'Tis a fearful thing in winter To be shattered by the blast, And to hear the rattling trumpet Thunder, "Cut away the mast!" So we shuddered there in silence,-- For the stoutest held his breath, While the hungry sea was roaring, And the breakers talked with Death. And as thus we sat in darkness, Each one busy with his prayers, "We are lost!" the Captain shouted, As he staggered down the stairs. But his little daughter whispered, As she took his icy hand, "Isn't God upon the ocean, Just the same as on the land?" Then we kissed the little maiden, And we spoke in better cheer, And we anchored safe in harbor When the morn was smiling clear. J. T. FIELDS [Illustration: SHIPWRECK ON THE AUCKLAND ISLANDS.] FUN FOR THE KITTENS. Our cat she had five little ones, As every person knew; Their names were "Flossie," "Snowball," "Smut," With "Kit," and little "Mew." One day on foraging intent, She leaped upon a cage, But after sniffing round a while Vexed thoughts her mind engage. "How very sad it is," thought she, "That every single linnet Has been removed before we came! The cage has nothing in it! "However, I have dined to-day, So now for quiet rest; My children, you may go and play, For frolic suits you best." With folded paws she laid her down, And meditative look, While every wicked little cat Its own diversion took. Said Snowball to his brother Kit, "Get out of this--now do; For Smut and I, we live in here, And there's no room for you! "And Smut feels rather sick to-day, He told me so just now; So off you go, again I say, Or there will be a row. "And Kit, just leave that stick alone; Come, drop it now at once; Of all the cats I ever knew You are the greatest dunce." Cried little Smut, "Quick, Snowball, quick! Or you will be too late; Here's sister Flossie pushing in; Come quick, and shut the gate." "How strange it seems, when you and I, Dear Snowball, are so good, That other cats should be so pert, Inquisitive and rude!" Said mother Puss, "This summer day I thought to lie at rest, While my dear children romp and play, Which seems to suit them best. "But really, how they snarl and fight, And kick, and growl, and riot! Ah, well! when they are old like me They'll like a little quiet." [Illustration: FUN FOR THE KITTENS.] TOMMY GREEN AND TOMMY RED. Tommy Green was a little boy only eight years old when his parents sent him to "boarding school," where he was thrown into the company of boys older than himself. It is strange how most all boys enjoy teasing those who are younger than themselves.