"See what I get for being a good boy!" replied Walter. "The first time a chance for a little fun comes along, then it's, 'O Walter! you and the other boys are too young to be trusted alone on the water.'"
Hardly had Walter given utterance to these words, when there were cries from the roadside near by; and men and women were seen running towards the pond. What could be the matter?
It soon was made known what the matter was. The little fellows in the boat had upset it; and five of them were floundering about in the water. Fortunately no life was lost. All were saved, but not until all were wet through to the skin.
"Now, Walter," said Laura, "are you going to fret, and make yourself disagreeable, because you did not get a ducking with the other boys?"
"Sister," said Walter, with a smile, "I think I will accept that beautiful white rose you offered me just now."
Dora Burnside.
THE BOASTING BOY.
I knew a boy in our town, whose name was Billy Hood:
He had a sword all made of tin, a musket made of wood.
His drum would always let you know when Billy Hood was coming;
For all the neighbors used to say, "I wish he'd stop that drumming."
Now, very brave this Billy was,—at least, so Billy thought;
And he was not afraid,—not he,—of any thing that fought.
"With this good sword and gun," said he, "I'll fight until I die:
Let man or beast come on! Who fears? Not Billy Hood! Not I!"
But ah! one day this Billy went where six old geese were straying,
And on his noisy drum began somewhat too loudly playing:
An old goose chased him from the field; and Billy, screaming, ran,
Till on the kitchen floor he sank,—that valiant little man!
Uncle Charles.