path: root/50809-0.txt

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 50809 ***

[Illustration: HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE]

       *       *       *       *       *

VOL. III.--NO. 113. PUBLISHED BY HARPER & BROTHERS, NEW YORK. PRICE FOUR
CENTS.

Tuesday, December 27, 1881. Copyright, 1881, by HARPER & BROTHERS. $1.50
per Year, in Advance.

       *       *       *       *       *




[Illustration: "I BRING YOU GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY."]

"GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY."


  An angel voice on Judah's plain
    Announced to men a Saviour's birth:
  Each Christmas sends the sweet refrain
    Re-echoing wider o'er the earth.

  Whence come the joys of Christmas-tide?
    A Child from Heaven has given us them.
  Above all thoughts let this abide:
    _The Christ is born in Bethlehem._




A CHRISTMAS MYSTERY; OR, JO AND HIS PET CROW.

BY MRS. FRANK McCARTHY.


The sharp crack of a rifle startled the echoes around Judge Malcom's
country home, and a big black crow dropped from the wood-pile. Out ran a
little darky boy from the kitchen, followed by Aunt Dinah, his fat old
grandmother.

"Now, you Jo, what you gwine to do wid dat dar crow? You better drap him
like a hot potater. He's a-gwine to de Ole Scratch, whar he belongs."

But Jo had run over to the wood-pile, picked up the poor old crow, and
held it to his bosom. His woollen shirt was open, and down his black
skin ran the red blood of the wounded bird, down his black cheeks ran
the tears, and he rocked himself to and fro in an agony of grief.

"He's done gone dead for suah," sobbed Jo. "Oh, Mas'r Harry! what made
yer kill poor old 'Thus'lem?"

"I'm sorry, Jo," said a handsome lad of twelve, putting down his gun. "I
didn't know it was your crow, and he made such a capital target up there
on that jagged stick, I couldn't help it. Don't cry, Jo; I'll get you
another much nicer pet than that. He's the most broken-down,
dilapidated-looking customer I ever saw. He's blind in one eye, and no
wonder Aunt Dinah named him Methuselah; he must be a thousand years old.
Let the miserable thing die, Jo, and I'll give you one of my bull-pups."

"An' I'll dib oo a pet tennary, Do," lisped little Laura.

"An' I'll gib you a good lickin' ef you don't shet dat dar bawlin',"
said Aunt Dinah. "Why, yer couldn't make more ob a rumpus over a pore
Christian."

But entreaties or threats were of no avail. Jo thanked Master Harry for
his offer of the bull-pup, and Miss Laura for hers of a canary, but he
said he didn't want any more pets if 'Thus'lem died. Then he climbed the
back steps to the room over the kitchen where he and Aunt Dinah slept.
Taking out of an old box a checked shirt, he proceeded to tear off the
tail some narrow strips. These he bound tightly about the bleeding body
of the crow, and finding one leg hanging limp and useless, he cut a
splinter from the box, and set the shattered limb. Then he bathed
'Thus'lem's head with water, all the while calling upon his favorite to
open his eyes and look at him once more before he died.

'Thus'lem seemed to have made up his mind to look at Jo a good many more
times before he died, for his best eye opened and began to blink in such
a lively manner that Jo jumped up and clapped his hands with delight.

"Why, 'Thus'lem," he stammered--"why, why, yer ain't done gone, is yer?
Yer's a-gwine to lib, mebbe?"

"Jes so, jes so," feebly croaked the crow.

Not that I mean to say 'Thus'lem could talk. No member of the crow
family has ever been known to carry on a conversation; but as for those
two words, everybody said they were plain enough when you knew what they
were.

"'Clar to goodness," said Aunt Dinah, "ef dere's any kill in dat dar
crow! He's been froze to deff, an' scalded to deff, an' crushed to deff,
an' shot to deff, an' here he is agin, peart as a maggot. Reckon he's
lived 's long 's de creation itseff, an' looked on wid dat dar crooked
eye o' his'n when Noah built de ark. He's enuff to scar' de life out ob
any one. Jes look at him, Mas'r Harry."

He certainly was a very queer specimen of the bird creation. His body
seemed to be held together with strips of Jo's old shirt, he had only
one leg to stand on, and every feather seemed to straggle in a different
direction.

"He hasn't got off by de skin ob his teef for nuffin," said Aunt Dinah;
"he's chock-full ob inikity, dat dar crow."

"Jes so, jes so," croaked the crow.

But Jo patted tenderly the wounded body of his favorite, and told him
not to mind granny, to be a good crow, and get well and comfort the
oppressed heart of his master.

"For, 'Thus'lem," said Jo, as he settled down to his potato-paring, with
the bird on his shoulder, "I know you's ill-used an' pussecuted an'
slanderized, an' folks don't gib yer no peace, sleepin' nor wakin'; but
dat's acause you's black, 'Thus'lem, an' I's black, an' we's bofe black.
Ef yer woz a lubly yaller canary ob Missy Laura's, you'd hab a mos'
spreneriferous time, 'Thus'lem. You'd hab a shinin' gilt cage to lib in,
an' a boss swing to swing on, an' all de lump-sugar yer could swaller
down, an' Missy Laura'd call yer 'honey' an' 'sugar-plum,' an' let yer
roost on her lily-white finger, an' peck out ob her lubly red lips. Oh,
goodness gracious' sakes alive, 'Thus'lem!" said Jo, his eyes rolling in
his head at the thoughts of such ecstasy, "ef yer woz only a yaller
canary!"

But 'Thus'lem shook his head, as much as to say that he wouldn't give a
rotten cherry for such felicity.

"It's a mos' drefful pity," sighed poor Jo, "dat yer looks is so
mightily agin yer, 'Thus'lem; dat dar nose o' yourn bein' so drefful
hooked, an' dat dar eye o' yourn so powerful skewed. But don't worry
about it, 'Thus'lem; it can't be helped, yer know."

"Jes so, jes so," meekly croaked the crow.

"We'll hab to be sassyfried, 'Thus'lem, an' do de bes' we can. Don' yer
smell de good tings a-cookin', 'Thus'lem? Don' yer sniff up de pies an'
cookies, 'Thus'lem, an' de ginger an' spice an' all de lubly cookin',
'Thus'lem? Dat's acause it's Christmas-time, when eberybody's kinder
happy, 'Thus'lem, even a pore old crow."

"Jes so, jes so," croaked the crow, and apparently a little tired of
Jo's sermonizing, he limped out of his sight.

Shortly after, Master Harry entered the kitchen, and told Jo he had some
very particular work for him to do.

"You see, Jo," said Harry, "Santa Claus is very busy this year, and he
can't get time to provide Christmas trees for folks that have them
handy. We'll have to help him a little." And winking mysteriously to Jo,
he beckoned him outside, and told him the joyful news that he too was to
help get the Christmas tree and greens.

It may not seem such a very pleasant thing to some people to go out in
the freezing air, and hack down a lot of tough cedars, but to Jo it was
simply delightful.

"Jes tink of dat dar, 'Thus'lem," he said to his crow, "'ter be sot ter
work for Santy Claws himseff! 'Pears like as ef de good times is comin'
for dis yere Jo, 'Thus'lem. Mas'r Harry's powerful good to bofe of us
nowadays. It's a bressed Christmas dis yere, 'Thus'lem."

The fact was that Harry had determined to make up to Jo for the grief he
had given him in the careless shooting of his favorite crow. He was
shocked when he saw the agony his careless indifference had given Jo. He
had no idea a little darky like that could feel even worse than he would
if any accident should happen to one of his pets. When Harry found out
that the color of Jo's skin did not hinder him from being a real boy
like himself, with all a boy's appreciation, and much more than an
average boy's feeling, Jo went up a good many pegs in Harry's
estimation, and not having any white boys handy, he made excellent use
of Jo.

There was an air of secrecy about the house that always belonged to
Christmas-time. When the Judge came home from town with his pockets
bulging out, and winked to his wife to follow him to an adjoining room,
nobody thought of prying into their secrets except 'Thus'lem; but then
no one minded him.

Harry had his own secrets too, shared by nobody except Jo. He was almost
too dignified to take a poor little negro like Jo into his full
confidence, but there was a little package in his bureau drawer, and he
was bursting to show it to somebody. It was a likeness of himself nicely
inclosed in a little locket that would just fit upon his mother's gold
chain.

"Don't you say anything about it, Jo."

"Not for de worl', Mas'r Harry. I'd die afore I'd reveal a solemn secret
like dat dar."

"I believe you would, Jo. I think I can trust you."

Jo's heart almost burst with pride at this mark of confidence. He did
not even tell 'Thus'lem, though he was sorely tempted to, as he never
kept anything from his pet crow. The very next day it happened that
another honor was conferred upon Jo.

Mrs. Malcom had shut herself up in her room, and when Jo brought a
scuttle of coal, she did not put aside the pretty purse she was
knitting, but nodded and smiled when she saw Jo looking at it.

"It's for Master Harry, Jo. When I get it done and put a few gold pieces
in it, don't you think he'll like it all the better because his mother
knit it?"

"Shouldn't wunner a bit ef he would, missus. My souls an' bodies! wot a
Christmas this will be!"

"Don't tell him, Jo."

"I'd be chopped into bits afore I'd tell it!"

"Jo is a faithful, honest, good little fellow," said Mrs. Malcom to
Harry; "we mustn't forget Jo at Christmas."

"No, indeed, mamma. Do you know what I think would please him more than
anything? A pretty collar for 'Thus'lem, as he calls that old crow. Of
course we'll give him clothes and things; but he'd like something of
that kind for Methuselah--darkies like trinkets, you know."

"Jes so, jes so," said the crow.

Harry remembered this remark bitterly enough upon Christmas-eve, when
the happy moment had at last come for him to bring forth his treasure
from its hiding-place, and put it triumphantly in the hands of his
mamma.

The Christmas greens were all hung, the Christmas tree was ready for
Santa Claus to trim, and Jack Frost had already begun his wonderful
decorations. Little Laura was fast asleep in her snug little bed; Jo had
gone, whistling cheerfully, to his garret; and even 'Thus'lem had
squeezed himself through the hole in the plaster that led from the main
building to the room over the kitchen, and gone to roost comfortably in
Jo's black bosom.

Jo looked out of the little window up to the clear cold sky. One tiny
star was glimmering there.

"Pears like as ef it might be de bressed star ob Bethlehem, 'Thus'lem,"
said Jo; "it's de berry same hebben, 'Thus'lem, as it woz long ago."

"Jes so, jes so," sleepily croaked the crow.

In the mean while Harry had gone to get his treasure. He opened the
bureau, put his hand to the accustomed place, and lo! the treasure was
gone. With a trembling hand Harry tossed every article over a dozen
times. He looked, as people will for missing articles, in all sorts of
out-of-the-way and impossible places. At length he yielded to the fact
that the locket was gone. The little treasure was lost at the one moment
that it was of priceless value to him; for he could get nothing now to
take its place. It was too late to secure the cheapest trinket. For the
first time since he could remember he must go empty-handed on Christmas
to his mother. Tears of grief, of rage, of disappointment, burst from
his eyes. How in the world could it have gone? Nobody knew it was there
but himself, nobody but--Jo.

"Darkies love trinkets," he muttered, bitterly. "Jo is the only living
soul that could possibly have taken it."

Then he jumped upon his feet, and went down stairs.

"Oh, mamma," he faltered, "I had something for you that I know you'd
like, but it's gone, it's stolen."

Then with clinched fists and streaming eyes, Harry told her of his loss.

"My dear boy," said Mrs. Malcom, "don't grieve; above all, don't lose
your temper on Christmas-eve, of all times in the year. I'm just as glad
as if I had the pretty picture in my hand; and as for poor Jo, if he did
take it, it was from love of your dear face and ignorance of the crime
he was committing. But now that you have as good as given me your
present, you shall have mine."

She went into her little sitting-room and put her hand into the work-box
for her purse. Only that morning she had put in the gold pieces--it
ought to be an easy thing to feel them in the dark. But it was not. She
lit the lamp, and even then her search was vain. The purse was gone. A
serious, sad, and pained expression overshadowed her face. Nobody knew
even of the existence of the purse. Nobody had seen it, nobody but--Jo.

Sighing heavily, she went back into the parlor. "Harry, my son," she
said, "it is so sad to have such a thing happen upon Christmas-eve! I
would not have believed it possible; even now I can scarcely credit my
senses."

Then she told him all.

Harry's face lit with sudden wrath.

"Come, mamma, let's go to Jo's room. I believe he's run away with them.
I don't believe he's there."

Mrs. Malcom followed Harry to the kitchen, and up the back stairs to the
little garret. Her heart smote her as she saw the miserable rags upon
which Dinah and Jo and 'Thus'lem were all sleeping. For Jo was there,
soundly sleeping as if innocent of everything of which they thought him
guilty. How cold it was in that miserable place! How the wind whistled
through the unplastered beams! How scant and wretched was their bed,
their covering! How wicked she had been not to look after these poor
creatures who had served her so long and faithfully! The crime, the
fault, was partly hers.

But Harry had shaken Jo rudely by the shoulder. The startled crow limped
out of his warm black resting-place and blinked maliciously at the
intruders. Jo started to his feet in surprise.

A loud chink upon the old floor was distinctly heard, and by the light
of Harry's lamp could be plainly seen the lost treasures. From under the
ragged quilt had fallen the locket and the purse.

"Oh, you miserable thief!" said Harry to Jo.

Jo's teeth began to chatter in his head, his eyes to roll wildly. He
looked from one to the other in a dazed and bewildered way.

"Wot in de canopy's de matter?" said Aunt Dinah, rubbing her eyes.

"Matter enough," said Harry. "Jo's a mean, sneaking thief. See what he
has stolen from mamma and me."

When Harry held up the little locket and the purse, it seemed as if Jo's
eyes would start out of his head.

"Mas'r Harry, Mas'r Harry," he cried, "I neber fotched 'em here. I neber
laid a finger on 'em; wisher may die on dis berry spot ef I did!"

The poor black had crouched upon the floor, and held up his shaking
hands in entreaty. His teeth chattered in his head, and his face was
overspread with that ashen hue that can make even a black skin pale.

Harry had never seen such abject misery. It blunted the edge of his rage
and disappointment. "Jo, Jo," he said, "don't add lying to your other
crimes. Didn't we find the things here where you had hidden them?"

"Dis beats creation!" said Aunt Dinah. "In all de bressed borned days ob
my life, I neber see de like ob dis. Jes you leab him to me, Mas'r
Harry. I'll wollup de trufe out ob him, ef it takes me all night."

But Mrs. Malcom stepped forward and held her hands over the poor
shrinking head of the little black boy.

"No," she said, "he shall no longer be treated like a brute. I will find
another way to reach his heart. Oh, Harry! oh, my son! the fault is
mine. I have cared nothing for poor Jo--for his body or his soul. Our
dumb, soulless animals are better cared for. I'll wait awhile, Jo; I'll
go away, and leave you to think it over. By-and-by you'll remember all
about it, won't you, Jo?"

Jo shook his head to and fro hopelessly. "Ef you wait until de day ob
judgment, missus, I neber can 'member. It's a mos' drefful mystery how
dem dar tings got here."

"Come, mother," said Harry, in disgust. "I wouldn't have had this happen
for ten times the worth of the things."

"Nor I," said his mother, and they both sat sadly down to wait for the
Judge, who had been detained in town. He was surprised and vexed, when
he came, to find that Christmas-eve was being rapidly spoiled.

"That's the worst of these blacks, they will steal," said the Judge.
"But don't you want to see my presents? They have been kept out of the
reach of thieves."

The Judge took from his vest pocket a tiny jewel-box containing a ring.
Mrs. Malcom had never seen a finer diamond. She quite forgot poor Jo in
her delight and surprise. Then the Judge took from his other vest pocket
an American watch. As he handed it over to Harry, the lad's clouded face
was bright with joy.

But as the Judge was placing the ring upon his wife's finger, it
suddenly slipped from his hold, and rolled away upon the floor. All
three of them stooped to look for it. It seemed scarcely to have left
their sight. They lifted chairs and tables, looked closely around the
solid base of the Christmas tree, but the ring had vanished. Again and
again they fruitlessly hunted. Tired, vexed, bewildered, they looked at
each other in dismay.

"Jo is not the thief, anyway. He didn't take it."

"Who _did_ take it?" said the Judge.

"I give it up," said Harry. "The place is bewitched."

The Judge looked blankly around the room, in utter bewilderment.
Suddenly, he put his finger upon Harry's arm.

"Hush!" he said. "Be perfectly quiet. I think I've got your thief as
well as mine. He's black, but he isn't Jo. Look over there in that
corner; don't you see a spark of light? Don't frighten the scoundrel.
I'll lay a dollar he'll make off with that ring when I give him the
chance."

True enough, a black object moved slowly along the floor, and with it
something that shone like a star.

The Judge softly opened the parlor door. Out hopped 'Thus'lem, with the
ring in his beak.

"It's worth the risk of the diamond to clear poor Jo," said the Judge to
Harry, and carefully they followed the sly old crow. Up the back stairs
he limped, through the hole in the plaster he squeezed his way, and soon
he was clasped to the bursting heart of his master.

[Illustration: "''THUS'LEM, MY PORE HEART IS 'MOS' BROKE.'"]

"Why, why, 'Thus'lem," faltered poor Jo, "I woz afeard you'd turned agin
me, an' believed all de slanderizin'. 'Pears like as ef I don' care to
lib much longer, 'Thus'lem; my pore heart is 'mos' broke. Mas'r Harry
he's done gone agin me, an' missus she's done gone wuss 'n Mas'r Harry;
an' dem dar tings dat fell out o' my bed-quilt goes fur to show I'm a
burgular, 'Thus'lem, even ef I don't know nuffin 'bout it. I s'pect I'll
be put in jail; dere ain't nobody to help a pore black boy. 'Pears like
as ef dat dar sky woz so fur away dat no star of Bethlehem eber shined
dar--leastways for pore black people like you an' me, 'Thus'lem. Yer
don' somehow tink dat yer could scrape 'long in a jail, does yer,
'Thus'lem? Yer could squeeze in an' out de bars, yer know."

"Yes, take him off to jail," said the voice of the Judge. "That's where
he belongs, the rascal. 'Thus'lem's the thief, Jo. Look at him there
with the ring still in his beak. I've heard that crows will steal, but
'Thus'lem beats all the 'burgulars' I know."

"Jes so, jes so," chuckled the crow; and down fell the diamond ring, and
rolled to the feet of the Judge.

Up jumped Jo in wonder and affright. Down he fell upon his knees, and
begged harder for 'Thus'lem than he ever did for himself.

"He's on'y a pore ole crow, Mas'r Jedge, an' don' know no better. He
mus' hab thought I woz mos' drefful pore, an' he'd try to help me. He
won't do so no more, Mas'r Jedge. Will yer, 'Thus'lem?"

"Jes so, jes so," croaked the crow.

"He's chock-full ob inikity," said Aunt Dinah, "an' his neck ought to be
twisted dis berry minute."

"We'll spare his life for Jo's sake," said the Judge, "to show him that
the star of Bethlehem _did_ shine for everybody, black or white, and our
blessed Saviour had compassion upon as big a thief as his wicked old
crow."

"Jes so, jes so," chuckled the crow.

So the Christmas mystery was cleared up, and everybody was thoroughly
happy at last, particularly Jo, who had plenty of presents. But dearer
to him than the apple of his rolling eye was the gift of Mas'r Harry's
second-best watch, which made the fastest time on record, and carried Jo
along into the next week in a single day.

'Thus'lem waxed old in years, sharing his master's prosperity; and I
shouldn't wonder if he was alive and "chock-full ob inikity" this very
day.




THE TALKING LEAVES.[1]

[1] Begun in No. 101, HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.

An Indian Story.

BY WILLIAM O. STODDARD.

CHAPTER XII.


During one part of the journey Steve Harrison and Murray had found the
ledge along the mountain-side pretty rough travelling, but after a while
they succeeded in getting out on to the comparatively smooth slope of
the pine forest.

"Our only risk now is that we may meet some of their hunters up here
after game. We'll push right on."

"I'll fight if it can't be helped, Murray, but I'd a good deal rather
not meet anybody."

"We must find a hiding-place for the horses, and creep down into the
valley on foot. I'll show you some new tricks to-day."

After searching some time, they tethered their horses between two
rocks, where the thickly woven vines overhead made almost a dark stable
for them.

"Now, Steve, a good look up and down, and we're off."

Between them, and what could be called "the road" were many yards of
tangled growth, and before they had gotten through it, Steve felt his
arm gripped hard.

"Listen! Horses coming. Lie still."

A minute more and they were both willing to lie as still as mice, for
they had nearly walked into the very cover chosen by Bill and his two
comrades in which to wait for their intended prisoners.

They and their horses were hardly twenty feet from Steve and Murray.

Suddenly Murray whispered: "Two young squaws. The foolish things are
coming right into the trap."

"Can't we help 'em?"

"They're Apache squaws, Steve."

"I don't care. I'm white."

"So am I. Tell you what, Steve-- Ha! I declare!"

"What's the matter, Murray."

"One of 'em's white. Sure's you live. They sha'n't touch a hair of their
heads."

The expression of Murray's face astonished Steve. It was ghastly white
under all its tan and sunburn, and the wrinkles seemed twice as deep as
usual, while the fire in his sunken eyes was fairly blazing.

"There's an Indian coming."

"Apache. After the squaws. Don't you hear his whoop? I suppose they'll
shoot him first thing, but they won't send a bullet at the girls.
They're a bad crowd. Worse than Apache Indians."

"I don't consider them white men."

"Not inside, they ain't. I'd rather be a Lipan."

The two merry, laughing girls rode by in happy ignorance of the danger
that was lurking in the thicket, and Red Wolf galloped swiftly on to
join them. Then the three miners, with Bill at their head, sprang out of
their cover.

"Look out, boys. Don't use your rifles. Thar must be plenty more within
hearin'."

"We'll have to kill the brave."

"Of course. Git close to him, though. No noise. I'd like not to give him
a chance to so much as whoop."

They never dreamed of looking behind.

"They've start enough now," growled Murray. "Come on, Steve. Step like a
cat. We must take them unawares. Have your tie-up ready."

The buckskin thongs which hang from the belt, or shoulder, or knee of an
Indian warrior are not all put there for ornament. They are for use in
tying things, and they are terribly strong.

The two men saw Red Wolf join his sisters; they heard the startled cries
of Rita and Ni-ha-be, the demand for their surrender, and Red Wolf's
reply.

"Now, Steve, quick! Do just as I tell you."

Twang! went Ni-ha-be's bow at that instant, and the man next to Bill was
raising his rifle to fire, when his arms were suddenly seized by a grasp
of iron, and jerked behind him.

"Right at the elbows, Steve. Draw the loop hard. Quick!"

As the second miner turned in his tracks, he was astonished by a blow
between the eyes that laid him flat.

"Give it up, boys. Don't one of ye lift a hand."

Bill could not lift his, with the arrow in his arm. The man Steve had
tied could not move his elbows. The man on the ground was ruefully
looking into the barrel of Murray's rifle. Besides, here was Red Wolf
springing forward, with his lance in one hand and his revolver in the
other. Rita held his horse, while Ni-ha-be sat upon her own, with her
second arrow on the string.

"We give it up," said Bill; "but what are you fellows up to? I see.
You're the two miners, and you're down on us because we jumped your
claim to that thar gold ledge."

Red Wolf lowered his lance, and stuck his pistol in his belt. "Your
prisoners; not mine," he said to Murray. "Glad to meet friend. Come in
good time."

Murray answered, short and sharp: "Young brave, take friend's advice.
Jump on horse. Take young squaws back to camp. Tell chief to ride hard.
Kill pony. Get away fast."

"Who shall I tell him you are?"

"Say you don't know. Tell him I'm an enemy. Killed you. Killed young
squaws. Going to kill him."

There was a sort of grim humor in Murray's face as he said that. Not
only Red Wolf, but the two girls, understood it.

Steve had not said a word, but he was narrowly watching the three miners
for any signs of an effort to get loose.

"It's that other one, Steve. He's watching his chance. That's it. Draw
it hard. Now he won't be cutting any capers."

The expression of the miner's eyes promised the unfriendliest kind of
"capers" if he should ever get an opportunity to cut them.

"It's no use, boys," said Bill. "Mister, will you jest cut this arrer
close to my arm, so's I can pull it out?"

"I will in a minute. It's as good as a tie of deer-skin jest now. Watch
'em, Steve!"

He walked forward, and looked long and hard into the face of Rita.

[Illustration: "'THEY'D BETTER HAVE KILLED HER, LIKE THEY DID MINE.'"]

"Too bad! too bad! They'd better have killed her, like they did mine.
It's awful to think of a white girl growing up to be a squaw. Ride for
your camp, young man. I'll take care of these three."

"I will send out warriors to help you. You shall see them all burned and
cut to pieces."

"Oh, Rita," whispered Ni-ha-be, "they ought to be burned!"

Rita was gazing at the face of old Murray, and did not say a word in
reply.

"Come," said Red Wolf; "the great chief is waiting for us."

And then he added, to Murray and Steve:

"The lodges of the Apaches are open to their friends. You will come?"

"Steve, you had better say yes. It may be a lift for you."

"I will come some day," said Steve, quickly. "I don't know when."

"The white head must come too. He has the heart of an Apache, and his
hand is strong for his friends. We must go now."

He looked at the three miners for a moment, as if he disliked leaving
them behind, and then he bounded upon his pony, and the two girls
followed him.

"Was he not handsome, Rita?"

Ni-ha-be was thinking of Steve Harrison, but Rita replied:

"Oh, very handsome! His hair is white, and his face is wrinkled, but he
is so good. He is a great warrior, too. The bad pale-face went down
before him like a small boy."

"His hair is not white. It is brown. His face is not wrinkled. He is a
young brave. He will be a chief."

"Oh, that other one. I hardly looked at him. I hope they will come. I
want to see them again."

Red Wolf rode fast, and did not pause until he reached the very presence
of Many Bears and his counsellors.

There were already signs, in all directions, that the camp was beginning
to break up, as well as tokens of impatience on the face of the chief.

"Where go?" he said, angrily. "Why do young squaws ride away when they
are wanted?"

Ni-ha-be was about to answer, but Red Wolf had his own story to tell
first. It was eagerly listened to.

Pale-face enemies so near? Who could they be? White friends too, ready
to fight for them, and send them warning of danger? That was more
remarkable yet.

A trusty chief and a dozen braves were instantly ordered to dash into
the pass, bring back the prisoners, and learn all they could of the
friendly pale-faces.

Perhaps Steve Harrison would hardly have felt proud of the name which
was given him on the instant.

The only feat the Apaches knew of his performing was the thorough manner
in which he had tied up the two miners. So, for lack of any other name,
they spoke of him as the "Knotted Cord." Murray was named "Send
Warning." He had actually earned a "good name" among his old enemies.

Rita and Ni-ha-be were saved any further scolding. The chief was too
anxious to ask questions of the "talking leaves," now he was sure of the
neighborhood of danger.

"Ask about the bad pale-faces. Who are they?"

Rita took her magazines from the folds of her antelope-skin tunic with
trembling hands, for she was beginning to understand that they could not
tell her of things which were to be. It seemed to her in that moment
that she could not remember a single word of English.

The one she opened first was not that which contained the pictures of
the cavalry; but Rita's face instantly brightened. There were five or
six pages, each of which contained a picture of men engaged in mining
for gold.

The chief gravely turned the leaves till he came to a sketch that drew
from him a sharp and sullen "Ugh!"

There were the sturdy miners, with rifles instead of picks, making a
gallant charge upon a party of Indians.

"No need of talk. Great chief see for himself. No lie. I remember. Kill
some of them. Rest got away. Now they come to strike the Apaches. Ugh!"

It was only a "fancy sketch"; but it must have been true to life when an
Apache chief could say he had been one of the very crowd of Indians who
were being shot at in the picture.

"That do. Talk more by-and-by. Big fight come."

Many Bears rapidly transformed his buffalo-hunters into "warriors." All
that was needed was a chance to put on their war-paint, and a double
allowance of cartridges.

When that was done, they made a formidable-looking array, and the last
chance of the Lipans or any other enemies for "surprising" them was
gone. Then they rode slowly on after their women and children, and the
braves came back from the pass to report to Many Bears that "Send
Warning, Knotted Cord, and their three prisoners had gone, no one could
guess whither."

[TO BE CONTINUED.]




PEOPLE WE HEAR ABOUT.

JOHN BRIGHT.


Seventy years ago a boy was born in Rochdale, England, who was destined
to fill a great place in the world. His parents were Jacob and Martha
Bright--people of good old Quaker stock--and they called their eldest
boy simply John.

Jacob Bright was a cotton manufacturer, and both he and his wife were
beloved for their charitable deeds. One Sunday Mrs. Bright and little
John were walking out, and the boy wore his pair of long trousers for
the first time. Of course he felt proud of them. But soon they met a
poor woman with her little boy, and _he_ was clothed in rags. Mrs.
Bright stopped them, and the result of a few minutes' conversation was
that the poor woman and her ragged son returned home with them, and
Master John had to strip off his new suit and let the other boy put it
on in place of his rags. Mrs. Bright's charity was very thorough.

At school young John was quick and industrious, but his father thought
business more important than book-learning; so at fifteen the boy was
placed in his father's cotton mill. Fortunately for himself and the
world he did not give up learning from books when he left school, or he
would not have been the great man he is.

As a boy and a young man he was a good cricketer, and all his life he
has been very fond of fishing, having caught minnows and other small
fish in the river that ran by his home, and salmon of forty pounds
weight in Scotland and in Norway. At twenty-two years of age he began
training himself in public speaking in a literary society of which he
was one of the founders, and doubtless it is to this early training that
he owes the honor of being the greatest of living English orators.

Mr. Bright was first elected a member of Parliament in 1843, and
fourteen years later he was chosen to represent the great manufacturing
town of Birmingham, which seat he still occupies.

Mr. Bright's public life has been a busy and a useful one. No man has
done more for the benefit of the working classes than he, and he has
never hesitated in the pursuit of the course which he felt to be the
right one.

In this country the name of John Bright is justly honored, for he was
the only English statesman who supported the Union without wavering
during the late war between the North and the South. Six weeks ago
(November 16), Mr. Bright celebrated his seventieth birthday.




CHATS ABOUT PHILATELY.

BY J. J. CASEY.

VII.

[Illustration]

The illustration, which accompanies this article is a fac-simile, so far
as the drawing is concerned, of the postage stamps at present in use in
one of the Dutch possessions off the coast of South America, namely, the
island of Curaçoa. It represents the uniform type of the whole series,
and was introduced in 1873. The head on the stamp represents King
William III. of Holland.

The series consists of the following values and colors.

  2-1/2c., bright green.
  3c., stone.
  5c., rose.
  10c., bright blue.
  25c., light brown.
  50c., mauve.

The currency is in cents, one hundred of which go to the guilder, or
florin. A guilder is equal to nearly forty-one cents of our money.

Curaçoa, or, as printed on the stamps, Curaçao--the "c" being sounded
like "s"--is an island in the Caribbean Sea, lying off the north coast
of Venezuela. It is forty miles in length from northwest to southeast,
and ten miles in average breadth; the area is two hundred and twelve
square miles. The island is hilly, and deficient in water, being wholly
dependent upon the rains, yet, owing to the industry of the Dutch
planters, considerable quantities of sugar, cotton, tobacco, and maize
are raised. A peculiar variety of orange grows abundantly, and supplies
an important part in the liqueur which takes its name from the island.
The principal export is salt. The shores are bold, in some places deeply
indented, and present several harbors, the chief one being Santa Anna,
on the southwest side of the island. The narrow entrance to this harbor
is protected by Fort Amsterdam and other batteries; but the harbor
itself is large and secure, and is the port of the chief town, Curaçoa,
or Willemstad. The population in 1875 amounted to nearly twenty-four
thousand, about one-third being emancipated negroes. All belonged to the
Roman Catholic Church, except about two thousand Protestants and one
thousand Jews.

The island was settled by the Spaniards about 1527, was captured by the
Dutch in 1634, was taken by the English in 1798, and again in 1806, but
was restored to the Dutch in 1814, in whose possession it has since
remained. It is seldom that the name of this island is found in ordinary
geographies, although stamp-collectors think it ought to be given a
place.




[Illustration]

CHRISTMAS PIE.

(BEING SUE'S LETTER TO COUSIN ANNIE.)


  Oh, that marvellous Christmas pie!
  Fred, and Fanny, and Carl, and I
  Sat up one night till the clock struck one
  To plan the party; and oh, the fun
  Of having a secret among us four!
  (The "Queer Quadrangle" admits no more
  Within its circle--or, no--its square,
  I should have written, perhaps, just there.)
  I can not tell you the things we said
  (It's against the rules), but I'll tell instead
  About the party, the pie, and all.

    'Twas not, you know, like a grown-up ball,
  But just a rally of all the clan,
  And quite the thing for our little plan.
  Thirty cousins from far and near,
  With aunts and uncles were gathered here.
  But I must hasten. The hour drew nigh
  When Fred announced with a flourish:
                                        "Pie!

  "Down the staircase, and through the hall.
  This side of the supper, and free to all!
  'Put in your thumb, and pull out a plum,'
  But mind, the word of the hour is 'mum,'
  Forward, march!"

                      And the march began,
  Headed, of course, by Fred and Fan,
  And close behind them were Carl and I--
  We four were guards of the precious pie,
  And sat in glory behind it, while
  The others passed it in solemn file.
    'Twas heaped and frosted as white as snow
  In grandpa's punch-bowl--the one, you know,
  He calls his "Kaga," so deep and round,
  With painted dragons and golden ground.
  The ice was broken by Lottie's hand
  (The pie, you know, was of white sea-sand
  And packed with presents), and Lottie drew
  The sweetest locket of gold and blue,
  And Maud a letter, and Ruth a ring,
  And Will's was a fan--such a funny thing!
    But my sheet is full. I will surely call,
  When I get to the city, and tell you all,
  And how we missed you, and how a plum
  Was saved for the cousin that couldn't come.
    A Merry Christmas to all of you,
  With love unfailing, from
  (Q. Q.)

  COUSIN SUE.




[Illustration: A VERY BAD BOY.]

THE TALE OF A VERY BAD BOY.


  Oh! this is the tale of a very bad boy;
  He had done all he could other folks to annoy;
  Then what do you think there was found to employ
  The very bad wits of this very bad boy?

  On the night before Christmas, St. Nick to decoy,
  Two stockings were hung by the very bad boy,
  Who said to himself, "Of the sweet Christmas joy
  To double my share, a trick I'll employ;
  I'll watch for St. Nick--and the fun I'll enjoy--
  I'll give him these stockings his time to employ;
  And while he's at work," said the very bad boy,
  "I'll hook from his pack just the handsomest toy."

  But somehow the fun had a bit of alloy;
  St. Nick got a peep at the very bad boy;
  He whipped up his steeds, and he cried out, "Ahoy!
  You'll get, my young lad, neither candy nor toy."

  Then away went St. Nick, and he chuckled with joy,
  And he left not a thing for the very bad boy.




SAM JENKINS'S DREAM.

A New-Year's Story.

BY ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH.


"I just wish there wasn't any New-Year."

It was a boy--Sam Jenkins--who spoke, the time New-Year's Eve, the place
Madison Avenue and Sixty-ninth Street. And what a night it was! and what
a day it had been! Snow and slush all day long, and now the wind was
blowing a gale across the Harlem flats, and the slush was freezing on
the sidewalk, and there was not a star to be seen in all the sky.

Sam was a District Messenger boy, and had been on duty all day and all
the evening, and this final call at nine o'clock, when his legs were
tired, was the last ounce that broke the camel's back.

Since the noon hour he had been in a bad humor. Now he was not only
tired, but cold and down-hearted, and as his foot slipped, and he just
managed to save the fragile parcel he was carrying, he cried out with a
spiteful voice, "I just wish there wasn't any New-Years."

Somehow Sam's ill-humor had made him very uncomfortable all the
afternoon. He had had a scuffle near the office with Dick Rainey, and
all about nothing, for Dick, noticing his peculiar gait, simply asked
him what made his legs so heavy. He had quarrelled with the old apple
woman in the little shop round the corner because she wouldn't give him
two apples for three cents, when the price was two cents apiece; he had
thrown a lump of ice at a poor cat shivering behind a barrel on the
Third Avenue, and kicked at a wretched little dog that had sniffed up to
him with his tail between his legs. Altogether Sam was in a very bad
way. He didn't care for anybody or anything. Down town the gay shop
windows had failed to catch his eye; the bright lights in the houses on
the avenue were nothing to him. He was out with himself, and so he was
out with everybody else.

I am sorry to say that when Sam had delivered his parcel he snapped up
the servant for having kept him waiting so long for his ticket, although
the poor girl had nothing to do with that, and that he kicked the
sidewalk very hard when he again put his foot upon it. And yet he had
now only to report himself at the office, and then go home.

Sam lived on one of the side streets, where the great tenement-houses
loom up in long rows. It was past ten o'clock when he entered the dark
hallway, and began his climb to the fourth floor. On the third floor he
passed the room in which Jenny Wilson, the little lame girl, lived, and
just then some one opened the door for a moment, and he heard Jenny say,

"Oh, I wonder if I will ever be well!" and "I am so tired!"

Then Sam, still cross, said to himself, "Why don't you go to sleep,
then?" but in a moment he was ashamed of himself for having said it.

Bang! went the door behind him as he entered his mother's room. Without
saying a word, he pitched his heavy coat into a corner, and shied his
cap across the room.

"What's the matter, Sam?" asked his mother, with a kindly voice.

"Matter enough," answered Sam. "I'm tired to death. It's nothing but
run, run, run all day and all night. I just wish there wasn't any
New-Year's. Nobody cares for a boy. It's Sam here, and Sam there, and
Sam all the time. That's because I'm a boy. I wish I was a girl--yes, I
do."

His mother soothed him while he ate his supper; but the frown did not
lift from his face, for there was no sunshine in his heart.

Then he went to bed--went, too, without saying his prayers. It was not
long before he fell asleep, and then he dreamed.

He dreamed that he was still in New York, that he was a messenger boy,
and that it was the day before New-Year's. All day long he was busy
carrying messages and delivering parcels, and everybody was kind, and
everybody happy. It seemed to him that it was a great thing to be a
messenger boy at such a time, when every one was doing something for
some one else, and he had a hand in so much of it. As he thought of this
(he was going up Madison Avenue again), some one seemed to say: "Sam,
you're a little fellow, but you can have a big heart if you want to. All
day it's been growing bigger and bigger; now all you have to do is to
keep it open, and see how much it will hold."

Then Sam laughed. He didn't know why, but he couldn't help it, he felt
so good all over.

Pretty soon he came across a blind man. A dog was leading the man, but
Sam helped the man over the crossing, and motioned to a butcher's cart
to hold up. Then he saw a cat, half sick, lying in the gutter, and
picked her up, saying, "Poor pussy!" and laid her inside the railing of
a house, and asked the cook, who stood in the basement doorway, if she
wouldn't give her a sop of milk. After a little he saw an old colored
woman struggling along with a heavy basket of clothes, and said, "Aunty,
I'm going up a few streets, and I'll take hold of the basket on this
side." And so he went on up the avenue and down, and the sun was so
bright and the air so pleasant, while it seemed as if he was just
helping everybody. He didn't quite understand how, but kept on taking
them into his heart, all the time feeling and saying, "Come in; there is
still plenty of room." Soon all the poor people down in the side
streets, and all the rich people up on the avenue, all the sick people
in the hospital where he was yesterday, and the dreadful people he had
seen down by the Tombs--why, he just thought of them all, and before he
knew it they came crowding up and upon him, and he took all of them into
his heart, and they didn't seem crowded a bit, for the more that came,
the more room was there left. He could not understand it, but he was
sure that the increase in the number only made him the happier; and as
he went on thinking it over, he stretched out his arms just as wide as
he could, and cried out: "Come in, all the world; come into my heart.
I've plenty of room for all, for my heart grows just as fast as my love,
and I just love everybody in this big, blessed world."

As Sam stretched out his arms, his mother woke him, saying, "I wish you
a happy New-Year, Sam, and it's time to get up."

And Sam got up. You could tell by his face that he had had a pleasant
dream, for his voice was gentle and his manner very kind, as he said,
"Well, mother, I guess I was pretty cross last night, but I'm going to
try and be good-natured to-day."

Then his mother said, "You were tired last night, Sam." That's the way
our mothers always try and overlook our faults when we are sorry.

Sam had to go to the office for half a day, and he had a little money
which he intended to spend on his presents. Before he started for home,
however, he made up with Dick Rainey by dancing a jig to show that his
legs were light to-day. On his way home he called in at the old apple
woman's to wish her a very happy New-Year, and to take two apples at her
price. He hoped to get a sight of the poor old cat and the wretched
little dog, that he might show them how sorry he was, but they were
gone. On the Third Avenue he bought two or three little things for his
mother, and an orange, some candy, and a bright picture paper for his
little sister. And as Sam thought of these friends and all his other
friends, and all the poor people in the houses and on the streets, oh!
how he wished he could buy something for them all, but he couldn't. But
then he could love them all the same.

There is not room to tell you all that he said to his mother, and
sister, and Jenny, and what a bright, happy day it was to them and to
Sam. He tried hard to make it all out, but he couldn't exactly
understand it. "It was a nice, queer dream," he said, "and I found out
one thing by it, and that is that you can make room in your heart for
just as many folks as you please, and that you can't make other folks
pleasant when you are cross yourself; and I just wish that New-Year
would come twenty times in a year."




TOM FAIRWEATHER'S HOLIDAY IN MADEIRA.

BY LIEUTENANT E. W. STURDY.


Tom Fairweather sighed as he stood on the quarter-deck. "Holiday-time,
indeed!" said he. "What are the holidays without snow, I'd like to know?
I'd give a good deal for a real old-fashioned coasting lark to-day, but
I don't believe these people ever heard of such a thing."

It was a balmy day off the island of Madeira, where Tom's ship, or
rather his father's, lay. Here spring and summer reign the year round.

"Old-time coasting is what you would like, eh, Tom?" said Lieutenant
Jollytarre, with a twinkle in his eye. "Ask your father to let you go
ashore with me, and I'll give you a frolic that you'll not be apt to
forget."

Captain Fairweather gave his consent, and they hurried off.

A ten minutes' pull took them close to the island; but this Madeira
shore is so steep that it makes an uncomfortable landing for a
man-of-war's boat. Another boat, one belonging to the shore men, lay off
waiting for passengers. Into this Tom and the lieutenant stepped, and
were rowed close to the beach by two Madeira men.

As soon as the boat's bow touched the beach, two other men standing
there made fast to it one end of a rope of which the other was attached
to two strong oxen. At the word these oxen started, and up glided the
boat over the round smooth pebbles, so easily that Tom was astonished to
find himself at the top of the bank. With a laugh he jumped out. "That
was a coast up hill, sure enough," he said. "Was that what you meant?"

The lieutenant looked mysterious. "No, it wasn't. Wait a while."

"What queer narrow streets!" said Tom, as he surveyed critically
Funchal, the capital of Madeira. "And what a lingo--Portuguese--only it
sounds even more like gibberish than it did in Lisbon. And what a lot of
peddlers! They swarm like gnats."

Mr. Jollytarre was busy buying an inlaid box of one of the peddlers
referred to, and did not answer.

[Illustration: CARRIAGE DRAWN BY OXEN.]

Meanwhile Tom's attention was attracted by a very odd carriage. This
vehicle was drawn by oxen, and like a sleigh was set on runners, which
offered less resistance than wheels would have done to the smooth round
little stones of the pavement. These cobble-stones are very like the
stones of the beach. The body of the carriage reminded Tom of a
Sedan-chair; it seated comfortably two persons facing each other, had a
top, and was draped on the sides by curtains drawn apart. Tom began to
laugh, so much was he entertained by this strange equipage, whereat the
lieutenant turned to see what had caught his eye.

"We might take a drive," said he, meditatively. "I want to take you to
the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, on the top of that hill over
there. What do you say, Tom?"

"I'd sooner walk," said our young friend. "I should think it would be
slow work riding in an ox-cart, for that's all that amounts to, unless
you choose to call it a sleigh."

[Illustration: HAMMOCK-RIDING IN MADEIRA.]

At this moment two men came slowly down the street bearing between them
a pole on which was slung a curtained hammock, wherein reclined a pale
sweet-faced lady.

As she passed Tom his bright face took her fancy, and she glanced at him
with a smile.

"Wasn't that a beautiful lady?" he cried to Mr. Jollytarre.

"Indeed she was. But what do you think of her method of travelling? Slow
as the ox-cart, eh?" Then suddenly, "Tom, I have it; we'll go on
horseback." And almost in the same breath, cried, "Caballos."

The lieutenant's knowledge of Portuguese was limited, and he was obliged
to make a little of it, mixed with Spanish, go a long way.

But the people about him were quick-witted, and it seemed to Tom that
two horses with their two owners appeared on the scene as if by magic.

"Now, Tom," said Lieutenant Jollytarre, "you may walk if you please--I
shall ride. The coasting I told you of is up there at that church. Will
you take a horse?"

Tom replied by leaping into the saddle, and starting off at a slow
canter.

As they rode away, the owners of the horses followed them, keeping up to
the increasing pace by each clinging to his horse's tail.

This was all very well as long as they remained in the narrow streets,
where a little steering was necessary; but as they left them, Tom grew
impatient for a run.

"See here, now, this won't do," he called to his man. "I ain't a baby. I
know how to ride. Leave go."

He slackened his pace to say this. The man slackened his pace, but did
not drop the horse's tail. He grinned upon Tom, showing his even white
teeth.

Tom waxed wroth. "Come now, let go," and he gave his horse a cut which
started him into a gallop. The guide kept up, tugging away at the
horse's tail.

"Come now, be off," cried Tom. "You keep my horse back. I say, Mr.
Jollytarre, do put this into Portuguese for me. Tell this beggar I'll
give him a cut if he don't let go."

"Cut away," said Mr. Jollytarre. "It won't make any difference. He
understands you, but he wouldn't let go if you were to shout to him from
now until doomsday. I know all about it. I've been here before."

"What does he hold it for?"

"Tom, I have often wondered. I suppose he knows. I don't. Wants to keep
his horse in sight, perhaps; wants a run; likes our society. You see my
fellow is doing the same thing. However, we are not going any slower in
consequence. The horses are used to it. They don't mind in the least."

At this point the guides stopped both horses. They were in front of a
little wine-shop half way up the hill.

The guides pulled off their caps, and urged the lieutenant to treat.
This was another custom of the country, to which the lieutenant also
submitted gracefully.

The waiters poured out a glassful all around.

"Take care, Tom; this is strong Madeira wine, although these people
drink it almost like water. Better not do more than taste it."

"Never fear," replied Tom. "I wouldn't poison myself with the stuff. No,
thank you" (to the waiter). "Drink it yourself, if you've a mind to."

"Temperance, are you?" said the lieutenant. "Well, that's a very good
thing."

"I should say it was," said Tom, stoutly. "Anyway for a boy."

The rest of the road was very steep. But it was fun. Tom was sorry to
reach the top, where, at the door of the church, they dismounted, and
sat down to rest. The horses were led off.

When Mr. Jollytarre rose to his feet and announced that they must be
going, Tom looked around for his horse in vain. Instead, two sleds
approached, each pushed by two men toward our friends.

"Get on board, Tom," exclaimed the lieutenant; "that is, if you want to
have the best coasting you ever had in your life. If your prejudices
hold you back now, you'll regret it the longest day you live."

[Illustration: THE MOUNTAIN SLED.]

So saying, he scrambled into one of the sleds himself, and Tom followed
his example, although still a little doubtful as to the success of the
experiment. There were two thongs for steering tied to the front of each
sled, which were held by the two men behind.

When everything was ready, the two sleds started together down the hill.
It was like the wind. It was like chain-lightning. It was like a
telegram. As they tore down the hill, they made a hissing sound like the
cracking of whips. There were sudden turns in the road, beneath which
lay dark and deep ravines. If Tom had known that sometimes in these wild
rides persons had been hurled over the sides of such precipices, a still
greater zest would have been imparted to his flying trip; for he was a
thorough boy, and loved a spice of danger. However, he would have had
hardly time to dwell upon this thought, for in less time than it has
taken to write of it he was landed again in Funchal.




THE SHOP WINDOWS.


I think I can hear some little tongue ask, "Are these beautiful pictures
really to be seen in the shops, or has the artist only imagined them?"

Every one of these pretty sights is taken from actual windows in New
York, and for days past gay throngs of people have tiptoed and crowded
close to the panes that they might assist at such dainty doll
receptions.

The central scene here is a bit of Venice. There are the bridge and the
stairs and the arches, and there, too, are the ladies and gentlemen
coming in their gondolas to attend a reception at some grand palace.

It is almost as good as going to the circus to look at the fairy figure
standing on the back of yonder spirited steed, with the rows of doll
spectators in the background. I think I like it even better than the
real thing, for one is sure that this little lady has never known a
blow, nor an unkind word, and we are not at all easy in our minds when
we are watching some poor little Queen of the Ring, and holding our
breath at her wonderful leaps.

The little picture entitled "Charity" may be seen in the streets every
cold day. The contrast between the child, with her golden hair and warm
furs, and the barefooted boy, ragged and shivering, who sweeps the
crossings, and holds out his thin hand for a penny, is true to life.

Here is Baby, as large as the one at home in the nursery, her
christening dress on, to be sure, and her bottle in her hands. What
comfort she is taking!

But wouldn't you rather have that sailor lad, whose jaunty air tells you
that he knows every rope in the ship, and can climb the rigging like a
cat?

How graceful are these musicians! and how quaint this coquettish
milk-maid, who will presently give a cup of milk to the high-bred girl
and boy watching her! One can take a history lesson, for just as these
children are dressed were Mistress Dorothy Quincy and his Excellency
John Hancock more than a hundred years ago.

Perhaps our eyes linger longest on the sea-side window, which brings
back memories of the summer. There is the donkey on which Minnie used to
ride; Chloe with her parasol; and the children at play on the sands,
with the waves rolling in.

Well, well, we can not look all day at the shop windows, be they ever so
attractive, for the holidays are full of fun and frolic, and we want to
catch it all.

[Illustration: SCENES IN SHOP WINDOWS, NEW YORK CITY.--DRAWN BY MISS
JESSIE MCDERMOTT.]




[Illustration: HAPPY NEW-YEAR!]




OUR POST-OFFICE BOX.


A Happy New Year to all the boys and girls who read this paper! Every
mail which comes to Our Post-office Box brings us letters which we are
too modest to publish, so lavish is their praise of the stories,
pictures, and instructive articles which we furnish for the weekly feast
of the young writers. Now, little men and women, since you like the
paper so well, and enjoy it so thoroughly, let us tell you how you can
give us a useful proof of your friendship. We would like you to help us
extend the circulation of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE by showing it to your
friends and their parents, and asking them to subscribe for it the
coming year. The more subscribers the paper shall have, the more
attractive and valuable the publishers will be able to make it. That you
may have the prospect of a reward for your efforts, we make the
following tempting offers, to which we ask your attention.

To any boy or girl sending us at one time before March 1, 1882, the
names and addresses of ten new yearly subscribers, together with the
money, and referring to this offer, we will mail, postage paid, any one
of the volumes mentioned in the following list:

COL. KNOX'S BOOKS OF TRAVEL IN THE FAR EAST.

_The Boy Travellers in the Far East--Part I.--Adventures of two Youths
in a Journey to Japan and China. Copiously Illustrated. 8vo, Ornamental
Cloth, $3._

_The Boy Travellers in the Far East--Part II.--Adventures of two Youths
in a Journey to Siam and Java. With Descriptions of Cochin China,
Cambodia, Sumatra, and the Malay Archipelago. Copiously Illustrated.
8vo, Ornamental Cloth, $3._

_The Boy Travellers in the Far East.--Part III.--Adventures of two
Youths in a Journey to Ceylon and India. With Descriptions of Borneo,
the Philippine Islands, and Burmah. Copiously Illustrated. 8vo,
Ornamental Cloth, $3._

COFFIN'S HISTORICAL READING FOR THE YOUNG.

_The Story of Liberty.--Copiously Illustrated. 8vo, Cloth, $3._

_Old Times in the Colonies.--Copiously Illustrated. 8vo, Cloth, $3._

_The Boys of '76.--A History of the Battles of the Revolution. Copiously
Illustrated. 8vo, Cloth, $3._

Here you have your choice from a beautiful little library of travel and
history. Any one of these books will be a constant source of pleasure to
everybody in the household.

To the boy or girl who, before March 1, 1882, shall send us the largest
number of new yearly subscriptions, with the money, we further offer to
present

_Harper's Household Edition of Charles Dickens's Works, in 16 Volumes,
handsomely bound in Cloth, in a box. Price, $22._

No collection of books is complete which does not include the works of
the great English novelist, whose characters are as vivid as real
flesh-and-blood people, and whose humor and pathos never lose their
charm.

We feel sure that every boy and girl among our readers will be anxious
to win this handsome edition of Dickens's works, which is full of
exquisite illustrations by leading English and American artists.

In order that we may keep an accurate account of the number of
subscriptions we receive, it will be necessary for each one, when
sending a list of new subscriptions, to notify us that he or she intends
to try to secure this valuable prize. Cash must accompany each order.

HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, $1.50 a year.

       *       *       *       *       *

  WESTPORT, CALIFORNIA.

     I have a darling doll, and it has light blue eyes and golden hair.
     It is a wax doll. I have no name for it. Would somebody please tell
     me a pretty one? I have a cunning little carriage in which I take
     my doll to ride. I have a little pony named Daisy, and papa bought
     me a saddle, so that I can ride to school. I have to go three miles
     through the woods, and Daisy sometimes rears up with me, but I have
     never yet fallen off. I received two very pretty cards at school
     last week. I have a pair of roller skates. When I read Augusta C.'s
     letter I said, "I will join you, Augusta, for I hate cats too."

  ETTA M.

How delightful it must be to canter to school through the woods. If
Daisy is sometimes a little frisky, her mistress must keep a steady and
delicate hand on the rein, sit firmly in her saddle, and often pet and
caress her horse, so that she will understand that her rider is her
friend. It is possible to win the affection and confidence of a horse so
that it will understand nearly every word you say to it.

Why not call your dolly Katrine, or Gretchen, or Fairy, or Maud? There
are many pretty names for dolls, and as you are dolly's mamma, you
should not neglect the duty of naming her.

       *       *       *       *       *

  WILDWOOD, CATAHOULA PARISH, LOUISIANA.

     Several weeks ago I wrote you proposing an exchange of deer horns,
     leaves, and mosses, never dreaming of having so many applications
     for the horns--all nice offers, too. As I am at home only one day
     of the week--boarding from home to attend school--I could not
     possibly reply to all; so I decided to answer through the
     Post-office Box. I wish to say I think Jackson Bechler's offer
     would best please me, if he would only name his curiosities, and
     the expense of my getting them. As we have no near express office,
     the horns would have to be sent by boat to New Orleans; the expense
     from here to New Jersey would be about $1.75. I forgot in my
     previous letter to say that one of the horns on one point was
     fractured by a shot. I have three pairs, the one just mentioned the
     largest, which measures twenty-four inches from head to tip--that
     is, _one shank_; fifteen inches from tip to tip; four points on
     each shank. The second pair is a little less, but not so pretty, as
     they were shot before the horns hardened, and instead of making a
     straight point, it is somewhat contorted. The third are little
     beauties, which we used on the bow of our boat when we had skiff
     races during high water. As I had only one offer for leaves, etc.,
     I answered by postal. I hope to hear soon from my young friends.

  MARIE LOUISE USHER.

       *       *       *       *       *

  BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

     In a recent number of YOUNG PEOPLE you said that some little New
     England girl could have a corner if she chose to write, and
     although I am not so very little, I hope I may have part of a
     corner in the Post-office Box.

     In a letter from Viola B. a week or two ago she spoke of the names
     of Southern children, and afterward you said that you had seen an
     allusion to the same thing in a book you had read lately. Will you
     please tell me in what book you saw it, if you remember, as I wish
     to know if it is the same book I saw it in.

     I agree with Miss Viola in regard to telling the age.

  L. H.

The book was _Homoselle_, which belongs to the "No Name Series" of
novels.

       *       *       *       *       *

  KNOWLTON, CANADA.

     I am a little girl six years old. The only pet I have is a little
     baby sister, whom I love very much. I went to a mill with papa a
     few weeks ago, and saw them card wool into rolls, and weave
     flannel. I live on a farm near Brome Lake, and there is a river
     runs through the pasture back of our house, and in warm weather we
     like to take off our shoes and stockings and go in wading. I had a
     little flower garden last summer. It was my very own. I had some
     petunias and sweet-peas, and some pretty gladioli; and I had some
     daisies and pansies, and sweet-williams too. My sister Connie
     helped me weed my garden. I have a wax doll which I often play
     with. Her name is May. The prettiest dress she has is a red one
     trimmed with fringe, and she wears a lace bib with it. Her
     every-day dress is gray, with little red bows all down the front of
     it. I have a carriage to push her around in. It was one of my
     Christmas presents last year. I read all the letters and most of
     the stories in YOUNG PEOPLE, but I can not write yet, so mamma is
     writing this for me. The stories I like best are "Susie Kingman's
     Decision," "Phil's Fairies," "Toby Tyler," and "The Cruise of the
     'Ghost.'" I am tired now, so I will not write any more.

  BESSIE C.

       *       *       *       *       *

  WEEDVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA.

     Please may some of the boys write in defense of the cats, as well
     as the girls? We think Augusta would like our cat if she could see
     it. It is white, with large black and yellow spots. We call it
     Popcorn. The white for the corn that is popped, the yellow for
     before it is popped, and the black for that that got burned.
     Popcorn and our little dog Felix go fishing with us down in the
     woods. She can follow as well as Felix. When Felix has to be
     punished, he cries; then Popcorn runs up to him and licks his face,
     and we know she is sorry for him. We think so much of both! We had
     to go a mile to school last summer, and Felix would start from home
     about four o'clock, and meet us sometimes nearly half of the way.
     We wondered how he knew when to start. He would be so glad to see
     us, he would jump nearly as high as our heads. When we got home,
     Popcorn would be waiting for us on the front steps. We like YOUNG
     PEOPLE, and are glad Tip didn't die.

     We have coaxed mamma to write this for us.

  DWIGHT, EDDIE, and CLARE A.

       *       *       *       *       *

  WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VIRGINIA.

     One of the little correspondents said she had a three-legged cat. I
     want to tell you of a kitten we had which had six legs, one on
     either side with the toes turning backward.

  EMILY C. M.

       *       *       *       *       *

  OVIEDO, ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA.

     I am a little boy seven years old, and live in South Florida, on
     Lake Jessup--a large lake in Orange County. My father has a
     beautiful orange grove, and some of the trees are just loaded with
     oranges. We also have a pine-apple grove; but the strangest thing I
     ever saw is a pawpaw-tree; it is bearing and blooming at the same
     time, and the shape of the fruit is like a musk-melon in size, and
     my father could get a hundred dollars for it if he were to try. I
     have some pets and other things, but I won't write about them now.
     I have been taking YOUNG PEOPLE for nearly a year.

  THEODORE A.

       *       *       *       *       *

  QUEENSTOWN, MARYLAND.

     I have wished for some time to write and thank you for the great
     pleasure YOUNG PEOPLE gives me. I love so its coming once a week.

     I wish I had something to offer little Marie Louise Usher in
     exchange for her deer horns. We all read her letter with so much
     pleasure last week. One of my uncles went, some winters ago, to
     look after his interests in Hope Estate, Louisiana. It adjoins Dr.
     Usher's residence; and Uncle George says then Marie Louise was a
     little girl like I am now, not more than six or seven years old. He
     was so pleased to read her letter, for he enjoyed his visit to the
     sunny South.

     My subscription to YOUNG PEOPLE runs out the 11th of December, but
     Aunt Kate, who is going to Baltimore in a few days, will renew it
     for another year. I made the money myself, selling "Stowell's
     Evergreen Corn." I have every number of this year, not one torn or
     soiled, and I want to have it bound by the Baltimore News Company,
     where I subscribe. It was a Christmas gift this year from my two
     aunts.

     I have a nice little girl, Clara, from an orphan asylum, who plays
     with and reads to me. I go to school, and do not play much with
     dolls, though I have eighteen. Like most of the subscribers, I have
     a cat, Toby; for "Toby Tyler" was the very nicest continued story I
     ever read.

     I was in a spelling-class yesterday of a dozen or more girls and
     boys, and I spelled "duenna" after it had passed almost all the
     others. I was so "clapped" (because I am so little), I thought the
     school-house was on fire; so I began to cry.

     I shall think it a very nice Christmas gift if you will publish my
     letter. Good-by, Mr. Harper.

  ANNA H. D.

       *       *       *       *       *

GEORGE H. P.--Your long trip must have been very delightful. There is
nothing much pleasanter in life than a boy's journey under the care of a
kind and indulgent father. But your mother must have felt a little
anxious about her travellers while they were enduring 500 miles of
staging, bathing in Salt Lake, and venturing into other dangerous
places. No doubt she was very glad indeed when you both arrived safely
at home. Your exchange will duly appear.

       *       *       *       *       *

MARIAN M.--The two kittens named Cenny and Tenny, after the Centennial
year, in which they were born, must have been very amusing, from your
description of them.

       *       *       *       *       *

FLORA S.--Carlo must be a little torment, and yet we do not wonder at
your loving him dearly.

       *       *       *       *       *

C. Y. P. R. U.

We have pleasure in giving our readers this vivid description of the
cruise of the adventurous little _Toby Tyler_ since we left her, some
weeks ago, in the beautiful harbor of Norfolk, Virginia.

FIVE DAYS IN THE DISMAL SWAMP.

     There is one portion of the journey of the _Toby Tyler_ which can
     hardly fail to interest the readers of YOUNG PEOPLE, although they
     might not care much for a record of the entire voyage. The trip
     through the Dismal Swamp occupied nearly five days, not because the
     little steamer could not have passed over the thirty miles of canal
     sooner, but because all on board were disposed to linger where the
     scenery was so novel and fascinating.

     We will not try to give here a lesson in geography, nor to tell the
     exact size, location, and characteristics of these three hundred
     miles of submerged forest. This letter will simply contain an
     account of what the passengers of the _Toby Tyler_ saw after
     leaving Norfolk, sailing five miles up the Elizabeth River, and
     entering what is known as the Dismal Swamp Canal.

     Each one had expected to see a veritable swamp, where the trees
     would appear to be growing in the water, and where it would be
     impossible to walk, even a few paces, save at the risk of sinking
     deep in the mud. But dismal as the swamp is, it is not quite as bad
     as had been imagined. To be sure, there are miles and miles of
     territory where one would find it impossible to walk, owing both to
     the water and tangle of brake and vine; but along the banks of the
     canal the land is not only quite as firm as elsewhere, but there
     are several villages, where were found children who had read of the
     coming of the _Toby Tyler_, and were watching for the little
     steamer.

     At those points where the marshy portions of the great swamp extend
     fully out to the canal, hedges of cane and flags have been trained,
     so that one sees only the masses of verdure which seem to have been
     cut apart by the narrow ribbon of water on which floated great
     barges and steamers, past which it seemed impossible the _Toby_
     could go, from sheer lack of space.

     And the water in the canal looked so very strange, because, instead
     of being clear, it is exactly the color of strong tea, owing to the
     juniper-trees, which grow in the swamp in such profusion as to
     discolor it. But it tastes like the purest of spring water despite
     its queer look, and the ships of war sailing from the Portsmouth
     Navy-yard carry it for drinking purposes, because it will keep
     sweet and fresh six or eight months.

     The charm and beauty of the swamp are not to be seen as one sails
     through its brown water-way; if one wishes to see it in all its
     dismal waste, he should do as did the voyagers on the _Toby_, and
     that is, explore some of the small rivers that cross the canal by
     means of a boat. The one belonging to the _Toby_ is fourteen feet
     long, and can sail where the water is not more than five or six
     inches deep; it may also interest some of your readers to know that
     it is named _Mr. Stubbs_. In this little craft the writer and the
     artist almost forced their way up what is known as Old River,
     pushing aside branches of trees and clinging vines that seemed
     doing their best to prevent any one from entering the retreat they
     guarded.

     Fifty yards in from the canal it was as if one had gotten miles
     away from all traces of civilization; not a sound was to be heard
     save the hooting of an owl or the twitter of the small birds; on a
     log just ahead an assembly of terrapin were holding a convention,
     probably to protest against being considered such a delicacy in the
     way of food; while just beyond, under the roots of an overturned
     tree, could be seen the head of a small bear, that was trying to
     make up his mind whether it would be better to run away, or stay
     and find out what the intruders wanted. He concluded to leave,
     however, and the terrapin followed his example by rolling off the
     log with a great splash, thus leaving the two explorers alone in a
     river that seemed all trees and but little water. It was indeed a
     swamp, or rather a submerged forest, this river, and it was only
     with the greatest difficulty the little boat could be forced along.
     After the banks of the canal were left astern it was no longer
     possible to distinguish the course of this river, for it stretched
     out in one broad body of water, which so mingled with the swamp
     that no one could say it had banks, or even a channel.

     Perhaps a mile was passed over by alternate rowing and pulling, and
     then further progress was impeded by huge trees that had fallen
     into the water, completely blocking the way. Ahead, astern, and on
     either hand could be seen the dark, shallow water, thickly studded
     with trees from which hung the gray trailing moss so plentiful
     here. No sound broke the silence, no sign of life could be seen, no
     traces of man anywhere. It was certainly as wild a place as can be
     imagined, and the two exploring it thought they had seen the most
     dismal portion of this wonderful swamp.

     In this, however, they found they were mistaken, when, on the
     following day, the _Toby_ was anchored in the main canal, and in
     _Mr. Stubbs_ the party rowed up a smaller canal into the lake of
     the swamp--Lake Drummond. Imagine this vast swamp (for up this last
     canal there was no question as to the swampy nature of the place),
     in the heart of which is a large body of water separated from that
     around it by an army of tree trunks bleached to a light gray by the
     sun and weather. Back of this ashen-colored border the juniper and
     pine trees lift their heads so high that the sun only illumines the
     water at noonday, while at other times the shadows cast by the
     trees on the brown water lend to all objects a purplish hue that is
     at least startling when first seen. It is a strange, weird-looking
     place, where one involuntarily whispers, as if he feared to waken
     nature from its solemn repose.

     To describe this body of water in the midst of the vast swamp is
     impossible, so strange is the sensation the visitor has when seeing
     it for the first time. It was early in the morning when the
     passengers from the _Toby_ arrived at the lake, and it was late in
     the afternoon before any of them remembered that they must return
     to the little steamer. Then it was almost a race to get back to the
     yacht in order that the village of South Mills could be reached
     before dark.

     In this attempt, however, the voyagers were unsuccessful, owing to
     an exciting hunt which a party of gentlemen were having after a
     deer. They succeeded in their murderous design, for they killed him
     as he attempted to swim across the canal just under the bow of the
     _Toby_.

     Late that night, when the little steamer was made fast to the pier
     at the village that marks the southern end of the canal, the
     voyagers on the yacht had venison steaks for supper that were cut
     from the deer they had seen killed, and all hands retired, almost
     sad that the journey through the swamp was ended, but anticipating
     very much from the trip down the Pasquotank River to Albemarle
     Sound.

  JAMES OTIS.

       *       *       *       *       *

HOWARD B.--You could have no more appropriate name for your dancing club
than the one you have selected, "Lads and Lasses." All sorts of pretty
and tasteful trifles may be used for favors, such as little bells,
rosettes, flags, stars, butterflies, sashes, pictures, and flowers. At
present tiny Japanese fans, umbrellas, cups, and vases are fashionable.
Flowers are always appropriate as favors. The German affords scope for
individual taste, and the favors may be very simple or very costly, as
circumstances may regulate the affair. But while in some cases gold or
silver jewelry has been given in the way of favors, it will be better
for a club of young people to confine themselves to trinkets which,
while of small money value, may still be pretty enough to be kept as
souvenirs of a happy evening.

       *       *       *       *       *

     DEAR POSTMISTRESS,--We have had a little discussion as to the
     proper method of hanging our pictures, and as we can not agree,
     will you kindly settle the question. We have hung them about on a
     level with our eyes, and are satisfied that that arrangement is
     good. The trouble is to know the proper angle of inclination. We
     had the tops of the frames about four inches from the wall; but a
     friend came in the other evening, and deliberately told us that
     that was all wrong. He then made rolls of stiff paper and, with
     them behind the pictures, forced the top of each frame about
     eighteen inches from the wall. Some of the family like the effect,
     and some declare it hideous. Which plan is considered the correct
     one by those who ought to know?

  TRENTON.

In hanging pictures it is well to have the middle of the picture in line
with the eye. Let all small pictures be as flat as possible against the
wall, and for larger ones let the angle of inclination depend upon size,
making it invariably as small as you can. Only for a very large picture
would an angle of eighteen inches be admissible. I would advise you to
take away the stiff rolls of paper, and trust to your own sense of the
beautiful and becoming rather than, in this instance, to your friend's
judgment.

       *       *       *       *       *

ELSIE.--Your question whether it is ever right to make other people the
subject of conversation is easily answered. It is right to speak of our
friends and acquaintances, if we do so kindly, and talk of their good
qualities. Nothing is so mean as to speak unkindly of the absent, who
can not defend themselves. Conversation, if restricted to historical
facts, as you propose, would be very dull.

       *       *       *       *       *

CONSTANT READER.--It would be better to meet on some evening in the week
than to confine yourselves to Sunday evening. But if you are engaged
every other evening, why not meet from four to six on Sunday afternoon,
and leave the evening free to go to church? You might take up some good
book of Eastern travel, or the life of some noble man like Garfield or
Lincoln, and read it together. Call yourselves the Inquirers, if your
aim is, as I imagine it to be, to find out what is worthy, and follow
it. I do not think boys of your age should stay away from church on
Sunday evening either to read or hold debates. You will learn much more,
both mentally and spiritually, by attending regularly on the ministry of
some clergyman whom you enjoy hearing.

       *       *       *       *       *

FLAVEL S. M., New Brighton, New York, found a dandelion in an exposed
place, as bright as ever, and in full bloom, on December 5.

       *       *       *       *       *

GRACIE M.--The Postmistress knows of nothing which will remove
superfluous hair from the face or arms.

       *       *       *       *       *

This week we would call the attention of the C. Y. P. R. U. to the
comprehensive little article on John Bright under the head of "People We
Hear About"; to the "Chat on Philately," which carries us away to the
northern coast of South America; and to the charming article on foreign
travel, entitled "Tom Fairweather's Holiday in Madeira." Then we want
them all to read the story called "Sam Jenkins's Dream." Not that any of
them are like the Sam of the Old Year, but because every one of us, no
matter how good we are already, wants to take a new and a fresh and a
better start in the New Year to come.

       *       *       *       *       *

PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.

No. 1.

TWO ENIGMAS.

1.

  My first is in snow, but not in rain.
    My second in nip, but not in bite.
  My third is in mount, but not in plain.
    My fourth is in weasel, but not in kite.
  My fifth is in butter, but not in cheese,
  My sixth is in ice, but not in freeze.
  My seventh is in rosy, but not in pale.
  My eighth is in dimple, but not in veil.
  My whole is as lovely as well can be
  Anything half so wild and free.

2.

  In scatter, not in plant.
    In polish, not in rub.
  In arrow, not in bow.
  In ripple, not in flow.
    In river, not in tub.
  In ocean, not in lake.
    In ewer, not in dish.
  Of me now, what do you make?
    Am I bird, or bee, or fish?

  SUSAN NIPPER.

       *       *       *       *       *

No. 2.

NUMERICAL ENIGMA.

  My first is the initial letter of a city in Illinois.
  My second, of a city in Connecticut.
  My third, of a river in Virginia.
  My fourth, of one of the Territories.
  My fifth, of a city in Georgia.
  My sixth, of a city in Florida.
  My seventh, of a State in New England.
  My eighth, of a city in Texas.
  My ninth, of a river in Pennsylvania.
  My whole was delightful to us all.

  C. C. R.

       *       *       *       *       *

No. 3.

EASY DIAMOND.

1. A letter. 2. To wager. 3. A spiral line. 4. A metal. 5. A letter.

  TOBY TYLER.

       *       *       *       *       *

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 110.

No. 1.

1.

  U ru S
  N es T
  I ow A
  T ar T
  E as E
  D og S

2.

  M ai L
  A si A
  R ai N
  Y ar D

No. 2.

  Z O N E S
  C E D A R
  C O B R A
  B L U R T
  E X T R A

No. 3. Evil communications corrupt good manners.

       *       *       *       *       *

Correct answers to puzzles have been received from Effie M. Laurence,
Florence Chambers, Elvira Urisarri, Gracie S., J. H., Jessie and Willie
Martin, "Fill Buster," Forrest F., "Queen Bess," Rita Harris, Olive A.
McAdams. "Lodestar," Frank G. Ames, Clara, Percy L. McDermott, Roy W.
Osborne, A. E. Cressingham, Bob, Frank M. Scott, "Toby Tyler," Willie
Curtis, William A. Lewis, George Sylvester, Annetta Jackson, "Day Z."
M. L. H., "No Name."

       *       *       *       *       *

The answer to the Enigma published on the concluding page of No. 111 is
Comb.

       *       *       *       *       *

The prize puzzle and the name of the successful puzzler will be given in
No. 114.

       *       *       *       *       *

[_For Exchanges, see third page of cover._]




[Illustration]

A DIRE CATASTROPHE.


  "'Tis very true
    I'm dressed in silk,
  But I must have
    A drink of milk."

  A sudden fall:
    What has been done?
  Too much, alas!
    Is worse than none.




SCIENTIFIC PUZZLES.


[Illustration: FIG. 1.]

The experiment represented in Fig. 1 illustrates the pressure of the
atmosphere. Fill a goblet with water up to the brim, and then cover it
with a sheet of paper which touches both the edge of the glass and the
surface of the water. Turn the glass upside down, and the sheet of
paper, held in its place by the pressure of the air, will prevent the
water from running out. It frequently happens that this experiment is
only successfully performed after a series of fruitless attempts on the
part of the operator. We therefore suggest that it shall be made over a
basin, and not where there are expensive articles to be ruined by a
douche of water.

[Illustration: FIG. 2.]

Fig. 2 represents another illustration of atmospheric pressure. Light a
piece of paper, and when it begins to burn brightly, thrust it into an
empty water bottle. Within a few seconds close the neck of the bottle
with a hard-boiled egg from which the shell has been removed. The
burning of the paper exhausts the air in the bottle, and the egg is
gradually thrust in by the pressure of the outside atmosphere. It will
finally pass completely through the neck of the bottle, giving a little
explosive sound.

[Illustration: FIG. 3.]

In Fig. 3 we have an experiment illustrating the laws of force. A dime
is placed on a table covered with a cloth or napkin. The coin can be
drawn from beneath the glass without touching it or slipping anything
under it. If the cloth near by be simply scratched with the nail of the
forefinger, the elasticity of the material communicates the motion to
the dime, which moves slowly in the direction of the finger, until it
finally comes out entirely from beneath the glass.

[Illustration: FIG. 4.]

The experiment shown in Fig. 4 is certain to result in the smashing of
several eggs; we therefore advise that they should be hard-boiled in
order to avoid serious catastrophes. By blowing into a claret glass
containing an egg, it is possible to cause it to jump out of the glass,
and with practice it may be made to pass from one glass into another.




WHAT IS A CHRISTMAS-BOX?


This question is not so easily answered as you may suppose; for though
all little folk know that a Christmas-box is a gift made at
Christmas-tide, such was not the original meaning of the word.
Christmas-boxes were at first what we now call money-boxes. They were
known as thrift-boxes, and consisted of small wide clay bottles with
imitation stoppers, the upper part covered with a kind of green glaze.
On the side was a slit into which money could be put, and as the money
was collected at Christmas, the boxes in the course of time gave the
name to the present.




[Illustration: DISSATISFIED WITH HIS SUNDAY DINNER.

"See here, Ma, why didn't you buy this Goose when he was alive, so's I
could o' rode him home?"]





End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Harper's Young People, December 27,
1881, by Various

*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 50809 ***