Chapter 3

The works that serve the town of Bray With gas are scarce two miles away. To-morrow night we'll come and bear, As best we can, this burden there; And when inflated, fit to rise, We'll take a sail around the skies."

Next evening, as the scheme was planned, The Brownies promptly were on hand; For when some pleasure lies in view, The absentees are always few. But 't was no easy task to haul The old balloon, car, ropes and all, Across the rocks and fallen trees And through the marshes to their knees. But Brownies, persevering still, Will keep their course through every ill, And in the main, as history shows, Succeed in aught they do propose.

So, though it cost them rather dear, In scratches there and tumbles here, They worked until the wondrous feat Of transportation was complete. Then while some busy fingers played Around the rents that branches made, An extra coil of rope was tied In long festoons around the side, That all the party, young and old, Might find a trusty seat or hold. And while they worked, they chatted free About the wonders they would see. Said one: "As smoothly as a kite, We'll rise above the clouds to-night, And may the question settle soon, About the surface of the moon." Now all was ready for the gas, And soon the lank and tangled mass Began to flop about and rise, As though impatient for the skies; Then was there work for every hand That could be mustered in the band, To keep the growing monster low Until they stood prepared to go; To this and that they made it fast, Round stones and stakes the rope was cast;

But strong it grew and stronger still, As every wrinkle seemed to fill; And when at last it bounded clear, And started on its wild career, A rooted stump and garden gate, It carried off as special freight. Though all the Brownies went, a part Were not in proper shape to start; Arrangements hardly were complete, Some wanted room and more a seat, While some in acrobatic style Must put their trust in toes awhile. But Brownies are not hard to please, And soon they rested at their ease; Some found support, both safe and strong, Upon the gate that went along, By some the stump was utilized, And furnished seats they highly prized.

Now, as they rose they ran afoul Of screaming hawk and hooting owl, And flitting bats that hooked their wings At once around the ropes and strings,

As though content to there abide And take the chances of the ride. On passing through a heavy cloud, One thus addressed the moistened crowd: "Although the earth, from which we rise, Now many miles below us lies, To sharpest eye, strain as it may, The moon looks just as far away." "The earth is good enough for me!"

Another said, "with grassy lea, And shady groves, of songsters full.-- Will some one give the valve a pull?" And soon they all were well content, To start upon a mild descent.

But once the gas commenced to go, They lost the power to check the flow; The more they tried control to gain, The more it seemed to rush amain. Then some began to wring their hands, And more to volunteer commands; While some were craning out to view What part of earth their wreck would strew, A marshy plain, a rocky shore, Or ocean with its sullen roar.

It happened as they neared the ground, A rushing gale was sweeping round, That caught and carried them with speed Across the forest and the mead. Then lively catching might be seen At cedar tops and branches green; While still the stump behind them swung, On this it caught, to that it hung, And, as an anchor, played a part They little thought of at the start. At length, in spite of sweeping blast, Some friendly branches held them fast: And then, descending, safe and sound, The daring Brownies reached the ground But in the tree-top on the hill The old balloon is hanging still, And saves the farmers on the plain From placing scare-crows in their grain.

THE BROWNIES CANOEING.

AS day in shades of evening sank, The Brownies reached a river bank; And there awhile stood gazing down At students from a neighboring town, Whose light canoes charmed every eye, As one by one they floated by. Said one, "We'll follow, as they go, Until they gain the point below.

There stands a house, but lately made, Wherein the club's effects are laid; We'll take possession after dark, And in these strange affairs embark."

They all declared, at any cost, A chance like this should ne'er be lost; And keeping well the men in sight They followed closely as they might.

The moon was climbing o'er the hill, The owl was hooting by the mill, When from the building on the sands The boats were shoved with willing hands. A "Shadow" model some explored, And then well-pleased they rushed on board; The open "Peterboro'," too, Found its supporters--and a crew. The Indian "Birch-bark" seemed too frail And lacked the adjunct of a sail, Yet of a load it did not fail,-- For all the boats were in demand; As well those which with skill were planned

By men of keenest judgment ripe, As those of humbler, home-made type. And soon away sailed all the fleet With every Brownie in his seat.

The start was promising and fine; With little skill and less design They steered along as suited best, And let the current do the rest.

All nature seemed to be aware That something strange was stirring there. The owl to-whooed, the raven croaked; The mink and rat with caution poked Their heads above the wave, aghast; While frogs a look of wonder cast And held their breath till all had passed. As every stream will show a bend, If one explores from end to end,

So every river, great and small, Must have its rapids and its fall; And those who on its surface glide O'er rough as well as smooth must ride. The stream whereon had started out The Brownie band in gleeful rout

Was wild enough to please a trout. At times it tumbled on its way O'er shelving rocks and bowlders gray At times it formed from side to side A brood of whirlpools deep and wide That with each other seemed to vie As fated objects drifted nigh. Ere long each watchful Brownie there, Of all these facts grew well aware; Some losing faith, as people will, In their companions' care or skill, Would seize the paddle for a time,

Until a disapproving chime Of voices made them rest their hand, And let still others take command. But, spite of current, whirl or go, In spite of hungry tribes below,--

The eel, the craw-fish, leech, and pout, That watched them from the starting out, And thought each moment flitting by Might spill them out a year's supply,-- The Brownies drifted onward still; And though confusion baffled skill, Canoes throughout the trying race Kept right side up in every case. But sport that traveled hand in hand With horrors hardly pleased the band, As pallid cheek and popping eye On every side could testify; And all agreed that wisdom lay In steering home without delay.

So landing quick, the boats they tied To roots or trees as chance supplied, And plunging in the woods profound, They soon were lost to sight and sound.

THE BROWNIES IN THE MENAGERIE.

THE Brownies heard the news with glee, That in a city near the sea A spacious building was designed For holding beasts of every kind. From polar snows, from desert sand, From mountain peak, and timbered land, The beasts with claw and beasts with hoof, All met beneath one slated roof.

That night, like bees before the wind, With home in sight, and storm behind, The band of Brownies might be seen, All scudding from the forest green. Less time it took the walls to scale Than is required to tell the tale. The art that makes the lock seem weak, The bolt to slide, the hinge to creak, Was theirs to use as heretofore, With good effect, on sash and door; And soon the band stood face to face With all the wonders of the place. To Brownies, as to children dear, The monkey seemed a creature queer; They watched its skill to climb and cling, By either toe or tail to swing; Perhaps they got some hints that might Come well in hand some future night, When climbing up a wall or tree, Or chimney, as the case might be.

Then off to other parts they'd range To gather 'round some creature strange; To watch the movements of the bear, Or at the spotted serpents stare. Around the sleeping lion long They stood an interested throng, Debating o'er its strength of limb, Its heavy mane or visage grim.

The mammoth turtle from its pen Was driven 'round and 'round again, And though the coach proved rather slow They kept it hours upon the go. Said one, "Before your face and eyes I'll take that snake from where it lies, And like a Hindoo of the East, Benumb and charm the crawling beast, Then twist him 'round me on the spot And tie him in a sailor's knot." Another then was quick to shout, "We'll leave that snake performance out! I grant you all the power you claim To charm, to tie, to twist and tame; But let me still suggest you try Your art when no one else is nigh. Of all the beasts that creep or crawl From Rupert's Land to China's wall, In torrid, mild, or frigid zone, The snake is best to let alone."

Against this counsel, seeming good, At least a score of others stood. Said one, "My friend, suppress alarm; There's nothing here to threaten harm. Be sure the power that mortals hold Is not denied the Brownies bold."

So, harmlessly as silken bands The snakes were twisted in their hands. Some hauled them freely 'round the place; Some braided others in a trace; And every knot to sailors known, Was quickly tied, and quickly shown.

Thus, 'round from cage to cage they went, For some to smile, and some comment On Nature's way of dealing out To this a tail, to that a snout

Of extra length, and then deny To something else a fair supply. --But when the bear and tiger growled, And wolf and lynx in chorus howled, And starting from its broken sleep, The lion rose with sudden leap, And, bounding 'round the rocking cage, With lifted mane, roared loud with rage, And thrust its paws between the bars, Until it seemed to shake the stars,--

A panic seized the Brownies all, And out they scampered from the hall, As if they feared incautious men Had built too frail a prison pen.

THE BROWNIES' CIRCUS.

ONE night the circus was in town With tumbling men and painted clown, And Brownies came from forest deep Around the tent to climb and creep, And through the canvas, as they might Of inner movements gain a sight.

Said one, "A chance we'll hardly find That better suits the Brownie mind; To-night when all this great array Of people take their homeward way, We'll promptly make a swift descent And take possession of the tent, And here, till morning light is shown, We'll have a circus of our own." "I best," cried one, "of all the band The elephant can take in hand; I noticed how they led him round And marked the place he may be found; On me you may depend to keep The monster harmless as a sheep."

The laughing crowd that filled the place, Had hardly homeward turned its face, Before the eager waiting band Took full possession as they planned, And 'round they scampered left and right

To see what offered most delight. Cried one, "If I can only find The whip, I'll have a happy mind;

For I'll be master of the ring And keep the horses on the spring, Announce the names of those who ride, And snap the whip on every side." Another said, "I'll be a clown; I saw the way they tumble down, And how the cunning rogues contrive To always keep the fun alive."

With such remarks away they went At this or that around the tent; The wire that not an hour before The Japanese had traveled o'er From end to end with careful stride, Was hunted up and quickly tried. Not one alone upon it stepped, But up by twos and threes they crept, Until the strand appeared to bear No less than half the Brownies there. Some showed an easy, graceful pose, But some put little faith in toes, And thought that fingers, after all, Are best if one begins to fall.

When weary of a sport they grew, Away to other tricks they flew. They rode upon the rolling ball Without regard to slip or fall; Both up and down the steep incline They kept their place, with balance fine, Until it bounded from the road, And whirled away without its load. They galloped 'round the dusty ring Without a saddle, strap or string, And jumped through hoops both large and small, And over banners, poles and all.

In time the elephant was found And held as though in fetters bound; Their mystic power controlled the beast,-- He seemed afraid to move the least, But filled with wonder, limp and lax, He stood and trembled in his tracks, While all the band from first to last Across his back in order passed.

So thus they saw the moments fly Till dawn began to paint the sky; And then by every flap and tear They made their way to open air, And off through lanes and alleys passed To reach their hiding-place at last.

THE BROWNIES AT BASE-BALL.

ONE evening, from a shaded spot, The Brownies viewed a level lot Where clubs from different cities came To play the nation's favorite game.

Then spoke a member of the band:

"This game extends throughout the land; No city, town, or village 'round, But has its club, and diamond ground, With bases marked, and paths between, And seats for crowds to view the scene. At other games we've not been slow Our mystic art and skill to show; Let's take our turn at ball and bat, And prove ourselves expert at that."

Another answered: "I have planned A method to equip our band. There is a firm in yonder town, Whose goods have won them wide renown; Their special branch of business lies In sending forth these club supplies. The balls are wound as hard as stones, The bats are turned as smooth as bones, And masks are made to guard the nose Of him who fears the batter's blows,

Or stops the pitcher's curves and throws. To know the place such goods to find, Is quite enough for Browny-kind!"

When hungry bats came forth to wheel 'Round eaves and find their evening meal, The cunning Brownies sought the store, To work their way through sash and door. And soon their beaming faces told Success had crowned their efforts bold. A goodly number of the throng Took extra implements along,

In case of mishap on the way, Or loss, or breakage during play. The night was clear, the road was good, And soon within the field they stood.

Then games were played without a pause, According to the printed laws. There, turn about, each took his place At first or third or second base,

At left or right or center field. To pitch, to catch, or bat to wield, Or else as "short-stop" standing by To catch a "grounder" or a "fly."

Soon every corner of the ground Its separate set of players found. A dozen games upon the green, With ins and outs might there be seen; The umpires noting all with care To tell if hits were foul or fair,

The "strikes" and "balls" to plainly shout, And say if men were "safe" or "out," And give decision just and wise When knotty questions would arise.

But many Brownies thought it best To leave the sport and watch the rest; And from the seats or fences high They viewed the scene with anxious eye And never failed, the contest through, To render praise when praise was due.

While others, freed from games on hand, In merry groups aside would stand, And pitch and catch with rarest skill To keep themselves in practice still.

Now "double plays" and balls well curved And "base hits" often were observed, While "errors" were but seldom seen Through all the games upon that green. Before the flush of morn arose To bring their contests to a close, The balls and bats in every case Were carried back and put in place; And when the Brownies left the store, All was in order as before.

THE BROWNIES AND THE BEES.

WHILE Brownies once were rambling through A forest where tall timber grew, The hum of bees above their head To much remark and wonder led. They gazed at branches in the air And listened at the roots with care, And soon a pine of giant size Was found to hold the hidden prize. Said one: "Some wild bees here have made Their home within the forest shade, Where neither fox nor prying bear Can steal the treasure gathered there." Another spoke: "You're quick and bright, And as a rule judge matters right; But here, my friend, you're all astray, And like the blind mole grope your way. I chance well to remember still, How months ago, when up the hill, A farmer near, with bell and horn, Pursued a swarm one sunny morn. The fearful din the town awoke, The clapper from his bell he broke; But still their queen's directing cry

The bees heard o'er the clamor high; And held their bearing for this pine As straight as runs the county line. With taxes here, and failures there, The man can ill such losses bear. In view of this, our duty's clear: To-morrow night we'll muster here, And when we give this tree a fall, In proper shape we'll hive them all, And take the queen and working throng And lazy drones where they belong."

Next evening, at the time they'd set, Around the pine the Brownies met With tools collected, as they sped From mill and shop and farmer's shed; While some, to all their wants alive, With ready hands procured a hive.

Ere work began, said one: "I fear But little sport awaits us here. Be sure a trying task we'll find; The bee is fuss and fire combined. Let's take him in his drowsy hour, Or when palavering to the flower. For bees, however wild or tame, In all lands are about the same; And those will rue it who neglect To treat the buzzer with respect."

Ere long, by steady grasp and blow, The towering tree was leveled low; And then the hive was made to rest In proper style above the nest, Until the queen and all her train Did full and fair possession gain.

Then 'round the hive a sheet was tied, That some were thoughtful to provide, And off on poles, as best they could, They bore the burden from the wood.

But trouble, as one may divine, Occurred at points along the line.

'Twas bad enough on level ground, Where, now and then, _one_ exit found;

But when the Brownies lacked a road, Or climbed the fences with their load,-- Then numbers of the prisoners there Came trooping out to take the air, And managed straight enough to fly To keep excitement running high.