he boys.

"I think you understand quite enough to form the company," said mamma.
"Now I will put the vote. Would you all like to form a Try Company? If
you would, you may hold up your hands."

Every small hand was quickly raised.

"And you promise to _try_, according to the rules?" said the lady.

Each little hand was raised again.

"Who is the oldest boy?" she asked.

"Sammy Lanman, ma'am."

"Then I advise you to let Sammy be the captain the first time, and then
each of you take turns, until it comes down to little Frankie."

"May I run home for my brother?" asked James.

The lady stopped a moment to count the boys, and finding there were only
twelve with Frankie, and that there would be caps enough for all, she
said yes.

While he was gone, Willie ran to his play room for his drum, and Mrs.
Gray dressed the Try Company in their new uniform, which did indeed look
very fine. Then James came leading his little brother Walter; and when
they were all dressed, their captain arranged them in order, and they
then marched off down the yard, into the road, looking as happy as you
please. Mamma and nurse stood at the door gazing after them, while Jane
and Margie stood in the walk, shading their eyes and laughing heartily.

Poor Sammy, indeed, found that the office of captain was a most
responsible one. His face grew very red as he perceived the younger
members marching out of line, and a sharp word of rebuke rose to his
lips, as little Frankie laughed aloud in his glee.

But suddenly he remembered that he had promised not to speak unkindly,
and his heart beat fast as he said to himself, "Any body will know such
little boys can't train very well the first time. At any rate, I'll try
to keep my temper."

* * * * *

Transcriber's Notes:

Obvious punctuation errors repaired.

Page 83, "toming" changed to "coming" (Eddie was coming to)

End of Project Gutenberg's Little Frankie at His Plays, by Madeline Leslie

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