And, though a fence surrounds the lot,
We'll skirmish 'round and persevere,
And gain an entrance,--never fear."

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

This brought a smile to every face,
For Brownies love to climb and race,
And undertake such work as will
Bring into play their wondrous skill.
The pointers on the dial plate
Could hardly mark a later date,
Before they scampered o'er the miles
That brought them to the lumber piles,
And then they clambered, crept, and squeezed,
And gained admittance where they pleased;
For other ways than builders show
To scale a wall the Brownies know.

Some sought for birch, and some for pine,
And some for cedar, soft and fine.
With free selection well content
Soon under heavy loads they bent.
It chanced to be a windy night,
Which made their labor far from light,
But, though a heavy tax was laid
On strength and patience, undismayed
They worked their way by hook or crook,
And reached at last a sheltered nook;

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

Then lively work the crowd began
To make toboggans true to plan.
The force was large, the rogues had skill,
And hands were willing--better still;
So here a twist, and there a bend,
Soon brought their labors to an end.

[Illustration]

Without the aid of steam or glue,
They curved them like a war canoe;
No little forethought some displayed,
But wisely "double-enders" made,
That should they turn, as turn they might,
They'd keep the downward course aright;
They fashioned some for three or four,
And some to carry eight or more,

[Illustration]

While some were made to take a crowd
And room for half the band allowed.
Before the middle watch of night,
The Brownies sought the mountain height,
And down the steepest grade it showed
The band in wild procession rode;
Some lay at length, some found a seat;
Some bravely stood on bracing feet.
But trouble, as you understand,
Oft moves with pleasure, hand in hand,
And even Brownies were not free