Chapter 20
This was a start, not a scare--for the new visitor was a human foe, and I had little fear of such, being possessed of good lungs, strong arms, and a Roman dagger nearly as big as a carving-knife.
The step that I had just heard broke the spell, and creeping noiselessly to the window, I peeped out to see a dark figure coming up the stem of the tall tree close by, hand-over-hand, like a sailor or a monkey.
"Two can play at that game, my friend; you scare me, and I'll scare you." And with an actual sense of relief in breaking the silence, I suddenly flung up the curtain, and leaned out.
I brandished my dagger with what I intended to be an awe-inspiring screech; but, owing to the flutter of my breath, the effort ended in a curious mixture of howl and bray.
A most effective sound, nevertheless; for the burglar dropped to the ground as if he had been shot, and, with one upward glance at the white figure dimly seen in the starlight, fled as if a thousand ghosts were at his heels.
"What next?" thought I, wondering whether this eventful night would ever come to a close.
I sat and waited, chilly but brave, while the strange sounds went on within the house and silence reigned without, till the cheerful crow of the punctual "cockadoo," as Margie called him, told me that it was sunrise and laid the ghosts.
A red glow in the east drove away my last fear, and I soon lay down and slept quietly, quite worn out.
The sun shining upon my face waked me, and a bell ringing warned me to hurry. A childish voice calling out, "Betfast is most weady, Miss Wee," assured me that sweet little spirits haunted the cottage as well as ghostly ones.
As I left my room to join Margie, who was waiting for me, I saw two things which caused me to feel that the horrors of the night were not all unreal.
Just outside the back bed-room door was a damp place, as if that part of the floor had been newly washed; and when led by curiosity, I peeped through the keyhole of the haunted chamber, my eye distinctly saw an open razor lying on a dusty table.
My seeing was limited to that one object, but it was quite enough. I went up the hill thinking over the terrible secret hidden in my breast.
I longed to tell some one, but was ashamed; and, when asked why I was so pale and absent-minded, I answered with a gloomy smile--
"It is the clams."
All day I hid my sufferings pretty well, but as night approached and I thought of sleeping again in that haunted cottage, my heart began to fail. As we sat telling stories in the dusk, a bright idea came into my head.
I would relate my ghost story, and rouse the curiosity of my hearers, so that some of them would offer to stay at the cottage in hopes of seeing the spirit of the restless Tucker.
Cheered by this fancy, when my turn came I made a thrilling tale about Bezee Tucker and my night's adventure. After my hearers were worked up to a proper state of excitement, I paused for applause.
It came in a most unexpected form, however, for Mrs. Grant burst out laughing, and the two boys--Johnny and Joe--rolled about in convulsions of merriment.
Much displeased, I demanded the cause of their laughter, and then joined in the general shout when Mrs. Grant informed me that Bezee Tucker lived, died in, and haunted the tumble-down house at the other end of the lane, and not the cottage where I was staying.
"Then who or what made those mysterious noises?" I asked, relieved but rather displeased at the downfall of my romance.
"My brother Seth," replied Mrs. Grant, still laughing. "I thought you might be afraid to be there all alone, so he slipped into the bed-room, and I forgot to tell you. He's a powerful snorer, and that's one of the awful sounds.
"The other was the dripping of salt water; for you wanted some, and the girl got it in a leaky pail. Seth swept out the water when he left the cottage early in the morning."
I said nothing about having seen through the keyhole the harmless razor; but wishing to get some praise for my heroic encounter with the burglar, I mildly asked if it was the custom in York for men as well as turkeys to roost in trees.
Another burst of laughter from the boys did away with my last hope of glory. As soon as he could speak, Joe answered--
"Johnny planned to be up early to pick the last cherries off that tree. I wanted to get ahead of him, and as I was going a-fishing, I went off quietly before daylight."
"Did you get the cherries?" I asked, bound to have some laugh on my side.
"Guess I didn't," grumbled Joe, rubbing his knees, while Johnny added--
"He got a horrid scare and a right good scraping, for he didn't know any one was down there. Couldn't go a-fishing, either--he was so lame--and I had the cherries after all. Served him right, didn't it?"
No answer was necessary. Mrs. Grant went off to repeat the tale in the kitchen, and the sounds of hearty laughter that I heard, assured me that Seth was enjoying the joke as well as the rest of us.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Let pupils make out an _analysis_ for so much of the last three lessons as may be included under the subject--"A Night at the Cottage."
Suggestion.--The _analysis_ of _simple subjects_, and their treatment orally or in writing, are valuable exercises, and should be assigned to pupils as frequently as possible during the whole of their school life.
* * * * *
LESSON XLVIII.
mel'o dy, _sounds pleasant to the ear_.
chant'ed, _sung in a simple melody_.
witch, _a person supposed to deal with evil spirits_.
trump'et, _a hollow piece of metal used to make music_.
har'mo ny, _the effect produced by uniting two or more different parts in music_.
* * * * *
WHAT THE CHIMNEY SANG.
Over the chimney the night-wind sang And chanted a melody no one knew; And the Woman stopped, as her babe she tossed, And thought of the one she had long since lost: And said, as her tear-drop back she forced, "I hate the wind in the chimney."
Over the chimney the night-wind sang And chanted a melody no one knew; And the Children said, as they closer drew, "'Tis some witch that is cleaving the black night through-- 'Tis a fairy trumpet that just then blew, And we fear the wind in the chimney."
Over the chimney the night-wind sang And chanted a melody no one knew; And the Man, as he sat on his hearth below, Said to himself, "It will surely snow, And fuel is dear and wages low, And I'll stop the leak in the chimney."
Over the chimney the night-wind sang And chanted a melody no one knew; But the Poet listened and smiled, for he Was Man, and Woman, and Child--all three, And said, "It is God's own harmony, This wind we hear in the chimney."
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--The first two lines of each stanza may be read more slowly and with a fuller tone of voice than the rest of the stanza.
Notice that the words of special _emphasis_ throughout the poem begin with capital letters.
Mark _inflections_ in the last four lines of the first and last stanzas.
* * * * *
LESSON XLIX.
sel'dom, _not often; rarely_.
jun'gles, _places covered with trees and brushwood_.
tough (tuf), _not easily separated_.
ap par'ent ly, _seemingly; in appearance_.
a cute', _quick in action; sharp_.
charg'es, _rushes forward_.
gram'p us, _a kind of fish_.
re sumed', _started again; took up again_.
hid'e ous, _horrid to look at_.
de struc'tion, _death; entire loss_.
re sist', _stand against_.
des'per ate, _without hope or care_.
ex cur'sions, _journeys; rambles_.
* * * * *
THE RHINOCEROS.
Next to the mighty elephant, the rhinoceros is the largest and strongest of animals. There are several species of the rhinoceros, some of which are found in Asia, and others in different parts of Africa.
In the latter country there are four varieties--the black rhinoceros, having a single horn; the black species having two horns; the long-horned white rhinoceros; and the common white species, which has a short, stubby horn.
The largest of the African species is the long-horned, white, or square-nosed rhinoceros. When full-grown, it sometimes measures eighteen feet in length, and about the same around the body. Its horn frequently reaches a length of thirty inches.
The black rhinoceros, although much, smaller than the white, and seldom having a horn over eighteen inches long, is far more ferocious than the white species, and possesses a wonderful degree of strength.
The form of the rhinoceros is clumsy, and its appearance dull and heavy. The limbs are thick and powerful, and each, foot has three toes, which are covered with broad, hoof-like nails.
The tail is small; the head very long and large. Taken altogether, there are few--if any--animals that compare with the rhinoceros in ugliness.
The eyes are set in such a manner that the animal can not see any thing exactly in front of it; but the senses of hearing and smelling are so keen that sight is not required to detect an enemy, whether it be man or beast.
The skin of the African rhinoceros is smooth, and has only a few scattering hairs here and there. It is, however, very thick and tough, and can resist the force of a rifle-ball unless it is fired from a very short distance.
The largest known species of the rhinoceros is found in Asia. It lives chiefly in the marshy jungles, and on the banks of lakes and rivers in India. Some of this species are over live feet in height, and have horns three feet in length and eighteen inches around the base.
Unlike the African rhinoceros, the skin of the Asiatic species is not smooth, but lies in thick folds upon the body, forming flaps which can be lifted with the hand.
The food of the rhinoceros consists of roots, and the young branches and leaves of trees and shrubs.
It plows up the roots with the aid of its horn, and gathers the branches and leaves with the upper lip which is long and pointed, and with which the food is rolled together before placing it in the mouth.
The flesh of the rhinoceros is good to eat; and its strong, thick skin is made by the natives, into shields, whips, and other articles.
Though clumsy and apparently very stupid, the rhinoceros is a very active animal when attacked or otherwise alarmed, dashing about with wonderful rapidity.
It is very fierce and savage--so much so that the natives dread it more than they do the lion. In hunting the animal, it is dangerous for a man to fire at one unless he is mounted upon a swift horse, and can easily reach some place of safety.
When attacking an enemy, the rhinoceros lowers its head and rushes forward like an angry goat. Though it may not see the object of its attack, the sense of smell is so acute that it knows about when the enemy is reached.
Then begins a furious tossing of the head, and if the powerful horn strikes the foe, a terrible wound is the result.
When wounded itself, the rhinoceros loses all sense of fear, and charges again and again with such desperate fury that the enemy is almost always overcome.
A famous traveler in South Africa relates the following incident that happened during one of his hunting excursions:
"Having proceeded about two miles, I came upon a black rhinoceros, feeding on some Wait-a-bit thorns within fifty yards of me.
"I fired from the saddle, and sent a bullet in behind his shoulder, when he rushed forward, blowing like a grampus, and then stood looking about him.
"Presently he started off, and I followed. I expected that he would come to bay, but it seems a rhinoceros never does that--a fact I did not know at that time.
"Suddenly he fell flat upon the ground; but soon recovering his feet, he resumed his course as if nothing had happened.
"I spurred on my horse, dashed ahead, and rode right in his path. Upon this, the hideous monster charged me in the most resolute manner, blowing loudly through his nostrils.
"Although I quickly turned about, he followed me at such a furious pace for several hundred yards, with his horrid horny snout within a few yards of my horse's tail, that I thought my destruction was certain.
"The animal, however, suddenly turned and ran in another direction. I had now become so excited with the incident, that I determined to give him one more shot any way.
"Nerving my horse again, I made another dash, after the rhinoceros, and coming up pretty close to him, I again fired, though with little effect, the ball striking some thick portion of his skin and doing no harm.
"Feeling that I did not care to run the chance of the huge brute again charging me, and believing that my rifle-ball was not powerful enough to kill him, I determined to give up the pursuit, and accordingly let him run off while I returned to the camp."
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--Let pupils mark _inflections_ in the first sentence of the lesson.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Let pupils express in other words the meaning of what is given below in dark type.
"I expected that he would _come to bay_."
* * * * *
LESSON L.
per'il, _great danger that is near one_.
pru'dent, _careful in regard to what may happen_.
con'fi dence, _courage; freedom from doubt_.
oc ca'sion, _a chance event; an incident_.
tor'rents, _violent streams, as of water_.
ford, _a place to cross a river_.
per suad'ed, _influenced by advice_.
op'po site, _on the other side; in front of_.
fran'tic, _without power to act properly_.
her'o ism, _great courage, which makes one willing to face danger of any kind_.
res'o lute, _decided; firm_.
af fec'tion ate, _kind and loving_.
* * * * *
PRESENCE OF MIND.
Many years ago, there lived on the banks of the Naugatuck River, in Connecticut, a family by the name of Bishop.
The father was not wealthy, but a good man, and respected by all who knew him. He had fought in the battles of his country during the Revolutionary War, and was familiar with scenes of danger and peril.
He had learned that it is always more prudent to preserve an air of confidence in danger, than to show signs of fear, and especially so, since his conduct might have a great influence upon the minds of those about him.
On one occasion he sent his son James, a boy twelve years old, across the river to the house of a relative, on an errand. As there was no bridge or ferry, all who crossed the river were obliged to ford it.
James was familiar with every part of the fording-place, and when the water was low, which was the case at this time, there was no danger in crossing.
Mounted on one of his father's best horses, James set out. He crossed the river, and soon reached the house of his relatives.
He was ready to start on his return, when suddenly the heavens became black with clouds, the wind blew with great violence, and the rain fell in torrents.
It was late in the afternoon, and as his relatives feared to have him attempt to reach home in such a storm, they persuaded him to remain over night and wait until daylight before starting for home.
His father suspected the cause of James' delay, and was not over anxious on his account. He knew that the boy was prudent, and did not fear that any accident would happen to him during the night.
But he knew that he had taught James to obey his commands in every particular, and as the boy possessed, a daring and fearless spirit, that he would attempt to ford the river as soon as it was light enough in the morning.
He knew, also, that the immense quantity of water that appeared to be falling, would cause the river to rise to a considerable height by morning, and make it very dangerous even for a strong man to attempt to cross it.
The thought of what might befall his child caused Mr. Bishop to pass a sleepless night; for although he was very strict with his children, he possessed an affectionate nature and loved them dearly.
The day dawned; the storm had ceased; the wind was still, and nothing was to be heard but the roar of the river.
The rise of the river was even greater than Mr. Bishop expected, and as soon as it was light enough, for him to see objects across it, he took up a position on the bank to watch for the approach of his son.
James arrived on the opposite shore at the same time, and his horse was beginning to enter the stream.
All his father's feelings were roused into action, for he knew that his son was in fearful danger. James had already proceeded too far to return--in fact, to go forward or back was equally dangerous.
His horse had arrived at the deepest part of the river, and was struggling against the current. The animal was being hurried down the stream, and apparently making but little progress toward the shore.
James became very much alarmed. Raising his eyes toward the landing-place, he discovered his father. Almost frantic with fear, he exclaimed, "O father, father! I shall drown! I shall drown!"
"No," replied his father, in a stern and resolute tone of voice, dismissing for a moment his feelings of tenderness; "if you do, I will whip you severely. Cling to your horse! Cling to your horse!"
The son, who feared his father more than he did the raging river, obeyed the command; and the noble animal on which he was mounted, struggling for some time, carried him safe to shore.
"My son!" exclaimed the glad father, bursting into tears, "remember, hereafter, that in danger you must possess courage, and being determined to save your life, cling to the last hope!
"If I had replied to you with the tenderness and fear which I felt, you might have lost your life; you would have lost your presence of mind, been carried away by the current, and I should have seen you no more."
What a noble example is this! The heroism of this father and his presence of mind saved the life of his boy.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--In _calling tones_, as on pages 237 and 238, notice that the falling inflections only can be used.[14]
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Let pupils make out an _analysis_, and use it in telling the story in their own words.
[14] See the last six paragraphs.
* * * * *
LESSON LI.
rug'ged, _full of rough places_.
con cealed', _covered over; hidden_.
ra vines', _deep and narrow hollow places_.
prec'i pice, _a very steep place_.
dis'lo cate ed, _thrown out of joint_.
mis'er y, _great unhappiness_.
ev'i dence, _signs; that which is shown_.
de scent', _going down_.
haz'ards, _dangers; difficulties_.
toil, _hard work_.
pro ject'ing, _hanging over_.
* * * * *
HALBERT AND HIS DOG.
Far up in the Highlands of Scotland lived Malcolm, a shepherd, with his wife and his son Halbert.
Their little cottage was far from any village, and could only be reached by a rugged path through the mountains.
One evening Halbert's mother was taken very ill, and Malcolm made preparations to go to the village to obtain some medicine for her.
"Father," said Halbert, "I know the path through the dark glen better than you. Shag will walk before me, and I will be quite safe. Let me go for the doctor, and you stay at home and comfort mother."
Old Shag, the dog, stood by, wagging his tail and looking up into Malcolm's face as if to say, "Yes, master, I will take good care of Halbert. Let him go."
Malcolm did not like to have his boy undertake a journey of so much peril, as the snow was falling in heavy flakes, and it was growing very dark. But the boy again repeated his request, and Malcolm gave his consent.
Halbert had been accustomed to the mountains from his earliest boyhood, and Shag set out with his young master, not seeming to care for wind, snow, or storm.
They reached the village safely. Halbert saw the doctor, received some medicine for his mother, and then started on his return home with a cheerful heart.
Shag trotted along before him to see that all was right. Suddenly, however, in one of the most dangerous parts of the rocky path, he stopped and began snuffing and smelling about.
"Go on, Shag," said Halbert.
Shag would not stir.
"Shag, go on, sir," repeated the boy. "We are nearly at the top of the glen. Look through the dark, and you can see the candle shining through our window."
Shag disobeyed for the first time in his life, and Halbert advanced ahead of him, heedless of the warning growl of his companion.
He had proceeded but a few steps when he fell over a precipice, the approach to which had been concealed by the snow.
It was getting late in the night, and Malcolm began to be alarmed at the long absence of Halbert. He placed the candle so as to throw the light over his boy's path, piled wood on the great hearth fire, and often went to the door.
But no footstep sounded on the crackling ice; no figure darkened the wide waste of snow.
"Perhaps the doctor is not at home, and he is waiting for him," said Halbert's mother. She felt so uneasy at her boy's absence, that she almost forgot her own pain.
It was midnight when Malcolm heard the well-known bark of the faithful Shag.
"O there is Halbert!" cried both parents at the same moment. Malcolm sprang to the door and opened it, expecting to see his son.
But alas! Halbert was not there. Shag was alone. The old dog entered the door, and began to whine in a piteous manner.
"O Malcolm, Malcolm, my brave son has perished in the snow!" exclaimed the mother.
Malcolm stood wondering. His heart beat rapidly. A fear that the worst had happened almost overcame him. At that moment he saw a small package around the dog's neck.
Seizing it in his hands, he exclaimed, "No, wife; look! Our boy lives! Here is the medicine, tied with his handkerchief; he has fallen into one of the deep ravines, but he is safe.
"I will go out, and Shag shall go with me. He will conduct me safely to the rescue of my child."
In an instant Shag was again on his feet, and gave evidence of great joy as he left the cottage with his old master.
You may imagine the misery and grief the poor mother suffered--alone in her mountain dwelling; the certainty of her son's danger, and the fear that her husband also might perish.
Shag went on straight and steadily for some distance after he left the cottage. Suddenly he turned down a path which led to the foot of the precipice over which Halbert had fallen.
The descent was steep and dangerous, and Malcolm was frequently obliged to support himself by clinging to the frozen branches of the trees.
At last Malcolm stood on the lower and opposite edge of the pit into which his son had fallen. He called to him, "Halbert! Halbert!" He looked in every direction, but could not see or hear any thing.
Shag was making his way down a very steep and dangerous ledge of rocks, and Malcolm resolved at all hazards to follow him.
After getting to the bottom, Shag scrambled to a projecting rock, which was covered with snow, and commenced whining and scratching in a violent manner.
Malcolm followed, and after some search found what appeared to be the dead body of his son. He hastily tore off the jacket, which was soaked with blood and snow, and wrapping Halbert in his great cloak, took him upon his shoulders, and with much toil and difficulty reached the path again, and soon had his boy at home.
Halbert was placed in his mother's bed, and by using great exertion, they aroused him from his dangerous sleep.
He was much bruised and had his ankle dislocated, but was not otherwise hurt. When he recovered his senses, he fixed his eyes on his mother, and his first words were, "Did you get the medicine, mother?"
When he fell, Shag had descended after him. The affectionate son used what little strength he had left to tie the medicine that he had received from the doctor around the dog's neck, and then sent him home with it.
You may be sure that Shag was well taken care of after this incident. Even after Halbert became a man Shag was his constant companion, and he lived to a good old age.
* * * * *
Language Lesson--Let pupils add _ship_ to each of the following words, and then give their meaning.
friend hard relation partner fellow
Make out an _analysis_ of the lesson, and use it in telling the story in your own words.
* * * * *
LESSON LII.
ebb'ing, _flowing out; falling_.
break'ers, _waves breaking into foam against_ the shore_.
main, _the great sea; the ocean_.
reef, _a row or chain of rocks_.
dis mayed', _having lost courage_.
strand, _beach; shore_.
treach'er ous, _likely to do harm_.
vic'tor, _a successful warrior_.
shroud'ing, _covering over_.
murk'y, _gloomy; dark_.
bea'con, _a signal fire or light_.
* * * * *
THE LIGHT-HOUSE.
The tide comes up, and the tide goes down, Over the rocks, so rugged and brown, And the cruel sea, with a hungry roar, Dashes its breakers along the shore; But steady and clear, with a constant ray, The star of the light-house shines alway.
The ships come sailing across the main, But the harbor mouth is hard to gain, For the treacherous reef lies close beside, And the rocks are bare at the ebbing tide, And the blinding fog comes down at night, Shrouding and hiding the harbor light.
The sailors, sailing their ships along, Will tell you a tale of the light-house strong; How once, when the keeper was far away, A terrible storm swept down the bay, And two little children were left to keep Their awesome watch with the angry deep.
The fair little sister wept, dismayed, But the brother said, "I am not afraid; There's One who ruleth on sea and land, And holds the sea in His mighty hand; For mercy's sake I will watch to-night, And feed, for the sailors, the beacon light."
So the sailors heard through the murky shroud The fog-bell sounding its warning loud! While the children, up in the lonely tower, Tended the lamp in the midnight hour, And prayed for any whose souls might be In deadly peril by land or sea.
Ghostly and dim, when the storm was o'er, The ships rode safely, far off the shore, And a boat shot out from the town that lay Dusk and purple, across the bay, She touched her keel to the light-house strand, And the eager keeper leaped to land.
And swiftly climbing the light-house stair, He called to his children, young and fair; But, worn with their toilsome watch, they slept, While slowly o'er their foreheads crept, The golden light of the morning sun, Like a victor's crown, when his palm is won.
"God bless you, children!" the keeper cried; "God bless thee, father!" the boy replied. "I dreamed that there stood beside my bed A beautiful angel, who smiled and said, 'Blessed are they whose love can make Joy of labor, for mercy's sake!'"
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--Mark the _inflection_ of the following lines.
The tide comes up, and the tide goes down.
The fair little sister wept, dismayed, But the brother said, "I am not afraid."
Name the _emphatic words_ in the lines just quoted. State whether the emphasis falls upon words that are inflected.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Why is the sea called _cruel_ and its roar _hungry?_ Give two examples of a similar use of words.
* * * * *
LESSON LIII.
oc'cu pant, _one who is in possession of a thing_.
ac quired', _gained_.
mi'cro scope, _a glass so formed as to make small_ _objects appear large_.
slug'gish, _slow; stupid_.
in spect'ing, _looking at with attention_.
com posed', _made up_.
se'ries, _a number of things in order_.
stub'bed, _short and thick_.
dis turbed', _interfered with_.
* * * * *
THE CATERPILLAR AND BUTTERFLY.
Last summer, when the trees were covered with green leaves, and when the little stream was sparkling and dancing in the sun, there appeared in the garden, a large caterpillar of many colors, and about as pretty as a caterpillar could be.
All day long it was nibbling the green leaves, and leaf after leaf disappeared before it with wonderful rapidity. It seemed to live only for eating.
As autumn came on, it quite lost its appetite; so much so, that even the tenderest and most juicy leaves could not tempt it to eat any more. It grew dull and stiff, and lost all interest in life.
Feeling that some change was about to happen, it crawled into a little hole in the old garden wall. It wrapped itself up in a cobweb, and fell into a long sleep, during which it became changed from a caterpillar into a dried-up, dead-looking grub or chrysalis.
It remained in this state through all the long winter, till the snow and frost had gone, and the cold March winds were over.
In April the trees burst forth with their bright green leaves, and the grass looked fresh under the power of the warm rains.
In May the many-tinted flowers appeared, filling the air with their sweetness, and brightening the fields and gardens with their gay colors.
At this time another great change came over the old grub. It showed signs of life again; but it was now no longer a caterpillar--it was something else.
It wriggled and turned in its narrow little home, and seemed anxious to get out and look at the sunshine and flowers. It bumped its head up and down until it succeeded in pushing off a little door.
When the door was off, and the bright sunlight shone in, this little occupant of the chrysalis took a look at itself.
It saw that during its long winter's nap, it had acquired a pair of beautiful wings, and its legs had grown longer and stronger than they were before.
Crawling out of the chrysalis, and taking a position on a branch of the tree, it discovered that instead of a caterpillar, it was now a beautiful butterfly.
It was a kind that is called the swallow-tail butterfly, because each of its wings tapered to a point, something like the tail of a swallow. We will call the butterfly, Miss Swallow-tail, and now let us see what her next move was.
Her wings were damp and heavy, and she stood shivering and trembling; for although she had six legs, they were weak, having never before borne such a weight.
But fresh air brings strength; so she soon felt like trying to walk. At first her movements were sluggish, but she finally reached a sunny spot where she dried and warmed herself, giving her wings a little shake now and then, until they opened grandly above her back.
And how beautiful they were! Dark brown, bordered with two rows of yellow spots; and there were seven blue spots on each of the hind wings.
As she stood there in the sun, a little wind came along and raised Miss Swallow-tail off her feet. She spread her wings to keep from falling, and found herself floating in the air.
This proved to be such a delightful way of traveling, that she lifted her wings occasionally, and so kept herself floating; and in a short time she learned to turn in any direction she chose.
As she flew along, growing stronger every minute, she was attracted by the bright colors of a flower, and stopped to admire it.
The sweet perfume tempted her to taste, and unrolling her long tongue from under her chin, where she carried it, she put it down into the flower and drew up the honey hidden there.
Miss Swallow-tail had wonderful eyes. All butterflies have wonderful eyes. If you will look at them through a microscope you will find that each eye is composed of a great many smaller ones, that can see in all directions.
They have great need of such eyes, because there are so many birds and other hungry creatures, that want to eat them.
One day a whiff of celery coming from a garden near by, reminded Miss Swallow-tail of the time when she was a baby and liked to eat celery.
So she flew over into the garden, and fastened her eggs to a celery bush with some glue that she carried with her. Then she left them, and never thought of them again.
In about ten days the babies that had been growing inside of the eggs, broke open the shells and crawled out. And what do you think they were? Butterflies? like their mamma, only very much smaller?
No, indeed! for you know butterflies never grow any larger. They were the smallest green and black worms you ever saw!
As soon as they were out of the shells, they began eating the celery, and grew so fast that in a week they were quite large worms.
They were covered with green rings and black rings dotted with yellow. They each had sixteen short legs, and they had a flesh-colored, Y-shaped horn hidden away under a ring above the head, that they would show when they were disturbed.
One morning the gardener discovered that something was eating his celery. Searching among the leaves he found all but one of the little worms, and put them where they could do no more mischief.
Soon the little worm that had escaped his notice, had grown so fat that he was too stupid to eat any more; so he crawled away to a dark place on the fence and fastened himself there.
But first he covered a small spot of the fence with a white, silken carpet, that he wove from a web which he drew from his under lip.
He then glued the end of a web to the carpet, carried the rest of it up over his breast, and down on the other side and fastened it there.
He then bent his head down under it, letting it pass over his head, and by bending forward and backward worked it down near the middle of his back. After inspecting his work, he bent his head upon his breast, and leaned against the fence.
After resting two days, he began a series of twistings and turnings that burst open his skin from the corners of his mouth down a short way, and worked it all off himself.
He drew his head in out of sight, and sent out a stubbed horn on each side of it, and lo! no worm was to be seen!--but a chrysalis, like the one his mother was sleeping in when we first found her.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--Let pupils read the following lines, and then mark the _inflection_.
"And what do you think they were? Butterflies? like their mamma, only very much smaller?"
Does the first question expect the answer _yes_ or _no?_
Do the last two questions expect the answer _yes_ or _no?_
What would be the inflections used in the following questions?
What kind of an answer is expected to each question?
"Where are you going?"
"Are you coming back again?"
Fill blanks in the following statements.
Questions which may be answered by _yes_ or _no_, regularly require the ---- inflection.
Questions which can not be answered by _yes_ or _no_, regularly require the ---- inflection.
* * * * *
Language Lesson. Let pupils copy the following words.
seize chief grief fear beach receive
relief believe weary beacon
Write sentences, each containing one of the preceding words, used in such a way as to show its meaning.
* * * * *
LESSON LIV.
ob'sti nate, _determined to have one's own way_.
vi'cious, _not well tamed; given to bad tricks_.
sub dued', _made gentle; overcome_.
swerve, _turn from a direct line_.
squad'ron, _a number of horses drawn up together_.
pli'able, _capable of being turned or bent_.
strove, _attempted; tried hard_.
ex ceed'ed, _went beyond_.
thong, _a long strip of leather_.
* * * * *
WILD HORSES OF SOUTH AMERICA.
At the time of the discovery of America there were no wild horses in any part of the continent.
Soon, however, some of the horses brought over from Europe by the early settlers, wandered away, and now wild horses are to be met with in large numbers, in some cases as many as a thousand at a time.
They appear to be under the command of a leader, the strongest and boldest of the herd, whom they obey.
When threatened with danger, at some signal, understood by them all, they either close together and trample their enemy to death, or form themselves into a circle and welcome him with their heels.
The leader first faces the danger, and when he finds it prudent to retreat, all follow his rapid flight.
Byron thus describes a troop of wild horses:
"A trampling troop; I see them come! In one vast squadron they advance! I strove to cry--my lips were dumb. The steeds rush on in plunging pride; But where are they the reins to guide? A thousand horse--and none to ride! With flowing tail, and flying mane, Wide nostrils--never stretch'd by pain, Mouths bloodless to the bit or rein And feet that iron never shod, And flanks unscarr'd by spur or rod, A thousand horse, the wild, the free, Like waves that follow o'er the sea. On came the troop.... They stop--they start--they snuff the air, Gallop a moment here and there, Approach, retire, wheel round and round, Then plunging back with sudden bound, They snort--they foam--neigh--swerve aside, And backward to the forest fly."
The capture and breaking in of wild horses in America are described by Miers as follows--
"The lasso is used by the natives of South America. It is a very strong braided thong, half an inch thick, and forty feet long, made of many strips of rawhide, braided like a whip-thong, and made soft and pliable by rubbing with grease.
"It has at one end an iron ring, about an inch and a half in diameter, through which the thong is passed, forming a running noose.
"The herdsmen--gauchos, as they are called--are generally mounted on horseback when they use the lasso. One end of the thong is attached to the saddle; the remainder is coiled in the left hand, except about twelve feet belonging to the noose end, which is held in a coil in the right hand.
"This long noose is then swung around the head, the weight of the iron ring at the end of the noose assisting in giving to it, by a continued circular motion, a sufficient force to project it the whole length of the line.
"The gauchos drive the wild horses into a corral, which is a circular space surrounded by rough posts firmly driven into the ground. The corral," relates Miers, "was quite full of horses, most of which were young ones about two or three years old.
"The chief gaucho, mounted on a strong, steady horse, rode into the corral, and threw his lasso over the neck of a young horse and dragged him to the gate.
"For some time he was very unwilling to lose his companions; but the moment he was forced out of the corral his first idea was to gallop away; however, a timely jerk of the lasso checked him.
"Some of the gauchos now ran after him on foot, and threw a lasso over his fore legs, and jerking it, they pulled his legs from under him so suddenly that I really thought the fall had killed him.
"In an instant a gaucho was seated on his head. They then put a piece of hide in his mouth to serve for a bit, and a strong hide halter on his head, and allowed him to get on his feet.
"While two men held the horse by his ears, the gaucho who was to mount him fastened on the saddle, and then quickly sprung into it.
"The horse instantly began to jump in a manner which made it very difficult for the rider to keep his seat; however, the gaucho's spurs soon set him going, and off he galloped, doing every thing in his power to throw his rider.
"Then another horse was brought from the corral; and so quickly was every thing done that twelve gauchos were mounted in less than an hour.
"It was wonderful to see the different manner in which different horses behaved. Some would actually scream while the gauchos were fastening the saddle upon their backs, and some would instantly lie down and roll upon it.
"Others would stand without being held, their legs stiff and in unnatural positions, their necks half bent towards their tails, and looking vicious and obstinate.
"It was now curious to look around and see the gauchos trying to bring their horses back to the corral, which is the most difficult part of their work, for the poor creatures had been so scared there that they were unwilling to return to the place.
"At last they brought the horses back, apparently subdued and broken in. The saddles and bridles were taken off, and the young horses trotted off towards the corral, neighing to one another.
"When a gaucho wishes to take a wild horse, he mounts a horse that has been used to the sport, and gallops over the plain.
"As soon as he comes near his victim, the lasso is thrown round the two hind-legs, and as the gaucho rides a little on one side, the jerk throws the wild horse without doing injury to his knees or his face.
"Before the horse can recover from the shock, the rider dismounts, and snatching his cloak from his shoulders, wraps it round the fallen animal's head.
"He then forces into his mouth one of the powerful bridles of the country, fastens a saddle on his back, and, mounting him, removes the cloak.
"Upon this the astonished horse springs to his feet, and attempts to throw off his new master, who sits calmly on his back.
"By a treatment which never fails, the gaucho brings the horse to such complete obedience that he is soon trained to give his whole speed and strength to the capture of his companions."
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--Let pupils pronounce in concert, and singly, the following words: _I, hide, side, rides, flight, wild, finds, retire, describe_.
Mark the inflection of the last six lines of poetry on page 256.[15]
What _inflection_ is used (1) to keep up the interest?--(2) to show hesitation?--(3) to express a decided opinion?--(4) to give the conclusion of a story?--(5) to ask a question that may be answered by _yes_ or _no_?--(6) to ask a question that can not be answered by _yes_ or _no_?
Let pupils state the special uses of _inflection_ shown in the following examples.
I, I think perhaps you may go.
I know that you may go.
They silently went away.
Yesterday, about three o'clock, just as we were preparing to go home, suddenly we heard a band of music.
[15] This lesson.
* * * * *
LESSON LV.
career', _course of life_.
gen'erous, _free in giving aid to others_.
char'ity, _goodwill; desire to aid others_.
in her'ited, _came into possession of_.
in jus'tice, _wrong-doing_.
ac cused', _charged with a fault_.
hes i ta'tion, _delay_.
pre scrip'tion, _an order for medicine_.
flor'ins, _pieces of money, each valued at about fifty cents_.
pen'sion, _money paid for service in war_.
re stor'ing, _giving back_.
phy si'cian, _doctor of medicine_.
* * * * *
AN EMPEROR'S KINDNESS.
Joseph II., Emperor of Austria, was a generous, warm-hearted man, who took great delight in doing acts of kindness and charity.
One time, as he was passing through the streets of Vienna, dressed as a private gentleman, his attention was attracted to a boy about twelve years old, who timidly approached, and seemed, anxious to speak to him.
"What do you wish, my little friend?" said the gentleman. His voice was so tender, and he had such a kindly look in his eyes, that the boy had courage to say:
"O sir, you are very good to speak to me so kindly. I believe you will not refuse to do something for me."
"I should be sorry to refuse you," replied the gentleman; "but why are you begging? You appear to be something better than a beggar; your voice and your manner show it."
"I am not a beggar, sir," replied the boy, as a tear trickled down his cheek. "My father was a brave officer in the army. Owing to illness, he was obliged to leave the service, and was granted a pension by the emperor.
"With this pension he supported our family; but a few months ago he died, and we are left very poor indeed."
"Poor child!" said the gentleman. "Is your mother living?"
"Yes, sir, she is; and I have two brothers who are at home with her now. She has been unable to leave her bed for weeks, and one of us must watch beside her, while the others go out to beg."
Saying this, the poor boy tried very hard to keep back the great tears, but they would come in spite of all he could do to stop them.
"Well, well, my boy," said the gentleman, "do not feel so unhappy; I will see what can be done to help you. Is there a physician to be found near you?"
"There are two, sir, only a little way from where we live."
"That is well. Now you go at once and have one of them visit your mother. Here is money, not only for the physician, but for other things to feed you and make you comfortable."
"O sir," said the boy, as he looked upon the gentleman in amazement, "how can I thank you enough? This money will save my mother's life, and keep my brothers from want."
"Never mind, my child; go and get the physician."
The boy obeyed, and the good emperor having learned the situation of the house where the boy's mother lived, bent his steps in that direction, and soon arrived there.
The room in which he found the poor woman gave evidence of great misery.
She was lying on a low bedstead, and though still young, her face was pale and thin from sickness and want. Very little furniture of any kind was to be seen, for the mother had disposed of nearly all she possessed to obtain bread for her children.
When the emperor entered the room, the widow and her children looked at him in astonishment. They did not know he was their emperor.
"I am a physician, madam," said he, bowing respectfully; "your neighbors have informed me of your illness, and I am come to offer what service may be in my power."
"Alas! sir," she answered with some hesitation, "I have no means of paying you for your attention."
"Do not distress yourself on that account; I shall be fully repaid if I have the happiness of restoring you to health."
With these words, the emperor approached the bed and inquired all about her illness, after which he wrote a few lines and placed them on the chimney-piece.
"I will leave you this prescription, madam; and on my next visit, I hope to find you much better." He then withdrew. Almost immediately after this, the eldest son of the widow came in with a medical man.
"O mother!" cried the boy, "a kind, good gentleman has given me all this!" and he placed in his mother's hand, the money which the emperor had given him. "There now, don't cry, mother; this money will pay the doctor and buy every thing till you are well and strong again."
"A physician has already been here, my child, and has left his prescription. See, there it is." and she pointed to the paper on the chimney-piece. The boy took the paper, and no sooner had he glanced at its contents, than he uttered an exclamation of joyful surprise.
"O mother! It's the best prescription a physician ever wrote; it's an order for a pension, mother--a pension for you--signed by the emperor himself; listen, mother; hear what he says:--
"'_Madam:_--Your son was fortunate enough to meet me in the city, and informed me of the fact that the widow of one of my bravest officers was suffering from poverty and sickness, without any means of assistance. I had no knowledge of this, therefore I can not be accused of injustice.
"'It is difficult for me to know every thing that takes place in my empire. Now that I do know of your distress, I should indeed be ungrateful, did I not render you all the help in my power. I shall immediately place your name on the pension list for the yearly sum of two thousand florins, and trust that you may live many years to enjoy it.
"'_Joseph II_.'"
The widow and her children were taken under the especial care of the emperor, and a brilliant career was opened up for the boys, who had inherited all their father's bravery as well as their mother's gentle nature.
* * * * *
Directions for Reading.--Mark the _inflection_ of the following questions.
Where do you live?
Is your name Harry or John?
Why are you begging?
Do you wish to walk?
In such a question as the last one, if _emphasis_ be given in turn to the words _you, wish, walk_, the answer might still be _yes_ or _no_; and yet the meaning of the answer would be different in each case.
Do _you_ wish to walk? Yes, I do.
Do you _wish_ to walk? No, I do not _wish_ to walk; but suppose I must.
Do you wish to _walk?_ No, I would rather _ride_.
* * * * *
Language Lesson.--Let pupils write a letter to some friend, using the last paragraph of the lesson as a subject.
* * * * *
LESSON LVI.
persist'ed, _continued_.
crip'ples, _those who have lost the use of a limb_.
merged, _united; joined_.
stal'wart, _strong; powerful_.
in'nocent, _harmless_.
pass'port, _what enables one to go in safety_.
gal'lant, _brave; noble_.
riv'en, _taken away; deprived_.
* * * * *
UNITED AT LAST.
"O mother! What do they mean by blue? And what do they mean by gray?" Was heard from the lips of a little child As she bounded in from play. The mother's eyes filled up with tears; She turned to her darling fair, And smoothed away from the sunny brow Its treasure of golden hair.
"Why, mother's eyes are blue, my sweet, And grandpa's hair is gray, And the love we bear our darling child Grows stronger every day." "But what did they mean?" persisted the child; "For I saw two cripples to-day, And one of them said he fought for the blue, The other, he fought for the gray.
"Now he of the blue had lost a leg, And the other had but one arm, And both seemed worn and weary and sad, Yet their greeting was kind and warm. They told of the battles in days gone by, Till it made my young blood thrill; The leg was lost in the Wilderness fight, And the arm on Malvern Hill.
"They sat on the stone by the farm-yard gate, And talked for an hour or more, Till their eyes grew bright and their hearts seemed warm With fighting their battles o'er; And they parted at last with a friendly grasp, In a kindly, brotherly way, Each calling on God to speed the time Uniting the blue and the gray."
Then the mother thought of other days-- Two stalwart boys from her riven; How they knelt at her side and lispingly prayed, "Our Father which art in heaven;" How one wore the gray and the other the blue; How they passed away from sight, And had gone to the land where gray and blue Are merged in colors of light.
And she answered her darling with golden hair, While her heart was sadly wrung With the thoughts awakened in that sad hour By her innocent, prattling tongue: "The blue and the gray are the colors of God, They are seen in the sky at even, And many a noble, gallant soul Has found them a passport to heaven."
* * * * *
LESSON LVII.
declin'ing, _failing_.
expe'rience, _that which happens to any one_.
regard', _look at; consider_.
robust', _sound in health_.
ben'efit ed, _made better; helped_.
intense', _extreme_.
moc'ca sin, _a kind of shoe made of deer-skin_.
tem'po ra ry, _for a time_.
pe cul'iar, _strange; unusual_.
in tel'li gent, _showing good sense_.
* * * * *
A STORY OF THE SIOUX WAR.