“Say, Muller, don’t you give de Boss any sass, now, er I’ll lock yeh up fer de day!” threatened a Policeman, roused to an abnormal sense of duty.
“Who’s givin’ him sass! Can’t a feller ask a question widdout de police buttin’ in?” complained Jakey Muller.
“Dass all right! Jest don’t say nawthin’, see!” returned the Policeman, as he hurried away to watch a base-ball drawing for pitcher and batter in the forthcoming game.
“Humph! Think ye’re smart ’cause yuh got on a blue uniform. Ef I wants to sail de boat, I does, so there!” mumbled Jakey to himself, as he watched the Policeman disappear.
“Heigh, Jakey—come on over and see the fun!” now called a friend a short distance away.
The discontented boy turned and saw some friends waiting for the farm-hands to finish putting up some fine swings, but such a tame form of sport failed to attract the Little Citizen, who had determined to ride in a boat or do nothing at all.
Soon after this a score or more of children were having lots of fun swinging and being the motive-power back of the swings, for “pushing” the others so high that they would scream in dread of falling was more delight than being in the swing screaming!
A group of Little Citizens were paddling in the edge of the pond, watched over by Little Mothers and a few grown-ups. A group went exploring up the hillside, feeling sure that a bear’s cave, or perhaps, the secret home of the Wood Nymphs would be found on the expedition.
Uncle Ben and some of his helpers were clearing away the brush and stones that were in the way of a smooth eating-spot. The grass must be clean and level, for dinner to be safely served there. The boys were wildly applauding a “home-run” and some of the riders in the swings were “letting the old cat die,” when Jakey stepped into a boat just to sit down and rock it for fun!
A crowd of little girls were playing “drop the handkerchief” and other outdoor games, when Jakey felt lonely in the boat. He decided to ask others to join him.