oor to release the old cat, who had accidentally been
shut up in this closet.
The old cat is always very reticent, and would not ask to be let out.
Her usual way of asking to have a door open is to tap upon it with her
paw. She scarcely ever meows.
We might have enlarged upon these incidents, but have simply told facts.
Outovplace.
There's a very strange country called Outovplace,
(I've been there quite often, have you?)
Where the people can't find the things they want,
And hardly know what to do.
If a boy's in a hurry, and wants his cap,
Or a basin to wash his face,
He never can find that on its nail,
Or this in its proper place.
His shoe hides far away under the lounge;
His handkerchief's gone astray;
Oh! how can a boy get off to school,
If he's always bothered this way?
Oh! a very queer country is Outovplace--
(Did you say you had been there?)
Then you've seen, like me, a slate on the floor
And a book upon the stair.
You think they are easy to find, at least!
O, yes! if they would but stay
Just there till they're wanted; but then they don't;
Alas! that isn't the way.
When a boy wants his hat, he sees his ball,
As plain as ever can be;
But when he has time for a game, not a sign
Of bat or a ball finds he.
Sometimes a good man is just off to the train,
(That is, it is time to go);
And he can't put his hand on his Sunday hat!
It surely must vex him, I know.
If somebody wants to drive a nail,
It's "Where is the hammer, my dear?"
And so it goes, week in, week out,
And truly all the year.
How 'twould gladden the women of Outovplace,
If the boys and girls themselves
Should wake up some morning determined quite
To use hooks, closets and shelves.
The Boy Who Dared to Be a Daniel.
BY S. JENNIE SMITH.
Sunday-school was dismissed and the children were going, some in one
direction, some in another, to their homes. The majority of them were
chatting merrily of the proposed strawberry festival, but one little
fellow seemed to be engrossed with more serious thoughts. He was alone
and apparently unconscious of the nearness of his companions until a lad
about his own age joined him and inquired, "Say, Ralph, what are you
thinking of? You look as wise as an owl."
"I should hope I was a little
|