"_The Jolly Sandbag_," said the Queen, misunderstanding.

But she was soon put right, and King proceeded to read his paper.

"It's 'most all done by Uncle Steve and Kitty," he said, "and it's so
nice, I thought you'd all like to hear it."

"We would," they said, and so King began.

"Uncle Steve's part is all about animals," he said. "It's a sort of
Natural History, I guess. First is a poem about the Camel.

"The camel is a curious beast;
He roams about all through the East.
He swiftly scours the desert plain,
And then he scours it back again.

"The camel's legs are very slim,
And he lets people ride on him.
Across the sandy waste he flies,
And kicks the waste in people's eyes.

"He kneels for people to get on,
Then pulls his legs up, one by one;
But here's what troubles them the worst--
To know which leg he'll pull up first.

"Sometimes, when he is feeling gay,
The camel likes to run away;
And, as he's just indulged that whim,
I can't write any more of him."

"I think that's lovely," said the Queen, enthusiastically. "Your uncle
is a real poet, isn't he?"

"Our family all can write poetry," said Marjorie, seriously. "Father and
Mother both write beautiful verses."

"Now, here's the next one," went on King. "This is about all sorts of
different animals,--and it's funny, too:

"The whale is smooth, and black as jet
His disposition sweet;
He neatly combs his hair, and yet
He will not wipe his feet.

"The wombat's clever and polite,
And kind as he can be;
And yet he doesn't bow quite right
When he goes out to tea.

"The snake is bright and understands
Whatever he is taught;
And yet he never will shake hands
As cordial people ought.

"'Most everybody loves the newt;
But I've heard people tell,
That though he's handy with a flute
He can't sew very well.

"So animals, as you may see,
Some grave defects display;
They're not like human beings. We
Are perfect every way."

"Oh, that's a fine one!" cried Hester. "Mayn't I copy that, and have it
to keep?"

"Of course," said King. "I'll make you a copy on the typewriter. Now,
here's a silly one. I mean nonsensical, you know. But I like it:

"THE FUNNY FLAPDOODLE

"There was a Flapdoodle of France,
Who loved to cut capers and dance;
He had one red shoe
And the