But Brownies, honest and sincere, Who worked like mad to strip the trees Before they felt the morning breeze. And well they gauged their task and time, For ere the sun commenced to prime The sky with faintest tinge of red The Brownies from the orchard fled, While all the fruit was laid with care Beyond the reach of nipping air. [Illustration] THE BROWNIES' [Illustration] YACHT-RACE. [Illustration] When fleets of yachts were sailing round The rippling bay and ruffled sound, And steering out where Neptune raves, To try their speed in rougher waves, The Brownies from a lofty place Looked out upon the novel race. Said one: "A race is under way. They'll start from somewhere in the bay, To leave the frowning forts behind, And Jersey headlands, as you'll find, And sail around, as I surmise, The light-ship that at anchor lies. All sails are spread, the masts will bend, For some rich prize they now contend-- A golden cup or goblet fine, Or punch-bowl of antique design." Another said: "To-night, when all Have left the boats, we'll make a call, And boldly sail a yacht or two Around that ship, as people do. [Illustration] If I can read the signs aright That nature shows 'twill be a night When sails will stretch before the blast, And not hang idly round the mast." [Illustration] So thus they talked, and plans they laid, And waited for the evening shade. And when the lamps in city square And narrow street began to glare, The Brownies ventured from their place To find the yachts and sail their race. [Illustration] In equal numbers now the band, Divided up, the vessels manned. Short time they wasted in debate Who should be captain, cook, or mate; But it was settled at the start That all would take an active part, And be prepared to pull and haul If trouble came in shape of squall. For in the cunning Brownie crowd No domineering is allowed; All stand alike with equal power, And friendly feeling rules the hour. [Illustration] The Brownies' prophecy was true. That night the wind increased and blew, And dipped the sails into the wave, And work to every Brownie gave; Not one on board but had to clew, Or reef, or steer, or something do. Sometimes the yachts ran side by side A mile or more, then parted wide, Still tacking round and shifting sail To take advantage of the gale. [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration]