"No, I never tried. Because why? What's the use?" replied the Pen.
"I do not try to touch the sky
Or jump upon the stars;
I do not try to make a pie
Of rusty iron bars;
I do not try to change into
A baby elephant,
Because I know—and always knew—
'Tis useless, for I can't."
"That's all very good," retorted Jimmieboy; "but a minute ago you were saying that
"'A man might do a million things,
If he would be less shy,
That all his life he never does,
Because he will not try.'"
"You've got me there," said the Pen, with a smile. "Perhaps we had better use water. Now that I think of it, I have enough dried ink on me to make a mark if I am moistened up a bit with water. You get the water and the paper, and I'll see what I can do."
Jimmieboy ran into the dining-room and brought a glass brimming over with water to the Pen, and in another minute he had a large pad of paper ready.
"NOW," SAID THE PEN, "LET US BEGIN."
"Now," said the Pen, "let us begin. What shall I draw first?"
"I don't know," Jimmieboy replied. "Why not make a—er—a zebra.'"