not hurt, though somewhat stunned. If he were less sullen he would find more sympathy in these warm young hearts. hearts. As it is they forget him as soon as he is fairly on his feet again. The girls 5 are to skate their third mile. How resolute the little maidens look as they stand in a line! Some are solemn with a sense of responsibility, some wear a smile half bashful, half provoked, but one air of determination pervades them all. This third 10 mile may decide the race. Still if neither Gretel nor Hilda win, there is yet a chance among the rest for the Silver Skates. Each girl feels sure that this time she will accomplish the distance in one half the time. How they stamp to try their 15 runners, how nervously they examine each strap, -how erect they stand at last, every eye upon Madame Van Gleck! The bugle thrills through them again. With quivering eagerness they spring forward, bending, 20 but in perfect balance. seems longer than the last. Each flashing stroke Now they are skim ming off in the distance. Again the eager straining of eyes—again the shouts and cheering, again the thrill of excitement as, after a few moments, four or five, in advance of the rest, come speeding, back, nearer, nearer to the white columns. Who' is first? Not Rychie, Katrinka, Annie, nor Hilda, nor the girl in yellow-but Gretel — Gretel, the 5 fleetest sprite of a girl that ever skated. She was but playing in the earlier race, now she is in earnest, or rather something within her has determined to win. That lithe little form makes no effort; but it cannot stop not until the goal is 10 passed! In vain the crier lifts his voice cannot be heard. He has no news to tell already ringing through the crowd. Gretel won the Silver Skates! he it is has Like a bird she has flown over the ice, like a 15 bird she looks about her in a timid, startled way. She longs to dart to the sheltered nook where her father and mother stand. mother stand. her But Hans is beside the girls are crowding round. joyous voice breathes in her ear. Hilda's kind, From that hour, 20. none will despise her. Goose-girl or not, Gretel stands acknowledged Queen of the Skaters! MARY MAPES DODGE: Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates (ADAPTED). accomplish (ak kom'plish): to make faltered (fal'ter'd): weakened fleeter (flet'er): swifter insolent (in'sōl ent): proud and rude lithe (lith): graceful and strong rhythmic (rith'mik): with regular and even beats sprite (sprīt): spirit, fairy HELPS TO STUDY knew more about 1. What part of this story of the race do you like best? 2. Would you not like it better if you the boys and girls who are in the race? reading the book, Hans Brinker. 3. game or contest for a prize that you have seen or taken part in. REVIEW QUESTIONS You can do so by 1. What was the real name of Jackanapes? What was he told to do or not to do when his grandfather came? How did they get on together? What did they talk about? What did the General do for him? 2. Where did the boys live who went on the Dolphin? What sad accident happened? Tell about it. 3. Who took part in the skating race? Who won the silver skates ? WOODMAN, SPARE THAT TREE Woodman, spare that tree! That placed it near his cot: That old familiar tree, Whose glory and renown 5 10 Are spread o'er land and sea, And wouldst thou hew it down? Cut not its earth-bound ties: When but an idle boy I sought its grateful shade; Here too my sisters played. 5 10 My mother kissed me here, My father pressed my hand: But let that old oak stand! My heart-strings round thee cling, Thy ax shall harm it not. cot: here used for cottage GEORGE P. MORRIS. renown (rē noun'); fame HELPS TO STUDY 1. Trees are among the most beautiful, as well as useful, gifts of nature. How long does it take to make a good tree? 2. What kind of tree is this one? 3. Why does the poet want the tree saved? 4. What memories about it does he have? Who planted it? Who played under it? |