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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 56771 ***
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+VOL. III.--NO. 129. PUBLISHED BY HARPER & BROTHERS, NEW YORK. PRICE FOUR
+CENTS.
+
+Tuesday, April 18, 1882. Copyright, 1882, by HARPER & BROTHERS. $1.50
+per Year, in Advance.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: TRAINING THE OLD BLIND HORSE.]
+
+MR. STUBBS'S BROTHER.[1]
+
+[1] Begun in No. 127, HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.
+
+BY JAMES OTIS,
+
+AUTHOR OF "TOBY TYLER," "TIM AND TIP," ETC.
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+ABNER BOLTON.
+
+
+"Now I'll see about makin' the saddle," said Bob, "'cause I've seen 'em
+a good many times in a circus, an' I know jest how they're made. While
+I'm doin' that, you fellers must be fixin' 'bout who else we'll have in
+the show. Leander Leighton will come up here to-morrow, so's we can hear
+how he plays, an' we must have everything fixed by then."
+
+"Why didn't he come to-day?" asked Ben, thinking that all the members of
+the firm should have been present at this first rehearsal.
+
+[Illustration: LEANDER IS ENGAGED AT HOME.]
+
+"Well, you see, he had to split some wood, an' he had to take care of
+the baby. I offered to help him with the wood; but he said he couldn't
+get away any quicker if I did, for just as soon as the baby saw another
+feller waitin' 'round, she'd yell so awful hard he'd have to stay in all
+day."
+
+This explanation as to the absence of the band appeared to be perfectly
+satisfactory to those present, and they began to discuss the merits of
+certain of their companions in order to decide upon the proper ones to
+enlist as members, since the number of their performers was not so large
+as they thought it should be in a show where an admission fee of three
+cents was to be charged.
+
+Just as they were getting well into their discussion, and, of course,
+speaking of such matters as managers should keep a profound secret from
+the public, Bob cried out:
+
+"There comes Abner Bolton! He's always runnin' 'round where he ain't
+wanted; an' I wonder how he come to know we was here? I'll send him off
+mighty quick, now you see."
+
+The boy who had disturbed Bob so greatly was so near when he was first
+discovered that by the time the threat had been uttered he was close
+upon them. He was a small boy, not more than eight years old, and hardly
+as large as a boy of six should be; he walked on crutches because of his
+deformed legs, which hung withered and almost useless, barely capable of
+supporting his slight weight.
+
+"Now, what do _you_ want?" asked Bob, in an angry tone.
+
+"I don't want anything," was the mild reply, as the cripple halted just
+outside the shade, as if not daring to come any farther until invited.
+"I heard you was goin' to get up a circus, an' I thought perhaps you'd
+let me watch you, 'cause I wouldn't bother you any."
+
+"You would bother us, an' you can't stay 'round here, for we ain't goin'
+to have anybody watchin' us. You may come to the show if you can get
+three cents."
+
+"I don't s'pose I could do that," said the boy, looking longingly toward
+the shade, but still standing in the sun. "I don't have any chance to
+get money, an' I do wish you boys would let me stay where you are, for
+it's so awful lonesome out to the poor-farm, an' I can't run around as
+you can."
+
+"Well, you can't stay here, an' the sooner you go back to the farm the
+better we'll like it, for we don't want anybody to know what we're
+talkin' about."
+
+Toby had attempted to speak once or twice while Bob was engaged with the
+cripple from the poor-farm; but he did not get an opportunity until
+Abner turned to go away, looking thoroughly sad and disheartened.
+
+"Don't go, Abner, but come and set down here where it's cool, an'
+perhaps we can fix it for you."
+
+The cripple turned as Toby spoke, and the look which came into his face
+went right to the heart of the boy, who for ten long weeks had known
+what it was to be almost without a friend.
+
+"I don't see what you want him 'round here for," said Bob, petulantly,
+as Abner seated himself by Toby's side, thoroughly exhausted by his long
+walk. "He can't do nothin'; an' if he could, we don't want no fellers
+from the poor-farm mixed up with the show."
+
+"It don't make any difference if he does live to the poor-farm," said
+Toby, as he put his little brown hand on Abner's thin fingers. "He can
+belong to the show jest as well as not; an' if you fellers will let him,
+I'll give you my part of all the money we make."
+
+This proposition of Toby's put the matter on a very different basis, and
+both Ben and Bob now looked favorably inclined toward it.
+
+"Don't you do that, Toby," said Abner, his eyes filling with tears
+because of the kindness shown him. "I'll go right away, an' I won't come
+into the village again to bother you."
+
+"You shall come into the village every day, Abner, an' you won't bother
+us at all, for you shall go 'long of me everywhere I do, an' I won't
+never walk any faster'n you can;" and Toby moved his seat nearer Abner,
+to show that he took him under his especial care.
+
+"He might help tend the door," said Joe, kindly, anxious to please Toby,
+"an' that'll give me a chance to do more howlin' for the hyenas, 'cause
+that'll be about all I oughter do if I have to hold the hoops."
+
+"Yes, he can do that;" and Toby was very eager now. "An' we can get him
+a stool to sit on, an' he can do jest as much as if he could stand up."
+
+By this time Bob and Ben had decided that, in consideration of Toby's
+offer, Abner should be counted as one of the company, and the matters
+under discussion that had been interrupted by the cripple's coming were
+again taken up.
+
+Owing to the possible chance that Joe could not succeed in training the
+blind horse sufficiently to make him useful in the ring, it was
+necessary to know just what animals they could procure, and Bob offered
+to see Chandler Merrill for the purpose of securing the services of his
+Mexican pony, which had never allowed any one to ride him without first
+having a severe battle.
+
+"We can train him down all right," said Bob; "an' you fellers come down
+now while I find out 'bout the pony, so's we can come back here after
+dinner."
+
+As it was very important that this matter should be settled as soon as
+possible, Bob's advice was acted upon; and as the boys started to go,
+Toby said:
+
+"Come, Abner, you come home with me an' get some dinner, an' then you
+can come back here when I do."
+
+Bob was disposed to make sport of this sudden friendship; but Toby paid
+no attention to what he said, and if any of them wanted to talk to him,
+they too were obliged to walk with the boy from the poor-farm.
+
+By the time they arrived at Uncle Daniel's, Toby had formed many plans
+for making the life of the homeless boy more cheerful than it ever had
+been.
+
+Toby's interest in the crippled boy whom he had taken under his charge
+was considerably greater than in the contemplated circus; and both Bob
+and Ben felt angry and injured when, in the midst of some brilliant plan
+for startling those of the good people of Guilford who should come to
+their circus, Toby would stop to say something to Abner, who was
+hobbling along as fast as possible in order that he might not oblige the
+party to wait for him.
+
+For a number of years Toby had known that there was a crippled orphan at
+the poor-farm; but it so happened that he had not met him very often,
+and even then he had no idea of the lonely life the boy was obliged to
+lead.
+
+On the way to the village he had formed several plans by which he might
+aid Abner; but none of them could be put into operation until after he
+had consulted Uncle Daniel and Aunt Olive.
+
+It was nearly noon, and the understanding was that each one should get
+his dinner and go to the pasture again, when it would be known whether
+they were to be able to number Chandler Merrill's pony among the
+attractions of their show, or be wholly dependent upon the disabled
+horses that as yet made up their collection.
+
+"You're comin' to get dinner with me, Abner," said Toby, as he stopped
+in front of Uncle Daniel's gate, while the little fellow was continuing
+on his way to the only place he could call home, there to get his dinner
+with the other paupers.
+
+"I'm afraid your aunt won't want me," he said, shyly, while it was plain
+to be seen that he would be more than well pleased to accept the
+invitation.
+
+"Aunt Olive won't care a bit, an' she'll be glad to have you, I know,
+'cause she says it always does her good to see hungry people eat, though
+if that's so, I must have done her an awful sight of good lots of times,
+for it don't seem to me I ever set down to the table in my life but what
+I was awful hungry. Come on now, so's we'll have time to get our hands
+an' faces washed before the dinner-bell rings."
+
+Abner followed Toby in a hesitating way, much as if he expected each
+moment to be ordered back; and when they arrived at the door he stood on
+the threshold, not daring to enter until permission had been given.
+
+"This is Abner Bolton, Uncle Dan'l," said Toby, as he saw that his newly
+made friend would not come in without an invitation from some one
+besides himself. "He lives out to the poor-farm, an' he don't have any
+such nice home as I've got, so I thought you wouldn't care if I brought
+him in to dinner."
+
+"You've got a good heart, Toby, boy, and the Lord will reward you for
+it," said Uncle Daniel, as he stroked the boy's refractory hair. And
+then he said to Abner, "Come in, my lad, and share Toby's dinner; nor
+need you ever hesitate about accepting any such invitation when it leads
+you here."
+
+Then Aunt Olive greeted Abner so kindly that the poor boy hardly knew
+whether it was reality or a dream, so strange was it all to him.
+
+During the dinner Toby told of the difficulty he had had in getting his
+partners to consent to Abner's being one of the company, and Aunt Olive,
+who had shown considerable interest in the circus scheme, said:
+
+"Why don't you let him keep a stand, and then he can make some money for
+himself. I will bake him a lot of doughnuts and ginger-snaps, and your
+uncle Dan'l will lend him money enough to buy lemons an' sugar. It will
+be a deal better than to have Nahum Baker there with his pies that are
+as heavy as lead, an' doughnuts that have soaked up all the fat in the
+pan."
+
+Toby was delighted with the plan, and Abner's eyes glistened at the mere
+idea that it might be possible for him to do, once in his life at least,
+as did other and more fortunate boys.
+
+[TO BE CONTINUED.]
+
+
+
+
+THE POET'S EMPTY CHAIR.[2]
+
+[2] Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Died March 24, 1882.
+
+BY MRS. MARGARET E. SANGSTER.
+
+
+ From the chair the children gave him, where he sat as on a throne,
+ While they clustered round him fondly, claiming him as all their own,
+ He has gone, the poet stately, aureoled with snowy hair;
+ If we looked, we could not find him in this wide world anywhere.
+
+ If we called, he would not answer--he, so swift to smile and bless
+ Every little child who sought him with a gracious tenderness;
+ Though we wept, he would not hear us; he has gone too far away,
+ And the children's chair in Cambridge is a vacant throne to-day.
+
+ But we'll hie to fair Mount Auburn, hand in hand with April days,
+ There to wreathe the children's garland, 'mid the green immortal bays;
+ Shy arbutus, valley-lilies, violets breaking into bloom,
+ Sparkling with the children's tear-drops, shall adorn the poet's tomb.
+
+ There he slumbers, oh, so deeply! all his earthly labors done,
+ Never more a care to vex him 'neath the ever-circling sun;
+ Of all sweet things said about him, this shall farthest fragrance send,
+ That the poet, sage, and scholar was the children's loving friend.
+
+ Like his Master, he would suffer tiny hands to pluck his gown;
+ Fearlessly the small feet thronged him, unrebuked by word or frown;
+ Surely he was met in heaven by a white-robed shining band,
+ Since before Our Father alway do the children's angels stand.
+
+
+
+
+TOM FAIRWEATHER'S VISIT TO THE SULTAN OF BORNEO.
+
+BY LIEUTENANT E. W. STURDY, U.S.N.
+
+
+Our sailor-boy, Tom Fairweather, leaned over the ship's side, watching
+the return of the steam-launch.
+
+A message had been sent to no less a personage than the Sultan of
+Borneo, or perhaps I should have said an embassy. So grand a personage
+as a Sultan calls for such a ceremonious term. Don't you think so, young
+people?
+
+The ship lay in the Chinese Sea off the coast of the island of Borneo,
+and some fifteen miles from the town of Bruni, or Borneo, as it is
+sometimes called.
+
+As Tom stood there, a succession of wise thoughts coursed through his
+head; wise, that is, for a young gentleman of his age--twelve,
+by-the-way. These thoughts included the position of the equator. Tom
+felt himself to be quite old friends with the equator by this time, so
+often had he "crossed the line."
+
+When he had first studied geography he had regarded such a performance
+as quite remarkable, and on a par with sailing or sledging to either
+pole. The thoughts of geography brought to his mind the book he had used
+at school, _Maury's Manual_, which contained a number of illustrations.
+Tom distinctly recalled a picture in this book, beneath which was
+written "The Sultan of Borneo." The Sultan was resplendent in a flowing
+flowered robe, which Tom supposed to be of brocade. He wore Turkish
+trousers, a turban on his head, and mutton-chop whiskers. The only touch
+of carelessness about his costume was his bare feet. He reposed in a
+grove of palms, and in one hand held a long hookah. Take him all in all,
+he bore a strong resemblance to the Sultans in the _Arabian Nights
+Entertainment_, one of Tom's favorite volumes, and who, as other boys
+and girls are well aware, were all very wealthy and lordly people
+indeed.
+
+As Tom had never seen a live Sultan before, he was most anxious to visit
+his Sultanship of Borneo. He therefore broke out in a whistle of pleased
+expectation, for it was distinctly understood that he was to be of the
+party making the formal visit.
+
+The Sultan, it appeared, had graciously signified his entire willingness
+to be called upon; so Tom made a few additions to his toilet, which he
+considered were called for by the magnificence of the occasion; that is
+to say, he put on his watch and chain, as well as a ring with a large
+red stone, which the man in Ceylon of whom he had bought it had told him
+was a ruby. He felt extremely important and a little overawed when he
+was seated in the launch on his way to the Sultan's abode.
+
+To begin with, he was somewhat surprised at the appearance of Bruni as
+they neared it. "Huts!" he said, in astonishment. "With thatched roofs.
+Are all the houses like these? Why, this doesn't look like a city at
+all. Maury's Geography said this was the capital. This is a high old
+capital, I must say."
+
+"There are capitals and capitals," returned his father. "Did you expect
+something like Washington? I must admit that the splendor of Borneo is
+rather down at heels--but so it goes."
+
+The residence of the Sultan was a thatched hut, very much like those of
+which the rest of the town was composed. It was built on piles driven
+into the river-bed, and was entered by steps leading down to the water.
+There were other houses thus set up on piles, and behind those still
+others, until finally the rest of the town straggled against and on top
+of the river-bank.
+
+Tom followed his father up the steps with feelings in which
+disappointment struggled with curiosity. His expectations had already
+received a series of shocks, but this was too much. A King's palace to
+have dwindled down to this shabby little hut!
+
+They entered into the royal presence. Captain Fairweather and his
+officers were received by two interpreters, who made them welcome in
+very broken English, and then led the way to the head of the room, where
+stood the Sultan. He was almost a hundred years old. Don't suppose from
+this that such is the average age of Sultans. But this particular one,
+Abdul Momin, had actually attained that ripe old age, from which we may
+gather that his dignities agreed with him. There is something impressive
+in old age, whether it be that of prince or peasant; but beyond this the
+old man before whom Tom found himself bowing politely was certainly not
+in the least remarkable. He was a very shabby old man indeed. He wore a
+single soiled garment--a gown which reached to his feet. As though to
+make him as unlike the Sultan in _Maury's Manual_ as possible, he wore
+slippers (such as they were); and finally there was a common little cap
+on his head instead of the silken turban, bound with pearls, of Tom's
+imagination.
+
+The Sultan could not speak English, and the officers could not
+understand him, so that the conversation would have flagged had it not
+been for the interpreters referred to above. One of these was the Funny
+Man one meets all over the world, who sees a joke in everything, and
+laughs at it himself, whether you are amused or not. But this man was
+really very funny. He rubbed his hands and bowed and laughed over
+everything that was said, until it was impossible not to be in good
+spirits. He evidently considered it quite a good joke that so many fine
+gentlemen in uniform, with gold epaulets and clanking swords, should
+have taken the trouble to look up such a seedy old Sultan as Abdul
+Momin. Having made the presentations in due form, he proceeded to do the
+honors of the one-roomed palace. There was very, very little furniture
+to look at; but the officers showed a determination to be pleased, and
+admired all that this interpreter, in his flourishing way, pointed out
+to their notice.
+
+"That's a nice rug," said Lieutenant Jollytarre.
+
+"Yes; Sultan borrow that when he know you coming," replied the
+interpreter.
+
+"Those are nice pipes," proceeded Tom, following in the wake, as he was
+in the habit of doing, of his friend Lieutenant Jollytarre.
+
+"Borrowed too," rejoined the interpreter, with a wink.
+
+Coffee was handed around, served in pretty little cups of Japanese ware.
+Captain Fairweather, by way of making conversation, in his turn, admired
+these cups. "Ah! Kioto ware?" said he.
+
+"Kioto; yes, yes," replied the interpreter, to whom the remark was
+addressed. "Chinaman keep shop in Bruni. Sultan borrow cups of him."
+Thereupon he winked more decidedly than before.
+
+"Well!" exclaimed Tom; "don't the Sultan own anything? I suppose the
+slippers on his feet are his at least."
+
+"Borrowed," ejaculated the interpreter, with a chuckle.
+
+Tom was now convulsed with laughter; seeing which, the interpreter
+winked again--this time gravely.
+
+Captain Fairweather finally took out his watch, and remarked, "We must
+be off if we wish to see anything more of Bruni."
+
+With ceremonious politeness the officers took leave of the Sultan, all
+of which impressed Tom as highly absurd. On shore there were, as stated,
+more thatched huts--these too were set on piles in order to prevent the
+venomous reptiles native to these shores from crawling in and out the
+open doors.
+
+"Lots of tribes in Borneo," piped up the interpreter. "This tribe
+Muruts--head-hunters."
+
+[Illustration: THE HEAD-HUNTERS OF BORNEO.]
+
+Tom stood transfixed in mute, horrified astonishment in front of the
+nearest hut. Its steep projecting roof had fallen somewhat into decay;
+the thatching in some places had fallen quite off. Before the doorway a
+group of natives were gathered, attracted by the strangers. They stared
+at the strangers, who in turn stared back with equal curiosity.
+Suspended across the doorway was a string of human heads--yes, horrible
+to relate--of human heads in different states of decomposition. "He
+great head-hunter," said the interpreter, pointing to the owner of the
+hut. "Count heads--one--two--three--"
+
+"Twenty," announced Tom, solemnly, completing the count.
+
+"These fellows bring home a head as a token of their prowess, just as a
+North American Indian brings home a scalp," explained Mr. Jollytarre.
+"They make a raid into another tribe, kill a man, and back they come
+with it as an evidence of their courage and skill. The more heads a man
+takes, the greater distinction he attains in his tribe. Nothing is
+thought of him by his own people until he chops off a head."
+
+Tom looked again at the string of heads, and exclaimed, "Faugh! it makes
+me ill. I almost wish I hadn't come."
+
+But disagreeable things are short-lived in a boy's mind. The
+head-hunters and their ghastly trophies faded away as he asked questions
+upon questions about Borneo, on his way back to the ship.
+
+"The third largest island in the world," he repeated to himself.
+"Australia, New Guinea, Borneo--and if you don't count Australia an
+island, it's the second. Well, well, it's a queer place anyway, and I
+don't think much of it, whatever its size may be."
+
+
+
+
+AT THE DOGS' HOSPITAL.
+
+BY MISS F. E. FRYATT.
+
+
+All the family were present and took part in the council; even
+grandmamma, who was dozing in the corner, expressed an opinion in her
+sleep.
+
+The subject was a grave one, suggesting alarming possibilities, for if a
+hot, dry nose, dull eyes, a general droop of the body, and aversion to
+food meant anything, Pepper's was a serious illness--and what was to
+come of it?
+
+"I, for one," said Aunt Maria, "am fearful that it is hydropho--"
+
+"Please don't say that," pleaded Dick, piteously. "Papa would have him
+shot."
+
+"Oh dear!" cried Harry, his eyes filling at the mere thought.
+
+"Maria, can not you think of something or other?" exclaimed Aunt Phebe,
+helplessly.
+
+"Put his feet in hot water with plenty of mustard in it, and a dose of
+rhubarb and magnesia," advised grandmamma, in her sleep.
+
+"It isn't the baby, mother; it's Pepper that's sick," replied Aunt
+Maria.
+
+At this moment Uncle Fritz's welcome voice was heard at the hall door.
+The boys darted up stairs to tell their griefs, and ask a hundred
+questions.
+
+"Oh, brother, that dreadful dog has gone and made himself ill!" was Miss
+Maria's greeting.
+
+"What _shall_ we do for him?" was Miss Phebe's.
+
+"Mustard draughts and hive syrup best thing in the world," murmured the
+old lady, uneasily.
+
+"Don't fret, mother; no one's ill but Pepper," said Mr. Hayes, following
+his sisters to where the invalid was lying.
+
+Four faces brightened visibly as Uncle Fritz pronounced it a case of
+distemper, and not hydrophobia, and recommended removal to the hospital.
+
+"The hospital!" exclaimed both boys in wonder.
+
+"Yes, children; and the sooner, the more hope for his recovery.
+By-the-way, Maria, if you have a covered basket, a piece of carpet, and
+Pepper's basin ready, we'll get him off at once."
+
+The boys were wild with excitement. Pepper would not be shot after all;
+he was going to be cured.
+
+After stroking his glossy sides, to which he responded by a feeble wag
+of his tail, they took off his silver collar and bells, lifted him
+tenderly into the basket, called the family to bid him good-by, and
+departed with their uncle.
+
+"It's a mercy he has gone. Suppose he had bitten Smoke?" remarked Miss
+Maria, closing the hall door.
+
+"I shall miss him, for all that," sighed Miss Phebe.
+
+Soon Pepper, curled up in the basket on Uncle Fritz's knee in the
+elevated car, was rushing toward his destination. Where that was he
+little cared, he was so truly miserable.
+
+A black-and-tan of "high degree," his dainty paws had never trodden
+rougher ways than the velvet carpets of his mistress's mansion, or the
+smooth lawns of his master's garden. He slept on silken cushions, took
+his airings in Miss Maria's carriage, and had his food served in
+porcelain. Not even Smoke, the petted Maltese, dared to put her nose
+within a foot of his basin. Alas! how much of this was to be changed!
+
+A few minutes' ride and a short walk brought the boys and Mr. Hayes to
+the gate of a low, curious, but gayly painted cottage; on either side of
+the entrance were piled cages of birds and animals.
+
+On the top of the porch Dick saw, with an uncomfortable sinking at his
+heart, a stuffed dog that looked much the worse for continual exposure
+to the weather. Below hung a framed picture of odd-looking dogs,
+labelled "Famous," while a sign hanging near announced that Dr. Blank,
+Importer, Doctor, and Taxidermist, was prepared to sell, board, cure,
+and stuff all kinds of birds and domestic animals.
+
+Dick was greatly re-assured when, peeping through the palings, he saw
+several little dogs comfortably basking in the sunshine before the door,
+but was fairly delighted at the frolicking company that greeted them on
+entering the cottage. As he afterward said, he could not tell which
+jumped the highest, wagged their tails the hardest, barked the loudest,
+or cut the funniest capers, the Yorkshire terriers, the Skyes, or the
+English pugs.
+
+In the midst of the uproar a back door opened, and in came the Doctor, a
+sharp-faced little man, with a troop of dogs at his heels.
+
+"Down with you, Tiger. Be quiet, Meg. Off with you, Bess. Don't be
+frightened, young gentlemen, they're all educated dogs."
+
+As soon as he could make himself heard, Mr. Hayes explained the purpose
+of their visit.
+
+[Illustration: DR. BLANK GIVING PEPPER HIS MEDICINE.]
+
+Pepper was drawn forth from the basket, held up by the nape of his neck,
+and examined. The Doctor felt his body, rubbed his nose, and lifted his
+eyelids; then said solemnly: "A very sick dog; heart's affected; pulse
+irregular; lungs bad. But while there's life, there's hope, sir. I'll
+engage to cure him if any one can."
+
+At this unexpected close to this ominous speech, the boys grew cheerful
+again, and ventured to ask where Pepper would sleep.
+
+A large clean cage was selected, and Dick allowed to spread the carpet,
+put the basin in, and lay Pepper upon his bed. Thus he was installed as
+a regular boarder patient in the Dogs' Hospital.
+
+"Misery loves company," it is said. If that is true, Pepper must have
+been pleased, for there were half a dozen sick dogs in the cages near
+him.
+
+Their pet once comfortably settled, Dick and Harry, like true boys,
+expressed their curiosity to see and hear the histories of the other
+boarders. Dr. Blank condescended to gratify them.
+
+"This one," said the Doctor, indicating a glossy red bantam, "is Dandy,
+a performing rooster.
+
+"These Angora rabbits in the next cage are Bunny and Belle, the
+pantomimists; play in _Humpty Dumpty_; owned by a lady in Europe, sir.
+
+"In this cage, sir, is Binney, owned by a banker; he's a fine Maltese,
+three months old, and weighs seventeen pounds.
+
+"This next one, this fine tabby, is Jim, an editor's cat, worth a
+thousand dollars!"
+
+"Whew!" exclaimed Dick, "I didn't know any cat was worth that."
+
+"Now, gentlemen, look at these beauties. Kate and Mollie,
+carrier-pigeons, owned by a sailor. These in the lower row are tumblers,
+puffers, and fantails--for sale, gentlemen."
+
+Dick commenced counting his savings mentally; wondered which would be
+the nicer to buy, pigeons or rabbits. Being introduced to a family of
+guinea-pigs a moment later, was puzzled, and finally decided to buy one
+of each.
+
+"Now for the dogs, sir," continued the Doctor, with the air of a
+showman. "Here, Flirt, stand up and show how you can dance."
+
+In a twinkling a pretty silver terrier, with its hair "banged"
+beautifully above the eyes, stood up on its hind-legs, held its head
+sideways, and holding its fore-paws like a young kangaroo, danced around
+the room to the boys' wondering delight.
+
+"That'll do, Flirt," commanded the Doctor. "Now, Baron, show how you can
+jump."
+
+Baron was the queerest-looking small creature, an English pug with a
+fawn-colored body, and a knotted-up, wrinkled, sooty little visage
+expressive of the greatest contempt and ill-nature--a visage that
+greatly belied him, for he was the gentlest of all dogs.
+
+At the word "over," he leaped to the top of the half-door, and thence
+into the yard.
+
+"Well done, you little hero!" cried Dick.
+
+Queenie and Rosie, a pair of tiny Yorkshires, and Snap, a black-and-tan,
+who "could kill forty rats in a minute," were next introduced. Dick
+thought the latter almost equal to Pepper, who, by-the-way, never killed
+any.
+
+"Now, come out-doors, gentlemen, and look at our other boarders before
+supper-time," said the Doctor.
+
+In an instant Mr. Hayes and the boys were surrounded by dogs great and
+small. A fine blood-hound thrust its cold nose against Harry's cheek, a
+red Irish setter licked his hand, and a pair of white bull-dogs, by
+clumsy antics and friendly nudgings, tried to make his acquaintance,
+while a number of bull-terriers, Newfoundland, and pointer pups engaged
+in a rough-and-tumble play that was very amusing.
+
+In a shed at one corner of the yard the boys spied a young man preparing
+the dogs' supper. Dick whispered, "There'll be fun by-and-by."
+
+The boys had just time, after they examined two or three families of
+terrier puppies, to peep between the bars at two very distinguished
+boarders who had recently arrived from Europe--an English mastiff and a
+Scotch collie or shepherd dog--who had separate apartments and dined
+alone, when supper was announced by a long, shrill whistle.
+
+"Now they'll fight," said Dick, in a tone of expectation; but he was
+mistaken.
+
+The dogs marched to supper like a company of soldiers. Two lads presided
+over the tubs and troughs from which the larger ones ate, while a young
+woman fed the smaller ones daintier fare from earthen dishes.
+
+Although there were neither napkins nor finger-bowls, and not one of the
+dogs had ever heard of, much less read, _Lord Chesterfield on
+Politeness_, they all behaved with as much decorum as so many boys and
+girls at a tea party.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+"At any rate," said Miss Maria that evening, "Pepper will not lose his
+manners there, and if he dies we can let the Doctor stuff him."
+
+
+
+
+THE QUEEN'S REPARATION.
+
+
+In 1822, the Society Islands, which had previously been governed by
+chiefs according to their own pleasure, came under the influence of the
+Christian religion. One of the first things the islanders did was to
+assemble and agree upon a code of laws, which were to be equally binding
+upon the King and his lowest subject.
+
+A few months after the adoption of this code the Queen of Tahiti visited
+Huahine. Her attendants requiring a piece of timber, she directed them
+to cut down a bread-fruit-tree which grew in a garden near the place
+where she was resting with her people.
+
+In the evening, when the owner came home from his work in the fields, he
+saw what had been done. There lay the branches strewn around. There was
+the bleeding stump. But the tree, his pride and delight, was gone.
+
+Informed by his neighbors that the Queen's men had cut it down, he went
+at once to the magistrate and lodged a complaint against her Majesty.
+The magistrate directed him to appear at sunrise the next morning, and
+bring witnesses to prove his charge. The Queen also received a summons
+to attend.
+
+At the appointed hour, Ori, the Judge, was seated on the ground beneath
+a mighty tree. On a finely woven mat before him reclined the Queen,
+surrounded by attendants. Beside her stood the peasant, her accuser, and
+back of them, all a number of men who seemed to be police officers.
+
+Turning to the plaintiff, whose name was Teuhe, Ori asked for what
+purpose they were assembled. The poor man replied:
+
+"O magistrate, in my garden there grew a bread-fruit-tree. Its shelter
+was thrown over my cottage. Its fruit supported my children. Yesterday
+some one came and cut it down. They tell me the Queen sent him to do
+so. What I desire to ask is, whether the law was made only for kings,
+or for poor men too?"
+
+The magistrate, turning to the Queen, asked if she had ordered this. She
+answered, "Yes." He then asked if she did not know that they had laws.
+She said, "Yes"; but she was not aware that they applied to her. The
+magistrate asked if in those laws--a copy of which he held in his
+hand--there were any exceptions in favor of chiefs, or kings, or queens.
+She answered, "No," and dispatched one of her attendants to her house,
+who soon returned with a bag of money, which she threw down before the
+poor man, as a recompense for his loss.
+
+"Stop," said the Justice; "we have not done yet." The Queen began to
+weep. "Do you think it right that you should have cut down the tree
+without asking the owner's permission?" continued the magistrate. "It
+was not right," said the Queen. Then turning to the poor man, he asked,
+"What remuneration do you require?" Teuhe answered, "If the Queen is
+convinced that it was not right to take a little man's tree without his
+permission, I am sure she will not do so again. I am satisfied; I
+require no other recompense." His disinterestedness was applauded, the
+assembly dispersed, and afterward, I think, the Queen sent him privately
+a present equal to the value of his tree.
+
+
+
+
+CAPTAIN EDWARDS'S BIG WHALE.
+
+BY EESUNG EYLISS.
+
+
+"Uncle Horace, I have just been down to the foot of Wall Street to see
+the whale."
+
+"I am very glad you have done so, Bennie. What did you think of it, and
+what did it look like?"
+
+"When I went in, the great creature was lying on a board floor under a
+large canvas tent, and about twenty persons were examining it. Oh, it
+was so fat! Great gashes had been made in its sides, and through them
+you could see what they called the 'blubber.' I saw Captain Edwards
+there too. He was talking to another gentleman, and telling him all
+about how he caught the whale."
+
+"Well, and how was it?"
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN EDWARDS.]
+
+"Why, you see, the Captain was aboard his ship, the _Fanny Sprague_, and
+they were sailing along the coast of Long Island, between Amagansett and
+East Hampton. This whale had been seen about there several times, and
+they were just after it. Well, one morning--I remember the very date; it
+was March 15--they caught sight of it. The boats were lowered, and away
+the whalemen went in pursuit. As they came alongside, Mr. Fee, the mate,
+who was in the bow of one of the boats, ready with harpoon in hand,
+hurled it in deep just below where the shoulder-blade would be. This
+astonished the whale, and it dived at once, splashing the water all
+around, and staving in the side of the boat with one of its flukes. The
+water was shallow, though, and the fish soon came up again to spout, and
+then started to run up the coast at the rate of sixty miles an hour.
+This was about ten o'clock in the morning. They had also thrown another
+harpoon into the fish, and the boat was being towed almost alongside,
+near the tail. After towing them some fifty miles, the whale began to
+grow tired, and then they stabbed it several times with the lance. It
+soon died."
+
+"Bravo, Bennie! Now how did you remember all that?"
+
+"Why, I was perfectly certain you and auntie would want to know all
+about it, and I just listened with all my might, so as I could tell you.
+I do wish, though, you could have seen it for yourself."
+
+"Suppose now that I did. I have seen many whales, both living and dead,
+but such things always interest me, and I went in yesterday also to look
+at this one."
+
+"Oh, Uncle Horace! What did you think of the monster? Did you ever see
+any other fish so big as that?"
+
+"I am glad you asked your question in that shape, Ben. We will have a
+little talk about whales. People generally have such incorrect ideas
+concerning them that I think it is really worth while to give you some
+instruction, and at all events to start you right, for we shall have
+time now to make a start, and no more. In the first place, Bennie,
+always remember a whale is _not a fish_, and in no way allied to
+fishes."
+
+"Why, Uncle Horace! What do you mean? Not a fish? I am sure I have read
+about whale-fishing, and I know they live in the water like fish."
+
+"There is where you are wrong, Ben. They live in the water, but not like
+fish. Fish breathe under water, and die if taken out of it; whales can
+not breathe under water any better than you could, and if kept there
+would be drowned without fail. Whales have warm blood like ours; the
+blood of fishes is cold."
+
+"But how do whales breathe, then, Uncle Horace?"
+
+"You have read of whales _spouting_, I am sure, Bennie. Their spouting
+is their breathing. They go under water for their food, etc., holding
+their breath while they are below. A sperm-whale can hold his breath an
+hour at a time; a right-whale only about fifteen to twenty minutes. When
+he comes to the surface he blows out his breath through his
+'blow-holes,' which in the right-whale are on the top of the head. This
+blowing is of course done with great force, and makes a sound which can
+be heard at quite a long distance, and the water and mucus which the
+blow-holes contained are driven out in a cloud of spray many feet in
+height. That is the _spout_ of a whale. You see always in pictures a
+column of water represented; that is all foolishness. There is no such
+thing; there is a puff of spray, and nothing more."
+
+"I should think it was a hard way to live, Uncle Horace, to have to come
+up to the surface every time I wanted to breathe."
+
+"Perhaps the whale does not think so, Bennie. He comes to the surface as
+naturally as you open your mouth. All his motion is made by the strokes
+of his tail, which the whalemen call his 'flukes.' Now look at this
+drawing of his flukes. It is shaped, you see, somewhat like a fish's
+tail, but then it is not placed like one. The tail of a fish always has
+its flat sides 'up and down,' so that when he strikes with it he swims
+ahead or to either side as he chooses, and if he wishes to come to the
+surface, he has to turn his tail in order to do it. The flukes of a
+whale lie 'flat,' and every blow drives him ahead, or upward or
+downward. A blow upward sends him flying toward the surface like a shot,
+and he doubtless has no more idea of hardship in breathing than you
+have."
+
+"Did you ever see any other whale as large as this one, Uncle Horace?"
+
+"This is one of very good size for its kind, but compared with many that
+I have seen, it is small. And I am glad to correct for you, Bennie, the
+statements which have been made about the size of this whale. It was
+said to be sixty-nine feet long, and forty-five feet in circumference. I
+measured it. Its length is not quite forty-nine feet, and its
+circumference a little less than twenty-five. It was also said that
+there were three kinds of whales, sperm-whales, fin-backs, and
+right-whales; this one was called a right-whale. Now, Bennie, I can
+count up over thirty species of whales at this moment, and there are
+probably several others. There are two groups of them, bone-whales and
+toothed whales, the first having whalebone, and the second, teeth
+instead."
+
+"But, Uncle Horace, have not all whales bones?"
+
+"Yes; but that may not mean whalebone."
+
+"That is queer. What other kind of bones can a whale have, I should like
+to know? I should think they would be whalebone any way."
+
+[Illustration: SIDE VIEW OF THE MOUTH.]
+
+"I put it in that way, Ben, so as to draw your attention sharply to it.
+_Whalebone_ is not bone at all; it is a totally different substance.
+Look at these two drawings of the mouth of the whale you have just seen.
+The first is made from the front, looking into the great opening, and
+the figure of a child is placed there. This has been done to show you
+how large it really is. And by-the-way, Bennie, in the mouth of a whale
+of the largest size a grown man would appear no larger in proportion
+than this child does now. The other is a side view of the mouth, lips,
+etc.; inside the lips you can see the whalebone. This consists of a
+series of flat plates, attached to the skull in the roof of the mouth,
+and hanging down in a long row on each side between the great fat tongue
+and the lip. They are longest in the middle of the length of the mouth,
+and grow shorter toward the front and toward the rear. In the one here
+represented I thought the longest plates would measure between five and
+six feet, but I have seen many of them, taken from the whales of the
+Northwest coast, which were fourteen to fifteen feet long. Each 'slab'
+of bone is broadest at the top, and tapers downward, and its edge is
+split into a sort of fringe, and it is by means of that that the
+bonewhales secure their food. Look at those enormous lips standing up.
+The whale drops his lips until they lie flat, and then, swimming slowly
+along, the small molluscous animals on which he lives drift into his
+mouth. When he thinks he has enough for a mouthful, he raises his lips,
+and with his great tongue forces out the water between the plates of
+bone, through the mat of fibres. The mollusca are caught on the fringe,
+licked off, and swallowed. Seems like small food for such great animals,
+perhaps, but this is their mode of living."
+
+[Illustration: FRONT VIEW OF THE MOUTH.]
+
+"Is this one a right-whale, Uncle Horace?"
+
+"No, it is not. They call it so, and they probably are honest in their
+statement, for the two species are very much alike. But the right-whale
+is an arctic species, and is larger, being sometimes sixty-five feet
+long; this species is, I think, never over fifty, and lives in the
+Atlantic Ocean, not the arctic."
+
+"Is sixty-five feet as long as any whales grow?"
+
+"Oh no. Some of the fin-backs have been measured which were one hundred
+and ten feet long, and I am sure I have seen them as long as that.
+Whalemen, however, seldom kill them, for they make but little oil, and
+they fight sometimes very fiercely when they are attacked."
+
+"But isn't it strange, Uncle Horace, that such monstrous animals can be
+killed. I should think they would kill the men who tried to fight them."
+
+"So they do sometimes, but not very often. You have learned from Captain
+Edwards of the instruments that are used to kill them--a harpoon and a
+lance. When the whale-boat comes near enough to the whale, the harpoon,
+to which a long rope is fastened, is thrown into him. The barb on the
+harpoon prevents its being pulled out, and the poor whale swims off,
+dragging the boat by the rope. When he becomes tired, the boat is drawn
+up, and he is killed with a thrust of the lance. Sometimes the blow of
+the harpoon kills him, but not often. Bomb-lances are now often used;
+they are fired from a heavy gun, and explode after entering the body of
+the whale, and of course kill him."
+
+[Illustration: REAR VIEW, SHOWING THE FLUKES.]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: TOLLING THE BELL.]
+
+
+
+
+HOW THE SWALLOWS STOPPED THE CLOCK.
+
+
+Two newly married swallows, with the important business of building a
+nest, on their minds, stopped to rest one morning on the hands of a
+great church clock in the town of Newark, New Jersey. Presently they
+noticed a little hole on its face just large enough for a swallow to
+enter. They looked in, and saw a lovely place for a nest among a
+collection of wheels that seemed perfectly quiet.
+
+There is a great difference, you must know, in the movement of the
+wheels of the great clocks. Some turn swiftly, while the larger ones
+move so slowly that, unless they are watched for a long time, they seem
+to be standing still.
+
+The swallows thought it would be delicious to live in the clock. No boys
+could disturb them, and unless some one should invent a new kind of
+flying cat, they would never have any unwelcome and dangerous visitors.
+
+So they began to build. They carried hay and grass and cotton into the
+clock, and by night their nest was half finished. They slept in a
+neighboring tree, and in the morning flew back with fresh building
+materials.
+
+Something very strange had happened. The nest that they had partly built
+had nearly disappeared. They had to begin again. All that day they
+worked hard. The next morning they found that the same cruel trick had
+been played on them.
+
+They now became very indignant, and that night they perched on the hands
+of the clock, so as to be near in case any one should try to destroy
+their nest. In the course of the night the hands of the clock turned
+around and tumbled them off, but in the morning they saw that their nest
+had only been slightly disturbed. They repaired the damage, finished
+their work, and moved in that night.
+
+For two days they were very happy, but on the third day a man climbed
+into the tower to see why the clock had stopped. He found nearly a peck
+of straw and grass and cotton that had been drawn by the wheels into the
+inmost recesses of the clock, and had finally so clogged the wheels that
+they could move no more. Then he found the nest that the swallows had
+made, and threw it away, and stopped up the hole in the clock face.
+
+And so it happened that the swallows had to go and build a nest under
+the eaves after all.
+
+
+
+
+THE TALKING LEAVES.[3]
+
+[3] Begun in No. 101, HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE.
+
+An Indian Story.
+
+BY WILLIAM O. STODDARD.
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+
+Dolores's suggestion that he should purchase Rita from the Indian chief
+had made a great impression upon Murray's mind. Steve's advice also
+helped him to the conclusion that the plan was the best that could be
+devised.
+
+Many Bears had taken a great fancy both to Send Warning and to Knotted
+Cord. The chief had indeed proposed more than once that his pale-face
+friends should remain among the Apache band, and cast in their lots with
+them. Meanwhile Murray held many an anxious consultation with Steve over
+their plan.
+
+"It's an idea, Steve; it's a good one," he said, finally, "and I'm going
+to try and carry it out."
+
+Still, it was a delicate piece of business, and Murray went at it very
+carefully.
+
+That afternoon, as they were riding along, Many Bears again remarked to
+him that he would be better off among his Apache friends than anywhere
+else. "Have lodge. Have squaw. Be chief a little. Be great brave."
+
+"Got good lodge now."
+
+"Yes, but lodge empty. Want squaw."
+
+"Send Warning is old. No child. Rather have daughter. He has taken the
+Knotted Cord for a son. All he needs now is a young squaw."
+
+"Ugh! Good. All Apaches say Send Warning is wise. Know what he likes
+best. Buy young squaw. Braves get killed in fight. Plenty young squaws
+have no father. All glad to come into good lodge. Have plenty meat.
+Plenty nice blanket. Good for squaw."
+
+The notion of Many Bears was one that fitted him very well, for, as
+chief of the band, it was his duty to keep an eye upon the fortunes of
+its "orphans." There could be no better "asylum" for one of them than
+the lodge of a wise old brave like Send Warning.
+
+"No," said Murray, after a moment of silence. "Only one young squaw in
+camp for me. The great chief must let me have Rita."
+
+Many Bears was as nearly startled as an Indian chief could be by this
+sudden and daring proposal. He shook his head. Only a chief who could
+bring rich presents could expect to buy the daughter of a great man like
+Many Bears. Something far beyond the power of a seemingly poor warrior
+like Send Warning.
+
+"Good," said Murray, calmly. "Heap give. Suppose you say what you think.
+How big heap?"
+
+There was a grim smile on the face of Many Bears as he turned and looked
+in the face of his friend.
+
+"How much? Ugh. Suppose chief bring fifty ponies?"
+
+"Good," said Murray. "Go on."
+
+"Fifty new blanket?"
+
+"Good. All right."
+
+"Five new gun. Fifty knife. Much heap powder. Big roll cloth for squaws.
+What say?"
+
+"Good. All right."
+
+"Much pistol too. Suppose chief think of something more?"
+
+"All right. Send Warning give it all."
+
+"Ugh! No got 'em. No find 'em. Send Warning laugh at chief. Bad."
+
+There was an offended look in his eyes, but Murray laid his hand on his
+arm, saying:
+
+"Listen. Send Warning is white. He is a great man among his own people.
+He can give heap to chief. Can't find all here. Go to fort. See
+blue-coat chief. See traders. Get all he wants there."
+
+"Ugh! Good. Make Talking Leaf. Send it to fort. Young brave carry it.
+All things come back."
+
+Many Bears had seen something like that, and had never ceased envying
+the white man's power to obtain presents by means of a little piece of
+paper. Murray replied:
+
+"No. Send Warning in no hurry. Wait till we get to fort."
+
+That would not be for many days, and the more Many Bears thought of all
+the good things he had mentioned, the more anxious he became to see his
+adopted daughter set up in a lodge of her own, or at least under the
+care of a warrior who was willing to give such a "big heap" for the
+privilege. He "thought of something more" almost every hour from that
+time on, but his demands were mainly for items of moderate cost, and he
+did not feel at liberty to mention any larger number of ponies or
+blankets.
+
+"We can buy the blankets easily enough," said Steve, when he was told
+the terms of the bargain, "but what about the ponies?"
+
+"Cheaper than blankets, my boy. I've seen droves of them going for ten
+dollars a head. We won't have to give more than twenty. As to the other
+things, there are always traders around the posts."
+
+They had already counted the contents of their little buckskin bags, and
+Steve had been surprised to find how much money there was in little more
+than twenty pounds of gold coin. He had found, indeed, a strange
+pleasure in counting it over and over, while Murray told him of his
+beautiful home away across the sea.
+
+"You'll be a rich man there."
+
+"Have three or four times as much as this every year. You must come and
+visit with me, Steve. As soon as you've seen your own people."
+
+"I dare not think much of them, Murray. I can't talk about them. It will
+be time enough when I learn if any of them are yet alive."
+
+"Your father and mother?"
+
+"Don't, Murray. I'd rather talk about Rita and our plans here."
+
+Ni-ha-be was indignant at the proposed change. Rita had never imagined
+until that moment how much she was beloved by the earnest-hearted Apache
+girl. Ni-ha-be's arms were twining around her neck, and she was weeping
+fiercely as she exclaimed:
+
+"He shall not take you away from me. You are not a pale-face any more.
+You are Apache."
+
+Rita could not help crying, and the two friends were glad to go into the
+lodge, as they were told, and mingle their tears together.
+
+The nearest United States post at which there were likely to be any
+traders was still a "two days' journey" to the northward, but Many Bears
+had actually now received a message from his tribe that there would be
+"heap presents" for those who should come in time to get them, and he
+was more than ever anxious to discover if Send Warning had been telling
+him the truth. His first proposition had been, as before, that Murray
+should send for what he wanted, and have it brought to the Apache camp,
+but that had been declared out of the question.
+
+"Ugh! Good. Then Send Warning go with chief. Buy pony. Buy heap other
+things. Come back and take young squaw to lodge."
+
+"No. The great chief can bring young squaw with him. Send Warning take
+then what he pay for. Give pony, take young squaw."
+
+After some little argument, this was agreed to, but there were almost as
+serious objections made to Steve Harrison's joining the party who were
+to visit the post.
+
+"Tell them I'm going anyhow," said Steve to Red Wolf, "whether they like
+it or not. You come too. I'll buy you a new rifle. Best there is at the
+fort." That settled the matter.
+
+Both Dolores and Ni-ha-be were to be of the party.
+
+"Rita," said Murray, in a low voice, the morning they rode out of the
+village camp, "take a good look back. That's the last you will ever see
+of it."
+
+Then for the first time it came into the mind of Rita that she loved not
+only Ni-ha-be, but all those wild, dark, savage people among whom she
+had been living ever since she was a little girl.
+
+"Father, will I never see any of them again?"
+
+"I think not, Rita."
+
+"You will let me send them presents, will you not?"
+
+"As many as you please, Rita."
+
+"Then I will make the whole village happy some day."
+
+On arriving at the fort they were fortunate in finding a trader who had
+bought a great many more ponies than he knew what to do with. Fifty of
+them were promptly secured and turned over to Many Bears.
+
+Even while that was being cared for, Murray sought and obtained two or
+three important interviews. One was with the United States army officer
+in command of the post, to whom he told his story.
+
+"It's a little the biggest romance I ever heard of," said the gallant
+Major. "I'll tell you what--you'd better have the final transfer made in
+my presence."
+
+"Thank you heartily. That will be just the thing."
+
+The Major told the story as a great secret to his wife, and she told it
+to the other ladies at the fort, and they all went wild together over a
+grand new wardrobe for Rita. Never had any daughter of the Apaches owned
+a tenth of the varied material the enthusiastic ladies prepared in less
+than twenty-four hours after their first glimpse of Rita.
+
+"We must make quite an affair," said the Major to Murray, "of your
+making the payment. Then they will not think of trying to back out."
+
+"There would be danger to Rita, I fear, if I were to make the truth
+known publicly too soon."
+
+Major Norris was an experienced "Indian fighter," and just the man to be
+in command of such a post, for the reason that he had learned how much
+cheaper it was to have the red men as friends than as enemies. He sent
+word at once to Many Bears and a number of other "great chiefs" that
+Send Warning was also a "great chief," and that proper honor must be
+shown him by his pale-face friends on so great an occasion.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+It was quite a procession that marched out of the fort barracks with
+Rita on the day appointed. The Apache warriors and squaws who were
+looking on felt that a high compliment was paid to their nation. There
+were the troops drawn up in splendid array, with flags and cannon and
+music, and the "white chiefs" in their bright uniforms.
+
+There were the great warriors of several bands of the Apaches in their
+paint and feathers. There were the beautiful white squaws in their
+strange dresses. Many Bears had been looking very intently at a
+collection of things just in front of where Major Norris was standing
+with Murray and Steve Harrison. Ponies, blankets, guns--all, and more
+than all, that had been agreed upon. No chief who was looking on could
+say he had ever received more than that for one of his daughters, and
+the heart of Many Bears swelled proudly within him. There was a cloud
+upon his haughty face, however, and another on that of Red Wolf, who was
+standing at his side. The clouds did not go away when they searched the
+approaching party of ladies with their eyes for Rita.
+
+Rita? Could that be the adopted daughter of Many Bears walking there
+behind Mrs. Norris and Mother Dolores--the beautiful young lady whose
+face was so very pale, and who was dressed so splendidly? They had never
+before seen her look anything like that.
+
+The band played, the soldiers "presented arms," the officers touched
+their hats, and Murray stepped forward and held out his right hand to
+Many Bears, pointing with his left to the ponies and things.
+
+"There they are. Send Warning has kept his word. Rita is mine."
+
+"Ugh! Good. Presents all right. Young squaw is the daughter of Send
+Warning."
+
+He shook hands heartily as he said it; but Murray had something more on
+his mind, and was only waiting for the music to stop.
+
+"Listen," he said. "I tell you a big truth. Rita is my own daughter.
+When you burn ranche in Mexico many summers ago, burn mine, take horses,
+cattle, mules, take away little girl--all that was mine. Got little girl
+back now. Apaches all good friends of mine."
+
+"Send Warning not come back to lodge?"
+
+"Not now. Go to my own people for a while. Show them my daughter. Say
+found her again."
+
+"Ugh! Send Warning is a wise man. Cunning chief. Throw dust in the eyes
+of the Apaches."
+
+It was plain that the chief was troubled in his mind; he hardly knew
+whether to be angry or not. But there was no reasonable objection to
+Murray's doing as he pleased with his own daughter after she had cost
+him so many ponies.
+
+Murray spoke again. "Send Warning say what great chief do. Let Ni-ha-be
+come with Rita to pale-face lodges. Stay awhile. Learn to hear Talking
+Leaves. Then come back to her friends. What say?"
+
+The chief pondered a moment, but Ni-ha-be had heard and understood, and
+a scared look arose in her face.
+
+"Rita! Rita! you are going away? you will not be an Apache girl any
+more?"
+
+[Illustration: "'OH, NI-HA-BE, COME WITH ME!'"]
+
+"Oh, Ni-ha-be, come with me!"
+
+Their arms were around each other, and they were both weeping; but
+Ni-ha-be's mind was made up instantly.
+
+"No. You are born white. You will go with your father. I am an Apache,
+and I will go with my father."
+
+Many Bears was listening. "Send Warning hear what young squaw say? All
+Apaches say, good. She will stay with her own people."
+
+Murray and Steve were anxious to begin their return to civilization, but
+it would be several days before a "train" would go with an escort, and
+they did not care to run any further risks. So the "farewell" was spread
+over sufficient time to make all sorts of explanations and promises, and
+Rita's mind became so full of dreams of her new life that she could
+easily give up the old one.
+
+Ni-ha-be had never seen so much of the pale-faces before, and Rita tried
+again and again to persuade her to change her mind, but on the very last
+morning of all she resolutely responded: "No, Rita, you are all
+pale-face. All over. Head and heart both belong with white friends. Feel
+happy. Ni-ha-be only little Indian girl here. Out there on plains, among
+mountains, Ni-ha-be is the daughter of a great chief. She is an Apache."
+
+No doubt she was right, but she and Rita had a good long cry over it
+then, and probably more than one afterward.
+
+As for Dolores, she came to the fort to say good-by, but neither Many
+Bears nor Red Wolf came with her.
+
+"The heart of the great chief is sore," she said, "and he mourns for his
+pale-face daughter. Not want to speak."
+
+Out from the gates of the fort that morning wheeled the cavalry escort
+of the waiting "train" of supply wagons and traders' "outfits," and
+behind the cavalry rode a little group of three.
+
+The ladies of the garrison, with the Major and the rest, had said their
+last farewells at the gates, and the homeward journey had begun.
+
+"Steve," said Murray, "are you a Lipan or an Apache to-day?"
+
+"Seems to me that is all ever so long ago. I am white again."
+
+"So am I. At one time I had little hope that I ever should be. I never
+would if I had not found Rita. Oh, my daughter!"
+
+"Father! Father, see--there she is! Oh, Ni-ha-be!"
+
+A swift and beautiful mustang was bounding toward them across the plain
+from a sort of cloud of wild-looking figures at a little distance, and
+on its back was a form they all knew well.
+
+Nearer it came, and nearer.
+
+"She wants to say good-by again."
+
+Nearer still, so near that they could almost look into her dark
+streaming eyes, and Rita held out her arms beseechingly; but at that
+moment the mustang was suddenly reined in and wheeled to the right
+about, while Ni-ha-be clasped both hands upon her face.
+
+"Ni-ha-be! Oh, Ni-ha-be!"
+
+But she was gone like the wind, and she did not come again.
+
+"There, Rita," said her father. "It is all for the best. All your Indian
+life is gone, like mine and Steve's. We have something better before us
+now."
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+MORE ABOUT KITES.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Last week, boys, I told you how to make a very simple kite. Now for a
+few variations from the usual commonplace plan. There are a number of
+novel designs in the way of kites that it only requires a little
+ingenuity to carry out.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Suppose that you want your kite for a travelling companion; It would be
+a very awkward piece of baggage, would it not? Well, you can make a very
+good kite of the shape shown in the illustration, covered with muslin,
+and the frame made to work upon a pivot, so that it can be folded and
+carried in a case. The muslin must be fastened permanently to one piece
+of the frame only; it must be simply tied to the others with small
+pieces of string. Thus, on being released, the laths may be worked
+round on the pivot until they are in a straight line, and the muslin
+wrapped round them. Sometimes they are made with only two pieces, an
+upright and a cross-piece, but the principle is the same. If expense is
+of no consideration, oiled silk is far better than muslin, since it is
+so much lighter.
+
+In China, the boys about the streets of Hong-Kong have a very amusing
+and simply constructed kite, which can be made to perform the most
+astonishing gyrations in the air. You might be inclined at first to
+doubt if the thing could go up at all; but just give it a fair trial,
+and see. You will be surprised at the ease with which it catches the air
+and mounts upward.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The kite is composed of two very thin slips of rattan, or bamboo,
+properly smoothed, and a piece of colored tissue-paper cut in the form
+shown in the above diagram. The middle stick is flat on one side, and
+should be eighteen and a half inches long; the bow stick should be
+twenty-five inches long, and nearly round. The paper should be cut to
+measure fourteen inches on each side.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Lay the middle stick, well covered on the flat side with good stiff
+flour paste, diagonally across the paper, fastening it at both ends with
+bands across, and let it stand till dry; then fold down the upper
+corners of the paper over the bow stick, pasting it down firmly. Add a
+small fan-shaped piece of tissue-paper for the "bob-tail," and the kite
+is ready. Fasten one end of the "belly-band" to the two sticks where
+they cross, and the other end about the same distance from the tail of
+the kite. Be careful about adjusting the balance when tying on the
+string, as if that is not right the kite will not fly upward.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+As to the decorations of his kite, each boy must follow his own fancy,
+remembering that, since the effect is to be produced from a distance,
+only the most glaring colors can be used, and that fine and finished
+details will be of no use whatever. One of the prettiest kites now in
+use is that which represents a hawk with outspread wings, and it can be
+purchased at almost any toy store. But if any boy will be careful in his
+work, he can easily make one. The frame must be made of cane or some
+very light and flexible wood. When in the air it will sweep backward and
+forward with movements exactly like those of a hawk when wheeling about
+in search of prey.
+
+
+
+
+THE RATS AND THE MEAL.
+
+BY PALMER COX.
+
+
+ One summer's night when all was still,
+ And motionless the wheel,
+ Some rats ran through the village mill,
+ And stole a bag of meal.
+
+ And hurry-scurry, tooth and nail,
+ They dragged it to the door,
+ And then upon their shoulders soon
+ Away the treasure bore.
+
+ But as they hastened from the room,
+ Along a narrow plank,
+ The heavy load went in the flume,
+ And to the bottom sank.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ And downward with the bag of meal,
+ Ere they could loose their hold,
+ With many a frightened squeak and squeal.
+ The thieves together rolled.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ So then for life they had to swim,
+ But when they reached the shore,
+ They dried themselves around a fire,
+ And vowed to steal no more.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: OUR POST-OFFICE BOX.]
+
+
+ When the showers of April
+ Are falling so fast,
+ Just think, little dears,
+ That they soon will be past,
+
+ And the grass will be springing,
+ The birds will be gay,
+ And soon, little dears,
+ We'll have flowers and May.
+
+Little hands up! Who has found the darling trailing arbutus? You, little
+Susie, and you live in Virginia? What New England girl will report first
+about the wild flowers that grow near her home? Which of the boys has
+seen the robins building? and who has been working out-doors with
+father, doing that hard spring work which will be so well repaid when
+summer and autumn come? Here are some more jingles for the wee ones:
+
+ Rain, rain, go away,
+ Come again another day.
+
+ A sunshiny shower
+ Won't last half an hour.
+
+ Patter, patter, patter--see the dancing drops!
+ Clatter, clatter, clatter--and the shower stops.
+
+ Twinkle, twinkle, twinkle, there's the sun again!
+ April is a pleasant month, spite of sudden rain.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ I am a boy eleven years old, and my home is in Indiana, a mile from
+ the State line of Ohio. My papa owns a farm here, and we are
+ farmers, so that I have plenty to do in the summer-time working in
+ the garden and around, and evenings and mornings I help to milk the
+ cows. In the winter I go to school. I like to go first rate,
+ especially when Miss Y. is our teacher. When we do not go to
+ school, my brother Elmar and I and some more boys and girls who
+ live near by go over to my grandpa's an evening or two in every
+ week, and grandma teaches us. I like to study geography especially.
+ My brother Elmar is older than I, and we take HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE
+ together. When we meet at grandpa's, Elmar and I take our YOUNG
+ PEOPLE along, so that the rest of the children who go can hear the
+ nice stories in it, and after lessons are recited, grandma reads to
+ us all. I liked "A Battle of Icebergs" in No. 124; we all did. And
+ I like the letters in Our Post-office Box, especially where they
+ write from Europe. I should like to sail on the large steamers to
+ Europe. I would want to visit Switzerland, where William Tell and
+ his brave little Albert lived. And I would like to see Lake Geneva,
+ and the tall white peaks of the Alps reflected in the clear water.
+ And I think it would be gay fun to go to Berne in their holidays,
+ and see the people marching around in the streets wrapped in
+ bear-skins, "playing" they are bears. But we have some good times
+ here. My grandma wrote a story, and read it to us last week after
+ lessons. The story was concerning a lady who made a party to please
+ a lot of young people. When the names were announced at the door,
+ they were all our own first names. The surnames were changed. I
+ will ask grandma for the story to send with this letter, and hope
+ the Postmistress will please print both. If they should be printed
+ week after next, I would read them for my piece at our exhibition.
+
+ IRVING P.
+
+The Postmistress is sorry that she has not room for your grandmamma's
+story in Our Post-office Box with your letter. She has put it safely
+away in a drawer of her desk, and perhaps one of these days she will be
+able to find a niche for it. You were very kind to copy it so plainly.
+Although you have not visited Europe, your letter shows that you have
+read and studied about its peoples and places, so if you ever do go
+there, you will be prepared to enjoy the new scenes intelligently.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+We are pleased to hear again from our correspondent Alberto, who has
+written to us from several places which he has visited in Europe. We are
+glad that his bright eyes see so well what the little ones at home will
+find pleasure in reading about:
+
+ VERONA, ITALY.
+
+ Perhaps some of the young people would like to hear about the
+ Carnival of Rome. Mamma hired a window in the Corso twice, and also
+ a carriage, so that when we got tired of our balcony we could see
+ all the fun and frolic of the crowd. From the balcony we could see
+ how gay the whole Corso looked, with flags and banners flying, and
+ bright-colored strips of cloth hanging out of all the windows, and
+ over the balconies, which were full of people. The street was
+ filled with carriages going up and down, and a merry crowd on foot
+ darted in and out among them, dressed up in comical costumes.
+
+ Then commenced the throwing of the _coriandoli_, which were little
+ lumps of clay covered with chalk. People seemed to take great
+ pleasure in throwing these at each other. This they followed by
+ showering every one with small bouquets of flowers. I think the
+ flowers were better than the _coriandoli_, as they did not hurt so
+ much.
+
+ The fun every day closed with a horse-race. The horses had no
+ riders, but attached to their flanks were leaden balls with sharp
+ points, which urged them on like spurs. When the signal was given
+ they dashed through the crowd, which just opened a moment to let
+ them pass, and tore along until they were stopped at the other end
+ of the Corso, where the judge sat to proclaim the winner. But the
+ last night was very gay, for then every one had little candles, and
+ the fun was to keep one's own light burning and blow out one's
+ neighbor's. Some held a taper in one hand, and a fan made of
+ feathers in the other for blowing out the candles. When the tapers
+ were blown out all would cry "Senza moccolo," which means without
+ light. The Carnival finished with a grand procession; maskers
+ carried colored lanterns, which represented fruit, flowers,
+ animals, moon, and stars; finally, a huge car came, in which was
+ the King of the Carnival in a dying state, and a crowd of people
+ behind weeping over him. It was a grand sight, and I wish that some
+ of the readers of YOUNG PEOPLE could have seen it also.
+
+ ALBERTO DAL MOLIN.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ MONTICELLO, ILLINOIS.
+
+ I have a doll, and it wears No. 1 baby's shoes and baby dresses. My
+ sister has a canary that will sing just as loud as it can when she
+ plays the music it likes. I had a little dog eight years old, and
+ some one poisoned him. His name was Dick. I have a boy doll. He was
+ dressed in a little black velvet suit when I got him; I named him
+ George. I think HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE is the nicest little paper I
+ ever had. My brother Willie has a wagon, and he takes me out riding
+ every day; but the wagon is broken now, and he can not take me. I
+ do wish Jimmy Brown would write some more funny pieces; I like to
+ read them so much! I would like to get acquainted with him. We used
+ to have three white rabbits, but a stray cat caught them.
+
+ LENA W.
+
+Brother Willie must get the wagon mended.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+The little sentence which inspired this graceful poem was written by
+Victor Hugo, the venerable poet of France, in the album of a young girl
+who had begged for his autograph. Victor Hugo is a lover of children, as
+our own Longfellow was. Shall we translate the French for those who do
+not read that beautiful language? It means "like glass to quiver," or
+answer back to the touch; "like brass to resist." The poem will help you
+to understand the meaning of this sentiment. "À vos pieds,
+mademoiselle," means "At your feet," or, as we would say, "Your most
+obedient, miss."
+
+FROM YOUTH TO AGE.
+
+BY AGNES M. ALDEN.
+
+ "_De verre pour frémir, d'airain pour résister._"
+ "_À vos pieds, mademoiselle._"
+ "HUGO VICTOR."
+
+ Maiden, with thine eyes of blue,
+ Flow'ret gemmed with morning dew,
+ Let thy stalk grow hard and strong,
+ That when fiends of hate and wrong
+ Bluster through thy youth's domain,
+ Thou mayst well thyself maintain:
+ _Pour résister, sois l'airain_.
+
+ When pure angels of delight
+ O'er thy garden wend their flight,
+ Show'ring magic gifts on thee,
+ Music, art, and poesie,
+ Then thy dewy heart lay bare
+ To the loving, vibrant air:
+ _Alors, frémis comme le verre_.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE.
+
+ My papa gave me HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE for a birthday present. I
+ like it very much indeed. L. Pearlie S. said she had a hen that
+ killed all but the black ones in her brood. Mamma says she once had
+ a hen that did not like black chickens, so she tried to kill all
+ she saw in her brood, and others too. I like chickens very much. I
+ have twenty-one chickens--nine hens, one rooster, and eleven little
+ chicks. One year I had thirty-eight chickens, two turkeys, and four
+ Pintados.
+
+ I don't see how any one can help liking sweet, gentle, loving cats.
+ I have a cat nearly four years old. She can't do any tricks; she
+ only curls up under the stove when she can't get into my lap. But I
+ like her very much; she is the only pet I have. I have no brother
+ nor sister, except a grown sister who is married.
+
+ I have a flower and a vegetable garden. I like to go to school very
+ much, but I do not go now, as I was sick and had to stop. I think
+ Jimmy Brown's adventures are so very funny! I make a good many
+ Wiggles, but I have never sent any. I often see some just like
+ mine, though.
+
+ I am making two quilts. One is made out of the pieces that are too
+ little for the other, and the other is a "memory quilt." Maybe some
+ of the little readers would like to know what a memory quilt is. It
+ can be of any pattern, provided it has a light-colored piece in the
+ middle. The little girl who has it makes a square, and gives it to
+ one of her friends, who makes another like it for her. The name can
+ be worked or printed in the middle. When all her friends have made
+ one, she puts them together, and has a quilt.
+
+ I would be very glad to see this in print, as no one knows I am
+ writing it except mamma. Good-by.
+
+ SUSIE S. B.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+The birthday verses which follow were written by a little girl to please
+her sister, and the Postmistress thinks they are very sweet. Mother did
+quite right in advising Maggie to send them to Our Post-office Box:
+
+ Behold our little darling
+ In gorgeous garb arrayed!
+ Her presents are before her,
+ On the table nicely laid.
+
+ She smiles so sweetly upon all--
+ She's neither proud nor haughty;
+ She's sometimes very mischievous,
+ But hardly ever naughty.
+
+ Her lustrous eyes, of a dark brown hue,
+ Are a match for her wavy hair;
+ And of birthday queens our Annie dear
+ Is the fairest of the fair.
+
+ MAGGIE J. L.
+ JERICHO, LONG ISLAND.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ SIOUX RIVER, WISCONSIN.
+
+ I am a little girl ten years old, and live nine miles from
+ Bayfield. There is no school, church, or Sunday-school here. My
+ sisters are older than I, and they stay in Bayfield and go to
+ school. I am pretty lonely when they are all away and I am here
+ with papa and mamma. But I have my pets as well as some other
+ girls. I have a black cat which I call Pussy. I play with her, and
+ I like her ever so much. I have ten dolls, and mamma says some of
+ them are dilapidated. My oldest doll is a rag doll, which my aunt
+ gave me when I was six months old. We live in Sioux River Valley,
+ and the river is full of trout. I caught one in a little brook that
+ runs past the door. A great many people come here in the summer to
+ fish. There are some very large hills, all around us, covered with
+ pine-trees, and pretty both in summer and winter. I never saw any
+ hills, pine-trees, or rocks until we came here two years ago. About
+ a mile from here is what we call the rapids. It is just beautiful!
+ Such large rocks, covered with such pretty green mosses! I wish you
+ could all see them, for I can not describe them. From the
+ sitting-room we can see a "slide," and I love to watch the logs
+ come tumbling and crashing down until they fall in the river.
+
+ ALBERTA S.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ HACKENSACK, NEW JERSEY.
+
+ Mamma says I may tell you two funny stories, because they are true:
+
+ There are two old colored people living at Fort L., near the
+ school-house. Their names are Toby and Isabel. Toby keeps the
+ school-house clean, but Isabel is so old and fat that she can not
+ work much. One day my aunt met her on the road, and asked her where
+ she had been. She said, "Oh, I've been helpin' Tobe in de school."
+ "Why, you can't help him sweep, can you?" said auntie. "No; but
+ Tobe he make so much dust when he sweep, an' it make him cough so,
+ I t'ought I would go an' stand by him, so some of de dust would go
+ down my froat, an' den Tobe wouldn't get so much on his lungs to
+ make him cough so."
+
+ My sister teaches a school in the country, and one of her pupils is
+ a little colored boy by the name of Nick. The other day he came
+ into the room, crying bitterly, and said, "Teacher, the boys are
+ all the time calling me names." She said, "What do they call you?"
+ "They call me Nicholas, and that isn't my name; it's Nicky."
+
+ EMMA S.
+
+Thanks for your stories, dear. Isabel was very kind to Toby; and as for
+little Nick, we hope the boys were prevailed upon to stop teasing him.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ WHITSTABLE, KENT, ENGLAND.
+
+ My uncle, who lives in New York, sends us HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE and
+ HARPER'S WEEKLY, both of which we like very much. I must tell you
+ about my pets. I have a black-and-tan terrier named Tiny, and a
+ jackdaw which talks quite plainly. My sister has a tabby cat and a
+ canary-bird. We have not had any snow this winter. We have had
+ primroses and daisies in bloom all the time.
+
+ I went over the Canterbury Cathedral, and saw the tomb of Edward
+ the Black Prince, and the shrine of Thomas à Becket, the murdered
+ Archbishop of Canterbury. The stone in front of the altar is worn
+ into hollows where the pilgrims used to kneel. Last Saturday
+ Colonel Brine and Mr. Simmons went up in a large balloon from
+ Canterbury, to cross the Channel from Dover to Calais. The wind
+ changed, and they came down in the middle of the Channel, and were
+ picked up by the mail-packet, and brought back to Dover. We are
+ very sorry Barnum has bought our elephant Jumbo. I hope he will be
+ stubborn, and won't go, for I'm sure we want him more than the
+ little American boys and girls do. I hope I have not made my letter
+ too long to go in your Post-office Box.
+
+ FRED P.
+
+Going up in a balloon would be much better fun if people could only be
+sure that they would not come plunging down on the top of a high
+mountain, into the depths of a wood, or, like those unfortunate
+gentlemen, plump into the middle of a body of water. Why did you feel so
+badly about letting your little American friends see Jumbo? By the time
+you read this perhaps we will understand how it was that the English
+children were so fond of this big elephant that they grieved over
+sparing him to us. We wish we had some huge American pet to send over
+the Atlantic to take his place in your affections.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ IRVINWOOD, VIRGINIA.
+
+ I am fourteen, and a fond reader of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE. I have
+ been papa and mamma's little housekeeper for four or five years, as
+ mamma is often not able to leave her bed.
+
+ I never went from home to school in my life. Mamma has always
+ taught us at home. Besides my other studies, I have map-drawing,
+ French, Latin, and music, with an abundance of excellent reading,
+ so I'm very busy.
+
+ Do you like to darn stockings, Postmistress? I don't enjoy it,
+ though I have done it for four years, and mamma says I do it
+ beautifully.
+
+ I have just read Ellen McC.'s letter, of Palmyra, Missouri, and am
+ so sorry for her. I "always sew the paper." I hope she will be able
+ to get out in the open air when the "leaves and flowers come." I
+ should like to take her with me in some of my nice long walks to
+ the tops of these high hills; to one especially, from which we can
+ see a great deal of the country, and the mountains in the distance
+ which bound the Shenandoah Valley--the beautiful Blue Ridge east,
+ and the Alleghany Mountains west. Our farm is in a pretty miniature
+ valley, with woods in front and in the rear, great oak-trees that
+ wave and toss their huge arms in this raging March wind.
+ Massannuten Mountain bounds our view on the north, and South
+ Mountain on the south. About ten miles distant is the "Old Stone
+ Church," the first Presbyterian church in the Valley of Virginia,
+ built in colonial times, and used as a fort of defense against the
+ Indians, and also as a "meeting-house." It is known now as Augusta
+ Church, and is situated in a beautiful oak grove. In the suburbs of
+ Staunton there is a large old-fashioned house that was occupied for
+ a while by the Hessians during the Revolution. We live about three
+ miles from Staunton.
+
+ MAY H. S.
+
+Yes, dear, strange as it may seem to you, the Postmistress is fond of
+darning stockings, and when she is tired of other things, she finds it a
+restful occupation which composes her nerves. She hopes your nerves do
+not need to be soothed. It is pleasant for you to be your mamma's
+housekeeper, and she is to be congratulated on having so useful a little
+daughter. Your home is in a very beautiful part of our country. You must
+enjoy your walks and rides over the charming roads in the valley of the
+winding Shenandoah.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ RAPIDAN, MINNESOTA.
+
+ I think "The Talking Leaves" has been so nice. So many write about
+ pets, but the only pet I have is my baby sister Maggie. I read
+ about the violets that the little boy in Texas sent you. Last
+ winter I went into my grandma's garden when the snow was about a
+ foot deep, and pushing it away, found pansies as bright as in the
+ summer. Papa, mamma, and I got that Monogram Puzzle right. I know
+ three real nice games for playing in the house. One is "Forty
+ Questions and Three Guesses." One player thinks of something; for
+ example, the player chooses the word "Steel," but does not name it
+ aloud; then the others ask questions about it--what it looks like,
+ what its use is, and everything they can think of. By-and-by they
+ find that it is a mineral, and they may guess three times as to
+ what mineral it is. Another nice game is "Geographical Spelling."
+ The first player spells the name of a city, river, lake, or
+ whatever the players decide on. The next one spells the name of a
+ lake (if it has been decided to have all lakes) the first letter of
+ which is the last letter of the name that the first player spelled,
+ and so they go around until the lakes are exhausted, after which
+ you can take something else. The other game is called "Stillwater."
+ One person is blindfolded, and stands and counts twenty. By that
+ time the rest must have taken places, and must keep perfectly still
+ until some one is found. The one who is first found takes the place
+ of the one who was blindfolded. Good-by.
+
+ EDITH C.
+
+We always feel a little timid about games which require the blindfolding
+of anybody, as accidents sometimes happen when little performers grow
+too merry in their excitement. We have tried the other games, and agree
+with Edith in recommending them.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ WEST CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA.
+
+ I am eight years old, and the youngest of the family except my
+ little brother Lionel, who has just begun to go to school, and he
+ thinks he is a man because he wears long boots, a soldier cap, and
+ can spell "my cat."
+
+ We have a dear little canary that Aunt Belle gave my sister Fanny.
+ We call him Peter the Great; and indeed he makes a great noise
+ sometimes, if he is little. We have a dog too, a setter, and my
+ brother Charlie Ross, who is now at school in Rhode Island, named
+ him Ivan the Terrible. He can shut the door, walk on his hind-legs,
+ sit up and beg, and can jump a stick ever so high, and only has to
+ be told a few times.
+
+ I must tell you now about my sister Fanny, who is three years older
+ than I am. Her birthday came February 27, the same day that Mr.
+ Longfellow's did, so she said she would write him a letter, and she
+ did; and--would you believe it?--he sent her a dear little printed
+ letter (for he was too ill to write), with his autograph and the
+ date in it.
+
+ Now don't you think he was a dear good man to do that for only a
+ little girl? Fanny is so pleased! She says she will keep it until
+ she is old and gray, but she don't look much like it now. We have
+ taken HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE all its life, and expect to forever. I
+ have written all this letter myself, and hope you will like it.
+
+ ETHEL D.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+Leon M. Fobes, 22 Cushman Street, Portland, Maine, wishes the address of
+Arch Carson, in order that he may return the latter his stamps.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+WILLIAM W. D.--Why not say, "I have a half-apple, or a quarter"? _Than_
+is not necessary if you wish to show that you have only part of any
+whole number.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+C. Y. P. R. U.
+
+HOW GIRLS MAY ENTERTAIN EACH OTHER.--The idea that in order to entertain
+company it is necessary to go to a great deal of trouble and expense
+prevents many young people from really enjoying themselves together. The
+other day I was present when Florilla asked her mother for permission to
+invite a number of her girl friends to a birthday party.
+
+"I am quite willing, dear, to let you invite your favorite school-mates
+to luncheon or to tea, and I will provide a simple entertainment for
+them," said the mother, pleasantly, "but I can not consent to your
+having a regular evening company."
+
+Florilla thought she could not be contented with a daytime party of any
+kind, so her birthday is to pass unmarked, and a dozen girls, who might
+have had some charming hours with each other, will all stay at home just
+as usual.
+
+When you think of it, dears, it is not upon dainty eatables nor pretty
+dresses that you depend for enjoyment, but on the spirit which prevails,
+on bright talk, music, games, fun, and gay good-humor, all of which are
+within reach of everybody.
+
+I have a friend who lives in a quiet little place near a beautiful
+sheltered bay. Her brother owns a boat. Sometimes, on a summer day, at
+the noonday meal, it will occur to one of the family that it would be
+pleasant to have a picnic in the afternoon. One child is sent off to
+notify the cousins up the street, and another messenger goes for Emily,
+or John, or Lucy, who is a favorite on such occasions. A basket of
+sandwiches and gingerbread is provided, and at three or four o'clock the
+large boat is filled, the white sail is spread, and away goes a merry
+party to enjoy the shining water, the salt air, and the hard, smooth
+beach.
+
+A little mountain party might be arranged by girls who live among the
+hills, in just such an easy fashion as this.
+
+In the city, most girls would find, now that fine weather is here, great
+pleasure in a morning spent in the parks, or the rural suburbs which are
+within a short distance of most towns. It would always be well on such
+occasions to ask mamma or some grown-up friend to accompany the party.
+
+A hostess must never forget that it is her duty to see that her guests
+enjoy themselves. For instance, one girl may have travelled. Let her
+have an opportunity of telling about the lovely places she has visited.
+A good hostess would ask her beforehand to bring views and photographs
+with her. Another, who plays well, might be asked for music; but as
+everybody is not alike fond of even this accomplishment, the whole time
+should not be taken up with songs and pieces. Neglect nobody, if you
+wish your company to be a pleasant one, and if strangers are present,
+introduce them to those they are likely to find most agreeable.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+We would call the attention of the C. Y. P. R. U. this week to
+Lieutenant Sturdy's account of "Tom Fairweather's Visit to the Sultan of
+Borneo," and to the story of "Captain Edwards's Big Whale," as told by
+Eesung Eyliss. Then there are some suggestions as to fancy kites, which
+will interest the boys this breezy weather.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+PUZZLES FROM YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS.
+
+No. 1.
+
+DOUBLE ACROSTIC.
+
+1. Highest. 2. One of the United States. 3. To vex. 4. Part of a plant.
+5. Pertaining to letters. 6. A species of mineral. Primals and finals
+stand for idle talk.
+
+ ICICLE.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+No. 2.
+
+THREE ENIGMAS.
+
+1.
+
+ My first is in apple, but not in plum.
+ My second is in flute, but not in drum.
+ My third is in river, but not in stream.
+ My fourth is in whoop, but not in scream.
+ My fifth is in help, but not in aid.
+ My sixth is in wither, but not in fade.
+ My seventh is in wealth, but not in gold.
+ My eighth is in ancient, but not in old.
+ My ninth is in summer, but not in fall.
+ My tenth is in party, but not in ball.
+ My whole's an inventor of worthy fame,
+ And American annals hold his name.
+
+ EMPIRE CITY.
+
+2.
+
+ First in valise, but not in bag.
+ Second in hill, but not in crag.
+ Third in catch, but not in keep.
+ Fourth in otter, but not in sheep.
+ Fifth in house, but not in barn.
+ Sixth in horse, but not in colt.
+ Seventh in shoe, but not in foot.
+ Eighth in glue, but not in bolt.
+ Ninth in sponge, but not in shoot.
+ Tenth in owe, but not in earn.
+ My whole is a famous author.
+
+ MARY E. D. W.
+
+3.
+
+ My first is in big, but not in small.
+ My second is in good, in bad not at all.
+ My third is in young, but not in old,
+ And my whole is eager, brave, and bold.
+
+ JULIE R. D.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+No. 3.
+
+A WORD SQUARE.
+
+1. A plume. 2. To attain. 3. Ardent. 4. A show. 5. A number.
+
+ EMPIRE CITY.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+No. 4.
+
+THREE DIAMONDS.
+
+1.--1. In pea-nut. 2. An animal. 3. A piece of furniture. 4. An animal.
+5. In owl.
+
+ W. B. J.
+
+2.--1. A letter. 2. An article. 3. A country. 4. The conclusion. 5. A
+letter.
+
+3.--1. In snipe. 2. A cushion. 3. A fright. 4. Clamor. 5. In clams.
+
+ JOHN P.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+ANSWERS TO PUZZLES IN No. 126.
+
+No. 1.
+
+ J O I S T
+ O U N C E
+ I N D E X
+ S C E N T
+ T E X T S
+
+No. 2.
+
+ H B
+ L E A C O D
+ H E A R T B O O T H
+ A R T A T E
+ T H
+
+ T
+ C A T
+ T A B L E
+ E L M
+ E
+
+No. 3.
+
+ G R E A T
+ R E A M
+ E A T
+ A M
+ T
+
+No. 4.
+
+Ostrich. Victoria.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+Successful Wiggler--G. F. Weller.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+Correct answers to puzzles have been received from Lottie and Arthur,
+Anna Whitey, A. E. Cressingham, Samuel Bronson, Wroton Kenney, William
+A. Lewis, Jennie Day, Elsie T. Carr, Laura Richards, Johnnie Bigelow,
+Fred Smith, "Icicle," Georgie Wardell, Kittie Lerois, Percy Stuart,
+Elsie D., Grace Cooley, Eva M. Stevenson, Martin Best, Francis,
+"Lodestar," May Sherman, Dean Crawford, Robert Tice, and Jacob Rollauer.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+[_For Exchanges, see 2d and 3d pages of cover._]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: SOME ANSWERS TO WIGGLE No. 25, OUR ARTIST'S IDEA, AND NEW
+WIGGLE, No. 26.]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Young People, April 18, 1882, by Various
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 56771 ***