The Brownies act without delay When new ideas cross their way, And soon one raised a finger small And close attention gained from all. They crowded near with anxious glance To learn what scheme he could advance-- What methods mention or employ To bring about the promised joy. Said he: "A vacant house is near. The owner leaves it every year For several months, and pleasure seeks On ocean waves or mountain peaks. The range is there against the wall, The pots, the pans, the spoons, and all, While cans of syrup may be found In every grocer's store around. The Brownie must be dull and tame, And scarce deserves to bear the name, Who will not join with heart and hand To carry out a scheme so grand." [Illustration] Another cried: "When to his bed The sun to-morrow stoops his head, Again we'll muster in full force And to that building turn our course." [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] Next eve they gained the street at last That through the silent city passed; And soon they paused, their eyes they raised And on the vacant mansion gazed. In vain the miser hides his store, In vain the merchant bars his door, In vain the locksmith changes keys-- The Brownies enter where they please. Through iron doors, through gates of brass, And walls of stone they safely pass, And smile to think how soon they can Upset the studied schemes of man. Within that house, without delay, Behind the guide they worked their way, More happy far and full of glee Than was the owner, out at sea. The whale, the shark, or fish that flies Had less attraction for his eyes Than had the shining candy-balls For Brownies, swarming through his halls. Soon coal was from the cellar brought And kindling wood came, quick as thought; Then pots and pans came rattling in And syrup sweet, in cans of tin. Just where the syrup had been found It matters not. It was around. The cunning band was soon possessed Of full supplies and of the best; Next tablespoons of silver fine In every hand appeared to shine, And ladles long, of costly ware, That had been laid away with care. No sooner was the syrup hot Than some around the kettle got, And dabbed away in eager haste To be the first to get a taste. Then some were scalded when the spoon Let fall its contents all too soon, And gave the tongue too warm a mess To carry without some distress. Then steps were into service brought That dancing-masters never taught, And smothered cries and swinging hand Would wake the wonder of the band. And when the candy boiled until