[CHAPTER XIX]
LITTLE SWORDSMEN
Fig. 424 shows the principle on which this toy is made; the shaded portion represents the inside of a box. A good size for a box to make this toy is 9" × 4½" × 2¼". Slits should be cut in the long side of the box at a b, c d, e f, g h. These slits may be made with a pen-knife, and a fret-saw file will make them wide enough for a piece of cardboard to slip up and down in.
Slits are then made in the short side exactly under the long slits, as p n in Fig. 425. Widen these slits also with a file.
Next cut out the cardboard figures. Draw head, body and one leg to be cut out in one piece; about 3 inches of cardboard should be left below the foot (M and N in Fig. 424), the total length of figure being about 8 inches. Cut out another figure like this. Make holes just below the foot as at D in Fig. 424.
Next draw and cut out legs, F and H. Notice that they do not project so far inside the box, their length being about 3½ inches. Fasten these to the figures by paper-fasteners. Next cut out a long strip of cardboard, A B, ½ inch by 14 inches. Pass this through the slits (p n in Fig. 425) in the short sides of the box. See that it slides easily up and down in these slits.
The portions marked M and N turn on pivots h k and m l. These pivots pass through holes, D and E, in the figures and through holes made at each side of the box exactly opposite the short slits. Steel knitting needles make good pivots, or pieces of cane. When the top is quite complete these pivots may be glued into the holes in the box for greater security. Fasten pieces of lead at the bottom of M and N so that the figures swing easily on the pivots.
When it is found that the pivots are in the right place, pass the strip of cardboard A B through the slits, and fasten the legs, F and H, to it by paper-fasteners, as at X and Y. See that the needles are in the right holes and fasten up the box.
Fig. 424
