Sometimes a sloop beyond control At random ran, or punched a hole Clean through her scudding rival's jibs, Or thumped her soundly on the ribs. Of Brownies there were two or three Who tumbled headlong in the sea, While they performed some action bold, And failed to keep a proper hold. At first it seemed they would be lost; For here and there they pitched and tossed, Now on the crests of billows white, Now in the trough, clear out of sight, But all the while with valiant heart Performing miracles of art. [Illustration] [Illustration] Some life-preservers soon were thrown; And ready hands let sails alone, And turned to render aid with speed To those who stood so much in need. But accident could not displace Or weaken interest in the race; And soon each active Brownie stood Where he could do the greatest good; It mattered not if shifting sail, Or at the helm, or on the rail. With arm to arm and hip to hip, They lay in rows to trim the ship. [Illustration] All hands were anxious to succeed And prove their yachts had greatest speed. But though we sail, or though we ride, Or though we sleep, the moments glide; And none must bear this fact in mind More constantly than Brownie kind. For stars began to lose their glow While Brownies still had miles to go. Said one, who scanned the eastern sky With doubtless an experienced eye: "We'll crowd all sail, for fear the day Will find us still upon the bay-- Since it would prove a sad affair If morning light should find us there." [Illustration] [Illustration] But when the winds began to fail And lightly pressed the flapping sail, It was determined by the band To run their yachts to nearest land, So they could reach their hiding-place Before the sun revealed his face. [Illustration] By happy chance a cove they reached Where high and dry the boats were beached, And all in safety made their way To secret haunts without delay. [Illustration] [Illustration] THE BROWNIES AT ARCHERY. [Illustration] [Illustration] One night the Brownies strayed around A green and level stretch of ground, Where young folk oft their skill displayed At archery, till evening's shade. The targets standing in the park, With arrows resting in the mark, Soon showed the cunning Brownie band The skill of those who'd tried a hand. [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration]