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diff --git a/old/52860-0.txt b/old/52860-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index bfd94c4..0000000 --- a/old/52860-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3419 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Story Book, by Various - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Our Story Book - Jingles, Stories and Rhymes for Little Folks - -Author: Various - -Release Date: August 20, 2016 [EBook #52860] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUR STORY BOOK *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, Juliet Sutherland and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -[Illustration: LITTLE DROPS OF WATER, LITTLE GRAINS OF SAND.] - - - - - Our Story Book - - JINGLES, STORIES _and_ RHYMES - _for_ - LITTLE FOLKS - -[Illustration] - - _Profusely Illustrated_ - - NEW YORK - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY - - - - - COPYRIGHT, 1916, BY - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY - - - - - CONTENTS - - - Wideawake Willy. - The Little Old Woman. - Quite an Adventure. - Funny Toys - There Were Seven Froggies of Lee - Tinklebell Tales. - Holiday Time. - The Twins. - The Five Little Frogs. - The Doings of Dickie and Daisy - Follow My Leader. - Bunny and Chick, Or Sulky Sammy. - Doggie and Puss. - Tittle-tattle Tales, Or Fireside Stories. - The Kitkin Family - Wooden Toys. - Tick Tock - Neddy - Silly Billy and the Kittens. - Tony - The Cats and the Cheese, Or, Better Agree Than Go to Law. - The Doll's House to Let. - The Fox That Lost His Tail, Or, Do Not Follow Every Fashion You See. - Mrs. Gamp and Mrs. Puss-cat - The Conceited Golliwog. - Dolly's Name. - The Call to Arms. - To London Town. - A Home in the Wainscot. - We Three - Under the Big Hat, Or, Jackie and Me. - The Naughty Kitten. - The Goose Girl. - Goose-girl. - Waiting For Tea. - The Boy and the Bogie. - Baby's Bunnie. - My First Visit. - Ten Raw Recruits. - The Dog and the Wolf; Or, Be Content With Your Lot. - Castles in the Air. - A Day at the Farm. - Doggie's Woes. - Off to the Front. - Tommy's First Day at School. - Mister Jack-in-the-box. - Hector Protector. - The Muzzle That Fitted Too Much. - In the Farmyard. - Fir Tree Farm. - Pity the Sorrows of a Poor Little Dog. - Too Sure. - Firefly. - What a Mistake. - Charlie's Playthings. - How Pussy Caught Her First Bird. - A Rat Hunt. - Nip and the Pigeons. - - - - - Wideawake Willy. - - -[Illustration] - -His real name was Willy. But because he was always on the look-out for -any fun or mischief, Father and Mother called him “Wideawake” as well. - -One sunny day he and his little friends went out to play cricket. - -“I'm going to make a hundred runs!” cried Willy, as he took up the bat. -But when he had made ten, Freddy bowled him out, and the other boys were -glad it was their turn to go in. - -[Illustration] - -In the winter, father made a big slide, and Willy and the boys went down -it as fast as they could go. When he fell half way down, Willy thought -it great fun, and called to his snowman as he glided past, “Look at me -old fellow! Don't _you_ wish you could slide?” - -[Illustration] - -On his birthday he had a party. It _was_ a merry time. They played -“Blind Man's Buff,” and “Puss in the Corner,” and Willy always managed -to catch the little girls by their long curls. - -It was spring when Wideawake Willy went exploring. He shot his Teddy -Bear, and tied it up in a scarlet handkerchief, for he knew explorers -ate bears. Then he stuck a long feather in his hat, and strode gaily -down the road. Presently he came to a big house. The door was open, and -a lady asked him to go in. She showed him all sorts of wonderful things. -What he liked best was Chin Chan, the Chinese boy, whose long pig-tail -touched the floor. The lady told Willy that in China he lived in a boat, -and helped his mother look after the chickens. - -[Illustration] - -After seeing other Chinese people, he went home and told his mother what -strange things he had seen. - - - - - The Little Old Woman. - - -[Illustration] - - There was an old Woman, - And what do you think? - She lived upon nothing but - Victuals and drink; - And though victuals and drink - Were the chief of her diet, - This little Old Woman could never be quiet. - - This little Old Woman (the story so goes) - Had nothing to wear but - Abundance of clothes. - And, oh, let me weep - At the dismal news, - She would have been barefooted, but for her shoes. - - This Little Old Woman, - Twas always the case, - Never looked in the glass - But she saw her own face; - And what was still worse, - Yet, we vouch for its truth, - By growing so old, she had lost all her youth. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - This Little Old Woman, - The tale too declares, - Had nothing to sit on - But sofas and chairs. - No place to repose in - At night but her bed; - No pillows, but those made of down, for her head. - - This Little Old Woman, - We here may remark, - Had no house to live in, - But one in the park, - And none to wait on her, - Poor soul, but her maids, - With some livery servants of different grades. - - This Little Old Woman, - I'm sorry to tell, - Had always bad health, - When she was not quite well. - And hard was her lot, - For they tell me that she - Was ever in want - When she wanted her tea. - - This Little Old Woman, - On dying, we find, - Left nothing—except - A large fortune, behind. - So pity her fate, - Gentle reader, and say, - Such women are not to be found every day. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - _Quite an Adventure._ - - - Mrs. Hen, one sunny day, - Took her chickens for a walk, - Dick, the youngest, strayed away - While his mother stopped to talk. - - Then he saw the strangest sight, - 'Twas a monster aeroplane, - But it gave him such a fright - That he scurried home again! - -[Illustration] - - - - - Funny Toys - - ❀ ❀ ❀ - - - Here's a number of funny toys - For good little girls and good little boys, - First comes Jackie all ready for fun, - After the animals see him run. - - Next is a bird of colours gay, - If he spreads his wings he will fly away. - Poor Master Duckie cries “Quack, quack, quack! - To my farmyard pond please take me back.” - -[Illustration] - - What a dear little doggie Bunty his name, - I am sure that he looks quite friendly and tame. - His bright eyes are gazing up in the air, - I wonder what ever he sees up there! - - “Croak, croak, croak!” cries Mr. Green Frog, - “I really am quite afraid of that dog!” - And that dear little clockwork mouse on wheels— - I know if you pinch him hard he squeals! - - C.M. RUTLEY. - -[Illustration] - - - - - There were seven froggies of Lee - Who were happy as happy could be, - Till a duck close by - Just winked his eye, - As he thought of his afternoon tea. - -[Illustration] - - With a hop, and a skip, and a run, - He soon put an end to their fun, - For as they went past - He snapped up the last, - And that tells you my story is done. - -[Illustration: MR. AND MRS. OSTRICH AND THEIR CHILDREN.] - - - - - Tinklebell Tales. - - -[Illustration] - -Frisk was a dear little dog. He belonged to Mistress Molly. - -One morning Molly said, “Now Frisk, I am going to the town, and you must -stay and look after the house, for Mother is going out too.” - -Frisk sat down in his little chair, and held his walking stick between -his paws. - -“No one shall steal the dinner while _I_ am here,” he said. “Bow, wow!” - -On her way to the town, Molly saw her cousin Tommy leaning over a gate. - -[Illustration] - -“Oh, Tommy!” she said, “If you are passing our house, please look in and -see how Frisk is getting on.” - -And Tommy ran off at once. - -Frisk _was_ glad to see Tommy, who gave him a good drink of water from a -tub. - -When Molly reached the town she went into the baker's shop to buy a loaf -of bread. - -But when she put her hand in her pocket she found her purse had gone! - -“Don't cry, my dear,” said the baker. - -And he left his shop, and went with Molly down the road. - -Very soon they found the purse with all the money quite safe inside. - -Then Molly saw a shop with “SALE” printed in the window, and went in. - -“Good morning, ma'am!” said the shopman. “What can I get for you?” - -“I want some stockings, please,” said Molly. - -[Illustration] - -“How do you like these?” said the shopman. “They are _only_ one shilling -the pair, because it is sale time!” - -“They _are_ lovely!” said Molly, “And the scarlet stripes just match my -dress! Please make them into a tiny parcel, and I will put them in my -pocket.” Then she paid her money, and set off home. - -And what had Frisk been doing all this time? - -[Illustration] - -He soon grew tired of looking after the dinner, and spied his master's -hat. - -“Bow wow!” he said. “What fun!” - -He poked his head into the hat, and though it came right down on to his -shoulders he didn't mind a bit. - -He hopped into the garden on his hind legs, and when the birds saw him -they thought it was a scarecrow come to frighten them away! - -“Bow wow!” said Frisk. “I'm hungry!” He went back indoors, pushed the -lid off the pot, and dragged out a bone. How good it was! - -Then a tiny mouse scampered past, and Frisk pounced on it and killed it. - -[Illustration] - -“Oh, Frisk, Frisk!” cried Molly, when she came home. “You _naughty_ dog! -I shall never be able to leave you in charge again!” - -“Bow, wow!” cried Frisk. “Bow, wow! I'm _very_ glad. For I'd much rather -go to the town with you!” - -[Illustration] - - - - - Holiday Time. - - -[Illustration] - -Jack always said he should be a sailor when he grew up. - -No toy ever pleased him so much as a boat, and he was constantly -imitating the ways of sailors, from dancing a hornpipe, down to floating -about in a big round tub on the little stream which ran at the end of -the garden. - -[Illustration] - -“Wouldn't it be too lovely for words,” he said on one occasion when he -was taking his sisters for a voyage in his tub-ship, “if we could go in -a _real_ big boat, and sail away across the sea?” - -And that is exactly what they did do! For one summer day, Father and -Mother and the children, Elsie, Doris and Jack, all went on board a big -boat and steamed across the channel to France for a long holiday. - -[Illustration] - -Oh! what a glorious time they had! What fun the bathing was, undressing -in the little rocky caves and running down the firm sand, and then -tumbling into the water with shouts of joy. Then afterwards they paddled -and dug in the sands, and searched for shells and seaweed, and -thoroughly enjoyed themselves the whole day long. - -There was so much to interest them, too, in the little French village, -and they were delighted with the quaint dresses of the peasants. - -[Illustration] - -One girl came to bring them fruit and vegetables, and the children -thought how pretty she looked in her snowy cap, coloured skirt and -wooden shoes, as she lifted her little sister to look for father's boat. - -Jack, of course, was just in his glory, and never tired of watching the -fishing boats sailing out to sea. - -Sometimes he went on the water himself, and soon learned to row, tho' -the first time he tried, his oar swung round and knocked him head over -heels into the bottom of the boat. - -This, Father explained, was called “catching a crab!” - -[Illustration] - -Afterwards they made a huge sandcastle, and Jackie sat at the top of it, -singing: “I'm the King of the Castle!” at the top of his voice. - -Presently he began to examine some shells and treasures which he had -been collecting in his pail, and was so intent on this, that he did not -notice how quickly the tide had come in. - -When he looked up he found, somewhat to his horror, that he was quite -surrounded by water. - -The castle was soon washed away; but not before the “King” was rescued -from his perilous position. - -Father waded out, and pick-a-backed him safely ashore. - -That was the little sailor's first adventure at sea! - -The last time for Jackie to sail his boat came all too soon for him, and -the next day the children found themselves back in old England once -more. - -[Illustration] - -But they hope some day to return for another delightful holiday to the -dear little French fishing village where they spent such a pleasant -time. - - CONSTANCE M. LOWE. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - The Twins. - - - There lived some twins named Joan and Jack, - And they were eight years old; - Jack's curly hair was black as black, - While Joan's was fair like gold. - - Their mother said to them one day— - “Dears, walk to Russett Hall - And take these eggs to Mrs. Gray, - Mind, don't you let them fall.”— - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - The children started off with pride, - The basket was so big, - That carefully each held a side, - Until they met a pig. - - “Why, he's escaped from Farmer Brown,” - Cried Jack, “that's very wrong!” - And so they put the basket down, - To chase the pig along. - - And when they'd sent him back again, - Joan found a pretty flow'r, - Then off they wandered down a lane, - And played for half an hour. - - On, on they walked, and looked around. - An orchard was near by, - With apples lying on the ground, - And others hanging high. - - They scrambled through the fence, alas! - T'was very wrong 'tis true, - But Farmer Brown soon chanced to pass, - And roared “Be off, you two!” - - They rushed away, just like the wind, - Then Joan exclaimed “Oh, dear, - We've left the basket far behind, - It will be gone, I fear!” - - They hurried back with all their might, - “Hurrah! it's here,” Jack cried, - Yes, it was safe, to their delight, - With all the eggs inside! - -[Illustration] - - - - - The Five Little Frogs. - - -[Illustration] - - Five little frogs were sent to school - Upon a winter day, - Their shoes were light and their pinafores white, - And their hearts were bright and gay; - And their mother stood by the door to watch, - And said, “Don't stop to play.” - - So the five little frogs ran merrily off, - Till they had gone far from home; - When one said, “Brothers, do as you like, - But I do not mean to come; - I don't want to sit in school and croak, - When in sunshine I can roam.” - - So the four little frogs ran off to school, - They would not stay to play; - But their naughty brother turned his head - And went another way; - But he knew all the time he was doing wrong, - So could not feel bright and gay. - - He almost wished he had gone to school, - When a fat white duck came by, - And as she was sailing down the brook, - Little froggy caught her eye; - So she swallowed him up with a joyful quack, - And that froggy had to die. - - Still many a mother-frog tells the tale - Of the sad, sad fate he met, - As she gathers her little ones by her side, - And the warning they'll never forget. - And the four little brothers are all grown up, - And living in frog-land yet. - - LUCY HYATT. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - THE DOINGS OF DICKIE AND DAISY - - -Dickie and Daisy sat on the grass reading. They had been gardening, and -were rather hot. - -“Let's go to the pond,” said Dickie. “Nurse isn't here to say 'don't.'” - -“Let's,” agreed Daisy. She always agreed with Dickie. - -“We'll get father's rod and line, and catch some fish,” said Dickie. So -when no one was looking they got the things and ran to the water. - -“You have the rod,” said Dickie, “and I'll have the hook. Don't make a -noise or the fish won't come.” They sat quite quiet till there came a -big tug at Daisy's rod, so big that it dragged her to the edge of the -pond. - -[Illustration] - -“Oh, Dickie,” she cried, “help me! I b'lieve I've caught a whale!” - -But before Dickie could catch hold of her, in she went. The water ran -into her eyes and mouth, and washed her curls quite straight. - -Dickie was dreadfully frightened. He made a grab at her, and she made a -grab at him. By the time she was safely on land both were nearly as wet -as the other. Father's rod had disappeared. - -“I think we'd better go home,” sobbed Daisy. - -[Illustration] - -Mother didn't wait to ask questions. She hurried them into nice warm -nighties, and popped them into bed. Dickie was soon all right, but Daisy -caught a cold. When Dickie got up he put on his spectacles and brought -out his watch. He put his fingers on the little thumper in her wrist. - -“You must stay in bed” he said, “and take Lemon Squash. Lemon is good -for coughs, so you won't get one, and Squash will squash all the other -poorliness out of you.” - -When Father heard he was very cross. He said, “If you go near the pond -again I shall buy _another kind of rod_, and use it too.” - -[Illustration] - -But they had had enough of water, and didn't enjoy their Saturday tub -for a long time. - -[Illustration] - - - - - Follow my Leader. - - -[Illustration] - - “Come, follow me - The whole pack; - Right, left; right, left; - Quack! Quack! - - If you make - Such a clack, - You'll not hear me say - Quack! Quack! - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - How many are there - At my back? - Nineteen, eh? - Quack! Quack! - - Come, follow me, - No fun you'll lack; - Mind what I say, - Quack! Quack!” - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Bunny and Chick, - _or - Sulky Sammy_. - - -“Sulky Sammy,”—that's what they called me. I live in a stable, in a big -farmyard, and everybody used to say I was the most disagreeable little -puppy dog they knew! - -One morning I was having a drink of water when two other little pups -came along. - -“Will you come and have a game?” they said. - -But I had a fit of the sulks on, and didn't want to play with anyone, so -I frowned, and said nothing. Close by Chick was having breakfast with -her sisters, and I heard her say, “There's Sulky Sammy—disagreeable -again!” - -[Illustration] - -I don't like Chick. Mother often says to me, “Oh, Sammy! How I wish you -were as sweet and gentle as Chick!” And Master Mousie tells his friends -Mrs. Puss, and her three little kittens, long stories of Chick's -goodness, and my naughtiness and sulks. - -One day I chased Chick out of the farmyard, and left her all alone in a -big field. - -[Illustration] - -I hoped she would never come back any more, but Mr. Tortoise found her, -and asked Bunny and his brother to take her home. That nasty Bunny told -everybody what I had done. So Mr. Turkey chased _me_ out of the -farmyard. In a field I met such a funny man. Two birds sat on his arms, -and one said, “Everyone would be quite fond of Sammy if he only left off -being disagreeable!” I trotted home, and began to try at once. Nobody -ever calls me “Sulky Sammy” now. - - C. M. R. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: Mountain Goats.] - - - - - DOGGIE AND PUSS. - - - A doggie lay upon a mat, - And as on it he lay, - A little puss came up to him - And said, “Oh! come away. - The sun is shining brightly - And everything looks gay.” - - Said Doggie, “Yes, I'll come with you - And take a holiday.” - Then said he, as they strolled about, - “It is the first of May.” - Said Puss, “Of that I knew before, - Have you nothing else to say?” - Poor Doggie then offended was, - He wished her a good day, - He turned upon his heel and went - And walked another way. - - DAISY GRACE. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: Squirrels] - - - - - Tittle-Tattle Tales, - Or Fireside Stories. - - - Before we go to bed at night, - And Nursie takes away the light, - Aunt Grace tells tales to Ted and me, - Such lovely stories, you'll agree, - - About a sweet Princess named May, - Who gathered flow'rs one summer day; - Her peacock followed close behind, - He loved her, for she _was_ so kind. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - But when she reached the palace door, - She heard a sudden, dreadful roar, - There stood the dragon, fierce and grim! - Poor May had often heard of him; - - And as he roared and lashed his tail, - She shook with fear and grew quite pale, - But then her peacock came in sight, - And rushing up with all his might, - -[Illustration] - - He pecked the dragon hard and long, - Though small, he was both brave and strong. - And soon, I'm very glad to say, - That horrid dragon went away! - - Aunt tells another story then,— - Some nigger boys, there were just ten, - Kept disappearing, one by one, - Until one morning there were none - - So then we beg her to be quick, - And tell us of a boy named Dick, - Who was so very, very poor, - Such patched and ragged clothes he wore. - - But still he tried to do his best, - And didn't _mean_ to feel distressed, - So went to London town one day, - And had adventures on the way. - - A shopman gave him work to do, - He worked so hard, and nicely too, - That he got rich, grew strong and tall, - And was Lord Mayor after all. - -[Illustration] - - Then Father Christmas, as you know, - On Christmas Eve has far to go, - And once he got in _such_ a state, - For fear that he should be too late, - - But Auntie tells how he drove fast, - And filled the stockings up at last,— - And then she kisses me and Ted, - And says—“Now, darlings, go to bed!” - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - THE KITKIN FAMILY - - -My name is Snowball—Miss Snowball Kitkin. - -I was called Snowball because I am quite white all over, and very soft -and fluffy. - -There are four of us altogether—Kitty, Tabby, Fluffy, and me. - -When we were very little we used to live up in the stable loft with our -Mother, and she used to teach us all the things a cat should know. - -We did not like learning very much, but I don't believe anyone ever -does. - -It was horrid having to wash our faces every morning, and I used to wish -I was black like Kitty, then I need not have been so particular, but -Mother said that was all nonsense. - -When we were clean and tidy, we had breakfast out of the brown saucer; -we liked that, especially when Cook remembered to sweeten the milk with -lumps of sugar. - -As soon as we were old enough to go out by ourselves, we had fine fun. - -But one day Tabby very nearly got himself into trouble. - -Tabby, you see, was rather a bold, bad kitten; he was always wanting to -fight people, and one day he thought it would be splendid to have a -quarrel with Mike. - -Mike was the black and white fox terrier, who thought no end of himself; -but Tabby did not care a bit what he thought, so he just stood in front -of him, stuck up his tail, and—spat as hard as he could. - -[Illustration] - -This was not at all what Mike was accustomed to, and he got stiff all -over, and then—he growled and showed his teeth. In another minute I -think he would have gone for Tabby, had not Miss Daisy picked him up and -carried him off. Tabby never told me, but I believe he was very glad to -find himself out of Mike's reach. - -[Illustration] - -As this story is told by me, I thought you would like to have a picture -of me, taken all by myself, so what do you think I did? - -I knew Miss Daisy had been given a dear little camera on her birthday, -and that she was making pictures with it all day long, so one morning I -went and sat on the wooden chair in the hall, just where the sun was -shining very brightly. I sat quite still, and then Miss Daisy and her -camera came along, as I felt sure they would, and I had my likeness -taken, and—here it is. - -Oh how proud I was of myself after that, and Miss Daisy was so pleased -with me for sitting so still that she gave me a beautiful blue ribbon to -wear round my neck. - -Alas! that blue ribbon was the cause of great trouble to me. - -I just jumped on the kitchen table to look at myself in the glass, and—I -upset a bowl of milk that Cook had put ready for a pudding. - -[Illustration] - -I jumped after it, and—oh what a lovely feast I had; but my ribbon got -all splashed and wet—I was in such a hurry—and that was how Cook found -out it was I who had upset the milk. She would not let me go into the -kitchen for three whole days afterwards. - -I was very dull for those three days. You see, there were mice and all -kinds of nice things in the kitchen, and my whiskers were growing fast, -and that makes you feel that you want mice more than anything else -almost. - -On the third day I went and explored in Cook's bedroom. - -All kinds of funny things I found in it, and oh! such lovely slippers to -play with. - -I took one of these slippers, one with a big bow on the toe. I took it -and hid it in the garden, to punish Cook for being so angry with me. It -was a very difficult thing for a kitten to do, I can tell you, and I had -to rest many times on the way, but I did it, and then I went and sat in -the sun and watched, and what do you think I saw? Why, that horrid -person, Mike, must have seen all I did, for he went straight to where I -had hidden it, and carried it off to Cook. She gives him bones; that is -why he chums up to her. Oh, how I should have liked to have—scratched -him. - -I must not forget to tell you about Tabby and Fluffy and their “night -out.” - -It was in the summer time, and they had been playing all the evening on -the lawn, and then they disappeared. - -[Illustration] - -They never came in to supper, and they never came in to bed. We never -saw a sign of them till the next morning, when they came back looking as -proud as you please. - -[Illustration] - -Then they told us what they had been doing. They had been having a mouse -hunt in the kitchen. - -They had hidden under the big armchair in which Cook sits on Sundays, -and then, when it was all quite dark and quiet, they had watched the big -hole by the store cupboard. - -In a little while, two fat mice had popped out, and then—the hunt began. - -“We caught them both,” said Fluffy. “We had one each. Oh, what a lovely -time we had!” - -Next time they go hunting, I am going, too. - -One day Kitty and I had a most tremendous adventure. We went to the -grand Show up in London. - -The journey was not a bit nice, but we kept very close to each other, -and shut our eyes up tight, and tried to pretend we were not shut up in -a hamper, but under Cook's chair, waiting for the mice to come out. - -When we got to the Show we felt a little strange, but we soon got used -to the noise and all the people. - -“We must look our best, Kitty, Miss Daisy said so,” I whispered. “We are -much handsomer than the other cats here; let us show ourselves off.” - -And we did. - -Presently a lady came and pinned a big white card, with “First Prize” on -it, right in front of us. We showed ourselves off more than ever after -that. - -This is our picture. Don't you think we deserved the First Prize? - -I do! - - NORA PITT-TAYLOR. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Wooden Toys. - - -[Illustration] - - I have a little cartie, and - I have a little horse, - And I have a little dolly; - All are made of wood, of course. - - I have a wooden farmyard, - With wooden sheep and cows, - With wooden trees and houses, - Wooden pigs, cats and bow-wows. - -[Illustration] - - Then I have a wooden bucket, - And a little wooden spade; - Of wooden bricks a lovely - Little doll's house I have made. - - Now mamma says, when I grow up - Things different will be; - My horses, if I have any, - Will real horses be. - - That sheep will not be made of wood, - And no more wooden cows - Or pigs; that dogs will bark and bite, - Unlike good wood bow-wows. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - Just fancy, dogs that bark and bite; - And other creatures real; - How very funny I at first - Shall, when I'm with them, feel. - - So let me love you very much, - You pretty wooden toys; - How kind they are to make such things - For little girls and boys. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Tick Tock - - - I'm a tall old-fashioned clock, - Tick-tock! tick-tock! - Though I chatter all the day, - Two words only do I say, - Tick-tock! tick-tock! - - I'm a curious old clock, - Tick-tock! tick-tock! - And a carved old oaken case, - Both my hands are on my face, - Tick-tock! tick-tock! - - Once Miss Bessie tore her frock, - Tick-tock! tick-tock! - Nurse then put her into bed, - She was cross—I only said - Tick-tock! tick-tock! - - Master Bertie did me mock, - Tick-tock! tick-tock! - Then he shook me till I stopped, - I cried when he to bed was popped, - Tick-tock! tick-tock! - - Once his head got such a knock, - Tick-tock! tick-tock! - That they thought he'd surely die, - While he screamed I made reply, - Tick-tock! Tick-tock! - - Nurse will oft the cradle rock, - Tick-tock! tick-tock! - Near to me it stands, and I - Sing the baby's lullaby, - Tick-tock! tick-tock! - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Neddy - - - On Monday morn when I went out, - I had a big surprise; - There was a baby donkey, - With the beautif'llest brown eyes! - - His coat was grey and very soft, - And his legs were long as long; - He wasn't near so tall as me, - And just 'bout half as strong. - - When I carry him a bowl of milk - I say out loud and plain; - “If you drink it up so quickly, Ned, - You'll surely have a pain!” - - My Daddy says I must not ride - Him round the field just yet, - For my legs must grow longer first, - And his must stouter get. - - His mummy's name is Bunny Brown, - She has a comfy shed - Upon a hillock in the field, - Where Neddy's put to bed. - - Poor Trust is lying in the shed, - His foot is tied up tight, - 'Cause Father put some stuff on it, - To make it feel all right. - - Trust went too near the naughty cow, - That's always rather cross; - She ran at him and knocked him down, - Then gave him such a toss. - -[Illustration] - - I hope my darling little Ned - Will take the greatest care - To keep alongside Bunny Brown - If Jenny should be near. - - If she should hurt my pretty Ned, - I don't know what I'd do! - I think I'd hit her _very_ hard, - Until she simply flew. - - I'll give my Neddy lots of milk, - Until he's quite, quite grown, - For Father's given him to me, - For my very, very own. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Silly Billy and the Kittens. - - -“I want some milk,” said Kitten Number One. - -“So do we,” said his brothers, and away they pattered to the yard, where -they found a lovely saucer full. - -“Saucers are too babyish for me,” said Kitten Number One, “I shall drink -out of the jug.” And up on the table he jumped. - -Along came Silly Billy, the kid. - -“You will never do it like that,” he said. “Bite a hole in the jug, like -this.” - -What happened then, you can plainly see by the picture, and it is the -kind of thing that does happen when Silly Billy comes along. - -[Illustration] - -When the Kittens and Silly Billy were safely out of the way, Mr. and -Mrs. Whiskers popped out of their front door. - -“Milk, milk, I sniff milk,” squeaked Mrs. Whiskers, and she began to -drink up every drop she could find, while poor Mr. Whiskers sat and -cried because he could not find any. - -But he soon dried his tears when they got to the scrap heap, where they -ate till they were like little round barrels. - -[Illustration] - -Meanwhile, Silly Billy had told the kittens of a lovely plate of food, -outside the kennel where Jack lived. - -And the foolish kittens hurried to it, and began to eat as fast as they -could. - -Out of his kennel came Jack, with a mighty shout, which sent the kittens -rolling over with fright. They never tried to eat Jack's dinner again, -and it was a long time before they quite forgave Silly Billy for being -so silly. - - NORA PITT-TAYLOR. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Tony - - - Tony is a little dog, - That lives just up our street. - He really is the sweetest dog - That ever you could meet. - - When I go out he runs to me, - And says, “What shall we play? - At hide-and-seek, or fox and goose?” - That's what he seems to say— - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - Sometimes we play at motor-cars, - My! how I have to run! - But Tony thinks That chasing cats - Is quite the bestest fun! - - But if he bites poor Pussy's Tail, - Then I am very strict; - I make him sit up straight and beg - Until his conscience's pricked. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - THE CATS AND THE CHEESE, - Or, Better Agree than Go to Law. - - -[Illustration] - -Two cats took some stolen cheese to a monkey to divide for them, as they -could not agree about it. The monkey put a piece of cheese into each -side of the scales. One piece weighed down the other, and from this the -monkey took a large bite; this made the other side heavier, so he bit a -great piece off that. - -The cats tried to stop him, but he only laughed and went on biting first -one piece and then the other, until both had disappeared, and the cats -were left with nothing at all. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - The Doll's House To Let. - - - This dear little house you can see is “To Let,” - For our dollies are moving away; - Will you run round to-morrow and see if it suits? - For we shall be busy to-day. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - Now Jackie and Mollie pretended they were - The man on the furniture van, - They loaded the truck as full as they could, - And off down the garden they ran. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - We took out the dollies, and sat them all down, - While we packed up each table and chair, - We all worked so hard, that when tea-time came round - We were ready the good things to share. - - We got some nice paper, and pen, and some ink, - We printed “To Let” on the bill; - And we wrote on a card which we sent to friends, - “Pray live in this house, if you will.” - - The postman soon brought a reply to our note, - Which asked if a stranger might call, - We told him to come as soon as he could, - And we waited for him in the hall. - - The visitor came and looked over the house, - And promised to take it next June; - They liked all the rooms, and the garden as well, - So our house will be full again soon. - - P. S. BRUFF. - -[Illustration] - - - - - The Fox that Lost his Tail, - _Or, Do not Follow every Fashion you see._ - - - From ÆSOP'S FABLES. - -A young fox who went to steal chickens in a farmyard, got his beautiful -bushy tail caught in a trap. - -Finding it impossible to get away, he bit off his tail and ran home, -feeling very much ashamed of his appearance when the other foxes -laughed. - -“Tails are quite out of fashion,” he said, as they went on laughing. - -“They are no use, and dangerous, too. You can run faster without them. -Why not cut them off as I have done?” - -[Illustration] - -Some of the smart young foxes were eager to be in the fashion; but a -wise old one slyly said, “We will wait till we are caught in traps -before we bite off our tails.” - -[Illustration: The Early Bird that Catches the Worm] - - - - - Mrs. Gamp and Mrs. Puss-Cat - - -[Illustration] - -Mrs. Gamp and Mrs. Puss-Cat lived all by themselves in a wee wee house. -Mrs. Gamp was a dear old soul with snowy white hair, and rosy red -cheeks, and such a smiling face and kind soft heart. - -Mrs. Puss-Cat had a lovely tabby coat, as smooth as velvet, and a -beautiful fluffy tail. Her eyes were bright and twinkly, and she would -sit in front of the fire for hours and hours thinking of nothing but -mischief. - -One day Mrs. Gamp was invited out to tea. She put on her very best gown, -and her new mob-cap trimmed with ribbons and flowers. - -When she looked at herself in the glass she felt pleased! - -[Illustration] - -As soon as Mrs. Gamp had gone, Mrs. Puss-Cat gave three loud purrs of -joy, and all the mischief she had been thinking came out at once. - -She trotted into the garden and got her feet all covered with mud. - -[Illustration] - -Then she scampered upstairs, and danced a cat dance all over the clean -white counterpane on Mrs. Gamp's bed. She climbed on the washstand, and -upset the water jug, then she squeezed into the wardrobe, and pulled -Mrs. Gamp's dresses out on to the floor. And some of them she tore to -teeny tiny shreds! - -When she had finished she darted out of the room. - -But alack-a-day! At the top of the stairs she slipped, and -fell—bumpetty, bumpetty, bump, all the way to the bottom. - -Presently Mrs. Gamp came home. And the first thing she heard was a -strange noise in the kitchen. First a miaou. Then a sob. Then more -miaous. Then—sob, sob, sob! She opened the door, and there, perched upon -a stool in front of the dresser sat Mrs. Puss-Cat. - -Her head was swollen very, _very_ big. Round her neck was tied some of -the ribbon off Mrs. Gamp's best bonnet, and another piece was twisted -round one fat paw. And from her big round eyes great tear-drops were -falling—splash, splash upon the floor. - -Mrs. Gamp threw up her arms. “Oh! dearie me!” she cried. “What ever is -the matter? Oh! dearie, dearie me!” - -“Miaou, miaou!” sobbed Mrs. Puss-Cat. “Oh! my poor paw! My poor, poor -paw!” - -Mrs. Gamp's tender heart was touched. She rushed upstairs to fetch some -ointment. But when she opened her bedroom door—well! _you_ know what she -saw! - -[Illustration] - -Her tender heart grew cold as stone, and oh! she was _so_ angry! She -raced downstairs, and gave Mrs. Puss-Cat the biggest whipping she had -ever given her before. - -Then she took off her best ribbon, and opened the front door wide. - -And Mrs. Puss-Cat went slinking out with her tail between her legs, and -a terribly vicious look in her big round eyes. - -[Illustration] - -But Mrs. Gamp's heart soon grew tender again. - -She opened the front door, and called Mrs. Puss-Cat back. And Mrs. -Puss-Cat came at once, looking very penitent and sad. - -Mrs. Gamp gave her some nice hot milk, and put her in a comfy basket in -front of the fire. - -Then she sat by her side, and stroked her smooth velvety head. - -And slowly all the naughty mischief slipped out of Mrs. Puss-Cat's head, -and nice, kind thoughts came in. - -And now she is really and truly the nicest Mrs. Puss-Cat in the world. - -[Illustration] - - - - - The Conceited Golliwog. - - - Said a conceited Golliwog, - Whose name was Billy Brown, - “I can play the banjo better - Than any man in town.” - - When Billy Brown a concert gave, - He'd scarce begun to play, - When half the audience stopped their ears, - And half ran fast away! - - O Billy Brown, O Boys and Girls, - Who to be famous thirst, - Remember, if you would succeed, - You're bound to _practise_ first. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Dolly's Name. - - - I knew a charming little girl! - They call her “Darling May,” - She was so glad when mother bought - For her a doll, one day. - - She skipped and jumped and ran about, - And clapped her hands with glee, - “Oh dear!” she said, “I'm sure mamma - This cannot be for me? - - “Just see what lovely eyes it has, - What lovely golden hair; - It's feet and hands are made of wax, - “'Tis perfect everywhere. - - “I'll set to work and make its clothes, - A hat, too, with the rest, - And it must have a pretty name, - I wonder which is best! - - “'Alice' and 'Bess' and 'Mary Annie' - Are not so very new; - No, dolly, dear, I'll try to find - A better name for you. - - “'Priscilla Prue' sounds rather nice, - So does 'Belinda Jane,' - But they're so long—dear me, how hard - It is to choose a name! - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - “I wonder how mamma chose mine, - It's 'Alice Evelyn May;' - I'm sure it must have taken her - Much longer than a day. - - “Perhaps, she asked me which I'd like, - Tho' it's so long ago— - Six great long years—that if she did - I've quite forgot you know. - - “I think, dear dolly, quite new names - Are rather hard to find, - So if I cannot think of one, - I hope you will not mind. - - “I'd like to find you one that's grand, - But nice and pretty too— - Oh! now I know, 'Victoria Rose,' - Is just the name for you.” - - AUNTIE. - -[Illustration] - - - - - The Call to Arms. - - - The gallant soldiers, here they come! - A crowd of girls and boys, - Dot walks in front, and beats the drum, - It makes a splendid noise! - - Sue has a flag, and Rose a gun, - So very fierce is she, - She _will_ take aim at ev'ryone, - And nearly shoots a tree! - - But “Who goes there?” shouts little Jack, - “Speak, is it friend or foe? - I've got my gun—they're going back, - I heard a cart, I know!” - - “_My_ cart,” says Sergeant Tom, with pride, - “Take care, you musn't shake, - I've got six wounded men inside, - Who badly need some cake! - - “I'm 'fraid this one is rather bad, - He's lost a lot of paint.” - “Poor fellow,” Rosie cries, “how sad, - I hope that he won't faint! - -[Illustration] - - “Some tea will quickly cure his pain, - And here's a currant bun.” - So soon, they're all quite well again, - And joining in the fun. - - “Now back to war!” shouts Captain Jim, - “Come on to do or die!” - His soldiers bravely follow him, - And wave their flags on high. - - Hurrah! Hurrah! they've seized the fort, - As Captain Jimmy said!— - “Oh dear, why _are_ the days so short? - Nurse says it's time for bed!” - -[Illustration] - - - “Lieutenant Sue's the best I've found, - I noticed in the fight, - With bullets flying all around, - She kept our flag upright.” - - He sighs, for, though the bugle blows, - The soldiers want their tea, - “My tea set's new, do come,” cries Rose, - “And have a cup with me!” - - Then Captain Jimmy with a smile - Says “Yes, my men, all right, - You're all “off duty” for a while, - The rest will help you fight.” - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - Jim rides a chair—I mean a horse— - And reads the paper too, - For captains have to learn, of course, - What other armies do; - - The way to rout the enemy, - And bring the wounded in. - “My fellows are so brave,” says he, - “I'm certain they will win!” - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - To London Town. - - - To London town, to London town, - Which is the way to London Town? - One foot up, and one foot down, - That is the way to London town. - -[Illustration] - - - - - A Home in the Wainscot. - - -One day two little mice entered an old house where they hoped to settle -down and make their home, Mr. and Mrs. Mousey by name. - -After looking about for some time they decided on a corner close to the -kitchen wainscot, and not far from the larder. - -They made a cosy little nest of string and paper, working hard all day, -hardly resting till late at night. As to food, Mr. Mousey soon found -where that was to be got. Many were the visits he paid to the larder, -and delicious were the biscuits and cheese that he found there. It -almost seemed as if things were left for them, for the biscuits were in -bags and the cheese uncovered. - -At last the nest was finished and they lay down to rest. - -The very next morning six very tiny pinkish-looking things were to be -seen in the nest. They had bright eyes and long tails, and would soon -grow into brown little animals like their father and mother. Oh, how -proud the latter were! Mr. Mousey could hardly keep his eyes off them, -and Mrs. Mousey danced round squeaking with delight. “They are -beautiful, my dear,” said Mr. Mousey, “just like you.” - -[Illustration] - -“Pardon me, my love,” said his wife, with a proud look at their -darlings, “they are likely to be as handsome as you.” The parents -embraced each other tenderly, and then Mr. Mousey started off to find -food for the little family. - -Every day the children grew bigger and stronger, and merry games they -had, as they chased each other round the nest. - -[Illustration] - -But, alas! their happiness was not to continue. One sad day a terrible -disappointment awaited Mr. Mousey. He had started off on his usual visit -to the larder. He returned almost at once, saying, - -“My dear, we must move. I heard the Cook say everything was to be put in -tins, so we shall starve if we stay, and,” with a shudder, “worse still, -she has got a cat. I fear she will hear the children's voices, and we -shall be caught.” - -So gathering their family around them they told the sad news, and -glancing tearfully at their cosy nest, they crept sadly away. - - MARY HAMILTON. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: MILKING TIME.] - -[Illustration] - - - - - We Three - - - Three little dogs - On mischief bent - Out to play in - The garden went. - - Nip lost a shoe, - Rip tore his clothes, - And Chip fell down - And broke his nose— - - Chip chased the cat, - Rip drowned the pig - And Nip made mud-pies! - In the gig. - - At last their mother - Came out to see; - Then—off to bed - Without their tea! - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Under the Big Hat, - or, Jackie and Me. - - -Jennie and Jackie were twins. They had two dearly-loved playmates, Fifie -the puppy, and Fipps the kitten. Fifie was nearly always in disgrace. - -One day Fifie thought, “Now I will be good to-day. I will sit in the -field and there will be nothing to make me naughty.” - -But as he passed through the hall he spied Jennie's doll on a chair. - -“Ah!” said Fifie, “Betsy Ann enjoys the fresh air. I'll take her with -me.” - -So he carried her off and carefully laid her on the grass. - -After a while he grew fidgetty and then he saw that Betsy Ann was -staring at him with her great eyes. - -“Don't stare at me like that!” he barked. - -But she took no notice and went on staring. This made him so angry that -he bit her foot, and when it came off in his mouth he tore her arm, and -then rolled her over and shook and worried her, until she was lying -scattered all round him in lots of pieces. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -When Jennie ran up with her ball, he was just gnawing off Betsy Ann's -left hand. - -Jennie was terribly upset about it, and when Nurse came, Fifie was -soundly smacked. - -Not long after there were fearful mi-ows from the pond. Jennie rushed -with her butterfly net, and was just in time to save Fipps from -drowning. - -He had been trying to catch fish in the pond and had fallen in. - -So Jennie carried him home and put him in Betsy Ann's bed. - -Jackie used sometimes to dab a little butter on the tip of Fifie's nose -just for the fun of seeing him try to lick it off with his tongue and -roll his eyes round and round to try and see it. - -When Mother heard of Fifie's naughtiness with Betsy Ann, she said that -Fifie must wear a muzzle for some hours every day until he learnt to -behave better. Poor Fifie! how he hated it and longed to join in the -romps with Jennie and Fipps. - -However he was so good for a week, that Mother said the muzzle might be -left off. - -And here you see Jennie with Fifie and Fipps, celebrating the happy -occasion with fairy cakes which cook had given them. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: Out in the Cold.] - -[Illustration] - - There once lived three children named Jones, - Who were constantly breaking their bones; - The youngest, named Jack, - Fell flat on his back, - And uttered some terrible groans. - -[Illustration] - - - - - THE NAUGHTY KITTEN. - - -[Illustration] - - She was only a little kitten, - And her fur was very wet, - But her face was round and very soft, - And her hair was black as jet. - - This was the kitten's story, - And I think you'll weep to hear, - That she woke one summer's morning - In a temper bad—I fear! - - She pulled her mother's whiskers, - And scratched her sister's nose, - And while her brother drank his milk, - She stamped upon his toes. - - And then she left the straw place, - In spite of mother's words, - And ran along the meadow, - To tease the little birds. - - But as she frisked and trotted, - A fearful sight she saw: - A creature with a scarlet comb, - And a gigantic claw. - - It said in voice stentorian, - “Ah! cock-a-doodle doo,” - Which meant although she did not know, - “Small pussy—how d'ye do?” - - She turned and fled in terror, - Across the meadow wide, - But she did not see the duck pond, - Until she fell inside! - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - Then such a splash and mewing, - Made all the field resound; - And if a true friend had not come, - She would have straight been drowned. - - This naughty little kitten, - Was whipped and put to bed, - And if you talk of duck ponds, - She always hangs her head. - - C. E. C. WARNER. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - The Goose Girl. - - -Gretchen was a goose girl. She lived in a tiny cottage with a red roof, -all amidst the fields, and woods, and hills, and every day she took a -big stick and drove her geese across the common to the pond on the other -side. - -One summer morning her mother said she might take a holiday, and go and -visit her Auntie Jeanne. So Gretchen dressed herself in her best -clothes, and set out to the village. She spent a happy time with her -auntie, and after tea started for home. - -Just on the edge of the common she met her geese. - -When they saw her they began to cackle in great excitement, and caught -hold of her skirts. Gretchen drove them off with her umbrella. But they -only waddled on a little way, then looked back to see what she was -doing. - -“I believe they want me to follow them!” cried Gretchen. - -[Illustration] - -As soon as the geese saw her coming they began to run, and Gretchen ran -after. On and on they went, over the common, across the fields, until -they came to a little shady dell in a wood. And here Gretchen stopped, -and clapped her hands with delight, for on the mossy ground was spread -the most delicious tea she had ever seen. All around sat a number of -little brown rabbits. Peter Bunny spied Gretchen first. - -[Illustration] - -“Look, mother!” he cried. “There's a little servant girl!” - -“So there is!” exclaimed Mrs. Bunny, staring at Gretchen. “What wages do -you ask, my dear?” - -[Illustration] - -Gretchen thought this great fun. “If you please,” she said, “I should be -quite satisfied with some of those lovely cakes.” - -“As many as you like,” said Mrs. Bunny. “Now go and fetch the tea.” - -The geese had vanished, so Gretchen filled the tea pot from the little -kettle on the fire, and Peter Bunny carried dishes of cakes. Then they -all sat down, and Gretchen had as many cakes as she could eat. When tea -was over, Mrs. Bunny told Gretchen to go and play with the children -until bedtime. - -“What's that?” asked Peter, presently, pointing to the umbrella, and -Gretchen showed him how it opened and shut. - -“I know!” he cried. “We'll go for a sail in the air.” - -“Hurrah!” cried all the other rabbits, and they dragged Gretchen and the -umbrella on to the common. - -[Illustration] - -She opened the umbrella wide, Peter caught hold of her skirts, and the -other rabbits joined on behind, holding on to each other's tails. “One, -two, three—go!” cried Peter, and the whole party went soaring into the -air. It was a delicious feeling. Higher and higher they went, until at -last they were right above the clouds. - -“Oh!” cried Gretchen, suddenly, “the umbrella's shutting up! Oh! -whatever shall we do?” Sure enough the umbrella was no longer puffed out -like a balloon, but hanging loosely round the handle, and the next -moment it began to fall. - -“We're tumbling into the sea!” cried the rabbit at the bottom of the -chain, and there was a loud splash. - -[Illustration] - -Splash, splash, splash! One by one all the bunnies fell in until only -Peter and Gretchen were left. All of a sudden the umbrella flew out of -her hands, and she awoke to find herself sitting by the side of the -pond, while her geese were splashing in for their evening swim. On the -ground in front of her lay the umbrella, but Peter and the rest of the -rabbits had completely disappeared. - -“I hope they're not drowned,” she said, as she got up and peered into -the pond. But the water was so clear she could look right to the bottom, -and no sign of a bunny rabbit could she see. - -“It must have been a dream,” she said, as she smoothed out her dress. -“But those cakes were lovely. So was the journey through the air.” She -picked up her umbrella and opened it, but it wouldn't lift her an inch -off the ground. So she scampered home to find mother standing in the -doorway looking for her, but when she told her story, mother laughed. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Goose-girl. - - - “Goose-girl, Goose-girl, - Whither do you wander?” - “Uphill, down-dale, - To find my goose and gander!” - - “Sunshine, stormcloud, - Wild and windy weather, - Week in and week out, - I keep my flock together!” - -[Illustration] - - - “In hurricane and rainstorm - Two have gone together; - Now my only fear is - That I shall see them never!” - - “Goose-girl, Goose-girl, - Where the streams meander, - There beside a golden egg - You'll find your goose and gander!” - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: A Camel] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Waiting for Tea. - - - Molly and I have quarrelled; - She isn't nice at all; - She will not let me have her doll, - So she shan't have my ball. - - Molly is disagreeable, - And she began it too; - She called me first “a silly,” - And I said, “So are you!” - - Molly is standing sulking; - She's dreadful cross with me. - I wish we hadn't fought, 'cause then - We'd give the dolls their tea. - - I know the dolls are hungry, - But Molly turns away.... - I wonder, if I kissed her, - If she'd forgive and play? - - “Are you still angry, Molly?” - “No,” she begins to smile. - “Now come and play with the dollies; - They're waiting all this while.” - - C. M. HAMMILL. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: The Nursery Express.] - - - - - The Boy and the Bogie. - - - A little boy with curly hair, - Was walking through the meadows fair, - When all at once, upon the ground, - A funny-looking thing he found. - - He picked it up, and turned it o'er, - And wondered what it could be for, - It had four legs, which seemed to bend, - With feathers growing at one end. - - He took it home, “Look here,” said he, - “I cannot think what this can be!” - But, with a laugh says sister Moll, - “Why! Can't you see, That it's a doll?” - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - I wonder if he's jealous, says little Tommy Page, - As he holds his own sham bunnie against the rabbit's cage; - But father says he'll give to me another one some day, - So then you'll have a little friend to stay with you alway. - -[Illustration] - - - - - BABY'S BUNNIE. - - - Baby has a Bunnie, - It is made of fur, - Baby always takes it - Up to bed with her. - - It was Baby's Auntie - Gave her this nice toy, - Baby, when she saw it, - Clapp'd her hands for joy. - - Such long ears has Bunnie, - Baby, so unkind! - Likes to pull and bite them, - But Bunnie doesn't mind. - - And he does not scratch her, - When she treats him so, - For this pretty Bunnie - Is a toy, you know. - -[Illustration] - - - - - My First Visit. - - -My name is Tim, and I am only a rough-haired terrier dog, so you must -not mind if I make mistakes in this story, because it is the first time -I have ever told a real, story book one. - -I thought perhaps you would like to hear about some of the people I met -the first time I went on a visit with my master. - -We went to stay at a big house in the country. There were no other -houses round it, only lots and lots of trees, and they kept the houses -away, I expect. - -When we first arrived, I kept pretty quiet The train had made me feel -rather queer in my legs. I wasn't frightened; none of our family are -ever frightened of anything—certainly not of a silly old train that -doesn't even know how to growl properly. - -[Illustration] - -Well, after I began to get used to things, I went out into the garden to -see if I could find someone to play with. It was rather dull without Jo. -He is my brother, but he isn't old enough to go visiting like I do. - -At first there did not seem to be anyone about at all. Then I saw an old -wooden tub. - -I went and had a look at that. I have found some funny things in tubs -before now—sticks and boats, bits of cork that give you a pain inside if -you eat them—but never have I seen such a funny thing as there was in -this tub. - -It was very small, with shiny black hair, a shiny red face, and it was -swimming about just like a fish. It smiled at me all the time, too. I -didn't like that a bit, so I barked as loud as I could; but it made no -difference. I could not make it out, and I got very angry, so I walked -off with my tail in the air. - -In a sunny corner I found the Duke and Duchess. They were very rude to -me indeed. In fact, the Duchess spat at me, just like the common Tabby -family do at home. - -[Illustration] - -I very soon left them, and then I found Laddie, the fine old Scotch -collie, but he wasn't much fun; he is nearly deaf, and he was very busy -staring at some white woolly lambs on green stands. Laddie loves those -lambs; he once ate one when he was young. He told me so himself, and—it -was much worse than eating cork. - -[Illustration] - -Then I heard a great deal of barking, growling and snarling. - -I knew it must be Bob, the bull dog. I had been longing to fight him -ever since I came. I ran to the field as fast as I could, my heart -beating very hard, for Bob had boasted to me of all the fights he had -won, and I was thirsting to beat him. - -Then I saw him, tearing down the field, his tail tucked in between his -legs, his ears laid flat. He was running away from the old red bull. He -had made faces at him, and then ran away when the bull pretended to -chase him. I wasn't going to fight him after that. _I_ wouldn't run away -from an old bull. - -Bob ran into the kitchen, and pretended to be asleep when I spoke to -him. - -I went back to the tub after that, and I just went straight up to the -funny, smiling thing, and—I kissed it. After that, we were great -friends, and had lovely games every day till I went away. I wonder if -Bob ever plays with it. I will fight him if he does. - - NORA PITT-TAYLOR. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Ten Raw Recruits. - - - Attention! Ready! Quick march! - Keep your legs as stiff as starch! - - Halt! Mark time! Right about! - Two, four, six, and eight fall out! - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - One and three go sentry duty— - The watchword is, “For home and beauty.” - - Five, seven, and nine, must stay and drill. - Because they hold, themselves so ill. - - M. M. Read. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - The Dog and the Wolf; - Or, BE CONTENT WITH YOUR LOT. - - -A lean, hungry wolf was prowling about in search of supper, when he met -a big well-fed mastiff. “How do you manage to look so sleek, when I, who -work ten times as hard, am half-starved?” inquired the wolf. - -“Oh,” said the dog, “I watch the house at night and sleep all day.” - -“Just the thing for me,” said the wolf, “but first tell me, what is that -mark round your neck.” - -[Illustration] - -“That's only made by my collar,” answered the dog. “I am chained up all -day. They say I may bite, but that is all nonsense.” - -“Good-bye,” said the wolf, turning back. “Chained up, indeed! No, thank -you.” - -[Illustration: A Pigeon.] - - - - - Castles in the Air. - - -[Illustration] - - When you and I are bigger, Fred, - Say, what shall we do then? - What shall we do with ourselves all day, - When you and I are men? - - We'll climb the biggest poplar tree - That stands against the wall. - You could touch the stars from the top, I think, - It is so straight and tall. - - We'll spread our bread and butter thick, - (And Nurse shan't cut it then!) - And have raspberry jam whenever we like, - When you and I are men. - - We'll go to bed quite late at night - And we won't get up till ten; - And we'll never let Jane put the soap in our eyes, - When you and I are men. - - And we'll have two white horses, Fred - One each for me and you; - And we'll give up learning our A B C, - And twice times one are two. - - We'll always wear our oldest clothes, - (Not wear our Sunday suits.) - We won't wash our hands when we've made mud pies, - And we'll walk in the sea in our boots. - - We'll help ourselves to sugar, Fred; - It will be lovely then! - Oh! don't you wish that the time would come - When you and I'll be men? - - C. M. HAMMIL. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - A Day at the Farm. - - -It was Margery's and Trixy's birthday; they were exactly the same age, -so they had only one birthday between them, but they had always gone -shares in everything as long as they could remember, so they were quite -happy in sharing their birthday. And what a splendid birthday this one -had been! First of all, they had been allowed to choose their birthday -treat, which was to go to Woodcote Farm. - -They had driven to the farm in the morning, sitting on the box-seat of -the waggonette by John, and as soon as they arrived they had gone all -round the farmyard, and looked at the dear little ducks and chickens, -and every other living creature on the place. They had well shaken the -apple tree and filled their pockets with lovely rosy apples. After -dinner they had gone out into the big field to have a game with old -Dobbin. Dobbin seemed to understand that the children wished to catch -him by his long tail, and would stand still until they nearly touched -him, and then with a toss of his head would gallop off to the other side -of the field, followed by the children, until at last, quite out of -breath, they had flung themselves down under the willow by the side of -the little stream. - -The afternoon was warm, and Trixy was surely getting a little sleepy, -when Margery suddenly jumped up. “Come, Trix,” she said, “I hear the -waggonette;” and off they ran as fast as they could. - - MARY HAMILTON. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: The Farmyard.] - -[Illustration: Waiting to be Hired.] - - - - - Doggie's Woes. - - - I'm a doggie who has many troubles to tell, - For my master and mistress don't treat me quite well. - The worst of my woes I really must say - Is a horrid old muzzle I wear every day. - - It's put on so tight and is so very strong, - Why if I tear and bite it the whole day long, - It would not come off, oh dear me no, - My spirits are sinking each day more low. - - Then again there are those stupid fluffy things, - Who have funny beaks and curious wings; - Well, what do you think, they come round and stare, - And say to each other, “What's that fellow there?” - - Yet I'm quite unable to frighten them now - Except by a very loud bow wow wow; - They know I can't bite them with this muzzle on, - So I hope I shall not have to wear it for long. - -[Illustration] - - - - - Off to the Front. - - -“We are off to the Front!” cried the three children when they were ready -for their walk. - -“Have you got all you want for the Front?” asked their mother, laughing. - -“Yes, everything,” said May. “Tom has a drum and Bertie a bugle, and I -am the rest of the army.” - -“Very well. Don't be too long at the War, because tea will soon be -ready. Better go to meet your father.” - -[Illustration] - -“So we will!” - -And away went the three over the white snow in the bright winter day; -Tom beating the drum till it was a wonder the parchment did not burst, -and Bertie blowing the bugle till he had hardly any breath left. What a -splendid noise they all made together! Birds flew out of the hedges and -rabbits scuttled away as the army marched on, feeling very warlike -indeed; and presently met the army's father. - -[Illustration] - -“Please be our General, father,” they begged, “and lead us against the -enemy.” - -“Certainly,” he replied; “but first we will return to camp and storm the -tea-table.” - -So home they went in the same fashion, with drum beating and bugle -blowing. - -After tea, the younger children also volunteered for the Front, and -Uncle Bob was little Dick's horse, for of course cavalry was needed. How -Uncle Bob pranced and galloped! The trumpeter nearly fell off his back, -but went on blowing the trumpet all the same. Uncle Bob told him to blow -it well away from the horse's ears, so Dick sat backwards. As for Baby, -big brother Gerald put him on the rocking-horse, to be a rough-rider. - -“The great thing is to learn to stick on,” said Gerald, “because you -will find falling off is very easy. Hold the horse's nose, Nellie; it -seems rather a wild one.” - -At last everybody joined the army, except the cat. She sat on a chair -and turned up her whiskers; for cats like peace and quietness, and there -cannot be much of either when soldiers go to the Front. - -[Illustration] - - - - - Tommy's First Day at School. - - - “Tommy, my dear,” said the old Tabby Cat, - “Here is your pinafore, put on your hat, - And go off to school with the others at once: - We don't want our kitten to grow up a dunce.” - - But Tommy was naughty, “I won't go,” he said. - “Well, choose,” said his mother, “between that and bed; - You either shall go off to school as I say, - Or go straight to bed for the rest of the day!” - - At this Tommy's cousin looked in at the door, - And gave a loud mew of surprise when he saw - The kitten was crying:—“Why, what's that I see? - Come, Tommy,” he said, “come to school then with me.” - - He took Tommy's paw, and old Tabby Cat said, - As she stood at the door with a cap on her head, - “Now, Tommy, remember! if good you will be, - I'll catch you a mouse or a rat for your tea.” - - So Tommy was dragged by the paw up the lane, - Nor stopped he his mewing at all till they came - To where old Dame Smut kept a school for those cats, - Who learnt something more than the killing of rats. - - The kitten ceased mewing, and gazed on the rows - Of good little cats, and he murmured, “Who knows - That p'raps after all I shall like school as well, - And quite enjoy learning to write and to spell!” - - When lessons were over, Dame Smut said, “I see - That Tommy a very good kitten can be.” - And Tommy in triumph laughed gaily the while - He ate up the mouse for his tea with a smile. - - EDITH GRABHAM. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: An Elephant at work.] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Mister Jack-in-the-box. - - -“Hullo, hullo, here I am again!” cried Mister Jack-in-the-box, as he -sprang up in a great hurry one day. - -Then he looked all round him. He was wondering what could have happened -to all his friends. - -“This is very funny,” he said to himself. “I wonder where they can all -be; they can't have gone to a party and left me behind. Besides, they -have not had time to put on their best clothes, for I have only been -having forty winks.” - -That was what he thought, but he had really been asleep for a long time, -and a great many things had happened which he knew nothing about. - -Presently, Dobbin, the big wooden horse, came walking slowly by. - -“Hullo,” cried Mister Jack-in-the-box, “How are you, my fine friend?” - -“I am looking for a hairy skin,” said Dobbin, sadly. “Every horse is -wearing one now; the fashion has changed since you went to sleep.” - -[Illustration] - -“But I have only been having forty winks,” cried Mister Jack-in-the-box. - -“Forty hundred,” corrected Dobbin. “Here comes Mister Zebra, he will -tell you I am right in what I say.” - -And Mister Zebra did. - -“I don't know what will happen next,” he said, tearfully. “I am told -that Teddy Bears are always asked for now that no one cares for zebras. -I do think it is a little hard. I know Teddy Bears are hairy, but not -one of them has a striped coat like mine.” - -[Illustration] - -“Look at my legs,” said Dobbin. “No hairy horse ever had legs like -mine.” - -“I passed a whole new family on my way here,” sighed the Zebra. “There -was an elephant that walked without wheels, a boat with sails, a doll -with a voice, crackers with toys inside them, a Father Christmas with a -real beard, and——” - -“A hairy horse!” cried Dobbin. - -“A hairy horse,” answered Mr. Zebra. - -“Cheer up, cheer up, you boys,” chuckled Mister Jack-in-the-box. “There -is plenty of room for us all in the world. Suppose we make a family all -to ourselves, just we three old friends.” - -And that is what they did. - - NORA PITT-TAYLOR. - -[Illustration] - - - - - Hector Protector. - - - Hector Protector was dressed all in green, - Hector Protector was sent to the Queen, - The Queen did not like him, no more did the King, - So Hector Protector was sent back again. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - The Muzzle that Fitted too much. - - - Tip tries to get his muzzle off— - But no—the strap's too tight! - The naughty ducklings laugh and jeer: - They see he cannot bite. - -[Illustration] - - - - - _In the Farmyard._ - - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - When Mrs. Quack, was coming back, - From seeing Mrs. Hen, - What did she see, but chickens three. - Quite far from mother's pen. - - And then she found, all romping round, - Their mother in delight, - Two pups that she, could only see - Like balls of black and white. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - A naughty chick, who tried to pick, - The wing from off a bee, - Was only told to be less bold, - And ran away quite free. - - “Ha! ha!” said she, “'tis plain to see, - The farmyard's full of fun, - And so I think, I'll have a drink, - And warm me in the sun!” - - By E. M. Whitaker - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - FIR TREE FARM. - - -Fir Tree Farm was the name of the big stone house, so the Squirrels -thought they could not do better than call their house Fir Tree House, -which they did. - -There were three of them, Mr. and Mrs. Squirrel and Miss Brighteyes, -their daughter. - -Every morning at one o'clock they had lunch on the big branch that was -very high up, because, you see, they knew very well that James and John -were about, and James and John thought it fine fun to chase them. James -and John were a terrible pair of pickles, very different to Joseph, the -black poodle, but then he was a Frenchman, and he could not bear the -ways of James and John, whom he looked upon as common terriers. - -They used to bark at him, and make dreadful fun of him when he went out -shopping with his mistress, carrying the basket for her. - -James and John longed to make him fight them, but he never did, because -nothing would make him put down the basket, and no dog can fight with a -basket in his mouth. - -[Illustration] - -Little Miss Brighteyes rather liked the look of the pickles; she thought -James was lovely, with his black and white coat, but she never ventured -to go down and speak to them—she was not brave enough for that—but once -or twice she threw nuts down on the top of them, and this made them very -angry, because they were not at all accustomed to be the ones who were -teased. - -They used to get into trouble sometimes, and many a good thrashing the -farmer gave them, especially on the day when they snapped at the -beautiful frills Joseph wore on his legs, and made him drop a basket of -fresh eggs. They were rather sorry for themselves that day, and Joseph -was so pleased that he did not know what to do with himself. - -Poor old Jane, the brown cow, found them a terrible worry. - -[Illustration] - -They used to hide in the big wheelbarrow, where her dinner was put, when -the grass was poor, and jump up and frighten her when she came to eat -it, and they didn't mind a bit when she snorted at them—they rather -enjoyed it. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -But one day Jerry, the old horse, who lived in the paddock with Jane, -spoke to them very gravely about it. - -Now James and John had a great respect for Jerry; they thought he was -quite the wisest person they had ever met, and when he explained to them -how very rude it was to sit in Jane's dinner place, they promised not to -do it again. - -One day the farmer's daughter came to Fir Tree Farm, and when she went -away she took James with her. - -John was very sad at first, and Miss Brighteyes felt dreadfully sorry -for him; even Joseph tried to be nice to him, but it was Jerry who -comforted him best, and gave him good advice. - -Then he set to work to be useful, and behaved himself so well that the -farmer used to send him to bring the horses in from the fields. - - NORA PITT-TAYLOR. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Pity the sorrows of a Poor Little Dog. - - - There was a little dog - And he had a little tail, - And he used to wag, wag, wag it, - Whenever he was glad: - But whenever he was sad, - On the ground he would drag, drag, drag it. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - He had a little nose, - As of course you will suppose, - And on it a muz-muz-muzzle - And to get if off he'd try, - Till a tear came in his eye, - But he found it a puz-puz-puzzle. - - He'd sometimes find a bone, - When he'd sniff it with a groan, - Because he couldn't gnaw, gnaw, gnaw it; - And he'd say as on he went, - With his head in anguish bent, - “I'm sorry that I saw, saw, saw it.” - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - - Too Sure. - - -[Illustration] - - On a tree - Birdie sat, - Down below - Lay pussy cat. - “Come down here - By my side,” - Said the Cat, - The bird replied: - “For you, Miss Puss, - I have no love - I'd rather stay - Up above.” - - “I'll come to you” - The pussy said. - Rose, stretched herself, - And shook her head. - She climbed the tree - (The cunning cat), - And reached the bough - Where Birdie sat. - - She made a spring, - Her prey to seize, - But Birdie flew - Away with ease. - The pussy thought, - “Too sure was I, - I quite forgot - That birds could fly.” - -[Illustration] - - - - - Firefly. - - -Through a sad misfortune Mr. Northcote's beautiful estate had to be sold -up. He was a great rider and lover of horses; but everything had to go, -and Firefly, his beautiful bay, was sold with the other horses. - -After the day of reckoning Mr. Northcote went abroad. There success -awaited him; he worked hard to retrieve his lost fortune, and after a -few years he returned to England once more a wealthy man. - -[Illustration] - -One day he hailed a hansom, and before stepping into it was giving the -cabman the address, when the horse grew suddenly restive and uttered a -strange whinnying sound. - -“What's the matter with yer?” cried the cabman, giving the animal a -touch of the whip. - -“Don't beat him! He's all right!” said Mr. Northcote, coming to the -horse's head. - -Again came the strange whinny, and the deep velvety eyes looked into Mr. -Northcote's like those of a human being; and they spoke to him, too, as -plainly as words could speak: “Dear master! Don't you know me? I'm your -poor old Firefly!” - -“Firefly! It's Firefly! My beauty!” - -And then, to the cabman's great astonishment. Mr. Northcote laid his -cheek against the horse's nose. - -“To think you should have come down to this, Firefly,” he murmured, with -something very like tears in his eyes. Firefly whinnied again softly. - -The poor horse had changed masters several times, and had had a hard -life the last few years; but all his troubles were over at last. - -Of course Mr. Northcote bought him from the cabman, and three months -later, when the beautiful spirited animal was galloping round the -fields, it was hard to believe he had ever been a cab-horse! - - CONSTANCE M. LOWE. - -[Illustration] - - - - - What a Mistake. - - - Our doggy almost seems to talk, - He watches us so carefully, - And when we're going for a walk - Looks up as if to say—“take me!” - - He'll carry books a long, long way, - But, this I feel I ought to own, - He _buried_ Auntie's glove one day, - He must have thought it was a bone. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: - - A Monkey. - - Ostriches. -] - - - - - Charlie's Playthings. - - -[Illustration] - -Charlie, tired out with play, fell asleep on the nursery rug one winters -afternoon. “Hullo, Charlie!” said his sister's biggest doll, walking up -and patting him familiarly on the back. “Look,” she said, “there goes -the omnibus to Fleet Street; let us go and see if there's room for us.” - -[Illustration] - -Charlie very soon found himself riding on the top of his toy omnibus, -with the conductor driving and shouting, and a wooden doll calling out -“Fare, sir; fare a penny!” He drove along too through his own toy -village. “_This_ isn't Fleet Street!” he said. - -“No,” said the doll; “we are now driving to the Zoo.” - -Charlie wondered more and more, but he said nothing until the omnibus -stopped and all the dolls got down. He found himself then hustled into a -tiny train, the engine of which whistled loudly, and had a piece of -cotton wool coming out of its funnel for smoke. - -“Here is the Zoo,” said the doll; “and there are the animals going to -bed.” - -Charlie looked. Why, the Zoo was his Noah's ark, and the animals -belonged to it! “_This_ isn't the Zoo!” said Charlie. - -At this point up came a very grandly dressed gentleman doll with an -eye-glass. - -“This gentleman would like a game of nine-pins, Lady Arabella,” he said; -“pray come this way,” and he led them to a lawn where a set of nine-pins -were. - -“Those are my nine-pins,” cried Charlie. - -“Nonsense!” said the doll. “They belong to this gentleman.” - -“You are a very rude doll,” observed the possessor of the eye-glass to -Charlie. “How dare you say my things are yours!” - -“So they are,” shouted Charlie; “and I'm not a doll, and you _are_ one, -and you belong to my sister, and you are made of wax, so there!” - -The gentleman doll grew very angry at this. “How dare you!” he said -loudly. “Policeman! hi! Policeman!” and one came hurrying across the -street. - -Charlie laughed; he recognised one of the little wooden policemen in his -toy box. - -“Hush!” cried the doll; “the soldiers are coming!” - -Marching down the street came Charlie's tin soldiers, all with drawn -swords, and most of them on horseback. - -[Illustration] - -Charlie boldly advancing laid his hand on the bridle of the general's -horse. Immediately there was a great clatter of arms, and Charlie would -have been cut to pieces if just then he had not woke up to find himself -on the nursery rug. - - EDITH GRABHAM. - -[Illustration: Scavengers of the Desert.] - -[Illustration: Watching for his Prey.] - - - - - How Pussy Caught her First Bird. - - -[Illustration] - - Said Mother Puss to little Kit, - “You're old enough, my dear, - To get your dinner for yourself.” - Said Kit, “I will, no fear!” - - As Kitty lay in hiding, - Close by, upon a twig, - There lit a tiny birdie, - And Kitty's eyes grew big. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - She crept a little nearer, - Then made a sudden spring, - And caught that tiny birdie - Before it could take wing. - - Then back she raced to mother, - No need to further roam; - “You see,” she said, “dear mother, - I've brought my dinner home.” - - A. E. BONSER. - - - - - A Rat Hunt. - - -[Illustration] - -Bobbie was only a little stable lad; the only relation he ever knew was -a brother, whose vocation was sweeping crossings. One day, a brougham -ran over him, a crowd collected, he followed them to the hospital, and -was told his brother was dead. The gentleman, whose brougham it was, -came and spoke to him, and then he remembered him taking his hand and -leading him to a big house. He was taken to the kitchen and well fed, -and after staying there a day or two, was sent into the country. - -[Illustration] - -Mr. Wake, after questioning the delicate-looking child, felt he could -repay him for the loss of his brother by taking care of him. - -The first thing to be done was to send him to one of his farms in the -country, where kind but rough hands would do more than smoky town. - -The people he lived with grew very fond of him, and treated him in every -way as their own. - -He had a terrier dog given to him by one of the farm hands, and this he -took a great interest in. Now Floss was a good rat catcher, and as rats -were most destructive in the barn, Bobbie used to take Floss up there, -by the hour together, and hunt them. - -One day he caught fourteen rats and mice and laid them at his little -master's feet. - -On another occasion, they had been waiting some time for a rat, which -had made quite a home of three sacks of corn in a corner of the barn, -when Floss suddenly darted round and sniffed one corner, and then kept -his eyes fixed on something which Bobbie could not see. Floss moved a -little on one side, and as the rat made its intended escape, he pounced -upon it. The rat was also very sharp, and bit and scratched poor -Flossie's face; this worried him so much, that he gave it one dreadful -bite, which killed it. - -Bob was very kind to animals, and took Floss to bathe his face, and -treated him quite as an invalid till his face was well. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: Worrying over his troubles.] - - - - - Nip and the Pigeons. - - -The children had been ill with whooping-cough, and as soon as they were -well enough they were told, to their great delight, that they were going -to stay at a farmhouse by the sea. - -“Oh! Mother,” cried Gerald, “do let us take Nip with us! I am sure he -would be miserable without us.” - -“I thought you would want to take him,” answered Mother, with a smile, -“so I arranged with the people at the farm that Nip should go with you!” - -The children were overjoyed at hearing this, and rushed out to tell Nip, -whom they found lying in front of his kennel wondering what all the -excitement was about. - -A chorus of excited voices shouted the good news to him, and he wagged -his little stump of a tail, and barked so loudly that he made almost as -much noise as the children. - -A few days later they were settled at the farm, and of course were -charmed with everything, and were never tired of visiting the calves, -the ducks, the chickens, the pigeons, and the little baby pigs. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -When the children fed the pigeons Nip had to be tied up, to his great -disgust, because the birds were afraid of him and would not peck up the -grain while he was loose. This, perhaps, was why he took a dislike to -the pigeons. “Stupid things!” he would growl. “They can do nothing but -sit and say 'Coo, coo!' all day!” - -But Nip soon had good cause to change his opinion. One day the farmer -was going to market ten miles away, and knowing that he would need to -send a message back immediately, he took one of his carrier-pigeons with -him. Some hours later the pretty white bird flew down into the farmyard, -and, tied to its feathers, the children found a tiny roll of paper -containing the farmers message. - -“Not so stupid, after all,” thought Nip, with a sniff, and felt a little -ashamed of himself. - - CONSTANCE M. LOWE. - - - - - TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES - - - 1. Added Table of Contents. - 2. Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical - errors. - 3. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - 4. 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