Now guess his name, and story!”
“But who was the rough-faced Stranger?” asked Nancy.
“And what was the glory he carried pick-a-back?” cried little Valentine.
“Who were his brothers?”
“Where was the rocky cleft?” cried three or four of the children.
“Oh,” said Margaret, “you must guess!”
So all the children began guessing at this song-riddle; but they could make nothing of it.
“Do tell us the answer to the riddle Margaret,” they coaxed.
At last Margaret said, “Well, I promise to tell you all about the rough-faced Stranger in half an hour, if nothing happens to make you forget to ask me!”
“Oh! we shall not forget to ask,” said Nancy.