“Now we go down, down, down,
“Now we go backward and forward,
“Now we go round, round, round.”
The voices sounded pleasantly to Ned’s ear; his heart danced to the notes; jumping, he called to his brother James, “Dear James! look! if I thought our mother would like it, I would ride so.”
James. My dear Ned! I am sure that mother would object to our riding in that.
Ned. Did you ever hear her name the Toss-about?
James. I am certain that if she had known of it, she would have given us the same caution as she did about the Merry-go-round.
Ned paused a moment; then said, “How happy am I to have an elder brother who is so prudent!”
James replied—“I am not less happy that you are willing to be advised.”
When they returned home, each was eager to relate his brother’s good conduct; each was happy to hear his parents commend them both.