But when a town was just in sight, And speed was at its greatest height,-- Alas! that such a thing should be,-- An open switch the Brownies see. Then some thought best at once to go Into the weeds and ditch below; But many on the engine stayed And held their grip, though much dismayed. And waited for the shock to fall That would decide the fate of all. In vain reversing tricks were tried, And brakes to every wheel applied; The locomotive forward flew, In spite of all that skill could do. But just as they approached the place Where trouble met them face to face, Through some arrangement, as it seemed, Of which the Brownies never dreamed, The automatic switch was closed, A safety signal-light exposed, And they were free to roll ahead, And wait for those who'd leaped in dread; Although the end seemed near at hand Of every Brownie in the band, And darkest heads through horrid fright Were in a moment changed to white, The injuries indeed were small. A few had suffered from their fall, And some were sprained about the toes, While more were scraped upon the nose; But all were able to succeed In climbing to a place with speed, And there they stayed until once more They passed the heavy round-house door. Then jumping down on every side The Brownies scampered off to hide; And as they crossed the trestle high The sun was creeping up the sky, And urged them onward in their race To find some safe abiding place. [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] THE BROWNIES' FANCY BALL. [Illustration] It was the season of the year When people, dressed in fancy gear, From every quarter hurried down And filled the largest halls in town; And there to flute and fiddle sweet Went through their sets with lively feet. The Brownies were not slow to note That fun indeed was now afloat; And ere the season passed away, Of longest night and shortest day, They looked about to find a hall Where they could hold their fancy ball. Said one: "A room can soon be found Where all the band can troop around; But want of costumes, much I fear, Will bar our pleasure all the year." Another said: "One moment wait! My eyes have not been shut of late,-- Don't show a weak and hopeless mind Because your knowledge is confined,-- [Illustration] [Illustration]