Brownies: Their Book

<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</SPAN></span></p> <h2>THE BROWNIES ON ROLLER SKATES.</h2> <div class="figleft"> <ANTIMG src="images/i089-t.png" width-obs="134" height-obs="84" alt="T" title="" /></div> <div class='poem2'> HE Brownies planned at close of day<br/> To reach a town some miles away,<br/> Where roller skating, so 'twas said,<br/> Of all amusements kept ahead.<br/> Said one: "When deeper shadows fall,<br/> We'll cross the river, find the hall,<br/></div> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/i089.png" width-obs="513" height-obs="496" alt="On the way" title="" /></div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</SPAN></span></p> <div class='poem'> And learn the nature of the sport<br/> Of which we hear such good report."<br/> <br/> <span style="margin-left: 6em;">To reach the bridge that led to town,</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 6em;">With eager steps they hastened down;</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 6em;">But recent rains had caused a rise&mdash;</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 6em;">The stream was now a fearful size;</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 6em;">The bridge was nearly swept away,</span><br/> <span style="margin-left: 6em;">Submerged in parts, and wet with spray.</span><br/></div> <div><br/> But when the cunning Brownies get<br/> Their mind on some maneuver set,<br/> Nor wind nor flood, nor frost nor fire<br/> Can ever make the rogues retire.<br/></div> <div class='poem'><br/> Some walked the dripping logs with ease,<br/> While others crept on hands and knees<br/> With movements rather safe than fast,<br/> And inch by inch the danger passed.<br/></div> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/i090.png" width-obs="550" height-obs="165" alt="Running to get there" title="" /></div> <div class='poem'> Now, guided by the rumbling sound<br/> That told where skaters circled 'round,<br/> Through dimly lighted streets they flew,<br/> And close about the building drew.<br/> <br/> Without delay the active band,<br/> <span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</SPAN></span>By spouts and other means at hand,<br/> Of skill and daring furnished proof<br/> And gained possession of the roof;<br/> Then through the skylight viewed the show<br/> Presented by the crowds below.<br/></div> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/i091.png" width-obs="563" height-obs="552" alt="Looking through the skylight" title="" /></div> <div class='poem'> Said one: "While I survey that floor<br/> I'm filled with longing more and more,<br/></div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</SPAN></span></p> <div class='center'> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="poem and illustration"> <tr><td align='left'><ANTIMG src="images/i092a.png" width-obs="97" height-obs="181" alt="On his shoulders" title="" /> </td><td align='left'>And discontent with me will bide<br/> Till 'round the rink I smoothly glide.<br/> At night I've ridden through the air,<br/> Where bats abide, and owls repair;<br/> I've rolled in surf of ocean wide,<br/> And coasted down the mountain-side;<br/> And now to sweep around a hall<br/> On roller skates would crown it all."<br/></td></tr> </table></div> <div class="figleft"></div> <div class='poem'> <br/> "My plans," the leader answer made,<br/> "Are in my mind already laid.<br/> Within an hour the folk below<br/> Will quit their sport and homeward go;<br/></div> <div class='center'> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem and illustration"> <tr><td align='left'>Then will the time<br/> For us to leave this<br/> And prove how well<br/> We may command<br/> <br/> When came the<br/> And people from<br/></td><td align='left'><ANTIMG src="images/i092b.png" width-obs="186" height-obs="104" alt="crashed" title="" /> </td><td align='left'>be ripe, indeed,<br/> roof with speed,<br/> our toes and heels<br/> when set on wheels."<br/> <br/> closing hour at last,<br/> rink had passed,<br/></td></tr> </table></div> <div class='poem'> The Brownies hurried down to find<br/> The roller skates they'd left behind.<br/> <br/> Then such a scene was there as few<br/> May ever have a chance to view.<br/></div> <div class='center'> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="poem and illustration"> <tr><td align='left'>Some hardly circled 'round the place,<br/> Before they moved with ease and grace,<br/> And skated freely to and fro,<br/> Upon a single heel or toe.<br/> Some coats were torn beyond repair,<br/> By catches here and clutches there,<br/> When those who felt their faith give way,<br/> Groped right and left without delay;<br/></td><td align='left'><ANTIMG src="images/i092c.png" width-obs="108" height-obs="154" alt="leap frog on skates" title="" /> </td></tr> </table></div> <p><span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</SPAN></span></p> <div class='poem'> While some who strove their friends to aid,<br/> Upon the floor themselves were laid,<br/> To spread confusion there awhile,<br/> As large and larger grew the pile.<br/></div> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/i093.png" width-obs="556" height-obs="537" alt="Skating and falling" title="" /></div> <div class='poem'> Some rose with fingers out of joint,<br/> Or black and blue at every point;<br/></div> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />