But what care Brownies for a bruise, Or garments wet, from hat to shoes, When enterprises bold and new Must ere the dawn be carried through? If half the band were drenched, no doubt The work would still be carried out, For extra strength would then be found In those who still were safe and sound. But once, when "low bridge!" was the shout They stood and stared or ran about Till in the water, heels o'er head, Some members of the band were spread. [Illustration] [Illustration] A few could swim, and held their own; But more went downward like a stone Until, without the plummet's aid, They learned how deep canals are made. In spite of all the kicks and flings That fright at such a moment brings, Through lack of art, or weight of fear, It looked as if their end was near. The order now to stop the team Would pass along with sign and scream, And those on land would know by this That something startling was amiss; And those on board could plainly see Unless assistance there could be, In shape of ropes and fingers strong, There'd be some vacancies, ere long! [Illustration] By chance a net was to be had, That boatmen used for catching shad-- A gill-net of the strongest kind, For heavy catches well designed; Few shad against its meshes ran But left their bones on some one's pan, This bulky thing the active crew Far overboard with promptness threw. A hold at once some Brownies found, While others in its folds were bound, Until like fish in great dismay Inside the net they struggling lay. But willing hands were overhead, And quickly from the muddy bed Where shedder crabs and turtles crawled The dripping net was upward hauled, With all the Brownies clinging fast, Till safe on deck they stood at last. [Illustration] Sometimes a mule fell off the road And in the stream with all its load. Then precious time would be consumed Before the trip could be resumed. Thus on they went from mile to mile, With many strange mishaps the while, But working bravely through the night Until the city came in sight. Said one: "Now, thanks to bearded goats And patient mules, the heavy boats For hours have glided on their way, And reached the waters of the bay. But see, the sun's about to show His colors to the world below, And other birds than those of night Begin to take their morning flight. Our time is up; we've done our best; The ebbing tide must do the rest; Now drifting downward to their pier Let barges unassisted steer, While we make haste, with nimble feet, To find in woods a safe retreat." [Illustration] [Illustration] THE BROWNIES IN THE STUDIO.