E'en as those piteous words she spoke, They struck a fearful "snag" Their grips they lost, And both were tossed Upon the cruel "flag". [Illustration] Their senses for a moment gone, They lay in ghastly plight; Their fiery steed From burden freed, Maintained his onward flight. Then each in aching consciousness Rose slowly with sad groans; Next faced about With angry shout, Followed by tears and moans. [Illustration] Each blamed the other for the fall; Until, in gentler mood, Their hurts they dress, While both confess The crying did them good. A wooden crutch poor Peggy finds To help her on her feet; Both solemn-faced Their steps retraced To where they first did meet. [Illustration] But sorrow's tears are quickly dried With dolls as well as men.-- A jolly crowd All laughing loud (I think you'll count just ten.) Mounted a little wooden cart, While Peggy, brave and tried, Got up in front To bear the brunt Of "Hobby's" mighty stride. [Illustration] Finding a pleasant open space, Gay Peg' unships her load; Suggests a game Which, it is plain, Will soon be quite the "mode." She tells of former Christmas nights, When many of her kind, At leap-frog played, And merry made, Fast running like the wind. The happy moments swiftly sped In unabated glee; Their lungs were strong, Their legs were long, And supple at the knee. [Illustration] But soon they hear the clock strike "two" The hours are flying fast! With much to do Ere night be thro' Its' pleasures overpast! "Just one leap more!" cries Sarah Jane, "This fills my wildest dream!" E'en as she spoke, Peg' Deutchland broke Into a piercing scream. Then all look round, as well they may To see a horrid sight! The blackest gnome Stands there alone, They scatter in their fright. With kindly smile he nearer draws; Begs them to feel no fear. "What is your name?" Cries Sarah Jane; "The 'Golliwogg' my dear." Their fears allayed--each takes an arm, While up and down they walk; With sidelong glance Each tries her chance, And charms him with "small talk". [Illustration] Another wonder now attracts The simple Sarah Jane; Upon one knee She drops with glee, In case this box contain Some pretty thing to give her joy, Some new-discovered treat! Old Peg', who planned The fun in hand, Watches with face discreet. [Illustration] The lock unlatched, the lid springs up, Knocks Sarah on her back, With flying hair And trying stare, Out of the box springs "Jack". Our naughty Peg' enjoys the scene, Laughs long with fiendish glee; Next takes to flight, Gets out of sight, Fresh tricks to plan you'll see. [Illustration]