her wise little mother-heart. Gradually she had begun to see,
+as had others, that it had been her boy's good fortune to please the Earl very much, and that he would scarcely be
+likely to be denied anything for which he expressed a desire.</p>
+
+<p>"The Earl would give him anything," she said to Mr. Mordaunt. "He would indulge his every whim. Why should not that
+indulgence be used for the good of others? It is for me to see that this shall come to pass."</p>
+
+<p>She knew she could trust the kind, childish heart; so she told the little fellow the story of Earl's Court, feeling
+sure that he would speak of it to his grandfather, and hoping that some good results would follow.</p>
+
+<p>And strange as it appeared to every one, good results did follow. The fact was that the strongest power to influence
+the Earl was his grandson's perfect confidence in him&mdash;the fact that Cedric always believed that his grandfather
+was going to do what was right and generous. He could not quite make up his mind to let him discover that he had no
+inclination to be generous at all, and that he wanted his own way on all occasions, whether it was right or wrong. It
+was such a novelty to be regarded with admiration as a benefactor of the entire human race, and the soul of nobility,
+that he did not enjoy the idea of looking into the affectionate brown eyes, and saying: "I am a violent, selfish old
+rascal; I never did a generous thing in my life, and I don't care about Earl's Court or the poor people"&mdash;or
+something which would amount to the same thing. He actually had learned to be fond enough of that small boy with the mop
+of yellow love-locks, to feel that he himself would prefer to be guilty of an amiable action now and then. And
+so&mdash;though he laughed at himself&mdash;after some reflection, he sent for Newick, and had quite a long interview
+with him on the subject of the Court, and it was decided that the wretched hovels should be pulled down and new houses
+should be built.</p>
+
+<p>"It is Lord Fauntleroy who insists on it," he said dryly; "he thinks it will improve the property. You can tell the
+tenants that it's his idea." And he looked down at his small lordship, who was lying on the hearth-rug playing with
+Dougal. The great dog was the lad's constant companion, and followed him about everywhere, stalking solemnly after him
+when he walked, and trotting majestically behind when he rode or drove.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, both the country people and the town people heard of the proposed improvement. At first, many of them
+would not believe it; but when a small army of workmen arrived and commenced pulling down the crazy, squalid cottages,
+people began to understand that little Lord Fauntleroy had done them a good turn again, and that through his innocent
+interference the scandal of Earl's Court had at last been removed. If he had only known how they talked about him and
+praised him everywhere, and prophesied great things for him when he grew up, how astonished he would have been! But he
+never suspected it. He lived
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_647" id="Page_647">[Pg 647]</a></span>
+his simple, happy child life,&mdash;frolicking about in the park; chasing the rabbits to their burrows; lying under the
+trees on the grass, or on the rug in the library, reading wonderful books and talking to the Earl about them, and then
+telling the stories again to his mother; writing long letters to Dick and Mr. Hobbs, who responded in characteristic
+fashion; riding out at his grandfather's side, or with Wilkins as escort. As they rode through the market town, he used
+to see the people turn and look, and he noticed that as they lifted their hats their faces often brightened very much,
+but he thought it was all because his grandfather was with him.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 447px;">
+<img src="images/illus654.jpg" width="447" height="600" alt="The Workmen Liked to See Him Stand Among Them, Talking Away, With His Hands in His Pockets" title="" />
+<span class="caption">"THE WORKMEN LIKED TO SEE HIM STAND AMONG THEM, TALKING AWAY, WITH HIS HANDS IN HIS POCKETS."</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>"They are so fond of you," he once said, looking up at his lordship with a bright smile. "Do you see how glad they
+are when they see you? I hope they will some day be as fond of me. It must be nice to have <em>every</em>body like you."
+And he felt quite proud to be the grandson of so greatly admired and beloved an individual.</p>
+
+<p>When the cottages were being built, the lad and his grandfather used to ride over to Earl's Court together to look at
+them, and Fauntleroy was full of interest. He would dismount from his pony and go and make acquaintance with the
+workman, asking them questions about building and bricklaying, and telling them things about America. After two or three
+such conversations, he was able to enlighten the Earl on the subject of brickmaking, as they rode home.</p>
+
+<p>"I always like to know about things like those," he said, "because you never know what you are coming to."</p>
+
+<p>When he left them, the workmen used to talk him over among themselves, and laugh at his odd, innocent speeches; but
+they liked him, and liked to see him stand among them, talking away, with his hands in his pockets, his hat pushed back
+on his curls, and his small face full of eagerness. "He's a rare un," they used to say. "An' a woise little outspoken
+chap too. Not much o' th' bad stock in him." And they would go home and tell their wives about him, and the women would
+tell each other, and so it came about that almost every one talked of, or knew some story of, little Lord Fauntleroy;
+and gradually almost every one knew that the "wicked Earl" had found something he cared for at last&mdash;something
+which had touched and even warmed his hard, bitter old heart.</p>
+
+<p>But no one knew quite how much it had been warmed, and how day by day the old man found himself caring more and more
+for the child, who was the only creature that had ever trusted him. He found himself looking forward to the time when
+Cedric would be a young man, strong and beautiful, with life all before him, but having still that kind heart and the
+power to make friends everywhere; and the Earl wondered what the lad would do, and how he would use his gifts. Often as
+he watched the little fellow lying upon the hearth, conning some big book, the light shining on the bright young head,
+his old eyes would gleam and his cheek would flush.</p>
+
+<p>"The boy can do anything," he would say to himself, "anything!"</p>
+
+<p>He never spoke to any one else of his feeling for Cedric; when he spoke of him to others it was always with the same
+grim smile. But Fauntleroy soon knew that his grandfather loved him and always liked him to be near&mdash;near to his
+chair if they were in the library, opposite to him at table, or by his side when he rode or drove or took his evening
+walk on the broad terrace.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you remember," Cedric said once, looking up from his book as he lay on the rug, "do you remember what I said to
+you that first night about our being good companions? I don't think any people could be better companions than we are,
+do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are pretty good companions, I should say," replied his lordship. "Come here."</p>
+
+<p>Fauntleroy scrambled up and went to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there anything you want," the Earl asked; "anything you have not?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_648" id="Page_648">[Pg 648]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The little fellow's brown eyes fixed themselves on his grandfather with a rather wistful look.</p>
+
+<p>"Only one thing," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?" inquired the Earl.</p>
+
+<p>Fauntleroy was silent a second. He had not thought matters over to himself so long for nothing.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" my lord repeated.</p>
+
+<p>Fauntleroy answered.</p>
+
+<p>"It is Dearest," he said.</p>
+
+<p>The old Earl winced a little.</p>
+
+<p>"But you see her almost everyday," he said. "Is not that enough?"</p>
+
+<p>"I used to see her all the time," said Fauntleroy. "She used to kiss me when I went to sleep at night, and in the
+morning she was always there, and we could tell each other things without waiting."</p>
+
+<p>The old eyes and the young ones looked into each other through a moment of silence. Then the Earl knitted his
+brows.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you <em>never</em> forget about your mother?" he said.</p>
+
+<p>"No," answered Fauntleroy, "never; and she never forgets about me. I shouldn't forget about <em>you</em>, you know,
+if I didn't live with you. I should think about you all the more."</p>
+
+<p>"Upon my word," said the Earl, after looking at him a moment longer, "I believe you would!"</p>
+
+<p>The jealous pang that came when the boy spoke so of his mother seemed even stronger than it had been before&mdash;it
+was stronger because of this old man's increasing affection for the boy.</p>
+
+<p>But it was not long before he had other pangs, so much harder to face that he almost forgot, for the time, he had
+ever hated his son's wife at all. And in a strange and startling way it happened. One evening, just before the Earl's
+Court cottages were completed, there was a grand dinner party at Dorincourt. There had not been such a party at the
+Castle for a long time. A few days before it took place, Sir Harry Lorridaile and Lady Lorridaile, who was the Earl's
+only sister, actually came for a visit&mdash;a thing which caused the greatest excitement in the village and set Mrs.
+Dibble's shop-bell tingling madly again, because it was well known that Lady Lorridaile had only been to Dorincourt once
+since her marriage, thirty-five years before. She was a handsome old lady with white curls and dimpled, peachy cheeks,
+and she was as good as gold, but she had never approved of her brother any more than did the rest of the world, and
+having a strong will of her own and not being at all afraid to speak her mind frankly, she had, after several lively
+quarrels with his lordship, seen very little of him since her young days.</p>
+
+<p>She had heard a great deal of him that was not pleasant through the years in which they had been separated. She had
+heard about his neglect of his wife, and of the poor lady's death; and of his indifference to his children; and of the
+two weak, vicious, unprepossessing elder boys who had been no credit to him or to any one else. Those two elder sons,
+Bevis and Maurice, she had never seen; but once there had come to Lorridaile Park a tall, stalwart, beautiful young
+fellow about eighteen years old who had told her that he was her nephew Cedric Errol, and that he had come to see her
+because he was passing near the place and wished to look at his Aunt Constantia of whom he had heard his mother speak.
+Lady Lorridaile's kind heart had warmed through and through at the sight of the young man, and she had made him stay
+with her a week, and petted him, and made much of him and admired him immensely. He was so sweet-tempered,
+light-hearted, spirited a lad, that when he went away, she had hoped to see him often again; but she never did, because
+the Earl had been in a bad humor when he went back to Dorincourt, and had forbidden him ever to go to Lorridaile Park
+again. But Lady Lorridaile had always remembered him tenderly, and though she feared he had made a rash marriage in
+America, she had been very angry when she heard how he had been cast off by his father and that no one really knew where
+or how he lived. At last there came a rumor of his death, and then Bevis had been thrown from his horse and killed, and
+Maurice had died in Rome of the fever; and soon after came the story of the American child who was to be found and
+brought home as Lord Fauntleroy.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably to be ruined as the others were," she said to her husband, "unless his mother is good enough and has a will
+of her own to help her to take care of him."</p>
+
+<p>But when she heard that Cedric's mother had been parted from him she was almost too indignant for words.</p>
+
+<p>"It is disgraceful, Harry!" she said. "Fancy a child of that age being taken from his mother, and made the companion
+of a man like my brother! The old Earl will either be brutal to the boy or indulge him until he is a little monster. If
+I thought it would do any good to write&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"It wouldn't, Constantia," said Sir Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it wouldn't," she answered. "I know his lordship the Earl of Dorincourt too well;&mdash;but it is
+outrageous."</p>
+
+<p>Not only the poor people and farmers heard about little Lord Fauntleroy; others knew of him. He was talked about so
+much and there were so many stories of him&mdash;of his beauty, his sweet temper, his popularity, and his growing
+influence over the Earl, his grandfather&mdash;that rumors of him
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_649" id="Page_649">[Pg 649]</a></span>
+
+reached the gentry at their country places and he was heard of in more than one county of England. People talked about
+him at the dinner tables, ladies pitied his young mother, and wondered if the boy were as handsome as he was said to be,
+and men who knew the Earl and his habits laughed heartily at the stories of the little fellow's belief in his lordship's
+amiability. Sir Thomas Asshe of Asshaine Hall, being in Erleboro one day, met the Earl and his grandson riding together
+and stopped to shake hands with my lord and congratulate him on his change of looks and on his recovery from the gout.
+"And, d'ye know!" he said, when he spoke of the incident afterward, "the old man looked as
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_650" id="Page_650">[Pg 650]</a></span>
+
+proud as a turkey-cock; and upon my word I don't wonder, for a handsomer, finer lad than his grandson I never saw! As straight as a dart, and sat
+his pony like a young trooper!"</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 511px;">
+<img src="images/illus658.jpg" width="511" height="600" alt="'I was thinking how beautiful you are,' said Lord Fauntleroy." title="" />
+<span class="caption">"'I WAS THINKING HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE,' SAID LORD FAUNTLEROY." (<a href="#Page_651">SEE PAGE 651.</a>)</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>And so by degrees Lady Lorridaile, too, heard of the child; she heard about Higgins, and the lame boy, and the
+cottages at Earl's Court, and a score of other things,&mdash;and she began to wish to see the little fellow. And just as
+she was wondering how it might be brought about, to her utter astonishment, she received a letter from her brother
+inviting her to come with her husband to Dorincourt.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems incredible!" she exclaimed. "I have heard it said that the child has worked miracles, and I begin to
+believe it. They say my brother adores the boy and can scarcely endure to have him out of sight. And he is so proud of
+him! Actually, I believe he wants to show him to us." And she accepted the invitation at once.</p>
+
+<p>When she reached Dorincourt Castle with Sir Harry, it was late in the afternoon, and she went to her room at once
+before seeing her brother. Having dressed for dinner she entered the drawing-room. The Earl was there standing near the
+fire and looking very tall and imposing; and at his side stood a little boy in black velvet, and a large Vandyke collar
+of rich lace&mdash;a little fellow whose round bright face was so handsome, and who turned upon her such beautiful,
+candid brown eyes, that she almost uttered an exclamation of pleasure and surprise at the sight.</p>
+
+<p>As she shook hands with the Earl, she called him by the name she had not used since her girlhood.</p>
+
+<p>"What, Molyneux," she said, "is this the child?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Constantia," answered the Earl, "this is the boy. Fauntleroy, this is your grand-aunt, Lady Lorridaile."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you do, Grand-Aunt?" said Fauntleroy.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lorridaile put her hand on his shoulders, and after looking down into his upraised face a few seconds, kissed
+him warmly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am your Aunt Constantia," she said, "and I loved your poor papa, and you are very like him."</p>
+
+<p>"It makes me glad when I am told I am like him," answered Fauntleroy, "because it seems as if every one liked
+him,&mdash;just like Dearest, eszackly,&mdash;Aunt Constantia," (adding the two words after a second's pause.)</p>
+
+<p>Lady Lorridaile was delighted. She bent and kissed him again, and from that moment they were warm friends.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Molyneux," she said aside to the Earl afterward, "it could not possibly be better than this!"</p>
+
+<p>"I think not," answered his lordship dryly. "He is a fine little fellow. We are great friends. He believes me to be
+the most charming and sweet-tempered of philanthropists. I will confess to you, Constantia,&mdash;as you would find it
+out if I did not,&mdash;that I am in some slight danger of becoming rather an old fool about him."</p>
+
+<p>"What does his mother think of you?" asked Lady Lorridaile, with her usual straightforwardness.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not asked her," answered the Earl, slightly scowling.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Lady Lorridaile, "I will be frank with you at the outset, Molyneux, and tell you I don't approve of your
+course, and that it is my intention to call on Mrs. Errol as soon as possible; so if you wish to quarrel with me, you
+had better mention it at once. What I hear of the young creature makes me quite sure that her child owes her everything.
+We were told even at Lorridaile Park that your poorer tenants adore her already."</p>
+
+<p>"They adore <em>him</em>," said the Earl, nodding toward Fauntleroy. "As to Mrs. Errol, you'll find her a pretty
+little woman. I'm rather in debt to her for giving some of her beauty to the boy, and you can go to see her if you like.
+All I ask is that she will remain at Court Lodge and that you will not ask me to go and see her," and he scowled a
+little again.</p>
+
+<p>"But he doesn't hate her as much as he used to, that is plain enough to me," her ladyship said to Sir Harry
+afterward. "And he is a changed man in a measure, and, incredible as it may seem, Harry, it is my opinion that he is
+being made into a human being, through nothing more nor less than his affection for that innocent, affectionate little
+fellow. Why, the child actually loves him&mdash;leans on his chair and against his knee. My lord's own children would as
+soon have thought of nestling up to a tiger."</p>
+
+<p>The very next day she went to call upon Mrs. Errol. When she returned, she said to her brother:</p>
+
+<p>"Molyneux, she is the loveliest little woman I ever saw! She has a voice like a silver bell, and you may thank her
+for making the boy what he is. She has given him more than her beauty, and you make a great mistake in not persuading
+her to come and take charge of you. I shall invite her to Lorridaile."</p>
+
+<p>"She'll not leave the boy," replied the Earl.</p>
+
+<p>"I must have the boy too," said Lady Lorridaile, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>But she knew Fauntleroy would not be given up to her, and each day she saw more clearly how closely those two had
+grown to each other, and how all the proud, grim old man's ambition and hope and love centered themselves in the child,
+and how
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_651" id="Page_651">[Pg 651]</a></span>
+
+the warm, innocent nature returned his affection with most perfect trust and good faith.</p>
+
+<p>She knew, too, that the prime reason for the great dinner party was the Earl's secret desire to show the world his
+grandson and heir, and to let people see that the boy who had been so much spoken of and described was even a finer
+little specimen of boyhood than rumor had made him.</p>
+
+<p>"Bevis and Maurice were such a bitter humiliation to him," she said to her husband. "Every one knew it. He actually
+hated them. His pride has full sway here." Perhaps there was not one person who accepted the invitation without feeling
+some curiosity about little Lord Fauntleroy, and wondering if he would be on view.</p>
+
+<p>And when the time came he was on view.</p>
+
+<p>"The lad has good manners," said the Earl. "He will be in no one's way. Children are usually idiots or
+bores,&mdash;mine were both,&mdash;but he can actually answer when he's spoken to, and be silent when he is not. He is
+never offensive."</p>
+
+<p>But he was not allowed to be silent very long. Every one had something to say to him. The fact was they wished to
+make him talk. The ladies petted him and asked him questions, and the men asked him questions too, and joked with him,
+as the men on the steamer had done when he crossed the Atlantic. Fauntleroy did not quite understand why they laughed so
+sometimes when he answered them, but he was so used to seeing people amused when he was quite serious, that he did not
+mind. He thought the whole evening delightful. The magnificent rooms were so brilliant with lights, there were so many
+flowers, the gentlemen seemed so gay, and the ladies wore such beautiful, wonderful dresses, and such sparkling
+ornaments in their hair and on their necks. There was one young lady who, he heard them say, had just come down from
+London, where she had spent the "season"; and she was so charming that he could not keep his eyes from her. She was a
+rather tall young lady with a proud little head, and very soft dark hair, and large eyes the color of purple pansies,
+and the color on her cheeks and lips was like that of a rose. She was dressed in a beautiful white dress, and had pearls
+around her throat. There was one strange thing about this young lady. So many gentlemen stood near her, and seemed
+anxious to please her, that Fauntleroy thought she must be something like a princess. He was so much interested in her
+that without knowing it he drew nearer and nearer to her and at last she turned and spoke to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Come here, Lord Fauntleroy," she said, smiling; "and tell me why you look at me so."</p>
+
+<p>"I was thinking how beautiful you are," his young lordship replied.</p>
+
+<p>Then all the gentlemen laughed outright, and the young lady laughed a little too, and the rose color in her cheeks
+brightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Fauntleroy," said one of the gentlemen who had laughed most heartily, "make the most of your time! When you are
+older you will not have the courage to say that."</p>
+
+<p>"But nobody could help saying it," said Fauntleroy sweetly. "Could you help it? Don't <em>you</em> think she is
+pretty too?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are not allowed to say what we think," said the gentleman, while the rest laughed more than ever.</p>
+
+<p>But the beautiful young lady&mdash;her name was Miss Vivian Herbert&mdash;put out her hand and drew Cedric to her
+side, looking prettier than before, if possible.</p>
+
+<p>"Lord Fauntleroy shall say what he thinks," she said; "and I am much obliged to him. I am sure he thinks what he
+says." And she kissed him on his cheek.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you are prettier than any one I ever saw," said Fauntleroy, looking at her with innocent, admiring eyes,
+"except Dearest. Of course, I couldn't think any one <em>quite</em> as pretty as Dearest. I think she is the prettiest
+person in the world."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure she is," said Miss Vivian Herbert. And she laughed and kissed his cheek again.</p>
+
+<p>She kept him by her side a great part of the evening, and the group of which they were the center was very gay. He
+did not know how it happened, but before long he was telling them all about America, and the Republican Rally, and Mr.
+Hobbs and Dick, and in the end he proudly produced from his pocket Dick's parting gift,&mdash;the red silk
+handkerchief.</p>
+
+<p>"I put it in my pocket to-night because it was a party," he said. "I thought Dick would like me to wear it at a
+party."</p>
+
+<p>And queer as the big, flaming, spotted thing was, there was a serious, affectionate look in his eyes, which prevented
+his audience from laughing very much.</p>
+
+<p>"You see I like it," he said, "because Dick is my friend."</p>
+
+<p>But though he was talked to so much, as the Earl had said, he was in no one's way. He could be quiet and listen when
+others talked, and so no one found him tiresome. A slight smile crossed more than one face when several times he went
+and stood near his grandfather's chair, or sat on a stool close to him, watching him and absorbing every word he uttered
+with the most charmed interest. Once he stood so near the chair's arm that his cheek touched the Earl's shoulder, and
+his lordship, detecting the general smile, smiled a little
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_652" id="Page_652">[Pg 652]</a></span>
+
+himself. He knew what the lookers-on were thinking, and he felt some secret amusement in their seeing what a good friend
+he was to this youngster, who might have been expected to share the popular opinion of him.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Havisham had been expected to arrive in the afternoon, but, strange to say, he was late. Such a thing had really
+never been known to happen before during all the years in which he had been a visitor at Dorincourt Castle. He was so
+late that the guests were on the point of rising to go in to dinner when he arrived. When he approached his host, the
+Earl regarded him with amazement. He looked as if he had been hurried or agitated; his dry, keen old face was actually
+pale.</p>
+
+<p>"I was detained," he said, in a low voice to the Earl, "by&mdash;an extraordinary event."</p>
+
+<p>It was as unlike the methodic old lawyer to be agitated by anything as it was to be late, but it was evident that he
+had been disturbed. At dinner he ate scarcely anything, and two or three times, when he was spoken to, he started as if
+his thoughts were far away. At dessert, when Fauntleroy came in, he looked at him more than once, nervously and
+uneasily. Fauntleroy noted the look and wondered at it. He and Mr. Havisham were on friendly terms, and they usually
+exchanged smiles. The lawyer seemed to have forgotten to smile that evening.</p>
+
+<p>The fact was he forgot everything but the strange and painful news he knew he must tell the Earl before the night was
+over&mdash;the strange news which he knew would be so terrible a shock, and which would change the face of everything.
+As he looked about at the splendid rooms and the brilliant company,&mdash;at the people gathered together, he knew, more
+that they might see the bright-haired little fellow near the Earl's chair than for any other reason,&mdash;as he looked
+at the proud old man and at little Lord Fauntleroy smiling at his side, he really felt quite shaken, notwithstanding
+that he was a hardened old lawyer. What a blow it was that he must deal them!</p>
+
+<p>He did not exactly know how the long, superb dinner ended. He sat through it as if he were in a dream, and several
+times he saw the Earl glance at him in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>But it was over at last, and the gentlemen joined the ladies in the drawing-room. They found Fauntleroy sitting on a
+sofa with Miss Vivian Herbert,&mdash;the great beauty of the last London season; they had been looking at some pictures,
+and he was thanking his companion, as the door opened.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm ever so much obliged to you for being so kind to me!" he was saying; "I never was at a party before, and I've
+enjoyed myself so much!"</p>
+
+<p>He had enjoyed himself so much that when the gentlemen gathered about Miss Herbert again and began to talk to her, as
+he listened and tried to understand their laughing speeches, his eyelids began to droop. They drooped until they covered
+his eyes two or three times, and then the sound of Miss Herbert's low, pretty laugh would bring him back, and he would
+open them again for about two seconds. He was quite sure he was not going to sleep, but there was a large, yellow satin
+cushion behind him and his head sank against it, and after a while his eyelids drooped for the last time. They did not
+even quite open when, as it seemed a long time after, some one kissed him lightly on the cheek. It was Miss Vivian
+Herbert, who was going away, and she spoke to him softly.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-night, little Lord Fauntleroy," she said. "Sleep well."</p>
+
+<p>And in the morning he did not know that he had tried to open his eyes and had murmured sleepily,</p>
+
+<p>"Good-night&mdash;I'm so&mdash;glad&mdash;I saw you&mdash;you are so&mdash;pretty&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>He only had a very faint recollection of hearing the gentlemen laugh again and of wondering why they did it.</p>
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<div class="imgleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/illus664.jpg" width="100" height="151" alt="N" title="" /></div>
+
+<p>o sooner had the last guest left the room, than Mr. Havisham turned from his place by the fire, and stepped nearer
+the sofa, where he stood looking down at the sleeping occupant. Little Lord Fauntleroy was taking his ease luxuriously.
+One leg crossed the other and swung over the edge of the sofa; one arm was flung easily above his head; the warm flush
+of healthful, happy, childish sleep was on his quiet face; his waving tangle of bright hair strayed over the yellow
+satin cushion. He made a picture well worth looking at.</p>
+
+<p>As Mr. Havisham looked at it, he put his hand up and rubbed his shaven chin, with a harassed countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Havisham," said the Earl's harsh voice behind him. "What is it? It is evident something has happened. What was
+the extraordinary event, if I may ask?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Havisham turned from the sofa, still rubbing his chin.</p>
+
+<p>"It was bad news," he answered, "distressing news, my lord&mdash;the worst of news. I am sorry to be the bearer of
+it."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_653" id="Page_653">[Pg 653]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Earl had been uneasy for some time during the evening, as he glanced at Mr. Havisham, and when he was uneasy he
+was always ill-tempered.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you look so at the boy!" he exclaimed irritably. "You have been looking at him all the evening as
+if&mdash;See here now, why should you look at the boy, Havisham, and hang over him like some bird of ill-omen! What has
+your news to do with Lord Fauntleroy?"</p>
+
+<p>"My lord," said Mr. Havisham, "I will waste no words. My news has everything to do with Lord Fauntleroy. And if we
+are to believe it&mdash;it is not Lord Fauntleroy who lies sleeping before us, but only the son of Captain Errol. And
+the present Lord Fauntleroy is the son of your son Bevis, and is at this moment in a lodging-house in London."</p>
+
+<p>The Earl clutched the arms of his chair with both his hands until the veins stood out upon them; the veins stood out
+on his forehead too; his fierce old face was almost livid.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean!" he cried out. "You are mad! Whose lie is this?"</p>
+
+<p>"If it is a lie," answered Mr. Havisham, "it is painfully like the truth. A woman came to my chambers this morning.
+She said your son Bevis married her six years ago in London. She showed me her marriage certificate. They quarreled a
+year after the marriage, and he paid her to keep away from him. She has a son five years old. She is an American of the
+lower classes,&mdash;an ignorant person,&mdash;and until lately she did not fully understand what her son could claim.
+She consulted a lawyer and found out that the boy was really Lord Fauntleroy and the heir to the earldom of Dorincourt;
+and she, of course, insists on his claims being acknowledged."</p>
+
+<p>There was a movement of the curly head on the yellow satin cushion. A soft, long, sleepy sigh came from the parted
+lips, and the little boy stirred in his sleep, but not at all restlessly or uneasily. Not at all as if his slumber were
+disturbed by the fact that he was being proved a small impostor and that he was not Lord Fauntleroy at all and never
+would be the Earl of Dorincourt. He only turned his rosy face more on its side as if to enable the old man who stared at
+it so solemnly to see it better.</p>
+
+<p>The handsome, grim old face was ghastly. A bitter smile fixed itself upon it.</p>
+
+<p>"I should refuse to believe a word of it," he said, "if it were not such a low, scoundrelly piece of business that it
+becomes quite possible in connection with the name of my son Bevis. It is quite like Bevis. He was always a disgrace to
+us. Always a weak, untruthful, vicious young brute with low tastes&mdash;my son and heir, Bevis, Lord Fauntleroy. The
+woman is an ignorant, vulgar person, you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am obliged to admit that she can scarcely spell her own name," answered the lawyer. "She is absolutely uneducated
+and openly mercenary. She cares for nothing but the money. She is very handsome in a coarse way, but&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The fastidious old lawyer ceased speaking and gave a sort of shudder.</p>
+
+<p>The veins on the old Earl's forehead stood out like purple cords. Something else stood out upon it too&mdash;cold
+drops of moisture. He took out his handkerchief and swept them away. His smile grew even more bitter.</p>
+
+<p>"And I," he said, "I objected to&mdash;to the other woman, the mother of this child" (pointing to the sleeping form
+on the sofa); "I refused to recognize her. And yet she could spell her own name. I suppose this is retribution."</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he sprang up from his chair and began to walk up and down the room. Fierce and terrible words poured forth
+from his lips. His rage and hatred and cruel disappointment shook him as a storm shakes a tree. His violence was
+something dreadful to see, and yet Mr. Havisham noticed that at the very worst of his wrath he never seemed to forget
+the little sleeping figure on the yellow satin cushions, and that he never once spoke loud enough to awaken it.</p>
+
+<p>"I might have known it," he said. "They were a disgrace to me from their first hour! I hated them both; and they
+hated me! Bevis was the worse of the two. I will not believe this yet, though! I will contend against it to the last.
+But it is like Bevis&mdash;it is like him!"</p>
+
+<p>And then he raged again and asked questions about the woman, about her proofs, and pacing the room, turned first
+white and then purple in his repressed fury.</p>
+
+<p>When at last he had learned all there was to be told, and knew the worst, Mr. Havisham looked at him with a feeling
+of anxiety. He looked broken and haggard and changed. His rages had always been bad for him, but this one had been worse
+than the rest because there had been something more than rage in it.</p>
+
+<p>He came slowly back to the sofa, at last, and stood near it.</p>
+
+<p>"If any one had told me I could be fond of a child," he said, his harsh voice low and unsteady, "I should not have
+believed them. I always detested children&mdash;my own more than the rest. I am fond of this one; he is fond of me,"
+(with a bitter smile.) "I am not popular; I never was. But he is fond of me. He never was afraid of me&mdash;he always
+trusted me. He would have filled my place
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_654" id="Page_654">[Pg 654]</a></span>
+better than I have filled it. I know that. He would have been an honor to the name."</p>
+
+<p>He bent down and stood a minute or so looking at the happy, sleeping face. His shaggy eyebrows were knitted fiercely,
+and yet somehow he did not seem fierce at all. He put up his hand, pushed the bright hair back from the forehead, and
+then turned away and rang the bell.</p>
+
+<p>When the largest footman appeared, he pointed to the sofa.</p>
+
+<p>"Take"&mdash;he said, and then his voice changed a little&mdash;"take Lord Fauntleroy to his room."</p>
+
+<p class="center">(<em>To be continued.</em>)</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_655" id="Page_655">[Pg 655]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>THREE VELVETY BEES.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By M. M. D.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 407px;">
+<img src="images/illus667.jpg" width="407" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Three velvety, busy, buzzing bees</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Once plunged in a thistle plant up to their knees.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Alas! Though plucky and stout of heart,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">They bounded away with an angry start.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">For the thistle's the touchiest thing that grows;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">It's the firework plant&mdash;as every one knows.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And every buzzer should pass it by</span>
+		<span class="ind1">On the day that is known as the Fourth of July.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2>FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Ripley Hitchcock.</span></h3>
+
+<p>There was once a boy who thought that he could choose his birthday present more wisely than could his father and
+mother. He wanted an "arrow rifle"&mdash;a useless affair which has long since gone to the place where toys which are
+failures go. He was disappointed however. His birthday brought him not an "arrow rifle," but a light, jointed
+fishing-rod. Now this boy had already done some fishing with a heavy bamboo pole, or with one cut from an alder, jerking
+the fish out of the water, and swinging them over his head. To be sure the heavy pole made his arms ache, but his new
+rod, which bent at every touch, seemed to him too slender and flimsy to be of any use whatever.</p>
+
+<p>I fear he was not very grateful at first, but he was properly rebuked when his father took a day from professional
+cares, and opened the lad's eyes to the pleasure of fishing with light tackle. When he had learned to "cast" flies with
+his elastic, strong rod, without hooking somebody or something not meant to be hooked; when he had seen the beautiful
+vermilion-spotted trout flash clear of the water, tempted by the flies; and when he had found that he could tire out and
+land larger fish than he had ever caught before, simply by pitting against their cunning and strength, skill and
+patience instead of mere brute force,&mdash;then there was opened to that boy a new world of sport and healthy
+recreation. He has never regretted the "arrow rifle"; and he now proposes to tell the boys as well as the girls who read
+<span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span> how to obtain something which is within the reach of both,&mdash;the greatest
+possible pleasure from fishing.</p>
+
+<p>If one could take a bird's-eye view of our country
+at any time in the summer, he would see boys
+and girls catching all kinds of fish in all kinds of
+ways; some off the coast in sailboats, tugging at
+bluefish or mackerel, others profiting by <span class="smcap">St.
+Nicholas's</span> lessons in black-bass fishing, some
+"skittering" for pickerel in New England lakes,
+others trolling for pike in the lakes and rivers of the
+West. But of all the fresh-water game fish there
+is none more beautiful and graceful or more active
+than the trout.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus670a.jpg" width="400" height="153" alt="Rainbow Trout." title="" />
+<span class="caption">RAINBOW TROUT.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Any New York boy who has never caught a trout should go down to Fulton Market at the opening of the trout season,
+when trout are gathered there from all parts of the country. He will see "rainbow" trout from the Rocky Mountains, their
+sides iridescent, and stained as if marked by a bloody finger. These are being introduced into Eastern waters. He will
+find trout in the blackest of mourning robes and others gayly dressed in silver tinsel. Sometimes the vermilion spots on
+the side shine like fire; again they are as dull as if the fire had gone out and left only gray ashes. For there are
+several varieties of trout known to naturalists and traveled fishermen, and even the brook trout, called by the
+formidable name of <em>Salmo fontinalis</em>, varies greatly in color and shape in different localities. In Arizona, I
+have caught trout which were fairly black. In Dublin Lake in New Hampshire, the trout look like bars of polished silver
+as they are drawn up through the water. I never saw a more sharply marked contrast than that between the trout of two
+little Maine lakes, near the head-waters of the Androscoggin River. In one, the trout were long, and as thin as
+race-horses, and their flesh was of a salmon-pink hue; in the other, not half a mile away, the trout were short, thick,
+and almost hump-backed, with darker skins and lighter flesh. The first lake had a sandy, gravelly bottom, and the water
+was clear as crystal; the bottom of the second was muddy, and the water dark and turbid. This explained the difference
+in the fish, a difference always existing in trout of brooks or lakes under the same conditions.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus670b.jpg" width="400" height="179" alt="Rangeley Lake Trout." title="" />
+<span class="caption">RANGELEY LAKE TROUT.</span>
+</div>
+
+<div class="imgleft" style="width: 423px;">
+<img src="images/illus671.jpg" width="423" height="600" alt="Trout-rod and Tackle." title="" />
+<span class="caption"><em>Trout-rod and Tackle</em>.</span>
+</div>
+<p>In the great Androscoggin Lakes of Maine, the trout, which are brook trout, grow to the largest size known anywhere.
+They have been caught weighing twelve pounds, and many claimed that
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_656" id="Page_656">[Pg 656]</a></span>
+
+they were lake trout, until the famous naturalist Agassiz decided that, although living in lakes, they were true brook
+trout. These immense trout have very thick bodies and cruel hooked jaws; but the guides can point out many contrasts
+between trout from different lakes, or even from different parts of the same lake. There are trout nearly as large in
+the rivers of the British Provinces, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec, but these are usually lighter colored, and
+they are quite another variety, being known as sea trout, or <em>Salmo trutta</em>. All this adds to the interest of
+trout-fishing by inducing the angler to acquaint himself with what the Natural Histories have to tell him about the
+various kinds of trout. Then the differences in one kind teach him to be observant and excite a curiosity as to the
+habits of the trout. Here the Natural Histories will fail him. Only by following trout brooks and tempting the larger
+trout of lakes, can he properly study the ways and curious moods of this cunning, timid fish. And even then, if he be
+modest, he will often confess himself sadly puzzled; for the trout's wits are sometimes more than a match for the
+fisherman's. And this adds to the pleasure of trout-fishing; for if one had to deal with a fish which would bite at any
+bait, under any circumstances, and give up the fight as soon as hooked, the sport would soon grow very stupid. In
+trout-fishing, one will study the best conditions of wind, weather, and water, and learn how to approach one of the
+shyest of fish, how to delude one of the most wary, and how safely to land one of the pluckiest. To do this it is
+necessary to have reliable "tackle," a term which includes rod, reel, line, leaders, flies, and landing net. The rod
+must be so light that one can cast with it easily and persistently, and yet it must be strong enough to bend into all
+manner of curves without breaking, and to tire out large trout. If it is too stiff, the fisherman's arm will soon be
+wearied, and if it is too flexible or withy, it will not cast flies well, and it will not hold fish firmly if the angler
+needs to bring a strain upon them. In attempts to meet these requirements, fly rods have been made of split bamboo, ash
+and lance-ood, bethabara, greenheart, cedar, hickory, hornbeam, iron-wood, snake-wood, shadblow and perhaps twenty other
+woods, and there have even been experiments in making rods of thin steel tubes. The split bamboo rods are made of four
+or six triangular strips cut from the rind of Calcutta bamboo and carefully fitted and glued together. Sometimes the
+surface is rounded, but oftener it has six sides. These rods, when they are really good, are the best of all. Indeed,
+Americans may justly claim to make the finest rods in the world and also the finest lines. But I should not advise any
+of my readers to buy a split bamboo fly rod, because these rods are very expensive, they require very careful treatment,
+and if broken they must go back to the maker to be repaired. The fly rod which I recommend to the boys and girls of
+<span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span> is one with an ash butt, and the second joint and tip of lance-wood. It should
+be from ten feet to ten feet and a half in length, and should weigh about seven ounces and a half. Such a rod can be
+obtained from any reliable dealer in any large city. I emphasize reliable because there are fishing-tackle stores where
+one may get rods nice to look at, but worthless to use. Nearly all dealers keep what is called an "all around" rod,
+intended to be used, for either fly or bait fishing, but this, like most compromises is usually unsatisfactory. This, or
+something like it, will probably be shown you if you ask for a boy's rod, so that it is better to tell the dealer or
+rod-maker exactly what you want, and to accept nothing else. If he takes a pride in his work and has a reputation to
+sustain, he will interest himself in picking out a rod of sound, well-seasoned wood, evenly balanced, elastic, with a
+good action, and a peculiar "kick" in the second joint, which is of great service in casting a fly. If
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_657" id="Page_657">[Pg 657]</a></span>
+
+some one can help you in making your choice, so much the better. Then it will be well to attach a reel and line to the
+rod and try it in actual casting, if this is possible; and when the rod is bent, see that the bend is an even curve. The
+pleasure of fly-fishing depends upon the quality of the rod, and the choice should therefore be made deliberately and
+wisely. Some fishermen make their own rods, and there are dealers who supply materials for amateur rod-makers; but this
+is a difficult undertaking and can not be described here.<a name="FNanchor_A" id="FNanchor_A"></a><a href="#Footnote_A" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> I should advise any boy to go to a professional maker for
+his first fly rod.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus672.jpg" width="400" height="285" alt="Young Anglers." title="" />
+<span class="caption">YOUNG ANGLERS.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The "enameled water-proof" lines are the best. These are braided from boiled silk, and prepared to resist the action
+of water, which will cause the decay of an ordinary line. Of the various sizes, which are distinguished by letters, that
+known as F is perhaps most desirable, although either E or F will answer the purpose. The line should be "level," not
+tapering, and at least twenty-five yards in length. This will be wound upon a "click" reel of equal capacity, preferably
+nickel-plated. But this is of less importance than the internal construction of the reel, for which you should have the
+maker's guarantee. Now come the flies. There are names enough to fill a directory, and a greater variety of colors than
+the woods show in autumn. A few flies like the "Montreal," "Professor," "Scarlet Ibis," "Coachman," and "the Hackles,"
+are to be found in almost every angler's book. For the rest, it will be well to learn, from some experienced angler or
+intelligent dealer, the flies best suited to the particular waters which you intend to fish. At the Rangeley lakes, for
+example, you will find that large, gaudy flies are much used, like the "Parmachenee Belle," "Silver and Golden Doctor,"
+and "Grizzly King," and there is one local fly called the "Katoodle Bug." In the Adirondacks, smaller flies of quieter
+colors are favored. For brook-fishing, very small flies of neutral tints are much used except when the water is very
+dark. A fly-book will be needed to contain flies and also leaders. The leader is a piece of "silk-worm gut," which
+should be about six feet in length. One end is fastened to the line, and the stretcher-fly is made fast at the other.
+One or two other flies, called droppers, are
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_658" id="Page_658">[Pg 658]</a></span>
+
+usually attached at intervals of two feet or more along the leader. Before making your choice, the leaders should be
+closely examined to see whether any part is frayed or cracked. They can be tested by a pull of four or five pounds on a
+spring balance. The leader is used as being less conspicuous than the line in the water, and, therefore, less likely to
+frighten away trout approaching the flies. Most leaders are dyed a misty bluish color which, it is thought, will escape
+even the keen eyes of the trout. A landing-net, the size and strength of which depend upon the fishing-ground, completes
+the list of tackle.</p>
+
+<div class="imgleft" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus673.jpg" width="400" height="167" alt="Trout Flies." title="" />
+<span class="caption">TROUT FLIES.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The next step is to learn how to cast a fly, and here practice and the advice of some experienced fly-fisherman will
+be worth more than printed instructions.</p>
+
+<p>It is not necessary, however, to wait for summer nor for access to water, in order to practice casting. A housetop, a
+dooryard, or even the spacious floor of an old-fashioned barn, as the case may be, offers just as good a chance for
+practice as a lake or river. When the rod is jointed together, the reel attached, and the line passed through the rings
+and beyond the tip about the length of the rod, the learner is usually seized with a wild desire to flourish rod and
+line like a whip with a long snapper. This feeling must promptly be suppressed. Fly-casting is a very simple movement,
+and not a flourish. The elbow is kept down at the side, the forearm moving only a little, and most of the work is done
+by the wrist. Holding the rod by the "grip," the part of the butt wound with silk or rattan to assist the grasp, one
+finds that the reel, which is just below the "grip," aids in balancing the rod. The reel is underneath in casting. After
+hooking a fish, many anglers turn their rods so as to bring the reel to the upper side, thus letting the strain of the
+line come upon the rod itself instead of upon the rings. In holding the "grip," the thumb should be extended straight
+along the rod, as this gives an additional "purchase." For the first cast, take the end of the line in the left hand,
+and bring the rod upward and backward until the line is taut. As you release the line, the spring of the rod carries the
+line backward. This is the back cast. Then comes an instant's pause, while the line straightens itself out behind, and
+then, with a firm motion of the wrist, helped a little by the forearm, the rod is thrown forward, and the line flies
+easily out in front. Begin with a line once or once-and-a-half as long as the rod, and lengthen it out by degrees. The
+main points to be remembered are: to keep the elbow at the side, to train the wrist, to move the rod not too far forward
+or back, always to wait until the line is straight behind on the back cast, and to make sure that in this the line falls
+no lower than your head, a process which it will take time to accomplish. There is no more awkward fault than that of
+whipping a rod down to a level with the horizon before and behind, and swishing the flies through the air until some of
+them are snapped off.</p>
+
+<p>When the learner becomes accustomed to handling his rod, he must try to perfect himself in two matters of great
+importance&mdash;accuracy and delicacy. Place a small piece of paper fifteen or twenty feet away, and aim at making the
+knot in the end of the line fall easily and quietly upon it. Your efforts will be aided if you will raise the point of
+the rod a trifle, just as the forward impulse of the line is spent, and the line itself is straightened in the air for
+an instant in front. This is a novel kind of target-shooting, but its usefulness will be realized when the angler finds
+it necessary to drop his flies so lightly just over the head of some particularly wary trout, that the fish, although
+too shy or lazy to move a yard, will be persuaded that some tempting natural flies have foolishly settled on the water
+just within reach of his jaws. By practice of this kind, which is an excellent form of light exercise in itself, any boy
+or girl can learn a very fascinating art. It is not necessary to make very long casts. At fly-casting tournaments in
+Central Park, casts have been made of about ninety feet, but in actual fishing a third of that distance is usually
+sufficient. Never cast more line than you can conveniently and safely handle.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 503px;">
+<img src="images/illus674.jpg" width="503" height="600" alt="Capturing Two Fish At Once,&mdash;Or 'Landing A Double'." title="" />
+<span class="caption">CAPTURING TWO FISH AT ONCE,&mdash;OR "LANDING A DOUBLE."</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>And now that we are ready to go a-fishing, the question arises, "Where shall we go?" The cold, bitter weather common
+in early April is not favorable to fishermen or fish. When May sunshine brings the leaves out on the trees, and fields
+are
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_659" id="Page_659">[Pg 659]</a></span>
+
+green and skies are blue, then Long Island may well tempt any New York boy who has a holiday to spend in fly-fishing.
+Years ago, any Long Island water could be fished without question, but now nearly all the Long Island brooks and ponds
+are "preserved,"&mdash;that is, kept for personal use by clubs or private owners. A boy who has a friend or relative
+among the owners of these preserves, or can hire a fishing privilege, can enjoy trout-fishing within a journey of two or
+three hours from his New York home. Within a few hours' ride, also, are trout streams in the southern counties of New
+York State and in Pennsylvania, although the former are so often visited that the fish have not time to grow large. The
+New England boy finds trout brooks in western Connecticut, in northern Massachusetts, and in the Cape Cod region, in
+northern New Hampshire and Vermont, and especially in Maine. Once, almost every stream and lake in New England contained
+trout. But forests were cut down, and some of the streams dwindled until they went dry in summer. Saw-mills were built,
+the streams were dammed up so as to be impassable for trout, and the trout eggs were buried under sawdust. Manufactories
+have poisoned the water of some rivers and others have been literally "fished dry." The
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_660" id="Page_660">[Pg 660]</a></span>
+
+trout of any brook near a large New England town have a very poor chance of long life. All this is discouraging enough,
+but yet there are trout to be caught, as every New England boy knows.</p>
+
+<p>The most famous fishing-places in the East are the Rangeley Lakes in Maine and the Adirondacks in New York. About the
+third week of May the ice goes out of the great chain of lakes forming the head-waters of the Androscoggin River in
+Maine. Then the red-shirted river-drivers come down with "drives" of logs, which dash through the sluiceways of immense
+dams between the different lakes. And while the brown pine trunks are still shooting through the dams, fishermen begin
+to gather from all parts of the country, for in the clear cold water of these lakes the trout, feeding upon myriads of
+minnows, grow to be the giants of their race. I can wish no better piscatorial fortune for the children of <span
+class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span> than a visit to Maine with father or brother, and the capture of one of these large
+trout. I must confess, however, that the large trout are not to be depended upon; but there are small fish always to be
+caught in the little lakes and brooks of the region, and there are pleasant forest camps with cheerful fires blazing in
+great stone fireplaces. The host of one of these camps was for a long time a hunter and guide, and every winter he
+lectures before Boston schoolboys, dressed in his hunter's garb, and tells them about trapping and the adventures of
+life in the woods.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus675.jpg" width="400" height="399" alt="Interior of a Fishing-Camp." title="" />
+<span class="caption">INTERIOR OF A FISHING-CAMP.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>If one can continue further into the North-east, better fishing can be found in New Brunswick and Quebec than in
+Maine, although the trout of the Provinces are sea trout, a distinction which does not seem to me important. The trout
+of the Adirondacks are much smaller than those of Maine or New Brunswick, and now that the Adirondack country is overrun
+with visitors, one must go back some distance into the woods to find good sport. South of Pennsylvania, there is
+trout-fishing in the mountain streams of West Virginia and North Carolina. To the west, northern Michigan tempts the
+angler, and still further north are the large trout of the Nepigon river which flows into Lake Superior. The States
+along the Mississippi Valley are sadly deficient in trout, but a great deal can be done with black bass, as Mr. Maurice
+Thompson has told you. Trout abound all along the Rocky Mountains. There are the lusty five-pounders of the Snake River
+in Idaho, the rainbow trout of California, found also, I think, in Colorado, and the dusky fish of New Mexico and
+Arizona. I do not expect that many of <span class="smcap">St. Nicholas's</span> readers will visit these remote
+fishing-places, but between the three corners of the continent in which I have caught trout&mdash;Quebec, Washington
+Territory, and Arizona&mdash;there are so many chances for trout-fishing, that very few need fail to enjoy this most
+delightful of outdoor sports.</p>
+
+<p>The best month for fly-fishing is June, and the best weather a light southerly or southwesterly breeze and a slightly
+overcast sky. Morning or evening is the best time. The worst is the middle of an intensely hot, bright, still day. It is
+usually thought that a change in the weather makes trout more active. Very high or very low water is undesirable. Yet
+when all the conditions seem perfect, one may cast over a whole school of trout without inducing them to stir a fin; and
+on the other hand, when the weather is most unfavorable and when the fish are gorged with food, they will, sometimes,
+fairly hustle one another in their eagerness to get the flies. On one hot July noon, the air and water around my boat
+were alive with trout for half an hour, when they stopped rising as suddenly as they had begun, without any apparent
+reason in one
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_661" id="Page_661">[Pg 661]</a></span>
+
+case or the other. Within two forenoon hours, I once caught twenty-five pounds of trout at the mouth of a brook emptying
+into one of the Rangeley lakes. Early next morning, I was rowed to the same spot and found only one solitary trout. On
+another occasion, I landed a five-pound and a three-pound trout from a pool in a Canadian river, without unduly
+disturbing the water; but although the pool contained several other fish, including one estimated to weigh over five
+pounds, not another trout could be induced to look at any fly in my book. Trout are very fickle and changeable, and the
+ingenuity sometimes required to coax them to rise adds as much zest to the sport as the suspense and excitement of
+hooking and landing them.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus676.jpg" width="600" height="313" alt="A Mountain Lake." title="" />
+<span class="caption">A MOUNTAIN LAKE.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>But when the trout does rise, what do you suppose he thinks? Does he really believe that the curious creature with a
+barbed tail hovering over his head is a natural fly? I doubt it. The flies ordinarily used would drive an entomologist
+to distraction. The great scarlet and white and yellow flies which have caused so many Rangeley lake trout to come to
+grief are, I fancy, unlike any living insect in that region, or anywhere else. The trout sees something moving on the
+water, and as experience has taught him that such fluttering objects are usually good to eat, his weakness for live food
+tempts him to pounce upon it without stopping to reason out the matter. But when he finds that this deceitful fly is
+entirely tasteless, he will drop it at once, unless the fisherman is prompt in "striking." This means a quick upward
+movement of the tip of the rod, a motion imparted, of course, at the butt, but communicated along rod and line. The
+movement "strikes" the hook into the fish. One can not be too quick in striking, but if too much force be used, the rod
+may be snapped at the second joint. Yet that is not the way in which rods are most frequently broken. If you have drawn
+in your flies so closely that you can not readily recover them, and your rod is pointing nearly straight upward, even a
+gentle attempt to strike a small fish is likely to break a rod. Once, I was fishing with a heavy rod from a raft which
+was drifting across a Canadian lake. The wind was so strong that I was obliged to cast with it, and then the raft
+rapidly drifted down upon my flies. A trout weighing not a quarter of a pound rose when my rod was nearly perpendicular,
+and the flies were close before me; instinctively I struck. The reward of my carelessness was that the rod, which would
+have landed a ten-pound fish, was cleanly broken into two pieces. Never draw the flies so near you that you have not
+safe and complete control of your rod, either for the back cast or for a strike.</p>
+
+<div class="imgleft" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus677.jpg" width="400" height="321" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The importance of the high back cast of which I have spoken, will be especially appreciated by <span
+class="smcap">St. Nicholas's</span> boys and girls, for most of their trout-fishing will probably be done upon brooks
+where a low back cast would involve entanglement in grass or bushes. In brook-fishing it is usually necessary to use a
+comparatively short line, and one must learn to make under-hand casts,&mdash;that is, with the rod down to a horizontal
+level on either side, instead of being upright, something easily
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_662" id="Page_662">[Pg 662]</a></span>
+
+learned after one can cast properly over-hand. Of course my readers will see that they must keep themselves and their
+shadows out of the sight of the timid trout. When a fish is hooked, let him run out the reel if he is large enough,
+unless he makes for stumps or brush where the line may get entangled. Then as much of a strain must be brought to bear
+upon him as the tackle will withstand; and always reel in line when it is possible. The line should never be slack. If
+the trout will not rise at first, change your flies and try the old rule of looking closely at the insects which hover
+over the water and selecting a fly from your book that imitates those insects as nearly as possible. The best general
+rule is to use small dark flies in bright, clear water, and larger bright flies in dark or turbid water. I need hardly
+say that fish are not to be lifted out of the water with a fly-rod. Let the trout run and struggle until the strain of
+the rod tires him out so that he can be easily drawn within reach and lifted out with the landing-net.</p>
+
+<p>So you see that in fly-fishing for trout you learn a very fascinating art, which can be practiced among the most
+delightful of outdoor surroundings in the pleasantest months of the year. You will learn much more than books can tell
+you about the habits and curious ways of a fish which the most experienced anglers have considered for hundreds of years
+as, next to the salmon, their most worthy game. You will learn patience, perseverance, and all manner of practical
+lessons on trout streams, including the tying of knots and the repairing of rods. And the sunshine, the fragrance of
+flowery meadows, and the cool breath of the woods will give you a health which can not be found indoors. But let me urge
+upon you to remember that the true sportsman is always generous in his treatment of the noble fish which he pursues. He
+will never catch trout out of season. He will never kill more trout than can be made use of, nor will he ever kill them
+by unfair means. And he will never catch tiny troutlings, too small to afford sport, lest he should exhaust the streams,
+but he will carefully restore to the water any trout which are not at least six inches long. <span class="smcap">St.
+Nicholas's</span> fly-fishers who meet the gallant trout on fair and even terms will surely give the beautiful fish
+honorable treatment.</p>
+
+<p>And when you go a-fishing, bearing these words in mind, may you be rewarded by baskets well filled with trout of
+noble size.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A" id="Footnote_A"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A">
+<span class="label">[A]</span></a> "Fly Rods and Fly Tackle," by Mr. H. P. Wells, explains methods of making and repairing rods and other tackle, and gives much valuable instruction in fly-fishing.</p></div>
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>DAISY-SONG.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Grace Denio Lttchfield.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">I am only a plain little daisy-flower,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Sprung up at hap-hazard 'neath sunshine and shower,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">To live out as I may my life's poor little hour,</span>
+			<span class="ind4">Yet who is so happy as I?</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Oh, the days they burn hot, and the nights they blow cold,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And the shadows and rains,&mdash;true they fall, manifold;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">But my dress is all white, and my heart is pure gold,</span>
+        	<span class="ind4">And who is so happy as I?</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">There 's many a gladsomer meadow than mine,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Where greener trees shelter and softer suns shine</span>
+		<span class="ind1">For others than me; but how can I repine,</span>
+            <span class="ind4">For who is so happy as I?</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">There 's a brook I can't see by that far-away beech,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And a bird that wont whistle, for all I beseech,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And stars are up yonder, quite out of my reach,</span>
+            <span class="ind4">But who is so happy as I?</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">I just look up at Fate with my brave little face,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">I stir from my post in no possible case,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And I keep my dress clean, my gold heart in its place,</span>
+            <span class="ind4">And who is so happy as I?</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_663" id="Page_663">[Pg 663]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2>GEORGE WASHINGTON.</h2>
+<h4>[<em>An Historical Biography.</em>]</h4>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Horace E. Scudder.</span></h3>
+<h4>CHAPTER XVII.</h4>
+<h5>AT VALLEY FORGE.</h5>
+
+<p>The winter of 1777 passed with little fighting; and when the spring opened, Washington used his army so adroitly as
+to prevent the British from moving on Philadelphia, and finally crowded them out of New Jersey altogether. That summer,
+however, was an anxious one, for there was great uncertainty as to the plans of the enemy; and when at last a formidable
+British army appeared in the Chesapeake, whither it had been transported by sea, Washington hurried his forces to meet
+it, and fought the battle of Brandywine, in which he met with a severe loss. He retrieved his fortune in part by a
+brilliant attack on the enemy at Germantown, and then retired to Valley Forge, in Pennsylvania, where he went into
+winter quarters; while the British army was comfortably established in Philadelphia.</p>
+
+<p>The defeat of Burgoyne by Gates, at Saratoga, in the summer and Washington's splendid attack at Germantown had made a
+profound impression in Europe, and are counted as having turned the scale in favor of an alliance with the United States
+on the part of France. But when the winter shut down on the American army, no such good cheer encouraged it. That winter
+of 1778 was the most terrible ordeal which the army endured, and one has but to read of the sufferings of the soldiers
+to learn at how great a cost independence was bought. It is worth while to tell again the familiar story, because the
+leader of the army himself shared the want and privation of the men. To read of Valley Forge is to read of
+Washington.</p>
+
+<p>The place was chosen for winter quarters because of its position. It was equally distant with Philadelphia from the
+Brandywine and from the ferry across the Delaware into New Jersey. It was too far from Philadelphia to be in peril from
+attack, and yet it was so near that the American army could, if opportunity offered, descend quickly on the city. Then
+it was so protected by hills and streams that the addition of a few lines of fortification made it very secure.</p>
+
+<p>But there was no town at Valley Forge, and it became necessary to provide some shelter for the soldiers other than
+the canvas tents which served in the field in summer. It was the middle of December when the army began preparations for
+the winter, and Washington gave directions for the building of the little village. The men were divided into parties of
+twelve, each party to build a hut to accommodate that number; and in order to stimulate the men, Washington promised a
+reward of twelve dollars to the party in each regiment which finished its hut first and most satisfactorily. And as
+there was some difficulty in getting boards, he offered a hundred dollars to any officer or soldier who should invent
+some substitute which would be as cheap as boards and as quickly provided.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus680.jpg" width="600" height="345" alt="Building The Huts At Valley Forge." title="" />
+<span class="caption">BUILDING THE HUTS AT VALLEY FORGE.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Each hut was to be fourteen feet by sixteen, the sides, ends, and roof to be made of logs, and the sides made tight
+with clay. There was to be a fireplace in the rear of each hut, built of wood, but lined with clay eighteen inches
+thick. The walls were to be six and a half feet high. Huts
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_664" id="Page_664">[Pg 664]</a></span>
+
+were also to be provided for the officers, and to be placed in the rear of those occupied by the troops. All these were
+to be regularly arranged in streets. A visitor to the camp when the huts were being built, wrote of the army; "They
+appear to me like a family of beavers, every one busy; some carrying logs, others mud, and the rest plastering them
+together." It was bitterly cold, and for a month the men were at work, making ready for the winter.</p>
+
+<p>But in what sort of condition were the men themselves when they began this work? Here is a picture of one of those
+men on his way to Valley Forge: "His bare feet peep through his worn-out shoes, his legs nearly naked from the tattered
+remains of an only pair of stockings, his breeches not enough to cover his nakedness, his shirt hanging in strings, his
+hair disheveled, his face wan and thin, his look hungry, his whole appearance that of a man forsaken and neglected." And
+the snow was falling! This was one of the privates. The officers were scarcely better off. One was wrapped "in a sort of
+dressing-gown made of an old blanket or woolen bed-cover." The uniforms were torn and ragged; the guns were rusty; a few
+only had bayonets; the soldiers carried their powder in tin boxes and cow-horns.</p>
+
+<p>To explain why this army was so poor and forlorn, would be to tell a long story. It may be summed up briefly in these
+words&mdash;the army was not taken care of because there was no country to take care of it. There were thirteen States,
+and each of these States sent troops into the field, but all the States were jealous of one another. There was a
+Congress, which undertook to direct the war, but all the members of Congress, coming from the several States, were
+jealous of one another. They were agreed on only one thing&mdash;that it was not prudent to give the army too much
+power. It is true that they had once given Washington large authority, but they had given it only for a short period.
+They were very much afraid that somehow the army would rule the country, and yet they were trying to free the country
+from the rule of England. But when they talked about freeing the country, each man thought only of his own State. The
+first fervor with which they had talked about a common country had died away; there were some very selfish men in
+Congress, who could not be patriotic enough to think of the whole country.</p>
+
+<p>The truth is, it takes a long time for the people of a country to come to feel that they have a country. Up to the
+time of the war for independence, the people in America did not care much for one another or for America. They had
+really been preparing to be a nation, but they did not know it. They were angry with Great Britain, and they knew they
+had been wronged. They were therefore ready to fight; but it does not require so much courage to fight as to endure
+suffering and to be patient.</p>
+
+<p>So it was that the people of America who were most conscious that they were Americans were the men who were in the
+army, and their wives and mothers and sisters at home. All these were making sacrifices for their country and so
+learning to love it. The men in the army came from different States, and there was a great deal of State feeling among
+them; but, after all, they belonged to one army, the continental army, and they had much more in common than they had
+separately. Especially they had a great leader who made no distinction between Virginians and New England men.
+Washington felt keenly all the lack of confidence which Congress showed. He saw that the spirit in Congress was one
+which kept the people divided, while the spirit at Valley Forge kept the people united, and he wrote reproachfully to
+Congress:</p>
+
+<p class="blockquot">"If we would pursue a right system of policy, in my opinion, ... we should all, Congress and
+army, be considered as one people, embarked in one cause, in one interest; acting on the same principle, and to the same
+end. The distinction, the jealousies set up, or perhaps only incautiously let out, can answer not a single good
+purpose.... No order of men in the thirteen States has paid a more sacred regard to the proceedings of Congress than the
+army; for without arrogance or the smallest deviation from truth it may be said, that no history now extant can furnish
+an instance of an army's suffering such uncommon hardships as ours has done, and bearing them with the same patience and
+fortitude. To see men, without clothes to cover them, without blankets to lie on, without shoes (for the want of which
+their marches might be traced by the blood from their feet), and almost as often without provisions as with them,
+marching through the frost and snow, and at Christmas taking up their winter quarters within a day's march of the enemy,
+without a house or hut to cover them, till they could be built, and submitting without a murmur, is a proof of patience
+and obedience, which, in my opinion, can scarce be paralleled."</p>
+
+<p>The horses died of starvation, and the men harnessed themselves to trucks and sleds, hauling wood and provisions from
+storehouse to hut. At one time there was not a ration in camp. Washington seized the peril with a strong hand and
+compelled the people in the country about, who had been selling to the British army at Philadelphia, to give up their
+stores to the patriots at Valley Forge.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the wives of the officers came to the camp, and these brave women gave of their cheer to its dreary life.
+Mrs. Washington was there with her husband. "The General's apartment is very small," she wrote to a friend; "he has had
+a log cabin built to dine in, which has made our quarters much more tolerable than they were at first."</p>
+
+<p>The officers and their wives came together and
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_665" id="Page_665">[Pg 665]</a></span>
+
+told stories, perhaps over a plate of hickory nuts, which, we are informed, furnished General Washington's dessert. The
+General was cheerful in the little society; but his one thought was how to keep the brave company of men alive and
+prepare them for what lay before them. The house where he had his quarters was a farmhouse belonging to a quaker, Mr.
+Potts, who has said that one day when strolling up the creek, away from the camp, he heard a deep, quiet voice a little
+way off. He went nearer, and saw Washington's horse tied to a sapling. Hard by, in the thicket, was Washington on his
+knees, praying earnestly.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus683.jpg" width="600" height="467" alt="At Valley Forge." title="" />
+<span class="caption">AT VALLEY FORGE.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>At the end of February, light began to break. The terrible winter was passing away, though the army was still in
+wretched state. But there came to camp, a volunteer, Baron Steuben, who had been trained in the best armies of Europe.
+In him Washington had, what he greatly needed, an excellent drill-master. He made him Inspector of the army, and soon,
+as if by magic, the men changed from slouching, careless fellows into erect, orderly soldiers. The Baron began with a
+picked company of one hundred and twenty men, whom he drilled thoroughly; these became the models for others, and so the
+whole camp was turned into a military school.</p>
+
+<p>The prospect grew brighter and brighter, until on the 4th of May, late at night, a messenger rode into camp with
+dispatches from Congress. Washington opened them, and his heart must have leaped for joy as he read that an alliance had
+been formed between France and the United States. Two days later, the army celebrated the event. The chaplains of the
+several regiments read the intelligence and then offered up thanksgiving to God. Guns were fired, and there was a public
+dinner in honor of Washington and his generals. There had been shouts for the King of France and for the American
+States; but when Washington took his leave, "there was," says an officer who was present, universal applause, "with loud
+huzzas, which continued till he had proceeded a quarter of a mile, during which time there were a thousand hats tossed
+in the air. His excellency turned round with his retinue, and huzzaed several times."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_666" id="Page_666">[Pg 666]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width:25%" />
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XVIII.</h4>
+<h5>THE CONWAY CABAL.</h5>
+
+<p>There is no man so high but some will always be found who wish to pull him down. Washington was no exception to this
+rule. His men worshiped him; the people had confidence in him; the officers nearest to him, and especially those who
+formed a part of his military family, were warmly attached to him; but in Congress there were men who violently opposed
+him, and there were certain generals who not only envied him but were ready to seize any opportunity which might offer
+to belittle him and to place one of their own number in his place. The chief men who were engaged in this business were
+Generals Conway, Mifflin, and Gates, and from the prominent position taken in the affair by the first-named officer, the
+intrigue against Washington goes by the name of the Conway Cabal. A "cabal" is a secret combination against a person
+with the object of his hurt or injury.</p>
+
+<p>It is not easy to say just how or when this cabal first showed itself. Conway was a young brigadier-general, very
+conceited and impudent. Mifflin had been Quartermaster-general, but had resigned. He had been early in the service and
+was in Cambridge with Washington, but had long been secretly hostile to him. Gates, who had been Washington's companion
+in Virginia, was an ambitious man who never lost an opportunity of looking after his own interest, and had been
+especially fortunate in being appointed to the command of the northern army just as it achieved the famous victory over
+Burgoyne.</p>
+
+<p>The defeat at Brandywine, the failure to make Germantown a great success, and the occupation of Philadelphia by the
+British troops, while the American army was suffering at Valley Forge&mdash;all this seemed to many a sorry story
+compared with the brilliant victory at Saratoga. There had always been those who thought Washington slow and cautious.
+John Adams was one of these, and he expressed himself as heartily glad "that the glory of turning the tide of arms was
+not immediately due to the commander-in-chief." Others shook their heads and said that the people of America had been
+guilty of idolatry by making a man their god; and that, besides, the army would become dangerous to the liberties of the
+people if it were allowed to be so influenced by one man.</p>
+
+<p>Conway was the foremost of these critics. "No man was more a gentleman than General Washington, or appeared to more
+advantage at his table, or in the usual intercourse of life," he would say; then he would give his shoulders a shrug,
+and look around and add, "but as to his talents for the command of an army, they were miserable indeed."</p>
+
+<p>"Gates was the general!" Conway said. "There was a man who could fight, and win victories!"</p>
+
+<p>Gates himself was in a mood to believe it. He had been so intoxicated by his success against Burgoyne that he thought
+himself the man of the day, and quite forgot to send a report of the action to his commander-in-chief. Washington
+rebuked him in a letter which was severe in its quiet tone. He congratulated Gates on his great success, and added, "At
+the same time, I can not but regret that a matter of such magnitude, and so interesting to our general operations,
+should have reached me by report only; or through the channel of letters not bearing that authenticity which the
+importance of it required, and which it would have received by a line over your signature stating the simple fact."</p>
+
+<p>Gates may have winced under the rebuke, but he was then listening to Conway's flattery, and that was more agreeable
+to him. Conway, on his part, found Gates a convenient man to set up as a rival to Washington. He himself did not aspire
+to be commander-in-chief, though he would have had no doubt as to his capacity. Washington knew him well. "His merit as
+an officer," wrote the Commander-in-chief, "and his importance in this army exist more in his own imagination than in
+reality. For it is a maxim with him to leave no service of his own untold, nor to want anything which is to be obtained
+by importunity." Conway thought Gates was the rising man, and he meant to rise with him. He filled his ear with things
+which he thought would please him, and among other letters wrote him one in which these words occurred: "Heaven has
+determined to save your country, or a weak general and bad counselors would have ruined it."</p>
+
+<p>Now Gates was foolish enough to show this letter to Wilkinson, one of his aids, and Wilkinson repeated it to an aid
+of Lord Stirling, one of Washington's generals, and Lord Stirling at once sat down and wrote it off to Washington.
+Thereupon Washington, who knew Conway too well to waste any words upon him, sat down and wrote him this letter:</p>
+
+<p class="blockquot">"<span class="smcap">Sir,</span>&mdash;A letter which I received last night contained the following
+paragraph:</p>
+
+<p class="blockquot">"'In a letter from General Conway to General Gates he says: Heaven has determined to save your
+country, or a weak general and bad counselors would have ruined it.'</p>
+
+<p class="blockquot">"I am, Sir, your humble servant,</p>
+
+<p class="blockquot">"<span class="smcap">George Washington</span>."</p>
+
+<p>That was all, but it was quite enough to throw Conway and Gates and Mifflin into a panic. How did Washington get hold
+of the sentence? Had
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_667" id="Page_667">[Pg 667]</a></span>
+
+he seen any other letters? How much did he know? In point of fact, that was all that Washington had seen. He had a
+contempt for Conway. He knew of Mifflin's hostility and that Gates was now cool to him; but he did not suspect Gates of
+any intrigue, and he supposed for a while that Wilkinson's message had been intended only to warn him of Conway's evil
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>Gates was greatly perplexed to know what to do, but he finally wrote to Washington as if there were some wretch who
+had been stealing letters and might be discovering the secrets of the American leaders. He begged Washington to help him
+find the rascal. Washington replied, giving him the exact manner in which the letter came into his hands, and then
+closed with a few sentences that showed Gates clearly that he had lost the confidence of his commander-in-chief.</p>
+
+<p>That particular occasion passed, but presently the cabal showed its head again, this time working through Congress.
+It secured the appointment of a Board of War, with Gates at the head, and a majority of the members from men who were
+hostile to Washington. Now, they thought, Washington will resign, and to help matters on they spread the report that
+Washington was about to resign. The general checkmated them at once by a letter to a friend, in which he wrote:</p>
+
+<p class="blockquot">"To report a design of this kind is among the arts which those who are endeavoring to effect a
+change, are practicing to bring it to pass.... While the public are satisfied with my endeavors, I mean not to shrink
+from the cause. But the moment her voice, <em>not that of faction</em>, calls upon me to resign, I shall do it with as
+much pleasure as ever the wearied traveler retired to rest."</p>
+
+<p>The cabal was not yet defeated. It had failed by roundabout methods. It looked about in Congress and counted the
+disaffected to see if it would be possible to get a majority vote in favor of a motion to arrest the commander-in-chief.
+So at least the story runs which, from its nature, would not be found in any record, but was whispered from one man to
+another. The day came when the motion was to be tried; the conspiracy leaked out, and Washington's friends bestirred
+themselves. They needed one more vote. They sent post-haste for one of their number, Gouverneur Morris, who was absent
+in camp; but they feared they could not get him in time. In their extremity, they went to William Duer, a member from
+New York, who was dangerously ill. Duer sent for his doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor," he asked, "can I be carried to Congress?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but at the risk of your life," replied the physician.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that I should expire before reaching the place?" earnestly inquired the patient.</p>
+
+<p>"No," came the answer; "but I would not answer for your leaving it alive."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, sir. You have done your duty and I will do mine!" exclaimed Duer. "Prepare a litter for me; if you will
+not, somebody else will, but I prefer your aid."</p>
+
+<p>The demand was in earnest, and Duer had already started when it was announced that Morris had returned and that he
+would not be needed. Morris had come direct from the camp with the latest news of what was going on there. His vote
+would make it impossible for the enemies of Washington to carry their point; their opportunity was lost, and they never
+recovered it.</p>
+
+<p>It was not the end of the cabal, however. They still cherished their hostility to Washington, and they sought to
+injure him where he would feel the wound most keenly. They tried to win from him the young Marquis de La Fayette, who
+had come from France to join the American army, and whom Washington had taken to his heart. La Fayette was ambitious and
+enthusiastic. Conway, who had been in France, did his best to attach himself to the young Frenchman, but he betrayed his
+hatred of Washington, and that was enough to estrange La Fayette. Then a winter campaign in Canada was planned, and the
+cabal intrigued to have La Fayette appointed to command it. It was argued that as a Frenchman he would have an influence
+over the French Canadians. But the plotters hoped that, away from Washington, the young marquis could be more easily
+worked upon, and it was intended that Conway should be his second in command.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, in contriving this plan, Washington was not consulted; but the moment La Fayette was approached, he
+appealed to Washington for advice. Washington saw through the device, but he at once said, "I would rather it should be
+you than another." La Fayette insisted on Kalb being second in command instead of Conway, whom he disliked and
+distrusted. Congress was in session at York, and thither La Fayette went to receive his orders. Gates, who spent much of
+his time in the neighborhood of Congress, seeking to influence the members, was there, and La Fayette was at once
+invited to join him and his friends at dinner. The talk ran freely, and great things were promised of the Canada
+expedition, but not a word was said about Washington. La Fayette listened and noticed. He thought of the contrast
+between the meager fare and the sacrifices at Valley Forge, and this feast at which he was a guest. He watched his
+opportunity, and near the end of the dinner, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I have a toast to propose. There is one health, gentlemen, which we have not yet drunk. I have the honor to propose
+it to you: The Commander-in-chief of the armies of the United States!"</p>
+
+<p>It was a challenge which no one dared openly
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_668" id="Page_668">[Pg 668]</a></span>
+
+to take up, but there was an end to the good spirits of the company. La Fayette had shown his colors, and he was let
+alone after that. Indeed, the Canada expedition never was undertaken, for the men who were urging it were not in earnest
+about anything but diminishing the honor of Washington. It is the nature of cabals and intrigues that they flourish in
+the dark. They can not bear the light. As soon as these hostile intentions began to reach the ears of the public, great
+was the indignation aroused, and one after another of the conspirators made haste to disown any evil purpose. Gates and
+Mifflin each publicly avowed their entire confidence in Washington, and Conway, who had fought a duel and supposed
+himself to be dying, made a humble apology. The cabal melted away, leaving Washington more secure than ever in the
+confidence of men&mdash;all the more secure that he did not lower himself by attempting the same arts against his
+traducers. When Conway was uttering his libels behind his back, Washington was openly declaring his judgment of Conway;
+and throughout the whole affair, Washington kept his hands clean, and went his way with a manly disregard of his
+enemies.</p>
+
+<hr style="width:25%" />
+<h4>CHAPTER XIX.</h4>
+<h5>MONMOUTH.</h5>
+
+<p>The news of the French alliance, and consequent war between France and England, compelled the English to leave
+Philadelphia. They had taken their ease there during the winter, while hardships and Steuben's drilling and Washington's
+unflagging zeal had made the American army at Valley Forge strong and determined. A French fleet might at any time sail
+up the Delaware, and with the American army in the rear, Philadelphia would be a hard place to hold. So General Howe
+turned his command over to General Clinton, and went home to England, and General Clinton set about marching his army
+across New Jersey to New York.</p>
+
+<p>The moment the troops left Philadelphia, armed men sprang up all over New Jersey to contest their passage, and
+Washington set his army in motion, following close upon the heels of the enemy, who were making for Staten Island. There
+was a question whether they should attack the British and bring on a general engagement, or only follow them and vex
+them. The generals on whom Washington most relied, Greene, La Fayette, and Wayne, all good fighters, urged that it would
+be a shame to let the enemy leave New Jersey without a severe punishment. The majority of generals in the council,
+however, strongly opposed the plan of giving battle. They said that the French alliance would undoubtedly put an end to
+the war at once. Why, then, risk life and success? The British army, moreover, was strong and well equipped.</p>
+
+<p>The most strenuous opponent of the fighting plan was General Charles Lee. When he was left in command of a body of
+troops at the time of Washington's crossing the Hudson river more than a year before, his orders were to hold himself in
+readiness to join Washington at any time. In his march across New Jersey, Washington had repeatedly sent for Lee, but
+Lee had delayed in an unaccountable manner, and finally was himself surprised by a company of dragoons, and taken
+captive. For a year he had been held a prisoner, and only lately had been released on exchange. He had returned to the
+army while the cabal against Washington was going on, and had taken part in it, for he always felt that he ought to be
+first and Washington second. He was second in command now, and his opinion had great weight. He was a trained soldier,
+and besides, in his long captivity he had become well acquainted with General Clinton, and he professed to know well the
+condition and temper of the British officers.</p>
+
+<p>Washington thus found himself unsupported by a majority of his officers. But he had no doubt in his own mind that the
+policy of attack was a sound one. All had agreed that it was well to harass the enemy; he therefore ordered La Fayette
+with a large division to fall upon the enemy at an exposed point. He thought it not unlikely that this would bring on a
+general action, and he disposed his forces so as to be ready for such an emergency. He gave the command to La Fayette,
+because Lee had disapproved the plan; but after La Fayette had set out, Lee came to Washington and declared that La
+Fayette's division was so large as to make it almost an independent army, and that therefore he would like to change his
+mind and take command. It never would do to have his junior in such authority.</p>
+
+<p>Here was a dilemma. Washington could not recall La Fayette. He wished to make use of Lee; so he gave Lee two
+additional brigades, sent him forward to join La Fayette, when, as his senior, he would of course command the entire
+force; and at the same time he notified La Fayette of what he had done, trusting to his sincere devotion to the cause in
+such an emergency.</p>
+
+<p>When Clinton found that a large force was close upon him, he took up his position at Monmouth Court House, now
+Freehold, New Jersey and prepared to meet the Americans. Washington knew Clinton's movements and sent word to Lee at
+once to attack the British, unless there should be very
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_669" id="Page_669">[Pg 669]</a></span>
+
+powerful reasons to the contrary; adding that he himself was bringing up the rest of the army. Lee had joined La Fayette
+and was now in command of the advance. La Fayette was eager to move upon the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>"You do not know British soldiers," said Lee; "we can not stand against them. We shall certainly be driven back at
+first, and we must be cautious."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps so," said La Fayette. "But we have beaten British soldiers, and we can do it again."</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus690.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="Washington Rebuking Lee, at Monmouth." title="" />
+<span class="caption">WASHINGTON REBUKING LEE, AT MONMOUTH.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Soon after, one of Washington's aids appeared for intelligence, and La Fayette, in despair at Lee's inaction, sent
+the messenger to urge Washington to come at once to the front; that he was needed. Washington was already on the way,
+before the messenger reached him, when he was met by a little fifer boy, who cried out:</p>
+
+<p>"They are all coming this way, your honor."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are coming, my little man?" asked General Knox, who was riding by Washington.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, our boys, your honor, our boys, and the British right after them."</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible!" exclaimed Washington, and he galloped to a hill just ahead. To his amazement and dismay, he saw his men
+retreating. He lost not an instant, but, putting spurs to his horse, dashed forward. After him flew the officers who had
+been riding by his side, but they could not overtake him. His horse, covered with foam, shot down the road over a bridge
+and up the hill beyond. The retreating column saw him come. The men knew him; they stopped; they made way for the
+splendid-looking man, as he, their leader, rode headlong into the midst of them. Lee was there, ordering the retreat,
+and Washington drew his rein as he came upon him. A moment of terrible silence&mdash;then Washington burst out, his eyes
+flashing:</p>
+
+<p>"What, sir, is the meaning of this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, sir," stammered Lee.</p>
+
+<p>"I desire to know, sir, the meaning of this disorder and confusion?"</p>
+
+<p>Lee, enraged now by Washington's towering passion, made an angry reply. He declared that the whole affair was against
+his opinion.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a poltroon!" flashed back Washington, with an oath. "Whatever your opinion may have been, I expected my
+orders to be obeyed."</p>
+
+<p>"These men can not face the British grenadiers," answered Lee.</p>
+
+<p>"They can do it, and they shall!" exclaimed Washington, galloping off to survey the ground. Presently he came back;
+his wrath had gone down
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_670" id="Page_670">[Pg 670]</a></span>
+
+in the presence of the peril to the army. He would waste no strength in cursing Lee.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you retain the command here, or shall I?" he asked. "If you will, I will return to the main body and have it
+formed on the next height."</p>
+
+<p>"It is equal to me where I command," said Lee, sullenly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then remain here," said Washington. "I expect you to take proper means for checking the enemy."</p>
+
+<p>"Your orders shall be obeyed, and I shall not be the first to leave the ground," replied Lee, with spirit.</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the day the battle raged, and when night came the enemy had been obliged to fall back, and Washington
+determined to follow up his success in the morning. He directed all the troops to lie on their arms where they were. He
+himself lay stretched on the ground beneath a tree, his cloak wrapped about him. About midnight, an officer came near
+with a message, but hesitated, reluctant to waken him.</p>
+
+<p>"Advance, sir, and deliver your message," Washington called out; "I lie here to think, and not to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>In the morning, Washington prepared to renew the attack, but the British had slipped away under cover of the
+darkness, not willing to venture another battle.</p>
+
+<p>Pursuit, except by some cavalry, was unavailing. The men were exhausted. The sun beat down fiercely, and the hot sand
+made walking difficult. Moreover, the British fleet lay off Sandy Hook, and an advance in that direction would lead the
+army nearer to the enemy's re-enforcements. Accordingly Washington marched his army to Brunswick and thence to the
+Hudson river, crossed it, and encamped again near White Plains.</p>
+
+<p>After the battle of Monmouth, Lee wrote an angry letter to Washington and received a cool one in reply. Lee demanded
+a court-martial, and Washington at once ordered it. Three charges were made, and Lee was convicted of disobedience of
+orders in not attacking the enemy on the 28th of June, agreeably to repeated instructions; misbehavior before the enemy
+on the same day, by making an unnecessary and disorderly retreat; and disrespect to the Commander-in-chief. He was
+suspended from the army for a year, and he never returned to it. Long after his death, facts were brought to light which
+make it seem more than probable that General Lee was so eaten up by vanity, by jealousy of Washington, and by a love of
+his profession above a love of his country, that he was a traitor at heart, and that instead of being ready to sacrifice
+himself for his country, he was ready to sacrifice the country to his own willful ambition and pride.</p>
+
+<p>But his disgrace was the end of all opposition to Washington. From that time there was no question as to who was at
+the head of the army and the people.</p>
+
+<p class="center">(<em>To be continued.</em>)</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus691.jpg" width="600" height="284" alt="Fresh from a Dip in the Breakers." title="" />
+<span class="caption">FRESH FROM A DIP IN THE BREAKERS.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_671" id="Page_671">[Pg 671]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>A SONG OF SUMMER.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Emma C. Dowd.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">The flowers are fringing the swift meadow brooks,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The songsters are nesting in shadowy nooks;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The birds and the blossoms are thronging to meet us,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">With loveliness, perfume, and music they greet us,&mdash;</span>
+			<span class="ind2">For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">The bobolink tilts on the tall, nodding clover,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And sings his gay song to us over and over;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The wild roses beckon, with deepening blushes,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And sweet, from the wood, sounds the warble of thrushes,&mdash;</span>
+			<span class="ind2">For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">The white lilies sway with the breeze of the morning,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">In raiment more fair than a monarch's adorning;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The bright-throated humming-bird, marvel of fleetness,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Comes questing for honey-blooms, draining their sweetness,&mdash;</span>
+			<span class="ind2">For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">High up in the elm is the oriole courting,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">A new suit of velvet and gold he is sporting;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">With gay bits of caroling, tuneful and mellow,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">He wooes his fair lady-love, clad in plain yellow,&mdash;</span>
+			<span class="ind2">For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">The blossoms and birds bring us, yearly, sweet token</span>
+		<span class="ind1">That Nature's glad promises never are broken.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Then sing, happy birdlings, nor ever grow weary!</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Laugh on, merry children, 'tis time to be cheery!&mdash;</span>
+			<span class="ind2">For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>THE LAST CRUISE OF "THE SLUG."</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Thomas Edwin Turner.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="imgleft" style="width: 300px;">
+<img src="images/illus693.jpg" width="300" height="297" alt="C" title="" />
+<span class="caption">C&AElig;SAR AND THE PEACOCK. (<a href="#Page_672">SEE NEXT PAGE.</a>)</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>lifford and Jack went down from Brooklyn last summer to spend a few weeks with Clifford's aunt, in the cozy old
+homestead on the Shrewsbury River. Yachting was to be their chief enjoyment. To be sure, they were not practical
+yachtsmen; but Jack said he "had read up the subject," and Cliff "had been out in a yacht once or twice," so they had no
+fears.</p>
+
+<p>Clifford and Jack were second cousins, and great friends; but Jack had been in the habit of spending his summers at
+Saratoga, and accordingly he looked forward to his present trip with the feeling of an adventurous explorer of unknown
+regions. And in order to be prepared for every emergency, he brought an "outfit" that filled a strong trunk, two
+valises, a shawl-strap, and a number of queerly-shaped packages.</p>
+
+<p>Clifford, who for several years had spent a part of each summer at his aunt's, carried a handbag. When Jack asked him
+where the rest of his things were, Clifford, with a glance at his cousin's paraphernalia, answered that he preferred to
+keep his "outfit" at his aunt's. He was not likely to need it elsewhere, and he saved expense for extra baggage.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_672" id="Page_672">[Pg 672]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But C&aelig;sar was Jack's chief reliance and most weighty responsibility. C&aelig;sar was a dog;&mdash;according to
+Jack, a setter-dog. And as Clifford was unable to state what was the dog's breed, if it were not a setter, Jack felt
+that he had established his point. Moreover, when C&aelig;sar, upon their arrival at Mud Flat, immediately celebrated
+the occasion by slaughtering eight out of a brood of eleven Cochin China chicks that were great pets of their hostess,
+Jack claimed that his pet's success as a game dog was assured beyond cavil. Jack was somewhat discouraged on learning
+that the principal "game" in that vicinity was the sideling "shedder," or crab, and he acknowledged that in the pursuit
+of such plunder he feared even C&aelig;sar was not ambitious. But nothing ever discouraged C&aelig;sar, and he had more
+fun with Miss Goodmaid's favorite peacock than all the game in New Jersey would have afforded him; as subsequent events
+developed the fact that he was mortally afraid of a gun. This is not strange, considering that he had spent the previous
+eight months of his short life in a stable on Henry street, in Brooklyn. Indeed, his principal amusement during the rest
+of the boys' visit, was to chase the gorgeous bird of Juno into the branches of a pear-tree, and stand below and
+bark.</p>
+
+<p>Though this was severe on the nervous organism of the peacock, it seemed to afford unlimited satisfaction to
+C&aelig;sar, and it kept him out of so much other possible mischief, that he was rarely interfered with on these
+occasions.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus694.jpg" width="400" height="367" alt="Jack Exhibits His 'Outfit.'" title="" />
+<span class="caption">JACK EXHIBITS HIS "OUTFIT."</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>As soon as Jack could have his luggage taken to the house and put in the room the boys were to occupy, he hastened to
+unpack his outfit before the wondering eyes of Clifford. A handsome double-barreled shot-gun, Clifford suggested, might
+be used in trying to kill his aunt's three remaining chickens; a delicate split-bamboo fishing-rod might come in well
+for catching live bait, if they were not in a hurry; and an extensive collection of artificial flies would perhaps serve
+to frighten away the mosquitoes. A large horse-pistol Cliff thought would be "just the thing for picking off bull-frogs
+in the marshes"; but he was forced to tell his cousin that he feared his shooting-coat, his fine yachting suit, his
+knickerbockers for mountain
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_673" id="Page_673">[Pg 673]</a></span>
+
+climbing, and his tennis flannels, would scarcely be needed in that vicinity.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Jack looked ruefully at his expensive "outfit," which Clifford seemed to prize so little, and then he asked his
+cousin to tell him what specialties of costume and accouterments were best fitted to the Shrewsbury region. Without
+answering in words, Clifford simply pointed to a closet, through the open door of which could be seen, hanging from
+hooks, a broad-brimmed straw hat, a blue flannel shirt, a stout pair of trousers, and a lanyard. A large jack-knife lay
+upon the shelf, and a substantial pair of high shoes stood firmly on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>Little more was said concerning the subject that evening, but Jack went to bed in a very sober frame of mind. In the
+morning, he put all his fancy toggery back into his trunk, selecting only such useful garments as Clifford suggested,
+and took an early opportunity of purchasing a hat which was an exact counterpart of the one worn by his cousin.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, it was dangerous to mention the word "outfit" in Jack's hearing for a long time.</p>
+
+<p>Clifford's aunt, Miss Goodmaid, was asked to tell them where they could hire a sail-boat for their proposed trip; she
+had heard that Johnny Peltsman, the carriage-maker's son, in Mud Flat, had such a boat, and to him the boys went to
+"negotiate."</p>
+
+<p>Johnny Peltsman <em>did</em> have a boat, which he said he would let, if he "could get his price." The Slug, he
+admitted, looked a trifle heavy, and, while under "proper conditions" she would go fast, Johnny confessed that she
+couldn't sail very close to the wind. Upon payment of five dollars, he said, the boys might have the boat for two
+weeks.</p>
+
+<p>"Done!" cried Jack, eagerly. "I dare say she will suit us perfectly. Some people may like boats that sail close to
+the wind. But a boat to suit me must be able to slide away from the wind, and not stay crawling around close to it!"</p>
+
+<p>Clifford's face was a study as his partner thus aired his nautical opinions, while Johnny Peltsman greeted the remark
+with open-mouthed astonishment; and when Jack concluded his observations, Johnny said earnestly:</p>
+
+<p>"By the way, young friend, it is understood, of course, that if you sink or wreck the Slug, you must pay
+damages."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, if we lose the yacht, you shall be paid for it," Jack answered, feeling rather indignant at the
+suggestion.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus695.jpg" width="400" height="399" alt="The Boys Engage the 'Slug.'" title="" />
+<span class="caption">THE BOYS ENGAGE THE "SLUG."</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Being directed to the place where the Slug lay, the boys hastened away to take immediate possession. Johnny stood
+looking after them until they were out of sight. Then turning to enter his shop, he soliloquized:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that beats all! The idea of hiring a boat without seeing it, and not caring to have it to sail close to the
+wind! I suppose, of course, those chaps can swim." And with an ominous shake of the head, Johnny resumed his
+carriage-making.</p>
+
+<p>Our heroes found their prize lying in a little cove just above the bridge. The Slug was a flat-bottomed center-board
+boat, fifteen feet long, five feet across the stern, and narrowing gradually to a point at the bows. A more clumsy
+sail-boat was never seen. But Jack only noticed the two large lockers, and with unbounded satisfaction, remarked to his
+cousin:</p>
+
+<p>"We can stow away a big stock of provisions in those boxes, Cliff."</p>
+
+<p>It was Friday, so the two boys decided to give the "yacht" a short trial-trip down to the Highlands and back. In that
+way they would become familiar with the boat, and on Monday morning would be ready to start on a week's cruise. It
+chanced that a flood-tide was just beginning when the lads shoved
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_674" id="Page_674">[Pg 674]</a></span>
+
+the Slug well out into the river, while the wind was blowing a brisk gale straight down-stream, the very direction in
+which the boys wished to go. Clifford was enough of a sailor to step the little mast and properly set the leg-of-mutton
+sail for a breeze directly astern. With a strong wind behind her, and only a weak tide opposing, it was not surprising
+that the Slug made a progress quite satisfactory to the two amateur yachtsmen. As the tide increased in force, however,
+the boat went slower and slower, and it was six o'clock when the Highlands "hove in sight," as Jack said&mdash;having
+learned that and other nautical terms from his story-books. On finding how late it was, Clifford remarked:</p>
+
+<p>"We'd better be making for home."</p>
+
+<p>The boys managed to put the Slug about, and very soon Jack ascertained that there were times when it was an advantage
+to have a boat able to sail close to the wind; for, as the breeze still blew down-stream, Clifford found it simply
+impossible to beat up the river in the Slug. The truth was, the only "proper conditions" under which Johnny Peltsman's
+boat would sail at all were those of going straight before the wind!</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus696.jpg" width="600" height="331" alt="'''How Can You Sleep?' Asked Clifford.''" title="" />
+<span class="caption">"'HOW CAN YOU SLEEP?' ASKED CLIFFORD."</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Clifford told Jack that they must "row the old tub back to Mud Flat," and both boys pluckily bent to the work. It was
+hard work, too. The oars were long and heavy, the boat was as unwieldy as a raft of logs, and at length Jack
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"It seems to me, Cliff, that the scenery along this river is very monotonous. We passed just such banks and houses as
+those over there, ten minutes ago."</p>
+
+<p>Clifford threw a hurried glance shoreward, looked down at the water, and immediately pulled his oar into the boat,
+saying:</p>
+
+<p>"The fates are against us, Jack. In spite of our pulling and tugging, we are actually drifting down-stream. The tide
+has turned; it's dead against us, and so is the wind. It would take a Cunarder to tow this miserable scow back to Mud
+Flat, now."</p>
+
+<p>"What's to be done?" asked Jack, suddenly realizing that they might be swept out into the bay, where the whitecaps
+gave evidence that a very high sea would be encountered.</p>
+
+<p>"Neither of us can swim very far," said Clifford. "Our only chance is to land on that little island, yonder. Luckily
+we're drifting straight toward it."</p>
+
+<p>Favored by the current, the boat was carried close to the sand-bar of the island, and by a vigorous use of the oars
+they were able to bring their craft safely to land.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll have to stay here until slack water," said Clifford, "and then perhaps we can row across to the shore. The
+next slack will be about midnight, so we'd better camp here and take advantage of to-morrow morning's slack. Then we can
+cross to the Highlands Landing, a short distance below here, and go back by steamboat. The Seabird will tow the Slug
+home for us."</p>
+
+<p>"All right; I'll stand by you," laconically answered Jack.</p>
+
+<p>They at once set about gathering grass and sea-weed with which to make a bed, intending to use the Slug's sail for a
+covering. After a couch had been arranged to their satisfaction, the two
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_675" id="Page_675">[Pg 675]</a></span>
+
+friends strolled around their domain, which they found to be a little larger than a city lot. During their walk, the
+boys caught four or five soft-shell crabs, which the epicurean Jack prudently stowed away in one of the lockers.</p>
+
+<p>The mosquitoes had troubled the lads greatly from the moment they landed on the sand-island; and, as they had no
+matches and could not make a "smudge," they soon decided to "turn in" as Jack technically stated. But then the vicious
+insects attacked their victims in clouds, until the boys were forced to cover their heads and hands completely with the
+sail; and in that uncomfortable condition they finally fell asleep.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed but a short time to Clifford before he became conscious of a stinging, smarting sensation on his face that
+was almost unbearable, and he awoke to find that he was literally covered with swarms of the poisonous little pests,
+while Jack, snugly rolled up in the sailcloth of which he had taken complete possession in his sleep, snored loudly.</p>
+
+<p>Slapping, brushing, and shaking off his tormentors, Clifford punched his companion and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"How can you sleep through this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, <em>I'm</em> all right," answered Jack, in smothered tones.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, <em>I'm</em> not!" growled Clifford, as he sprang to his feet and proceeded to spend the few hours until
+daybreak in battle with his small but ferocious enemies.</p>
+
+<p>At sunrise, the castaways refreshed themselves with a prolonged bath; and then, hungry as bears, they impatiently
+waited for slack water, when they sprang into the Slug, and by long and hard work, at last reached the mainland not far
+above the Highlands.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus697.jpg" width="600" height="435" alt="''The Two Hungry Lads Were Soon Dispatching Their Breakfast.''" title="" />
+<span class="caption">"THE TWO HUNGRY LADS WERE SOON DISPATCHING THEIR BREAKFAST."</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>An investigation of their finances showed the boys that they had, together, exactly sixty-five cents. With that sum,
+therefore, they had to provide a breakfast, pay steamboat fares home, and meet unknown incidental expenses. A little
+shop was soon found where coffee, butter, and a roll would be furnished to each boy for thirty cents. Their fares home
+would amount to twenty cents; and the boys decided to take the chance that fifteen cents would prove adequate to the
+unforeseen. Remembering the soft-shell crabs in the locker, Clifford induced the good-natured landlady to cook them
+"without extra charge;" and soon the two hungry lads were dispatching their thirty-cent breakfast, which included fried
+potatoes, also "donated" by the kind-hearted hostess.</p>
+
+<p>At ten o'clock on that eventful Saturday morning, the young navigators re-embarked and dropped down with the tide to
+the steamboat landing at the Highlands.</p>
+
+<p>The boys soon saw the Seabird plowing her way to the landing. When she had landed, the
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_676" id="Page_676">[Pg 676]</a></span>
+
+Slug was quickly made fast to the stern of the larger boat, and ere long the steamer was bearing them homeward.</p>
+
+<p>Seated well forward on the upper deck, the boys were congratulating themselves on being at last free from all
+anxiety, when suddenly they were startled by loud cries from the stern of the steamboat:</p>
+
+<p>"Hi! Hi! You lads who own the little boat astern! Hurry! quick! quick! She's sinking! she's sinking!"</p>
+
+<p>Running to the spot whence came those warning shouts; Clifford and Jack looked down at the Slug and saw that the
+small center-board had been thrown entirely out of its trunk by the force of the water which had been churned to a white
+foam under the huge paddle-wheels of the Seabird,&mdash;and a broad stream pouring through this opening into their
+"yacht" threatened each moment to swamp it.</p>
+
+<p>"Bother that yacht! She's going to haunt us all our lives!" cried Jack, in dismay; but Clifford, taking in the state
+of affairs at a glance, ran to the lower deck, and with one stroke of his pocket-knife cut the Slug's painter, and then
+the two boys silently and sadly watched their boat drop far behind in the fan-shaped wake of the larger vessel.</p>
+
+<p>"She may be picked up by some one alongshore, but, more likely, she'll go to the bottom," thoughtfully remarked
+Clifford.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe it," said Jack; "that yacht will never sink! She will be turning up against us all through life,
+bringing trouble and disgrace."</p>
+
+<p>In due time, the boys arrived at the Goodmaid homestead, where they received a warm welcome from Clifford's aunt, who
+had almost begun to fear that her young guests were at the bottom of the Shrewsbury.</p>
+
+<p>On Monday morning, bright and early, the two boys started down the left bank of the river to find their boat. They
+found it after an hour's walk. It had been hauled out upon the beach. The Slug had been sighted and recovered by a
+farmer living alongshore. After paying two dollars as salvage, Jack asked the farmer concerning the best way of getting
+the boat home.</p>
+
+<p>"There are three ways," answered the man, thoughtfully. "The first is to wait till there's a hurricane blowing
+straight up the river, when perhaps you can sail up. The second is to hire me to row her up. And the third is to let me
+put the boat on my lumber wagon, and haul it up to Mud Flat."</p>
+
+<p>"Of the three, which would be best?" persisted Jack.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," replied the farmer, "you may have to wait weeks for the hurricane; I will haul the boat for two dollars; and
+I will undertake to row it up the river&mdash;(though, understand, I don't say how long I shall be about it)&mdash;but
+row her up I will, somehow, and charge you only two hundred and fifty dollars for the job. And that's very cheap, I can
+tell you, for I know that boat!"</p>
+
+<p>It is hardly necessary to say that the boys decided that the Slug should go home on wheels, provided they might ride,
+too, without increase of pay. By the use of rollers, an inclined plane and levers, the boat was safely hoisted upon the
+wagon. The farmer occupied the bow, and Jack and Cliff each sat on a thwart.</p>
+
+<p>And now, for the first time in her history, the Slug was under complete control. The whip cracked, the horses
+strained at their collars, the wheels rolled, and away went Jack's "yacht," trundling homeward. The road led past the
+Goodmaid farm, and over the long bridge crossing the Shrewsbury. As they neared the farm, the boys raised a shout, and
+C&aelig;sar, Jack's mongrel and mischievous dog, leaving the peacock for a moment, came bounding out to meet them.</p>
+
+<p>True to his nature, he at once began a series of noisy gambols about the farmer's young and high-spirited horses. But
+soon wearying of that harmless jumping at the wagon, the dog suddenly ran under the forward wheels, and sprang at the
+long fetlocks of the "near" horse.</p>
+
+<p>Like a flash, the team made a wild plunge, and dashed down the road. The wagon was jerked from beneath the Slug, and
+the boat and its passengers fell heavily to the ground. The anchor, dropping between the wagon-box and a wheel, became
+firmly fixed; while the line to which the anchor was attached, being good manilla rope, was uncoiled and dragged after
+the horses with great rapidity.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately, the boys and the driver had time to jump out of the "yacht" before the anchor-rope was all "paid out,"
+and so, with the exception of a bad shaking-up and a few bruises, they suffered no injury from their unceremonious
+disembarking. But the sudden fall had "broken the backbone" of the Slug, as Jack expressed it; and, as if that were not
+enough, the poor boat, as it hung by the painter, was swung, bumped, knocked, and dragged along, until it was literally
+reduced to fragments. There was scarcely a residence in all Mud Flat that did not have, long afterward, some
+satisfactory reminder of the last cruise of the Slug.</p>
+
+<p>But all agreed that the old boat had one virtue&mdash;it made famous firewood!</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_677" id="Page_677">[Pg 677]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus700.jpg" width="600" height="419" alt="The Great Spring-Board Act.&mdash;By the Entire Company." title="" />
+<span class="caption">THE GREAT SPRING-BOARD ACT.&mdash;BY THE ENTIRE COMPANY.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width:25%" />
+
+<h2>WONDERS OF THE ALPHABET.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Henry Eckford.</span></h3>
+<h4><span class="smcap">Fifth Paper.</span></h4>
+
+<p>In tracing back our letters, we now have reached Chalkis, where the Ph&oelig;nicians under Kadmus taught the Greeks
+their letters. A funny thing occurred to the wise men who ferreted out all these facts. They could read Greek, and they
+could read Hebrew, and the strange likeness between many of the names for the letters in the two languages made it
+certain that in some way they were related or connected. But what meant those letters on rocks, metal vases, and
+earthenware jars that we now call Ph&oelig;nician? Single letters looked like Greek letters distorted; but the words
+would not read as Greek. Nor would they read as Hebrew, although the characters appeared to have some connection with
+Hebrew. Greek is written like our writing, from left to right; but Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian are written from right to
+left. So, in those languages a book begins where our books end. It was found, too, that the Hebrew writing now in use is
+very different externally from that used by David and Solomon, although the names and general shape of the letters are
+the same. Have you ever seen a Hebrew Bible? The alphabet in which the Old Testament was originally written looked very
+different from that which the Jews now use in their Bibles; it was much nearer the Ph&oelig;nician in appearance.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time it never dawned on men's minds that perhaps the Ph&oelig;nician way of writing, from right to left,
+was not followed by the Greeks; but at last they remembered that in very early times the lines of Greek writing were
+made to read alternately from right to left and from left to right. Such inscriptions were called
+<em>boustreph&eacute;don</em> ("turning like oxen in plowing"), because the letters had to be read as the oxen move from
+furrow to furrow in the field that they plow, first one way, then the other. That gave the needed clew.</p>
+
+<p>After all, if we do not connect letters one to the other, as in running handwriting, does it make much difference
+whether we set the separate letters down in a sequence which begins at the
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_678" id="Page_678">[Pg 678]</a></span>
+
+right and ends at the left, or in one that begins at the left and ends at the right? Some nations, like the Chinese and
+Tartars, find it convenient to write signs <em>under</em> each other. The Egyptians used to write in at least three
+several directions, namely, downwards, from right to left, and from left to right. Generally one can tell how to read
+hieroglyphs in Egyptian and Mexican manuscripts by noting the direction of the faces of animals and persons pictured,
+and then reading in the opposite direction. Sometimes Egyptian hieroglyphs were engraved one upon the other, like a
+monogram.</p>
+
+<p>Well, putting some or all of these facts together, it suddenly flashed on some one that the oldest Greek letters
+might be nothing more or less than the Ph&oelig;nician letters turned the other way. And when they came to examine the
+very oldest Greek inscriptions to be found, they discovered that this was the main difference between the two! The
+Greeks had borrowed the Ph&oelig;nician letters and merely added some new characters to express sounds peculiar to their
+own tongue and neglected others that were of no service.</p>
+
+<p>It was this alphabet that the Greek-Ph&oelig;nicians brought to Italy. When, centuries later, Latins and Sabines and
+Etruscans and Oscans, banded together and formed the great city of Rome, it was this alphabet they inherited from their
+forefathers. Several of the letters which the Etruscans thought necessary to express sounds in their language, were
+dropped before the Romans came to power and produced their great poets and essayists.</p>
+
+<p>So, now you know how the alphabet came to you, which the Irish monks taught our heathen forefathers. It came through
+the Latins from the people of B&oelig;otia, or Greeks, who learned it from the Ph&oelig;nicians.</p>
+
+<p>But that great mercantile people, the Ph&oelig;nicians, also left to the nations near their old home in Palestine,
+the same precious gift of an alphabet. Very old inscriptions in Hebrew, lately found, are seen to be written in almost
+the same alphabet as the Ph&oelig;nician. Perhaps you are beginning to wonder how many peoples there are who owe their
+letters to that old sea-folk who were the traders, pirates, and buccaneers of the Mediterranean! There is the Hebrew,
+which people have called the alphabet of God, because the Holy Scriptures were written in it, and which was also used by
+magicians for their amulets and talismans; there is the Greek, in which the epics of Homer, the long poems of Hesiod,
+and the rhapsodies of Pindar were taken down; there is the Latin, in which all the wisdom of the ancients reached us;
+and there are all the differing alphabets, printed characters, and script handwritings of Europe and America! In fact, I
+could not tell you here, so numerous are they, the names of all the languages in Asia, Africa, Europe, and America, that
+were and are written in some alphabet, which traces its descent from the twenty-two Ph&oelig;nician letters.</p>
+
+<p>The connection between Greek and Ph&oelig;nician is much easier to believe than that Arabic, a sentence of which you
+see here represented, should be also a writing derived from the Ph&oelig;nician. Arabic letters are used by so large a
+portion of the inhabitants of the earth that it stands second among the great national, or rather, the great religious
+alphabets of the world. Some of you know, I suppose, that Mohammed was a very wise and imaginative Arab of an important
+though poor tribe of Arabia Felix. He was a great poet and statesman; he had visions and called himself the Prophet of
+God. He wrote the Koran, which is used by an immense multitude of men as their only law-book and Bible. The dialect
+which he and his clan used became, through the spread of his doctrines, the standard, first for all Arabia, and then for
+all the enormous countries a hundred times larger than Arabia which his disciples and their followers won by force of
+arms.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 800px;">
+<img src="images/illus703.png" width="800" height="105" alt="" title="" />
+<span class="caption">This Arabic sentence is a famous inscription upon the colonnade of one of the great mosques at Jerusalem. The mosque is known as the "Dome of the Rock," and it is thought to stand upon a portion of the site of the
+great Jewish Temple. This inscription is placed near the great southern door of the mosque. It is in one continuous
+line, however, instead of two as represented in this fac-simile. It reads from right to left, and is thus translated:
+"This dome was built by the servant of God, Abd [allah-el-Imam-al-Mam&ucirc;n, E] mir of the Faithful, in the year
+seventy-two. May God be well pleased, and be satisfied with him. Amen."</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Of course the alphabet he used did not spring up suddenly. It was handed down from the early times of the
+Ph&oelig;nicians, and gradually became so changed in most of the letters that you would hardly believe they had ever
+been the same as the Ph&oelig;nician letters. Writers of it
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_679" id="Page_679">[Pg 679]</a></span>
+
+were so careless, or so proud of being able to read and write when the mass of their neighbors were ignorant, that,
+neglectfully or intentionally, they allowed many letters to become almost like one another. In the Arabic, Turkish, and
+Persian languages, it is hard to tell a number of the letters apart. In order to distinguish them, later writers devised
+a set of dots, like the dot over our small i. The same difficulty occurred among the Hebrews, whose wise men seemed to
+enjoy making writing hard to write and to read. Another reason why Arabic is hard to make out is because many of the
+letters change their forms according as they stand alone (unconnected), or stand at the beginning of a word (initial),
+or in between two other letters (connected) or at the end of a word (final). Think of having to distinguish the same
+letter under four different forms! What a bother to the children of the Arabs, Turks, and Persians as they sit
+tailor-fashion, or kneel patiently on the floor, their shoes left outside the threshold, while the school-master
+flourishes his rod over their puzzled noddles, or raps the soles of their tired little feet!</p>
+
+<p>Now Arabic letters and Hebrew, too, if you try to trace them back to Ph&oelig;nician, are found to have passed
+through the hands of a people who occupied the high lands of Asia Minor, where the two great "rivers of Babylon," the
+Euphrates and the Tigris, begin to run their course. This land was called Aram and the ancient language spoken there,
+the Aramaic. Between Ph&oelig;nician and Aramaic the connection is close. The Aramaic took the place of the
+Ph&oelig;nician language, when the Ph&oelig;nicians were edged out of Palestine westward over the Mediterranean. So we
+see that Arabic, which looks so strange and is so elegant and fantastic when embroidered on banners or traced on tiles
+or written on the beautiful mulberry-leaf paper of the Orient, really uses, in the main, the same alphabet that looks so
+plain and simple on the page you are reading!</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 800px;">
+<img src="images/illus704a.png" width="800" height="81" alt="Persian Sentence." title="" />
+<span class="caption">PERSIAN SENTENCE.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Both Ph&oelig;nician and Aramaic were in all probability spoken and written in Palestine and Aram. It was in Aramaic,
+too, that the words of Christ and his apostles were spoken; and a few of the actual words are still retained in the New
+Testament, for example "Talitha cumi," meaning "Maid, arise!" It was probably Aramaic that prevailed also in the great
+capitals of Mesopotamia, while the rich and haughty kings of Babylonia and Assyria were using on their stone and plaster
+images and in their queer books of inscribed and baked brick, the writing that is called "cuneiform." It is so called
+because the letters appear to to be formed of little <em>cunei</em>, wedges, or nails. "Arrow-headed writing" is another
+name for it. Look well at this curious writing made by engraving on brick. Several different languages have been written
+in it.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus704b.png" width="600" height="383" alt="Specimen of Cuneiform Writing." title="" />
+<span class="caption">SPECIMEN OF CUNEIFORM WRITING.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Lilian Dynevor Rice.</span></h3>
+
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+                <span class="ind5">I</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Six sturdy lads lay curled up in their beds</span>
+		<span class="ind1">When the Birthday of Freedom had faded to night,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">With burns on their fingers and pains in their heads,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And scarred like the heroes of many a fight.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">But, strange to relate, as all sleepless they lay,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Though ten from the steeple had chimed loud and clear,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">They sighed: "What a perfectly glorious day!</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Too bad it can only come once in the year!"</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="poem">
+        <div class="stanza">
+                <span class="ind5">II</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">The six patient mothers, who loved the six boys,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Were resting at last, now the daylight was done;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">For, with the wild racket and riot and noise,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">No peace had been theirs since the dawn of the sun.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And they sighed, as they said in the weariest way</span>
+		<span class="ind1">(And full cause had they for their feelings, I fear):</span>
+		<span class="ind1">"This has been <em>such</em> a terrible, ear-splitting day!</span>
+		<span class="ind1">How lucky it only comes once in the year!"</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_680" id="Page_680">[Pg 680]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 561px;">
+<img src="images/illus706.jpg" width="561" height="800" alt="The Leopard Brought to Bay by Wild Dogs." title="" />
+<span class="caption">THE LEOPARD BROUGHT TO BAY BY WILD DOGS.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_681" id="Page_681">[Pg 681]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>WILD HUNTERS.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By John R. Coryell.</span></h3>
+
+<p>Everybody knows the old story of the father who taught his sons to be united by showing them a bundle of sticks.
+Taken together, the sticks could not be broken; but taken singly, they were snapped in two very quickly.</p>
+
+<p>The wild dogs of South Africa, like the bundle of sticks, furnish an example of the value of unity. A single wild dog
+is not very formidable, but a pack of wild dogs is the dread of every living creature in the part of Africa where they
+dwell; and more persevering, savage, and relentless hunters do not exist.</p>
+
+<p>The wild dog has keen scent, quick intelligence, great powers of endurance, and great speed; so that, however swift
+may be the animal pursued, it has cause to fear this tireless hunter. Indeed, the wild dog never seems to take into
+consideration the size, strength, or agility of its game. Even the lion, it is said, has learned to dread those small
+hunters, which seem to have no fear of death, but rush with fierce courage to attack the mighty monarch himself, should
+he be so unlucky as to become the object of their pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>One traveler tells of having witnessed the pursuit and destruction of a large leopard by a pack of wild dogs. Whether
+or not the dogs had set out with the intention of capturing the leopard, he could not tell. He saw them start up the
+great cat in a low jungle. The leopard made no effort at first to fight off its assailants; but, with a series of
+prodigious springs, sought shelter in the only refuge the plain afforded&mdash;a tree which had partially fallen.</p>
+
+<p>There the hunted beast stood, snarling and growling in a manner that would have frightened off any ordinary foe. The
+savage dogs, however, never hesitated a moment, but with agile leaps ran up the sloping trunk, and gave instant battle
+to their furious game. One after another, the dogs were hurled back, each stroke of the terrible paw making one foe the
+less. Yet they continued to throw themselves against the enraged creature, until, wearied by the contest and wounded in
+fifty places, it fell from the tree; when, still struggling, it was quickly torn to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>It must not be supposed, however, that the wild dog usually prefers as formidable game as the leopard. A sheep-fold
+is always an attraction too great for the wild dog to pass.</p>
+
+<p>And now, after calling this wild hunter a dog, I shall have to say that it is not a dog at all, but is only a sort of
+cousin to the dog, and really a nearer relative of the hyena, though it so resembles both animals as to have gained the
+name of hyena-dog. Its scientific name is <em>Lycaon venaticus</em>; and besides the two common names already mentioned,
+it has half a dozen more.</p>
+
+<p>Being neither dog nor hyena, and yet akin to both, it is one of those strange forms of the animal creation which
+naturalists call "links." It has four toes, like the hyena, while it has teeth like the dog's.</p>
+
+<p>Some attempts have been made to tame it, so as to gain the use of its wonderful powers of hunting; but none of these
+efforts have yet been successful, because of the suspicious nature of the animal. It seems to feel that every offer of
+kindness or familiarity is a menace to its liberty.</p>
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>THE THEORETIC TURTLE.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By A. R. W.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="imgleft" style="width: 150px;">
+<img src="images/illus708.jpg" width="100" height="97" alt="T" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind4">he theoretic turtle started out to see the toad;</span>
+		<span class="ind4">He came to a stop at a liberty-pole in the middle of the road.</span>
+		<span class="ind4">"Now how, in the name of the spouting whale," the indignant turtle cried,</span>
+		<span class="ind4">"Can I climb this perpendicular cliff, and get on the other side?</span>
+		<span class="ind4">If I only could make a big balloon, I'd lightly over it fly;</span>
+		<span class="ind4">Or a very long ladder might reach the top, though it does look fearfully high.</span>
+		<span class="ind4">If a beaver were in my place, he'd gnaw a passage through with his teeth;</span>
+		<span class="ind4">I can't do that, but I can dig a tunnel and pass beneath."</span>
+		<span class="ind4">He was digging his tunnel, with might and main, when a dog looked down at the hole.</span>
+		<span class="ind4">"The easiest way, my friend," said he, "is to walk around the pole."</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_682" id="Page_682">[Pg 682]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>NAN'S REVOLT.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Rose Lattimore Alling.</span></h3>
+<h4><span class="smcap">Chapter I.</span></h4>
+
+<p>There was a gentlemanly raising of hats and a womanly fluttering of skirts at the Ferrises' door. The hats were borne
+down the dark avenue, and could be seen, occasionally, swinging briskly along under the light of successive lampposts.
+They were very stylish hats.</p>
+
+<p>The skirts made a soft scurrying sound as they rustled upstairs, and along the dim hall, disappearing into the rooms
+of their owners. They were very dainty skirts.</p>
+
+<p>Nan closed her door, turned up the gas, stood a moment pouting at herself in the glass, pulled the wilted roses from
+her belt with an impatient jerk, tossed her pretty evening dress across a chair, exchanged her boots for a pair of
+slippers, and stole noiselessly into Evelyn's room to talk over the party with that dear sister and Cathy, who was
+staying with them, as a guest.</p>
+
+<p>She found those two persons waiting for her, while they straightened out the fingers of their long gloves.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, girls," began Nan, seating herself lazily upon the middle of the bed, "there is just one solitary comfort left
+after an utterly stupid evening like this: you can express your feelings to your dearest friends, and here I am to
+express!"</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, then," sighed her sister, ruefully examining a stain on her fan; "but don't speak too loud or you will waken
+the household."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you needn't be afraid, Evelyn; I'm not in one of my fire-cracker moods. No, I'm cool; I have the calmness of
+stern resolve; I speak from that tranquil height which lies beyond emotion!" declaimed Nan, pulling out the hairpins
+from her artistic coils.</p>
+
+<p>"What notion have you in your busy head now? Hasten to divulge, for it is very late," suggested Cathy.</p>
+
+<p>"Late! who cares? I shall save years of sleep by wasting this midnight's gas!" and Nan showed a gleam of fire in her
+eye as she gave the pillow a vindictive thump.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," yawned Cathy, "proceed at once"; and forthwith the audience curled itself up on the lounge, regarding the
+speaker with expectant amusement, while she, after finishing off an intricate pattern in hairpins, thus began:</p>
+
+<p>"Ahem&mdash;ladies&mdash;the subject of society in general and parties in particular, ladies and gentlemen," waving
+her hand toward sundry photographs standing about on Evelyn's writing-desk, "has been under consideration for some time.
+<em>Ergo</em>, <em>I</em> don't go to another one! So there! That's settled. From this time forth I shall proceed to
+enjoy life in a rational way."</p>
+
+<p>With this conclusion to her rapid speech, she scattered her design over the bedspread with one destructive finger,
+and flashed upon her hearers two bright, snapping eyes, showing that she was in earnest, despite her nonsense.</p>
+
+<p>Cathy gasped, while Evelyn exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Nan, what happened? Didn't you have a gay time?"</p>
+
+<p>This remark set Nan off, like a match to powder.</p>
+
+<p>"<em>Gay?</em> Oh, bewilderingly, intensely gay! Yes, it was just that&mdash;'gay,' and nothing more. The party was
+all right, indeed better than most, from a high moral point of view, for my hair staid in curl and my gloves didn't
+burst; I danced with the most stylish goose in the room; I ate an ice with conceited Tom Lefferts in the conservatory; I
+opened and shut my fan and smiled and raised my eyebrows the requisite number of times to produce the effect of having a
+delightful time! Oh&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+	<p>'I would not pass another such an eve, Though 't were to buy a world of happy days.'"</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>This vivid speech was uttered in irony so cold that it would have been quite thrilling if Nan hadn't given the pillow
+another vehement poke in the middle, which made its four corners swell up in stiff remonstrance.</p>
+
+<p>"Goodness!" exclaimed Cathy, with a laugh, "what in the world are you going to do about it, Nan? There is a full
+supply of nonsense in the world, I admit, but we can't reform the feature of the time, and we must have some
+fun&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"<em>Fun!</em>" interrupted Nan hotly. "Who is objecting to fun? Who loves fun better than I? But who has fun at these
+shows? Did you have a really happy time to-night, Cathy? Own up now. You know that, when the flutter is over, you can't
+remember one single thing worth remembering. Does it pay?"</p>
+
+<p>"But we can't help it. What are you going to do&mdash;turn blue-stocking or prig, Nannie, love?" mildly inquired
+Evelyn.</p>
+
+<p>"'Prig'&mdash;'blue-stocking'&mdash;no, I hate the very words," said Nan, adding, "I'm seeking just what you are; the
+only difference is, <em>I'm</em> going to get it and you are not. But go on, sweet children,
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_683" id="Page_683">[Pg 683]</a></span>
+
+go on giving your hair extra frizzlings, go on smiling divinely at vapid nothings, and eating numberless plates of
+cream&mdash;it is a noble future to contemplate! But let me tell you, deluded creatures, that you will drag home just so
+many times neither benefited nor amused, and the last state of all such will be worse than the first. Let us weep!"</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus712.jpg" width="400" height="426" alt="The Girls Discuss the Party." title="" />
+<span class="caption">THE GIRLS DISCUSS THE PARTY.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>And now the poor pillow went flying off upon the floor, while Nan laughed at her own peroration.</p>
+
+<p>Her spell-bound hearers gave two gigantic sighs, while Cathy seized a cologne-bottle to restore Evelyn, who reclined
+tragically upon the lounge, feigning to be completely overcome.</p>
+
+<p>After they had succeeded in controlling their emotions, Cathy said in a wailing voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Nan, I have a realizing sense that you are more than half right; for I do believe that, when, after such an
+evening, I survey my giddy self in the glass, I sigh more often than I smile."</p>
+
+<p>Nan, who was venting her yet unspent spite in braiding her hair into tight little curls, gave her head an emphatic
+nod and declared her fell intention of finding
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_684" id="Page_684">[Pg 684]</a></span>
+
+some way out of her slough of despond. Then as the last braid dwindled to three hairs, she descended from the platform,
+and thus concluded:</p>
+
+<p>"Ladies and gentlemen, thanking you for your kind attention, I beg leave to announce that there will be another
+solemn conclave in regard to this vital subject, on the side veranda, to-morrow morning at ten o'clock. Good-night, you
+dear old things, you are nearly asleep, and I've wearied you more than did that wretched party. Why, no! Cathy's eyes
+are wide open! Mercy on us, Cathy thinks she's thinking! Go on, dear, it wont harm you at all."</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus713.jpg" width="600" height="403" alt="''Nan Lay in the Hammock Thinking.''" title="" />
+<span class="caption">"NAN LAY IN THE HAMMOCK THINKING."</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>With this parting fling, she hopped to the door, holding in her hand one slipper, which she waved tragically,
+exclaiming, "Farewell, base world!" and was gone.</p>
+
+<p>"What a girl she is!" said Evelyn, as the audience unbent itself. "She didn't give me a chance to agree with or to
+combat her theories; but, do you know, I am tired of it, too, just as much as Nan is, only she has vigor enough to rebel
+at the thraldom of her bright, natural self, while I keep on and on from mere inertia."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Cathy, slowly winding her watch, "I <em>was</em> thinking, as Nan said&mdash;but it is one o'clock, and
+I shall not say another word until to-morrow."</p>
+
+<hr style="width:25%" />
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">Chapter II.</span></h4>
+
+<p>The bell in St. Luke's steeple rang out the stroke for three-quarters after nine in the morning. Nan lay in the
+hammock, gazing up through the woodbine of the before-mentioned side veranda. The leaves were beginning to turn maroon
+and russet; but evidently she was not looking at these, for her pretty eyes were taking in a wider angle of light. In
+truth, there was a deep little wrinkle between her eyebrows, which implied deep thought.</p>
+
+<p>However, as the bell began on its ten strokes, she withdrew her stare from the far, unseen horizon, rolled out of the
+hammock, came down hard on her two trim boots, stood up straight, and gazed the landscape o'er.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a girl in sight," she said to herself, with an amused laugh; "I believe the silly things are afraid of me; maybe
+they think I have become one of those reformers&mdash;oh me, how shy girls are of a <em>cause</em>! Well, anyhow, I have
+one, or rather a <em>be</em>cause, and they must give me a fair hearing, though I must be wiser than a whole collection
+of serpents." She had reflected thus far, when she espied a blue eye peeping around the corner of the bay-window.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Cathy!" she shouted; "oh, you perfidious foe! Come here! Where are the girls?"</p>
+
+<p>Cathy brought the companion eye into view, and finally two other pairs appeared, accompanied by their respective
+owners, Evelyn carrying
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_685" id="Page_685">[Pg 685]</a></span>
+
+a basket of grapes. How merry they were, and how they laughed in that contagious girl-fashion as they encamped about
+Nan! They made a group charming to behold, and they seemed capable of tossing anybody's blues away as easily as they now
+threw grape-skins into the sunny air. But they were not remarkable in any respect; they had their full share of graces
+and defects, of assorted sizes, both of feature and character. No one of them was in the least a heroine; but the group
+was very like any other group that might have been found in many neighborhoods, on that pleasant September morning.</p>
+
+<p>Bert Mitchell, who was the only addition to the party of the night before, ensconced herself in the hammock with
+Cathy Drake. The two girls differed from each other in many respects, but were great friends, as is often the case.</p>
+
+<p>Bert, who was never called Bertha, as she declared in extravagant phrase that she "perfectly loathed the name," was
+tall and cheery, with fine eyes, a mass of brown hair, and a voice a trifle loud. But the girls forgave her that; and
+whenever she began to speak, they would always listen, assured of hearing something bright. But her most characteristic
+feature was her hands. They were white and shapely, but she had a curious way of carrying them&mdash;as though she had
+just put them on for the first time, and was trying different effects with them. The girls laughingly cried, "Long may
+they wave!" and liked her all the same. She had an abundance of settled convictions on every possible
+subject,&mdash;"positive opinions hot at all hours," Cathy's brother Fred said of her,&mdash;and she was therefore
+always in a definite mood, and very good company.</p>
+
+<p>If, as some say, beauty is tested by the ability to wear one's hair combed straight back without being a scarecrow,
+Cathy, of all the girls, came nearest to being pretty, for she, and she alone, enjoyed the luxury of an even temper
+during high winds, damp days, and a vacation at the seashore. Her forehead was broad and calm, her eyes were blue and
+calm, and her mouth was sweet and calm. She was not positive about anything, which greatly irritated her friend Bert,
+who, indeed, flew into a comical passion one day, over her failure to arouse Cathy. Shaking her, she exclaimed, "Will
+nothing on earth move you! <em>Do</em> get angry&mdash;at something or some one!&mdash;at me!&mdash;at anything! Haven't
+you any depths in you? If you have, stir them up!"</p>
+
+<p>Cathy raised her crescent brows, and a faint color crept into her smooth cheek as she quietly said: "Depths don't
+stir, my dear; and if stirred from the top, they are apt only to get muddy, you know. However, I'd like to accommodate
+you by getting furiously angry&mdash;at you, for instance; this is an inviting opportunity, and I don't know that I
+ought to miss it&mdash;but somehow it doesn't seem worth while." And even the obstreperous Bert was silenced by this
+covert thrust.</p>
+
+<p>When they all had settled themselves into various cozy attitudes, Bert demanded to know the object of the caucus. "I
+hope it is something interesting, for nothing but a command from you would have induced me to crawl out this morning,"
+she yawned, as she adjusted a sofa-pillow for her comfort.</p>
+
+<p>Cathy murmured, "Hear! Hear!" but was evidently more absorbed in Evelyn's explanation of a new Kensington stitch.</p>
+
+<p>Nan rapped sharply with the handle of a tennis racquet, and requested order. Then she gave a little cough, tossed the
+grape-vine over her shoulder, and began:</p>
+
+<p>"Fellow-citizens! I come before you on this auspicious occasion to declare treason&mdash;treason to the tyrant
+commonly called 'polite society.' I've come to the solemn conclusion that it is about time I began to prepare to
+live."</p>
+
+<p>She was at this point interrupted by a groan, and Bert asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, aren't you alive, Nan? I am. Life so far is a great success, and it is all your own fault if you don't think so
+too. You have all the conveniences for having an uncommonly favored existence, if you only <em>insisted</em> on thinking
+so."</p>
+
+<p>But Nan retorted: "That's just it&mdash;<em>if</em> one could only think so! Aye, there's the rub. This is the place
+for tears. Oh, dear!&mdash;I can't whip my thoughts into obedience to my will as you can, Bert. I have, as you say, all
+the so-called 'opportunities' for having a so-called 'fine time,' and when I am old and gray, no one can say that I did
+not improve them with unflagging diligence. But I don't really enjoy myself, and I don't believe you do
+either&mdash;only you'll never own to it. Now, girls, honor bright, do you honestly think we amount to much? Are we
+getting the most out of life?"</p>
+
+<p>The impressiveness of the moment was ruined by the arrival of a green grape, plump upon the speaker's nose.</p>
+
+<p>Nan was good-natured enough to laugh with the rest, as she gave it a well-directed aim back at Bert.</p>
+
+<p>At this point Evelyn rescued the meeting from total disorder, by boldly announcing: "Stay, girls! I agree with Nan,
+so far as I know what she means. Oh, she was sublime last night! I wilted under the heat of her eloquence, and I
+proclaim myself her humble follower."</p>
+
+<p>At this encouragement, Nan administered a
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_686" id="Page_686">[Pg 686]</a></span>
+
+smothering hug to her noble champion; but suddenly she seemed to change her tactics from harangue to intrigue, for,
+helping herself to a bunch of Dianas, she said languidly:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the curbed lion of my spirit was rampant last night, for I had a very inane time at that party&mdash;or
+perhaps I ate too much of the lemon streak of my Neapolitan ice; at all events, I was rash enough to declare war to the
+knife on all inducements from the giddy world again."</p>
+
+<p>"But you will go to the next party as usual," interrupted Bert, as she left the hammock. "You will go every time, my
+dear; you can't help it; it is inevitable fate; so you'd better calm down and meditate on your next gown."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Bert! You've said it now!" almost shouted Nan. "<em>That's</em> the very point! Is it 'inevitable fate' that we
+go on and on? I want something more worth the while. Do be patient with me, and let me lay the case before you as it
+looks to me. Here we are, every last girl of us out of school, and doing absolutely nothing. What would we think of
+young men who dawdled about at this rate, contenting themselves with a little dusting, arranging a few flowers, doing a
+bit of embroidery now and then, and in <em>very</em> energetic moments painting a teacup, but chiefly being 'in
+society,' and not earning one square inch even of their manly clothing? Horrors! I wouldn't recognize such a ninny!"</p>
+
+<p>The silenced audience looked sufficiently awe-struck to encourage Nan to continue.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, are we one whit more to be envied, just because we are girls? Wake up, Bert! And now that I'm awake myself, I
+think I shall actually blush the next time Father pays me my allowance."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, girls, Nan is in earnest," said Evelyn. "Cathy and I were almost set to thinking by her burning eloquence last
+night&mdash;and I can assure you she has a scheme on foot; so, as a humble champion, I request an expression from the
+meeting, upon certain points. Firstly, all who agree that the present state of things isn't very satisfying, will please
+manifest it by holding up the right hand."</p>
+
+<p>Cathy's gold thimble gleamed in the air. Bert was ostensibly asleep, with her head against the pillar, but suddenly
+she sat erect, and said with great decision:</p>
+
+<p>"I think that you are running your precious heads against a wall&mdash;and, I assure you, the wall doesn't mind it in
+the least. You are in the world, and you would better treat it politely or you will get roundly snubbed in return. As
+for me, I <em>must</em> meet people. Until Nan or some other philosopher offers something enticing, <em>I</em> remain
+true to the ship."</p>
+
+<p>"But suppose we do offer something in its place," said Evelyn, who had rolled up her work and stuck her needle
+through it, as though she were fastening an idea within.</p>
+
+<p>"You are not much of a sinner, so entice away," said Bert, smilingly, folding her hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," Evelyn proceeded with a comical drawl, "let's be a club&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'm clubbed black and blue now!" gasped Bert; "do try again, sweet child!"</p>
+
+<p>"Let's be a club," Evelyn repeated severely, "and let us read, or study, or work, with all the might that is in
+us."</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the clouds had been clearing from Nan's brow, and now she called out delightedly:</p>
+
+<p>"You are getting 'warm', as we used to say when we played 'hunt the thimble'; you are certainly traveling toward
+milder climes, Evelyn. Yes, let us do something in earnest&mdash;and I know what I'm going to do, too!'</p>
+
+<p>"What? what?" sounded in chorus.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm going&mdash;to&mdash;earn&mdash;my&mdash;own&mdash;living."</p>
+
+<p>At each emphatic word, Nan bobbed her head in the most decisive manner. "I'm going to seek my fortune, and I'm going
+to try to lead a genuine existence."</p>
+
+<p>The girls sat stunned, with wide open eyes, till Bert suddenly pounded on the floor with heavy applause, and Evelyn
+asked breathlessly:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Nan, has Father failed, or lost anything?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, <em>he</em> hasn't," answered Nan grimly, "but I have. What have I ever done since I was graduated but drift
+about, vainly trying to amuse myself. Why, girls, we have <em>futures</em> before us&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, not <em>before</em> us?" laughed Bert with mock incredulity.</p>
+
+<p>But Nan, undisturbed by Bert's interruption, went calmly on:</p>
+
+<p>"Do we wish to belong to that class of helpless women who are aghast and powerless if misfortune overtakes them? Do
+we wish to depend on others all our lives&mdash;even if we have a fair prospect of property of our own" (looking hard at
+Bert). "Remember that the wheel of Fortune turns once in most lives, and <em>I</em> shouldn't like to be flattened under
+it!"</p>
+
+<p>The attention of her hearers was suddenly startled by an exclamation from Bert, who stood up, with both hands at her
+heart, in apparent agony. Recovering, however, with astonishing alacrity, she murmured: "Oh, it is nothing&mdash;nothing
+but a barbed arrow driven home."</p>
+
+<p>And with this mysterious remark, she settled her hat, declared it was dinner-time, and, refusing to explain her
+unwonted reserve, laughingly tore herself away.</p>
+
+<p class="center">(<em>To be continued.</em>)</p>
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_687" id="Page_687">[Pg 687]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>THE PUSSIES' COATS.</h2>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus718.jpg" width="600" height="292" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind3">O pussies dear,</span>
+		<span class="ind3">It's very queer</span>
+		<span class="ind1">That you wear your fur coats all the year!</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind3">Mamma, in May,</span>
+		<span class="ind3">Put hers away.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">I should think you'd be too warm to play.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>THE KELP-GATHERERS.</h2>
+<h4>[<em>A Story of the Maine Coast.</em>]</h4>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By J. T. Trowbridge.</span></h3>
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">Chapter VI.</span></h4>
+<h5>CAMPING ON THE BEACH.</h5>
+
+<p>The kelp-gatherers, with their tip-cart and ox-team, had in the meanwhile entered the belt of woods which stretched
+along the coast, back from the sea. Tall trees rose on both sides of the narrow, sandy road, their tops meeting
+overhead. There was on the outskirts a scanty undergrowth, which, however, soon disappeared, leaving the open aisles of
+the forest, with here a brown carpet of pine-needles, and there a patch of bright moss.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was going down. The spots and flickers of wine-colored light vanished from the boughs. The long bars of
+shadow, cast by the great trunks, became merged in one universal shade, and evening shut down upon the woods.</p>
+
+<p>Soon another sound mingled with that of the wind sweeping through the pines and firs. It was the roar of the sea.</p>
+
+<p>The boys were more quiet now, the solemn scene filling their hearts with quiet joy. The large trees soon gave place
+to a smaller and thicker growth of spruce and balsam, the boughs of which now and then touched the cart-wheels as they
+passed. Somewhere in the dim wilderness, a thrush piped his evening song.</p>
+
+<p>"Hark!" said Perce. "I heard something besides a bird. Is somebody calling?"</p>
+
+<p>"A loon," said Moke.</p>
+
+<p>"A loon out on the water," said Poke. "The sea is just off here."</p>
+
+<p>They soon had glimpses of it through openings among the trees. But now the sound of it became louder; the woods, too,
+moaned like another sea in the wind, and the cries were no longer heard.</p>
+
+<p>They came out upon a spot of low grassy ground behind the sand-hills. There was a fresh-water pool near by. Perce
+thought it a good place for the oxen; and he turned them out on the road-side. Mrs. Murcher's boarding-house was in
+sight.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose I run up there and find Olly before it gets any darker," said Perce. "You can be
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_688" id="Page_688">[Pg 688]</a></span>
+
+unhitching the steers from the cart, and getting 'em around in a good place to feed. Fasten 'em to the cart-wheel by
+this rope; tie it in the ring of the yoke. Let 'em drink first."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," said the twins. "Go ahead."</p>
+
+<p>And off Perce ran to summon his friend to their festivities.</p>
+
+<p>The twins turned the cattle into the grass, and then began to make things ready for their camp and supper; keeping up
+all the time an incessant dialogue, which prevented them from hearing again the cries of the supposed loon, growing
+fainter and fainter on the distant waves.</p>
+
+<p>Neither did Perce hear them as he hastened along the path in the gloomy hollow, and mounted the piazza steps. In the
+hall-door of the boarding-house, he was met by a tall girl of seventeen, with a fine brunette complexion, piercing dark
+eyes, and a high, thin, Roman nose.</p>
+
+<p>Overawed a little by her rather imposing style of dress and features, Perce took off his cap, and begging her pardon,
+inquired for Oliver Burdeen.</p>
+
+<p>"Burdeen? Oliver?" she queried. "Oh!" with a pleasant smile, "you mean Olly!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he replied. "We all call him Olly where he lives, but I wasn't sure he would be known by that name here."</p>
+
+<p>"He isn't known by any other!" replied the young lady with a laugh. "He's about, somewhere; I believe he's always
+about, somewhere! Mrs. Merriman," she called to a lady in the parlor, "where's the ubiquitous Olly?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, Amy," replied the lady. "Didn't he go with the gentlemen in the yacht?"</p>
+
+<p>Amy "almost thought he did"; yet it seemed to her she had seen him that afternoon; a position of uncertainty on the
+part of that young lady, which wouldn't have been highly flattering to the vanity of Master Burdeen, even if he hadn't
+been at that moment beyond the reach of flattery.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Murcher can tell you," she said, turning to walk back to the end of the hall. "She is here, in the
+dining-room."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Murcher thought Olly must be in his room.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe he is going home this evening," she said; "he wants to show his folks a new suit of clothes that has been
+given him. I guess he's trying them on."</p>
+
+<p>"I am a neighbor of his," said Perce. "I am camping on the beach with some friends; and we want him to join us."</p>
+
+<p>"Well!" exclaimed the landlady, "you can go right up to his room and find him. It's in the old part of the house; but
+you'd better go up the front way; it's lighter."</p>
+
+<p>She was explaining to Perce that he must go up one flight, proceed to the end of the corridor, and then step down
+into a lower passage&mdash;when the tall young brunette called over the banisters, "I'll show him!"</p>
+
+<p>He mounted after her; and she threw open the door of what seemed an unoccupied room, to let more light from its
+windows into the corridor.</p>
+
+<p>"Be careful not to stumble!" she warned him. "That's his room, right before you, as you go down those steps."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, she disappeared in some other room, and Perce was left alone in the dim hall. He paused a moment to get a
+glimpse of the sea through the door and window of the room she had opened, which happened to be Mr. Hatville's room;
+then he groped his way to Olly's door and knocked.</p>
+
+<p>In a little while, he returned alone to his friends on the beach.</p>
+
+<p>"I couldn't find him," he said. "Mrs. Murcher sent me up to his room, but he wasn't there; and I went all over the
+place. Then she said she thought he must have gone home, to show his folks a new suit of clothes; he had asked her if he
+might; but she didn't expect him to go so soon."</p>
+
+<p>"Olly's made, if he's got some new clothes!" said Moke.</p>
+
+<p>"He never would speak to us, after that!" said Poke. "Never mind; we can 'wake Nicodemus' without him."</p>
+
+<p>"Wake Nicodemus!" Moke shouted gleefully, to hear his voice resound in the woods.</p>
+
+<p>"Wake Nicodemus!" Poke repeated. And the three joined gayly in the chorus of a song then popular:</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">"Now, run and tell Elijah to hurry up Pomp,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And meet us at the gum-tree down in the swamp,</span>
+			<span class="ind4">To wake Nicodemus to-day!"</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>The very human biped whose cries had been mistaken for a loon's, heard their voices wafted to him by the
+wind&mdash;the same wind that was blowing him farther and farther from the shore.</p>
+
+<p>He screamed again, wildly; but his own voice sounded weaker and weaker, while the merry chorus still went up from the
+little camping party on the beach:</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">"Wake Nicodemus to-day!"</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>The boys sang and chatted as they worked. They made their beds in a hollow of the windswept dunes, where there would
+be less annoyance from mosquitoes than in the shelter of the woods, and spread their hay and blankets upon the dry
+sand.</p>
+
+<p>"Besides," said Perce, "the daylight will strike us here, and wake us early."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_689" id="Page_689">[Pg 689]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Wake Nicodemus!" laughed Poke.</p>
+
+<p>And then they all burst forth again:</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">"Wake Nicodemus to-day!"</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>The chasing clouds gathered, until the sky was almost completely overcast. The moon would not rise till late; it
+became dark rapidly. But as the gloom of night thickened on land and sea, a little golden flame shot up on the shore,
+and grew large and bright as the surrounding shadows became more dense.</p>
+
+<p>It was the flame of the boys' camp-ire, which they kindled on the seaward side of the dunes, and fed with rubbish
+from the high-water mark of the recent storm. Later tides had not then reached it, and plenty of it was dry enough to
+burn.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 505px;">
+<img src="images/illus721.jpg" width="505" height="600" alt="Perce and the Twins on Their Way to the Beach." title="" />
+<span class="caption">PERCE AND THE TWINS ON THEIR WAY TO THE BEACH.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Chips and old shingles, bleached sea-weed, broken planks, strips and slabs from saw-mills on some far-away river, and
+other refuse, littered the strand,&mdash;here, a broken lobster-pot which the rolling waves had washed ashore, and
+there, a ship's fender, worn smooth, with a fragment of rope still held in the auger-hole by its knotted end.</p>
+
+<p>Such of this fuel as best suited their immediate purpose the boys gathered for their fire; and Olly, in his
+wave-tossed boat, could see their agile figures running to and fro in the light of the flames.</p>
+
+<p>"There'll be heaps of flood-wood, as well as kelp, for us to gather to-morrow," said Perce. "Don't put any more on
+the fire, boys."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?" asked the twins.</p>
+
+<p>"There's no use wasting it," answered Perce, adding, "We've fire enough. We'll roast our corn and go to bed, so as to
+be up early. It'll be high tide before five to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Then wake Nicodemus!" cried Moke in a gleeful tone.</p>
+
+<p>And again the three boys raised the wild chorus of the old plantation song.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_690" id="Page_690">[Pg 690]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Olly ought to be here!" said Perce. "He must have gone home by the coast; and that's the way we missed him."</p>
+
+<p>Even then, but for the noise of the surf and the whistling of the wind, they might have heard Olly's last screams;
+and by straining their eyes they might have seen far out on the gloomy deep a dim object, now rising for a moment
+against the line of the evening sky, and now disappearing in a hollow of the waves.</p>
+
+<p>With hay about their heads to shelter them from the wind, and the light of their camp-fire gleaming over them, the
+kelp-gatherers lay under their blankets, in the hollow of the dunes. They talked or sang until the flames died to a
+feeble glimmer, that served to bring out by contrast the surrounding gloom of sea and land and sky.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it dark, though!" exclaimed Perce. "I had no idea it would cloud so. I believe it is going to rain. Then
+shan't we be in a fix?"</p>
+
+<p>"It can't rain," said Moke.</p>
+
+<p>"No fear of that," added Poke, in a muffled voice from under his blanket.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the reason?" Perce demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"Uncle Moses said so," replied both the twins together.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, then, of course it can't!" laughed Perce. "And the wind wont change, and carry the kelp all off, and land it on
+some other beach, as it did the last time I was coming to get sea-weed here. The wind clipped around to the nor'ard and
+northeast, and in the morning this beach, that had been covered with it, was as clean as a whistle; while Coombs's Cove,
+where there hadn't been any, was full of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Who's going to wake Nicodemus in the morning?" asked Moke.</p>
+
+<p>"The one who's first awake himself," said Perce. And he sang, the others joining in:</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">"'Wake me up,' was his charge, 'at the first break of day,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Wake me up for the great jubilee!'"</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>After that they became silent. The fire died on the beach. The breakers plunged and drew back, with incessant noise,
+in the darkness; the wind moaned in the woods, and whistled among the coarse sparse grass and wild peas that grew about
+the dunes. But notwithstanding the strangeness of their situation, the boys were soon asleep.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Moses proved a true prophet. There was no rain in the huddling clouds that at one time overspread the sky. They
+broke and lifted, and bright stars peeped from under their heavy lids. Then the moon rose and silvered them, and shed a
+strange light upon the limitless, unresting, solitary waves.</p>
+
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> VII.</h4>
+
+<h5>ADRIFT IN A DORY.</h5>
+
+<p>For a long time Olly could see the boys by the light of their camp-fire, excepting when the tops of the rolling
+billows hid them from view.</p>
+
+<p>Although too far off at any time to recognize his friends, he made out snatches of the song then in vogue in his
+neighborhood; and he believed the camping party to be Frog-End boys who had come to the beach for kelp.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes they passed between him and the fire; and finally they stood or crouched around it, as the wavering flames
+died down to a bright-red glow on the shore. To see them so near and so happy&mdash;it seemed to him that everybody was
+happy who was not paddling desperately in a frail skiff, against a relentless wind&mdash;to hear them singing and
+shouting, so wholly unconscious of him in his distress, was intolerable agony.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, why can't they hear?" he exclaimed, in a voice to the last degree hoarse with calling for help. "Why couldn't
+they look this way once? Now it is too late!"</p>
+
+<p>He was by that time greatly exhausted; for when not signaling and calling, he had been making frantic efforts to
+paddle the dory against the wind. At first he had used the oar-handle, but he found it wholly ineffectual. Then he had
+torn up one of the thwarts, but it was too short and too clumsy for his purpose; and though for a time he seemed to make
+headway, the distance from the shore was steadily increasing.</p>
+
+<p>If he could have held the boat in its course, as with a pair of oars, he might have made progress even with that
+unwieldly paddle. But he lost time and strength in shifting it from side to side; and, spite of all he could do, the
+wind and the waves would now and then give the light, veering skiff a turn, and he would suddenly find himself paddling
+out to sea! However, those efforts prevented him from being blown speedily out of sight of land. And when the boys on
+the beach, after due preparation, stuck their ears of green corn on the sharpened ends of sticks and roasted them in the
+fire, he still kept the little group in view. He had no doubt that they were cooking their supper. No wonder he wept
+with despair at the contrast of that cheerful scene with his own terrible situation!</p>
+
+<p>The fire faded to a red eye of burning coals; all other objects grew indistinct, excepting the black outline of the
+woods against the soft evening red of a rift in the sky, and one pure star brightening in those ethereal depths. Another
+starry beam, which he could plainly discern, but which was too low down for a star, Olly knew must be a light in one of
+the upper windows of the boarding-house.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_691" id="Page_691">[Pg 691]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Was it in Mr. Hatville's room? Had he returned and discovered the loss of his watch? And could poor Olly hope ever to
+make restitution and explanations? Suppose he should indeed be lost at sea! Would it not be believed that he had yielded
+to temptation and had purposely run away with the watch?</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 570px;">
+<img src="images/illus724.jpg" width="570" height="600" alt="''HE MADE FRANTIC EFFORTS TO PADDLE THE DORY AGAINST THE WIND.''" title="" />
+<span class="caption">"HE MADE FRANTIC EFFORTS TO PADDLE THE DORY AGAINST THE WIND."</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The danger his life was in was enough for the wretched boy, without this fear for his reputation. He thought of his
+folks at home,&mdash;his mother and sisters, for his father was dead,&mdash;and he wondered if they would believe him
+capable of a folly so much greater than that he had in mind when he so innocently (as it seemed to him then, but not
+now) borrowed the bright bauble! And what would Amy Canfield think?</p>
+
+<p>All vanity had been killed in him from the moment he found himself in actual peril. It made him sick at heart to
+remember the satisfaction he had so lately felt in his new clothes. He no longer drew the watch proudly from his pocket;
+hardly once did he glance downward at the big seal and gold guard hooked in the button-hole of his vest&mdash;a hated
+sight to him now.</p>
+
+<p>When all hope of reaching the shore against such a wind was gone, he still struggled to keep the dory within hailing
+distance of the yacht, when it should come beating up from the northeast. But no yacht hove in sight; and if it passed,
+it must have been under the shadow of the shore. Clouds closed again over the one bright star and the patch of silver
+light in the west. The utter desolation of night lay about him on the lonely, weltering waters. All along the coast now
+he could see occasional lights&mdash;the lights in happy dwellings; but on the seaward side, only a faint gleam showed
+the line where sky and ocean met. There were no sounds but the ceaseless turmoil of the billows, the frequent slapping
+of a wave under the flat-bottomed boat, and his own fitful sobs.</p>
+
+<p>His last hope lay in crossing the track of some coaster or fishing-craft that might pick him up. But could that occur
+before morning? And could he expect that his ill-managed dory would ride safely all night on the increasing waves? The
+strong wind off shore, meeting the ocean swells, was blowing up a heavy chop-sea that threatened a new danger. What a
+night was before him, at the best!</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly his hat blew off, and disappeared immediately on the black waves.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_692" id="Page_692">[Pg 692]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The distant sails he had seen at first had vanished as the swift night shut down; but now he discerned two dim lights
+in different directions, evidently far away.</p>
+
+<p>He was gazing after them, and looking anxiously for nearer lights or sails, when he was aware of a low, dark object
+just before him, rising from the deep. What could it be?&mdash;with something white flashing upon it! And what was the
+sound he heard?</p>
+
+<p>"The Cow and Calf!" he exclaimed, with sudden excitement, almost as if he had seen a friend.</p>
+
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> VIII.</h4>
+
+<h5>THE COW AND CALF.</h5>
+
+<p>"The Old Cow" and "The Calf" are two enormous ledges lying not far asunder, within sight from the coast in clear
+weather. "The Cow" is never completely submerged; her bare brown back appears above the highest tides.</p>
+
+<p>"The Calf" is not so fortunate; the sea must be very calm at high water, when it is not buried in the surf.</p>
+
+<p>Near one end of it, to mark the position of the dangerous reef, a pole is anchored, rising out of the water with a
+slant that has gained for it the name of "The Calf's Tail." Often at high tide the tail only can be seen sticking out of
+the sea.</p>
+
+<p>What Olly saw and heard was the billows combing over the end of one of those huge rocks. He wondered why he hadn't
+thought of them before; for it now occurred to him that if he could land on "The Old Cow," he might safely pass the
+night on her back, and be seen from the shore, or from some passing craft, in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>But which of the ledges was he approaching? Familiar as their forms were to him, seen from the shore, he could not in
+his strange position, in the night, and amid the dashing waves, decide whether he was coming upon "The Old Cow" or "The
+Calf."</p>
+
+<p>Trembling with fresh hope and fear, and paddling cautiously, he strained his eyes in the darkness, to get the broad
+outline of the ledge against the faint sky-line. There was something awful in the sound of the surf on those desolate
+rocks. The surges leapt and fell, rushing along the reef and pouring in dimly-seen cataracts over the ledges, their loud
+buffets followed by mysterious gurglings and murmurings, which might well appall the heart of a wave-tossed boy.</p>
+
+<p>The wind was blowing him on; but it was still in his power to pass the end of the rock, or drive his dory upon the
+windward side, where the ocean swells broke with least force. If he could only be sure which rock it was! But he could
+distinguish nothing. All was as strange to him as if he had been adrift on the lonesomest unknown sea in the world.</p>
+
+<p>If it was "The Calf," then "The Tail" should be at the other end, and "The Old Cow" beyond. If "The Cow," "The Calf"
+must be in the other direction, and a little farther seaward; he might pass between the two.</p>
+
+<p>He was getting used to his clumsy paddle; with it he kept his dory off as well as he could, but in a state of
+terrible anxiety, thinking his life might depend on what he should decide to do the next minute. He was still
+hesitating, when accident decided for him.</p>
+
+<p>The skiff was headed to the wind, against which he continued to paddle, when suddenly a billow shot over a sunken
+projection of the ledge, smiting the end of the boat with a force that slung it half about in an instant.</p>
+
+<p>Olly felt a small deluge of water dash over and drench him from behind. He was past thinking of his new clothes now;
+he thought of the dory. Even then it might have escaped capsizing if it had not met at the same instant a cross-wave,
+which tumbled aboard from the other side.</p>
+
+<p>The two filled it so nearly that the water rushed cold across his knees; and he knew that nothing he could do would
+prevent the boat from sinking. Indeed, as the very next wave swept in, it settled on one side, and then slowly rolled
+over. To save himself, Olly sprang up, grasping first the uppermost rail, then clinging to the bottom of the overturned
+skiff, until another billow swept him off.</p>
+
+<p>He was an accomplished swimmer, as I think I have said before; and now that skill stood him in good stead. In the
+first moment of his immersion he lost his bearings; but rising with a wave, he looked about him from its crest, and saw
+the little island not a hundred feet away.</p>
+
+<p>He made for it at once, directing his course to a spot which the overleaping surge did not reach.</p>
+
+<p>The waves were dashing all about the rock, to be sure; and to land safely upon it at any point would require not only
+vigilance, but good fortune.</p>
+
+<p>I hardly know whether he was much frightened or not; he himself couldn't have told. He didn't stop for a moment to
+reason about the situation, but obeying the mere instinct of self-preservation, he swam to the ledge.</p>
+
+<p>He was lucky enough to find a spot where it sloped gently into the sea. He swam in on a wave, and as it subsided, he
+clung to the rock.</p>
+
+<p>The broken surface of the rock was covered with barnacles, which cut his hands; but he held on. They also scratched
+his knees through his torn
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_693" id="Page_693">[Pg 693]</a></span>
+
+clothing, as he climbed up to the smoother rocks above.</p>
+
+<p>The slant to the water was such that he could not, in the darkness, judge of his elevation above the sea-level; nor
+could he determine, from that, whether he had been thrown upon "The Old Cow" or "The Calf."</p>
+
+<p>Yet everything depended upon the answer to that question. If on the greater rock, he was comparatively safe; if on
+the smaller, his respite would be brief&mdash;he might expect the next tide to carry him off.</p>
+
+<p>Groping about on the jagged summit, trying to identify the rock by its form, his foot plashed in a pool of water. He
+paused, startled by the thought that here was a means of deciding his fate.</p>
+
+<p>No doubt, much sea-spray dashed upon the back even of "The Old Cow," in rough weather. But copious rains had
+succeeded the last gale; and so, if that little pool was on the large rock, the water it held could not be very salt. If
+on the back of "The Calf," it was the leavings of the last tide. He felt that his doom was in the taste of that
+water.</p>
+
+<p>He hesitated, heaving a sigh of dread; then he stooped quickly and put his hand into the pool. He lifted the wet
+fingers to his lips, and immediately grew faint&mdash;the water was bitterly salt.</p>
+
+<p>Still, after a little reflection, he would not give up all hope. The sea must have broken clear over "The Cow's"
+back, in the last storm; and the rain might have had little effect in freshening the contents of the basin. He thought
+of another test.</p>
+
+<p>Barnacles live in the sea, or in receptacles of sea-water replenished at every tide. If he was upon the back of "The
+Old Cow," the pool would be free from them; if on "The Calf," there would be the usual incrustations about its
+edges.</p>
+
+<p>Once more he put down his groping hand; and then he uttered a despairing wail.</p>
+
+<p>The barnacles were there!</p>
+
+<p class="center">(<em>To be continued.</em>)</p>
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 478px;">
+<img src="images/illus727.jpg" width="478" height="600" alt="A Belated Fairy." title="" />
+<span class="caption">A BELATED FAIRY.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:25%" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_694" id="Page_694">[Pg 694]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>AUNT DEBORAH'S LESSON.</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">By G. H. Baskette.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="imgleft" style="width: 138px;">
+<img src="images/illus728.jpg" width="138" height="300" alt="T" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<p><br />he good lands! What's that!" excitedly cried frightened Aunt Deborah.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Deborah might well exclaim in surprise. For as she sat knitting quietly and humming a quaint old tune of long
+ago, one she had learned as a child&mdash;&mdash;C-r-rash! bang! came a stone into the room, shivering the window-pane,
+just missing the swinging lamp in the hallway, making an ugly scar on the cabinet, and breaking into fragments a
+handsome vase. Then, as if satisfied with the mischief it had done, it rolled lazily across the floor, and finally
+stopped under the table, an inert, jagged bit of granite.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Deborah, as the stone pursued its reckless course, placed her hands over her head, and shrank back into her
+chair, a frightened and unwilling witness to the destruction of her property. It was quite distressing.</p>
+
+<p>Besides the nervous shock, there was the broken window; there was the cabinet showing a great white dent that could
+not easily be removed; and there, too, was the vase she had kept so many long years, lying shattered and ruined before
+her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Deborah was one of the best and most kind-hearted of women; but&mdash;she was human, and the sudden havoc
+wrought by the missile exasperated as well as frightened her. She rushed to the window and opened it in time to see
+three or four boys scampering down the street as fast as their legs could carry them.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you young scapegraces!" she cried. "If I could once lay hold on you, wouldn't I teach you a lesson!"</p>
+
+<p>But the boys never stopped until they had disappeared around a friendly corner. Aunt Deborah was so overcome by the
+accident, and so intent upon watching the retreating boys to whom she desired to teach a lesson, that she did not at
+first notice a barefooted lad standing under the window on the pavement below, holding a battered old hat in his hand,
+and looking up at her with a scared face and tearful eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Please, Miss," said the boy tremulously.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Who are you? Who threw that stone at my window?" called out Aunt Deborah, as she spied him.</p>
+
+<p>"Please, Miss," pleaded the boy, fumbling nervously his torn hat, "I threw it, but I didn't mean to do it."</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't mean to do it, eh?" replied Aunt Deborah, fiercely. "I suppose the stone picked itself up and pitched itself
+through my glass!"</p>
+
+<p>"I was going to throw it down the street, but Bill Philper touched my arm, and it turned and hit your window," he
+explained.</p>
+
+<p>There was an air of frankness and truth about the boy, and the fact that he had not run away like the others (whom,
+somehow, Aunt Deborah held chiefly responsible for the outrage), caused her to relent a little toward him.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in here," she said, after eying him closely for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>The lad hesitated; but summoning all his courage, he went up the steps, and soon stood in her presence.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you see that" she said, pointing at the window&mdash;"and that"&mdash;(at the cabinet)&mdash;"and
+that?"&mdash;(at the broken vase)&mdash;"and that?"&mdash;(at the stone.) "Now, isn't that a fine performance?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am very sorry," said the boy, the tears welling into his eyes again.</p>
+
+<p>He looked ruefully about at the damaged articles, and glanced at the stone, wishing heartily that he had never seen
+it.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, what's to be done about it?" asked she.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, ma'am," said he, very ill at ease. "I will try to pay you for it."</p>
+
+<p>"What can you pay, I should like to know?" she said, glancing at his patched coat and trousers and his torn hat.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_695" id="Page_695">[Pg 695]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I sell papers," said he; "and I can pay you a little on it every week."</p>
+
+<p>"What's your name?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Sam Wadley," answered the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you a father?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, ma'am," replied Sam; "he's dead."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you a mother?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, ma'am."</p>
+
+<p>"What does she do?" continued Aunt Deborah.</p>
+
+<p>"She sews, and I help her all I can, selling papers."</p>
+
+<p>"How can you pay me anything then?"</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 550px;">
+<img src="images/illus729.jpg" width="550" height="547" alt="There Sat Aunt Deborah Earnestly Knitting." title="" />
+<span class="caption">"THERE SAT AUNT DEBORAH EARNESTLY KNITTING." [<a href="#Page_696">SEE NEXT PAGE.</a>]</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Please, ma'am, I'll tell Mother all about it, and she'll be willing for me to pay you all I make."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, now, we'll see if you are a boy to keep his word," said Aunt Deborah.</p>
+
+<p>"How much must I pay?" Sam inquired anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see." Aunt Deborah put on her spectacles and made a critical survey of the room. "Window&mdash;fifty cents;
+vase&mdash;one dollar&mdash;I wouldn't have had it broken for five!&mdash;That'll do&mdash;one dollar and a half. I
+shan't charge you for the dent in the furniture."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll try to pay you something on it every week," said Sam. "There are some days when I don't make anything; but when
+I do, I'll save it for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," said Aunt Deborah; "you may go now."</p>
+
+<p>He thanked her, and went slowly out, while Aunt Deborah began to pick up the fragments strewn over the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, wait a moment!" she cried.</p>
+
+<p>Sam came back.</p>
+
+<p>"Take this stone out with you, and be careful what you do with it, next time," she said. "By
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_696" id="Page_696">[Pg 696]</a></span>
+
+the way, if you wish to keep out of trouble, you'd better not keep company with that Flipper boy&mdash;" Aunt Deborah
+had a rather poor memory for names&mdash;"if I had him, wouldn't I give him a lesson!"</p>
+
+<p>She uttered the last sentence with such a relish, that Sam was glad enough to get away. He was afraid she might
+conclude to bestow upon him the salutary lesson which she had proposed to give "Flipper," as she called him.</p>
+
+<p>Sam hurried home as fast as he could. His mother, a pale, delicate woman whose wan features and sunken eyes showed
+the effects of too hard work, heard his simple tale, wiped away his tears and encouraged him in his resolve to pay for
+the damage he had done.</p>
+
+<p>From that day, Sam began to be very diligent, and to earn pennies in every honest way possible to him. And every week
+he carried some small amount to Aunt Deborah.</p>
+
+<p>"That boy has some good in him," she said when he had brought his first installment. And though she grew more kind
+toward him every time he came, occasionally giving him a glass of milk, a sandwich or a cake, she rarely failed to warn
+him against the influence of that "Flipper" boy.</p>
+
+<p>His young companions laughed at him for paying his money to Aunt Deborah, and called him a coward for not running
+away when they ran; but all they said did not turn him from his purpose.</p>
+
+<p>One evening he went with a cheerful heart to pay his last installment.</p>
+
+<p>As he passed the window of the sitting-room he glanced in. There sat Aunt Deborah, earnestly knitting. The lamplight
+fell upon her sober face and Sam wondered if she ever looked really smiling and pleasant. "It doesn't seem as though she
+would be so stiff with a fellow," he said to himself. Then, in response to her "Come in," he entered the room and handed
+her his money.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe that is all, ma'am," said he.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that pays the whole sum," said Aunt Deborah; "you have done well."</p>
+
+<p>"I am still very sorry I have troubled you, and I hope you forgive me," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I do, with all my heart," said she earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," said Sam, as he started out, picking his old hat from the floor, where he had placed it; on
+entering.</p>
+
+<p>"Come back," said Aunt Deborah, "I've something more to say to you."</p>
+
+<p>With a startled look he turned into the room.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Deborah went to the cabinet and unlocked it. She first took out a pair of new shoes, then half a dozen pairs of
+socks, some underclothing, two nice shirts, a neat woolen suit, and lastly a good felt hat.</p>
+
+<p>"Sam," said she to the astonished lad, "I have taken your money, not because I wanted it, but because I wished to
+test you. I wished to see whether you really meant to pay me. That Flipper boy would never have done it, I am sure. You
+have done so well in bringing me your little savings that I have learned to like you very much. Now I wish to make you a
+present of these articles. In the pocket of this jacket you will find the money you have paid me. I wouldn't take a cent
+of it. It is yours. You must keep working and adding to it, so that you can soon help your mother more. Go to work now
+with a light heart, and grow up a true and an honest man. Tell your mother that I say she has a fine son."</p>
+
+<p>In making this speech, Aunt Deborah's features relaxed into a pleasant smile; and Sam smiled too, and was so pleased
+that he could hardly utter his thanks.</p>
+
+<p>"And mind you," continued she, suddenly changing the current of his thoughts, "don't associate with that Flipper
+boy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Please, ma'am," said Sam, feeling a twinge of conscience that his former companion should bear so much of the blame,
+"you have been very kind to me, but Bill Philper didn't know the stone would turn as it did, and break your window."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why did he run away?" inquired Aunt Deborah somewhat fiercely. "It's quite proper that you should try to excuse
+him, Sam; but I should like to teach him a good lesson?"</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;you&mdash;have taught me a good lesson," said Sam, with a blushing face, "and I&mdash;I&mdash;thank you
+very much for it."</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Deborah smiled benignly again, and warmly bidding Sam to come often to see her, she let him out at the door.</p>
+
+<p>She felt very happy as Sam disappeared down the street, and he was very happy, as he hurried home with his great
+bundle, and told his mother all about it, which made that good woman very happy, too. So they were very happy all
+around.</p>
+
+<p>And it all came about because Sam had stood up like a brave boy to confess his wrong, which is always manly; and had
+offered reparation for it, which is always right; and had gone forward, in spite of the taunts of his companions,
+denying himself pleasures and comforts in order to do that which he knew to be right, which is always heroic.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_697" id="Page_697">[Pg 697]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>Of Timothy Timid and his happy thought:</h2>
+<h3>these lines and pictures by A. Brennan.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Timothy Timid, they say,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Once traveled the loneliest way;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">For he traveled by night</span>
+		<span class="ind2">Lest he should take fright</span>
+		<span class="ind1">At things he could see in the day.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 470px;">
+<img src="images/illus732.jpg" width="470" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_698" id="Page_698">[Pg 698]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>READY FOR BUSINESS; OR, CHOOSING AN OCCUPATION. <a name="FNanchor_B" id="FNanchor_B"></a><a href="#Footnote_B" class="fnanchor">[B]</a><br />
+A SERIES OF PRACTICAL PAPERS FOR BOYS.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By George J. Manson.</span></h3>
+<h4><span class="smcap">Boat-Building.</span></h4>
+
+<div class="imgleft" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/illus734.jpg" width="200" height="250" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Boat-building is by no means one of the "lost arts," although in this age of steam and iron, the "good old days" of
+the ship-builders are a thing of the past. Of late years, however, there has been a marked increase in the trade, and
+although the work is confined principally to yachts and smaller craft, the steady growth of this branch of boat-building
+offers excellent inducements to any young man whose tastes lie in that direction.</p>
+
+<p>I know of one boy at least, now sixteen years of age, who intends to fit himself during the next five or six years
+for the occupation; and his father, a prominent and highly successful naval architect, believes that there is a very
+promising future for American boat-building.</p>
+
+<p>I take it for granted that the future boat-builder has, as a boy, been fond of boats. He has not only taken advantage
+of the rivers and ponds near his house, has navigated them in scow, in row-boat or in sail-boat, but I will suppose
+that, from the time he has been the owner of a jack-knife, he has been a constructor of toy boats. And, as he has grown
+older and become the possessor of a tool-chest, or, at least, of a gauge, a mallet, a saw, a plane, and a good knife, he
+has wrought out miniature cutters and schooners, possibly a square-rigged ship, all of which have been much admired by
+his young companions. If it has been his object in life to become a boat-builder, he could not have been better employed
+during the hours that have not been taken up with school duties.</p>
+
+<p>In every business and profession there is some one object above all others sought after, upon which success may be
+said to depend. The orator endeavors to arouse our enthusiasm, the poet appeals to our sentiments, the lawyer to our
+reason, the clergyman to our conscience. The genius of the boat-builder lies in the one word "form." The one thing more
+than all others for which he aims to have a reputation is the ability to give a good shape to the mass of wood or iron
+coming from his hands, whether it be a man-of-war or a sail-boat. And so it was good for the boy that he made boats and
+models of boats. He was getting, as the naval architect would say, "form impressed upon his brain." It may have been, it
+probably was, a bad form, an incorrect form, but it was something from which to start. At all events, the boy has formed
+a speaking acquaintance with the occupation he is about to enter.</p>
+
+<p>I shall assume that at the age of sixteen he has finished his school studies, has a good knowledge of arithmetic and
+algebra, and has gone through seven books in Euclid, with special reference to being proficient in the fourth and
+seventh books. Two years before this, we will suppose, he has expressed a desire to be a boat-builder. He has made a
+model of some kind of a boat, and he has, as occasions have permitted, visited such ship-ards as could be found in his
+vicinity, and carefully watched the men while they were at work. At last, at the age of sixteen, he enters the office of
+a thoroughly competent naval architect, who either is or has been a practical ship-builder. The naval architect stands
+in the same relation to ship-building that the architect of houses does to house-building, with this
+difference,&mdash;not only does he make the plan, but very often he executes it as well.</p>
+
+<p>The beginner will find his quarters very pleasant. The room will be light, cheerful, and quiet. On the walls he will
+probably see pictures of famous yachts or other vessels; there will be a small library of technical books of reference,
+which he will have occasion to consult later on; there may be another student with whom he will chat now and then during
+the day; or his teacher, while they are at work, may give him some stirring bits of yachting reminiscence. I only
+mention this to show that there is none of that strict discipline to which the
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_699" id="Page_699">[Pg 699]</a></span>
+
+boy has been accustomed at school. The fact is, it is not needed, for, to use the language of a well-known ship-builder,
+"it is a fascinating occupation; it grows upon you; and the longer you are in it, the better you like it, that is, of
+course, if you like boats and everything pertaining to them."</p>
+
+<p>The boy will at first be given the drawing of a midship, or central, section of a boat, and required to put a body to
+it, to give it a bow, a stern&mdash;in short, to give to the boat its form. After working in that way for a while, he
+will make more extended plans, until he is able to make the full design of a vessel. He will remain with this naval
+architect for the space of a year; and, by that time, he should have acquired a very good knowledge of form.</p>
+
+<p>It is a fact that boys in England who choose this occupation for their life-work can more easily obtain a thorough
+education in it than can be had by youths in our country. In England, and in France, Denmark, and other European
+countries, there are schools where special technical instruction is given, and many of these are close to large
+ship-yards, where the practical work of ship-building can constantly be seen. The question now arises, therefore, shall
+the boy go to England and get the benefit of this instruction? It is by no means necessary that he should go there; but
+if he has begun to learn while young, he can spare the time, and his parents know whether they can spare the money which
+such a journey and residence would entail. If he decides to go, he will remain away for three or four years.</p>
+
+<p>Suppose, however, it is decided that he can not go abroad. It has cost him for the year's instruction he has received
+from the naval architect, with whom he had been studying, about $1000; or, he has given his services as a draughtsman,
+paid $500, and during the twelve months has "picked up" such knowledge as he could without receiving any regular
+instruction. His case of drawing-instruments has cost him from $50 to $250, depending on the number of instruments, the
+manner in which they are finished and the style of the case in which they are kept. Let us assume that he has been a
+full-pay pupil. His time is, of course, his own. It would be a good plan, after he has acquired some theoretical
+knowledge of the business, to regularly visit a shipyard and there begin to do the practical work which falls to the lot
+of the boat-builder; studying in the office one-half the time and working in the yard the other half. Now you will see,
+as I observed before, that boat-building is a profession and a trade. It is possible to be simply a naval architect and
+only make designs for boats, but it is not advisable; it is better, by all means, to have the practical knowledge which
+is obtained working among the men in the shipyard.</p>
+
+<p>They do not now apprentice boys as they did some fifty years ago. I have before me an indenture paper of a
+ship-builder (now alive) dated in the year 1825. In it he promises "not to waste his master's goods; not to contract
+matrimony within the said term; not to play at cards, dice, or any unlawful game, nor frequent ale-houses, dance-houses,
+or play-houses, but in all things behave himself as a faithful apprentice ought to do during the said term." There are
+no such rules laid down nowadays. Perhaps all the boys are so good that none are needed. All that needs to be done now
+is for the boy to make his verbal agreement with the owner of the shipyard, and go to work.</p>
+
+<p>And now a word or two as to this practical work which will cover the second method of learning boat-building as
+mentioned at the beginning of my paper. The boy who has not had the benefit of any previous training with an instructor
+may have to commence with turning the grindstone. The tools used in boat-building are in such constant use that they
+grow dull very soon, and the grindstone is kept going almost the whole of the day. Besides, the work being very heavy,
+the men generally work in couples, so that the learner when he is not turning the grindstone is assisting in lifting the
+heavy timbers that have to be used. The first tool he is generally permitted to use is the saw; then he begins to use
+the adze; then he is trusted with the ax, and helps get out the planking and timber for the frame of the ship.</p>
+
+<p>Then comes the difficult part of construction. The apprentice must have learned all this work with the tools (of
+which I am only able to make a passing mention), before he comes to the constructive part; that is, the part that our
+pupil has been studying with the naval architect.</p>
+
+<p>Before the building of the ship is commenced, a small wooden model is made, to give the owner and the builder an idea
+of what she is going to look like.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">"A little model the master wrought,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Which should be to the larger plan</span>
+		<span class="ind1">What the child is to the man."</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Doubtless, you have seen such models. They are built sometimes on a scale of a quarter of an inch to a foot; they are
+made of pieces of cedar and pine wood, placed alternately, and show the shape and whole arrangement of one side of the
+vessel. This model is glued, on its flat side, to a piece of board, for greater convenience in examination.</p>
+
+<p>From this model, "life-size" plans of the ship are made with chalk on the floor of a long, wide room, like a big
+garret, which is used especially for
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_700" id="Page_700">[Pg 700]</a></span>
+
+this purpose. It will not be necessary to enter into a technical description of these plans. There are three of
+them,&mdash;the sheer plan, the half-breadth plan, and the body plan. They show the position of the different planks to
+be used in the construction of the ship. To gain a rough idea of these plans, take a cucumber, decide which you will
+call the bottom and which the top, and cut it in the middle, lengthwise, from end to end. Look into its interior and
+fancy that it is covered with lines, both horizontal and vertical&mdash;and that will give you a very rough idea of the
+sheer plan. By laying the cucumber on its side and cutting it lengthwise, you will have a notion of the half-breadth
+plan. A division in the middle (cutting it in two parts, so that you can see the whole circumference) may suggest to you
+the body plan. This can not be made very clear, not even with drawings, because it is the most technical part of the
+work; but its object is apparent. From these three plans, taken from different points of view, the boat-builder can
+locate the position of every piece of plank in his vessel. So true is this that I understand it is possible to number
+the planks of a ship, and send them off to some distant country, where a ship-builder can construct the vessel without
+ever having seen the design.</p>
+
+<p>A great deal of calculation and figuring enters into this part of the work, but much of it has been made easy by the
+aid of a man (now dead, I believe) named Simpson, the author of what are called "Simpson's Rules." These rules are
+incorporated in small pocket handbooks which contain, in addition, a large number of tables, rules, and formulas
+pertaining to naval architecture. The most popular handbook of this character in England is said to be "Mackrow's Naval
+Architect and Ship-builders' Assistant," and in our country, "Haswell's Engineers' Pocket-book of Tables." These,
+however, are only aids in making calculations, and are very much like the interest tables you have probably seen, which
+save the trouble of going through the figuring in detail. There are a great many books which will be interesting and
+valuable to the young ship-builder. To give you some idea of their character, I copy the following from the table of
+contents of a recent standard work: "The displacement and buoyancy of ships;" "The oscillations of ships in still
+water;" "The oscillation of ships among waves;" "Methods of observing the rolling and pitching motions of ships;" "The
+structural strength of ships," etc.</p>
+
+<p>These titles may not at present indicate a very promising literary feast, but when the young boat-builder has
+mastered the rudiments of the technical part of the profession, he will read and reread such productions with as much
+pleasure as he now peruses the stories in <span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span>.</p>
+
+<p>I have not entered into the details of iron ship-building, the practical part of which the boy will learn in the same
+yard in which he learns to work in wood; for it is presumed that he is going to some large yard to obtain his
+instruction. Indeed, in this occupation it is the practical part that is the easiest and the most interesting to young
+learners. They are apt to slight the theoretical knowledge required and to long to spend their time in the shipyard with
+real tools, doing real work, for a real ship. With the boy who, through force of circumstances, has to enter on the life
+of a journeyman and earn wages, there is more excuse for hastening to that branch of the work than for the lad who is
+better situated in life. The journeyman will learn construction last and from his master. Under the plan I have
+suggested, the other lad will learn the general principles of construction before he goes to the shipyard; at least he
+will not have to commence with turning the grindstone. His first few visits will be confined to watching the men at
+their work; then he will gradually make himself familiar with the use of the different tools.</p>
+
+<p>The journeyman will receive at first $1 a day; during the second year, $1.50 a day, and be gradually advanced until
+he receives the regular wages, at the present time from $3 to $3.25 a day. It would not be advisable to make any
+estimate of the profits of boat-building as a business, for, no matter what they are now, by the time my young reader
+has started a shipyard, they may be entirely different, owing to the increase or decrease in the cost of material and
+labor.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_B" id="Footnote_B"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B">
+<span class="label">[B]</span></a> Copyright by G. J. Manson, 1884</p></div>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 800px;">
+<img src="images/illus738.png" width="800" height="128" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_701" id="Page_701">[Pg 701]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus740a.jpg" width="600" height="315" alt="This Little Pig Went to Market." title="" />
+<span class="caption">"THIS LITTLE PIG WENT TO MARKET."</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width:25%" />
+
+<h2>WHAT IT WAS.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Malcolm Douglas.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Oh, they were as happy as happy could be,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Those two little boys who were down by the sea,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">As each with a shovel grasped tight in his hand,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Like a sturdy young laborer dug in the sand!</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">And it finally happened, while looking around,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">That, beside a big shell, a small star-fish they found,&mdash;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Such a wonderful sight, that two pairs of blue eyes</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Grew large for a moment with puzzled surprise.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Then&mdash;"I know," said one, with his face growing bright,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">"It's the dear little star that we've watched every night;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">But last night, when we looked, it was nowhere on high,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">So, of course, it has dropped from its home in the sky!"</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus740b.jpg" width="600" height="326" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_702" id="Page_702">[Pg 702]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CAPTAIN JACK'S FOURTH-OF-JULY KITE.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Daniel C. Beard.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="imgright" style="width: 509px;">
+<img src="images/illus741a.jpg" width="509" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>"Well, if that isn't the queerest sight!" exclaimed a passenger on the cars going from Flushing to New York, last
+Independence Day.</p>
+
+<p>And all the passengers on that train, and on all other trains during the day, echoed the same words. It was a very
+strange occurrence.</p>
+
+<p>Away up in the blue sky, and all alone, like a new declaration of independence, fluttered that soul-stirring piece of
+bunting, the stars and stripes. Not a sign of pole or support of any kind could the sharpest eye discern; and yet, as
+steadily as if fixed on the dome of the national capitol, it waved its gay stripes in the joyous breeze. It was a very
+mysterious flag.</p>
+
+<p>There was, however, one individual who was both able and willing to clear away the mystery&mdash;a certain jovial man
+who, on the morning of that particular day, sat in exceedingly airy attire on the front porch of the boathouse of the
+Nereus Boat Club. As his striped shirt, knee-breeches, and skull-cap indicated, Captain Jack Walker was an oarsman.</p>
+
+<div class="imgleft" style="width: 488px;">
+<img src="images/illus741b.jpg" width="488" height="500" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>He afterward explained to his faithful crew that he had gone to the boathouse early that morning, and while there had
+been struck with a novel idea. The result of that idea was the mysterious flag which was waving over the salt marsh by
+Flushing Bay, and was puzzling the brains of many good citizens.</p>
+
+<p>Fastened to the top of the flagpole of the club's boathouse was the end of a piece of hempen twine. By following that
+piece of twine, which ran away into space at an angle of sixty degrees, the eye came at length to the floating flag. By
+looking closely, moreover, one could gradually discern that from the flag the twine ran up five or six hundred feet
+higher to a tiny kite&mdash;tiny, as seen away up there in the blue ether; but, in fact, a monster kite.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Jack had first sent up that great kite which some one had left at the boathouse, and had let it out five or
+six hundred feet; then he took a flag about five feet long, which belonged to one of the boats, and fastened
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_703" id="Page_703">[Pg 703]</a></span>
+
+the upper end of its stick firmly to the kitestring. He next broke the lower end of the flagstick so as to leave a short
+projection (<em>a</em>), just long enough for him to fasten a piece of twine to it.</p>
+
+<p>Then he again let the kite out, and also the string he had attached to the lower end of the flagstick. As soon as the
+flagstick was vertical, the line <em>a</em>, <em>b</em> (<a href="#Page_702">see preceding page</a>) was knotted
+securely to the kitestring at <em>b</em>. All that was necessary then was to let out about five hundred feet more twine,
+and Captain Jack's Fourth-of-July kite was soon gayly flying. There was to be a regatta that afternoon, however, and the
+gallant oarsman could not sit idly holding a kitestring in his hand. So he hauled down the boat club's flag, tied the
+kitestring to the flag-halyards and then hoisted both flag and kitestring to the top of the flagpole; and so his
+Fourth-of-July banner floated serenely in the sky all day long,&mdash;a beautiful sight, and an object of much surprise
+and wonder to all who saw it.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h3>IF.</h3>
+
+<div class="imgright" style="width: 554px;">
+<img src="images/illus742a.jpg" width="554" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">If I had a big kite,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">With a very short tail,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And a very stout cord,&mdash;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And there came a great gale,&mdash;</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">I'd hold fast to the string,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And away we would fly,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">I and my kite,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Up, up to the sky!</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus742b.jpg" width="600" height="259" alt="The biggest of birds without any wings. The oldest of
+kingdoms without any kings." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_704" id="Page_704">[Pg 704]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 589px;">
+<img src="images/illus743.jpg" width="589" height="800" alt="Tippie and Jimmie" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_705" id="Page_705">[Pg 705]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>TIPPIE AND JIMMIE.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Mary L. French.</span></h3>
+
+<p>Tippie and Jimmie had come over to play with Ajax. Tip's whole name is Tippecanoe. The boys call him a black and tan,
+but Bessie calls him a darling. He has a little black shining nose that he is always sticking into everything, and a
+little smooth, tapering tail that he is always wagging. Jimmie's name is James Stuart; he is a little Maltese kitten,
+with gentle blue eyes, and soft fur that is always ready to be smoothed, and claws that are never used where they can
+hurt, and a purr that is always wound up.</p>
+
+<p>Tippie and Jimmie live together, and eat together, and are the best of friends.</p>
+
+<p>Ajax is the kitten that lives next door. He is jet black, excepting a little white spot where his cravat should have
+been tied. And he has a long black tail that often waves over his back like a banner. He has large green eyes that snap
+and shine when he plays, and he has just begun to look for mice.</p>
+
+<p>One day Tippie and Jimmie came around to the kitchen door of the house where Ajax lived, and looked in.</p>
+
+<p>They could not see Ajax, so Jimmie began to climb up the screen door, sticking his claws into the holes. He had not
+climbed far before the lady of the house saw him, and she said:</p>
+
+<p>"Here's Jimmie looking for Ajax. Come, Ajax, where are you?"</p>
+
+<p>Ajax was asleep on the lounge, but he jumped up and came running to the door, for he comes when he is called,
+"quicker than any of the other children," Mamie says.</p>
+
+<p>He touched noses with Jimmie, and then he took his visitors around to the front porch. There, he and Jimmie leaped
+upon a chair and shook their paws at Tippie, who was on the floor. Then Tippie got upon another chair, and Ajax ran
+under it and reached up to play with him.</p>
+
+<p>It really seemed as if they knew how pretty they looked. After a while, they all three had a good race up and down,
+over chairs, under chairs, and through chairs. Sometimes Ajax stood on the back of a chair and poked his paw at Tippie,
+and sometimes he ran to the top of a high rocking-chair and jumped down to the porch railing. Jimmie was not so
+venturesome, however.</p>
+
+<p>Soon they grew tired of such play, and then they rushed out-of-doors, and down upon the grass. There, Tippie began to
+tease Jimmie. He pushed him over, and stepped upon him, and nosed him, and even bit him gently, till Jimmie suddenly
+cried out, "Meow-ow-ow!"</p>
+
+<p>Ajax had been quietly looking on, with a shade of contempt on his handsome countenance; but when he heard that
+appeal, he rushed at Tippie and pushed him away from Jimmie and scratched him, and chased him from one end of the yard
+to the other, two or three times.</p>
+
+<p>When they stopped to rest after their run, Ajax settled himself comfortably on the grass, perfectly quiet, except for
+the tip of his tail, which moved just a little. Tippie watched that tail with longing. He danced around and around Ajax.
+He pranced forward and skipped back, and practiced all his dancing-steps, before he dared touch it. At last he boldly
+rushed upon it, and a moment later Ajax held him fast around the neck, and with heads close together, and smothered
+growls of happiness, the cat and the dog were rolling over and over. Then, they suddenly let go, and stood half a foot
+apart, glaring at each other for a second, before they rushed together again, and went through the whole frolic once
+more.</p>
+
+<p>Mamie and Herbert had seen it all while building ships, in the side yard, and as they watched the grand closing
+scene, Herbert, in the tone of an oracle, announced,</p>
+
+<p>The Moral:</p>
+
+<p>"It is good to be good-natured, but bad to be imposed upon."</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+
+<h2>NUMBER ONE.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Charles R. Talbot.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">"I tell you," said Robbie, eating his peach,</span>
+		<span class="ind2">And giving his sister none,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">"I believe in the good old saying that each</span>
+		<span class="ind2">Should look out for Number One."</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">"Why, yes," answered Katie, wise little elf,</span>
+		<span class="ind2">"But the counting should be begun</span>
+		<span class="ind1">With the <em>other one</em> instead of yourself,&mdash;</span>
+		<span class="ind2">And <em>he</em> should be Number One."</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Vol</span>. XIII.&mdash;45.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_706" id="Page_706">[Pg 706]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>AMUSING THE BABY.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Eva Lovett Carson.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">A sudden tumult arose one day,</span>
+		<span class="ind2">In the nursery overhead.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">'T was like wild horses a-galloping there,</span>
+		<span class="ind2">Or a whole procession led.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Nursie, with face of terror,</span>
+		<span class="ind2">Deserted her cup of tea,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And rushed up the stair, in a state of despair,</span>
+		<span class="ind2">To see what the noise might be.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">She found in the room three Zulu chiefs</span>
+		<span class="ind2">Prancing across the floor.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Their faces beamed, as they danced and screamed,</span>
+		<span class="ind2">And their arms waved more and more.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">In a corner sat Ted, the baby,</span>
+		<span class="ind2">Silent and pale with fright:</span>
+		<span class="ind1">"We're amusing the baby&mdash;Oh, Nurse, come and see!"</span>
+		<span class="ind2">Cried the Zulus in great delight.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">"Oh, horrors!" cried Nursie in anger,</span>
+		<span class="ind2">Rushing to poor little Ted.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">"To go on that way, such <em>ridic</em>-u-lous play!&mdash;</span>
+		<span class="ind2">'T will put the child out of his head!"</span>
+		<span class="ind2">&mdash;With expressions of injured goodness,</span>
+		<span class="ind2">Stood Dudley, and Gordon, and Fred,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">"Why, Nursie, how mean!&mdash;We should think you'd have seen,</span>
+		<span class="ind2">We're amusing the baby!" they said.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/illus748.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_707" id="Page_707">[Pg 707]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>THE BROWNIES IN THE MENAGERIE.</h2>
+<h3><span class="smcap">By Palmer Cox.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="imgright" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus749.jpg" width="400" height="391" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">The Brownies heard the news with glee,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">That in a city near the sea</span>
+		<span class="ind1">A spacious building was designed</span>
+		<span class="ind1">For holding beasts of every kind.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">From polar snows, from desert sand,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">From mountain peak, and timbered land,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The beasts with claw and beasts with hoof,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">All met beneath one slated roof.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">That night, like bees before the wind,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">With home in sight, and storm behind,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The band of Brownies might be seen,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">All scudding from the forest green.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Less time it took the walls to scale</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Than is required to tell the tale.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The art that makes the lock seem weak,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The bolt to slide, the hinge to creak,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Was theirs to use as heretofore,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">With good effect, on sash and door;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And soon the band stood face to face</span>
+		<span class="ind1">With all the wonders of the place.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">To Brownies, as to children dear,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The monkey seemed a creature queer;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">They watched its skill to climb and cling,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">By either toe or tail to swing;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Perhaps they got some hints that might</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Come well in hand some future night,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">When climbing up a wall or tree,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Or chimney, as the case might be.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Then off to other parts they'd range</span>
+		<span class="ind1">To gather 'round some creature strange;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">To watch the movements of the bear,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Or at the spotted serpents stare.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">The mammoth turtle from its pen</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Was driven 'round and 'round again,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And though the coach proved rather slow</span>
+		<span class="ind1">They kept it hours upon the go.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Said one, "Before your face and eyes</span>
+		<span class="ind1">I'll take that snake from where it lies,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And like a Hindoo of the East,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Benumb and charm the crawling beast,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Then twist him 'round me on the spot</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And tie him in a sailor's knot."</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_708" id="Page_708">[Pg 708]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="imgright" style="width: 351px;">
+<img src="images/illus750.jpg" width="351" height="400" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Another then was quick to shout,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">"We'll leave that snake performance out!</span>
+		<span class="ind1">I grant you all the power you claim</span>
+		<span class="ind1">To charm, to tie, to twist and tame;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">But let me still suggest you try</span>
+		<span class="ind1">	Your art when no one else is nigh.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">	Of all the beasts that creep or crawl</span>
+		<span class="ind1">	From Rupert's Land to China's wall,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">	In torrid, mild, or frigid zone,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The snake is best to let alone."</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Against this counsel, seeming good,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">At least a score of others stood.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Said one, "My friend, suppress alarm.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">There's nothing here to threaten harm.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Be sure the power that mortals hold</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Is not denied the Brownies bold."</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">So from the nest, without ado,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">A bunch of serpents soon they drew.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And harmlessly as silken bands</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The snakes were twisted in their hands.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Some hauled them freely 'round the place;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Some braided others in a trace;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And every knot to sailors known,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Was quickly tied, and quickly shown.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Thus 'round from cage to cage they went,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">For some to smile, and some comment</span>
+		<span class="ind1">On Nature's way of dealing out</span>
+		<span class="ind1">To this a tail, to that a snout</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Of extra length, and then deny</span>
+		<span class="ind1">To something else a fair supply.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Around the sleeping lion long</span>
+		<span class="ind1">They stood an interested throng,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Debating o'er its strength of limb,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Its heavy mane or visage grim.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">But when the bear and tiger growled,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And wolf and lynx in chorus howled,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And starting from its broken sleep,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The monarch rose with sudden leap,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And, bounding round the rocking cage,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">With lifted mane, it roared with rage,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And thrust its paws between the bars,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Until it seemed to shake the stars,</span>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_709" id="Page_709">[Pg 709]</a></span></p>
+
+		<span class="ind1">A panic seized the Brownies all,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And out they scampered from the hall,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">As if they feared incautious men</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Had built too frail a prison pen;</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">And though the way was long and wild,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">With obstacles before them piled,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">They never halted in their run</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Until the forest shade they won.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 477px;">
+<img src="images/illus751.jpg" width="477" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_710" id="Page_710">[Pg 710]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>A LETTER FROM A LITTLE BOY.</h2>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 470px;">
+<img src="images/illus752.jpg" width="470" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> I want to tell little boys and girls about my two pets. One is a hen.
+She lives all alone, and leaves her coop every night, and goes in the barn, and flies up on old Jim's back, and sleeps
+there all night. Old Jim is a horse. Old Jim has a blanket for cold nights. It is an old
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_711" id="Page_711">[Pg 711]</a></span>
+
+one, and there is a hole in it on the top, and the old hen walks all around till
+she finds that hole, and puts her feet in there where it is warm, and there we
+find her every morning.</p>
+
+<p>My other funny pet is an old cat, named Catharine. She has only three
+feet, but I liked her just as well as I ever did, till last summer, when one morning
+we found the bird-cage door pushed in, and the bird was gone. We
+have another cat. We don't know but the bird flew away; but who pushed
+the door in? I don't like any cats so well now. Your friend,</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1 smcap">Ralph</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus753a.jpg" width="400" height="214" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width:25%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span></p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">A sadder tale I never heard!</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Just think of that poor little bird!</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Ralph's bird was killed,&mdash;I say so, flat,&mdash;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">By that three-footed sly old cat!</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Now, I'm a gentlemanly pup,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And I say cats should be locked up.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">For every time I walk the street,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">A crowd of cats I'm sure to meet.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">They rumple up my smooth, clean coat,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">They spoil my collar, scratch my throat,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">They rush and push, and tease and whirl,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And pull my ears all out of curl.&mdash;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">There's nothing on four legs as rude</span>
+		<span class="ind1">As cats and kittens are.</span>
+		<span class="ind3">Yours,</span>
+		<span class="ind5 smcap">Dude.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 504px;">
+<img src="images/illus753b.jpg" width="504" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_712" id="Page_712">[Pg 712]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 523px;">
+<img src="images/illus754.jpg" width="523" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT.</h2>
+
+<p class="smcap">Dear Jack-in-the-Pulpit:</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">If I drum in the house,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">"Oh, what a noise you make!"</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Sighs Mamma. "Baby'll wake!"</span>
+			<span class="ind3">If in the garden green</span>
+			<span class="ind3">I drum, our Bridget cries:</span>
+			<span class="ind3">"Ye'll mak' me spile the pies</span>
+			<span class="ind3">And cakes! I can not think!</span>
+			<span class="ind3">That droom destroys me wit!</span>
+			<span class="ind3">Be off, me b'y,&mdash;or quit!"</span>
+		<span class="ind1">If I drum in the street,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Out comes Miss Peters, quick,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And says her ma is sick;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Or Doctor Daniel Brown</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Calls from his window: "Bub,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">That dreadful rub-a-dub</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Confuses my ideas.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">My sermon is not done.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Run on, my little son!"</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+			<span class="ind3">The creeps crawl up my back</span>
+	    	<span class="ind3">When I am still, and oh,</span>
+	    	<span class="ind3">Nobody seems to know</span>
+	    	<span class="ind3">How very tired I get</span>
+	    	<span class="ind3">Without some sort of noise,</span>
+	    	<span class="ind3">Such as a boy enjoys!</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Last summer, on the farm,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">I used to jump and shout,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">For Grandpa Osterhout</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And Grandma both are deaf.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">But soon some neighbors came</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And said it was a shame,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">The way I scared them all.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">They called my shouts "wild yells,"</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And asked if I had "spells"</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Or "fits, or anything."</span>
+			<span class="ind3">You see, grown people all</span>
+			<span class="ind3">Forget they once were small.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+			<span class="ind3">Now, isn't there one place</span>
+	      	<span class="ind3">Where "wriggley" tired boys</span>
+			<span class="ind3">Can make a stunning noise</span>
+	 		<span class="ind3">And play wild Injun-chief,</span>
+	 		<span class="ind3">And Independence-day,</span>
+	      	<span class="ind3">And not be sent away?</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Or was that place left out?</span>
+	  		<span class="ind2">Dear Jack, please tell me true;</span>
+	  		<span class="ind2">I've confidence in you.</span>
+				<span class="ind4">Your friend without end,</span>
+					<span class="ind5 smcap">Tommy.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>This is a very touching epistle, my hearers, and Tommy has my hearty sympathy. There must be such a place as he is
+looking for, though the Deacon says that in the course of a long life he has never happened upon the exact locality.
+According to the Little School-ma'am, too, it is not described in any of the geographies; but she says that, for the
+sake of all concerned, it is very desirable that the missing paradise of little drummer boys should be
+discovered;&mdash;to which the Deacon adds, "Perhaps that's why the grown folk wish to find the North Pole."</p>
+
+<p>While we are upon this subject, here is a letter describing some tiny drummers that make almost as much noise as
+patriotic youngsters, and do quite as much mischief. To his credit, however, it must be said that this other small
+musician only makes his appearance as a drummer once in seventeen years. Is he bent on setting an example, I wonder? He
+is called</p>
+
+<h2>THE SEVENTEEN-YEAR LOCUST.</h2>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear Jack:</span> The seventeen-year locust isn't a locust at all. This may seem a strange thing
+to say, but it is true, nevertheless. The locust looks very much like a grasshopper, while the seventeen-year cicada,
+which is the insect's proper name, looks a great deal more like a gigantic fly than anything else.</p>
+
+<p>There is a cicada which comes every year, and is also wrongly called a locust. Anybody who has been in the country
+about harvest-time has heard the shrill noise made by this cicada and probably has come upon his cast-off shell sticking
+to a fence-rail or a tree-trunk.</p>
+
+<p>The seventeen-year cicada is a cousin of the one-year chap; though, as he comes only once in every seventeen years,
+he is probably only a far-away cousin. Fancy spending the best part of your life prowling about in the darkness
+underground and then coming up into the sunlight with a gorgeous pair of wings, only to die in a short time!</p>
+
+<p>That is what the seventeen-year cicada does. In the very first place, it is an egg which its mother deposits in a
+tiny hole in a twig. In a few weeks it makes its way out of the egg and drops to the ground, into which it burrows, and
+in which it remains for nearly seventeen years before it is prepared for life above ground.</p>
+
+<p>When, at last, it is ready for the bright sunlight, it may be one foot from the surface or it may be ten feet deep in
+the ground. In either case it begins to dig upward until it finds its way out, when it climbs up the nearest tree and
+fastens itself by its sharp claws to a leaf or twig. There it waits until its back splits open, and behold! it
+immediately crawls out of itself, so to speak.</p>
+
+<p>The new insect is a soft, dull fellow at first, but he grows as if he had been storing up energy for seventeen years
+for just that one purpose. Within an hour, two pairs of most beautiful wings have grown, and in a few hours more it has
+become hard and active.</p>
+
+<div class="imgleft" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus756a.jpg" width="400" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The female cicadas are quiet enough, but the males are as noisy as so many little boys with new drums. Indeed, they
+do have drums themselves. Just under their wings are drums made of shiny membrane as beautiful as white silk, and these
+are kept rattling almost all the time.</p>
+
+<p>One cicada can make noise enough; but imagine the din of
+millions of them all going at the same time. It sounds as if all the
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_713" id="Page_713">[Pg 713]</a></span>
+
+frogs in the country had come together to try to drown the noise of
+a saw-mill. Now it is the saw-mill you hear, and now the frogs.</p>
+
+<p>It sounds like a big story to say millions, but if you could go into the woods where they are, you might be willing
+to say billions. I have counted over a thousand cast-off shells on one small tree, and on one birch leaf I have seen
+twelve shells. And the earth in some places is like a sieve from the holes made by the cicadas as they came out.</p>
+
+<p>But within a few weeks from the insects' first appearance their eggs have been laid and the cicadas have all died. A
+great many of them are eaten by the birds and chickens, but most of them simply can not live any longer.</p>
+
+<p>Yours truly,</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+	<p class="smcap">John R. Coryell</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<h2>"THE GREAT LUBBER LOCUST."</h2>
+
+<div class="imgright" style="width: 450px;">
+<img src="images/illus756c.jpg" width="400" height="212" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>As it appears from Mr. Coryell's letter that the seventeen-year cicada is only an imitation locust, I shall give you
+a portrait of another member of the family who is, perhaps, more nearly related to the insect he is named after. At all
+events, he is certainly more like a grasshopper than is the seventeen-year cicada. The grasshopper that lives in this
+part of the world is a fine fellow to hop, as you know, but he always lights on his feet, and looks as composed and as
+much at his ease as if he had walked to the spot in the most dignified manner.</p>
+
+<p>Well, now look at this picture! See one absurd fellow lying on his back and pawing the air with all his long legs,
+and another, like a circus clown, standing on his own foolish green head. Would you think these awkward and ridiculous
+creatures bore any relationship to the grave little hoppers who gently alight on your clothes as you run through the
+grass, stop a moment to stare at you with their great goggle eyes, and then take leave without saying
+"good-morning"?</p>
+
+<p>He is no less than a cousin, I assure you, from the Far West, the great plains where few beasts, birds, or insects
+can find enough to live upon. This fellow does not suffer for food; he is the biggest of his family in America, and his
+curious performances have brought him several names. By some people he is called "the clumsy grasshopper," and by others
+he is dubbed "the great lubber locust," while by the scientific men, as usual, he has been given a long Latin name. Of
+course, you will be so eager to know it that you will wish to find it out for yourselves!</p>
+
+
+<h2>THE DOG AND THE QUEER GRASSHOPPERS.</h2>
+
+<p>By the way, a story is told of a dog that was fond of snapping up grasshoppers, and eating them. In one of his
+journeys with his master, he chanced to fall among those queer grasshoppers&mdash;the lubber locusts. As he ran along
+through the grass, his feet started up hundreds of the clumsy fellows, and, in trying to jump out of his way, they came
+down in groups upon him, as you see in the picture. Some stood on their heads upon his back; others turned somersaults
+over his ears, and a few struck him full in the face. Besides being impertinent they were very large, each two or three
+times the size and weight of one of our modest little hoppers. So poor Tom was first annoyed, and then scared. One or
+two, or even half a dozen, he could eat up or drive away, but a hundred were too many, and at last Tom dropped his head
+and tail and ran for his life, while his master scolded, and his master's friend laughed at the droll sight of a big dog
+running away from grasshoppers.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus756b.jpg" width="400" height="232" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_714" id="Page_714">[Pg 714]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>THE LETTER-BOX.</h2>
+
+<p class="center">Contributors are respectfully informed that, between the 1st of June and the 15th of September, manuscripts can not conveniently be examined at the office of <span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span>. Consequently, those who desire to favor the magazine with contributions will please postpone sending their MSS. until after the last-named date.</p>
+
+<p>If C. F. H. will send us her address, we shall gladly forward to her a number of letters sent us by readers of <span
+class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span>, in answer to her query.</p>
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">La Crescent.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> While reading in the November number of <span class="smcap">St.
+Nicholas</span> about "Our Joe," I thought some of the <span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span> readers would be
+interested in hearing about <em>our</em> Joe. <em>Our</em> Joe is a Broncho pony that belonged to Rain-in-the-face, a
+chief in one of Sitting Bull's bands. When the ponies were taken and driven down in a drove, Our Joe got loose from the
+others and was caught somewhere near here. His name was Joe, but when Papa brought him home and we saw how little he
+was, we called him Little Joe, and when we rode him he went so easy we named him Little Joe Dandy.</p>
+
+<p>We have a little red cart we call the dump, to drive him in. He is such a funny little fellow that everybody has to
+take a second look at him. I am five feet tall, and his shoulders are not quite as high as mine; his hair in winter is
+as thick and long as a buffalo's; his tail touches the ground, and his mane hangs far down on his shoulders, and is
+always stuck full of burrs in summer. His color is iron-gray, if it's anything, but it's hard to tell what color he is.
+I had my picture taken on horseback, and he looks as if he was about ready to fall asleep, but he has life in him if he
+takes a notion to go! He is mean to the boys. He picked my brother up by the shoulder and shook him, and one day he
+kicked Papa.</p>
+
+<p>There was a pair of them&mdash;Our Joe and a Little Buckskin. The Buckskin would bunt his head against Joe, as a
+signal to go, and then they would make things fly! Every one who knew the pony before we got him says he was so ugly, it
+was dangerous to go around him; but he is the kindest little fellow to us. If I go out in the pasture where he is, he
+will follow me everywhere I go. We think the world of him. Hoping my letter is not too long, I remain,</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">our constant reader,</span>
+			<span class="ind3">H.C.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Chicago.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> I live in Chicago, where the boys play marbles almost all the time in
+the spring. I am a fairly good player. I have six hundred and four. I hope the boys who read <span class="smcap">St.
+Nicholas</span> will try to get as many marbles.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Yours truly,</span>
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">Cheshire S.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">City of Mexico.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> I am a little girl seven years old, and live alone with my father, who
+is a Baptist missionary. I have a mother, and little brother, and two sisters, living in the States.</p>
+
+<p>I have learned to spell the names of three places that I can see from our roof. They are Chapultepec, and
+Popocatepetl, and Ixiaccihuatl.</p>
+
+<p>There are lots of strange things here. We never slide downhill here, because there is no snow. I like <span
+class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span>, especially the "Brownies."</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind3 smcap">Edwina S.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">B&mdash;&mdash;a, N. J.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> In looking over our old <span class="smcap">St. Nicholases</span> we
+found, in the January number for 1882, a piece entitled, "Puppets and Puppet Shows," and as it struck our fancy, we
+agreed to try it. After several attempts, we succeeded in obtaining very good figures. With a little ingenuity and the
+plans of three busy brains, we arranged an excellent screen and scenery; then, with two of us to work and one to read,
+the puppets were set in motion. Our audience, though not large, was an appreciative one, and the show was a grand
+success. The puppets were carefully placed in a box, and will be kept for another entertainment.</p>
+
+<p>Last summer we girls made a twine house in our orchard. A couple of cows strayed in one afternoon and ran through the
+house, and the chickens dug up a number of the morning-glories; but, in spite of these obstacles, a great many happy
+hours were spent in the house.</p>
+
+<p>We wait impatiently from one month to another for your pleasant magazine, and we remain,</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Your interested readers,</span>
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">Puss-in-boots</span>
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">Carabas</span>
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">Corsando</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Camilla van Kleeck:</span> The article you wish is entitled "Lady Bertha," and was printed in
+<span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span> for December, 1880.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Easton, Mass.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> This is the first year I have ever taken you and the first year I have
+ever lived on a farm. I enjoy reading your stories and enjoy living on a farm. When I lived in the city I could not have
+as many pets as I can out here. Neither should I have had you. You are sent us through the kindness of a Mr. Ames, to
+whom I should like to extend my thanks through your columns. I also wish to thank you for making your pages so
+interesting to us boys and girls.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Yours truly,</span>
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">W. S. B.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Louis.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> I have taken the <span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span> for three
+years, and I like it very much. I take it for my little sister now, but always read it first myself, and enjoy it very
+much, and so does my little sister. I send it to her by mail after I am through with it.</p>
+
+<p>I have been making my own living for five years, and I do not get much time to read. I almost always read the <span
+class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span> going and coming from work, as I have to take the street-car.</p>
+
+<p>Seven years ago, I came from Sweden and could not speak a word of English, but now everybody takes me for an
+American.</p>
+
+<p>There is some splendid coasting and skating in Sweden, but I do not think the young people here would enjoy going to
+boarding-school there; at least, not the one I went to. They are very strict. For instance, once when I did not know my
+lesson, I had to stay up until 12 o'clock that night and study it by moonlight, without having had a bit of supper; and
+the next morning, instead of my breakfast, I had to stand in the center of the dining-room and watch the others eat. I
+intend to write a story when I get older, and relate my experience there.</p>
+
+<p>I should feel very proud if you would print this letter, as it is the first one I have written to you.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Yours truly,</span>
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">Jo</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">May Bridges</span>: The address which you desire is "The Art Interchange, 37 West 22d street, New
+York City, N. Y."</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">McGregor, Iowa.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> I live about a mile from the "Great Father of Waters." I can not see
+the river from my home, but as I go to school in McGregor I can see it every day.</p>
+
+<p>McGregor is a small town of about 2000 inhabitants. It is nestled in among the hills, and some people think it a very
+pretty place; indeed, some think it ought to be a summer resort.</p>
+
+<p>About a mile and a half from here is the highest bluff on the Mississippi, called Pike's Peak. I suppose it is named
+after the famous Pike's Peak in Colorado. From it there is a very lovely view. We can see the mouth of the Wisconsin
+River, the State of Wisconsin, and a great distance up and down the Mississippi. The river is full of islands near
+here.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Believe me your loving reader,</span>
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">Bessie B. L.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p>L. M.: You can obtain the information you wish, by referring to article "Iamblichus" in Smith's Dictionary of Greek
+and Roman Biography and Mythology.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Fredericksburg, Va.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> This is the second year we have taken you; at least, the second year
+since I can remember. We took you some years ago, and then stopped, and started again two years ago. When Papa told us
+each to vote for which paper we wanted last year, I think we all voted for you, and take you again this year. I look
+forward to your coming with delight. I must confess I am selfish about it, for I always try to get you first.</p>
+
+<p>This is a quiet old town, with beautiful scenery all around it. There are no mountains, but it lies between two high
+hills, in a little valley. Washington used to live here, and his house is only a square from ours. Mary Washington's
+monument is quite near, and we often go there. I have often climbed the heights where the battle of Fredericksburg was
+fought. It overlooks the quiet little town,
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_715" id="Page_715">[Pg 715]</a></span>
+
+peacefully slumbering, and it is hard to realize that once the shells and balls were flying across it from hill to hill.
+I have lived most of my life here, and I think it the nicest place in the world. I fear I have tired you with my long
+letter. So now, good-bye, dear old <span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span>. I look forward already to your next coming.
+I remain, your devoted reader,</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">Carrie B.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Fort Sill, I. T.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> I have a brother who is nearly seventeen years old. He had the first
+number of <span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span>, and we have taken it most of the time ever since. I have a year's
+subscription for my birthday. I am always glad when the time comes for you.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Your reader,</span>
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">Sarah B. H.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">North Leominster, Mass.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> I am a little girl eleven years old, and take your magazine. I am
+deeply interested in "Little Lord Fauntleroy" and "George Washington," and hope they will be continued for a long time.
+I have a number of pets; among them are nine cats, which I like better than all the others. One is very large; he weighs
+eleven and a half pounds. He stays in the house 'most all the time. His name is Toddlekins, and he goes to bed with my
+brother every night. We live on a farm, and keep five horses. In summer we go to ride almost every day. I have a pair of
+wooden horses, which I will describe to you, as it may interest some of your little readers. You take a keg and bore
+four holes in the side of it, and then take short round handles and put four of them into the holes. Then take two
+shingles and drive them into one end of the keg (for a neck); then take another shingle and cut to the shape of a
+horse's head, and put it between the two shingles that have been driven on to the top of the keg; then put a feather
+duster in the other end, and you have a horse complete; when done, they are comical-looking enough. I like to read the
+letters in the Letter-box. I hope you will print my letter, as I have not written one before.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Your interested reader,</span>
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">M. C. B.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Our Presidents.<br />By G. Macloskee.</span><br /><em>A help for memorizing United States History.</em></p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1"><span class="smcap">Father Washington</span> left us united and free,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And John Adams repelled French aggression at sea;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Boundless Louisiana was Jefferson's crown,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And when Madison's war-ships won lasting renown,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And the steam-boat was launched, then Monroe gave the world</span>
+		<span class="ind1">His new doctrine; and Quincy his banner unfurled</span>
+		<span class="ind1">For protection. Then Jackson, with railways and spoils,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Left Van Buren huge bankruptcies, panics, and broils.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Losing Harrison, Tyler by telegraph spoke;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And the Mexican war brought accessions to Polk.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Taylor lived not to wear the reward of ambition,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And Fillmore's sad slave-law stirred up abolition;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">So, compromise failing, Pierce witnessed the throes</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Of the trouble in Kansas. Secession arose</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Through the halting Buchanan. But Lincoln was sent</span>
+		<span class="ind1">To extinguish rebellion. Then some years were spent</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Reconstructing by Johnson. Grant lessened our debt;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Hayes resumed specie-payments; and Garfield was set</span>
+		<span class="ind1">On Reform, which, as Arthur soon found, came to stay.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Now for President Cleveland good citizens pray.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Greenville, S. C.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">My Dear St. Nicholas</span> I have been a subscriber to your charming magazine for over three
+years, and have never yet read a letter dated Greenville, S. C., so thought I would write to you from that place.
+Greenville is a city in the upper part of South Carolina. It is divided into two parts by a small river which runs
+through it, and on which are several cotton-mills. It is about thirty miles from C&aelig;sar's Head, a mountain said to
+bear a striking resemblance to a profile view of the human face. It used to be a stopping-point for travelers on their
+way to Greenville. During the very severe weather last winter, we thought that our town, instead of being called
+Greenville, should be named after some snowy berg of Greenland.</p>
+
+<p>It seems to be the custom of your correspondents to give their ages and a minute description of their occupation, so
+I will follow. I am fourteen years old, and have never been to school a day in my life, my mother having always taught
+me at home until this year, when I have a tutor for Algebra and Latin. I continue the study of French with my mother,
+using Fasquelle's Grammar and reading a pretty story called "Le Petit Robinson de Paris," besides having lessons in
+English composition, geography, history, declamation, music, and drawing.</p>
+
+<p>I am a lineal descendant, being a great-great-granddaughter, of "The Martyr of the Revolution," as he is sometimes
+called, Colonel Isaac Hayne, who was hanged by the British, and of whose execution at Charlestown a very interesting
+account is given by Ramsay, in his "History of South Carolina." My grandmother had a lock of Colonel Hayne's hair. It
+was a beautiful chestnut color, and had a slight wave through it. I am also a cousin of the poet, Paul Hayne.</p>
+
+<p>I like all the stories in <span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span>, but my favorite is "Little Lord Fauntleroy," who
+seems to be a second Paul Dombey, with his quaint, old-fashioned sayings. I hope he will not die shut up in the gloomy
+castle, with his cross old grandfather, away from the companionship of "Dearest."</p>
+
+<p>With best wishes for the welfare of your delightful magazine, I remain,</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Your devoted reader,</span>
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">Marguerite H.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The Two Toads.</span></p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1"><span class="smcap">Two toads</span> went out to take a walk,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And being old friends they had a long talk.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Said one to the other, "A leaf I see.</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Will you be so kind as to bring it to me?"</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">"Of course!" said the other. "Let's build us a house,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And have for a pony a little gray mouse."</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">"Yes," said the other, "and a carriage too,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">Of a nice red tulip, which I'll bring to you."</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">They built them the carriage and harnessed the mouse,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And drove to the mill-pond to build them a house.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">They built them a house very near to the mill,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And if they're not dead, they are living there still.</span>
+			<span class="ind3"><span class="smcap">Mabel Wilder</span> (9 years old).</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p>We print this little letter just as it came to us.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Escanaba, Mich.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> I like you very much. since we have been taking you we got some ginney
+pigs they are quite cute.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+			<span class="ind3"><span class="smcap">Genie A. Longley</span> (aged eight).</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p>A young friend sends us this drawing, which he calls:</p>
+
+<p class="smcap">A Fourth of July Tragedy.</p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px; display:block">
+<img src="images/illus761.jpg" width="400" height="361" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">South Front St., Harrisburg, Pa.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Editor St. Nicholas:</span> I thought that perhaps the following-description of a sort of
+kaleidoscope would be of service to your magazine, for the entertainment of your young readers, on a rainy evening:</p>
+
+<p>Have the room brilliantly lighted, then raise the lid of a square
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_716" id="Page_716">[Pg 716]</a></span>
+
+piano just as if for a player, but, instead of resting it on the surface of the piano itself, let it rest upon two or
+three large books placed on the top of the piano, so as to form at the front, where the hinges are, an angle of sixty
+degrees. Cover the open side of the triangle thus formed with a thick cover, which should extend also over the crack
+caused by the hinges of the lid. Thus you will have a hollow, triangular prism, the length of the piano, open at both
+ends. Polish well with a silk duster the inside of one end of this triangular prism; hold pieces of crazy patchwork, or
+long pieces of silk ribbon,&mdash;the more variegated and brilliant the colors the better,&mdash;in a large hanging
+bunch, and shake gently about two inches in front of the polished end toward the angle of the front, while the spectator
+looks through the opposite end of the kaleidoscope. A watch, chain, or looking-glass among the ribbons makes a pleasing
+variety.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Yours very respectfully,</span>
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">Mary J. Knox.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>P. S. The lid on the top of an upright piano may also form a kaleidoscope in the same way, but smaller.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Philadelphia, Penn.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear St. Nicholas:</span> I am one of the many little folk who have listened to readings from
+your pages all my life. I am too small to write you a letter all myself, so Mamma will write it, for I wish to tell you
+about our salt crystals. You remember you told us how to make them, in your number for July, 1884. Mamma and I each
+started one, and every one thinks they are great curiosities. Papa photographed them so that you could see them also.
+The large one belongs to Mamma, and the small one is mine; they are about five months old. We have ceased adding salt
+and water, and have them under a glass shade, one resting on the other, and they make a very pretty ornament. Every time
+we stop to admire them we smack our lips and think how well-seasoned the <span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span> always
+is.</p>
+
+<p>We receive our <span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span> on the 25th of each month, and, dear Editor, you may always
+know that on that night there is a little hand resting under a pillow, holding tightly your enjoyable book waiting for
+the morn to dawn.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Lovingly yours,</span>
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">Harold H. T.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus762.jpg" width="400" height="309" alt="The Salt Tumblers." title="" />
+<span class="caption">THE SALT TUMBLERS.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p>We thank the young friends whose names here follow for pleasant letters received from them: J. G. F., Bettie M. K.,
+Gussie and Nannie M., Edith Norris, Harold K. Palmer, J. E. P., Eleanor D. Olney, Daisy B. Holladay, Nan E. Parrott,
+Elizabeth P., May E. Waldo, Alma and Estelle, Irene B. D., H. Olina Herring, Carrie L. Walker, Hattie Homer, Florence
+Halsted, Fay and Fan, Clara E. Longworth, May M. Boyd, Annie G. Barnard, Katie E. G., Alice Butterfield, Mabel P., E.
+C., James H. Saycock, E. Converse, Abe M. B., P. C. Brittain, L. H. E., May M. Boyd, Marie Clark, Morris Miner, Jo and
+Flo Overstreet, Roy C. Chambers, May Barton, Bessie Heath, Lawrence E. Horton, Charles R. Van Horn, Albertie G. Russell,
+S. M. K., Henry H. Townshend, Edith S. C., Blanche Sloat, Sadie Nichols, Jesse L. Pusey, Bessie Lenhart, John N. Force,
+Madge C. DeW., E. A. Burnham, "Sammy," A. G. K., Fannie B. S., Emily T. H., John R. P., Jr., Tommy Bangs, Florence,
+Julia McC., Brenda, Harry M. M., Gertie E. Kendall, H. E. H., A. K. E., Anna E. Roelker, M. H. N., "Katie," Etta A.
+Harper, May S., Tillie Lutz, W. P. Haslett, Charles L., Charlie P. Storrs, Maurice S. S., May, Freddie M., Florence M.
+Wilcox, Ida R. G., Louis R. E., Bertha, Muriel C. Gere, Ralph M. Fletcher, Bertha B., Ella O., C. H. Pease, Alice W.
+Brown, Clara L., Arthur F. Hudson, Katie, Thomas H. King, Jr., Mary L. Mayo, O. P., Carrie L. Moulthrop, Alice Dickey,
+M. Eva T., Daisy W., Marie G. Hinkley, Agatha Montie Duncan, Agnes S. Barker, Samuel S. Watson, Madaleine C. Selby,
+Hattie A. Taber, Cecelia R. G., Belle Sudduth, Johnnie E. Shaw, Inez B. Fletcher, Eva, Ferrars J., C. P, Hermann Thomas,
+Annie and Margaret, Edmonia Powers, Alice M. B., D. and A., Anna A. H., Lizzie Kellogg, Louis J. Hall, Charles H.
+Webster, C. L. Wright, Jr., Merrick R. Baldwin, Eleanor Hobson, Lottie A. D., John Moore, Harold Smith, C. W. F., L.
+Hazeltine, A. C. Crosby, Mabel L., May J., Grace Plummer, Alice Dodge, Bessie K. S., Ella Bisell, Irma St. John, Irene
+Lasier, F. L. Waldo, Ruth Morse, Maude G. Barnum, Bertha M. Crane, Aggie Drain, Roy Gray Bevan, John W. Wainwright,
+Edith, Ella L. Bridges, Bessie Rhodes, Floy G., C. A. G., L. O. C., Mary S. Collar, Pearl Reynolds, Evelyn Auerbach,
+Mabel E. D., Grace Fleming, Eddie Persinger, Charlie B., Lillie Story, Maude B., Mary M. Steele, Doris Hay, Gussie
+Moley, Ethel W. F., Arthur, Mary Springer, Marion M. Tooker, Mary F. K., Lizzie E. Crowell, Josie W. Pennypacker, Bertie
+Barse, Nellie B., J. W. L., Maude Cullen, Daisy C. Baker, Esther S. Barnard, Blanche M. C., Aurelia M. Snider, Howard E.
+T., Bacon, Hildegarde G., Kittie L. Norris, Nellie L. Howes, Leverette Early, Virginia Beall, Henry W. Bellows, Bissell
+Currie, Violet Quinn, Mamie Sage, Belle C. Hill, Alvah and Arden Rockwood, Lillian Miln, Adele Yates, Lillie S. E.,
+Ollie C., Maggie Wispert.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_717" id="Page_717">[Pg 717]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 800px;">
+<img src="images/illus763.jpg" width="800" height="251" alt="The Agassiz Association. Sixty-Third Report." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="smcap">A Course of Observations on Trees.</p>
+
+<p>The United States Government, through the Forestry Division of the Agricultural Department, solicits the assistance
+of volunteer observers belonging to the Agassiz Association. The chief of the Division of Forestry, in consultation with
+the President of the A. A., is preparing a special "schedule of phenological observations" for the A. A. This is a very
+simple series of questions, in spite of its long name. One object of this series of observations is to determine the
+effect of climate upon the growth of plants. Among the facts to be noted are the dates of the appearance of first leaf,
+first flower, and first fruit. Nothing is required that can not be accurately and easily done by an intelligent boy or
+girl of twelve years of age. It is earnestly desired by the Department that as many as possible of our members undertake
+this work, in the interest of science, and for the practical results of the information sought.</p>
+
+<p>All who are willing to try, will kindly send their addresses, at once, to "The Chief of the Division of Forestry,
+Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C."</p>
+
+<p>The complete schedule of observations desired will then be sent to them, and they can begin at once.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p class="smcap">The Iowa Convention.</p>
+
+<p>The following programme has been prepared for our next General
+Convention to be held at Davenport, Iowa,in August:</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Wednesday</span>, August 25:&mdash;9 <span class="smcap">A.M.</span> Reception of the National
+delegates, and visit to the Academy of Sciences.&mdash;2 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span> Opening of Convention, 1.
+Prayer. 2. Address of welcome by Senator James Wilson of Iowa. 3. Response by the President of the A. A. 4. Reading of
+papers.&mdash;7 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span> Reception and banquet, with toasts and responses.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Thursday</span>, August 26:&mdash;9 <span class="smcap">A.M.</span> 1. Question Box. 2. Visit to
+the Government Island.&mdash;2 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span> 1. Working Session. 2. Address by the President of the A.
+A.&mdash;7 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span> Lecture, by Prof. T. H. McBride, of the Iowa State University.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Friday</span>, August 27:&mdash;Steam-boat excursion down the Mississippi.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p class="smcap">Prof. Crosby's Class in Mineralogy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Boston, Mass.</span></p>
+
+<p>The class now includes 122 <em>bona fide</em> correspondents. The great majority have very greatly and agreeably
+surprised me by the excellence of their work. I have been especially delighted by the success of the chemical
+experiments. I was in doubt at first as to the propriety of introducing these; but I should never hesitate again. The
+success of the class is so much beyond my expectations that I am fully reconciled to the time and labor it has cost
+me.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+			<span class="ind3 smcap">W. O. Crosby.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p class="smcap">Honorable Mention.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mr. Paul L. Smith</span>, President of Chapter 653, of La Porte, Ind., goes fifty-nine miles, on
+the first Saturday of every month, to preside at the meetings of his Chapter. And yet some doubt whether Natural History
+can awaken the interest of the young!</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p class="smcap">The A. A. by the Sea.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Miss Florence May Lyon</span> and two associate teachers of the Detroit High School, members of
+Chapter 743, are making arrangements to take a bevy of a dozen or twenty young ladies for a summer vacation of six
+weeks, to the charming town of Annisquam, Mass. They propose to teach them in as "unbookish and delightful a way as
+possible about sea-side plants and animals." These ladies have had abundant experience, and we wish them the greatest
+success.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p class="smcap">Birds' Eggs.</p>
+
+<p>The destruction of the singing birds of America is a growing and a very serious evil. Many ladies wear on their
+bonnets enough birds to flood a grove with melody&mdash;if only the birds were not dead and in pieces.</p>
+
+<p>We may make an appeal on this subject to the girls and women of the A. A., at a later date, but just now it is a
+question of robbing birds' nests. This association strictly maintains the scientific ground that when birds' eggs are
+actually <em>needed</em> by a young naturalist, as a means of identification or of practical knowledge, it is
+justifiable to take them, when the law allows. But the collection of eggs as curiosities, and the wholesale robbery of
+nests for purposes of sale or exchange, is a wanton destruction wholly unworthy of any earnest student of nature.</p>
+
+<p>In view of the impossibility of discriminating between the two classes of collectors, we shall hereafter decline to
+publish in <span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span>, any requests for the sale, purchase, or exchange of the eggs of
+singing or game birds.</p>
+
+<p><em>We shall notice, as formerly, eggs of the Penguin, eagle, crow, and ostrich.</em></p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p class="smcap">Delayed Chapter Reports.</p>
+
+<p>60, <em>Pigeon Cove, Mass.</em> We have not lost a member from our books since you first enrolled us, and although at
+present we are all so occupied by our daily work that we can not hold regular meetings, we all look forward to the time
+when we shall be able to begin again.&mdash;Charles H. Andrews.</p>
+
+<p>150, <em>Flushing, L. I.</em> Our Chapter has not been very active during the past year, but I hope in the near
+future to build up a lively Chapter. Father and Mother will help me.&mdash;Frances M. L. Heaton, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>189, <em>W. Medford, Mass.</em> The Chapter is still in existence, and is holding meetings every week.&mdash;Daisy G.
+Dame, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>257, <em>Plantsville, Conn.</em> We have been very successful; meetings full of interest and well attended. Our last
+paper on "Crystals" was by E. N. Walkley, who illustrated the subject by plaster casts. We have a good male quartet in
+our Chapter; also gentlemen who play on the violin, flute, piano, and 'cello, so we can have a good time if we want it,
+at any meeting.</p>
+
+<p>We have just papered, painted, and whitewashed our room, and intend to give an entertainment to procure funds to buy
+a new carpet (<em>Bravo!</em>)&mdash;Albert L. Ely, Pres.</p>
+
+<p>287, <em>Ottawa, Ill.</em> Our members are scattered, some in college, most of the others going soon; but we do not
+wish to be counted out of that society from which we have received so much pleasure and profit.&mdash;Edgar Eldredge,
+Sec.</p>
+
+<p>331, <em>New Orleans, La.</em> This Chapter has passed through severe trials, being sustained at one time by only two
+earnest members, but it is now triumphantly successful. It is unique in that it has for its president a gentleman, Mr.
+P. M. Hoit, who lives in Santa Barbara, California, more than fifteen hundred miles away from the Chapter. He sends
+plans of work, rules of order, by-laws, etc., and really governs the Chapter, with which he first became acquainted
+through a letter asking about exchanges. The Chapter has over 600 specimens.&mdash;Percy S. Benedict, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>350, <em>Los Angeles, Cal.</em> The children never tire of going to the beach, and a trip to the mountains is another
+favorite excursion. Our cabinets grow, and I sometimes fear we shall get crowded out of the house by the "trash" that is
+accumulating!&mdash;Mrs. M. F. Bradshaw, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>366, <em>Webster Groves, Mo.</em> We have thirteen workers, all active.
+<br />
+We have a collection of 510 specimens, mostly minerals and fossils of our own State; a library of 123 volumes; a
+microscope; and a chemical laboratory. We intend to hold an encampment this summer. How do you think it would work to
+have a "Midsummer Night's Dream," on some summer evening?&mdash;we might have the telescope-man come out from the city,
+do some star-gazing, and have an open-air magic lantern entertainment? (<em>It would work "to a
+charm"!</em>)&mdash;Edwin R. Allan, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>400, <em>Fargo, Dakota.</em> We gave an oyster supper a few weeks ago, and cleared $15. Our rooms are in the Masonic
+Block, and the Masons kindly let us use their dishes for the occasion. We have one of the finest rooms for this class of
+work in the Northwest. Our members are taking hold in earnest, and it will be a success. We have a fine teacher in Judge
+Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell will be glad to aid any of the western Chapters, if they wish. I think for my part there could be
+more chapters formed in Dakota, if the boys
+
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_718" id="Page_718">[Pg 718]</a></span>
+
+and girls would volunteer work earnestly. How many of the Dakota Chapters would like to organize the Dakota Assembly of
+the A. A.? Those in favor will please correspond with me.&mdash;Frank Brown, Sec.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p class="smcap">The Fifth Century.</p>
+
+<p>403, <em>Newark, N. J.</em> We have begun to study the mounting of plants and leaves. We are going to admit some lady
+friends to our Chapter, which we think will be a great benefit to us.&mdash;Chas. Barrows, Sec. Wm. Earle, Pres.</p>
+
+<p>404, <em>Baraboo, Wis.</em> We are still working, and our collection is steadily growing. One of our boys caught a
+common painted turtle, I put it into a tub with another of the same kind. They soon became so tame that they took food
+from my hand quite readily. One day I fed them as usual, but before they finished their meal I emptied the water from
+the tub, when one of them that had a worm in its mouth began to choke and could not swallow. I gave the other one, too,
+but he only took the end of it in his mouth. But as soon as I put water enough in for them to cover their heads, they
+swallowed as easily as ever. I tried this several times with the same result. We gave an entertainment and cleared
+$25.&mdash;Marie McKennan, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>409, <em>Sag Harbor, N. Y.</em> This year has been marked by greater progress than any other since our organization.
+In April, 1885, a valuable addition was made to our cabinet by the finding of a shrew&mdash;<em>genus sorex</em>. This
+little animal, the least of the mammals, measured not quite two inches in length, excluding the tail. During May and
+June we organized for summer work, on a new plan,&mdash;the President appointing committees to collect in special
+departments. In July and August we spent numerous "field-days" in the woods and on the shore. We found a rare specimen
+of trap-rock. The skeleton of a bottle-fish excited a great deal of curiosity. One of our members who had caught a live
+one identified it.</p>
+
+<p>In November, we commenced a series of discussions: "Which is of more value to mankind&mdash;cotton or wool?" (Decided
+in favor of wool.) "What is the most useful mammal?" (Four members voted for cow and four for sheep.) "What insect is
+most valuable in promoting human happiness?" (Decided for honey-bee.) "What is the most valuable fish?" (Cod.) Many
+other questions were debated. We have received many curious specimens: sea-horse, porcupine-fish, key-hole shells, etc.
+We intend to collect sea-weed and mosses this summer.&mdash;Cornelius R. Sleight, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>423, <em>Perth Amboy, N. J.</em> Our thirty members have manifested great interest in collecting and examining
+specimens from the different divisions of the animal kingdom. Much attention has been given to articulates, including
+insects of the sea. At present we are engaged in a very interesting course of observation in mineralogy. We have the
+highest appreciation of the assistance we have derived from the A. A., in learning to observe and love
+nature.&mdash;Bertha M. Mitchell, Cor. Sec.</p>
+
+<p>424, <em>Decorah, Iowa.</em> Several of our lady members are teachers, and highly value our meetings. We shall try to
+have public lectures in geology. We are connecting with these subjects that of humane work, proposing to organize as the
+Agassiz Band of Mercy. So we have two harmonious lines of good work begun, and hope to make both of them
+permanent.&mdash;M. R. Steele, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>428, <em>St. Paul, Minn.</em> Since our organization we have had seventy-eight meetings, all at our house. As one of
+our number is studying for the occupation of mining engineer, and has a forge, furnace, lathe, etc., we have decided to
+study iron, steel, and the methods of mining and manufacturing them. We have a club-room, where we keep our cabinets,
+and a small library.&mdash;Philip C. Allen, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>436, <em>Toronto, Canada.</em> Our president and several of our members have moved from town, so we have done
+comparatively nothing since I wrote you. But Charles Ashdown and I are endeavoring to get some new members, and I
+believe we shall have a stronger and better Chapter than ever.&mdash;David J. Howell, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>439, <em>Wilmington, Del.</em> We have collected more cocoons and chrysalids this winter than ever before. Many of
+them are very rare, among them, <em>Achemon</em>, <em>P. satellitia</em>, <em>Smerinthis gemmatus</em>, <em>E.
+imperalis</em>, and <em>Callosama angulitera</em>.&mdash;Percy C. Pyle.</p>
+
+<p>440, <em>Keene, N. H.</em> We have several hundred specimens, mostly <em>lepidoptera</em> and <em>coleoptera</em>.
+Have found a great many fine beetles lately under the bark of dead trees and stumps where they pass the winter. We
+always note the place of capture of all specimens, and all other items of interest.&mdash;Frank H. Foster, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>448, <em>Washington, D. C.</em> We bring to our third anniversary, a gratifying sense of well-being and desert, with
+promise of continued vigor. Our portfolios hold 343 reports, and every member is there represented. Our fifty books and
+pamphlets are read with application. We are ambitious for a children's Chapter, and long to make discoveries. Perhaps
+some of us may some day, and with this thrilling thought we are planning careful summer walks, with thoughtful
+"observation books."&mdash;Sabelle Macfarland.</p>
+
+<p>450, <em>Fitchburg, Mass.</em> As we have consolidated all our Fitchburg Chapters into one, now known as No. 48,
+Fitchburg, A, there is no special report from 450, but I think we now have an earnest society on a solid
+foundation.&mdash;Geo. F. Whittemore.</p>
+
+<p>453, <em>Oswego, N. Y.</em> Active. Will soon hold meetings weekly instead of fortnightly. Special study for the year
+has been archaeology and geology. Have been much interested in the <em>archeopteryx</em>. On archaeology, will send you
+a more lengthy report.&mdash;Will A. Burr, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>[<em>The promised report came in due time, and it is a masterpiece of patient work,&mdash;carefully illustrated with
+drawings of Indian arrow-heads, axes, pottery, needles, fish-hooks, pipes, and anvils. It covers twelve pages closely
+written. We value it, and have placed it carefully on file.</em>]</p>
+
+<p>460, <em>Washington, D. C.</em> This Chapter was organized in the spring of 1882 from a small association we then
+had; it had already existed for two years or more when we heard of the A. A. We concluded this would give us a wider
+scope for scientific investigations, and so made formal application for admission into the Association, which had
+already advanced with marvelous rapidity.</p>
+
+<p>Vernon M. Dorsey, an unusually promising mineralogist and chemist, was elected president. When a new member was
+elected it cost him nothing, so he was elected with the full consent of <em>all</em> the members, not one objecting.
+Passive members were allowed in this Chapter, they paying ten cents a month, which money went into the treasury.</p>
+
+<p>We adopted most of the rules and regulations in the Hand-book, and, after having arranged the executive portion of
+the Chapter, we commenced to have a regular course of essays or lectures, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, given by the active
+members, which lectures the passive members could attend if so inclined. After the lectures we generally had debates,
+and as each member had a different branch of Natural History to which he devoted his attention, the lectures and debates
+were not monotonous.</p>
+
+<p>We ran on pretty smoothly for about a year and a half, until the money in the treasury commenced to accumulate, when,
+with the exception of one or two members, the Chapter spontaneously combusted.</p>
+
+<p>We have never been able to rebuild it. We can hold no meetings. <em>It exists</em>, really, <em>only in name</em>,
+because the prospects for the future look rather dull.</p>
+
+<p>If you will allow our Chapter to remain on the list, I should much prefer you would do so.</p>
+
+<p>I have carried on investigations in various branches of zo&ouml;logy, but, as this is merely a report of the Chapter, I
+will not enter into details concerning them.</p>
+
+<p>I hope that the other Chapters will meet with better success than ours, though it may yet revive.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Yours respectfully,</span>
+			<span class="ind3">F. A. Reynolds, Cor. Sec.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>[<em>We are sorry that this excellent Chapter experienced "spontaneous combustion," but we hope and believe that it
+will ere long also experience voluntary resurrection.</em>]</p>
+
+<p>465, <em>Waterville, Maine.</em> Our president has moved away. The rest of us have been exceedingly busy. We have been
+obliged to vacate our room, and, as we could not get another, have had to store our specimens. But we are not dead yet!
+Far from it! It is only a case of suspended animation. We fully expect to take up work again this summer.&mdash;Charles
+W. Spencer, Sec.</p>
+
+<p>[<em>Not even "suspended animation;" the Chapter is only catching its breath for more vigorous exertion.</em>]</p>
+
+<p>470, <em>Nicollet, Wis.</em> Still prospering. We have a small room nicely fitted up, in our High School building, of
+which we are quite proud. We have a working membership of twenty-four, and hold regular meetings.</p>
+
+<p>[<em>A friend of the Chapter adds to this report of Miss Sara Ritchie, the secretary, the following:</em>]</p>
+
+<p>"I was exceedingly interested in listening to the different members reporting formally the occurrence of our spring
+birds, with which was associated the arrival of certain insects. Two years ago, such reports were impossible, as the
+observing faculties of very few of the members had been sufficiently trained. If nothing more has been acquired, this
+one habit of close observation, developed by our A. A. work, is worth all it may have cost those who have encouraged and
+carried out the plan of the Association."</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p class="smcap">Change of Address.</p>
+
+<p>The address of Chapter 850 is now simply Chapter 850 A. A., Box 1587, Bangor, Maine.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p class="smcap">Exchanges.</p>
+
+<p>Correspondence with other family Chapters whose members are beginners in botany or entomology.&mdash;Mrs. R. Van
+Dien, Jr., Box 13, Hohokus, Bergen Co., N. J.</p>
+
+<p>Correspondence desired. Entomology and botany.&mdash;Paul L. Smith, 3348 Indiana Av., Chicago, Ill.</p>
+
+<p>Postmarks and fossils (<em>Lingulipis pinnaformis</em>) for books on zo&ouml;logy. Write first.&mdash;Chas. F. Baker,
+St. Croix Falls, Wis.</p>
+
+<p><em>Cecropia</em> moths for other <em>lepidoptera</em>.&mdash;W. B. Greenleaf, Box 311, Normal Park, Ill.</p>
+
+<p>Correspondence with other Chapters earnestly desired.&mdash;Stephen R. Wood, Sec. 776, Oakland, Cal.</p>
+
+<p>Florida (east coast) shells, star-fishes, coquina, small live alligators, etc., etc., for anything rare or
+curious.&mdash;J. Earle Bacon, Ormond, Volusia Co., Fla.</p>
+
+<p>Coquina, trap-rock, asphaltum, Skates' egg-case, key-hole shell, and cocoons.&mdash;C. R. Sleight, Sec. Ch. 409, Sag
+Harbor, L. I., N. Y.</p>
+
+<p>All kinds of Chinese curiosities for fine Indian relics.&mdash;Kurt Kleinschmidt, Box 752, Helena, Montana.</p>
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_719" id="Page_719">[Pg 719]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<table class="padded-table">
+	<tr>
+		<td align="center" colspan="4"><strong><span class="smcap">Chapters, New and Reorganized.</span></strong></td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<th align="center">No.</th><th align="center">Name.</th>
+		<th align="center">No. of<br />members.</th>
+		<th align="center">Address.</th>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>957</td>
+		<td class="left">Galveston, Texas (B)</td>
+		<td class="right">9</td>
+		<td class="left">Emma E. Walden, Cor. 34th and N. 1/2 streets.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>958</td>
+		<td class="left">Greenup, Ky. (A)</td>
+		<td class="right">20</td>
+		<td class="left">Mrs. Geo. Gibbs, Box 104.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>959</td>
+		<td class="left">Hartwick Sem., N. Y. (A)</td>
+		<td class="right">5</td>
+		<td class="left">Alfred A. Hiller.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>960</td>
+		<td class="left">Geneva, N. Y. (C)</td>
+		<td class="right">6</td>
+		<td class="left">F. H. Bachman, Box 559.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>961</td>
+		<td class="left">Hartford, Conn. (G)</td>
+		<td class="right">12</td>
+		<td class="left">Austin H. Pease, 4 Canton street.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>962</td>
+		<td class="left">Kansas City, Mo. (B)</td>
+		<td class="right">5</td>
+		<td class="left">R. F. Breeze, 611 E. 17th St.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>963</td>
+		<td class="left">Geddes, N. Y. (A)</td>
+		<td class="right">4</td>
+		<td class="left">G. E. Avery, Box 76.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>964</td>
+		<td class="left">Manchester, Iowa (A)</td>
+		<td class="right">20</td>
+		<td class="left">Fred Blair.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>965</td>
+		<td class="left">Three Rivers, Mich. (A)</td>
+		<td class="right">7</td>
+		<td class="left">G. W. Daniels.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>966</td>
+		<td class="left">Randolph, Ill. (A)</td>
+		<td class="right">24</td>
+		<td class="left">Miss Grace Stewart.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>863</td>
+		<td class="left">Hinsdale, Ill. (B)</td>
+		<td class="right">9</td>
+		<td class="left">N. H. Webster.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>60</td>
+		<td class="left">Rockport, Mass, (A)</td>
+		<td class="right">12</td>
+		<td class="left">Chas. H. Andrews.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>145</td>
+		<td class="left">Indianapolis, Ind. (A)</td>
+		<td class="right">8</td>
+		<td class="left">G. L. Payne, care of T. B. Linn.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>352</td>
+		<td class="left">Amherst, Mass.</td>
+		<td class="right">4</td>
+		<td class="left">Miss Edith S. Field.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>&nbsp;</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td align="center" colspan="4"><strong><span class="smcap">Disbanded.</span></strong></td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>349</td>
+		<td class="left">Linden, N. J.</td>
+		<td class="right">&mdash;</td>
+		<td class="left">E. H. Schram. [<em>Members removed.</em>]</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>494</td>
+		<td class="left">Northfield, Vt.</td>
+		<td class="right">&mdash;</td>
+		<td class="left">T. M. Hitt.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>535</td>
+		<td class="left">Chapel Hill, N. J.</td>
+		<td class="right">&mdash;</td>
+		<td class="left">Miss Clara J. Martin.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>371</td>
+		<td class="left">Granville, O.</td>
+		<td class="right">&mdash;</td>
+		<td class="left">Miss Ida M. Sanders.</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>83</td>
+		<td class="left">St. Louis (A)</td>
+		<td class="right">&mdash;</td>
+		<td class="left">Maud M. Love. [<em>Members removed.</em>]</td>
+	</tr>
+	<tr>
+		<td>83</td>
+		<td class="left">Duncannon, Pa.</td>
+		<td class="right">&mdash;</td>
+		<td class="left">Miss Annie I. Jackson.</td>
+	</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>Address all communications for this Department to<br />
+	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="smcap">Mr. Harlan H. Ballard</span>, Lenox, Mass.</p>
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>THE RIDDLE-BOX.</h2>
+<h3>ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN THE JUNE NUMBER.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Half-Square.</span> 1. Canada. 2. Arena. 3. Neat. 4. Ant. 5, Da(w). 6. A.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Rhomboid.</span> Across: 1. Sloop. 2. Organ. 3. Ergot. 4. Eerie. 5. Sandy.&mdash;&mdash;<span
+class="smcap">Cross-word Enigma.</span> Blossom.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Andrew's Cross of Diamonds.</span> I. 1. P. 2. Fur. 3. Fares. 4. Puritan. 5. Retip. 6. Sap.
+7. N. II. 1. N. 2. Fen. 3. Fagin. 4. Negroes. 5. Niobe. 6. Nee. 7. S. III. 1. N. 2. Pen. 3. Puman. 4. Nemesis. 5. Nasal.
+6. Nil. 7. S. IV. 1. N. 2. Ben. 3. Baton. 4. Nettles. 5. Nolle. 6. Nee. 7. S. V. 1. S. 2. Let. 3. Livid. 4. Several. 5.
+Tired. 6. Dad. 7. L.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">"Diamond" Puzzle.</span> Across: 1. S. 2. Ape. 3. Bream. 4. Car. 5. R. Downward: 1. B. 2. Arc. 3.
+Spear. 4. Ear. 5. M.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Buried Cities.</span> 1. Berne. 2. Basle. 3. Bergen. 4. Quito. 5. Herat. 6. Mandalay. 7. Venice.
+8. Bremen.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">A Berry Puzzle.</span> 1. Dogberry. 2. Checkerberry. 3. Strawberry. 4. Shadberry. 5. Barberry. 6.
+Raspberry. 7. Partridgeberry. 8. Snowberry. 9. Thimbleberry. 10. Gooseberry. n. Elderberry. 12. Bayberry.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Diamond.</span> 1. S. 2. Lea. 3. Larva. 4. Serpent. 5. Avert. 6. Ant. 7. T.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Double Acrostics.</span> Primals, Thomas; finals, Arnold. Crosswords: 1. ThaliA. 2. HorroR. 3.
+OberoN. 4. MikadO. 5. AstraL. 6. SinbaD.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">P1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In June 'tis good to lie beneath a tree</span>
+		<span class="ind3">While the blithe season comforts every sense,</span>
+		<span class="ind3">Steeps all the brain in rest, and heals the heart,</span>
+		<span class="ind3">Brimming it o'er with sweetness unawares.</span>
+		<span class="ind3">Fragrant and silent as that rosy snow</span>
+		<span class="ind3">Wherewith the pitying apple-tree fills up</span>
+		<span class="ind3">And tenderly lines some last year robin's nest.</span>
+		<span class="ind5"><em>James Russell Lowell.</em></span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Beheadings.</span> Trinity. 1. T&mdash;ape. 2. R&mdash;asp. 3. I&mdash;con. 4. N&mdash;ail. 5.
+I&mdash;man. 6. T&mdash;ide. 7. V&mdash;end.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Double Diagonals.</span> From 1 to 2, chaffinch; from 3 to 4, goldfinch. Crosswords: 1.
+Corroding. 2. Childhood. 3. Gradually. 4. Confident. 5. Chafferer. 6. Exhibited. 7. Penitence. 8. Acoustics. 9.
+Hair-cloth.&mdash;&mdash;<span class="smcap">Charade.</span> Jack-stones.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Metamorphoses.</span> 1. Ape; ale, all, ail, aim, rim, ram, ran, man. 2. Oars; bars, bard, card,
+cord, cold, colt, coat, boat. 3. Lead; bead, beat, belt, bolt, bold, gold. 4. Warm; harm, hard, card, cord, cold. 5.
+One; owe, awe, aye, dye, doe, toe, too, two. 6. Age; aye, dye, die, hie, his, has, gas.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width:10%" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">To Our Puzzlers</span>: In sending answers to puzzles, sign only your initials or use a short
+assumed name; but if you send a complete list of answers you may sign your full name. Answers should be addressed to
+<span class="smcap">St. Nicholas</span> "Riddle-box," Care of <span class="smcap">The Century Co.</span>, 33 East
+Seventeenth Street, New York City.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Answers To Puzzles in the April Number</span> were received, too late for acknowledgment in the
+June number, from Esther Reid, East Melbourne, Australia, I&mdash;R. F. Graham, London, England, 1.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Answers to all the Puzzles in the April Number</span> were received, before April 20, from "B. L.
+Z. Bub, No. 1,"&mdash;Paul Reese&mdash;Emma St. C. Whitney&mdash;"The McG's"&mdash;May and Julia&mdash;Ed, Beth, and
+Charlie&mdash;Maggie T. Turrill&mdash;Arthur and Bertie Knox&mdash;N. B. Oakford&mdash;M. G. Jackson&mdash;"Cricket and
+Cripsy"&mdash;Elisabeth, Richard, and Ruth&mdash;Pough&mdash;etc.&mdash;Dorothea E. Kennade&mdash;Josie and
+Lillie&mdash;Blanche and Fred&mdash;"B. L. Z. Bub, No. 2"&mdash;"The Spencers"&mdash;C. and S. Andrews&mdash;The Stewart
+Browns&mdash;"May and 79 "&mdash;Effie K. Talboys&mdash;Delia, Lou, Ida, and Lillie&mdash;"San Anselmo
+Valley"&mdash;Madge and the Domimie&mdash;Edith McDonald&mdash;Maud E. Palmer&mdash;Mary Ludlow&mdash;Mamma and
+Jokie&mdash;"Clifford and Coco"&mdash;Francesco and Co.&mdash;Mamma and the Girls&mdash;Shumway Hen and
+Chickens&mdash;"Theo.Ther"&mdash;Alice&mdash;M. E. d'A.&mdash;Blithedale&mdash;"Betsy Trotwood"&mdash;Belle and Bertha
+Murdock&mdash;Judith&mdash;Randolph and Robert&mdash;"Miss M. and the Gals"&mdash;W. R. M.&mdash;Nellie and
+Reggie&mdash;Fannie and Louise Lockett&mdash;Bertha H.&mdash;"R. U. Pert"&mdash;Francis W. Islip&mdash;X. and
+Y.&mdash;Alice and Lizzie Pendleton&mdash;Frying-pan&mdash;Hallie Couch&mdash;S. and B. Rhodes and de
+Grassy&mdash;Savoir et Sagesse&mdash;X. Y. Z. and Ulysses&mdash;B. Z. O.&mdash;Carrie Seaver and Alice
+Young&mdash;Dash.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Answers to Puzzles in the April Number</span> were received, before April 20, from Foster and
+Remer, 2&mdash;Clark Holbrook, 3&mdash;"Triangle," 4&mdash;J. M. Moore, 1&mdash;Eleanor B. Ripley, 6&mdash;E. M.
+Benedict, 1&mdash;"Block and Chip," 9&mdash;H. E. Hanbold, 2&mdash;A. G. Tomay, 2&mdash;E. O. Brownell, 2&mdash;Geo. S.
+Seymour and Co., 9&mdash;N. Beall, 2&mdash;Philip and Mamma, 4&mdash;N. L. Peacock, 1&mdash;"Yum Yum," 2&mdash;E. Parks,
+1&mdash;F. A. and H. C. Hart, 2&mdash;Alice and R. G., 1&mdash;Maud S., 1&mdash;"Egg," 1&mdash;B., H., M., M., and A.
+Read, 1&mdash;Bub and Bubess, 1&mdash;"Infant," 1&mdash;Pepper and Maria, 9&mdash;A. Ransom and W. Chase, 1&mdash;A. H.
+Sibley, 1&mdash;Ned L. Mitchell, 4&mdash;Eddie B., 1&mdash;"Lone Star," 7&mdash;A. F. S., 1&mdash;G. E. C. and E. B. F.,
+5&mdash;M. Kershey and S. Sweet, 9&mdash;G. E. Campbell, 3&mdash;G. F. Cameron, 2&mdash;B. Sudduth, 2&mdash;Kendrick
+Bros., 9&mdash;R. B. C., 2&mdash;E. and K. Mitchell, 3&mdash;L. D. Shropshire, 1&mdash;"J. McDuffe,"
+1&mdash;"Doane-utsand Rice," 1&mdash;"Phlimpy," 2 &mdash;D. Thomas and Auntie, 2&mdash;"Snags," 2&mdash;F. Althaus,
+4&mdash;Daisy Condell, 3&mdash;Me and Be, 2&mdash;N. E. Miner, 4&mdash;Geo. Hawley, 5&mdash;A. B. Smith, 2&mdash;R. K.
+Allison, 1&mdash;M. Flurscheim, 1&mdash;Mrs. Emma Sloat, 3&mdash;Millie Atkinson, 1&mdash;H. Frost, 1&mdash;B. C.
+Ketchum. 1&mdash;Billy and Me, 7&mdash;S. R. Manning, 1&mdash;Mamma and Belp, 1&mdash;Rose H. Wedin, 1&mdash;Mary and
+Jennie Butler, 4&mdash;No name, Fredericksburgh, 4&mdash;"Dixie," 2&mdash;M. S. Bird, 1&mdash;R. L. Foering, 1&mdash;F.
+Jarman, 3&mdash;E. F. and F. E. Bliss, i&mdash;L. and C. Kendrickson, 2&mdash;Tessie Gutman, 7&mdash;A. D. C.,
+2&mdash;Joe and Billy, i&mdash;L. Wainman, 2&mdash;"Yum Yum," 1&mdash;N. L. Howes, 2&mdash;"B. Rabbit and T. Baby,"
+4&mdash;H. S. Chalmers, 1&mdash;"Pen and Ink-bottle," 1&mdash;Maginnis, 1&mdash;J. R. F. S., 1&mdash;Christine and
+Cousin, 5&mdash;I. M. Lebermann, 6&mdash;Albert and Gussie, 1&mdash;C. J. Tully, 2&mdash;Laura W. and Alice M.,
+2&mdash;Grace E. Keech, 6&mdash;Agnes Converse, 4&mdash;"Head-lights," 1&mdash;C. Gallup, 1&mdash;C. W. Chadwick,
+2&mdash;Prof. P. H. Janney, 1&mdash;E. E. Hudson, 1&mdash;"Dixie and Pixie," 1&mdash;"Mr. Pickwick," and "Sam Weller,"
+8&mdash;M. F. Davenport, 1&mdash;"89 and Chestnuts," 1&mdash;J. A Keeler, 6&mdash;Edith, Grace, and Jessie,
+2&mdash;Bessie Jackson, 4&mdash;H. N. and Nickie Bros., 2&mdash;J. M. B., G. S., and A. Louise W., 8&mdash;K. L. Reeder,
+1&mdash;Mamie R., 9&mdash;Walter La Bar, 8&mdash;H. C. Barnes, 1&mdash;Jennie Judge, 3&mdash;-E. H. Seward, 3&mdash;"The
+Lloyds," 8&mdash;A. Wister, 2&mdash;Fred T. Pierce, 6&mdash;Lucia C. Bradley, 8&mdash;Puzzle Club, 9&mdash;Alina and
+Estelle, 1&mdash;Pearl Colby and Nell Betts, 7&mdash;Eleanor and Maude Peart, 7&mdash;S. B. S. Bissell, 4&mdash;Estelle
+and Edith, 1&mdash;F. J. and Flip, 2&mdash;"Mohawk Valley," 8&mdash;H. Allen, Jr., 1&mdash;R. Lloyd, 5&mdash;Mamma and
+Fanny, 9&mdash;Mrs. E. and Grace E., 5&mdash;L. Delano and M. Wilson, 8&mdash;I. and E. Swanwick, 5&mdash;Anonymous,
+4&mdash;Herbert Wolfe, 9&mdash;Lulu May, 7&mdash;No name, 7&mdash;"Koko and Pitti-sing," 1&mdash;Sallie Viles,
+9&mdash;Tessie and Henri, 3&mdash;Murray and Percy, 9&mdash;S. L. Meeks, 6&mdash;Marjorie Daw, 1&mdash;C. and H. Condit,
+8&mdash;"Peggotty," 7&mdash;Katie, 1&mdash;Edith Young, 3&mdash;Two Cousins, 9&mdash;Eva Hamilton, 9&mdash;Chip and
+Block, 2.</p>
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_720" id="Page_720">[Pg 720]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 800px;">
+<img src="images/illus770.jpg" width="800" height="248" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3>NUMERICAL ENIGMA.</h3>
+
+<p>I am composed of ninety-three letters, and am a famous toast
+given at Norfolk by a distinguished naval officer who was killed in a
+duel in 1820.</p>
+
+<p>My 89-41-8-49 is a preposition. My 22-73-33 is belonging to us.
+My 53-15-46-65-29-85 is a specter. My 57-70-1-10 is a float. My
+25-59-3 is a term used in addressing a gentleman. My 13-76-48-19
+is stockings. My 68-83-26 is to fasten. My 75-5-81 is bashful.
+My 62-91-6-80 is a division of time. My 69-23-44-55 is restless.
+My 27-35-37-18-50-90 is the name of a season. My 67-63-92-88-47
+is the Christian name of a famous American poet. My 31-28-20-58
+is a conflagration. My 30-72-82-24-32-64 is intense dread. My
+4-51-17-12-42-60 is a military engine. My 9-34-93-16-45-14-78-86
+is a body of men commanded by a colonel. My 40-2-74-38-21-87-54-71-56
+are renegades. My 36-39-61-79-52-11-7-66 84-77-43 is a
+machine-gun that can fire two hundred shots a minute.</p>
+
+
+
+<h3>CUBE.</h3>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus771.png" width="400" height="351" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>From 1 to 2, a parent; from 2 to 6, tranquillity; from 5 to 6, a useful instrument; from 1 to 5, a feminine name;
+from 3 to 4, consuming; from 4 to 8, voracious; from 7 to 8, actively; from 3 to 7, the flag which distinguishes a
+company of soldiers; from 1 to 3, a very small fragment; from 2 to 4, resounded; from 6 to 8, not difficult; from 5 to
+7, part of the day.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind5">DAVID H. D.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3>CHARADE.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">My <em>first</em> is that happy position</span>
+			<span class="ind2">The holders of stock love to see;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">'T is the point above which the aspiring</span>
+			<span class="ind2">Are evermore hoping to be.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">My <em>second</em> made haste for the doctor;</span>
+			<span class="ind2">His mother was ailing, he heard;</span>
+		<span class="ind1">And that mother ever had taught him</span>
+			<span class="ind2">To revere and be kind to my <em>third</em>.</span>
+	</div>
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind1">Then he went to my <em>whole</em> and requested</span>
+			<span class="ind2">Its master his mother would see,</span>
+		<span class="ind1">For he knew that my <em>first</em> and my <em>second</em></span>
+			<span class="ind2">To his mother most welcome would be.</span>
+				<span class="ind5">W. H. A.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3>ANAGRAMS.</h3>
+
+<p>The letters of each of the following anagrams may be transposed so as to spell the name of a well-known novel.</p>
+
+<p>1. Nod, quiet ox. 2. Wilt sit over? 3. Visiting near H. 4. Earning my gun. 5. Lord Poicy is south. 6. But no nice
+clams. 7. I hem when I want to. 8. Is it of papa's homely Ted? 9. If we have lifted a cork. 10. We quit Dr., and
+run.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind5">E. L. G. M.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3>METAMORPHOSES.</h3>
+
+<p>The problem is to change one given word to another given word, by altering one letter at a time, each alteration
+making a new word, the number of letters being always the same, and the letters remaining always in the same order.
+Sometimes the metamorphoses may be made in as many moves as there are letters in each given word, but in other instances
+more moves are required.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Example</span>: Change <span class="smcap">LAMP</span> to <span class="smcap">FIRE</span> in four
+moves. Answer, <span class="smcap">LAMP</span>, <span class="smcap">LAME</span>, <span class="smcap">FAME</span>, <span
+class="smcap">FARE</span>, <span class="smcap">FIRE</span>.</p>
+
+<p>1. Change <span class="smcap">COW</span> to <span class="smcap">RAT</span> in three moves. 2. Change <span
+class="smcap">HARD</span> to <span class="smcap">SOFT</span> in six moves. 3. Change <span class="smcap">LEFT</span> to
+<span class="smcap">EAST</span> in four moves. 4. Change <span class="smcap">HIT</span> to <span
+class="smcap">LOW</span> in four moves. 5. Change <span class="smcap">LONG</span> to <span class="smcap">WEST</span> in
+five moves.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind5">D. I. VERSITY.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3>RHOMBOIDS.</h3>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus772a.png" width="400" height="186" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>I. <span class="smcap">Across</span>: 1. Poison. 2. An ancient philosopher memorable
+for his friendship with Pythias. 3. Large bundles. 4. A substance
+obtained from certain trees. 5. A strip of leather.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Downward</span>: 1. In prove. 2. A nickname. 3. To seize by a
+sudden grasp. 4. A famous mosque. 5. Certain burrowing animals.
+6. A cosy place. 7. A title of respect. 8. A word of denial.
+9. In prove.</p>
+
+<p>II. <span class="smcap">Across</span>: 1. A very wealthy man. 2. A bricklayer. 3. Inhabitants
+of a certain European country. 4. To send back. 5. A
+benefactor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Downward</span>: 1. In Rhine. 2. A verb. 3. Vicious. 4. A low
+ridge of stone or gravel. 5. Freed from osseous substance. 6. The
+name of a captain in one of Jules Verne's stories. 7. Iniquity. 8. A
+preposition. 9. In Rhine.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind5">NORA L. WINSLOW.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3>PI.</h3>
+
+<p>Nilgang yam eb dais ot eb os kile eth hatemcatsim atth ti nac veern eb fylul ratlen.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h3>ZIGZAG.</h3>
+
+<p>Each of the words described contains the same number of letters, and the zigzag, beginning at the upper left-hand
+letter, will spell a day famous in history.</p>
+
+<p>1. A creeping vine. 2. A common insect. 3. A cover. 4. Nourished. 5. Placed. 6. A boy's nickname. 7. A kitchen
+utensil. 8. To augment. 9. An extremity. 10. A conjunction. 11. A fabulous bird. 12. Conducted. 13. To delve. 14. A
+month. 15. A song.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind5">HENRY C. ROBERTS.</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3>HOUR-GLASS.</h3>
+
+<div class="imgcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus772b.png" width="400" height="324" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Across</span>: 1. Unmarried women. 2. With quick beating or palpitation. 3. A musical term
+meaning "slowly." 4. A gentle blow. 5. In water. 6. An exclamation. 7. A marked feature. 8. A French coin. 9. More
+comely.</p>
+
+<p>The central letters spell articles much worn during the summer. The letters from 1 to 2 name the delight of invalids
+during the summer months; from 3 to 4, an instrument used for timing races.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+	<div class="stanza">
+		<span class="ind5">L. LOS REGNI</span>
+	</div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's St. Nicholas v. 13 No. 9 July 1886, by Various
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@@ -0,0 +1,6184 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of St. Nicholas v. 13 No. 9 July 1886, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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
+
+
+Title: St. Nicholas v. 13 No. 9 July 1886
+       an Illustrated Magazine for Young Folks
+
+Author: Various
+
+Editor: Mary Mapes Dodge
+
+Release Date: July 16, 2011 [EBook #36750]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ST. NICHOLAS V. 13 NO. 9 JULY 1886 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Alex and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: LA FAYETTE AND THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR.]
+
+
+
+
+ST. NICHOLAS.
+
+Vol. XIII.      JULY, 1886.      No. 9.
+
+[Copyright, 1886, by THE CENTURY CO.]
+
+LA FAYETTE.
+
+By Mrs. Eugenia M. Hodge.
+
+
+One hundred and nine years ago, in the month of February, 1777, a young
+French guardsman ran away to sea.
+
+And a most singular running away it was. He did not wish to be a sailor,
+but he was so anxious to go that he bought a ship to run away in,--for he
+was a very wealthy young man; and though he was only nineteen, he held a
+commission as major-general in the armies of a land three thousand miles
+away--a land he had never seen and the language of which he could not
+speak. The King of France commanded him to remain at home; his friends and
+relatives tried to restrain him; and even the representatives, or agents,
+of the country in defense of which he desired to fight would not encourage
+his purpose. And when the young man, while dining at the house of the
+British Ambassador to France, openly avowed his sympathy with a downtrodden
+people, and his determination to help them gain their freedom, the
+Ambassador acted quickly. At his request, the rash young enthusiast was
+arrested by the French Government, and orders were given to seize his ship,
+which was awaiting him at Bordeaux. But ship and owner both slipped away,
+and sailing from the port of Pasajes in Spain, the runaway, with eleven
+chosen companions, was soon on the sea, bound for America, and beyond the
+reach of both friends and foes.
+
+On April 25, 1777, he landed at the little port of Georgetown, at the mouth
+of the Great Pee Dee river in South Carolina; and from that day forward the
+career of Marie Jean Paul Roch Yves Gilbert Motier, Marquis de La Fayette,
+has held a place in the history of America, and in the interest and
+affection of the American people.
+
+When he first arrived in the land for which he desired to fight, however,
+he found but a cool reception. The Congress of the United States was poor,
+and so many good and brave American officers who had proved their worth
+were desirous of commissions as major-generals, that the commission
+promised to this young Frenchman could not easily be put in force so far as
+an actual command and a salary were concerned.
+
+But the young general had come across the sea for a purpose, and money and
+position were not parts of that purpose. He expressed his desire to serve
+in the American army upon two very singular conditions, namely: that he
+should receive no pay, and that he should act as a volunteer. The Congress
+was so impressed with the enthusiasm and self-sacrifice of the young
+Frenchman that, on July 31, 1777, it passed a resolution directing that
+"his services be accepted and that, in consideration of his zeal,
+illustrious family and connections, he have the rank and commission of a
+Major-General of the United States."
+
+General Washington was greatly attracted by the energy and earnestness of
+the young nobleman. He took him into what was called his "military family,"
+assigned him to special and honorable duty; and when the young volunteer
+was wounded at the battle of Brandywine, the Commander-in-Chief praised his
+"bravery and military ardor" so highly that the Congress gave La Fayette
+the command of a division. Thus, before he was twenty, he was actually a
+general, and already, as one historian says, he had "justified the boyish
+rashness which his friends deplored and his sovereign resented, and had
+acquired a place in history."
+
+Notwithstanding General Washington's assertion to Congress that La Fayette
+had made "great proficiency in our language," the young marquis's
+pronunciation of English was far from perfect. French, Spanish, and Italian
+were all familiar to him, but his English was not readily understood by the
+men he was called upon to command. It was therefore necessary to find as
+his aid-de-camp one who could quickly interpret the orders of his
+commanding officer.
+
+[Illustration: STATUE OF LA FAYETTE BY A. BARTHOLDI,--
+UNION SQUARE, NEW-YORK CITY.]
+
+Such an aid was at last found in the person of a certain young Connecticut
+adjutant on the regimental staff of dashing Brigadier-General Wayne,--"Mad
+Anthony" Wayne, the hero of Stony Point.
+
+This young adjutant was of almost the same age as Lafayette; he had
+received, what was rare enough in those old days, an excellent college
+education, and he was said to be the only man in the American army who
+could speak French and English equally well.
+
+These young men, General La Fayette and his aid, grew very fond of each
+other during an intimate acquaintance of nearly seven years. The French
+marquis, with that overflow of spirits and outward demonstration so
+noticeable in most Frenchmen, freely showed his affection for the more
+reserved American--often throwing his arms around his neck, kissing him
+upon the cheek and calling him "My brave, my good, my virtuous, my adopted
+brother!"
+
+After the battle of Monmouth, which occurred on June 28, 1778, and in which
+La Fayette's command was engaged against the British forces, who were
+routed, the marquis was enthusiastic in praise of the gallant conduct of
+his friend and aid. Not content with this, he sent to him some years after,
+when the aid-de-camp, then a colonel in rank, was elected to political
+honors, the following acrostic, as a souvenir, expressive of the esteem and
+remembrance of his former commander. The initial letters of each line of
+the poem will spell out for you the name of this soldier friend of La
+Fayette. And here is an exact copy of the acrostic and of the postscript
+that accompanied it:
+
+  Sage of the East! where wisdom rears her head,
+  Augustus, taught in virtue's path to tread,
+  'Mid thousands of his race, elected stands
+  Unanimous to legislative bands;
+  Endowed with every art to frame just laws,
+  Learns to hate vice, to virtue gives applause.
+
+  Augustus, oh, thy name that's ever dear
+  Unrivaled stands to crown each passing year!
+  Great are the virtues that exalt thy mind.
+  Unenvied merit marks thy worth refined.
+  Sincerely rigid for your country's right,
+  To save her Liberty you deigned to fight;
+  Undaunted courage graced your manly brow,
+  Secured such honors as the gods endow.--
+
+  Bright is the page; the record of thy days
+  Attracts my muse thus to rehearse thy praise.
+  Rejoice then, patriots, statesmen, all rejoice!
+  Kindle his praises with one general voice!
+  Emblazon out his deeds, his virtues prize,
+  Reiterate his praises to the skies!
+                                    M. D. LA FAYETTE.
+
+P.S.--The Colonel will readily apologize for the inaccuracies of
+an unskillful muse, and be convinced the high estimation of his amiable
+character could alone actuate the author of the foregoing.
+
+                                    M. D. LA FAYETTE.
+
+So the name of the young general's friend and aid-de-camp was Samuel
+Augustus Barker.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Years passed. The Revolution was over. America was free. The French
+Revolution, with all its horrors and successes, had made France a republic.
+Napoleon had risen, conquered, ruled, fallen, and died, and the first
+quarter of the nineteenth century was nearly completed, when, in August,
+1824, an old French gentleman who had been an active participant in several
+of these historic scenes arrived in New York. It was General the Marquis de
+La Fayette, now a veteran of nearly seventy, returning to America as the
+honored guest of the growing and prosperous republic he had helped to
+found.
+
+His journey through the land was like a triumph. Flowers and decorations
+brightened his path, cheering people and booming cannon welcomed his
+approach. And in one of those welcomings, in a little village in Central
+New York, a cannon, which was heavily loaded for a salute in honor of the
+nation's guest, exploded, and killed a plucky young fellow who had
+volunteered to "touch off" the over-charged gun when no one else dared.
+Some months after, the old marquis chanced to hear of the tragedy, and at
+once his sympathies were aroused for the widowed mother of the young man.
+
+He at once wrote to the son of the man who had been his comrade in arms in
+the revolutionary days half a century before, asking full information
+concerning the fatal accident, and the needs of the mother of the poor
+young man who was killed; and having thus learned all the facts, sent the
+sum of one thousand dollars to relieve the mother's necessities and to pay
+off the mortgage on her little home.
+
+I have before me, as I write, the original letter written by the General to
+the son of his old friend, the paper marked and yellow with the creases of
+sixty years; and as I read it again, I feel that of all the incidents of
+the singularly eventful life of La Fayette there are none that show his
+noble nature more fully than those I have noted here: his enthusiastic
+services in behalf of an oppressed people, his close and devoted affection
+for his friend and comrade, and the impulsive generosity of a heart that
+was at once manly, tender, and true.
+
+And as I write, I am grateful that I can claim a certain association with
+that honored name of La Fayette; for the young adjutant to whom the
+acrostic was addressed and the friend through whom the gift to the widow
+was communicated were respectively my grandfather and my father.
+
+It is at least pleasant to know that one's ancestors were the intimate
+friends of so noble a man, of whom one biographer has recently said: "He
+was brave even to rashness, his life was one of constant peril, and yet he
+never shrank from any danger or responsibility if he saw the way open to
+spare life or suffering, to protect the defenseless, to sustain law and
+preserve order."
+
+At the southern extremity of Union Square, in the city of New York, there
+is a bronze statue of La Fayette. As you have already been told in ST.
+NICHOLAS, it represents him in graceful pose and with earnest face and
+gesture, "making offer of his sword to the country he admired--the country
+that sorely needed his aid. The left hand is extended as if in greeting and
+friendly self-surrender, and the right hand, which holds the sword, is
+pressed against the breast, as if implying that his whole heart goes with
+his sword." Lafayette's words, "As soon as I heard of American
+independence, my heart was enlisted," are inscribed upon the pedestal of
+the statue; and a short distance from it, in the plaza adjoining the
+square, is an equestrian statue of Washington. It is fitting that the
+bronze images of those two great men should thus be placed together, as the
+names of Washington and La Fayette are forever coupled in the history and
+in the affections of the American people.
+
+
+
+
+A CHILD'S FANCY.
+
+BY FRANK DEMPSTER SHERMAN.
+
+
+  The meadow is a battle-field
+    Where Summer's army comes:
+  Each soldier with a clover shield,
+    The honey-bees with drums.
+      Boom, rat-ta!--they march and pass
+        The captain tree who stands
+      Saluting with a sword of grass
+        And giving the commands.
+
+  'T is only when the breezes blow
+    Across the woody hills,
+  They shoulder arms and, to and fro,
+    March in their full-dress drills.
+      Boom, rat-ta!--they wheel in line
+        And wave their gleaming spears.
+      "March!" cries the captain, giving sign,
+        And every soldier cheers.
+
+  But when the day is growing dim
+    They gather in their camps,
+  And sing a good thanksgiving hymn
+    Around their fire-fly lamps.
+      Ra-ta-ta!--the bugle-notes
+        Call "good-night!" to the sky.--
+      I hope they all have overcoats
+        To keep them warm and dry!
+
+
+
+
+LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY.
+
+BY FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT.
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The truth was that Mrs. Errol had found a great many sad things in the
+course of her work among the poor of the little village that appeared so
+picturesque when it was seen from the moor-sides. Everything was not as
+picturesque, when seen near by, as it looked from a distance. She had found
+idleness and poverty and ignorance where there should have been comfort and
+industry. And she had discovered, after a while, that Erleboro was
+considered to be the worst village in that part of the country. Mr.
+Mordaunt had told her a great many of his difficulties and discouragements,
+and she had found out a great deal by herself. The agents who had managed
+the property had always been chosen to please the Earl, and had cared
+nothing for the degradation and wretchedness of the poor tenants. Many
+things, therefore, had been neglected which should have been attended to,
+and matters had gone from bad to worse.
+
+As to Earl's Court, it was a disgrace, with its dilapidated houses and
+miserable, careless, sickly people. When first Mrs. Errol went to the
+place, it made her shudder. Such ugliness and slovenliness and want seemed
+worse in a country place than in a city. It seemed as if there it might be
+helped. And as she looked at the squalid, uncared-for children growing up
+in the midst of vice and brutal indifference, she thought of her own little
+boy spending his days in the great, splendid castle, guarded and served
+like a young prince, having no wish ungratified, and knowing nothing but
+luxury and ease and beauty. And a bold thought came into her wise little
+mother-heart. Gradually she had begun to see, as had others, that it had
+been her boy's good fortune to please the Earl very much, and that he would
+scarcely be likely to be denied anything for which he expressed a desire.
+
+"The Earl would give him anything," she said to Mr. Mordaunt. "He would
+indulge his every whim. Why should not that indulgence be used for the good
+of others? It is for me to see that this shall come to pass."
+
+She knew she could trust the kind, childish heart; so she told the little
+fellow the story of Earl's Court, feeling sure that he would speak of it to
+his grandfather, and hoping that some good results would follow.
+
+And strange as it appeared to every one, good results did follow. The fact
+was that the strongest power to influence the Earl was his grandson's
+perfect confidence in him--the fact that Cedric always believed that his
+grandfather was going to do what was right and generous. He could not quite
+make up his mind to let him discover that he had no inclination to be
+generous at all, and that he wanted his own way on all occasions, whether
+it was right or wrong. It was such a novelty to be regarded with admiration
+as a benefactor of the entire human race, and the soul of nobility, that he
+did not enjoy the idea of looking into the affectionate brown eyes, and
+saying: "I am a violent, selfish old rascal; I never did a generous thing
+in my life, and I don't care about Earl's Court or the poor people"--or
+something which would amount to the same thing. He actually had learned to
+be fond enough of that small boy with the mop of yellow love-locks, to feel
+that he himself would prefer to be guilty of an amiable action now and
+then. And so--though he laughed at himself--after some reflection, he sent
+for Newick, and had quite a long interview with him on the subject of the
+Court, and it was decided that the wretched hovels should be pulled down
+and new houses should be built.
+
+"It is Lord Fauntleroy who insists on it," he said dryly; "he thinks it
+will improve the property. You can tell the tenants that it's his idea."
+And he looked down at his small lordship, who was lying on the hearth-rug
+playing with Dougal. The great dog was the lad's constant companion, and
+followed him about everywhere, stalking solemnly after him when he walked,
+and trotting majestically behind when he rode or drove.
+
+Of course, both the country people and the town people heard of the
+proposed improvement. At first, many of them would not believe it; but when
+a small army of workmen arrived and commenced pulling down the crazy,
+squalid cottages, people began to understand that little Lord Fauntleroy
+had done them a good turn again, and that through his innocent interference
+the scandal of Earl's Court had at last been removed. If he had only known
+how they talked about him and praised him everywhere, and prophesied great
+things for him when he grew up, how astonished he would have been! But he
+never suspected it. He lived his simple, happy child life,--frolicking
+about in the park; chasing the rabbits to their burrows; lying under the
+trees on the grass, or on the rug in the library, reading wonderful books
+and talking to the Earl about them, and then telling the stories again to
+his mother; writing long letters to Dick and Mr. Hobbs, who responded in
+characteristic fashion; riding out at his grandfather's side, or with
+Wilkins as escort. As they rode through the market town, he used to see the
+people turn and look, and he noticed that as they lifted their hats their
+faces often brightened very much, but he thought it was all because his
+grandfather was with him.
+
+[Illustration: "THE WORKMEN LIKED TO SEE HIM STAND AMONG THEM, TALKING
+AWAY, WITH HIS HANDS IN HIS POCKETS."]
+
+"They are so fond of you," he once said, looking up at his lordship with a
+bright smile. "Do you see how glad they are when they see you? I hope they
+will some day be as fond of me. It must be nice to have _every_ body like
+you." And he felt quite proud to be the grandson of so greatly admired and
+beloved an individual.
+
+When the cottages were being built, the lad and his grandfather used to
+ride over to Earl's Court together to look at them, and Fauntleroy was full
+of interest. He would dismount from his pony and go and make acquaintance
+with the workman, asking them questions about building and bricklaying, and
+telling them things about America. After two or three such conversations,
+he was able to enlighten the Earl on the subject of brickmaking, as they
+rode home.
+
+"I always like to know about things like those," he said, "because you
+never know what you are coming to."
+
+When he left them, the workmen used to talk him over among themselves, and
+laugh at his odd, innocent speeches; but they liked him, and liked to see
+him stand among them, talking away, with his hands in his pockets, his hat
+pushed back on his curls, and his small face full of eagerness. "He's a
+rare un," they used to say. "An' a woise little outspoken chap too. Not
+much o' th' bad stock in him." And they would go home and tell their wives
+about him, and the women would tell each other, and so it came about that
+almost every one talked of, or knew some story of, little Lord Fauntleroy;
+and gradually almost every one knew that the "wicked Earl" had found
+something he cared for at last--something which had touched and even warmed
+his hard, bitter old heart.
+
+But no one knew quite how much it had been warmed, and how day by day the
+old man found himself caring more and more for the child, who was the only
+creature that had ever trusted him. He found himself looking forward to the
+time when Cedric would be a young man, strong and beautiful, with life all
+before him, but having still that kind heart and the power to make friends
+everywhere; and the Earl wondered what the lad would do, and how he would
+use his gifts. Often as he watched the little fellow lying upon the hearth,
+conning some big book, the light shining on the bright young head, his old
+eyes would gleam and his cheek would flush.
+
+"The boy can do anything," he would say to himself, "anything!"
+
+He never spoke to any one else of his feeling for Cedric; when he spoke of
+him to others it was always with the same grim smile. But Fauntleroy soon
+knew that his grandfather loved him and always liked him to be near--near
+to his chair if they were in the library, opposite to him at table, or by
+his side when he rode or drove or took his evening walk on the broad
+terrace.
+
+"Do you remember," Cedric said once, looking up from his book as he lay on
+the rug, "do you remember what I said to you that first night about our
+being good companions? I don't think any people could be better companions
+than we are, do you?"
+
+"We are pretty good companions, I should say," replied his lordship. "Come
+here."
+
+Fauntleroy scrambled up and went to him.
+
+"Is there anything you want," the Earl asked; "anything you have not?"
+
+The little fellow's brown eyes fixed themselves on his grandfather with a
+rather wistful look.
+
+"Only one thing," he answered.
+
+"What is that?" inquired the Earl.
+
+Fauntleroy was silent a second. He had not thought matters over to himself
+so long for nothing.
+
+"What is it?" my lord repeated.
+
+Fauntleroy answered.
+
+"It is Dearest," he said.
+
+The old Earl winced a little.
+
+"But you see her almost everyday," he said. "Is not that enough?"
+
+"I used to see her all the time," said Fauntleroy. "She used to kiss me
+when I went to sleep at night, and in the morning she was always there, and
+we could tell each other things without waiting."
+
+The old eyes and the young ones looked into each other through a moment of
+silence. Then the Earl knitted his brows.
+
+"Do you _never_ forget about your mother?" he said.
+
+"No," answered Fauntleroy, "never; and she never forgets about me. I
+shouldn't forget about _you_, you know, if I didn't live with you. I should
+think about you all the more."
+
+"Upon my word," said the Earl, after looking at him a moment longer, "I
+believe you would!"
+
+The jealous pang that came when the boy spoke so of his mother seemed even
+stronger than it had been before--it was stronger because of this old man's
+increasing affection for the boy.
+
+But it was not long before he had other pangs, so much harder to face that
+he almost forgot, for the time, he had ever hated his son's wife at all.
+And in a strange and startling way it happened. One evening, just before
+the Earl's Court cottages were completed, there was a grand dinner party at
+Dorincourt. There had not been such a party at the Castle for a long time.
+A few days before it took place, Sir Harry Lorridaile and Lady Lorridaile,
+who was the Earl's only sister, actually came for a visit--a thing which
+caused the greatest excitement in the village and set Mrs. Dibble's
+shop-bell tingling madly again, because it was well known that Lady
+Lorridaile had only been to Dorincourt once since her marriage, thirty-five
+years before. She was a handsome old lady with white curls and dimpled,
+peachy cheeks, and she was as good as gold, but she had never approved of
+her brother any more than did the rest of the world, and having a strong
+will of her own and not being at all afraid to speak her mind frankly, she
+had, after several lively quarrels with his lordship, seen very little of
+him since her young days.
+
+She had heard a great deal of him that was not pleasant through the years
+in which they had been separated. She had heard about his neglect of his
+wife, and of the poor lady's death; and of his indifference to his
+children; and of the two weak, vicious, unprepossessing elder boys who had
+been no credit to him or to any one else. Those two elder sons, Bevis and
+Maurice, she had never seen; but once there had come to Lorridaile Park a
+tall, stalwart, beautiful young fellow about eighteen years old who had
+told her that he was her nephew Cedric Errol, and that he had come to see
+her because he was passing near the place and wished to look at his Aunt
+Constantia of whom he had heard his mother speak. Lady Lorridaile's kind
+heart had warmed through and through at the sight of the young man, and she
+had made him stay with her a week, and petted him, and made much of him and
+admired him immensely. He was so sweet-tempered, light-hearted, spirited a
+lad, that when he went away, she had hoped to see him often again; but she
+never did, because the Earl had been in a bad humor when he went back to
+Dorincourt, and had forbidden him ever to go to Lorridaile Park again. But
+Lady Lorridaile had always remembered him tenderly, and though she feared
+he had made a rash marriage in America, she had been very angry when she
+heard how he had been cast off by his father and that no one really knew
+where or how he lived. At last there came a rumor of his death, and then
+Bevis had been thrown from his horse and killed, and Maurice had died in
+Rome of the fever; and soon after came the story of the American child who
+was to be found and brought home as Lord Fauntleroy.
+
+"Probably to be ruined as the others were," she said to her husband,
+"unless his mother is good enough and has a will of her own to help her to
+take care of him."
+
+But when she heard that Cedric's mother had been parted from him she was
+almost too indignant for words.
+
+"It is disgraceful, Harry!" she said. "Fancy a child of that age being
+taken from his mother, and made the companion of a man like my brother! The
+old Earl will either be brutal to the boy or indulge him until he is a
+little monster. If I thought it would do any good to write----"
+
+"It wouldn't, Constantia," said Sir Harry.
+
+"I know it wouldn't," she answered. "I know his lordship the Earl of
+Dorincourt too well;--but it is outrageous."
+
+[Illustration: "'I WAS THINKING HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE,' SAID LORD
+FAUNTLEROY." (SEE PAGE 651.)]
+
+Not only the poor people and farmers heard about little Lord Fauntleroy;
+others knew of him. He was talked about so much and there were so many
+stories of him--of his beauty, his sweet temper, his popularity, and his
+growing influence over the Earl, his grandfather--that rumors of him
+reached the gentry at their country places and he was heard of in more than
+one county of England. People talked about him at the dinner tables, ladies
+pitied his young mother, and wondered if the boy were as handsome as he was
+said to be, and men who knew the Earl and his habits laughed heartily at
+the stories of the little fellow's belief in his lordship's amiability. Sir
+Thomas Asshe of Asshaine Hall, being in Erleboro one day, met the Earl and
+his grandson riding together and stopped to shake hands with my lord and
+congratulate him on his change of looks and on his recovery from the gout.
+"And, d'ye know!" he said, when he spoke of the incident afterward, "the
+old man looked as proud as a turkey-cock; and upon my word I don't wonder,
+for a handsomer, finer lad than his grandson I never saw! As straight as a
+dart, and sat his pony like a young trooper!"
+
+And so by degrees Lady Lorridaile, too, heard of the child; she heard about
+Higgins, and the lame boy, and the cottages at Earl's Court, and a score of
+other things,--and she began to wish to see the little fellow. And just as
+she was wondering how it might be brought about, to her utter astonishment,
+she received a letter from her brother inviting her to come with her
+husband to Dorincourt.
+
+"It seems incredible!" she exclaimed. "I have heard it said that the child
+has worked miracles, and I begin to believe it. They say my brother adores
+the boy and can scarcely endure to have him out of sight. And he is so
+proud of him! Actually, I believe he wants to show him to us." And she
+accepted the invitation at once.
+
+When she reached Dorincourt Castle with Sir Harry, it was late in the
+afternoon, and she went to her room at once before seeing her brother.
+Having dressed for dinner she entered the drawing-room. The Earl was there
+standing near the fire and looking very tall and imposing; and at his side
+stood a little boy in black velvet, and a large Vandyke collar of rich
+lace--a little fellow whose round bright face was so handsome, and who
+turned upon her such beautiful, candid brown eyes, that she almost uttered
+an exclamation of pleasure and surprise at the sight.
+
+As she shook hands with the Earl, she called him by the name she had not
+used since her girlhood.
+
+"What, Molyneux," she said, "is this the child?"
+
+"Yes, Constantia," answered the Earl, "this is the boy. Fauntleroy, this is
+your grand-aunt, Lady Lorridaile."
+
+"How do you do, Grand-Aunt?" said Fauntleroy.
+
+Lady Lorridaile put her hand on his shoulders, and after looking down into
+his upraised face a few seconds, kissed him warmly.
+
+"I am your Aunt Constantia," she said, "and I loved your poor papa, and you
+are very like him."
+
+"It makes me glad when I am told I am like him," answered Fauntleroy,
+"because it seems as if every one liked him,--just like Dearest,
+eszackly,--Aunt Constantia," (adding the two words after a second's pause.)
+
+Lady Lorridaile was delighted. She bent and kissed him again, and from that
+moment they were warm friends.
+
+"Well, Molyneux," she said aside to the Earl afterward, "it could not
+possibly be better than this!"
+
+"I think not," answered his lordship dryly. "He is a fine little fellow. We
+are great friends. He believes me to be the most charming and
+sweet-tempered of philanthropists. I will confess to you, Constantia,--as
+you would find it out if I did not,--that I am in some slight danger of
+becoming rather an old fool about him."
+
+"What does his mother think of you?" asked Lady Lorridaile, with her usual
+straightforwardness.
+
+"I have not asked her," answered the Earl, slightly scowling.
+
+"Well," said Lady Lorridaile, "I will be frank with you at the outset,
+Molyneux, and tell you I don't approve of your course, and that it is my
+intention to call on Mrs. Errol as soon as possible; so if you wish to
+quarrel with me, you had better mention it at once. What I hear of the
+young creature makes me quite sure that her child owes her everything. We
+were told even at Lorridaile Park that your poorer tenants adore her
+already."
+
+"They adore _him_," said the Earl, nodding toward Fauntleroy. "As to Mrs.
+Errol, you'll find her a pretty little woman. I'm rather in debt to her for
+giving some of her beauty to the boy, and you can go to see her if you
+like. All I ask is that she will remain at Court Lodge and that you will
+not ask me to go and see her," and he scowled a little again.
+
+"But he doesn't hate her as much as he used to, that is plain enough to
+me," her ladyship said to Sir Harry afterward. "And he is a changed man in
+a measure, and, incredible as it may seem, Harry, it is my opinion that he
+is being made into a human being, through nothing more nor less than his
+affection for that innocent, affectionate little fellow. Why, the child
+actually loves him--leans on his chair and against his knee. My lord's own
+children would as soon have thought of nestling up to a tiger."
+
+The very next day she went to call upon Mrs. Errol. When she returned, she
+said to her brother:
+
+"Molyneux, she is the loveliest little woman I ever saw! She has a voice
+like a silver bell, and you may thank her for making the boy what he is.
+She has given him more than her beauty, and you make a great mistake in not
+persuading her to come and take charge of you. I shall invite her to
+Lorridaile."
+
+"She'll not leave the boy," replied the Earl.
+
+"I must have the boy too," said Lady Lorridaile, laughing.
+
+But she knew Fauntleroy would not be given up to her, and each day she saw
+more clearly how closely those two had grown to each other, and how all the
+proud, grim old man's ambition and hope and love centered themselves in the
+child, and how the warm, innocent nature returned his affection with most
+perfect trust and good faith.
+
+She knew, too, that the prime reason for the great dinner party was the
+Earl's secret desire to show the world his grandson and heir, and to let
+people see that the boy who had been so much spoken of and described was
+even a finer little specimen of boyhood than rumor had made him.
+
+"Bevis and Maurice were such a bitter humiliation to him," she said to her
+husband. "Every one knew it. He actually hated them. His pride has full
+sway here." Perhaps there was not one person who accepted the invitation
+without feeling some curiosity about little Lord Fauntleroy, and wondering
+if he would be on view.
+
+And when the time came he was on view.
+
+"The lad has good manners," said the Earl. "He will be in no one's way.
+Children are usually idiots or bores,--mine were both,--but he can actually
+answer when he's spoken to, and be silent when he is not. He is never
+offensive."
+
+But he was not allowed to be silent very long. Every one had something to
+say to him. The fact was they wished to make him talk. The ladies petted
+him and asked him questions, and the men asked him questions too, and joked
+with him, as the men on the steamer had done when he crossed the Atlantic.
+Fauntleroy did not quite understand why they laughed so sometimes when he
+answered them, but he was so used to seeing people amused when he was quite
+serious, that he did not mind. He thought the whole evening delightful. The
+magnificent rooms were so brilliant with lights, there were so many
+flowers, the gentlemen seemed so gay, and the ladies wore such beautiful,
+wonderful dresses, and such sparkling ornaments in their hair and on their
+necks. There was one young lady who, he heard them say, had just come down
+from London, where she had spent the "season"; and she was so charming that
+he could not keep his eyes from her. She was a rather tall young lady with
+a proud little head, and very soft dark hair, and large eyes the color of
+purple pansies, and the color on her cheeks and lips was like that of a
+rose. She was dressed in a beautiful white dress, and had pearls around her
+throat. There was one strange thing about this young lady. So many
+gentlemen stood near her, and seemed anxious to please her, that Fauntleroy
+thought she must be something like a princess. He was so much interested in
+her that without knowing it he drew nearer and nearer to her and at last
+she turned and spoke to him.
+
+"Come here, Lord Fauntleroy," she said, smiling; "and tell me why you look
+at me so."
+
+"I was thinking how beautiful you are," his young lordship replied.
+
+Then all the gentlemen laughed outright, and the young lady laughed a
+little too, and the rose color in her cheeks brightened.
+
+"Ah, Fauntleroy," said one of the gentlemen who had laughed most heartily,
+"make the most of your time! When you are older you will not have the
+courage to say that."
+
+"But nobody could help saying it," said Fauntleroy sweetly. "Could you help
+it? Don't _you_ think she is pretty too?"
+
+"We are not allowed to say what we think," said the gentleman, while the
+rest laughed more than ever.
+
+But the beautiful young lady--her name was Miss Vivian Herbert--put out her
+hand and drew Cedric to her side, looking prettier than before, if
+possible.
+
+"Lord Fauntleroy shall say what he thinks," she said; "and I am much
+obliged to him. I am sure he thinks what he says." And she kissed him on
+his cheek.
+
+"I think you are prettier than any one I ever saw," said Fauntleroy,
+looking at her with innocent, admiring eyes, "except Dearest. Of course, I
+couldn't think any one _quite_ as pretty as Dearest. I think she is
+the prettiest person in the world."
+
+"I am sure she is," said Miss Vivian Herbert. And she laughed and kissed
+his cheek again.
+
+She kept him by her side a great part of the evening, and the group of
+which they were the center was very gay. He did not know how it happened,
+but before long he was telling them all about America, and the Republican
+Rally, and Mr. Hobbs and Dick, and in the end he proudly produced from his
+pocket Dick's parting gift,--the red silk handkerchief.
+
+"I put it in my pocket to-night because it was a party," he said. "I
+thought Dick would like me to wear it at a party."
+
+And queer as the big, flaming, spotted thing was, there was a serious,
+affectionate look in his eyes, which prevented his audience from laughing
+very much.
+
+"You see I like it," he said, "because Dick is my friend."
+
+But though he was talked to so much, as the Earl had said, he was in no
+one's way. He could be quiet and listen when others talked, and so no one
+found him tiresome. A slight smile crossed more than one face when several
+times he went and stood near his grandfather's chair, or sat on a stool
+close to him, watching him and absorbing every word he uttered with the
+most charmed interest. Once he stood so near the chair's arm that his cheek
+touched the Earl's shoulder, and his lordship, detecting the general smile,
+smiled a little himself. He knew what the lookers-on were thinking, and he
+felt some secret amusement in their seeing what a good friend he was to
+this youngster, who might have been expected to share the popular opinion
+of him.
+
+Mr. Havisham had been expected to arrive in the afternoon, but, strange to
+say, he was late. Such a thing had really never been known to happen before
+during all the years in which he had been a visitor at Dorincourt Castle.
+He was so late that the guests were on the point of rising to go in to
+dinner when he arrived. When he approached his host, the Earl regarded him
+with amazement. He looked as if he had been hurried or agitated; his dry,
+keen old face was actually pale.
+
+"I was detained," he said, in a low voice to the Earl, "by--an
+extraordinary event."
+
+It was as unlike the methodic old lawyer to be agitated by anything as it
+was to be late, but it was evident that he had been disturbed. At dinner he
+ate scarcely anything, and two or three times, when he was spoken to, he
+started as if his thoughts were far away. At dessert, when Fauntleroy came
+in, he looked at him more than once, nervously and uneasily. Fauntleroy
+noted the look and wondered at it. He and Mr. Havisham were on friendly
+terms, and they usually exchanged smiles. The lawyer seemed to have
+forgotten to smile that evening.
+
+The fact was he forgot everything but the strange and painful news he knew
+he must tell the Earl before the night was over--the strange news which he
+knew would be so terrible a shock, and which would change the face of
+everything. As he looked about at the splendid rooms and the brilliant
+company,--at the people gathered together, he knew, more that they might
+see the bright-haired little fellow near the Earl's chair than for any
+other reason,--as he looked at the proud old man and at little Lord
+Fauntleroy smiling at his side, he really felt quite shaken,
+notwithstanding that he was a hardened old lawyer. What a blow it was that
+he must deal them!
+
+He did not exactly know how the long, superb dinner ended. He sat through
+it as if he were in a dream, and several times he saw the Earl glance at
+him in surprise.
+
+But it was over at last, and the gentlemen joined the ladies in the
+drawing-room. They found Fauntleroy sitting on a sofa with Miss Vivian
+Herbert,--the great beauty of the last London season; they had been looking
+at some pictures, and he was thanking his companion, as the door opened.
+
+"I'm ever so much obliged to you for being so kind to me!" he was saying;
+"I never was at a party before, and I've enjoyed myself so much!"
+
+He had enjoyed himself so much that when the gentlemen gathered about Miss
+Herbert again and began to talk to her, as he listened and tried to
+understand their laughing speeches, his eyelids began to droop. They
+drooped until they covered his eyes two or three times, and then the sound
+of Miss Herbert's low, pretty laugh would bring him back, and he would open
+them again for about two seconds. He was quite sure he was not going to
+sleep, but there was a large, yellow satin cushion behind him and his head
+sank against it, and after a while his eyelids drooped for the last time.
+They did not even quite open when, as it seemed a long time after, some one
+kissed him lightly on the cheek. It was Miss Vivian Herbert, who was going
+away, and she spoke to him softly.
+
+"Good-night, little Lord Fauntleroy," she said. "Sleep well."
+
+And in the morning he did not know that he had tried to open his eyes and
+had murmured sleepily,
+
+"Good-night--I'm so--glad--I saw you--you are so--pretty----"
+
+He only had a very faint recollection of hearing the gentlemen laugh again
+and of wondering why they did it.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+No sooner had the last guest left the room, than Mr. Havisham turned from
+his place by the fire, and stepped nearer the sofa, where he stood looking
+down at the sleeping occupant. Little Lord Fauntleroy was taking his ease
+luxuriously. One leg crossed the other and swung over the edge of the sofa;
+one arm was flung easily above his head; the warm flush of healthful,
+happy, childish sleep was on his quiet face; his waving tangle of bright
+hair strayed over the yellow satin cushion. He made a picture well worth
+looking at.
+
+As Mr. Havisham looked at it, he put his hand up and rubbed his shaven
+chin, with a harassed countenance.
+
+"Well, Havisham," said the Earl's harsh voice behind him. "What is it? It
+is evident something has happened. What was the extraordinary event, if I
+may ask?"
+
+Mr. Havisham turned from the sofa, still rubbing his chin.
+
+"It was bad news," he answered, "distressing news, my lord--the worst of
+news. I am sorry to be the bearer of it."
+
+The Earl had been uneasy for some time during the evening, as he glanced at
+Mr. Havisham, and when he was uneasy he was always ill-tempered.
+
+"Why do you look so at the boy!" he exclaimed irritably. "You have been
+looking at him all the evening as if--See here now, why should you look at
+the boy, Havisham, and hang over him like some bird of ill-omen! What has
+your news to do with Lord Fauntleroy?"
+
+"My lord," said Mr. Havisham, "I will waste no words. My news has
+everything to do with Lord Fauntleroy. And if we are to believe it--it is
+not Lord Fauntleroy who lies sleeping before us, but only the son of
+Captain Errol. And the present Lord Fauntleroy is the son of your son
+Bevis, and is at this moment in a lodging-house in London."
+
+The Earl clutched the arms of his chair with both his hands until the veins
+stood out upon them; the veins stood out on his forehead too; his fierce
+old face was almost livid.
+
+"What do you mean!" he cried out. "You are mad! Whose lie is this?"
+
+"If it is a lie," answered Mr. Havisham, "it is painfully like the truth. A
+woman came to my chambers this morning. She said your son Bevis married her
+six years ago in London. She showed me her marriage certificate. They
+quarreled a year after the marriage, and he paid her to keep away from him.
+She has a son five years old. She is an American of the lower classes,--an
+ignorant person,--and until lately she did not fully understand what her
+son could claim. She consulted a lawyer and found out that the boy was
+really Lord Fauntleroy and the heir to the earldom of Dorincourt; and she,
+of course, insists on his claims being acknowledged."
+
+There was a movement of the curly head on the yellow satin cushion. A soft,
+long, sleepy sigh came from the parted lips, and the little boy stirred in
+his sleep, but not at all restlessly or uneasily. Not at all as if his
+slumber were disturbed by the fact that he was being proved a small
+impostor and that he was not Lord Fauntleroy at all and never would be the
+Earl of Dorincourt. He only turned his rosy face more on its side as if to
+enable the old man who stared at it so solemnly to see it better.
+
+The handsome, grim old face was ghastly. A bitter smile fixed itself upon
+it.
+
+"I should refuse to believe a word of it," he said, "if it were not such a
+low, scoundrelly piece of business that it becomes quite possible in
+connection with the name of my son Bevis. It is quite like Bevis. He was
+always a disgrace to us. Always a weak, untruthful, vicious young brute
+with low tastes--my son and heir, Bevis, Lord Fauntleroy. The woman is an
+ignorant, vulgar person, you say?"
+
+"I am obliged to admit that she can scarcely spell her own name," answered
+the lawyer. "She is absolutely uneducated and openly mercenary. She cares
+for nothing but the money. She is very handsome in a coarse way, but----"
+
+The fastidious old lawyer ceased speaking and gave a sort of shudder.
+
+The veins on the old Earl's forehead stood out like purple cords. Something
+else stood out upon it too--cold drops of moisture. He took out his
+handkerchief and swept them away. His smile grew even more bitter.
+
+"And I," he said, "I objected to--to the other woman, the mother of this
+child" (pointing to the sleeping form on the sofa); "I refused to recognize
+her. And yet she could spell her own name. I suppose this is retribution."
+
+Suddenly he sprang up from his chair and began to walk up and down the
+room. Fierce and terrible words poured forth from his lips. His rage and
+hatred and cruel disappointment shook him as a storm shakes a tree. His
+violence was something dreadful to see, and yet Mr. Havisham noticed that
+at the very worst of his wrath he never seemed to forget the little
+sleeping figure on the yellow satin cushions, and that he never once spoke
+loud enough to awaken it.
+
+"I might have known it," he said. "They were a disgrace to me from their
+first hour! I hated them both; and they hated me! Bevis was the worse of
+the two. I will not believe this yet, though! I will contend against it to
+the last. But it is like Bevis--it is like him!"
+
+And then he raged again and asked questions about the woman, about her
+proofs, and pacing the room, turned first white and then purple in his
+repressed fury.
+
+When at last he had learned all there was to be told, and knew the worst,
+Mr. Havisham looked at him with a feeling of anxiety. He looked broken and
+haggard and changed. His rages had always been bad for him, but this one
+had been worse than the rest because there had been something more than
+rage in it.
+
+He came slowly back to the sofa, at last, and stood near it.
+
+"If any one had told me I could be fond of a child," he said, his harsh
+voice low and unsteady, "I should not have believed them. I always detested
+children--my own more than the rest. I am fond of this one; he is fond of
+me," (with a bitter smile.) "I am not popular; I never was. But he is fond
+of me. He never was afraid of me--he always trusted me. He would have
+filled my place better than I have filled it. I know that. He would have
+been an honor to the name."
+
+He bent down and stood a minute or so looking at the happy, sleeping face.
+His shaggy eyebrows were knitted fiercely, and yet somehow he did not seem
+fierce at all. He put up his hand, pushed the bright hair back from the
+forehead, and then turned away and rang the bell.
+
+When the largest footman appeared, he pointed to the sofa.
+
+"Take"--he said, and then his voice changed a little--"take Lord Fauntleroy
+to his room."
+
+(_To be continued_.)
+
+
+
+
+THREE VELVETY BEES.
+
+BY M. M. D.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  Three velvety, busy, buzzing bees
+  Once plunged in a thistle plant up to their knees.
+  Alas! Though plucky and stout of heart,
+  They bounded away with an angry start.
+  For the thistle's the touchiest thing that grows;
+  It's the firework plant--as every one knows.
+  And every buzzer should pass it by
+  On the day that is known as the Fourth of July.
+
+
+
+
+FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT.
+
+BY RIPLEY HITCHCOCK
+
+
+There was once a boy who thought that he could choose his birthday present
+more wisely than could his father and mother. He wanted an "arrow rifle"--a
+useless affair which has long since gone to the place where toys which are
+failures go. He was disappointed however. His birthday brought him not an
+"arrow rifle," but a light, jointed fishing-rod. Now this boy had already
+done some fishing with a heavy bamboo pole, or with one cut from an alder,
+jerking the fish out of the water, and swinging them over his head. To be
+sure the heavy pole made his arms ache, but his new rod, which bent at
+every touch, seemed to him too slender and flimsy to be of any use
+whatever.
+
+I fear he was not very grateful at first, but he was properly rebuked when
+his father took a day from professional cares, and opened the lad's eyes to
+the pleasure of fishing with light tackle. When he had learned to "cast"
+flies with his elastic, strong rod, without hooking somebody or something
+not meant to be hooked; when he had seen the beautiful vermilion-spotted
+trout flash clear of the water, tempted by the flies; and when he had found
+that he could tire out and land larger fish than he had ever caught before,
+simply by pitting against their cunning and strength, skill and patience
+instead of mere brute force,--then there was opened to that boy a new world
+of sport and healthy recreation. He has never regretted the "arrow rifle";
+and he now proposes to tell the boys as well as the girls who read ST.
+NICHOLAS how to obtain something which is within the reach of both,--the
+greatest possible pleasure from fishing.
+
+If one could take a bird's-eye view of our country at any time in the
+summer, he would see boys and girls catching all kinds of fish in all kinds
+of ways; some off the coast in sailboats, tugging at bluefish or mackerel,
+others profiting by ST. NICHOLAS'S lessons in black-bass fishing,
+some "skittering" for pickerel in New England lakes, others trolling for
+pike in the lakes and rivers of the West. But of all the fresh-water game
+fish there is none more beautiful and graceful or more active than the
+trout.
+
+[Illustration: RAINBOW TROUT.]
+
+[Illustration: RANGELEY LAKE TROUT.]
+
+Any New York boy who has never caught a trout should go down to Fulton
+Market at the opening of the trout season, when trout are gathered there
+from all parts of the country. He will see "rainbow" trout from the Rocky
+Mountains, their sides iridescent, and stained as if marked by a bloody
+finger. These are being introduced into Eastern waters. He will find trout
+in the blackest of mourning robes and others gayly dressed in silver
+tinsel. Sometimes the vermilion spots on the side shine like fire; again
+they are as dull as if the fire had gone out and left only gray ashes. For
+there are several varieties of trout known to naturalists and traveled
+fishermen, and even the brook trout, called by the formidable name of
+_Salmo fontinalis_, varies greatly in color and shape in different
+localities. In Arizona, I have caught trout which were fairly black. In
+Dublin Lake in New Hampshire, the trout look like bars of polished silver
+as they are drawn up through the water. I never saw a more sharply marked
+contrast than that between the trout of two little Maine lakes, near the
+head-waters of the Androscoggin River. In one, the trout were long, and as
+thin as race-horses, and their flesh was of a salmon-pink hue; in the
+other, not half a mile away, the trout were short, thick, and almost
+hump-backed, with darker skins and lighter flesh. The first lake had a
+sandy, gravelly bottom, and the water was clear as crystal; the bottom of
+the second was muddy, and the water dark and turbid. This explained the
+difference in the fish, a difference always existing in trout of brooks or
+lakes under the same conditions.
+
+[Illustration: _Trout-rod and Tackle_.]
+
+In the great Androscoggin Lakes of Maine, the trout, which are brook trout,
+grow to the largest size known anywhere. They have been caught weighing
+twelve pounds, and many claimed that they were lake trout, until the famous
+naturalist Agassiz decided that, although living in lakes, they were true
+brook trout. These immense trout have very thick bodies and cruel hooked
+jaws; but the guides can point out many contrasts between trout from
+different lakes, or even from different parts of the same lake. There are
+trout nearly as large in the rivers of the British Provinces, Nova Scotia,
+New Brunswick, and Quebec, but these are usually lighter colored, and they
+are quite another variety, being known as sea trout, or _Salmo trutta_. All
+this adds to the interest of trout-fishing by inducing the angler to
+acquaint himself with what the Natural Histories have to tell him about the
+various kinds of trout. Then the differences in one kind teach him to be
+observant and excite a curiosity as to the habits of the trout. Here the
+Natural Histories will fail him. Only by following trout brooks and
+tempting the larger trout of lakes, can he properly study the ways and
+curious moods of this cunning, timid fish. And even then, if he be modest,
+he will often confess himself sadly puzzled; for the trout's wits are
+sometimes more than a match for the fisherman's. And this adds to the
+pleasure of trout-fishing; for if one had to deal with a fish which would
+bite at any bait, under any circumstances, and give up the fight as soon as
+hooked, the sport would soon grow very stupid. In trout-fishing, one will
+study the best conditions of wind, weather, and water, and learn how to
+approach one of the shyest of fish, how to delude one of the most wary, and
+how safely to land one of the pluckiest. To do this it is necessary to have
+reliable "tackle," a term which includes rod, reel, line, leaders, flies,
+and landing net. The rod must be so light that one can cast with it easily
+and persistently, and yet it must be strong enough to bend into all manner
+of curves without breaking, and to tire out large trout. If it is too
+stiff, the fisherman's arm will soon be wearied, and if it is too flexible
+or withy, it will not cast flies well, and it will not hold fish firmly if
+the angler needs to bring a strain upon them. In attempts to meet these
+requirements, fly rods have been made of split bamboo, ash and lance-wood,
+bethabara, greenheart, cedar, hickory, hornbeam, iron-wood, snake-wood,
+shadblow and perhaps twenty other woods, and there have even been
+experiments in making rods of thin steel tubes. The split bamboo rods are
+made of four or six triangular strips cut from the rind of Calcutta bamboo
+and carefully fitted and glued together. Sometimes the surface is rounded,
+but oftener it has six sides. These rods, when they are really good, are
+the best of all. Indeed, Americans may justly claim to make the finest rods
+in the world and also the finest lines. But I should not advise any of my
+readers to buy a split bamboo fly rod, because these rods are very
+expensive, they require very careful treatment, and if broken they must go
+back to the maker to be repaired. The fly rod which I recommend to the boys
+and girls of ST. NICHOLAS is one with an ash butt, and the second joint and
+tip of lance-wood. It should be from ten feet to ten feet and a half in
+length, and should weigh about seven ounces and a half. Such a rod can be
+obtained from any reliable dealer in any large city. I emphasize reliable
+because there are fishing-tackle stores where one may get rods nice to look
+at, but worthless to use. Nearly all dealers keep what is called an "all
+around" rod, intended to be used, for either fly or bait fishing, but this,
+like most compromises is usually unsatisfactory. This, or something like
+it, will probably be shown you if you ask for a boy's rod, so that it is
+better to tell the dealer or rod-maker exactly what you want, and to accept
+nothing else. If he takes a pride in his work and has a reputation to
+sustain, he will interest himself in picking out a rod of sound,
+well-seasoned wood, evenly balanced, elastic, with a good action, and a
+peculiar "kick" in the second joint, which is of great service in casting a
+fly. If some one can help you in making your choice, so much the better.
+Then it will be well to attach a reel and line to the rod and try it in
+actual casting, if this is possible; and when the rod is bent, see that the
+bend is an even curve. The pleasure of fly-fishing depends upon the quality
+of the rod, and the choice should therefore be made deliberately and
+wisely. Some fishermen make their own rods, and there are dealers who
+supply materials for amateur rod-makers; but this is a difficult
+undertaking and can not be described here.[A] I should advise any boy to go
+to a professional maker for his first fly rod.
+
+[Footnote A: "Fly Rods and Fly Tackle," by Mr. H. P. Wells, explains
+methods of making and repairing rods and other tackle, and gives much
+valuable instruction in fly-fishing.]
+
+[Illustration: YOUNG ANGLERS.]
+
+The "enameled water-proof" lines are the best. These are braided from
+boiled silk, and prepared to resist the action of water, which will cause
+the decay of an ordinary line. Of the various sizes, which are
+distinguished by letters, that known as F is perhaps most desirable,
+although either E or F will answer the purpose. The line should be "level,"
+not tapering, and at least twenty-five yards in length. This will be wound
+upon a "click" reel of equal capacity, preferably nickel-plated. But this
+is of less importance than the internal construction of the reel, for which
+you should have the maker's guarantee. Now come the flies. There are names
+enough to fill a directory, and a greater variety of colors than the woods
+show in autumn. A few flies like the "Montreal," "Professor," "Scarlet
+Ibis," "Coachman," and "the Hackles," are to be found in almost every
+angler's book. For the rest, it will be well to learn, from some
+experienced angler or intelligent dealer, the flies best suited to the
+particular waters which you intend to fish. At the Rangeley lakes, for
+example, you will find that large, gaudy flies are much used, like the
+"Parmachenee Belle," "Silver and Golden Doctor," and "Grizzly King," and
+there is one local fly called the "Katoodle Bug." In the Adirondacks,
+smaller flies of quieter colors are favored. For brook-fishing, very small
+flies of neutral tints are much used except when the water is very dark. A
+fly-book will be needed to contain flies and also leaders. The leader is a
+piece of "silk-worm gut," which should be about six feet in length. One end
+is fastened to the line, and the stretcher-fly is made fast at the other.
+One or two other flies, called droppers, are usually attached at intervals
+of two feet or more along the leader. Before making your choice, the
+leaders should be closely examined to see whether any part is frayed or
+cracked. They can be tested by a pull of four or five pounds on a spring
+balance. The leader is used as being less conspicuous than the line in the
+water, and, therefore, less likely to frighten away trout approaching the
+flies. Most leaders are dyed a misty bluish color which, it is thought,
+will escape even the keen eyes of the trout. A landing-net, the size and
+strength of which depend upon the fishing-ground, completes the list of
+tackle.
+
+[Illustration: TROUT FLIES.]
+
+The next step is to learn how to cast a fly, and here practice and the
+advice of some experienced fly-fisherman will be worth more than printed
+instructions.
+
+It is not necessary, however, to wait for summer nor for access to water,
+in order to practice casting. A housetop, a dooryard, or even the spacious
+floor of an old-fashioned barn, as the case may be, offers just as good a
+chance for practice as a lake or river. When the rod is jointed together,
+the reel attached, and the line passed through the rings and beyond the tip
+about the length of the rod, the learner is usually seized with a wild
+desire to flourish rod and line like a whip with a long snapper. This
+feeling must promptly be suppressed. Fly-casting is a very simple movement,
+and not a flourish. The elbow is kept down at the side, the forearm moving
+only a little, and most of the work is done by the wrist. Holding the rod
+by the "grip," the part of the butt wound with silk or rattan to assist the
+grasp, one finds that the reel, which is just below the "grip," aids in
+balancing the rod. The reel is underneath in casting. After hooking a fish,
+many anglers turn their rods so as to bring the reel to the upper side,
+thus letting the strain of the line come upon the rod itself instead of
+upon the rings. In holding the "grip," the thumb should be extended
+straight along the rod, as this gives an additional "purchase." For the
+first cast, take the end of the line in the left hand, and bring the rod
+upward and backward until the line is taut. As you release the line, the
+spring of the rod carries the line backward. This is the back cast. Then
+comes an instant's pause, while the line straightens itself out behind, and
+then, with a firm motion of the wrist, helped a little by the forearm, the
+rod is thrown forward, and the line flies easily out in front. Begin with a
+line once or once-and-a-half as long as the rod, and lengthen it out by
+degrees. The main points to be remembered are: to keep the elbow at the
+side, to train the wrist, to move the rod not too far forward or back,
+always to wait until the line is straight behind on the back cast, and to
+make sure that in this the line falls no lower than your head, a process
+which it will take time to accomplish. There is no more awkward fault than
+that of whipping a rod down to a level with the horizon before and behind,
+and swishing the flies through the air until some of them are snapped off.
+
+When the learner becomes accustomed to handling his rod, he must try to
+perfect himself in two matters of great importance--accuracy and delicacy.
+Place a small piece of paper fifteen or twenty feet away, and aim at making
+the knot in the end of the line fall easily and quietly upon it. Your
+efforts will be aided if you will raise the point of the rod a trifle, just
+as the forward impulse of the line is spent, and the line itself is
+straightened in the air for an instant in front. This is a novel kind of
+target-shooting, but its usefulness will be realized when the angler finds
+it necessary to drop his flies so lightly just over the head of some
+particularly wary trout, that the fish, although too shy or lazy to move a
+yard, will be persuaded that some tempting natural flies have foolishly
+settled on the water just within reach of his jaws. By practice of this
+kind, which is an excellent form of light exercise in itself, any boy or
+girl can learn a very fascinating art. It is not necessary to make very
+long casts. At fly-casting tournaments in Central Park, casts have been
+made of about ninety feet, but in actual fishing a third of that distance
+is usually sufficient. Never cast more line than you can conveniently and
+safely handle.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTURING TWO FISH AT ONCE,--OR "LANDING A DOUBLE."]
+
+And now that we are ready to go a-fishing, the question arises, "Where
+shall we go?" The cold, bitter weather common in early April is not
+favorable to fishermen or fish. When May sunshine brings the leaves out on
+the trees, and fields are green and skies are blue, then Long Island may
+well tempt any New York boy who has a holiday to spend in fly-fishing.
+Years ago, any Long Island water could be fished without question, but now
+nearly all the Long Island brooks and ponds are "preserved,"--that is,
+kept for personal use by clubs or private owners. A boy who has a friend
+or relative among the owners of these preserves, or can hire a fishing
+privilege, can enjoy trout-fishing within a journey of two or three hours
+from his New York home. Within a few hours' ride, also, are trout streams
+in the southern counties of New York State and in Pennsylvania, although
+the former are so often visited that the fish have not time to grow large.
+The New England boy finds trout brooks in western Connecticut, in northern
+Massachusetts, and in the Cape Cod region, in northern New Hampshire and
+Vermont, and especially in Maine. Once, almost every stream and lake in
+New England contained trout. But forests were cut down, and some of the
+streams dwindled until they went dry in summer. Saw-mills were built, the
+streams were dammed up so as to be impassable for trout, and the trout
+eggs were buried under sawdust. Manufactories have poisoned the water of
+some rivers and others have been literally "fished dry." The trout of any
+brook near a large New England town have a very poor chance of long life.
+All this is discouraging enough, but yet there are trout to be caught, as
+every New England boy knows.
+
+[Illustration: INTERIOR OF A FISHING-CAMP.]
+
+The most famous fishing-places in the East are the Rangeley Lakes in Maine
+and the Adirondacks in New York. About the third week of May the ice goes
+out of the great chain of lakes forming the head-waters of the Androscoggin
+River in Maine. Then the red-shirted river-drivers come down with "drives"
+of logs, which dash through the sluiceways of immense dams between the
+different lakes. And while the brown pine trunks are still shooting through
+the dams, fishermen begin to gather from all parts of the country, for in
+the clear cold water of these lakes the trout, feeding upon myriads of
+minnows, grow to be the giants of their race. I can wish no better
+piscatorial fortune for the children of ST. NICHOLAS than a visit to Maine
+with father or brother, and the capture of one of these large trout. I must
+confess, however, that the large trout are not to be depended upon; but
+there are small fish always to be caught in the little lakes and brooks of
+the region, and there are pleasant forest camps with cheerful fires blazing
+in great stone fireplaces. The host of one of these camps was for a long
+time a hunter and guide, and every winter he lectures before Boston
+schoolboys, dressed in his hunter's garb, and tells them about trapping and
+the adventures of life in the woods.
+
+If one can continue further into the North-east, better fishing can be
+found in New Brunswick and Quebec than in Maine, although the trout of the
+Provinces are sea trout, a distinction which does not seem to me important.
+The trout of the Adirondacks are much smaller than those of Maine or New
+Brunswick, and now that the Adirondack country is overrun with visitors,
+one must go back some distance into the woods to find good sport. South of
+Pennsylvania, there is trout-fishing in the mountain streams of West
+Virginia and North Carolina. To the west, northern Michigan tempts the
+angler, and still further north are the large trout of the Nepigon river
+which flows into Lake Superior. The States along the Mississippi Valley are
+sadly deficient in trout, but a great deal can be done with black bass, as
+Mr. Maurice Thompson has told you. Trout abound all along the Rocky
+Mountains. There are the lusty five-pounders of the Snake River in Idaho,
+the rainbow trout of California, found also, I think, in Colorado, and the
+dusky fish of New Mexico and Arizona. I do not expect that many of ST.
+NICHOLAS'S readers will visit these remote fishing-places, but between the
+three corners of the continent in which I have caught trout--Quebec,
+Washington Territory, and Arizona--there are so many chances for
+trout-fishing, that very few need fail to enjoy this most delightful of
+outdoor sports.
+
+The best month for fly-fishing is June, and the best weather a light
+southerly or southwesterly breeze and a slightly overcast sky. Morning or
+evening is the best time. The worst is the middle of an intensely hot,
+bright, still day. It is usually thought that a change in the weather makes
+trout more active. Very high or very low water is undesirable. Yet when all
+the conditions seem perfect, one may cast over a whole school of trout
+without inducing them to stir a fin; and on the other hand, when the
+weather is most unfavorable and when the fish are gorged with food, they
+will, sometimes, fairly hustle one another in their eagerness to get the
+flies. On one hot July noon, the air and water around my boat were alive
+with trout for half an hour, when they stopped rising as suddenly as they
+had begun, without any apparent reason in one case or the other. Within two
+forenoon hours, I once caught twenty-five pounds of trout at the mouth of a
+brook emptying into one of the Rangeley lakes. Early next morning, I was
+rowed to the same spot and found only one solitary trout. On another
+occasion, I landed a five-pound and a three-pound trout from a pool in a
+Canadian river, without unduly disturbing the water; but although the pool
+contained several other fish, including one estimated to weigh over five
+pounds, not another trout could be induced to look at any fly in my book.
+Trout are very fickle and changeable, and the ingenuity sometimes required
+to coax them to rise adds as much zest to the sport as the suspense and
+excitement of hooking and landing them.
+
+[Illustration: A MOUNTAIN LAKE.]
+
+But when the trout does rise, what do you suppose he thinks? Does he really
+believe that the curious creature with a barbed tail hovering over his head
+is a natural fly? I doubt it. The flies ordinarily used would drive an
+entomologist to distraction. The great scarlet and white and yellow flies
+which have caused so many Rangeley lake trout to come to grief are, I
+fancy, unlike any living insect in that region, or anywhere else. The trout
+sees something moving on the water, and as experience has taught him that
+such fluttering objects are usually good to eat, his weakness for live food
+tempts him to pounce upon it without stopping to reason out the matter. But
+when he finds that this deceitful fly is entirely tasteless, he will drop
+it at once, unless the fisherman is prompt in "striking." This means a
+quick upward movement of the tip of the rod, a motion imparted, of course,
+at the butt, but communicated along rod and line. The movement "strikes"
+the hook into the fish. One can not be too quick in striking, but if too
+much force be used, the rod may be snapped at the second joint. Yet that is
+not the way in which rods are most frequently broken. If you have drawn in
+your flies so closely that you can not readily recover them, and your rod
+is pointing nearly straight upward, even a gentle attempt to strike a small
+fish is likely to break a rod. Once, I was fishing with a heavy rod from a
+raft which was drifting across a Canadian lake. The wind was so strong that
+I was obliged to cast with it, and then the raft rapidly drifted down upon
+my flies. A trout weighing not a quarter of a pound rose when my rod was
+nearly perpendicular, and the flies were close before me; instinctively I
+struck. The reward of my carelessness was that the rod, which would have
+landed a ten-pound fish, was cleanly broken into two pieces. Never draw the
+flies so near you that you have not safe and complete control of your rod,
+either for the back cast or for a strike.
+
+The importance of the high back cast of which I have spoken, will be
+especially appreciated by ST. NICHOLAS'S boys and girls, for most of their
+trout-fishing will probably be done upon brooks where a low back cast would
+involve entanglement in grass or bushes. In brook-fishing it is usually
+necessary to use a comparatively short line, and one must learn to make
+under-hand casts,--that is, with the rod down to a horizontal level on
+either side, instead of being upright, something easily learned after one
+can cast properly over-hand. Of course my readers will see that they must
+keep themselves and their shadows out of the sight of the timid trout. When
+a fish is hooked, let him run out the reel if he is large enough, unless he
+makes for stumps or brush where the line may get entangled. Then as much of
+a strain must be brought to bear upon him as the tackle will withstand; and
+always reel in line when it is possible. The line should never be slack. If
+the trout will not rise at first, change your flies and try the old rule of
+looking closely at the insects which hover over the water and selecting a
+fly from your book that imitates those insects as nearly as possible. The
+best general rule is to use small dark flies in bright, clear water, and
+larger bright flies in dark or turbid water. I need hardly say that fish
+are not to be lifted out of the water with a fly-rod. Let the trout run and
+struggle until the strain of the rod tires him out so that he can be easily
+drawn within reach and lifted out with the landing-net.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+So you see that in fly-fishing for trout you learn a very fascinating art,
+which can be practiced among the most delightful of outdoor surroundings in
+the pleasantest months of the year. You will learn much more than books can
+tell you about the habits and curious ways of a fish which the most
+experienced anglers have considered for hundreds of years as, next to the
+salmon, their most worthy game. You will learn patience, perseverance, and
+all manner of practical lessons on trout streams, including the tying of
+knots and the repairing of rods. And the sunshine, the fragrance of flowery
+meadows, and the cool breath of the woods will give you a health which can
+not be found indoors. But let me urge upon you to remember that the true
+sportsman is always generous in his treatment of the noble fish which he
+pursues. He will never catch trout out of season. He will never kill more
+trout than can be made use of, nor will he ever kill them by unfair means.
+And he will never catch tiny troutlings, too small to afford sport, lest he
+should exhaust the streams, but he will carefully restore to the water any
+trout which are not at least six inches long. ST. NICHOLAS'S fly-fishers
+who meet the gallant trout on fair and even terms will surely give the
+beautiful fish honorable treatment.
+
+And when you go a-fishing, bearing these words in mind, may you be rewarded
+by baskets well filled with trout of noble size.
+
+
+
+
+DAISY-SONG.
+
+BY GRACE DENIO LITCHFIELD
+
+
+  I am only a plain little daisy-flower,
+  Sprung up at hap-hazard 'neath sunshine and shower,
+  To live out as I may my life's poor little hour,
+              Yet who is so happy as I?
+
+  Oh, the days they burn hot, and the nights they blow cold,
+  And the shadows and rains,--true they fall, manifold;
+  But my dress is all white, and my heart is pure gold,
+              And who is so happy as I?
+
+  There's many a gladsomer meadow than mine,
+  Where greener trees shelter and softer suns shine
+  For others than me; but how can I repine,
+              For who is so happy as I?
+
+  There 's a brook I can't see by that far-away beech,
+  And a bird that wont whistle, for all I beseech,
+  And stars are up yonder, quite out of my reach,
+              But who is so happy as I?
+
+  I just look up at Fate with my brave little face,
+  I stir from my post in no possible case,
+  And I keep my dress clean, my gold heart in its place,
+              And who is so happy as I?
+
+
+
+
+GEORGE WASHINGTON.
+
+[_An Historical Biography_.]
+
+BY HORACE E. SCUDDER.
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+AT VALLEY FORGE.
+
+
+The winter of 1777 passed with little fighting; and when the spring opened,
+Washington used his army so adroitly as to prevent the British from moving
+on Philadelphia, and finally crowded them out of New Jersey altogether.
+That summer, however, was an anxious one, for there was great uncertainty
+as to the plans of the enemy; and when at last a formidable British army
+appeared in the Chesapeake, whither it had been transported by sea,
+Washington hurried his forces to meet it, and fought the battle of
+Brandywine, in which he met with a severe loss. He retrieved his fortune in
+part by a brilliant attack on the enemy at Germantown, and then retired to
+Valley Forge, in Pennsylvania, where he went into winter quarters; while
+the British army was comfortably established in Philadelphia.
+
+The defeat of Burgoyne by Gates, at Saratoga, in the summer and
+Washington's splendid attack at Germantown had made a profound impression
+in Europe, and are counted as having turned the scale in favor of an
+alliance with the United States on the part of France. But when the winter
+shut down on the American army, no such good cheer encouraged it. That
+winter of 1778 was the most terrible ordeal which the army endured, and one
+has but to read of the sufferings of the soldiers to learn at how great a
+cost independence was bought. It is worth while to tell again the familiar
+story, because the leader of the army himself shared the want and privation
+of the men. To read of Valley Forge is to read of Washington.
+
+The place was chosen for winter quarters because of its position. It was
+equally distant with Philadelphia from the Brandywine and from the ferry
+across the Delaware into New Jersey. It was too far from Philadelphia to be
+in peril from attack, and yet it was so near that the American army could,
+if opportunity offered, descend quickly on the city. Then it was so
+protected by hills and streams that the addition of a few lines of
+fortification made it very secure.
+
+But there was no town at Valley Forge, and it became necessary to provide
+some shelter for the soldiers other than the canvas tents which served in
+the field in summer. It was the middle of December when the army began
+preparations for the winter, and Washington gave directions for the
+building of the little village. The men were divided into parties of
+twelve, each party to build a hut to accommodate that number; and in order
+to stimulate the men, Washington promised a reward of twelve dollars to the
+party in each regiment which finished its hut first and most
+satisfactorily. And as there was some difficulty in getting boards, he
+offered a hundred dollars to any officer or soldier who should invent some
+substitute which would be as cheap as boards and as quickly provided.
+
+[Illustration: BUILDING THE HUTS AT VALLEY FORGE.]
+
+Each hut was to be fourteen feet by sixteen, the sides, ends, and roof to
+be made of logs, and the sides made tight with clay. There was to be a
+fireplace in the rear of each hut, built of wood, but lined with clay
+eighteen inches thick. The walls were to be six and a half feet high. Huts
+were also to be provided for the officers, and to be placed in the rear of
+those occupied by the troops. All these were to be regularly arranged in
+streets. A visitor to the camp when the huts were being built, wrote of the
+army; "They appear to me like a family of beavers, every one busy; some
+carrying logs, others mud, and the rest plastering them together." It was
+bitterly cold, and for a month the men were at work, making ready for the
+winter.
+
+But in what sort of condition were the men themselves when they began this
+work? Here is a picture of one of those men on his way to Valley Forge:
+"His bare feet peep through his worn-out shoes, his legs nearly naked from
+the tattered remains of an only pair of stockings, his breeches not enough
+to cover his nakedness, his shirt hanging in strings, his hair disheveled,
+his face wan and thin, his look hungry, his whole appearance that of a man
+forsaken and neglected." And the snow was falling! This was one of the
+privates. The officers were scarcely better off. One was wrapped "in a sort
+of dressing-gown made of an old blanket or woolen bed-cover." The uniforms
+were torn and ragged; the guns were rusty; a few only had bayonets; the
+soldiers carried their powder in tin boxes and cow-horns.
+
+To explain why this army was so poor and forlorn, would be to tell a long
+story. It may be summed up briefly in these words--the army was not taken
+care of because there was no country to take care of it. There were
+thirteen States, and each of these States sent troops into the field, but
+all the States were jealous of one another. There was a Congress, which
+undertook to direct the war, but all the members of Congress, coming from
+the several States, were jealous of one another. They were agreed on only
+one thing--that it was not prudent to give the army too much power. It is
+true that they had once given Washington large authority, but they had
+given it only for a short period. They were very much afraid that somehow
+the army would rule the country, and yet they were trying to free the
+country from the rule of England. But when they talked about freeing the
+country, each man thought only of his own State. The first fervor with
+which they had talked about a common country had died away; there were some
+very selfish men in Congress, who could not be patriotic enough to think of
+the whole country.
+
+The truth is, it takes a long time for the people of a country to come to
+feel that they have a country. Up to the time of the war for independence,
+the people in America did not care much for one another or for America.
+They had really been preparing to be a nation, but they did not know it.
+They were angry with Great Britain, and they knew they had been wronged.
+They were therefore ready to fight; but it does not require so much courage
+to fight as to endure suffering and to be patient.
+
+So it was that the people of America who were most conscious that they were
+Americans were the men who were in the army, and their wives and mothers
+and sisters at home. All these were making sacrifices for their country and
+so learning to love it. The men in the army came from different States, and
+there was a great deal of State feeling among them; but, after all, they
+belonged to one army, the continental army, and they had much more in
+common than they had separately. Especially they had a great leader who
+made no distinction between Virginians and New England men. Washington felt
+keenly all the lack of confidence which Congress showed. He saw that the
+spirit in Congress was one which kept the people divided, while the spirit
+at Valley Forge kept the people united, and he wrote reproachfully to
+Congress:
+
+"If we would pursue a right system of policy, in my opinion, ... we should
+all, Congress and army, be considered as one people, embarked in one cause,
+in one interest; acting on the same principle, and to the same end. The
+distinction, the jealousies set up, or perhaps only incautiously let out,
+can answer not a single good purpose.... No order of men in the thirteen
+States has paid a more sacred regard to the proceedings of Congress than
+the army; for without arrogance or the smallest deviation from truth it may
+be said, that no history now extant can furnish an instance of an army's
+suffering such uncommon hardships as ours has done, and bearing them with
+the same patience and fortitude. To see men, without clothes to cover them,
+without blankets to lie on, without shoes (for the want of which their
+marches might be traced by the blood from their feet), and almost as often
+without provisions as with them, marching through the frost and snow, and
+at Christmas taking up their winter quarters within a day's march of the
+enemy, without a house or hut to cover them, till they could be built, and
+submitting without a murmur, is a proof of patience and obedience, which,
+in my opinion, can scarce be paralleled."
+
+The horses died of starvation, and the men harnessed themselves to trucks
+and sleds, hauling wood and provisions from storehouse to hut. At one time
+there was not a ration in camp. Washington seized the peril with a strong
+hand and compelled the people in the country about, who had been selling to
+the British army at Philadelphia, to give up their stores to the patriots
+at Valley Forge.
+
+Meanwhile, the wives of the officers came to the camp, and these brave
+women gave of their cheer to its dreary life. Mrs. Washington was there
+with her husband. "The General's apartment is very small," she wrote to a
+friend; "he has had a log cabin built to dine in, which has made our
+quarters much more tolerable than they were at first."
+
+The officers and their wives came together and told stories, perhaps over a
+plate of hickory nuts, which, we are informed, furnished General
+Washington's dessert. The General was cheerful in the little society; but
+his one thought was how to keep the brave company of men alive and prepare
+them for what lay before them. The house where he had his quarters was a
+farmhouse belonging to a quaker, Mr. Potts, who has said that one day when
+strolling up the creek, away from the camp, he heard a deep, quiet voice a
+little way off. He went nearer, and saw Washington's horse tied to a
+sapling. Hard by, in the thicket, was Washington on his knees, praying
+earnestly.
+
+[Illustration: AT VALLEY FORGE.]
+
+At the end of February, light began to break. The terrible winter was
+passing away, though the army was still in wretched state. But there came
+to camp, a volunteer, Baron Steuben, who had been trained in the best
+armies of Europe. In him Washington had, what he greatly needed, an
+excellent drill-master. He made him Inspector of the army, and soon, as if
+by magic, the men changed from slouching, careless fellows into erect,
+orderly soldiers. The Baron began with a picked company of one hundred and
+twenty men, whom he drilled thoroughly; these became the models for others,
+and so the whole camp was turned into a military school.
+
+The prospect grew brighter and brighter, until on the 4th of May, late at
+night, a messenger rode into camp with dispatches from Congress. Washington
+opened them, and his heart must have leaped for joy as he read that an
+alliance had been formed between France and the United States. Two days
+later, the army celebrated the event. The chaplains of the several
+regiments read the intelligence and then offered up thanksgiving to God.
+Guns were fired, and there was a public dinner in honor of Washington and
+his generals. There had been shouts for the King of France and for the
+American States; but when Washington took his leave, "there was," says an
+officer who was present, universal applause, "with loud huzzas, which
+continued till he had proceeded a quarter of a mile, during which time
+there were a thousand hats tossed in the air. His excellency turned round
+with his retinue, and huzzaed several times."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE CONWAY CABAL.
+
+
+There is no man so high but some will always be found who wish to pull him
+down. Washington was no exception to this rule. His men worshiped him; the
+people had confidence in him; the officers nearest to him, and especially
+those who formed a part of his military family, were warmly attached to
+him; but in Congress there were men who violently opposed him, and there
+were certain generals who not only envied him but were ready to seize any
+opportunity which might offer to belittle him and to place one of their own
+number in his place. The chief men who were engaged in this business were
+Generals Conway, Mifflin, and Gates, and from the prominent position taken
+in the affair by the first-named officer, the intrigue against Washington
+goes by the name of the Conway Cabal. A "cabal" is a secret combination
+against a person with the object of his hurt or injury.
+
+It is not easy to say just how or when this cabal first showed itself.
+Conway was a young brigadier-general, very conceited and impudent. Mifflin
+had been Quartermaster-general, but had resigned. He had been early in the
+service and was in Cambridge with Washington, but had long been secretly
+hostile to him. Gates, who had been Washington's companion in Virginia, was
+an ambitious man who never lost an opportunity of looking after his own
+interest, and had been especially fortunate in being appointed to the
+command of the northern army just as it achieved the famous victory over
+Burgoyne.
+
+The defeat at Brandywine, the failure to make Germantown a great success,
+and the occupation of Philadelphia by the British troops, while the
+American army was suffering at Valley Forge--all this seemed to many a
+sorry story compared with the brilliant victory at Saratoga. There had
+always been those who thought Washington slow and cautious. John Adams was
+one of these, and he expressed himself as heartily glad "that the glory of
+turning the tide of arms was not immediately due to the
+commander-in-chief." Others shook their heads and said that the people of
+America had been guilty of idolatry by making a man their god; and that,
+besides, the army would become dangerous to the liberties of the people if
+it were allowed to be so influenced by one man.
+
+Conway was the foremost of these critics. "No man was more a gentleman than
+General Washington, or appeared to more advantage at his table, or in the
+usual intercourse of life," he would say; then he would give his shoulders
+a shrug, and look around and add, "but as to his talents for the command of
+an army, they were miserable indeed."
+
+"Gates was the general!" Conway said. "There was a man who could fight, and
+win victories!"
+
+Gates himself was in a mood to believe it. He had been so intoxicated by
+his success against Burgoyne that he thought himself the man of the day,
+and quite forgot to send a report of the action to his commander-in-chief.
+Washington rebuked him in a letter which was severe in its quiet tone. He
+congratulated Gates on his great success, and added, "At the same time, I
+can not but regret that a matter of such magnitude, and so interesting to
+our general operations, should have reached me by report only; or through
+the channel of letters not bearing that authenticity which the importance
+of it required, and which it would have received by a line over your
+signature stating the simple fact."
+
+Gates may have winced under the rebuke, but he was then listening to
+Conway's flattery, and that was more agreeable to him. Conway, on his part,
+found Gates a convenient man to set up as a rival to Washington. He himself
+did not aspire to be commander-in-chief, though he would have had no doubt
+as to his capacity. Washington knew him well. "His merit as an officer,"
+wrote the Commander-in-chief, "and his importance in this army exist more
+in his own imagination than in reality. For it is a maxim with him to leave
+no service of his own untold, nor to want anything which is to be obtained
+by importunity." Conway thought Gates was the rising man, and he meant to
+rise with him. He filled his ear with things which he thought would please
+him, and among other letters wrote him one in which these words occurred:
+"Heaven has determined to save your country, or a weak general and bad
+counselors would have ruined it."
+
+Now Gates was foolish enough to show this letter to Wilkinson, one of his
+aids, and Wilkinson repeated it to an aid of Lord Stirling, one of
+Washington's generals, and Lord Stirling at once sat down and wrote it off
+to Washington. Thereupon Washington, who knew Conway too well to waste any
+words upon him, sat down and wrote him this letter:
+
+  "SIR,--A letter which I received last night contained the following
+paragraph:
+
+  "'In a letter from General Conway to General Gates he says: Heaven has
+determined to save your country, or a weak general and bad counselors would
+have ruined it.'
+
+            "I am, Sir, your humble servant,
+                                 "GEORGE WASHINGTON."
+
+That was all, but it was quite enough to throw Conway and Gates and Mifflin
+into a panic. How did Washington get hold of the sentence? Had he seen any
+other letters? How much did he know? In point of fact, that was all that
+Washington had seen. He had a contempt for Conway. He knew of Mifflin's
+hostility and that Gates was now cool to him; but he did not suspect Gates
+of any intrigue, and he supposed for a while that Wilkinson's message had
+been intended only to warn him of Conway's evil mind.
+
+Gates was greatly perplexed to know what to do, but he finally wrote to
+Washington as if there were some wretch who had been stealing letters and
+might be discovering the secrets of the American leaders. He begged
+Washington to help him find the rascal. Washington replied, giving him the
+exact manner in which the letter came into his hands, and then closed with
+a few sentences that showed Gates clearly that he had lost the confidence
+of his commander-in-chief.
+
+That particular occasion passed, but presently the cabal showed its head
+again, this time working through Congress. It secured the appointment of a
+Board of War, with Gates at the head, and a majority of the members from
+men who were hostile to Washington. Now, they thought, Washington will
+resign, and to help matters on they spread the report that Washington was
+about to resign. The general checkmated them at once by a letter to a
+friend, in which he wrote:
+
+  "To report a design of this kind is among the arts which those who are
+endeavoring to effect a change, are practicing to bring it to pass....
+While the public are satisfied with my endeavors, I mean not to shrink from
+the cause. But the moment her voice, _not that of faction_, calls upon me
+to resign, I shall do it with as much pleasure as ever the wearied traveler
+retired to rest."
+
+The cabal was not yet defeated. It had failed by roundabout methods. It
+looked about in Congress and counted the disaffected to see if it would be
+possible to get a majority vote in favor of a motion to arrest the
+commander-in-chief. So at least the story runs which, from its nature,
+would not be found in any record, but was whispered from one man to
+another. The day came when the motion was to be tried; the conspiracy
+leaked out, and Washington's friends bestirred themselves. They needed one
+more vote. They sent post-haste for one of their number, Gouverneur Morris,
+who was absent in camp; but they feared they could not get him in time. In
+their extremity, they went to William Duer, a member from New York, who was
+dangerously ill. Duer sent for his doctor.
+
+"Doctor," he asked, "can I be carried to Congress?"
+
+"Yes, but at the risk of your life," replied the physician.
+
+"Do you mean that I should expire before reaching the place?" earnestly
+inquired the patient.
+
+"No," came the answer; "but I would not answer for your leaving it alive."
+
+"Very well, sir. You have done your duty and I will do mine!" exclaimed
+Duer. "Prepare a litter for me; if you will not, somebody else will, but I
+prefer your aid."
+
+The demand was in earnest, and Duer had already started when it was
+announced that Morris had returned and that he would not be needed. Morris
+had come direct from the camp with the latest news of what was going on
+there. His vote would make it impossible for the enemies of Washington to
+carry their point; their opportunity was lost, and they never recovered it.
+
+It was not the end of the cabal, however. They still cherished their
+hostility to Washington, and they sought to injure him where he would feel
+the wound most keenly. They tried to win from him the young Marquis de La
+Fayette, who had come from France to join the American army, and whom
+Washington had taken to his heart. La Fayette was ambitious and
+enthusiastic. Conway, who had been in France, did his best to attach
+himself to the young Frenchman, but he betrayed his hatred of Washington,
+and that was enough to estrange La Fayette. Then a winter campaign in
+Canada was planned, and the cabal intrigued to have La Fayette appointed to
+command it. It was argued that as a Frenchman he would have an influence
+over the French Canadians. But the plotters hoped that, away from
+Washington, the young marquis could be more easily worked upon, and it was
+intended that Conway should be his second in command.
+
+Of course, in contriving this plan, Washington was not consulted; but the
+moment La Fayette was approached, he appealed to Washington for advice.
+Washington saw through the device, but he at once said, "I would rather it
+should be you than another." La Fayette insisted on Kalb being second in
+command instead of Conway, whom he disliked and distrusted. Congress was in
+session at York, and thither La Fayette went to receive his orders. Gates,
+who spent much of his time in the neighborhood of Congress, seeking to
+influence the members, was there, and La Fayette was at once invited to
+join him and his friends at dinner. The talk ran freely, and great things
+were promised of the Canada expedition, but not a word was said about
+Washington. La Fayette listened and noticed. He thought of the contrast
+between the meager fare and the sacrifices at Valley Forge, and this feast
+at which he was a guest. He watched his opportunity, and near the end of
+the dinner, he said:
+
+"I have a toast to propose. There is one health, gentlemen, which we have
+not yet drunk. I have the honor to propose it to you: The
+Commander-in-chief of the armies of the United States!"
+
+It was a challenge which no one dared openly to take up, but there was an
+end to the good spirits of the company. La Fayette had shown his colors,
+and he was let alone after that. Indeed, the Canada expedition never was
+undertaken, for the men who were urging it were not in earnest about
+anything but diminishing the honor of Washington. It is the nature of
+cabals and intrigues that they flourish in the dark. They can not bear the
+light. As soon as these hostile intentions began to reach the ears of the
+public, great was the indignation aroused, and one after another of the
+conspirators made haste to disown any evil purpose. Gates and Mifflin each
+publicly avowed their entire confidence in Washington, and Conway, who had
+fought a duel and supposed himself to be dying, made a humble apology. The
+cabal melted away, leaving Washington more secure than ever in the
+confidence of men--all the more secure that he did not lower himself by
+attempting the same arts against his traducers. When Conway was uttering
+his libels behind his back, Washington was openly declaring his judgment of
+Conway; and throughout the whole affair, Washington kept his hands clean,
+and went his way with a manly disregard of his enemies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+MONMOUTH.
+
+
+The news of the French alliance, and consequent war between France and
+England, compelled the English to leave Philadelphia. They had taken their
+ease there during the winter, while hardships and Steuben's drilling and
+Washington's unflagging zeal had made the American army at Valley Forge
+strong and determined. A French fleet might at any time sail up the
+Delaware, and with the American army in the rear, Philadelphia would be a
+hard place to hold. So General Howe turned his command over to General
+Clinton, and went home to England, and General Clinton set about marching
+his army across New Jersey to New York.
+
+The moment the troops left Philadelphia, armed men sprang up all over New
+Jersey to contest their passage, and Washington set his army in motion,
+following close upon the heels of the enemy, who were making for Staten
+Island. There was a question whether they should attack the British and
+bring on a general engagement, or only follow them and vex them. The
+generals on whom Washington most relied, Greene, La Fayette, and Wayne, all
+good fighters, urged that it would be a shame to let the enemy leave New
+Jersey without a severe punishment. The majority of generals in the
+council, however, strongly opposed the plan of giving battle. They said
+that the French alliance would undoubtedly put an end to the war at once.
+Why, then, risk life and success? The British army, moreover, was strong
+and well equipped.
+
+The most strenuous opponent of the fighting plan was General Charles Lee.
+When he was left in command of a body of troops at the time of Washington's
+crossing the Hudson river more than a year before, his orders were to hold
+himself in readiness to join Washington at any time. In his march across
+New Jersey, Washington had repeatedly sent for Lee, but Lee had delayed in
+an unaccountable manner, and finally was himself surprised by a company of
+dragoons, and taken captive. For a year he had been held a prisoner, and
+only lately had been released on exchange. He had returned to the army
+while the cabal against Washington was going on, and had taken part in it,
+for he always felt that he ought to be first and Washington second. He was
+second in command now, and his opinion had great weight. He was a trained
+soldier, and besides, in his long captivity he had become well acquainted
+with General Clinton, and he professed to know well the condition and
+temper of the British officers.
+
+Washington thus found himself unsupported by a majority of his officers.
+But he had no doubt in his own mind that the policy of attack was a sound
+one. All had agreed that it was well to harass the enemy; he therefore
+ordered La Fayette with a large division to fall upon the enemy at an
+exposed point. He thought it not unlikely that this would bring on a
+general action, and he disposed his forces so as to be ready for such an
+emergency. He gave the command to La Fayette, because Lee had disapproved
+the plan; but after La Fayette had set out, Lee came to Washington and
+declared that La Fayette's division was so large as to make it almost an
+independent army, and that therefore he would like to change his mind and
+take command. It never would do to have his junior in such authority.
+
+Here was a dilemma. Washington could not recall La Fayette. He wished to
+make use of Lee; so he gave Lee two additional brigades, sent him forward
+to join La Fayette, when, as his senior, he would of course command the
+entire force; and at the same time he notified La Fayette of what he had
+done, trusting to his sincere devotion to the cause in such an emergency.
+
+When Clinton found that a large force was close upon him, he took up his
+position at Monmouth Court House, now Freehold, New Jersey and prepared to
+meet the Americans. Washington knew Clinton's movements and sent word to
+Lee at once to attack the British, unless there should be very powerful
+reasons to the contrary; adding that he himself was bringing up the rest of
+the army. Lee had joined La Fayette and was now in command of the advance.
+La Fayette was eager to move upon the enemy.
+
+"You do not know British soldiers," said Lee; "we can not stand against
+them. We shall certainly be driven back at first, and we must be cautious."
+
+"Perhaps so," said La Fayette. "But we have beaten British soldiers, and we
+can do it again."
+
+Soon after, one of Washington's aids appeared for intelligence, and La
+Fayette, in despair at Lee's inaction, sent the messenger to urge
+Washington to come at once to the front; that he was needed. Washington was
+already on the way, before the messenger reached him, when he was met by a
+little fifer boy, who cried out:
+
+"They are all coming this way, your honor."
+
+"Who are coming, my little man?" asked General Knox, who was riding by
+Washington.
+
+"Why, our boys, your honor, our boys, and the British right after them."
+
+"Impossible!" exclaimed Washington, and he galloped to a hill just ahead.
+To his amazement and dismay, he saw his men retreating. He lost not an
+instant, but, putting spurs to his horse, dashed forward. After him flew
+the officers who had been riding by his side, but they could not overtake
+him. His horse, covered with foam, shot down the road over a bridge and up
+the hill beyond. The retreating column saw him come. The men knew him; they
+stopped; they made way for the splendid-looking man, as he, their leader,
+rode headlong into the midst of them. Lee was there, ordering the retreat,
+and Washington drew his rein as he came upon him. A moment of terrible
+silence--then Washington burst out, his eyes flashing:
+
+[Illustration: WASHINGTON REBUKING LEE, AT MONMOUTH.]
+
+"What, sir, is the meaning of this?"
+
+"Sir, sir," stammered Lee.
+
+"I desire to know, sir, the meaning of this disorder and confusion?"
+
+Lee, enraged now by Washington's towering passion, made an angry reply. He
+declared that the whole affair was against his opinion.
+
+"You are a poltroon!" flashed back Washington, with an oath. "Whatever your
+opinion may have been, I expected my orders to be obeyed."
+
+"These men can not face the British grenadiers," answered Lee.
+
+"They can do it, and they shall!" exclaimed Washington, galloping off to
+survey the ground. Presently he came back; his wrath had gone down in the
+presence of the peril to the army. He would waste no strength in cursing
+Lee.
+
+"Will you retain the command here, or shall I?" he asked. "If you will, I
+will return to the main body and have it formed on the next height."
+
+"It is equal to me where I command," said Lee, sullenly.
+
+"Then remain here," said Washington. "I expect you to take proper means for
+checking the enemy."
+
+"Your orders shall be obeyed, and I shall not be the first to leave the
+ground," replied Lee, with spirit.
+
+The rest of the day the battle raged, and when night came the enemy had
+been obliged to fall back, and Washington determined to follow up his
+success in the morning. He directed all the troops to lie on their arms
+where they were. He himself lay stretched on the ground beneath a tree, his
+cloak wrapped about him. About midnight, an officer came near with a
+message, but hesitated, reluctant to waken him.
+
+"Advance, sir, and deliver your message," Washington called out; "I lie
+here to think, and not to sleep."
+
+In the morning, Washington prepared to renew the attack, but the British
+had slipped away under cover of the darkness, not willing to venture
+another battle.
+
+Pursuit, except by some cavalry, was unavailing. The men were exhausted.
+The sun beat down fiercely, and the hot sand made walking difficult.
+Moreover, the British fleet lay off Sandy Hook, and an advance in that
+direction would lead the army nearer to the enemy's re-enforcements.
+Accordingly Washington marched his army to Brunswick and thence to the
+Hudson river, crossed it, and encamped again near White Plains.
+
+After the battle of Monmouth, Lee wrote an angry letter to Washington and
+received a cool one in reply. Lee demanded a court-martial, and Washington
+at once ordered it. Three charges were made, and Lee was convicted of
+disobedience of orders in not attacking the enemy on the 28th of June,
+agreeably to repeated instructions; misbehavior before the enemy on the
+same day, by making an unnecessary and disorderly retreat; and disrespect
+to the Commander-in-chief. He was suspended from the army for a year, and
+he never returned to it. Long after his death, facts were brought to light
+which make it seem more than probable that General Lee was so eaten up by
+vanity, by jealousy of Washington, and by a love of his profession above a
+love of his country, that he was a traitor at heart, and that instead of
+being ready to sacrifice himself for his country, he was ready to sacrifice
+the country to his own willful ambition and pride.
+
+But his disgrace was the end of all opposition to Washington. From that
+time there was no question as to who was at the head of the army and the
+people.
+
+(_To be continued_.)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: FRESH FROM A DIP IN THE BREAKERS.]
+
+
+
+
+A SONG OF SUMMER.
+
+BY EMMA C. DOWD.
+
+
+  The flowers are fringing the swift meadow brooks,
+  The songsters are nesting in shadowy nooks;
+  The birds and the blossoms are thronging to meet us,
+  With loveliness, perfume, and music they greet us,--
+        For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!
+
+  The bobolink tilts on the tall, nodding clover,
+  And sings his gay song to us over and over;
+  The wild roses beckon, with deepening blushes,
+  And sweet, from the wood, sounds the warble of thrushes,--
+        For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!
+
+  The white lilies sway with the breeze of the morning,
+  In raiment more fair than a monarch's adorning;
+  The bright-throated humming-bird, marvel of fleetness,
+  Comes questing for honey-blooms, draining their sweetness,--
+        For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!
+
+  High up in the elm is the oriole courting,
+  A new suit of velvet and gold he is sporting;
+  With gay bits of caroling, tuneful and mellow,
+  He wooes his fair lady-love, clad in plain yellow,--
+        For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!
+
+  The blossoms and birds bring us, yearly, sweet token
+  That Nature's glad promises never are broken.
+  Then sing, happy birdlings, nor ever grow weary!
+  Laugh on, merry children, 'tis time to be cheery!--
+        For Summer, the beautiful, reigns!
+
+
+
+
+THE LAST CRUISE OF "THE SLUG."
+
+BY THOMAS EDWIN TURNER.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Clifford and Jack went down from Brooklyn last summer to spend a few weeks
+with Clifford's aunt, in the cozy old homestead on the Shrewsbury River.
+Yachting was to be their chief enjoyment. To be sure, they were not
+practical yachtsmen; but Jack said he "had read up the subject," and Cliff
+"had been out in a yacht once or twice," so they had no fears.
+
+Clifford and Jack were second cousins, and great friends; but Jack had been
+in the habit of spending his summers at Saratoga, and accordingly he looked
+forward to his present trip with the feeling of an adventurous explorer of
+unknown regions. And in order to be prepared for every emergency, he
+brought an "outfit" that filled a strong trunk, two valises, a shawl-strap,
+and a number of queerly-shaped packages.
+
+[Illustration: CAESAR AND THE PEACOCK. (SEE NEXT PAGE.)]
+
+Clifford, who for several years had spent a part of each summer at his
+aunt's, carried a handbag. When Jack asked him where the rest of his things
+were, Clifford, with a glance at his cousin's paraphernalia, answered that
+he preferred to keep his "outfit" at his aunt's. He was not likely to need
+it elsewhere, and he saved expense for extra baggage.
+
+But Caesar was Jack's chief reliance and most weighty responsibility. Caesar
+was a dog;--according to Jack, a setter-dog. And as Clifford was unable to
+state what was the dog's breed, if it were not a setter, Jack felt that he
+had established his point. Moreover, when Caesar, upon their arrival at Mud
+Flat, immediately celebrated the occasion by slaughtering eight out of a
+brood of eleven Cochin China chicks that were great pets of their hostess,
+Jack claimed that his pet's success as a game dog was assured beyond cavil.
+Jack was somewhat discouraged on learning that the principal "game" in that
+vicinity was the sideling "shedder," or crab, and he acknowledged that in
+the pursuit of such plunder he feared even Caesar was not ambitious. But
+nothing ever discouraged Caesar, and he had more fun with Miss Goodmaid's
+favorite peacock than all the game in New Jersey would have afforded him;
+as subsequent events developed the fact that he was mortally afraid of a
+gun. This is not strange, considering that he had spent the previous eight
+months of his short life in a stable on Henry street, in Brooklyn. Indeed,
+his principal amusement during the rest of the boys' visit, was to chase
+the gorgeous bird of Juno into the branches of a pear-tree, and stand below
+and bark.
+
+Though this was severe on the nervous organism of the peacock, it seemed to
+afford unlimited satisfaction to Caesar, and it kept him out of so much
+other possible mischief, that he was rarely interfered with on these
+occasions.
+
+[Illustration: JACK EXHIBITS HIS "OUTFIT."]
+
+As soon as Jack could have his luggage taken to the house and put in the
+room the boys were to occupy, he hastened to unpack his outfit before the
+wondering eyes of Clifford. A handsome double-barreled shot-gun, Clifford
+suggested, might be used in trying to kill his aunt's three remaining
+chickens; a delicate split-bamboo fishing-rod might come in well for
+catching live bait, if they were not in a hurry; and an extensive
+collection of artificial flies would perhaps serve to frighten away the
+mosquitoes. A large horse-pistol Cliff thought would be "just the thing for
+picking off bull-frogs in the marshes"; but he was forced to tell his
+cousin that he feared his shooting-coat, his fine yachting suit, his
+knickerbockers for mountain climbing, and his tennis flannels, would
+scarcely be needed in that vicinity.
+
+Poor Jack looked ruefully at his expensive "outfit," which Clifford seemed
+to prize so little, and then he asked his cousin to tell him what
+specialties of costume and accouterments were best fitted to the Shrewsbury
+region. Without answering in words, Clifford simply pointed to a closet,
+through the open door of which could be seen, hanging from hooks, a
+broad-brimmed straw hat, a blue flannel shirt, a stout pair of trousers,
+and a lanyard. A large jack-knife lay upon the shelf, and a substantial
+pair of high shoes stood firmly on the floor.
+
+Little more was said concerning the subject that evening, but Jack went to
+bed in a very sober frame of mind. In the morning, he put all his fancy
+toggery back into his trunk, selecting only such useful garments as
+Clifford suggested, and took an early opportunity of purchasing a hat which
+was an exact counterpart of the one worn by his cousin.
+
+Indeed, it was dangerous to mention the word "outfit" in Jack's hearing for
+a long time.
+
+Clifford's aunt, Miss Goodmaid, was asked to tell them where they could
+hire a sail-boat for their proposed trip; she had heard that Johnny
+Peltsman, the carriage-maker's son, in Mud Flat, had such a boat, and to
+him the boys went to "negotiate."
+
+Johnny Peltsman _did_ have a boat, which he said he would let, if he "could
+get his price." The Slug, he admitted, looked a trifle heavy, and, while
+under "proper conditions" she would go fast, Johnny confessed that she
+couldn't sail very close to the wind. Upon payment of five dollars, he
+said, the boys might have the boat for two weeks.
+
+"Done!" cried Jack, eagerly. "I dare say she will suit us perfectly. Some
+people may like boats that sail close to the wind. But a boat to suit me
+must be able to slide away from the wind, and not stay crawling around
+close to it!"
+
+Clifford's face was a study as his partner thus aired his nautical
+opinions, while Johnny Peltsman greeted the remark with open-mouthed
+astonishment; and when Jack concluded his observations, Johnny said
+earnestly:
+
+"By the way, young friend, it is understood, of course, that if you sink or
+wreck the Slug, you must pay damages."
+
+"Certainly, if we lose the yacht, you shall be paid for it," Jack answered,
+feeling rather indignant at the suggestion.
+
+[Illustration: THE BOYS ENGAGE THE "SLUG."]
+
+Being directed to the place where the Slug lay, the boys hastened away to
+take immediate possession. Johnny stood looking after them until they were
+out of sight. Then turning to enter his shop, he soliloquized:
+
+"Well, that beats all! The idea of hiring a boat without seeing it, and not
+caring to have it to sail close to the wind! I suppose, of course, those
+chaps can swim." And with an ominous shake of the head, Johnny resumed his
+carriage-making.
+
+Our heroes found their prize lying in a little cove just above the bridge.
+The Slug was a flat-bottomed center-board boat, fifteen feet long, five
+feet across the stern, and narrowing gradually to a point at the bows. A
+more clumsy sail-boat was never seen. But Jack only noticed the two large
+lockers, and with unbounded satisfaction, remarked to his cousin:
+
+"We can stow away a big stock of provisions in those boxes, Cliff."
+
+It was Friday, so the two boys decided to give the "yacht" a short
+trial-trip down to the Highlands and back. In that way they would become
+familiar with the boat, and on Monday morning would be ready to start on a
+week's cruise. It chanced that a flood-tide was just beginning when the
+lads shoved the Slug well out into the river, while the wind was blowing a
+brisk gale straight down-stream, the very direction in which the boys
+wished to go. Clifford was enough of a sailor to step the little mast and
+properly set the leg-of-mutton sail for a breeze directly astern. With a
+strong wind behind her, and only a weak tide opposing, it was not
+surprising that the Slug made a progress quite satisfactory to the two
+amateur yachtsmen. As the tide increased in force, however, the boat went
+slower and slower, and it was six o'clock when the Highlands "hove in
+sight," as Jack said--having learned that and other nautical terms from his
+story-books. On finding how late it was, Clifford remarked:
+
+"We'd better be making for home."
+
+The boys managed to put the Slug about, and very soon Jack ascertained that
+there were times when it was an advantage to have a boat able to sail close
+to the wind; for, as the breeze still blew down-stream, Clifford found it
+simply impossible to beat up the river in the Slug. The truth was, the only
+"proper conditions" under which Johnny Peltsman's boat would sail at all
+were those of going straight before the wind!
+
+[Illustration: "'HOW CAN YOU SLEEP?' ASKED CLIFFORD."]
+
+Clifford told Jack that they must "row the old tub back to Mud Flat," and
+both boys pluckily bent to the work. It was hard work, too. The oars were
+long and heavy, the boat was as unwieldy as a raft of logs, and at length
+Jack exclaimed:
+
+"It seems to me, Cliff, that the scenery along this river is very
+monotonous. We passed just such banks and houses as those over there, ten
+minutes ago."
+
+Clifford threw a hurried glance shoreward, looked down at the water, and
+immediately pulled his oar into the boat, saying:
+
+"The fates are against us, Jack. In spite of our pulling and tugging, we
+are actually drifting down-stream. The tide has turned; it's dead against
+us, and so is the wind. It would take a Cunarder to tow this miserable scow
+back to Mud Flat, now."
+
+"What's to be done?" asked Jack, suddenly realizing that they might be
+swept out into the bay, where the whitecaps gave evidence that a very high
+sea would be encountered.
+
+"Neither of us can swim very far," said Clifford. "Our only chance is to
+land on that little island, yonder. Luckily we're drifting straight toward
+it."
+
+Favored by the current, the boat was carried close to the sand-bar of the
+island, and by a vigorous use of the oars they were able to bring their
+craft safely to land.
+
+"We'll have to stay here until slack water," said Clifford, "and then
+perhaps we can row across to the shore. The next slack will be about
+midnight, so we'd better camp here and take advantage of to-morrow
+morning's slack. Then we can cross to the Highlands Landing, a short
+distance below here, and go back by steamboat. The Seabird will tow the
+Slug home for us."
+
+"All right; I'll stand by you," laconically answered Jack.
+
+They at once set about gathering grass and sea-weed with which to make a
+bed, intending to use the Slug's sail for a covering. After a couch had
+been arranged to their satisfaction, the two friends strolled around their
+domain, which they found to be a little larger than a city lot. During
+their walk, the boys caught four or five soft-shell crabs, which the
+epicurean Jack prudently stowed away in one of the lockers.
+
+The mosquitoes had troubled the lads greatly from the moment they landed on
+the sand-island; and, as they had no matches and could not make a "smudge,"
+they soon decided to "turn in" as Jack technically stated. But then the
+vicious insects attacked their victims in clouds, until the boys were
+forced to cover their heads and hands completely with the sail; and in that
+uncomfortable condition they finally fell asleep.
+
+It seemed but a short time to Clifford before he became conscious of a
+stinging, smarting sensation on his face that was almost unbearable, and he
+awoke to find that he was literally covered with swarms of the poisonous
+little pests, while Jack, snugly rolled up in the sailcloth of which he had
+taken complete possession in his sleep, snored loudly.
+
+Slapping, brushing, and shaking off his tormentors, Clifford punched his
+companion and exclaimed:
+
+"How can you sleep through this?"
+
+"Oh, _I'm_ all right," answered Jack, in smothered tones.
+
+"Well, _I'm_ not!" growled Clifford, as he sprang to his feet and proceeded
+to spend the few hours until daybreak in battle with his small but
+ferocious enemies.
+
+At sunrise, the castaways refreshed themselves with a prolonged bath; and
+then, hungry as bears, they impatiently waited for slack water, when they
+sprang into the Slug, and by long and hard work, at last reached the
+mainland not far above the Highlands.
+
+[Illustration: "THE TWO HUNGRY LADS WERE SOON DISPATCHING THEIR
+BREAKFAST."]
+
+An investigation of their finances showed the boys that they had, together,
+exactly sixty-five cents. With that sum, therefore, they had to provide a
+breakfast, pay steamboat fares home, and meet unknown incidental expenses.
+A little shop was soon found where coffee, butter, and a roll would be
+furnished to each boy for thirty cents. Their fares home would amount to
+twenty cents; and the boys decided to take the chance that fifteen cents
+would prove adequate to the unforeseen. Remembering the soft-shell crabs in
+the locker, Clifford induced the good-natured landlady to cook them
+"without extra charge;" and soon the two hungry lads were dispatching their
+thirty-cent breakfast, which included fried potatoes, also "donated" by the
+kind-hearted hostess.
+
+At ten o'clock on that eventful Saturday morning, the young navigators
+re-embarked and dropped down with the tide to the steamboat landing at the
+Highlands.
+
+The boys soon saw the Seabird plowing her way to the landing. When she had
+landed, the Slug was quickly made fast to the stern of the larger boat, and
+ere long the steamer was bearing them homeward.
+
+Seated well forward on the upper deck, the boys were congratulating
+themselves on being at last free from all anxiety, when suddenly they were
+startled by loud cries from the stern of the steamboat:
+
+"Hi! Hi! You lads who own the little boat astern! Hurry! quick! quick!
+She's sinking! she's sinking!"
+
+Running to the spot whence came those warning shouts; Clifford and Jack
+looked down at the Slug and saw that the small center-board had been thrown
+entirely out of its trunk by the force of the water which had been churned
+to a white foam under the huge paddle-wheels of the Seabird,--and a broad
+stream pouring through this opening into their "yacht" threatened each
+moment to swamp it.
+
+"Bother that yacht! She's going to haunt us all our lives!" cried Jack, in
+dismay; but Clifford, taking in the state of affairs at a glance, ran to
+the lower deck, and with one stroke of his pocket-knife cut the Slug's
+painter, and then the two boys silently and sadly watched their boat drop
+far behind in the fan-shaped wake of the larger vessel.
+
+"She may be picked up by some one alongshore, but, more likely, she'll go
+to the bottom," thoughtfully remarked Clifford.
+
+"I don't believe it," said Jack; "that yacht will never sink! She will be
+turning up against us all through life, bringing trouble and disgrace."
+
+In due time, the boys arrived at the Goodmaid homestead, where they
+received a warm welcome from Clifford's aunt, who had almost begun to fear
+that her young guests were at the bottom of the Shrewsbury.
+
+On Monday morning, bright and early, the two boys started down the left
+bank of the river to find their boat. They found it after an hour's walk.
+It had been hauled out upon the beach. The Slug had been sighted and
+recovered by a farmer living alongshore. After paying two dollars as
+salvage, Jack asked the farmer concerning the best way of getting the boat
+home.
+
+"There are three ways," answered the man, thoughtfully. "The first is to
+wait till there's a hurricane blowing straight up the river, when perhaps
+you can sail up. The second is to hire me to row her up. And the third is
+to let me put the boat on my lumber wagon, and haul it up to Mud Flat."
+
+"Of the three, which would be best?" persisted Jack.
+
+"Well," replied the farmer, "you may have to wait weeks for the hurricane;
+I will haul the boat for two dollars; and I will undertake to row it up the
+river--(though, understand, I don't say how long I shall be about it)--but
+row her up I will, somehow, and charge you only two hundred and fifty
+dollars for the job. And that's very cheap, I can tell you, for I know that
+boat!"
+
+It is hardly necessary to say that the boys decided that the Slug should go
+home on wheels, provided they might ride, too, without increase of pay. By
+the use of rollers, an inclined plane and levers, the boat was safely
+hoisted upon the wagon. The farmer occupied the bow, and Jack and Cliff
+each sat on a thwart.
+
+And now, for the first time in her history, the Slug was under complete
+control. The whip cracked, the horses strained at their collars, the wheels
+rolled, and away went Jack's "yacht," trundling homeward. The road led past
+the Goodmaid farm, and over the long bridge crossing the Shrewsbury. As
+they neared the farm, the boys raised a shout, and Caesar, Jack's mongrel
+and mischievous dog, leaving the peacock for a moment, came bounding out to
+meet them.
+
+True to his nature, he at once began a series of noisy gambols about the
+farmer's young and high-spirited horses. But soon wearying of that harmless
+jumping at the wagon, the dog suddenly ran under the forward wheels, and
+sprang at the long fetlocks of the "near" horse.
+
+Like a flash, the team made a wild plunge, and dashed down the road. The
+wagon was jerked from beneath the Slug, and the boat and its passengers
+fell heavily to the ground. The anchor, dropping between the wagon-box and
+a wheel, became firmly fixed; while the line to which the anchor was
+attached, being good manilla rope, was uncoiled and dragged after the
+horses with great rapidity.
+
+Fortunately, the boys and the driver had time to jump out of the "yacht"
+before the anchor-rope was all "paid out," and so, with the exception of a
+bad shaking-up and a few bruises, they suffered no injury from their
+unceremonious disembarking. But the sudden fall had "broken the backbone"
+of the Slug, as Jack expressed it; and, as if that were not enough, the
+poor boat, as it hung by the painter, was swung, bumped, knocked, and
+dragged along, until it was literally reduced to fragments. There was
+scarcely a residence in all Mud Flat that did not have, long afterward,
+some satisfactory reminder of the last cruise of the Slug.
+
+But all agreed that the old boat had one virtue--it made famous firewood!
+
+[Illustration: THE GREAT SPRING-BOARD ACT.--BY THE ENTIRE COMPANY.]
+
+
+
+
+WONDERS OF THE ALPHABET.
+
+BY HENRY ECKFORD
+
+FIFTH PAPER
+
+
+In tracing back our letters, we now have reached Chalkis, where the
+Phoenicians under Kadmus taught the Greeks their letters. A funny thing
+occurred to the wise men who ferreted out all these facts. They could read
+Greek, and they could read Hebrew, and the strange likeness between many of
+the names for the letters in the two languages made it certain that in some
+way they were related or connected. But what meant those letters on rocks,
+metal vases, and earthenware jars that we now call Phoenician? Single
+letters looked like Greek letters distorted; but the words would not read
+as Greek. Nor would they read as Hebrew, although the characters appeared
+to have some connection with Hebrew. Greek is written like our writing,
+from left to right; but Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian are written from right
+to left. So, in those languages a book begins where our books end. It was
+found, too, that the Hebrew writing now in use is very different externally
+from that used by David and Solomon, although the names and general shape
+of the letters are the same. Have you ever seen a Hebrew Bible? The
+alphabet in which the Old Testament was originally written looked very
+different from that which the Jews now use in their Bibles; it was much
+nearer the Phoenician in appearance.
+
+For a long time it never dawned on men's minds that perhaps the Phoenician
+way of writing, from right to left, was not followed by the Greeks; but at
+last they remembered that in very early times the lines of Greek writing
+were made to read alternately from right to left and from left to right.
+Such inscriptions were called _boustrephedon_ ("turning like oxen in
+plowing"), because the letters had to be read as the oxen move from furrow
+to furrow in the field that they plow, first one way, then the other. That
+gave the needed clew.
+
+After all, if we do not connect letters one to the other, as in running
+handwriting, does it make much difference whether we set the separate
+letters down in a sequence which begins at the right and ends at the left,
+or in one that begins at the left and ends at the right? Some nations, like
+the Chinese and Tartars, find it convenient to write signs _under_ each
+other. The Egyptians used to write in at least three several directions,
+namely, downwards, from right to left, and from left to right. Generally
+one can tell how to read hieroglyphs in Egyptian and Mexican manuscripts by
+noting the direction of the faces of animals and persons pictured, and then
+reading in the opposite direction. Sometimes Egyptian hieroglyphs were
+engraved one upon the other, like a monogram.
+
+Well, putting some or all of these facts together, it suddenly flashed on
+some one that the oldest Greek letters might be nothing more or less than
+the Phoenician letters turned the other way. And when they came to examine
+the very oldest Greek inscriptions to be found, they discovered that this
+was the main difference between the two! The Greeks had borrowed the
+Phoenician letters and merely added some new characters to express sounds
+peculiar to their own tongue and neglected others that were of no service.
+
+It was this alphabet that the Greek-Phoenicians brought to Italy. When,
+centuries later, Latins and Sabines and Etruscans and Oscans, banded
+together and formed the great city of Rome, it was this alphabet they
+inherited from their forefathers. Several of the letters which the
+Etruscans thought necessary to express sounds in their language, were
+dropped before the Romans came to power and produced their great poets and
+essayists.
+
+So, now you know how the alphabet came to you, which the Irish monks taught
+our heathen forefathers. It came through the Latins from the people of
+Boeotia, or Greeks, who learned it from the Phoenicians.
+
+But that great mercantile people, the Phoenicians, also left to the nations
+near their old home in Palestine, the same precious gift of an alphabet.
+Very old inscriptions in Hebrew, lately found, are seen to be written in
+almost the same alphabet as the Phoenician. Perhaps you are beginning to
+wonder how many peoples there are who owe their letters to that old
+sea-folk who were the traders, pirates, and buccaneers of the
+Mediterranean! There is the Hebrew, which people have called the alphabet
+of God, because the Holy Scriptures were written in it, and which was also
+used by magicians for their amulets and talismans; there is the Greek, in
+which the epics of Homer, the long poems of Hesiod, and the rhapsodies of
+Pindar were taken down; there is the Latin, in which all the wisdom of the
+ancients reached us; and there are all the differing alphabets, printed
+characters, and script handwritings of Europe and America! In fact, I could
+not tell you here, so numerous are they, the names of all the languages in
+Asia, Africa, Europe, and America, that were and are written in some
+alphabet, which traces its descent from the twenty-two Phoenician letters.
+
+The connection between Greek and Phoenician is much easier to believe than
+that Arabic, a sentence of which you see here represented, should be also a
+writing derived from the Phoenician. Arabic letters are used by so large a
+portion of the inhabitants of the earth that it stands second among the
+great national, or rather, the great religious alphabets of the world. Some
+of you know, I suppose, that Mohammed was a very wise and imaginative Arab
+of an important though poor tribe of Arabia Felix. He was a great poet and
+statesman; he had visions and called himself the Prophet of God. He wrote
+the Koran, which is used by an immense multitude of men as their only
+law-book and Bible. The dialect which he and his clan used became, through
+the spread of his doctrines, the standard, first for all Arabia, and then
+for all the enormous countries a hundred times larger than Arabia which his
+disciples and their followers won by force of arms.
+
+[Illustration: This Arabic sentence is a famous inscription upon the
+colonnade of one of the great mosques at Jerusalem. The mosque is known as
+the "Dome of the Rock," and it is thought to stand upon a portion of the
+site of the great Jewish Temple. This inscription is placed near the great
+southern door of the mosque. It is in one continuous line, however, instead
+of two as represented in this fac-simile. It reads from right to left, and
+is thus translated: "This dome was built by the servant of God, Abd
+[allah-el-Imam-al-Mamun, E] mir of the Faithful, in the year seventy-two.
+May God be well pleased, and be satisfied with him. Amen."]
+
+Of course the alphabet he used did not spring up suddenly. It was handed
+down from the early times of the Phoenicians, and gradually became so
+changed in most of the letters that you would hardly believe they had ever
+been the same as the Phoenician letters. Writers of it were so careless, or
+so proud of being able to read and write when the mass of their neighbors
+were ignorant, that, neglectfully or intentionally, they allowed many
+letters to become almost like one another. In the Arabic, Turkish, and
+Persian languages, it is hard to tell a number of the letters apart. In
+order to distinguish them, later writers devised a set of dots, like the
+dot over our small i. The same difficulty occurred among the Hebrews, whose
+wise men seemed to enjoy making writing hard to write and to read. Another
+reason why Arabic is hard to make out is because many of the letters change
+their forms according as they stand alone (unconnected), or stand at the
+beginning of a word (initial), or in between two other letters (connected)
+or at the end of a word (final). Think of having to distinguish the same
+letter under four different forms! What a bother to the children of the
+Arabs, Turks, and Persians as they sit tailor-fashion, or kneel patiently
+on the floor, their shoes left outside the threshold, while the
+school-master flourishes his rod over their puzzled noddles, or raps the
+soles of their tired little feet!
+
+Now Arabic letters and Hebrew, too, if you try to trace them back to
+Phoenician, are found to have passed through the hands of a people who
+occupied the high lands of Asia Minor, where the two great "rivers of
+Babylon," the Euphrates and the Tigris, begin to run their course. This
+land was called Aram and the ancient language spoken there, the Aramaic.
+Between Phoenician and Aramaic the connection is close. The Aramaic took
+the place of the Phoenician language, when the Phoenicians were edged out
+of Palestine westward over the Mediterranean. So we see that Arabic, which
+looks so strange and is so elegant and fantastic when embroidered on
+banners or traced on tiles or written on the beautiful mulberry-leaf paper
+of the Orient, really uses, in the main, the same alphabet that looks so
+plain and simple on the page you are reading!
+
+[Illustration: PERSIAN SENTENCE.]
+
+Both Phoenician and Aramaic were in all probability spoken and written in
+Palestine and Aram. It was in Aramaic, too, that the words of Christ and
+his apostles were spoken; and a few of the actual words are still retained
+in the New Testament, for example "Talitha cumi," meaning "Maid, arise!" It
+was probably Aramaic that prevailed also in the great capitals of
+Mesopotamia, while the rich and haughty kings of Babylonia and Assyria were
+using on their stone and plaster images and in their queer books of
+inscribed and baked brick, the writing that is called "cuneiform." It is so
+called because the letters appear to to be formed of little _cunei_,
+wedges, or nails. "Arrow-headed writing" is another name for it. Look well
+at this curious writing made by engraving on brick. Several different
+languages have been written in it.
+
+[Illustration: SPECIMEN OF CUNEIFORM WRITING.]
+
+
+
+
+A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION.
+
+BY LILIAN DYNEVOR RICE
+
+
+  I.
+
+  Six sturdy lads lay curled up in their beds
+  When the Birthday of Freedom had faded to night,
+  With burns on their fingers and pains in their heads,
+  And scarred like the heroes of many a fight.
+  But, strange to relate, as all sleepless they lay,
+  Though ten from the steeple had chimed loud and clear,
+  They sighed: "What a perfectly glorious day!
+  Too bad it can only come once in the year!"
+
+  II.
+
+  The six patient mothers, who loved the six boys,
+  Were resting at last, now the daylight was done;
+  For, with the wild racket and riot and noise,
+  No peace had been theirs since the dawn of the sun.
+  And they sighed, as they said in the weariest way
+  (And full cause had they for their feelings, I fear):
+  "This has been _such_ a terrible, ear-splitting day!
+  How lucky it only comes once in the year!"
+
+[Illustration: THE LEOPARD BROUGHT TO BAY BY WILD DOGS.]
+
+
+
+
+WILD HUNTERS.
+
+BY JOHN R. CORYELL.
+
+
+Everybody knows the old story of the father who taught his sons to be
+united by showing them a bundle of sticks. Taken together, the sticks could
+not be broken; but taken singly, they were snapped in two very quickly.
+
+The wild dogs of South Africa, like the bundle of sticks, furnish an
+example of the value of unity. A single wild dog is not very formidable,
+but a pack of wild dogs is the dread of every living creature in the part
+of Africa where they dwell; and more persevering, savage, and relentless
+hunters do not exist.
+
+The wild dog has keen scent, quick intelligence, great powers of endurance,
+and great speed; so that, however swift may be the animal pursued, it has
+cause to fear this tireless hunter. Indeed, the wild dog never seems to
+take into consideration the size, strength, or agility of its game. Even
+the lion, it is said, has learned to dread those small hunters, which seem
+to have no fear of death, but rush with fierce courage to attack the mighty
+monarch himself, should he be so unlucky as to become the object of their
+pursuit.
+
+One traveler tells of having witnessed the pursuit and destruction of a
+large leopard by a pack of wild dogs. Whether or not the dogs had set out
+with the intention of capturing the leopard, he could not tell. He saw them
+start up the great cat in a low jungle. The leopard made no effort at first
+to fight off its assailants; but, with a series of prodigious springs,
+sought shelter in the only refuge the plain afforded--a tree which had
+partially fallen.
+
+There the hunted beast stood, snarling and growling in a manner that would
+have frightened off any ordinary foe. The savage dogs, however, never
+hesitated a moment, but with agile leaps ran up the sloping trunk, and gave
+instant battle to their furious game. One after another, the dogs were
+hurled back, each stroke of the terrible paw making one foe the less. Yet
+they continued to throw themselves against the enraged creature, until,
+wearied by the contest and wounded in fifty places, it fell from the tree;
+when, still struggling, it was quickly torn to pieces.
+
+It must not be supposed, however, that the wild dog usually prefers as
+formidable game as the leopard. A sheep-fold is always an attraction too
+great for the wild dog to pass.
+
+And now, after calling this wild hunter a dog, I shall have to say that it
+is not a dog at all, but is only a sort of cousin to the dog, and really a
+nearer relative of the hyena, though it so resembles both animals as to
+have gained the name of hyena-dog. Its scientific name is _Lycaon
+venaticus_; and besides the two common names already mentioned, it has half
+a dozen more.
+
+Being neither dog nor hyena, and yet akin to both, it is one of those
+strange forms of the animal creation which naturalists call "links." It has
+four toes, like the hyena, while it has teeth like the dog's.
+
+Some attempts have been made to tame it, so as to gain the use of its
+wonderful powers of hunting; but none of these efforts have yet been
+successful, because of the suspicious nature of the animal. It seems to
+feel that every offer of kindness or familiarity is a menace to its
+liberty.
+
+
+
+
+THE THEORETIC TURTLE.
+
+BY A. R. W.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  The theoretic turtle started out to see the toad;
+  He came to a stop at a liberty-pole in the middle of the road.
+  "Now how, in the name of the spouting whale," the indignant turtle cried,
+  "Can I climb this perpendicular cliff, and get on the other side?
+  If I only could make a big balloon, I'd lightly over it fly;
+  Or a very long ladder might reach the top, though it does look fearfully
+    high.
+  If a beaver were in my place, he'd gnaw a passage through with his teeth;
+  I can't do that, but I can dig a tunnel and pass beneath."
+  He was digging his tunnel, with might and main, when a dog looked down at
+    the hole.
+  "The easiest way, my friend," said he, "is to walk around the pole."
+
+
+
+
+NAN'S REVOLT.
+
+BY ROSE LATTIMORE ALLING.
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+There was a gentlemanly raising of hats and a womanly fluttering of skirts
+at the Ferrises' door. The hats were borne down the dark avenue, and could
+be seen, occasionally, swinging briskly along under the light of successive
+lampposts. They were very stylish hats.
+
+The skirts made a soft scurrying sound as they rustled upstairs, and along
+the dim hall, disappearing into the rooms of their owners. They were very
+dainty skirts.
+
+Nan closed her door, turned up the gas, stood a moment pouting at herself
+in the glass, pulled the wilted roses from her belt with an impatient jerk,
+tossed her pretty evening dress across a chair, exchanged her boots for a
+pair of slippers, and stole noiselessly into Evelyn's room to talk over the
+party with that dear sister and Cathy, who was staying with them, as a
+guest.
+
+She found those two persons waiting for her, while they straightened out
+the fingers of their long gloves.
+
+"Well, girls," began Nan, seating herself lazily upon the middle of the
+bed, "there is just one solitary comfort left after an utterly stupid
+evening like this: you can express your feelings to your dearest friends,
+and here I am to express!"
+
+"Go on, then," sighed her sister, ruefully examining a stain on her fan;
+"but don't speak too loud or you will waken the household."
+
+"Oh, you needn't be afraid, Evelyn; I'm not in one of my fire-cracker
+moods. No, I'm cool; I have the calmness of stern resolve; I speak from
+that tranquil height which lies beyond emotion!" declaimed Nan, pulling out
+the hairpins from her artistic coils.
+
+"What notion have you in your busy head now? Hasten to divulge, for it is
+very late," suggested Cathy.
+
+"Late! who cares? I shall save years of sleep by wasting this midnight's
+gas!" and Nan showed a gleam of fire in her eye as she gave the pillow a
+vindictive thump.
+
+"Well," yawned Cathy, "proceed at once"; and forthwith the audience curled
+itself up on the lounge, regarding the speaker with expectant amusement,
+while she, after finishing off an intricate pattern in hairpins, thus
+began:
+
+"Ahem--ladies--the subject of society in general and parties in particular,
+ladies and gentlemen," waving her hand toward sundry photographs standing
+about on Evelyn's writing-desk, "has been under consideration for some
+time. _Ergo_, _I_ don't go to another one! So there! That's settled. From
+this time forth I shall proceed to enjoy life in a rational way."
+
+With this conclusion to her rapid speech, she scattered her design over the
+bedspread with one destructive finger, and flashed upon her hearers two
+bright, snapping eyes, showing that she was in earnest, despite her
+nonsense.
+
+Cathy gasped, while Evelyn exclaimed:
+
+"Why, Nan, what happened? Didn't you have a gay time?"
+
+This remark set Nan off, like a match to powder.
+
+"_Gay?_ Oh, bewilderingly, intensely gay! Yes, it was just that--'gay,' and
+nothing more. The party was all right, indeed better than most, from a high
+moral point of view, for my hair staid in curl and my gloves didn't burst;
+I danced with the most stylish goose in the room; I ate an ice with
+conceited Tom Lefferts in the conservatory; I opened and shut my fan and
+smiled and raised my eyebrows the requisite number of times to produce the
+effect of having a delightful time! Oh--
+
+  'I would not pass another such an eve,
+  Though 't were to buy a world of happy days.'"
+
+This vivid speech was uttered in irony so cold that it would have been
+quite thrilling if Nan hadn't given the pillow another vehement poke in the
+middle, which made its four corners swell up in stiff remonstrance.
+
+"Goodness!" exclaimed Cathy, with a laugh, "what in the world are you going
+to do about it, Nan? There is a full supply of nonsense in the world, I
+admit, but we can't reform the feature of the time, and we must have some
+fun----"
+
+"_Fun!_" interrupted Nan hotly. "Who is objecting to fun? Who loves fun
+better than I? But who has fun at these shows? Did you have a really happy
+time to-night, Cathy? Own up now. You know that, when the flutter is over,
+you can't remember one single thing worth remembering. Does it pay?"
+
+"But we can't help it. What are you going to do--turn blue-stocking or
+prig, Nannie, love?" mildly inquired Evelyn.
+
+"'Prig'--'blue-stocking'--no, I hate the very words," said Nan, adding,
+"I'm seeking just what you are; the only difference is, _I'm_ going to get
+it and you are not. But go on, sweet children, go on giving your hair extra
+frizzlings, go on smiling divinely at vapid nothings, and eating numberless
+plates of cream--it is a noble future to contemplate! But let me tell you,
+deluded creatures, that you will drag home just so many times neither
+benefited nor amused, and the last state of all such will be worse than the
+first. Let us weep!"
+
+[Illustration: THE GIRLS DISCUSS THE PARTY.]
+
+And now the poor pillow went flying off upon the floor, while Nan laughed
+at her own peroration.
+
+Her spell-bound hearers gave two gigantic sighs, while Cathy seized a
+cologne-bottle to restore Evelyn, who reclined tragically upon the lounge,
+feigning to be completely overcome.
+
+After they had succeeded in controlling their emotions, Cathy said in a
+wailing voice:
+
+"Yes, Nan, I have a realizing sense that you are more than half right; for
+I do believe that, when, after such an evening, I survey my giddy self in
+the glass, I sigh more often than I smile."
+
+Nan, who was venting her yet unspent spite in braiding her hair into tight
+little curls, gave her head an emphatic nod and declared her fell intention
+of finding some way out of her slough of despond. Then as the last braid
+dwindled to three hairs, she descended from the platform, and thus
+concluded:
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen, thanking you for your kind attention, I beg leave to
+announce that there will be another solemn conclave in regard to this vital
+subject, on the side veranda, to-morrow morning at ten o'clock. Good-night,
+you dear old things, you are nearly asleep, and I've wearied you more than
+did that wretched party. Why, no! Cathy's eyes are wide open! Mercy on us,
+Cathy thinks she's thinking! Go on, dear, it wont harm you at all."
+
+[Illustration: "NAN LAY IN THE HAMMOCK THINKING."]
+
+With this parting fling, she hopped to the door, holding in her hand one
+slipper, which she waved tragically, exclaiming, "Farewell, base world!"
+and was gone.
+
+"What a girl she is!" said Evelyn, as the audience unbent itself. "She
+didn't give me a chance to agree with or to combat her theories; but, do
+you know, I am tired of it, too, just as much as Nan is, only she has vigor
+enough to rebel at the thraldom of her bright, natural self, while I keep
+on and on from mere inertia."
+
+"Well," said Cathy, slowly winding her watch, "I _was_ thinking, as Nan
+said--but it is one o'clock, and I shall not say another word until
+to-morrow."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+The bell in St. Luke's steeple rang out the stroke for three-quarters after
+nine in the morning. Nan lay in the hammock, gazing up through the woodbine
+of the before-mentioned side veranda. The leaves were beginning to turn
+maroon and russet; but evidently she was not looking at these, for her
+pretty eyes were taking in a wider angle of light. In truth, there was a
+deep little wrinkle between her eyebrows, which implied deep thought.
+
+However, as the bell began on its ten strokes, she withdrew her stare from
+the far, unseen horizon, rolled out of the hammock, came down hard on her
+two trim boots, stood up straight, and gazed the landscape o'er.
+
+"Not a girl in sight," she said to herself, with an amused laugh; "I
+believe the silly things are afraid of me; maybe they think I have become
+one of those reformers--oh me, how shy girls are of a _cause_! Well,
+anyhow, I have one, or rather a _be_ cause, and they must give me a fair
+hearing, though I must be wiser than a whole collection of serpents." She
+had reflected thus far, when she espied a blue eye peeping around the
+corner of the bay-window.
+
+"Oh, Cathy!" she shouted; "oh, you perfidious foe! Come here! Where are the
+girls?"
+
+Cathy brought the companion eye into view, and finally two other pairs
+appeared, accompanied by their respective owners, Evelyn carrying a basket
+of grapes. How merry they were, and how they laughed in that contagious
+girl-fashion as they encamped about Nan! They made a group charming to
+behold, and they seemed capable of tossing anybody's blues away as easily
+as they now threw grape-skins into the sunny air. But they were not
+remarkable in any respect; they had their full share of graces and defects,
+of assorted sizes, both of feature and character. No one of them was in the
+least a heroine; but the group was very like any other group that might
+have been found in many neighborhoods, on that pleasant September morning.
+
+Bert Mitchell, who was the only addition to the party of the night before,
+ensconced herself in the hammock with Cathy Drake. The two girls differed
+from each other in many respects, but were great friends, as is often the
+case.
+
+Bert, who was never called Bertha, as she declared in extravagant phrase
+that she "perfectly loathed the name," was tall and cheery, with fine eyes,
+a mass of brown hair, and a voice a trifle loud. But the girls forgave her
+that; and whenever she began to speak, they would always listen, assured of
+hearing something bright. But her most characteristic feature was her
+hands. They were white and shapely, but she had a curious way of carrying
+them--as though she had just put them on for the first time, and was trying
+different effects with them. The girls laughingly cried, "Long may they
+wave!" and liked her all the same. She had an abundance of settled
+convictions on every possible subject,--"positive opinions hot at all
+hours," Cathy's brother Fred said of her,--and she was therefore always in
+a definite mood, and very good company.
+
+If, as some say, beauty is tested by the ability to wear one's hair combed
+straight back without being a scarecrow, Cathy, of all the girls, came
+nearest to being pretty, for she, and she alone, enjoyed the luxury of an
+even temper during high winds, damp days, and a vacation at the seashore.
+Her forehead was broad and calm, her eyes were blue and calm, and her mouth
+was sweet and calm. She was not positive about anything, which greatly
+irritated her friend Bert, who, indeed, flew into a comical passion one
+day, over her failure to arouse Cathy. Shaking her, she exclaimed, "Will
+nothing on earth move you! _Do_ get angry--at something or some one!--at
+me!--at anything! Haven't you any depths in you? If you have, stir them
+up!"
+
+Cathy raised her crescent brows, and a faint color crept into her smooth
+cheek as she quietly said: "Depths don't stir, my dear; and if stirred from
+the top, they are apt only to get muddy, you know. However, I'd like to
+accommodate you by getting furiously angry--at you, for instance; this is
+an inviting opportunity, and I don't know that I ought to miss it--but
+somehow it doesn't seem worth while." And even the obstreperous Bert was
+silenced by this covert thrust.
+
+When they all had settled themselves into various cozy attitudes, Bert
+demanded to know the object of the caucus. "I hope it is something
+interesting, for nothing but a command from you would have induced me to
+crawl out this morning," she yawned, as she adjusted a sofa-pillow for her
+comfort.
+
+Cathy murmured, "Hear! Hear!" but was evidently more absorbed in Evelyn's
+explanation of a new Kensington stitch.
+
+Nan rapped sharply with the handle of a tennis racquet, and requested
+order. Then she gave a little cough, tossed the grape-vine over her
+shoulder, and began:
+
+"Fellow-citizens! I come before you on this auspicious occasion to declare
+treason--treason to the tyrant commonly called 'polite society.' I've come
+to the solemn conclusion that it is about time I began to prepare to live."
+
+She was at this point interrupted by a groan, and Bert asked:
+
+"Why, aren't you alive, Nan? I am. Life so far is a great success, and it
+is all your own fault if you don't think so too. You have all the
+conveniences for having an uncommonly favored existence, if you only
+_insisted_ on thinking so."
+
+But Nan retorted: "That's just it--_if_ one could only think so! Aye,
+there's the rub. This is the place for tears. Oh, dear!--I can't whip my
+thoughts into obedience to my will as you can, Bert. I have, as you say,
+all the so-called 'opportunities' for having a so-called 'fine time,' and
+when I am old and gray, no one can say that I did not improve them with
+unflagging diligence. But I don't really enjoy myself, and I don't believe
+you do either--only you'll never own to it. Now, girls, honor bright, do
+you honestly think we amount to much? Are we getting the most out of life?"
+
+The impressiveness of the moment was ruined by the arrival of a green
+grape, plump upon the speaker's nose.
+
+Nan was good-natured enough to laugh with the rest, as she gave it a
+well-directed aim back at Bert.
+
+At this point Evelyn rescued the meeting from total disorder, by boldly
+announcing: "Stay, girls! I agree with Nan, so far as I know what she
+means. Oh, she was sublime last night! I wilted under the heat of her
+eloquence, and I proclaim myself her humble follower."
+
+At this encouragement, Nan administered a smothering hug to her noble
+champion; but suddenly she seemed to change her tactics from harangue to
+intrigue, for, helping herself to a bunch of Dianas, she said languidly:
+
+"Well, the curbed lion of my spirit was rampant last night, for I had a
+very inane time at that party--or perhaps I ate too much of the lemon
+streak of my Neapolitan ice; at all events, I was rash enough to declare
+war to the knife on all inducements from the giddy world again."
+
+"But you will go to the next party as usual," interrupted Bert, as she left
+the hammock. "You will go every time, my dear; you can't help it; it is
+inevitable fate; so you'd better calm down and meditate on your next gown."
+
+"Ah, Bert! You've said it now!" almost shouted Nan. "_That's_ the very
+point! Is it 'inevitable fate' that we go on and on? I want something more
+worth the while. Do be patient with me, and let me lay the case before you
+as it looks to me. Here we are, every last girl of us out of school, and
+doing absolutely nothing. What would we think of young men who dawdled
+about at this rate, contenting themselves with a little dusting, arranging
+a few flowers, doing a bit of embroidery now and then, and in _very_
+energetic moments painting a teacup, but chiefly being 'in society,' and
+not earning one square inch even of their manly clothing? Horrors! I
+wouldn't recognize such a ninny!"
+
+The silenced audience looked sufficiently awe-struck to encourage Nan to
+continue.
+
+"Now, are we one whit more to be envied, just because we are girls? Wake
+up, Bert! And now that I'm awake myself, I think I shall actually blush the
+next time Father pays me my allowance."
+
+"Well, girls, Nan is in earnest," said Evelyn. "Cathy and I were almost set
+to thinking by her burning eloquence last night--and I can assure you she
+has a scheme on foot; so, as a humble champion, I request an expression
+from the meeting, upon certain points. Firstly, all who agree that the
+present state of things isn't very satisfying, will please manifest it by
+holding up the right hand."
+
+Cathy's gold thimble gleamed in the air. Bert was ostensibly asleep, with
+her head against the pillar, but suddenly she sat erect, and said with
+great decision:
+
+"I think that you are running your precious heads against a wall--and, I
+assure you, the wall doesn't mind it in the least. You are in the world,
+and you would better treat it politely or you will get roundly snubbed in
+return. As for me, I _must_ meet people. Until Nan or some other
+philosopher offers something enticing, _I_ remain true to the ship."
+
+"But suppose we do offer something in its place," said Evelyn, who had
+rolled up her work and stuck her needle through it, as though she were
+fastening an idea within.
+
+"You are not much of a sinner, so entice away," said Bert, smilingly,
+folding her hands.
+
+"Well," Evelyn proceeded with a comical drawl, "let's be a club----"
+
+"Oh, I'm clubbed black and blue now!" gasped Bert; "do try again, sweet
+child!"
+
+"Let's be a club," Evelyn repeated severely, "and let us read, or study, or
+work, with all the might that is in us."
+
+Meanwhile, the clouds had been clearing from Nan's brow, and now she called
+out delightedly:
+
+"You are getting 'warm', as we used to say when we played 'hunt the
+thimble'; you are certainly traveling toward milder climes, Evelyn. Yes,
+let us do something in earnest--and I know what I'm going to do, too!'
+
+"What? what?" sounded in chorus.
+
+"I'm going--to--earn--my--own--living."
+
+At each emphatic word, Nan bobbed her head in the most decisive manner.
+"I'm going to seek my fortune, and I'm going to try to lead a genuine
+existence."
+
+The girls sat stunned, with wide open eyes, till Bert suddenly pounded on
+the floor with heavy applause, and Evelyn asked breathlessly:
+
+"Why, Nan, has Father failed, or lost anything?"
+
+"No, _he_ hasn't," answered Nan grimly, "but I have. What have I ever done
+since I was graduated but drift about, vainly trying to amuse myself. Why,
+girls, we have _futures_ before us----"
+
+"No, not _before_ us?" laughed Bert with mock incredulity.
+
+But Nan, undisturbed by Bert's interruption, went calmly on:
+
+"Do we wish to belong to that class of helpless women who are aghast and
+powerless if misfortune overtakes them? Do we wish to depend on others all
+our lives--even if we have a fair prospect of property of our own" (looking
+hard at Bert). "Remember that the wheel of Fortune turns once in most
+lives, and _I_ shouldn't like to be flattened under it!"
+
+The attention of her hearers was suddenly startled by an exclamation from
+Bert, who stood up, with both hands at her heart, in apparent agony.
+Recovering, however, with astonishing alacrity, she murmured: "Oh, it is
+nothing--nothing but a barbed arrow driven home."
+
+And with this mysterious remark, she settled her hat, declared it was
+dinner-time, and, refusing to explain her unwonted reserve, laughingly tore
+herself away.
+
+(_continued_)
+
+
+
+
+THE PUSSIES' COATS.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+    O pussies dear,
+    It's very queer
+  That you wear your fur coats all the year!
+
+    Mamma, in May,
+    Put hers away.
+  I should think you'd be too warm to play.
+
+
+
+
+THE KELP-GATHERERS.
+
+[_A Story of the Maine Coast._]
+
+BY J. T. TROWBRIDGE.
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+CAMPING ON THE BEACH.
+
+
+The kelp-gatherers, with their tip-cart and ox-team, had in the meanwhile
+entered the belt of woods which stretched along the coast, back from the
+sea. Tall trees rose on both sides of the narrow, sandy road, their tops
+meeting overhead. There was on the outskirts a scanty undergrowth, which,
+however, soon disappeared, leaving the open aisles of the forest, with here
+a brown carpet of pine-needles, and there a patch of bright moss.
+
+The sun was going down. The spots and flickers of wine-colored light
+vanished from the boughs. The long bars of shadow, cast by the great
+trunks, became merged in one universal shade, and evening shut down upon
+the woods.
+
+Soon another sound mingled with that of the wind sweeping through the pines
+and firs. It was the roar of the sea.
+
+The boys were more quiet now, the solemn scene filling their hearts with
+quiet joy. The large trees soon gave place to a smaller and thicker growth
+of spruce and balsam, the boughs of which now and then touched the
+cart-wheels as they passed. Somewhere in the dim wilderness, a thrush piped
+his evening song.
+
+"Hark!" said Perce. "I heard something besides a bird. Is somebody
+calling?"
+
+"A loon," said Moke.
+
+"A loon out on the water," said Poke. "The sea is just off here."
+
+They soon had glimpses of it through openings among the trees. But now the
+sound of it became louder; the woods, too, moaned like another sea in the
+wind, and the cries were no longer heard.
+
+They came out upon a spot of low grassy ground behind the sand-hills. There
+was a fresh-water pool near by. Perce thought it a good place for the oxen;
+and he turned them out on the road-side. Mrs. Murcher's boarding-house was
+in sight.
+
+"Suppose I run up there and find Olly before it gets any darker," said
+Perce. "You can be unhitching the steers from the cart, and getting 'em
+around in a good place to feed. Fasten 'em to the cart-wheel by this rope;
+tie it in the ring of the yoke. Let 'em drink first."
+
+"All right," said the twins. "Go ahead."
+
+And off Perce ran to summon his friend to their festivities.
+
+The twins turned the cattle into the grass, and then began to make things
+ready for their camp and supper; keeping up all the time an incessant
+dialogue, which prevented them from hearing again the cries of the supposed
+loon, growing fainter and fainter on the distant waves.
+
+Neither did Perce hear them as he hastened along the path in the gloomy
+hollow, and mounted the piazza steps. In the hall-door of the
+boarding-house, he was met by a tall girl of seventeen, with a fine
+brunette complexion, piercing dark eyes, and a high, thin, Roman nose.
+
+Overawed a little by her rather imposing style of dress and features, Perce
+took off his cap, and begging her pardon, inquired for Oliver Burdeen.
+
+"Burdeen? Oliver?" she queried. "Oh!" with a pleasant smile, "you mean
+Olly!"
+
+"Yes," he replied. "We all call him Olly where he lives, but I wasn't sure
+he would be known by that name here."
+
+"He isn't known by any other!" replied the young lady with a laugh. "He's
+about, somewhere; I believe he's always about, somewhere! Mrs. Merriman,"
+she called to a lady in the parlor, "where's the ubiquitous Olly?"
+
+"I don't know, Amy," replied the lady. "Didn't he go with the gentlemen in
+the yacht?"
+
+Amy "almost thought he did"; yet it seemed to her she had seen him that
+afternoon; a position of uncertainty on the part of that young lady, which
+wouldn't have been highly flattering to the vanity of Master Burdeen, even
+if he hadn't been at that moment beyond the reach of flattery.
+
+"Mrs. Murcher can tell you," she said, turning to walk back to the end of
+the hall. "She is here, in the dining-room."
+
+Mrs. Murcher thought Olly must be in his room.
+
+"I believe he is going home this evening," she said; "he wants to show his
+folks a new suit of clothes that has been given him. I guess he's trying
+them on."
+
+"I am a neighbor of his," said Perce. "I am camping on the beach with some
+friends; and we want him to join us."
+
+"Well!" exclaimed the landlady, "you can go right up to his room and find
+him. It's in the old part of the house; but you'd better go up the front
+way; it's lighter."
+
+She was explaining to Perce that he must go up one flight, proceed to the
+end of the corridor, and then step down into a lower passage--when the tall
+young brunette called over the banisters, "I'll show him!"
+
+He mounted after her; and she threw open the door of what seemed an
+unoccupied room, to let more light from its windows into the corridor.
+
+"Be careful not to stumble!" she warned him. "That's his room, right before
+you, as you go down those steps."
+
+So saying, she disappeared in some other room, and Perce was left alone in
+the dim hall. He paused a moment to get a glimpse of the sea through the
+door and window of the room she had opened, which happened to be Mr.
+Hatville's room; then he groped his way to Olly's door and knocked.
+
+In a little while, he returned alone to his friends on the beach.
+
+"I couldn't find him," he said. "Mrs. Murcher sent me up to his room, but
+he wasn't there; and I went all over the place. Then she said she thought
+he must have gone home, to show his folks a new suit of clothes; he had
+asked her if he might; but she didn't expect him to go so soon."
+
+"Olly's made, if he's got some new clothes!" said Moke.
+
+"He never would speak to us, after that!" said Poke. "Never mind; we can
+'wake Nicodemus' without him."
+
+"Wake Nicodemus!" Moke shouted gleefully, to hear his voice resound in the
+woods.
+
+"Wake Nicodemus!" Poke repeated. And the three joined gayly in the chorus
+of a song then popular:
+
+  "Now, run and tell Elijah to hurry up Pomp,
+   And meet us at the gum-tree down in the swamp,
+          To wake Nicodemus to-day!"
+
+The very human biped whose cries had been mistaken for a loon's, heard
+their voices wafted to him by the wind--the same wind that was blowing him
+farther and farther from the shore.
+
+He screamed again, wildly; but his own voice sounded weaker and weaker,
+while the merry chorus still went up from the little camping party on the
+beach:
+
+  "Wake Nicodemus to-day!"
+
+The boys sang and chatted as they worked. They made their beds in a hollow
+of the windswept dunes, where there would be less annoyance from
+mosquitoes than in the shelter of the woods, and spread their hay and
+blankets upon the dry sand.
+
+"Besides," said Perce, "the daylight will strike us here, and wake us
+early."
+
+"Wake Nicodemus!" laughed Poke.
+
+And then they all burst forth again:
+
+  "Wake Nicodemus to-day!"
+
+The chasing clouds gathered, until the sky was almost completely overcast.
+The moon would not rise till late; it became dark rapidly. But as the gloom
+of night thickened on land and sea, a little golden flame shot up on the
+shore, and grew large and bright as the surrounding shadows became more
+dense.
+
+It was the flame of the boys' camp-fire, which they kindled on the seaward
+side of the dunes, and fed with rubbish from the high-water mark of the
+recent storm. Later tides had not then reached it, and plenty of it was dry
+enough to burn.
+
+[Illustration: PERCE AND THE TWINS ON THEIR WAY TO THE BEACH.]
+
+Chips and old shingles, bleached sea-weed, broken planks, strips and slabs
+from saw-mills on some far-away river, and other refuse, littered the
+strand,--here, a broken lobster-pot which the rolling waves had washed
+ashore, and there, a ship's fender, worn smooth, with a fragment of rope
+still held in the auger-hole by its knotted end.
+
+Such of this fuel as best suited their immediate purpose the boys gathered
+for their fire; and Olly, in his wave-tossed boat, could see their agile
+figures running to and fro in the light of the flames.
+
+"There'll be heaps of flood-wood, as well as kelp, for us to gather
+to-morrow," said Perce. "Don't put any more on the fire, boys."
+
+"Why not?" asked the twins.
+
+"There's no use wasting it," answered Perce, adding, "We've fire enough.
+We'll roast our corn and go to bed, so as to be up early. It'll be high
+tide before five to-morrow."
+
+"Then wake Nicodemus!" cried Moke in a gleeful tone.
+
+And again the three boys raised the wild chorus of the old plantation song.
+
+"Olly ought to be here!" said Perce. "He must have gone home by the coast;
+and that's the way we missed him."
+
+Even then, but for the noise of the surf and the whistling of the wind,
+they might have heard Olly's last screams; and by straining their eyes they
+might have seen far out on the gloomy deep a dim object, now rising for a
+moment against the line of the evening sky, and now disappearing in a
+hollow of the waves.
+
+With hay about their heads to shelter them from the wind, and the light of
+their camp-fire gleaming over them, the kelp-gatherers lay under their
+blankets, in the hollow of the dunes. They talked or sang until the flames
+died to a feeble glimmer, that served to bring out by contrast the
+surrounding gloom of sea and land and sky.
+
+"Isn't it dark, though!" exclaimed Perce. "I had no idea it would cloud so.
+I believe it is going to rain. Then shan't we be in a fix?"
+
+"It can't rain," said Moke.
+
+"No fear of that," added Poke, in a muffled voice from under his blanket.
+
+"What's the reason?" Perce demanded.
+
+"Uncle Moses said so," replied both the twins together.
+
+"Oh, then, of course it can't!" laughed Perce. "And the wind wont change,
+and carry the kelp all off, and land it on some other beach, as it did the
+last time I was coming to get sea-weed here. The wind clipped around to the
+nor'ard and northeast, and in the morning this beach, that had been covered
+with it, was as clean as a whistle; while Coombs's Cove, where there hadn't
+been any, was full of it."
+
+"Who's going to wake Nicodemus in the morning?" asked Moke.
+
+"The one who's first awake himself," said Perce. And he sang, the others
+joining in:
+
+  "'Wake me up,' was his charge, 'at the first break of day,
+    Wake me up for the great jubilee!'"
+
+After that they became silent. The fire died on the beach. The breakers
+plunged and drew back, with incessant noise, in the darkness; the wind
+moaned in the woods, and whistled among the coarse sparse grass and wild
+peas that grew about the dunes. But notwithstanding the strangeness of
+their situation, the boys were soon asleep.
+
+Uncle Moses proved a true prophet. There was no rain in the huddling clouds
+that at one time overspread the sky. They broke and lifted, and bright
+stars peeped from under their heavy lids. Then the moon rose and silvered
+them, and shed a strange light upon the limitless, unresting, solitary
+waves.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ADRIFT IN A DORY.
+
+
+For a long time Olly could see the boys by the light of their camp-fire,
+excepting when the tops of the rolling billows hid them from view.
+
+Although too far off at any time to recognize his friends, he made out
+snatches of the song then in vogue in his neighborhood; and he believed the
+camping party to be Frog-End boys who had come to the beach for kelp.
+
+Sometimes they passed between him and the fire; and finally they stood or
+crouched around it, as the wavering flames died down to a bright-red glow
+on the shore. To see them so near and so happy--it seemed to him that
+everybody was happy who was not paddling desperately in a frail skiff,
+against a relentless wind--to hear them singing and shouting, so wholly
+unconscious of him in his distress, was intolerable agony.
+
+"Oh, why can't they hear?" he exclaimed, in a voice to the last degree
+hoarse with calling for help. "Why couldn't they look this way once? Now it
+is too late!"
+
+He was by that time greatly exhausted; for when not signaling and calling,
+he had been making frantic efforts to paddle the dory against the wind. At
+first he had used the oar-handle, but he found it wholly ineffectual. Then
+he had torn up one of the thwarts, but it was too short and too clumsy for
+his purpose; and though for a time he seemed to make headway, the distance
+from the shore was steadily increasing.
+
+If he could have held the boat in its course, as with a pair of oars, he
+might have made progress even with that unwieldly paddle. But he lost time
+and strength in shifting it from side to side; and, spite of all he could
+do, the wind and the waves would now and then give the light, veering skiff
+a turn, and he would suddenly find himself paddling out to sea! However,
+those efforts prevented him from being blown speedily out of sight of land.
+And when the boys on the beach, after due preparation, stuck their ears of
+green corn on the sharpened ends of sticks and roasted them in the fire, he
+still kept the little group in view. He had no doubt that they were cooking
+their supper. No wonder he wept with despair at the contrast of that
+cheerful scene with his own terrible situation!
+
+The fire faded to a red eye of burning coals; all other objects grew
+indistinct, excepting the black outline of the woods against the soft
+evening red of a rift in the sky, and one pure star brightening in those
+ethereal depths. Another starry beam, which he could plainly discern, but
+which was too low down for a star, Olly knew must be a light in one of the
+upper windows of the boarding-house.
+
+Was it in Mr. Hatville's room? Had he returned and discovered the loss of
+his watch? And could poor Olly hope ever to make restitution and
+explanations? Suppose he should indeed be lost at sea! Would it not be
+believed that he had yielded to temptation and had purposely run away with
+the watch?
+
+[Illustration: "HE MADE FRANTIC EFFORTS TO PADDLE THE DORY AGAINST THE
+WIND."]
+
+The danger his life was in was enough for the wretched boy, without this
+fear for his reputation. He thought of his folks at home,--his mother and
+sisters, for his father was dead,--and he wondered if they would believe
+him capable of a folly so much greater than that he had in mind when he so
+innocently (as it seemed to him then, but not now) borrowed the bright
+bauble! And what would Amy Canfield think?
+
+All vanity had been killed in him from the moment he found himself in
+actual peril. It made him sick at heart to remember the satisfaction he had
+so lately felt in his new clothes. He no longer drew the watch proudly from
+his pocket; hardly once did he glance downward at the big seal and gold
+guard hooked in the button-hole of his vest--a hated sight to him now.
+
+When all hope of reaching the shore against such a wind was gone, he still
+struggled to keep the dory within hailing distance of the yacht, when it
+should come beating up from the northeast. But no yacht hove in sight; and
+if it passed, it must have been under the shadow of the shore. Clouds
+closed again over the one bright star and the patch of silver light in the
+west. The utter desolation of night lay about him on the lonely, weltering
+waters. All along the coast now he could see occasional lights--the lights
+in happy dwellings; but on the seaward side, only a faint gleam showed the
+line where sky and ocean met. There were no sounds but the ceaseless
+turmoil of the billows, the frequent slapping of a wave under the
+flat-bottomed boat, and his own fitful sobs.
+
+His last hope lay in crossing the track of some coaster or fishing-craft
+that might pick him up. But could that occur before morning? And could he
+expect that his ill-managed dory would ride safely all night on the
+increasing waves? The strong wind off shore, meeting the ocean swells, was
+blowing up a heavy chop-sea that threatened a new danger. What a night was
+before him, at the best!
+
+Suddenly his hat blew off, and disappeared immediately on the black waves.
+
+The distant sails he had seen at first had vanished as the swift night shut
+down; but now he discerned two dim lights in different directions,
+evidently far away.
+
+He was gazing after them, and looking anxiously for nearer lights or sails,
+when he was aware of a low, dark object just before him, rising from the
+deep. What could it be?--with something white flashing upon it! And what
+was the sound he heard?
+
+"The Cow and Calf!" he exclaimed, with sudden excitement, almost as if he
+had seen a friend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE COW AND CALF.
+
+
+"The Old Cow" and "The Calf" are two enormous ledges lying not far asunder,
+within sight from the coast in clear weather. "The Cow" is never completely
+submerged; her bare brown back appears above the highest tides.
+
+"The Calf" is not so fortunate; the sea must be very calm at high water,
+when it is not buried in the surf.
+
+Near one end of it, to mark the position of the dangerous reef, a pole is
+anchored, rising out of the water with a slant that has gained for it the
+name of "The Calf's Tail." Often at high tide the tail only can be seen
+sticking out of the sea.
+
+What Olly saw and heard was the billows combing over the end of one of
+those huge rocks. He wondered why he hadn't thought of them before; for it
+now occurred to him that if he could land on "The Old Cow," he might safely
+pass the night on her back, and be seen from the shore, or from some
+passing craft, in the morning.
+
+But which of the ledges was he approaching? Familiar as their forms were to
+him, seen from the shore, he could not in his strange position, in the
+night, and amid the dashing waves, decide whether he was coming upon "The
+Old Cow" or "The Calf."
+
+Trembling with fresh hope and fear, and paddling cautiously, he strained
+his eyes in the darkness, to get the broad outline of the ledge against the
+faint sky-line. There was something awful in the sound of the surf on those
+desolate rocks. The surges leapt and fell, rushing along the reef and
+pouring in dimly-seen cataracts over the ledges, their loud buffets
+followed by mysterious gurglings and murmurings, which might well appall
+the heart of a wave-tossed boy.
+
+The wind was blowing him on; but it was still in his power to pass the end
+of the rock, or drive his dory upon the windward side, where the ocean
+swells broke with least force. If he could only be sure which rock it was!
+But he could distinguish nothing. All was as strange to him as if he had
+been adrift on the lonesomest unknown sea in the world.
+
+If it was "The Calf," then "The Tail" should be at the other end, and "The
+Old Cow" beyond. If "The Cow," "The Calf" must be in the other direction,
+and a little farther seaward; he might pass between the two.
+
+He was getting used to his clumsy paddle; with it he kept his dory off as
+well as he could, but in a state of terrible anxiety, thinking his life
+might depend on what he should decide to do the next minute. He was still
+hesitating, when accident decided for him.
+
+The skiff was headed to the wind, against which he continued to paddle,
+when suddenly a billow shot over a sunken projection of the ledge, smiting
+the end of the boat with a force that slung it half about in an instant.
+
+Olly felt a small deluge of water dash over and drench him from behind. He
+was past thinking of his new clothes now; he thought of the dory. Even then
+it might have escaped capsizing if it had not met at the same instant a
+cross-wave, which tumbled aboard from the other side.
+
+The two filled it so nearly that the water rushed cold across his knees;
+and he knew that nothing he could do would prevent the boat from sinking.
+Indeed, as the very next wave swept in, it settled on one side, and then
+slowly rolled over. To save himself, Olly sprang up, grasping first the
+uppermost rail, then clinging to the bottom of the overturned skiff, until
+another billow swept him off.
+
+He was an accomplished swimmer, as I think I have said before; and now that
+skill stood him in good stead. In the first moment of his immersion he lost
+his bearings; but rising with a wave, he looked about him from its crest,
+and saw the little island not a hundred feet away.
+
+He made for it at once, directing his course to a spot which the
+overleaping surge did not reach.
+
+The waves were dashing all about the rock, to be sure; and to land safely
+upon it at any point would require not only vigilance, but good fortune.
+
+I hardly know whether he was much frightened or not; he himself couldn't
+have told. He didn't stop for a moment to reason about the situation, but
+obeying the mere instinct of self-preservation, he swam to the ledge.
+
+He was lucky enough to find a spot where it sloped gently into the sea. He
+swam in on a wave, and as it subsided, he clung to the rock.
+
+The broken surface of the rock was covered with barnacles, which cut his
+hands; but he held on. They also scratched his knees through his torn
+clothing, as he climbed up to the smoother rocks above.
+
+The slant to the water was such that he could not, in the darkness, judge
+of his elevation above the sea-level; nor could he determine, from that,
+whether he had been thrown upon "The Old Cow" or "The Calf."
+
+Yet everything depended upon the answer to that question. If on the greater
+rock, he was comparatively safe; if on the smaller, his respite would be
+brief--he might expect the next tide to carry him off.
+
+Groping about on the jagged summit, trying to identify the rock by its
+form, his foot plashed in a pool of water. He paused, startled by the
+thought that here was a means of deciding his fate.
+
+No doubt, much sea-spray dashed upon the back even of "The Old Cow," in
+rough weather. But copious rains had succeeded the last gale; and so, if
+that little pool was on the large rock, the water it held could not be very
+salt. If on the back of "The Calf," it was the leavings of the last tide.
+He felt that his doom was in the taste of that water.
+
+He hesitated, heaving a sigh of dread; then he stooped quickly and put his
+hand into the pool. He lifted the wet fingers to his lips, and immediately
+grew faint--the water was bitterly salt.
+
+Still, after a little reflection, he would not give up all hope. The sea
+must have broken clear over "The Cow's" back, in the last storm; and the
+rain might have had little effect in freshening the contents of the basin.
+He thought of another test.
+
+Barnacles live in the sea, or in receptacles of sea-water replenished at
+every tide. If he was upon the back of "The Old Cow," the pool would be
+free from them; if on "The Calf," there would be the usual incrustations
+about its edges.
+
+Once more he put down his groping hand; and then he uttered a despairing
+wail.
+
+The barnacles were there!
+
+(_To be continued_.)
+
+[Illustration: A BELATED FAIRY.]
+
+
+
+
+AUNT DEBORAH'S LESSON.
+
+BY G. H. BASKETTE.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"The good lands! What's that!" excitedly cried frightened Aunt Deborah.
+
+Aunt Deborah might well exclaim in surprise. For as she sat knitting
+quietly and humming a quaint old tune of long ago, one she had learned as
+a child----C-r-rash! bang! came a stone into the room, shivering the
+window-pane, just missing the swinging lamp in the hallway, making an ugly
+scar on the cabinet, and breaking into fragments a handsome vase. Then, as
+if satisfied with the mischief it had done, it rolled lazily across the
+floor, and finally stopped under the table, an inert, jagged bit of
+granite.
+
+Aunt Deborah, as the stone pursued its reckless course, placed her hands
+over her head, and shrank back into her chair, a frightened and unwilling
+witness to the destruction of her property. It was quite distressing.
+
+Besides the nervous shock, there was the broken window; there was the
+cabinet showing a great white dent that could not easily be removed; and
+there, too, was the vase she had kept so many long years, lying shattered
+and ruined before her eyes.
+
+Aunt Deborah was one of the best and most kind-hearted of women; but--she
+was human, and the sudden havoc wrought by the missile exasperated as well
+as frightened her. She rushed to the window and opened it in time to see
+three or four boys scampering down the street as fast as their legs could
+carry them.
+
+"Oh, you young scapegraces!" she cried. "If I could once lay hold on you,
+wouldn't I teach you a lesson!"
+
+But the boys never stopped until they had disappeared around a friendly
+corner. Aunt Deborah was so overcome by the accident, and so intent upon
+watching the retreating boys to whom she desired to teach a lesson, that
+she did not at first notice a barefooted lad standing under the window on
+the pavement below, holding a battered old hat in his hand, and looking up
+at her with a scared face and tearful eyes.
+
+"Please, Miss," said the boy tremulously.
+
+"Oh! Who are you? Who threw that stone at my window?" called out Aunt
+Deborah, as she spied him.
+
+"Please, Miss," pleaded the boy, fumbling nervously his torn hat, "I threw
+it, but I didn't mean to do it."
+
+"Didn't mean to do it, eh?" replied Aunt Deborah, fiercely. "I suppose the
+stone picked itself up and pitched itself through my glass!"
+
+"I was going to throw it down the street, but Bill Philper touched my arm,
+and it turned and hit your window," he explained.
+
+There was an air of frankness and truth about the boy, and the fact that he
+had not run away like the others (whom, somehow, Aunt Deborah held chiefly
+responsible for the outrage), caused her to relent a little toward him.
+
+"Come in here," she said, after eying him closely for a moment.
+
+The lad hesitated; but summoning all his courage, he went up the steps, and
+soon stood in her presence.
+
+"Do you see that" she said, pointing at the window--"and that"--(at the
+cabinet)--"and that?"--(at the broken vase)--"and that?"--(at the stone.)
+"Now, isn't that a fine performance?"
+
+"I am very sorry," said the boy, the tears welling into his eyes again.
+
+He looked ruefully about at the damaged articles, and glanced at the stone,
+wishing heartily that he had never seen it.
+
+"Now, what's to be done about it?" asked she.
+
+"I don't know, ma'am," said he, very ill at ease. "I will try to pay you
+for it."
+
+"What can you pay, I should like to know?" she said, glancing at his
+patched coat and trousers and his torn hat.
+
+"I sell papers," said he; "and I can pay you a little on it every week."
+
+"What's your name?" she asked.
+
+"Sam Wadley," answered the boy.
+
+"Have you a father?"
+
+"No, ma'am," replied Sam; "he's dead."
+
+"Have you a mother?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am."
+
+"What does she do?" continued Aunt Deborah.
+
+"She sews, and I help her all I can, selling papers."
+
+"How can you pay me anything then?"
+
+[Illustration: "THERE SAT AUNT DEBORAH EARNESTLY KNITTING." [SEE NEXT
+PAGE.]]
+
+"Please, ma'am, I'll tell Mother all about it, and she'll be willing for me
+to pay you all I make."
+
+"Well, now, we'll see if you are a boy to keep his word," said Aunt
+Deborah.
+
+"How much must I pay?" Sam inquired anxiously.
+
+"Let me see." Aunt Deborah put on her spectacles and made a critical survey
+of the room. "Window--fifty cents; vase--one dollar--I wouldn't have had it
+broken for five!--That'll do--one dollar and a half. I shan't charge you
+for the dent in the furniture."
+
+"I'll try to pay you something on it every week," said Sam. "There are some
+days when I don't make anything; but when I do, I'll save it for you."
+
+"Very well," said Aunt Deborah; "you may go now."
+
+He thanked her, and went slowly out, while Aunt Deborah began to pick up
+the fragments strewn over the floor.
+
+"Oh, wait a moment!" she cried.
+
+Sam came back.
+
+"Take this stone out with you, and be careful what you do with it, next
+time," she said. "By the way, if you wish to keep out of trouble, you'd
+better not keep company with that Flipper boy--" Aunt Deborah had a rather
+poor memory for names--"if I had him, wouldn't I give him a lesson!"
+
+She uttered the last sentence with such a relish, that Sam was glad enough
+to get away. He was afraid she might conclude to bestow upon him the
+salutary lesson which she had proposed to give "Flipper," as she called
+him.
+
+Sam hurried home as fast as he could. His mother, a pale, delicate woman
+whose wan features and sunken eyes showed the effects of too hard work,
+heard his simple tale, wiped away his tears and encouraged him in his
+resolve to pay for the damage he had done.
+
+From that day, Sam began to be very diligent, and to earn pennies in every
+honest way possible to him. And every week he carried some small amount to
+Aunt Deborah.
+
+"That boy has some good in him," she said when he had brought his first
+installment. And though she grew more kind toward him every time he came,
+occasionally giving him a glass of milk, a sandwich or a cake, she rarely
+failed to warn him against the influence of that "Flipper" boy.
+
+His young companions laughed at him for paying his money to Aunt Deborah,
+and called him a coward for not running away when they ran; but all they
+said did not turn him from his purpose.
+
+One evening he went with a cheerful heart to pay his last installment.
+
+As he passed the window of the sitting-room he glanced in. There sat Aunt
+Deborah, earnestly knitting. The lamplight fell upon her sober face and Sam
+wondered if she ever looked really smiling and pleasant. "It doesn't seem
+as though she would be so stiff with a fellow," he said to himself. Then,
+in response to her "Come in," he entered the room and handed her his money.
+
+"I believe that is all, ma'am," said he.
+
+"Yes, that pays the whole sum," said Aunt Deborah; "you have done well."
+
+"I am still very sorry I have troubled you, and I hope you forgive me," he
+said.
+
+"I do, with all my heart," said she earnestly.
+
+"Thank you," said Sam, as he started out, picking his old hat from the
+floor, where he had placed it; on entering.
+
+"Come back," said Aunt Deborah, "I've something more to say to you."
+
+With a startled look he turned into the room.
+
+Aunt Deborah went to the cabinet and unlocked it. She first took out a pair
+of new shoes, then half a dozen pairs of socks, some underclothing, two
+nice shirts, a neat woolen suit, and lastly a good felt hat.
+
+"Sam," said she to the astonished lad, "I have taken your money, not
+because I wanted it, but because I wished to test you. I wished to see
+whether you really meant to pay me. That Flipper boy would never have done
+it, I am sure. You have done so well in bringing me your little savings
+that I have learned to like you very much. Now I wish to make you a present
+of these articles. In the pocket of this jacket you will find the money you
+have paid me. I wouldn't take a cent of it. It is yours. You must keep
+working and adding to it, so that you can soon help your mother more. Go to
+work now with a light heart, and grow up a true and an honest man. Tell
+your mother that I say she has a fine son."
+
+In making this speech, Aunt Deborah's features relaxed into a pleasant
+smile; and Sam smiled too, and was so pleased that he could hardly utter
+his thanks.
+
+"And mind you," continued she, suddenly changing the current of his
+thoughts, "don't associate with that Flipper boy!"
+
+"Please, ma'am," said Sam, feeling a twinge of conscience that his former
+companion should bear so much of the blame, "you have been very kind to me,
+but Bill Philper didn't know the stone would turn as it did, and break your
+window."
+
+"Then why did he run away?" inquired Aunt Deborah somewhat fiercely. "It's
+quite proper that you should try to excuse him, Sam; but I should like to
+teach him a good lesson?"
+
+"You--you--have taught me a good lesson," said Sam, with a blushing face,
+"and I--I--thank you very much for it."
+
+Aunt Deborah smiled benignly again, and warmly bidding Sam to come often to
+see her, she let him out at the door.
+
+She felt very happy as Sam disappeared down the street, and he was very
+happy, as he hurried home with his great bundle, and told his mother all
+about it, which made that good woman very happy, too. So they were very
+happy all around.
+
+And it all came about because Sam had stood up like a brave boy to confess
+his wrong, which is always manly; and had offered reparation for it, which
+is always right; and had gone forward, in spite of the taunts of his
+companions, denying himself pleasures and comforts in order to do that
+which he knew to be right, which is always heroic.
+
+
+
+
+697
+
+Of Timothy Timid and his happy thought: these lines and pictures by A.
+Brennan.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+    Timothy Timid, they say,
+    Once traveled the loneliest way;
+    For he traveled by night
+      Lest he should take fright
+  At things he could see in the day.
+
+
+
+
+READY FOR BUSINESS; OR, CHOOSING AN OCCUPATION.[B]
+
+A SERIES OF PRACTICAL PAPERS FOR BOYS.
+
+BY GEORGE J. MANSON
+
+[Footnote B: Copyright by G. J. Manson, 1884]
+
+
+BOAT-BUILDING
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Boat-building is by no means one of the "lost arts," although in this age
+of steam and iron, the "good old days" of the ship-builders are a thing of
+the past. Of late years, however, there has been a marked increase in the
+trade, and although the work is confined principally to yachts and smaller
+craft, the steady growth of this branch of boat-building offers excellent
+inducements to any young man whose tastes lie in that direction.
+
+I know of one boy at least, now sixteen years of age, who intends to fit
+himself during the next five or six years for the occupation; and his
+father, a prominent and highly successful naval architect, believes that
+there is a very promising future for American boat-building.
+
+I take it for granted that the future boat-builder has, as a boy, been fond
+of boats. He has not only taken advantage of the rivers and ponds near his
+house, has navigated them in scow, in row-boat or in sail-boat, but I will
+suppose that, from the time he has been the owner of a jack-knife, he has
+been a constructor of toy boats. And, as he has grown older and become the
+possessor of a tool-chest, or, at least, of a gauge, a mallet, a saw, a
+plane, and a good knife, he has wrought out miniature cutters and
+schooners, possibly a square-rigged ship, all of which have been much
+admired by his young companions. If it has been his object in life to
+become a boat-builder, he could not have been better employed during the
+hours that have not been taken up with school duties.
+
+In every business and profession there is some one object above all others
+sought after, upon which success may be said to depend. The orator
+endeavors to arouse our enthusiasm, the poet appeals to our sentiments, the
+lawyer to our reason, the clergyman to our conscience. The genius of the
+boat-builder lies in the one word "form." The one thing more than all
+others for which he aims to have a reputation is the ability to give a good
+shape to the mass of wood or iron coming from his hands, whether it be a
+man-of-war or a sail-boat. And so it was good for the boy that he made
+boats and models of boats. He was getting, as the naval architect would
+say, "form impressed upon his brain." It may have been, it probably was, a
+bad form, an incorrect form, but it was something from which to start. At
+all events, the boy has formed a speaking acquaintance with the occupation
+he is about to enter.
+
+I shall assume that at the age of sixteen he has finished his school
+studies, has a good knowledge of arithmetic and algebra, and has gone
+through seven books in Euclid, with special reference to being proficient
+in the fourth and seventh books. Two years before this, we will suppose, he
+has expressed a desire to be a boat-builder. He has made a model of some
+kind of a boat, and he has, as occasions have permitted, visited such
+ship-yards as could be found in his vicinity, and carefully watched the men
+while they were at work. At last, at the age of sixteen, he enters the
+office of a thoroughly competent naval architect, who either is or has been
+a practical ship-builder. The naval architect stands in the same relation
+to ship-building that the architect of houses does to house-building, with
+this difference,--not only does he make the plan, but very often he
+executes it as well.
+
+The beginner will find his quarters very pleasant. The room will be light,
+cheerful, and quiet. On the walls he will probably see pictures of famous
+yachts or other vessels; there will be a small library of technical books
+of reference, which he will have occasion to consult later on; there may be
+another student with whom he will chat now and then during the day; or his
+teacher, while they are at work, may give him some stirring bits of
+yachting reminiscence. I only mention this to show that there is none of
+that strict discipline to which the boy has been accustomed at school. The
+fact is, it is not needed, for, to use the language of a well-known
+ship-builder, "it is a fascinating occupation; it grows upon you; and the
+longer you are in it, the better you like it, that is, of course, if you
+like boats and everything pertaining to them."
+
+The boy will at first be given the drawing of a midship, or central,
+section of a boat, and required to put a body to it, to give it a bow, a
+stern--in short, to give to the boat its form. After working in that way
+for a while, he will make more extended plans, until he is able to make the
+full design of a vessel. He will remain with this naval architect for the
+space of a year; and, by that time, he should have acquired a very good
+knowledge of form.
+
+It is a fact that boys in England who choose this occupation for their
+life-work can more easily obtain a thorough education in it than can be had
+by youths in our country. In England, and in France, Denmark, and other
+European countries, there are schools where special technical instruction
+is given, and many of these are close to large ship-yards, where the
+practical work of ship-building can constantly be seen. The question now
+arises, therefore, shall the boy go to England and get the benefit of this
+instruction? It is by no means necessary that he should go there; but if he
+has begun to learn while young, he can spare the time, and his parents know
+whether they can spare the money which such a journey and residence would
+entail. If he decides to go, he will remain away for three or four years.
+
+Suppose, however, it is decided that he can not go abroad. It has cost him
+for the year's instruction he has received from the naval architect, with
+whom he had been studying, about $1000; or, he has given his services as a
+draughtsman, paid $500, and during the twelve months has "picked up" such
+knowledge as he could without receiving any regular instruction. His case
+of drawing-instruments has cost him from $50 to $250, depending on the
+number of instruments, the manner in which they are finished and the style
+of the case in which they are kept. Let us assume that he has been a
+full-pay pupil. His time is, of course, his own. It would be a good plan,
+after he has acquired some theoretical knowledge of the business, to
+regularly visit a shipyard and there begin to do the practical work which
+falls to the lot of the boat-builder; studying in the office one-half the
+time and working in the yard the other half. Now you will see, as I
+observed before, that boat-building is a profession and a trade. It is
+possible to be simply a naval architect and only make designs for boats,
+but it is not advisable; it is better, by all means, to have the practical
+knowledge which is obtained working among the men in the shipyard.
+
+They do not now apprentice boys as they did some fifty years ago. I have
+before me an indenture paper of a ship-builder (now alive) dated in the
+year 1825. In it he promises "not to waste his master's goods; not to
+contract matrimony within the said term; not to play at cards, dice, or any
+unlawful game, nor frequent ale-houses, dance-houses, or play-houses, but
+in all things behave himself as a faithful apprentice ought to do during
+the said term." There are no such rules laid down nowadays. Perhaps all the
+boys are so good that none are needed. All that needs to be done now is for
+the boy to make his verbal agreement with the owner of the shipyard, and go
+to work.
+
+And now a word or two as to this practical work which will cover the second
+method of learning boat-building as mentioned at the beginning of my paper.
+The boy who has not had the benefit of any previous training with an
+instructor may have to commence with turning the grindstone. The tools used
+in boat-building are in such constant use that they grow dull very soon,
+and the grindstone is kept going almost the whole of the day. Besides, the
+work being very heavy, the men generally work in couples, so that the
+learner when he is not turning the grindstone is assisting in lifting the
+heavy timbers that have to be used. The first tool he is generally
+permitted to use is the saw; then he begins to use the adze; then he is
+trusted with the ax, and helps get out the planking and timber for the
+frame of the ship.
+
+Then comes the difficult part of construction. The apprentice must have
+learned all this work with the tools (of which I am only able to make a
+passing mention), before he comes to the constructive part; that is, the
+part that our pupil has been studying with the naval architect.
+
+Before the building of the ship is commenced, a small wooden model is made,
+to give the owner and the builder an idea of what she is going to look
+like.
+
+  "A little model the master wrought,
+  Which should be to the larger plan
+  What the child is to the man."
+
+Doubtless, you have seen such models. They are built sometimes on a scale
+of a quarter of an inch to a foot; they are made of pieces of cedar and
+pine wood, placed alternately, and show the shape and whole arrangement of
+one side of the vessel. This model is glued, on its flat side, to a piece
+of board, for greater convenience in examination.
+
+From this model, "life-size" plans of the ship are made with chalk on the
+floor of a long, wide room, like a big garret, which is used especially for
+this purpose. It will not be necessary to enter into a technical
+description of these plans. There are three of them,--the sheer plan, the
+half-breadth plan, and the body plan. They show the position of the
+different planks to be used in the construction of the ship. To gain a
+rough idea of these plans, take a cucumber, decide which you will call the
+bottom and which the top, and cut it in the middle, lengthwise, from end to
+end. Look into its interior and fancy that it is covered with lines, both
+horizontal and vertical--and that will give you a very rough idea of the
+sheer plan. By laying the cucumber on its side and cutting it lengthwise,
+you will have a notion of the half-breadth plan. A division in the middle
+(cutting it in two parts, so that you can see the whole circumference) may
+suggest to you the body plan. This can not be made very clear, not even
+with drawings, because it is the most technical part of the work; but its
+object is apparent. From these three plans, taken from different points of
+view, the boat-builder can locate the position of every piece of plank in
+his vessel. So true is this that I understand it is possible to number the
+planks of a ship, and send them off to some distant country, where a
+ship-builder can construct the vessel without ever having seen the design.
+
+A great deal of calculation and figuring enters into this part of the work,
+but much of it has been made easy by the aid of a man (now dead, I believe)
+named Simpson, the author of what are called "Simpson's Rules." These rules
+are incorporated in small pocket handbooks which contain, in addition, a
+large number of tables, rules, and formulas pertaining to naval
+architecture. The most popular handbook of this character in England is
+said to be "Mackrow's Naval Architect and Ship-builders' Assistant," and in
+our country, "Haswell's Engineers' Pocket-book of Tables." These, however,
+are only aids in making calculations, and are very much like the interest
+tables you have probably seen, which save the trouble of going through the
+figuring in detail. There are a great many books which will be interesting
+and valuable to the young ship-builder. To give you some idea of their
+character, I copy the following from the table of contents of a recent
+standard work: "The displacement and buoyancy of ships;" "The oscillations
+of ships in still water;" "The oscillation of ships among waves;" "Methods
+of observing the rolling and pitching motions of ships;" "The structural
+strength of ships," etc.
+
+These titles may not at present indicate a very promising literary feast,
+but when the young boat-builder has mastered the rudiments of the technical
+part of the profession, he will read and reread such productions with as
+much pleasure as he now peruses the stories in ST. NICHOLAS.
+
+I have not entered into the details of iron ship-building, the practical
+part of which the boy will learn in the same yard in which he learns to
+work in wood; for it is presumed that he is going to some large yard to
+obtain his instruction. Indeed, in this occupation it is the practical part
+that is the easiest and the most interesting to young learners. They are
+apt to slight the theoretical knowledge required and to long to spend their
+time in the shipyard with real tools, doing real work, for a real ship.
+With the boy who, through force of circumstances, has to enter on the life
+of a journeyman and earn wages, there is more excuse for hastening to that
+branch of the work than for the lad who is better situated in life. The
+journeyman will learn construction last and from his master. Under the plan
+I have suggested, the other lad will learn the general principles of
+construction before he goes to the shipyard; at least he will not have to
+commence with turning the grindstone. His first few visits will be confined
+to watching the men at their work; then he will gradually make himself
+familiar with the use of the different tools.
+
+The journeyman will receive at first $1 a day; during the second year,
+$1.50 a day, and be gradually advanced until he receives the regular wages,
+at the present time from $3 to $3.25 a day. It would not be advisable to
+make any estimate of the profits of boat-building as a business, for, no
+matter what they are now, by the time my young reader has started a
+shipyard, they may be entirely different, owing to the increase or decrease
+in the cost of material and labor.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "THIS LITTLE PIG WENT TO MARKET."]
+
+WHAT IT WAS.
+
+BY MALCOLM DOUGLAS
+
+
+  Oh, they were as happy as happy could be,
+  Those two little boys who were down by the sea,
+  As each with a shovel grasped tight in his hand,
+  Like a sturdy young laborer dug in the sand!
+
+  And it finally happened, while looking around,
+  That, beside a big shell, a small star-fish they found,--
+  Such a wonderful sight, that two pairs of blue eyes
+  Grew large for a moment with puzzled surprise.
+
+  Then--"I know," said one, with his face growing bright,
+  "It's the dear little star that we've watched every night;
+  But last night, when we looked, it was nowhere on high,
+  So, of course, it has dropped from its home in the sky!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CAPTAIN JACK'S FOURTH-OF-JULY KITE.
+
+BY DANIEL C. BEARD.
+
+
+"Well, if that isn't the queerest sight!" exclaimed a passenger on the cars
+going from Flushing to New York, last Independence Day.
+
+And all the passengers on that train, and on all other trains during the
+day, echoed the same words. It was a very strange occurrence.
+
+Away up in the blue sky, and all alone, like a new declaration of
+independence, fluttered that soul-stirring piece of bunting, the stars and
+stripes. Not a sign of pole or support of any kind could the sharpest eye
+discern; and yet, as steadily as if fixed on the dome of the national
+capitol, it waved its gay stripes in the joyous breeze. It was a very
+mysterious flag.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+There was, however, one individual who was both able and willing to clear
+away the mystery--a certain jovial man who, on the morning of that
+particular day, sat in exceedingly airy attire on the front porch of the
+boathouse of the Nereus Boat Club. As his striped shirt, knee-breeches,
+and skull-cap indicated, Captain Jack Walker was an oarsman.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He afterward explained to his faithful crew that he had gone to the
+boathouse early that morning, and while there had been struck with a novel
+idea. The result of that idea was the mysterious flag which was waving over
+the salt marsh by Flushing Bay, and was puzzling the brains of many good
+citizens.
+
+Fastened to the top of the flagpole of the club's boathouse was the end of
+a piece of hempen twine. By following that piece of twine, which ran away
+into space at an angle of sixty degrees, the eye came at length to the
+floating flag. By looking closely, moreover, one could gradually discern
+that from the flag the twine ran up five or six hundred feet higher to a
+tiny kite--tiny, as seen away up there in the blue ether; but, in fact, a
+monster kite.
+
+Captain Jack had first sent up that great kite which some one had left at
+the boathouse, and had let it out five or six hundred feet; then he took a
+flag about five feet long, which belonged to one of the boats, and fastened
+the upper end of its stick firmly to the kitestring. He next broke the
+lower end of the flagstick so as to leave a short projection (_a_), just
+long enough for him to fasten a piece of twine to it.
+
+Then he again let the kite out, and also the string he had attached to the
+lower end of the flagstick. As soon as the flagstick was vertical, the line
+_a_, _b_ (see preceding page) was knotted securely to the kitestring at
+_b_. All that was necessary then was to let out about five hundred feet
+more twine, and Captain Jack's Fourth-of-July kite was soon gayly flying.
+There was to be a regatta that afternoon, however, and the gallant oarsman
+could not sit idly holding a kitestring in his hand. So he hauled down the
+boat club's flag, tied the kitestring to the flag-halyards and then hoisted
+both flag and kitestring to the top of the flagpole; and so his
+Fourth-of-July banner floated serenely in the sky all day long,--a
+beautiful sight, and an object of much surprise and wonder to all who saw
+it.
+
+
+
+
+IF.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+  If I had a big kite,
+  With a very short tail,
+  And a very stout cord,--
+  And there came a great gale,--
+
+  I'd hold fast to the string,
+  And away we would fly,
+  I and my kite,
+  Up, up to the sky!
+
+[Illustration: The biggest of birds without any wings. The oldest of
+kingdoms without any kings. GEO. R. HALM.]
+
+
+
+
+Tippie and Jimmie:
+
+[Illustration]
+
+TIPPIE AND JIMMIE.
+
+BY MARY L. FRENCH
+
+
+Tippie and Jimmie had come over to play with Ajax. Tip's whole name is
+Tippecanoe. The boys call him a black and tan, but Bessie calls him a
+darling. He has a little black shining nose that he is always sticking into
+everything, and a little smooth, tapering tail that he is always wagging.
+Jimmie's name is James Stuart; he is a little Maltese kitten, with gentle
+blue eyes, and soft fur that is always ready to be smoothed, and claws that
+are never used where they can hurt, and a purr that is always wound up.
+
+Tippie and Jimmie live together, and eat together, and are the best of
+friends.
+
+Ajax is the kitten that lives next door. He is jet black, excepting a
+little white spot where his cravat should have been tied. And he has a long
+black tail that often waves over his back like a banner. He has large green
+eyes that snap and shine when he plays, and he has just begun to look for
+mice.
+
+One day Tippie and Jimmie came around to the kitchen door of the house
+where Ajax lived, and looked in.
+
+They could not see Ajax, so Jimmie began to climb up the screen door,
+sticking his claws into the holes. He had not climbed far before the lady
+of the house saw him, and she said:
+
+"Here's Jimmie looking for Ajax. Come, Ajax, where are you?"
+
+Ajax was asleep on the lounge, but he jumped up and came running to the
+door, for he comes when he is called, "quicker than any of the other
+children," Mamie says.
+
+He touched noses with Jimmie, and then he took his visitors around to the
+front porch. There, he and Jimmie leaped upon a chair and shook their paws
+at Tippie, who was on the floor. Then Tippie got upon another chair, and
+Ajax ran under it and reached up to play with him.
+
+It really seemed as if they knew how pretty they looked. After a while,
+they all three had a good race up and down, over chairs, under chairs, and
+through chairs. Sometimes Ajax stood on the back of a chair and poked his
+paw at Tippie, and sometimes he ran to the top of a high rocking-chair and
+jumped down to the porch railing. Jimmie was not so venturesome, however.
+
+Soon they grew tired of such play, and then they rushed out-of-doors, and
+down upon the grass. There, Tippie began to tease Jimmie. He pushed him
+over, and stepped upon him, and nosed him, and even bit him gently, till
+Jimmie suddenly cried out, "Meow-ow-ow!"
+
+Ajax had been quietly looking on, with a shade of contempt on his handsome
+countenance; but when he heard that appeal, he rushed at Tippie and pushed
+him away from Jimmie and scratched him, and chased him from one end of the
+yard to the other, two or three times.
+
+When they stopped to rest after their run, Ajax settled himself comfortably
+on the grass, perfectly quiet, except for the tip of his tail, which moved
+just a little. Tippie watched that tail with longing. He danced around and
+around Ajax. He pranced forward and skipped back, and practiced all his
+dancing-steps, before he dared touch it. At last he boldly rushed upon it,
+and a moment later Ajax held him fast around the neck, and with heads close
+together, and smothered growls of happiness, the cat and the dog were
+rolling over and over. Then, they suddenly let go, and stood half a foot
+apart, glaring at each other for a second, before they rushed together
+again, and went through the whole frolic once more.
+
+Mamie and Herbert had seen it all while building ships, in the side yard,
+and as they watched the grand closing scene, Herbert, in the tone of an
+oracle, announced,
+
+The Moral:
+
+"It is good to be good-natured, but bad to be imposed upon."
+
+
+
+
+NUMBER ONE.
+
+BY CHARLES R. TALBOT.
+
+
+  "I tell you," said Robbie, eating his peach,
+    And giving his sister none,
+  "I believe in the good old saying that each
+    Should look out for Number One."
+
+  "Why, yes," answered Katie, wise little elf,
+    "But the counting should be begun
+  With the _other one_ instead of yourself,--
+    And _he_ should be Number One."
+
+    VOL. XIII.--45.
+
+
+
+
+AMUSING THE BABY.
+
+BY EVA LOVETT CARSON.
+
+
+  A sudden tumult arose one day,
+    In the nursery overhead.
+  'T was like wild horses a-galloping there,
+    Or a whole procession led.
+  Nursie, with face of terror,
+    Deserted her cup of tea,
+  And rushed up the stair, in a state of despair,
+    To see what the noise might be.
+
+  She found in the room three Zulu chiefs
+    Prancing across the floor.
+  Their faces beamed, as they danced and screamed,
+    And their arms waved more and more.
+  In a corner sat Ted, the baby,
+    Silent and pale with fright:
+  "We're amusing the baby--Oh, Nurse, come and see!"
+    Cried the Zulus in great delight.
+
+  "Oh, horrors!" cried Nursie in anger,
+    Rushing to poor little Ted.
+  "To go on that way, such ri_dic_-u-lous play!--
+    'T will put the child out of his head!"
+  --With expressions of injured goodness,
+    Stood Dudley, and Gordon, and Fred,
+  "Why, Nursie, how mean!--We should think you'd have seen,
+    We're amusing the baby!" they said.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE BROWNIES IN THE MENAGERIE.
+
+BY PALMER COX.
+
+
+  The Brownies heard the news with glee,
+  That in a city near the sea
+  A spacious building was designed
+  For holding beasts of every kind.
+  From polar snows, from desert sand,
+  From mountain peak, and timbered land,
+  The beasts with claw and beasts with hoof,
+  All met beneath one slated roof.
+  That night, like bees before the wind,
+  With home in sight, and storm behind,
+  The band of Brownies might be seen,
+  All scudding from the forest green.
+
+  Less time it took the walls to scale
+  Than is required to tell the tale.
+  The art that makes the lock seem weak,
+  The bolt to slide, the hinge to creak,
+  Was theirs to use as heretofore,
+  With good effect, on sash and door;
+  And soon the band stood face to face
+  With all the wonders of the place.
+
+  To Brownies, as to children dear,
+  The monkey seemed a creature queer;
+  They watched its skill to climb and cling,
+  By either toe or tail to swing;
+  Perhaps they got some hints that might
+  Come well in hand some future night,
+  When climbing up a wall or tree,
+  Or chimney, as the case might be.
+
+  Then off to other parts they'd range
+  To gather 'round some creature strange;
+  To watch the movements of the bear,
+  Or at the spotted serpents stare.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  The mammoth turtle from its pen
+  Was driven 'round and 'round again,
+  And though the coach proved rather slow
+  They kept it hours upon the go.
+
+  Said one, "Before your face and eyes
+  I'll take that snake from where it lies,
+  And like a Hindoo of the East,
+  Benumb and charm the crawling beast,
+  Then twist him 'round me on the spot
+  And tie him in a sailor's knot."
+
+  Another then was quick to shout,
+  "We'll leave that snake performance out!
+  I grant you all the power you claim
+  To charm, to tie, to twist and tame;
+  But let me still suggest you try
+  Your art when no one else is nigh.
+  Of all the beasts that creep or crawl
+  From Rupert's Land to China's wall,
+  In torrid, mild, or frigid zone,
+  The snake is best to let alone."
+
+  Against this counsel, seeming good,
+  At least a score of others stood.
+  Said one, "My friend, suppress alarm.
+  There's nothing here to threaten harm.
+  Be sure the power that mortals hold
+  Is not denied the Brownies bold."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  So from the nest, without ado,
+  A bunch of serpents soon they drew.
+  And harmlessly as silken bands
+  The snakes were twisted in their hands.
+  Some hauled them freely 'round the place;
+  Some braided others in a trace;
+  And every knot to sailors known,
+  Was quickly tied, and quickly shown.
+  Thus 'round from cage to cage they went,
+  For some to smile, and some comment
+  On Nature's way of dealing out
+  To this a tail, to that a snout
+  Of extra length, and then deny
+  To something else a fair supply.
+
+  Around the sleeping lion long
+  They stood an interested throng,
+  Debating o'er its strength of limb,
+  Its heavy mane or visage grim.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  But when the bear and tiger growled,
+  And wolf and lynx in chorus howled,
+  And starting from its broken sleep,
+  The monarch rose with sudden leap,
+  And, bounding round the rocking cage,
+  With lifted mane, it roared with rage,
+  And thrust its paws between the bars,
+  Until it seemed to shake the stars,
+  A panic seized the Brownies all,
+  And out they scampered from the hall,
+  As if they feared incautious men
+  Had built too frail a prison pen;
+  And though the way was long and wild,
+  With obstacles before them piled,
+  They never halted in their run
+  Until the forest shade they won.
+
+
+
+
+A LETTER FROM A LITTLE BOY.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I want to tell little boys and girls about my two pets.
+One is a hen. She lives all alone, and leaves her coop every night, and
+goes in the barn, and flies up on old Jim's back, and sleeps there all
+night. Old Jim is a horse. Old Jim has a blanket for cold nights. It is an
+old one, and there is a hole in it on the top, and the old hen walks all
+around till she finds that hole, and puts her feet in there where it is
+warm, and there we find her every morning.
+
+My other funny pet is an old cat, named Catharine. She has only three feet,
+but I liked her just as well as I ever did, till last summer, when one
+morning we found the bird-cage door pushed in, and the bird was gone. We
+have another cat. We don't know but the bird flew away; but who pushed the
+door in? I don't like any cats so well now. Your friend,
+
+                                                           RALPH.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS:
+
+  A sadder tale I never heard!
+  Just think of that poor little bird!
+  Ralph's bird was killed,--I say so, flat,--
+  By that three-footed sly old cat!
+  Now, I'm a gentlemanly pup,
+  And I say cats should be locked up.
+  For every time I walk the street,
+  A crowd of cats I'm sure to meet.
+  They rumple up my smooth, clean coat,
+  They spoil my collar, scratch my throat,
+  They rush and push, and tease and whirl,
+  And pull my ears all out of curl.--
+  There's nothing on four legs as rude
+  As cats and kittens are.
+
+    Yours,
+
+        "DUDE."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT.
+
+
+DEAR JACK-IN-THE-PULPET
+
+  If I drum in the house,
+  "Oh, what a noise you make!"
+  Sighs Mamma. "Baby'll wake!"
+         If in the garden green
+         I drum, our Bridget cries:
+         "Ye'll mak' me spile the pies
+         And cakes! I can not think!
+         That droom destroys me wit!
+         Be off, me b'y,--or quit!"
+  If I drum in the street,
+  Out comes Miss Peters, quick,
+  And says her ma is sick;
+  Or Doctor Daniel Brown
+  Calls from his window: "Bub,
+  That dreadful rub-a-dub
+  Confuses my ideas.
+  My sermon is not done.
+  Run on, my little son!"
+
+         The creeps crawl up my back
+         When I am still, and oh,
+         Nobody seems to know
+         How very tired I get
+         Without some sort of noise,
+         Such as a boy enjoys!
+
+  Last summer, on the farm,
+  I used to jump and shout,
+  For Grandpa Osterhout
+  And Grandma both are deaf.
+  But soon some neighbors came
+  And said it was a shame,
+  The way I scared them all.
+  They called my shouts "wild yells,"
+  And asked if I had "spells"
+  Or "fits, or anything."
+           You see, grown people all
+           Forget they once were small.
+
+         Now, isn't there one place
+         Where "wriggley" tired boys
+         Can make a stunning noise
+         And play wild Injun-chief,
+         And Independence-day,
+         And not be sent away?
+  Or was that place left out?
+    Dear Jack, please tell me true;
+    I've confidence in you.
+
+            Your friend without end,
+
+                                   TOMMY.
+
+This is a very touching epistle, my hearers, and Tommy has my hearty
+sympathy. There must be such a place as he is looking for, though the
+Deacon says that in the course of a long life he has never happened upon
+the exact locality. According to the Little School-ma'am, too, it is not
+described in any of the geographies; but she says that, for the sake of all
+concerned, it is very desirable that the missing paradise of little drummer
+boys should be discovered;--to which the Deacon adds, "Perhaps that's why
+the grown folk wish to find the North Pole."
+
+While we are upon this subject, here is a letter describing some tiny
+drummers that make almost as much noise as patriotic youngsters, and do
+quite as much mischief. To his credit, however, it must be said that this
+other small musician only makes his appearance as a drummer once in
+seventeen years. Is he bent on setting an example, I wonder? He is called
+
+
+THE SEVENTEEN-YEAR LOCUST.
+
+DEAR JACK: The seventeen-year locust isn't a locust at all. This may seem a
+strange thing to say, but it is true, nevertheless. The locust looks very
+much like a grasshopper, while the seventeen-year cicada, which is the
+insect's proper name, looks a great deal more like a gigantic fly than
+anything else.
+
+There is a cicada which comes every year, and is also wrongly called a
+locust. Anybody who has been in the country about harvest-time has heard
+the shrill noise made by this cicada and probably has come upon his
+cast-off shell sticking to a fence-rail or a tree-trunk.
+
+The seventeen-year cicada is a cousin of the one-year chap; though, as he
+comes only once in every seventeen years, he is probably only a far-away
+cousin. Fancy spending the best part of your life prowling about in the
+darkness underground and then coming up into the sunlight with a gorgeous
+pair of wings, only to die in a short time!
+
+That is what the seventeen-year cicada does. In the very first place, it is
+an egg which its mother deposits in a tiny hole in a twig. In a few weeks
+it makes its way out of the egg and drops to the ground, into which it
+burrows, and in which it remains for nearly seventeen years before it is
+prepared for life above ground.
+
+When, at last, it is ready for the bright sunlight, it may be one foot from
+the surface or it may be ten feet deep in the ground. In either case it
+begins to dig upward until it finds its way out, when it climbs up the
+nearest tree and fastens itself by its sharp claws to a leaf or twig. There
+it waits until its back splits open, and behold! it immediately crawls out
+of itself, so to speak.
+
+The new insect is a soft, dull fellow at first, but he grows as if he had
+been storing up energy for seventeen years for just that one purpose.
+Within an hour, two pairs of most beautiful wings have grown, and in a few
+hours more it has become hard and active.
+
+The female cicadas are quiet enough, but the males are as noisy as so many
+little boys with new drums. Indeed, they do have drums themselves. Just
+under their wings are drums made of shiny membrane as beautiful as white
+silk, and these are kept rattling almost all the time.
+
+One cicada can make noise enough; but imagine the din of millions of them
+all going at the same time. It sounds as if all the frogs in the country
+had come together to try to drown the noise of a saw-mill. Now it is the
+saw-mill you hear, and now the frogs.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+It sounds like a big story to say millions, but if you could go into the
+woods where they are, you might be willing to say billions. I have counted
+over a thousand cast-off shells on one small tree, and on one birch leaf I
+have seen twelve shells. And the earth in some places is like a sieve from
+the holes made by the cicadas as they came out.
+
+But within a few weeks from the insects' first appearance their eggs have
+been laid and the cicadas have all died. A great many of them are eaten by
+the birds and chickens, but most of them simply can not live any longer.
+
+    Yours truly,
+
+            JOHN R. CORVELL
+
+
+"THE GREAT LUBBER LOCUST."
+
+As it appears from Mr. Coryell's letter that the seventeen-year cicada is
+only an imitation locust, I shall give you a portrait of another member of
+the family who is, perhaps, more nearly related to the insect he is named
+after. At all events, he is certainly more like a grasshopper than is the
+seventeen-year cicada. The grasshopper that lives in this part of the world
+is a fine fellow to hop, as you know, but he always lights on his feet, and
+looks as composed and as much at his ease as if he had walked to the spot
+in the most dignified manner.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Well, now look at this picture! See one absurd fellow lying on his back and
+pawing the air with all his long legs, and another, like a circus clown,
+standing on his own foolish green head. Would you think these awkward and
+ridiculous creatures bore any relationship to the grave little hoppers who
+gently alight on your clothes as you run through the grass, stop a moment
+to stare at you with their great goggle eyes, and then take leave without
+saying "good-morning"?
+
+He is no less than a cousin, I assure you, from the Far West, the great
+plains where few beasts, birds, or insects can find enough to live upon.
+This fellow does not suffer for food; he is the biggest of his family in
+America, and his curious performances have brought him several names. By
+some people he is called "the clumsy grasshopper," and by others he is
+dubbed "the great lubber locust," while by the scientific men, as usual, he
+has been given a long Latin name. Of course, you will be so eager to know
+it that you will wish to find it out for yourselves!
+
+
+THE DOG AND THE QUEER GRASSHOPPERS.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+By the way, a story is told of a dog that was fond of snapping up
+grasshoppers, and eating them. In one of his journeys with his master, he
+chanced to fall among those queer grasshoppers--the lubber locusts. As he
+ran along through the grass, his feet started up hundreds of the clumsy
+fellows, and, in trying to jump out of his way, they came down in groups
+upon him, as you see in the picture. Some stood on their heads upon his
+back; others turned somersaults over his ears, and a few struck him full in
+the face. Besides being impertinent they were very large, each two or three
+times the size and weight of one of our modest little hoppers. So poor Tom
+was first annoyed, and then scared. One or two, or even half a dozen, he
+could eat up or drive away, but a hundred were too many, and at last Tom
+dropped his head and tail and ran for his life, while his master scolded,
+and his master's friend laughed at the droll sight of a big dog running
+away from grasshoppers.
+
+
+
+
+THE LETTER-BOX.
+
+Contributors are respectfully informed that, between the 1st of June and
+the 15th of September, manuscripts can not conveniently be examined at the
+office of ST. NICHOLAS. Consequently, those who desire to favor
+the magazine with contributions will please postpone sending their MSS.
+until after the last-named date.
+
+
+If C. F. H. will send us her address, we shall gladly forward to her a
+number of letters sent us by readers of ST. NICHOLAS, in answer to
+her query.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                               LA CRESCENT.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: While reading in the November number of ST. NICHOLAS
+about "Our Joe," I thought some of the ST. NICHOLAS readers would be
+interested in hearing about _our_ Joe. _Our_ Joe is a Broncho pony that
+belonged to Rain-in-the-face, a chief in one of Sitting Bull's bands. When
+the ponies were taken and driven down in a drove, Our Joe got loose from
+the others and was caught somewhere near here. His name was Joe, but when
+Papa brought him home and we saw how little he was, we called him Little
+Joe, and when we rode him he went so easy we named him Little Joe Dandy.
+
+We have a little red cart we call the dump, to drive him in. He is such a
+funny little fellow that everybody has to take a second look at him. I am
+five feet tall, and his shoulders are not quite as high as mine; his hair
+in winter is as thick and long as a buffalo's; his tail touches the ground,
+and his mane hangs far down on his shoulders, and is always stuck full of
+burrs in summer. His color is iron-gray, if it's anything, but it's hard to
+tell what color he is. I had my picture taken on horseback, and he looks as
+if he was about ready to fall asleep, but he has life in him if he takes a
+notion to go! He is mean to the boys. He picked my brother up by the
+shoulder and shook him, and one day he kicked Papa.
+
+There was a pair of them--Our Joe and a Little Buckskin. The Buckskin would
+bunt his head against Joe, as a signal to go, and then they would make
+things fly! Every one who knew the pony before we got him says he was so
+ugly, it was dangerous to go around him; but he is the kindest little
+fellow to us. If I go out in the pasture where he is, he will follow me
+everywhere I go. We think the world of him. Hoping my letter is not too
+long, I remain,
+
+                                          our constant reader,        H. C.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                                   CHICAGO.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I live in Chicago, where the boys play marbles almost
+all the time in the spring. I am a fairly good player. I have six hundred
+and four. I hope the boys who read ST. NICHOLAS will try to get as many
+marbles.
+
+                                            Yours truly,        CHESHIRE S.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                            CITY OF MEXICO.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am a little girl seven years old, and live alone with
+my father, who is a Baptist missionary. I have a mother, and little
+brother, and two sisters, living in the States.
+
+I have learned to spell the names of three places that I can see from our
+roof. They are Chapultepec, and Popocatepetl, and Ixiaccihuatl.
+
+There are lots of strange things here. We never slide downhill here,
+because there is no snow. I like ST. NICHOLAS, especially the "Brownies."
+
+                                                                  EDWINA S.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                              B----A, N. J.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: In looking over our old ST. NICHOLASES we found, in the
+January number for 1882, a piece entitled, "Puppets and Puppet Shows," and
+as it struck our fancy, we agreed to try it. After several attempts, we
+succeeded in obtaining very good figures. With a little ingenuity and the
+plans of three busy brains, we arranged an excellent screen and scenery;
+then, with two of us to work and one to read, the puppets were set in
+motion. Our audience, though not large, was an appreciative one, and the
+show was a grand success. The puppets were carefully placed in a box, and
+will be kept for another entertainment.
+
+Last summer we girls made a twine house in our orchard. A couple of cows
+strayed in one afternoon and ran through the house, and the chickens dug up
+a number of the morning-glories; but, in spite of these obstacles, a great
+many happy hours were spent in the house.
+
+We wait impatiently from one month to another for your pleasant magazine,
+and we remain,
+
+                   Your interested readers,
+                                                           "PUSS-IN-BOOTS,"
+                                                           "CARABAS,"
+                                                           "CORSANDO."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CAMILLA VAN KLEECK: The article you wish is entitled "Lady Bertha," and was
+printed in ST. NICHOLAS for December, 1880.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                              EASTON, MASS.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: This is the first year I have ever taken you and the
+first year I have ever lived on a farm. I enjoy reading your stories and
+enjoy living on a farm. When I lived in the city I could not have as many
+pets as I can out here. Neither should I have had you. You are sent us
+through the kindness of a Mr. Ames, to whom I should like to extend my
+thanks through your columns. I also wish to thank you for making your pages
+so interesting to us boys and girls. Yours truly,
+
+                                                                   W. S. B.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                                 ST. LOUIS.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I have taken the ST. NICHOLAS for three years, and I
+like it very much. I take it for my little sister now, but always read it
+first myself, and enjoy it very much, and so does my little sister. I send
+it to her by mail after I am through with it.
+
+I have been making my own living for five years, and I do not get much time
+to read. I almost always read the ST. NICHOLAS going and coming from work,
+as I have to take the street-car.
+
+Seven years ago, I came from Sweden and could not speak a word of English,
+but now everybody takes me for an American.
+
+There is some splendid coasting and skating in Sweden, but I do not think
+the young people here would enjoy going to boarding-school there; at least,
+not the one I went to. They are very strict. For instance, once when I did
+not know my lesson, I had to stay up until 12 o'clock that night and study
+it by moonlight, without having had a bit of supper; and the next morning,
+instead of my breakfast, I had to stand in the center of the dining-room
+and watch the others eat. I intend to write a story when I get older, and
+relate my experience there.
+
+I should feel very proud if you would print this letter, as it is the first
+one I have written to you.
+
+                              Yours truly,                              JO.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MAY BRIDGES: The address which you desire is "The Art Interchange, 37 West
+22d street, New York City, N. Y."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                            MCGREGOR, IOWA.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I live about a mile from the "Great Father of Waters." I
+can not see the river from my home, but as I go to school in McGregor I can
+see it every day.
+
+McGregor is a small town of about 2000 inhabitants. It is nestled in among
+the hills, and some people think it a very pretty place; indeed, some think
+it ought to be a summer resort.
+
+About a mile and a half from here is the highest bluff on the Mississippi,
+called Pike's Peak. I suppose it is named after the famous Pike's Peak in
+Colorado. From it there is a very lovely view. We can see the mouth of the
+Wisconsin River, the State of Wisconsin, and a great distance up and down
+the Mississippi. The river is full of islands near here. Believe me your
+loving reader,
+
+                                                               BESSIE B. L.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+L. M.: You can obtain the information you wish, by referring to article
+"Iamblichus" in Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and
+Mythology.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                        FREDERICKSBURG, VA.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: This is the second year we have taken you; at least, the
+second year since I can remember. We took you some years ago, and then
+stopped, and started again two years ago. When Papa told us each to vote
+for which paper we wanted last year, I think we all voted for you, and take
+you again this year. I look forward to your coming with delight. I must
+confess I am selfish about it, for I always try to get you first.
+
+This is a quiet old town, with beautiful scenery all around it. There are
+no mountains, but it lies between two high hills, in a little valley.
+Washington used to live here, and his house is only a square from ours.
+Mary Washington's monument is quite near, and we often go there. I have
+often climbed the heights where the battle of Fredericksburg was fought. It
+overlooks the quiet little town, peacefully slumbering, and it is hard to
+realize that once the shells and balls were flying across it from hill to
+hill. I have lived most of my life here, and I think it the nicest place in
+the world. I fear I have tired you with my long letter. So now, good-bye,
+dear old ST. NICHOLAS. I look forward already to your next coming. I
+remain, your devoted reader,
+
+                                                                  CARRIE B.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                           FORT SILL, I. T.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I have a brother who is nearly seventeen years old. He
+had the first number of ST. NICHOLAS, and we have taken it most of the time
+ever since. I have a year's subscription for my birthday. I am always glad
+when the time comes for you.
+
+                                              Your reader,      SARAH B. H.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                    NORTH LEOMINSTER, MASS.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am a little girl eleven years old, and take your
+magazine. I am deeply interested in "Little Lord Fauntleroy" and "George
+Washington," and hope they will be continued for a long time. I have a
+number of pets; among them are nine cats, which I like better than all the
+others. One is very large; he weighs eleven and a half pounds. He stays in
+the house 'most all the time. His name is Toddlekins, and he goes to bed
+with my brother every night. We live on a farm, and keep five horses. In
+summer we go to ride almost every day. I have a pair of wooden horses,
+which I will describe to you, as it may interest some of your little
+readers. You take a keg and bore four holes in the side of it, and then
+take short round handles and put four of them into the holes. Then take two
+shingles and drive them into one end of the keg (for a neck); then take
+another shingle and cut to the shape of a horse's head, and put it between
+the two shingles that have been driven on to the top of the keg; then put a
+feather duster in the other end, and you have a horse complete; when done,
+they are comical-looking enough. I like to read the letters in the
+Letter-box. I hope you will print my letter, as I have not written one
+before.
+
+                                      Your interested reader,      M. C. B.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+                OUR PRESIDENTS.
+
+               BY G. MACLOSKEE.
+
+    _A help for memorizing United States History_.
+
+  FATHER WASHINGTON left us united and free,
+  And John Adams repelled French aggression at sea;
+  Boundless Louisiana was Jefferson's crown,
+  And when Madison's war-ships won lasting renown,
+  And the steam-boat was launched, then Monroe gave the world
+  His new doctrine; and Quincy his banner unfurled
+  For protection. Then Jackson, with railways and spoils,
+  Left Van Buren huge bankruptcies, panics, and broils.
+  Losing Harrison, Tyler by telegraph spoke;
+  And the Mexican war brought accessions to Polk.
+  Taylor lived not to wear the reward of ambition,
+  And Fillmore's sad slave-law stirred up abolition;
+  So, compromise failing, Pierce witnessed the throes
+  Of the trouble in Kansas. Secession arose
+  Through the halting Buchanan. But Lincoln was sent
+  To extinguish rebellion. Then some years were spent
+  Reconstructing by Johnson. Grant lessened our debt;
+  Hayes resumed specie-payments; and Garfield was set
+  On Reform, which, as Arthur soon found, came to stay.
+  Now for President Cleveland good citizens pray.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GREENVILLE, S. C.
+
+MY DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I have been a subscriber to your charming magazine
+for over three years, and have never yet read a letter dated Greenville, S.
+C., so thought I would write to you from that place. Greenville is a city
+in the upper part of South Carolina. It is divided into two parts by a
+small river which runs through it, and on which are several cotton-mills.
+It is about thirty miles from Caesar's Head, a mountain said to bear a
+striking resemblance to a profile view of the human face. It used to be a
+stopping-point for travelers on their way to Greenville. During the very
+severe weather last winter, we thought that our town, instead of being
+called Greenville, should be named after some snowy berg of Greenland.
+
+It seems to be the custom of your correspondents to give their ages and a
+minute description of their occupation, so I will follow. I am fourteen
+years old, and have never been to school a day in my life, my mother having
+always taught me at home until this year, when I have a tutor for Algebra
+and Latin. I continue the study of French with my mother, using Fasquelle's
+Grammar and reading a pretty story called "Le Petit Robinson de Paris,"
+besides having lessons in English composition, geography, history,
+declamation, music, and drawing.
+
+I am a lineal descendant, being a great-great-granddaughter, of "The Martyr
+of the Revolution," as he is sometimes called, Colonel Isaac Hayne, who was
+hanged by the British, and of whose execution at Charlestown a very
+interesting account is given by Ramsay, in his "History of South Carolina."
+My grandmother had a lock of Colonel Hayne's hair. It was a beautiful
+chestnut color, and had a slight wave through it. I am also a cousin of the
+poet, Paul Hayne.
+
+I like all the stories in ST. NICHOLAS, but my favorite is "Little Lord
+Fauntleroy," who seems to be a second Paul Dombey, with his quaint,
+old-fashioned sayings. I hope he will not die shut up in the gloomy castle,
+with his cross old grandfather, away from the companionship of "Dearest."
+
+With best wishes for the welfare of your delightful magazine, I remain,
+
+                                    Your devoted reader,      MARGUERITE H.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+THE TWO TOADS.
+
+  TWO TOADS went out to take a walk,
+  And being old friends they had a long talk.
+
+  Said one to the other, "A leaf I see.
+  Will you be so kind as to bring it to me?"
+
+  "Of course!" said the other. "Let's build us a house,
+  And have for a pony a little gray mouse."
+
+  "Yes," said the other, "and a carriage too,
+  Of a nice red tulip, which I'll bring to you."
+
+  They built them the carriage and harnessed the mouse,
+  And drove to the mill-pond to build them a house.
+
+  They built them a house very near to the mill,
+  And if they're not dead, they are living there still.
+
+                          MABEL WILDER (9 years old).
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We print this little letter just as it came to us.
+
+                                                            ESCANABA, MICH.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I like you very much. since we have been taking you we
+got some ginney pigs they are quite cute.
+
+                                             GENIE A. LONGLEY (aged eight).
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A young friend sends us this drawing, which he calls:
+
+[Illustration: A FOURTH OF JULY TRAGEDY.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                           SOUTH FRONT ST., HARRISBURG, PA.
+
+EDITOR ST. NICHOLAS: I thought that perhaps the following-description of a
+sort of kaleidoscope would be of service to your magazine, for the
+entertainment of your young readers, on a rainy evening:
+
+Have the room brilliantly lighted, then raise the lid of a square piano
+just as if for a player, but, instead of resting it on the surface of the
+piano itself, let it rest upon two or three large books placed on the top
+of the piano, so as to form at the front, where the hinges are, an angle of
+sixty degrees. Cover the open side of the triangle thus formed with a thick
+cover, which should extend also over the crack caused by the hinges of the
+lid. Thus you will have a hollow, triangular prism, the length of the
+piano, open at both ends. Polish well with a silk duster the inside of one
+end of this triangular prism; hold pieces of crazy patchwork, or long
+pieces of silk ribbon,--the more variegated and brilliant the colors the
+better,--in a large hanging bunch, and shake gently about two inches in
+front of the polished end toward the angle of the front, while the
+spectator looks through the opposite end of the kaleidoscope. A watch,
+chain, or looking-glass among the ribbons makes a pleasing variety.
+
+                   Yours very respectfully,
+
+                                                              MARY J. KNOX.
+
+P. S. The lid on the top of an upright piano may also form a kaleidoscope
+in the same way, but smaller.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+                                                        PHILADELPHIA, PENN.
+
+DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am one of the many little folk who have listened to
+readings from your pages all my life. I am too small to write you a letter
+all myself, so Mamma will write it, for I wish to tell you about our salt
+crystals. You remember you told us how to make them, in your number for
+July, 1884. Mamma and I each started one, and every one thinks they are
+great curiosities. Papa photographed them so that you could see them also.
+The large one belongs to Mamma, and the small one is mine; they are about
+five months old. We have ceased adding salt and water, and have them under
+a glass shade, one resting on the other, and they make a very pretty
+ornament. Every time we stop to admire them we smack our lips and think how
+well-seasoned the ST. NICHOLAS always is.
+
+We receive our ST. NICHOLAS on the 25th of each month, and, dear Editor,
+you may always know that on that night there is a little hand resting under
+a pillow, holding tightly your enjoyable book waiting for the morn to dawn.
+
+                                          Lovingly yours,      HAROLD H. T.
+
+[Illustration: THE SALT TUMBLERS.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We thank the young friends whose names here follow for pleasant letters
+received from them: J. G. F., Bettie M. K., Gussie and Nannie M., Edith
+Norris, Harold K. Palmer, J. E. P., Eleanor D. Olney, Daisy B. Holladay,
+Nan E. Parrott, Elizabeth P., May E. Waldo, Alma and Estelle, Irene B. D.,
+H. Olina Herring, Carrie L. Walker, Hattie Homer, Florence Halsted, Fay and
+Fan, Clara E. Longworth, May M. Boyd, Annie G. Barnard, Katie E. G., Alice
+Butterfield, Mabel P., E. C., James H. Saycock, E. Converse, Abe M. B., P.
+C. Brittain, L. H. E., May M. Boyd, Marie Clark, Morris Miner, Jo and Flo
+Overstreet, Roy C. Chambers, May Barton, Bessie Heath, Lawrence E. Horton,
+Charles R. Van Horn, Albertie G. Russell, S. M. K., Henry H. Townshend,
+Edith S. C., Blanche Sloat, Sadie Nichols, Jesse L. Pusey, Bessie Lenhart,
+John N. Force, Madge C. DeW., E. A. Burnham, "Sammy," A. G. K., Fannie B.
+S., Emily T. H., John R. P., Jr., Tommy Bangs, Florence, Julia McC.,
+Brenda, Harry M. M., Gertie E. Kendall, H. E. H., A. K. E., Anna E.
+Roelker, M. H. N., "Katie," Etta A. Harper, May S., Tillie Lutz, W. P.
+Haslett, Charles L., Charlie P. Storrs, Maurice S. S., May, Freddie M.,
+Florence M. Wilcox, Ida R. G., Louis R. E., Bertha, Muriel C. Gere, Ralph
+M. Fletcher, Bertha B., Ella O., C. H. Pease, Alice W. Brown, Clara L.,
+Arthur F. Hudson, Katie, Thomas H. King, Jr., Mary L. Mayo, O. P., Carrie
+L. Moulthrop, Alice Dickey, M. Eva T., Daisy W., Marie G. Hinkley, Agatha
+Montie Duncan, Agnes S. Barker, Samuel S. Watson, Madaleine C. Selby,
+Hattie A. Taber, Cecelia R. G., Belle Sudduth, Johnnie E. Shaw, Inez B.
+Fletcher, Eva, Ferrars J., C. P, Hermann Thomas, Annie and Margaret,
+Edmonia Powers, Alice M. B., D. and A., Anna A. H., Lizzie Kellogg, Louis
+J. Hall, Charles H. Webster, C. L. Wright, Jr., Merrick R. Baldwin, Eleanor
+Hobson, Lottie A. D., John Moore, Harold Smith, C. W. F., L. Hazeltine, A.
+C. Crosby, Mabel L., May J., Grace Plummer, Alice Dodge, Bessie K. S., Ella
+Bisell, Irma St. John, Irene Lasier, F. L. Waldo, Ruth Morse, Maude G.
+Barnum, Bertha M. Crane, Aggie Drain, Roy Gray Bevan, John W. Wainwright,
+Edith, Ella L. Bridges, Bessie Rhodes, Floy G., C. A. G., L. O. C., Mary S.
+Collar, Pearl Reynolds, Evelyn Auerbach, Mabel E. D., Grace Fleming, Eddie
+Persinger, Charlie B., Lillie Story, Maude B., Mary M. Steele, Doris Hay,
+Gussie Moley, Ethel W. F., Arthur, Mary Springer, Marion M. Tooker, Mary F.
+K., Lizzie E. Crowell, Josie W. Pennypacker, Bertie Barse, Nellie B., J. W.
+L., Maude Cullen, Daisy C. Baker, Esther S. Barnard, Blanche M. C., Aurelia
+M. Snider, Howard E. T., Bacon, Hildegarde G., Kittie L. Norris, Nellie L.
+Howes, Leverette Early, Virginia Beall, Henry W. Bellows, Bissell Currie,
+Violet Quinn, Mamie Sage, Belle C. Hill, Alvah and Arden Rockwood, Lillian
+Miln, Adele Yates, Lillie S. E., Ollie C., Maggie Wispert.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The Agassiz Association. SIXTY-THIRD REPORT.]
+
+
+A COURSE OF OBSERVATIONS ON TREES.
+
+The United States Government, through the Forestry Division of the
+Agricultural Department, solicits the assistance of volunteer observers
+belonging to the Agassiz Association. The chief of the Division of
+Forestry, in consultation with the President of the A. A., is preparing a
+special "schedule of phenological observations" for the A. A. This is a
+very simple series of questions, in spite of its long name. One object of
+this series of observations is to determine the effect of climate upon the
+growth of plants. Among the facts to be noted are the dates of the
+appearance of first leaf, first flower, and first fruit. Nothing is
+required that can not be accurately and easily done by an intelligent boy
+or girl of twelve years of age. It is earnestly desired by the Department
+that as many as possible of our members undertake this work, in the
+interest of science, and for the practical results of the information
+sought.
+
+All who are willing to try, will kindly send their addresses, at once, to
+"The Chief of the Division of Forestry, Department of Agriculture,
+Washington, D. C."
+
+The complete schedule of observations desired will then be sent to them,
+and they can begin at once.
+
+
+THE IOWA CONVENTION.
+
+The following programme has been prepared for our next General Convention
+to be held at Davenport, Iowa, in August:
+
+WEDNESDAY, August 25:--9 A.M. Reception of the National delegates, and
+visit to the Academy of Sciences.--2 P.M. Opening of Convention, 1. Prayer.
+2. Address of welcome by Senator James Wilson of Iowa. 3. Response by the
+President of the A. A. 4. Reading of papers.--7 P.M. Reception and banquet,
+with toasts and responses.
+
+THURSDAY, August 26:--9 A.M. 1. Question Box. 2. Visit to the Government
+Island.--2 P.M. 1. Working Session. 2. Address by the President of the A.
+A.--7 P.M. Lecture, by Prof. T. H. McBride, of the Iowa State University.
+
+FRIDAY, August 27:--Steam-boat excursion down the Mississippi.
+
+
+PROF. CROSBY'S CLASS IN MINERALOGY.
+
+                                                              BOSTON, MASS.
+
+The class now includes 122 _bona fide_ correspondents. The great majority
+have very greatly and agreeably surprised me by the excellence of their
+work. I have been especially delighted by the success of the chemical
+experiments. I was in doubt at first as to the propriety of introducing
+these; but I should never hesitate again. The success of the class is so
+much beyond my expectations that I am fully reconciled to the time and
+labor it has cost me.
+
+                                                              W. O. CROSBY.
+
+
+HONORABLE MENTION.
+
+MR. PAUL L. SMITH, President of Chapter 653, of La Porte, Ind., goes
+fifty-nine miles, on the first Saturday of every month, to preside at the
+meetings of his Chapter. And yet some doubt whether Natural History can
+awaken the interest of the young!
+
+
+THE A. A. BY THE SEA.
+
+MISS FLORENCE MAY LYON and two associate teachers of the Detroit High
+School, members of Chapter 743, are making arrangements to take a bevy of a
+dozen or twenty young ladies for a summer vacation of six weeks, to the
+charming town of Annisquam, Mass. They propose to teach them in as
+"unbookish and delightful a way as possible about sea-side plants and
+animals." These ladies have had abundant experience, and we wish them the
+greatest success.
+
+
+BIRDS' EGGS.
+
+The destruction of the singing birds of America is a growing and a very
+serious evil. Many ladies wear on their bonnets enough birds to flood a
+grove with melody--if only the birds were not dead and in pieces.
+
+We may make an appeal on this subject to the girls and women of the A. A.,
+at a later date, but just now it is a question of robbing birds' nests.
+This association strictly maintains the scientific ground that when birds'
+eggs are actually _needed_ by a young naturalist, as a means of
+identification or of practical knowledge, it is justifiable to take them,
+when the law allows. But the collection of eggs as curiosities, and the
+wholesale robbery of nests for purposes of sale or exchange, is a wanton
+destruction wholly unworthy of any earnest student of nature.
+
+In view of the impossibility of discriminating between the two classes of
+collectors, we shall hereafter decline to publish in ST. NICHOLAS, any
+requests for the sale, purchase, or exchange of the eggs of singing or game
+birds.
+
+_We shall notice, as formerly, eggs of the Penguin, eagle, crow, and
+ostrich._
+
+
+DELAYED CHAPTER REPORTS.
+
+60, _Pigeon Cove, Mass._ We have not lost a member from our books since you
+first enrolled us, and although at present we are all so occupied by our
+daily work that we can not hold regular meetings, we all look forward to
+the time when we shall be able to begin again.--Charles H. Andrews.
+
+150, _Flushing, L. I._ Our Chapter has not been very active during the past
+year, but I hope in the near future to build up a lively Chapter. Father
+and Mother will help me.--Frances M. L. Heaton, Sec.
+
+189, _W. Medford, Mass._ The Chapter is still in existence, and is holding
+meetings every week.--Daisy G. Dame, Sec.
+
+257, _Plantsville, Conn._ We have been very successful; meetings full of
+interest and well attended. Our last paper on "Crystals" was by E. N.
+Walkley, who illustrated the subject by plaster casts. We have a good male
+quartet in our Chapter; also gentlemen who play on the violin, flute,
+piano, and 'cello, so we can have a good time if we want it, at any
+meeting.
+
+We have just papered, painted, and whitewashed our room, and intend to give
+an entertainment to procure funds to buy a new carpet (_Bravo!_)--Albert L.
+Ely, Pres.
+
+287, _Ottawa, Ill._ Our members are scattered, some in college, most of the
+others going soon; but we do not wish to be counted out of that society
+from which we have received so much pleasure and profit.--Edgar Eldredge,
+Sec.
+
+331, _New Orleans, La._ This Chapter has passed through severe trials,
+being sustained at one time by only two earnest members, but it is now
+triumphantly successful. It is unique in that it has for its president a
+gentleman, Mr. P. M. Hoit, who lives in Santa Barbara, California, more
+than fifteen hundred miles away from the Chapter. He sends plans of work,
+rules of order, by-laws, etc., and really governs the Chapter, with which
+he first became acquainted through a letter asking about exchanges. The
+Chapter has over 600 specimens.--Percy S. Benedict, Sec.
+
+350, _Los Angeles, Cal._ The children never tire of going to the beach, and
+a trip to the mountains is another favorite excursion. Our cabinets grow,
+and I sometimes fear we shall get crowded out of the house by the "trash"
+that is accumulating!--Mrs. M. F. Bradshaw, Sec.
+
+366, _Webster Groves, Mo._ We have thirteen workers, all active.
+
+We have a collection of 510 specimens, mostly minerals and fossils of our
+own State; a library of 123 volumes; a microscope; and a chemical
+laboratory. We intend to hold an encampment this summer. How do you think
+it would work to have a "Midsummer Night's Dream," on some summer
+evening?--we might have the telescope-man come out from the city, do some
+star-gazing, and have an open-air magic lantern entertainment? (_It would
+work "to a charm"!_)--Edwin R. Allan, Sec.
+
+400, _Fargo, Dakota._ We gave an oyster supper a few weeks ago, and cleared
+$15. Our rooms are in the Masonic Block, and the Masons kindly let us use
+their dishes for the occasion. We have one of the finest rooms for this
+class of work in the Northwest. Our members are taking hold in earnest, and
+it will be a success. We have a fine teacher in Judge Mitchell. Mr.
+Mitchell will be glad to aid any of the western Chapters, if they wish. I
+think for my part there could be more chapters formed in Dakota, if the
+boys and girls would volunteer work earnestly. How many of the Dakota
+Chapters would like to organize the Dakota Assembly of the A. A.? Those in
+favor will please correspond with me.--Frank Brown, Sec.
+
+
+THE FIFTH CENTURY
+
+403, _Newark, N. J._ We have begun to study the mounting of plants and
+leaves. We are going to admit some lady friends to our Chapter, which we
+think will be a great benefit to us.--Chas. Barrows, Sec. Wm. Earle, Pres.
+
+404, _Baraboo, Wis._ We are still working, and our collection is steadily
+growing. One of our boys caught a common painted turtle, I put it into a
+tub with another of the same kind. They soon became so tame that they took
+food from my hand quite readily. One day I fed them as usual, but before
+they finished their meal I emptied the water from the tub, when one of them
+that had a worm in its mouth began to choke and could not swallow. I gave
+the other one, too, but he only took the end of it in his mouth. But as
+soon as I put water enough in for them to cover their heads, they swallowed
+as easily as ever. I tried this several times with the same result. We gave
+an entertainment and cleared $25.--Marie McKennan, Sec.
+
+409, _Sag Harbor, N. Y._ This year has been marked by greater progress than
+any other since our organization. In April, 1885, a valuable addition was
+made to our cabinet by the finding of a shrew--_genus sorex_. This little
+animal, the least of the mammals, measured not quite two inches in length,
+excluding the tail. During May and June we organized for summer work, on a
+new plan,--the President appointing committees to collect in special
+departments. In July and August we spent numerous "field-days" in the woods
+and on the shore. We found a rare specimen of trap-rock. The skeleton of a
+bottle-fish excited a great deal of curiosity. One of our members who had
+caught a live one identified it.
+
+In November, we commenced a series of discussions: "Which is of more value
+to mankind--cotton or wool?" (Decided in favor of wool.) "What is the most
+useful mammal?" (Four members voted for cow and four for sheep.) "What
+insect is most valuable in promoting human happiness?" (Decided for
+honey-bee.) "What is the most valuable fish?" (Cod.) Many other questions
+were debated. We have received many curious specimens: sea-horse,
+porcupine-fish, key-hole shells, etc. We intend to collect sea-weed and
+mosses this summer.--Cornelius R. Sleight, Sec.
+
+423, _Perth Amboy, N. J._ Our thirty members have manifested great interest
+in collecting and examining specimens from the different divisions of the
+animal kingdom. Much attention has been given to articulates, including
+insects of the sea. At present we are engaged in a very interesting course
+of observation in mineralogy. We have the highest appreciation of the
+assistance we have derived from the A. A., in learning to observe and love
+nature.--Bertha M. Mitchell, Cor. Sec.
+
+424, _Decorah, Iowa._ Several of our lady members are teachers, and highly
+value our meetings. We shall try to have public lectures in geology. We are
+connecting with these subjects that of humane work, proposing to organize
+as the Agassiz Band of Mercy. So we have two harmonious lines of good work
+begun, and hope to make both of them permanent.--M. R. Steele, Sec.
+
+428, _St. Paul, Minn._ Since our organization we have had seventy-eight
+meetings, all at our house. As one of our number is studying for the
+occupation of mining engineer, and has a forge, furnace, lathe, etc., we
+have decided to study iron, steel, and the methods of mining and
+manufacturing them. We have a club-room, where we keep our cabinets, and a
+small library.--Philip C. Allen, Sec.
+
+436, _Toronto, Canada._ Our president and several of our members have moved
+from town, so we have done comparatively nothing since I wrote you. But
+Charles Ashdown and I are endeavoring to get some new members, and I
+believe we shall have a stronger and better Chapter than ever.--David J.
+Howell, Sec.
+
+439, _Wilmington, Del._ We have collected more cocoons and chrysalids this
+winter than ever before. Many of them are very rare, among them, _Achemon_,
+_P. satellitia_, _Smerinthis gemmatus_, _E. imperalis_, and _Callosama
+angulitera_.--Percy C. Pyle.
+
+440, _Keene, N. H._ We have several hundred specimens, mostly _lepidoptera_
+and _coleoptera_. Have found a great many fine beetles lately under the
+bark of dead trees and stumps where they pass the winter. We always note
+the place of capture of all specimens, and all other items of
+interest.--Frank H. Foster, Sec.
+
+448, _Washington, D. C._ We bring to our third anniversary, a gratifying
+sense of well-being and desert, with promise of continued vigor. Our
+portfolios hold 343 reports, and every member is there represented. Our
+fifty books and pamphlets are read with application. We are ambitious for a
+children's Chapter, and long to make discoveries. Perhaps some of us may
+some day, and with this thrilling thought we are planning careful summer
+walks, with thoughtful "observation books."--Sabelle Macfarland.
+
+450, _Fitchburg, Mass._ As we have consolidated all our Fitchburg Chapters
+into one, now known as No. 48, Fitchburg, A, there is no special report
+from 450, but I think we now have an earnest society on a solid
+foundation.--Geo. F. Whittemore.
+
+453, _Oswego, N. Y._ Active. Will soon hold meetings weekly instead of
+fortnightly. Special study for the year has been archaeology and geology.
+Have been much interested in the _archeopteryx_. On archaeology, will send
+you a more lengthy report.--Will A. Burr, Sec.
+
+[_The promised report came in due time, and it is a masterpiece of patient
+work,--carefully illustrated with drawings of Indian arrow-heads, axes,
+pottery, needles, fish-hooks, pipes, and anvils. It covers twelve pages
+closely written. We value it, and have placed it carefully on file._]
+
+460, _Washington, D. C._ This Chapter was organized in the spring of 1882
+from a small association we then had; it had already existed for two years
+or more when we heard of the A. A. We concluded this would give us a wider
+scope for scientific investigations, and so made formal application for
+admission into the Association, which had already advanced with marvelous
+rapidity.
+
+Vernon M. Dorsey, an unusually promising mineralogist and chemist, was
+elected president. When a new member was elected it cost him nothing, so he
+was elected with the full consent of _all_ the members, not one objecting.
+Passive members were allowed in this Chapter, they paying ten cents a
+month, which money went into the treasury.
+
+We adopted most of the rules and regulations in the Hand-book, and, after
+having arranged the executive portion of the Chapter, we commenced to have
+a regular course of essays or lectures, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, given by
+the active members, which lectures the passive members could attend if so
+inclined. After the lectures we generally had debates, and as each member
+had a different branch of Natural History to which he devoted his
+attention, the lectures and debates were not monotonous.
+
+We ran on pretty smoothly for about a year and a half, until the money in
+the treasury commenced to accumulate, when, with the exception of one or
+two members, the Chapter spontaneously combusted.
+
+We have never been able to rebuild it. We can hold no meetings. _It
+exists_, really, _only in name_, because the prospects for the future look
+rather dull.
+
+If you will allow our Chapter to remain on the list, I should much prefer
+you would do so.
+
+I have carried on investigations in various branches of zooelogy, but, as
+this is merely a report of the Chapter, I will not enter into details
+concerning them.
+
+I hope that the other Chapters will meet with better success than ours,
+though it may yet revive.
+
+                             Yours respectfully,  F. A. Reynolds, Cor. Sec.
+
+[_We are sorry that this excellent Chapter experienced "spontaneous
+combustion," but we hope and believe that it will ere long also experience
+voluntary resurrection._]
+
+465, _Waterville, Maine._ Our president has moved away. The rest of us have
+been exceedingly busy. We have been obliged to vacate our room, and, as we
+could not get another, have had to store our specimens. But we are not dead
+yet! Far from it! It is only a case of suspended animation. We fully expect
+to take up work again this summer.--Charles W. Spencer, Sec.
+
+[_Not even "suspended animation;" the Chapter is only catching its breath
+for more vigorous exertion._]
+
+470, _Nicollet, Wis._ Still prospering. We have a small room nicely fitted
+up, in our High School building, of which we are quite proud. We have a
+working membership of twenty-four, and hold regular meetings.
+
+[_A friend of the Chapter adds to this report of Miss Sara Ritchie, the
+secretary, the following:_]
+
+"I was exceedingly interested in listening to the different members
+reporting formally the occurrence of our spring birds, with which was
+associated the arrival of certain insects. Two years ago, such reports were
+impossible, as the observing faculties of very few of the members had been
+sufficiently trained. If nothing more has been acquired, this one habit of
+close observation, developed by our A. A. work, is worth all it may have
+cost those who have encouraged and carried out the plan of the
+Association."
+
+
+CHANGE OF ADDRESS
+
+The address of Chapter 850 is now simply Chapter 850 A. A., Box 1587,
+Bangor, Maine.
+
+
+EXCHANGES.
+
+Correspondence with other family Chapters whose members are beginners in
+botany or entomology.--Mrs. R. Van Dien, Jr., Box 13, Hohokus, Bergen Co.,
+N. J.
+
+Correspondence desired. Entomology and botany.--Paul L. Smith, 3348 Indiana
+Av., Chicago, Ill.
+
+Postmarks and fossils (_Lingulipis pinnaformis_) for books on zooelogy.
+Write first.--Chas. F. Baker, St. Croix Falls, Wis.
+
+_Cecropia_ moths for other _lepidoptera_.--W. B. Greenleaf, Box 311, Normal
+Park, Ill.
+
+Correspondence with other Chapters earnestly desired.--Stephen R. Wood,
+Sec. 776, Oakland, Cal.
+
+Florida (east coast) shells, star-fishes, coquina, small live alligators,
+etc., etc., for anything rare or curious.--J. Earle Bacon, Ormond, Volusia
+Co., Fla.
+
+Coquina, trap-rock, asphaltum, Skates' egg-case, key-hole shell, and
+cocoons.--C. R. Sleight, Sec. Ch. 409, Sag Harbor, L. I., N. Y.
+
+All kinds of Chinese curiosities for fine Indian relics.--Kurt
+Kleinschmidt, Box 752, Helena, Montana.
+
+
+NEW AND REORGANIZED CHAPTERS.
+
+_No._  _Name._      _No. of Members._      _Address._
+
+ 957   Galveston, Texas (B)       9   Emma E. Walden, Cor. 34th
+                                      and N. 1/2 streets.
+
+ 958   Greenup, Ky. (A)          20   Mrs. Geo. Gibbs, Box 104.
+
+ 959   Hartwick Sem., N. Y. (A)   5   Alfred A. Hiller.
+
+ 960   Geneva, N. Y. (C)          6   F. H. Bachman, Box 559.
+
+ 961   Hartford, Conn. (G)       12   Austin H. Pease,
+                                      4 Canton street.
+
+ 962   Kansas City, Mo. (B)       5   R. F. Breeze, 611 E. 17th St.
+
+ 963   Geddes, N. Y. (A)          4   G. E. Avery, Box 76.
+
+ 964   Manchester, Iowa (A)      20   Fred Blair.
+
+ 965   Three Rivers, Mich. (A)    7   G. W. Daniels.
+
+ 966   Randolph, Ill. (A)        24   Miss Grace Stewart.
+
+ 863   Hinsdale, Ill. (B)         9   N. H. Webster.
+
+  60   Rockport, Mass, (A)       12   Chas. H. Andrews.
+
+ 145   Indianapolis, Ind. (A)     8   G. L. Payne,
+                                      care of T. B. Linn.
+
+ 352   Amherst, Mass.             4   Miss Edith S. Field.
+
+DISBANDED.
+
+ 349   Linden, N. J.                  E. H. Schram.
+                                      [_Members removed._]
+
+ 494   Northfield, Vt.                T. M. Hitt.
+
+ 535   Chapel Hill, N. J.             Miss Clara J. Martin.
+
+ 371   Granville, O.                  Miss Ida M. Sanders.
+
+  83   St. Louis (A)                  Maud M. Love.
+                                      [_Members removed._]
+
+ 190   Duncannon, Pa.                 Miss Annie I. Jackson.
+
+         Address all communications for this Department to
+
+                                        MR. HARLAN H. BALLARD, Lenox, Mass.
+
+
+
+
+THE RIDDLE-BOX.
+
+
+ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN THE JUNE NUMBER.
+
+HALF-SQUARE 1. Canada. 2. Arena. 3. Neat. 4. Ant. 5, Da(w). 6. A.
+
+RHOMBOID Across: 1. Sloop. 2. Organ. 3. Ergot. 4. Eerie. 5.
+Sandy.----CROSS-WORD ENIGMA, Blossom.
+
+ST. ANDREW'S CROSS OF DIAMONDS. I. 1. P. 2. Fur. 3. Fares. 4. Puritan. 5.
+Retip. 6. Sap. 7. N. II. 1. N. 2. Fen. 3. Fagin. 4. Negroes. 5. Niobe. 6.
+Nee. 7. S. III. 1. N. 2. Pen. 3. Puman. 4. Nemesis. 5. Nasal. 6. Nil. 7. S.
+IV. 1. N. 2. Ben. 3. Baton. 4. Nettles. 5. Nolle. 6. Nee. 7. S. V. 1. S. 2.
+Let. 3. Livid. 4. Several. 5. Tired. 6. Dad. 7. L.
+
+"DIAMOND" PUZZLE. Across: 1. S. 2. Ape. 3. Bream. 4. Car. 5. R. Downward:
+1. B. 2. Arc. 3. Spear. 4. Ear. 5. M.
+
+BURIED CITIES. 1. Berne. 2. Basle. 3. Bergen. 4. Quito. 5. Herat. 6.
+Mandalay. 7. Venice. 8. Bremen.
+
+A BERRY PUZZLE. 1. Dogberry. 2. Checkerberry. 3. Strawberry. 4. Shadberry.
+5. Barberry. 6. Raspberry. 7. Partridgeberry. 8. Snowberry. 9.
+Thimbleberry. 10. Gooseberry. n. Elderberry. 12. Bayberry.
+
+DIAMOND. 1. S. 2. Lea. 3. Larva. 4. Serpent. 5. Avert. 6. Ant. 7. T.
+
+DOUBLE ACROSTICS. Primals, Thomas; finals, Arnold. Crosswords: 1. ThaliA.
+2. HorroR. 3. OberoN. 4. MikadO. 5. AstraL. 6. SinbaD.
+
+P1    In June 'tis good to lie beneath a tree
+      While the blithe season comforts every sense,
+      Steeps all the brain in rest, and heals the heart,
+      Brimming it o'er with sweetness unawares.
+      Fragrant and silent as that rosy snow
+      Wherewith the pitying apple-tree fills up
+      And tenderly lines some last year robin's nest.
+
+                                                    _James Russell Lowell._
+
+BEHEADINGS. Trinity. 1. T--ape. 2. R--asp. 3. I--con. 4. N--ail. 5. I--man.
+6. T--ide. 7. V--end.
+
+DOUBLE DIAGONALS. From 1 to 2, chaffinch; from 3 to 4, goldfinch.
+Crosswords: 1. Corroding. 2. Childhood. 3. Gradually. 4. Confident. 5.
+Chafferer. 6. Exhibited. 7. Penitence. 8. Acoustics. 9.
+Hair-cloth.----CHARADE. Jack-stones.
+
+METAMORPHOSES. 1. Ape; ale, all, ail, aim, rim, ram, ran, man. 2. Oars;
+bars, bard, card, cord, cold, colt, coat, boat. 3. Lead; bead, beat, belt,
+bolt, bold, gold. 4. Warm; harm, hard, card, cord, cold. 5. One; owe, awe,
+aye, dye, doe, toe, too, two. 6. Age; aye, dye, die, hie, his, has, gas.
+
+TO OUR PUZZLERS: In sending answers to puzzles, sign only your initials or
+use a short assumed name; but if you send a complete list of answers you
+may sign your full name. Answers should be addressed to ST. NICHOLAS
+"Riddle-box," Care of THE CENTURY CO., 33 East Seventeenth Street, New York
+City.
+
+ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN THE APRIL NUMBER were received, too late for
+acknowledgment in the June number, from Esther Reid, East Melbourne,
+Australia, I--R. F. Graham, London, England, 1.
+
+ANSWERS TO ALL THE PUZZLES IN THE APRIL NUMBER were received, before April
+20, from "B. L. Z. Bub, No. 1,"--Paul Reese--Emma St. C. Whitney--"The
+McG's"--May and Julia--Ed, Beth, and Charlie--Maggie T. Turrill--Arthur and
+Bertie Knox--N. B. Oakford--M. G. Jackson--"Cricket and Cripsy"--Elisabeth,
+Richard, and Ruth--Pough--etc.--Dorothea E. Kennade--Josie and
+Lillie--Blanche and Fred--"B. L. Z. Bub, No. 2"--"The Spencers"--C. and S.
+Andrews--The Stewart Browns--"May and 79 "--Effie K. Talboys--Delia, Lou,
+Ida, and Lillie--"San Anselmo Valley"--Madge and the Domimie--Edith
+McDonald--Maud E. Palmer--Mary Ludlow--Mamma and Jokie--"Clifford and
+Coco"--Francesco and Co.--Mamma and the Girls--Shumway Hen and
+Chickens--"Theo.Ther"--Alice--M. E. d'A.--Blithedale--"Betsy
+Trotwood"--Belle and Bertha Murdock--Judith--Randolph and Robert--"Miss M.
+and the Gals"--W. R. M.--Nellie and Reggie--Fannie and Louise
+Lockett--Bertha H.--"R. U. Pert"--Francis W. Islip--X. and Y.--Alice and
+Lizzie Pendleton--Frying-pan--Hallie Couch--S. and B. Rhodes and de
+Grassy--Savoir et Sagesse--X. Y. Z. and Ulysses--B. Z. O.--Carrie Seaver
+and Alice Young--Dash.
+
+ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN THE APRIL NUMBER were received, before April 20, from
+Foster and Remer, 2--Clark Holbrook, 3--"Triangle," 4--J. M. Moore,
+1--Eleanor B. Ripley, 6--E. M. Benedict, 1--"Block and Chip," 9--H. E.
+Hanbold, 2--A. G. Tomay, 2--E. O. Brownell, 2--Geo. S. Seymour and Co.,
+9--N. Beall, 2--Philip and Mamma, 4--N. L. Peacock, 1--"Yum Yum," 2--E.
+Parks, 1--F. A. and H. C. Hart, 2--Alice and R. G., 1--Maud S., 1--"Egg,"
+1--B., H., M., M., and A. Read, 1--Bub and Bubess, 1--"Infant," 1--Pepper
+and Maria, 9--A. Ransom and W. Chase, 1--A. H. Sibley, 1--Ned L. Mitchell,
+4--Eddie B., 1--"Lone Star," 7--A. F. S., 1--G. E. C. and E. B. F., 5--M.
+Kershey and S. Sweet, 9--G. E. Campbell, 3--G. F. Cameron, 2--B. Sudduth,
+2--Kendrick Bros., 9--R. B. C., 2--E. and K. Mitchell, 3--L. D. Shropshire,
+1--"J. McDuffe," 1--"Doane-utsand Rice," 1--"Phlimpy," 2 --D. Thomas and
+Auntie, 2--"Snags," 2--F. Althaus, 4--Daisy Condell, 3--Me and Be, 2--N. E.
+Miner, 4--Geo. Hawley, 5--A. B. Smith, 2--R. K. Allison, 1--M. Flurscheim,
+1--Mrs. Emma Sloat, 3--Millie Atkinson, 1--H. Frost, 1--B. C. Ketchum.
+1--Billy and Me, 7--S. R. Manning, 1--Mamma and Belp, 1--Rose H. Wedin,
+1--Mary and Jennie Butler, 4--No name, Fredericksburgh, 4--"Dixie," 2--M.
+S. Bird, 1--R. L. Foering, 1--F. Jarman, 3--E. F. and F. E. Bliss, i--L.
+and C. Kendrickson, 2--Tessie Gutman, 7--A. D. C., 2--Joe and Billy, i--L.
+Wainman, 2--"Yum Yum," 1--N. L. Howes, 2--"B. Rabbit and T. Baby," 4--H. S.
+Chalmers, 1--"Pen and Ink-bottle," 1--Maginnis, 1--J. R. F. S.,
+1--Christine and Cousin, 5--I. M. Lebermann, 6--Albert and Gussie, 1--C. J.
+Tully, 2--Laura W. and Alice M., 2--Grace E. Keech, 6--Agnes Converse,
+4--"Head-lights," 1--C. Gallup, 1--C. W. Chadwick, 2--Prof. P. H. Janney,
+1--E. E. Hudson, 1--"Dixie and Pixie," 1--"Mr. Pickwick," and "Sam Weller,"
+8--M. F. Davenport, 1--"89 and Chestnuts," 1--J. A Keeler, 6--Edith, Grace,
+and Jessie, 2--Bessie Jackson, 4--H. N. and Nickie Bros., 2--J. M. B., G.
+S., and A. Louise W., 8--K. L. Reeder, 1--Mamie R., 9--Walter La Bar, 8--H.
+C. Barnes, 1--Jennie Judge, 3--E. H. Seward, 3--"The Lloyds," 8--A.
+Wister, 2--Fred T. Pierce, 6--Lucia C. Bradley, 8--Puzzle Club, 9--Alina
+and Estelle, 1--Pearl Colby and Nell Betts, 7--Eleanor and Maude Peart,
+7--S. B. S. Bissell, 4--Estelle and Edith, 1--F. J. and Flip, 2--"Mohawk
+Valley," 8--H. Allen, Jr., 1--R. Lloyd, 5--Mamma and Fanny, 9--Mrs. E. and
+Grace E., 5--L. Delano and M. Wilson, 8--I. and E. Swanwick, 5--Anonymous,
+4--Herbert Wolfe, 9--Lulu May, 7--No name, 7--"Koko and Pitti-sing,"
+1--Sallie Viles, 9--Tessie and Henri, 3--Murray and Percy, 9--S. L. Meeks,
+6--Marjorie Daw, 1--C. and H. Condit, 8--"Peggotty," 7--Katie, 1--Edith
+     Young, 3--Two Cousins, 9--Eva Hamilton, 9--Chip and Block, 2.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+NUMERICAL ENIGMA.
+
+I am composed of ninety-three letters, and am a famous toast given at
+Norfolk by a distinguished naval officer who was killed in a duel in 1820.
+
+My 89-41-8-49 is a preposition. My 22-73-33 is belonging to us. My
+53-15-46-65-29-85 is a specter. My 57-70-1-10 is a float. My 25-59-3 is a
+term used in addressing a gentleman. My 13-76-48-19 is stockings. My
+68-83-26 is to fasten. My 75-5-81 is bashful. My 62-91-6-80 is a division
+of time. My 69-23-44-55 is restless. My 27-35-37-18-50-90 is the name of a
+season. My 67-63-92-88-47 is the Christian name of a famous American poet.
+My 31-28-20-58 is a conflagration. My 30-72-82-24-32-64 is intense dread.
+My 4-51-17-12-42-60 is a military engine. My 9-34-93-16-45-14-78-86 is a
+body of men commanded by a colonel. My 40-2-74-38-21-87-54-71-56 are
+renegades. My 36-39-61-79-52-11-7-66 84-77-43 is a machine-gun that can
+fire two hundred shots a minute.
+
+
+CUBE.
+
+                                  1 . . . . 2
+                                . .     . . .
+                              .   .     .   .
+                            3 . . . . 4     .
+                            .     .   .     .
+                            .     5 . . . . 6
+                            .   .     .   .
+                            . .       . .
+                            7 . . . . 8
+
+From 1 to 2, a parent; from 2 to 6, tranquillity; from 5 to 6, a
+useful instrument; from 1 to 5, a feminine name; from 3 to 4, consuming;
+from 4 to 8, voracious; from 7 to 8, actively; from 3 to 7,
+the flag which distinguishes a company of soldiers; from 1 to 3, a
+very small fragment; from 2 to 4, resounded; from 6 to 8, not difficult;
+from 5 to 7, part of the day.                                  DAVID. H. D.
+
+
+CHARADE.
+
+  My _first_ is that happy position
+    The holders of stock love to see;
+  'T is the point above which the aspiring
+    Are evermore hoping to be.
+
+  My _second_ made haste for the doctor;
+    His mother was ailing, he heard;
+  And that mother ever had taught him
+    To revere and be kind to my _third_.
+
+  Then he went to my _whole_ and requested
+    Its master his mother would see,
+  For he knew that my _first_ and my _second_
+    To his mother most welcome would be.
+
+                                                                   W. H. A.
+
+
+ANAGRAMS.
+
+The letters of each of the following anagrams may be transposed so as to
+spell the name of a well-known novel.
+
+1. Nod, quiet ox. 2. Wilt sit over? 3. Visiting near H. 4. Earning my gun.
+5. Lord Poicy is south. 6. But no nice clams. 7. I hem when I want to. 8.
+Is it of papa's homely Ted? 9. If we have lifted a cork. 10. We quit Dr.,
+and run.                                                        E. L. G. M.
+
+
+METAMORPHOSES.
+
+The problem is to change one given word to another given word, by altering
+one letter at a time, each alteration making a new word, the number of
+letters being always the same, and the letters remaining always in the same
+order. Sometimes the metamorphoses may be made in as many moves as there
+are letters in each given word, but in other instances more moves are
+required.
+
+EXAMPLE: Change LAMP to FIRE in four moves. Answer, LAMP, LAME, FAME, FARE,
+FIRE.
+
+1. Change COW to RAT in three moves. 2. Change HARD to SOFT in six moves.
+3. Change LEFT to EAST in four moves. 4. Change HIT to LOW in four moves.
+5. Change LONG to WEST in five moves.
+
+                                                           "D. I. VERSITY."
+
+
+RHOMBOIDS.
+
+                         . . . . .
+                           . . . . .
+                             . . . . .
+                               . . . . .
+                                 . . . . .
+
+I. ACROSS: 1. Poison. 2. An ancient philosopher memorable for his
+friendship with Pythias. 3. Large bundles. 4. A substance obtained from
+certain trees. 5. A strip of leather.
+
+DOWNWARD: 1. In prove. 2. A nickname. 3. To seize by a sudden grasp. 4. A
+famous mosque. 5. Certain burrowing animals. 6. A cosy place. 7. A title of
+respect. 8. A word of denial. 9. In prove.
+
+II. ACROSS: 1. A very wealthy man. 2. A bricklayer. 3. Inhabitants of a
+certain European country. 4. To send back. 5. A benefactor.
+
+DOWNWARD: 1. In Rhine. 2. A verb. 3. Vicious. 4. A low ridge of stone or
+gravel. 5. Freed from osseous substance. 6. The name of a captain in one of
+Jules Verne's stories. 7. Iniquity. 8. A preposition. 9. In Rhine.
+
+                                                           NORA L. WINSLOW.
+
+
+PI.
+
+Nilgang yam eb dais ot eb os kile eth hatemcatsim atth ti nac veern eb
+fylul ratlen.
+
+
+ZIGZAG.
+
+Each of the words described contains the same number of letters, and the
+zigzag, beginning at the upper left-hand letter, will spell a day famous in
+history.
+
+1. A creeping vine. 2. A common insect. 3. A cover. 4. Nourished. 5.
+Placed. 6. A boy's nickname. 7. A kitchen utensil. 8. To augment. 9. An
+extremity. 10. A conjunction. 11. A fabulous bird. 12. Conducted. 13. To
+delve. 14. A month. 15. A song.
+
+                                                          HENRY C. ROBERTS.
+
+
+HOUR-GLASS.
+
+                           1 . . . * . . . 3
+                             . . . * . . .
+                               . . * . .
+                                 . * .
+                                   *
+                                 . * .
+                               . . * . .
+                             . . . * . . .
+                           4 . . . * . . . 2
+
+ACROSS: 1. Unmarried women. 2. With quick beating or palpitation. 3. A
+musical term meaning "slowly." 4. A gentle blow. 5. In water. 6. An
+exclamation. 7. A marked feature. 8. A French coin. 9. More comely.
+
+The central letters spell articles much worn during the summer. The letters
+from 1 to 2 name the delight of invalids during the summer months; from 3
+to 4, an instrument used for timing races.
+
+                                                             "L. LOS REGNL"
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: All apparent printer's errors retained. Formatting transcribed as close as possible to original book.
+
+
+
+
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