Charlie, and Ping Wang found themselves close to the wall of
Chin Choo's residence.

(_Concluded on page 410._)

TOYS FROM THE STREETS.

(_Concluded from page 390._)

There is not much to be said about our last batch of toys. The cat and
her kittens is a wonderful toy for the money; and the round box with a
crown on top is a good place to keep the pennies for the next Christmas.
The doll in a box, the two other dolls, the fans, and the frog, are all
actually made in Japan, and shipped to England. Fancy the little
Japanese boys and girls turning their hands--for these toys are all made
by hand--to work just to give pleasure to little boys and girls far off
in other countries! The reason why these Japanese toys can be made so
cheaply and sent so far, and yet sold at a profit, is that the Japanese,
old and young alike, are able to live much more frugally and cheaply
than Europeans. Japanese shipping companies, too, are anxious to get
trade, and carry the toys very cheaply: during the war they actually
guaranteed owners against loss or capture by the enemy.

[Illustration: More Toys from the Streets.]

But we must say good-bye to these toys. Remember, if you are fortunate
enough to possess any of them, from what distant lands they come, and
what pains are taken in making them. Remember, too, what a hard life the
poor men and women who sell them have. These toys, like most other
gifts, teach the old Christmas lesson of kindness to others and
thankfulness for blessings.

[Illustration: "We charged at the midst of the foe."]

AGAINST ODDS.

We knew, on that white frosty morning,
Our rivals would make an attack,
But doubt and timidity scorning,
We held on our snow-covered track.

They burst from their gate helter-skelter;
We counted them--four against two!
There wasn't a moment for shelter,
And what could we possibly do?

The snow-balls like bullets were flying,
Retreat was unworthy and mean;
So, all their wild volley defying,
I slipped my umbrella between.

Then I called to my friend, and together,
Half sheltered behind it, you know,
The storm of the battle to weather,
We charged at the midst of the foe.

The gateway they bravely defended,
Till forced through the half-open door,
And thus, in a victory, ended
The battle of two against four.

HIS FIRST WOLF HUNT.

By HAROLD ERICSON.