it is plain,
Will soon be quite the "mode."

She tells of former Christmas nights,
When many of her kind,
At leap-frog played,
And merry made,
Fast running like the wind.

The happy moments swiftly sped
In unabated glee;
Their lungs were strong,
Their legs were long,
And supple at the knee.

[Illustration]

But soon they hear the clock strike "two"
The hours are flying fast!
With much to do
Ere night be thro'
Its' pleasures overpast!

"Just one leap more!" cries Sarah Jane,
"This fills my wildest dream!"
E'en as she spoke,
Peg' Deutchland broke
Into a piercing scream.

Then all look round, as well they may
To see a horrid sight!
The blackest gnome
Stands there alone,
They scatter in their fright.

With kindly smile he nearer draws;
Begs them to feel no fear.
"What is your name?"
Cries Sarah Jane;
"The 'Golliwogg' my dear."

Their fears allayed--each takes an arm,
While up and down they walk;
With sidelong glance
Each tries her chance,
And charms him with "small talk".

[Illustration]

Another wonder now attracts
The simple Sarah Jane;
Upon one knee
She drops with glee,
In case this box contain

Some pretty thing to give her joy,
Some new-discovered treat!
Old Peg', who planned
The fun in hand,
Watches with face discreet.

[Illustration]

The lock unlatched, the lid springs up,
Knocks Sarah on her back,
With flying hair
And trying stare,
Out of the box springs "Jack".

Our naughty Peg' enjoys the scene,
Laughs lung with fiendish glee;
Next takes to flight,
Gets out of sight,
Fresh tricks to plan you'll see.

[Illustration]

Soon Sarah's heart new courage takes,
She hits upon a plan;
Makes up her mind
To run behind
And kill the staring man!

Attempts are vain, he will not die!
In terror Sarah flees;
Meets a new toy
Called "Scissors Boy",
And begs him just to please.

[Illustration]

To help her pay bad Peggy back
For her malicious tricks;
Nor does she see
That even he
Enjoys her woeful "fix".

Peg's pious face and peaceful pose
You'd think portended fair,
When like a flash
She makes a dash,
Sends Sarah high in air!

[Illustration]

Entangled in the "Scissor