note: project gutenberg also has an html version of this file which includes the original lovely illustrations. see -h.htm or -h.zip: (http://www.gutenberg.net/dirs/ / / / / / -h/ -h.htm) or (http://www.gutenberg.net/dirs/ / / / / / -h.zip) slovenly betsy by dr. henry hoffman with numerous illustrations in color from the original designs by walter hayn [illustration] applewood books bedford, massachusetts this edition of slovenly betsy was originally published in . slovenly betsy betsy would never wash herself when from her bed she rose, but just as quickly as she could she hurried on her clothes. to keep her clothes all nice and clean miss betsy took no pains; in holes her stockings always were, her dresses filled with stains. sometimes she went day after day and never combed her hair, while little feathers from her bed stuck on it here and there. the schoolboys, when they betsy saw, would point her out, and cry, "oh! betsy, what a sight you are! oh! slovenly betsy, fie!" one rainy day her parents went some pleasant friends to meet. they took betsy along with them, all dressed so clean and neat. nice little boys and girls were there, with whom our betsy played, until of playing she grew tired, and to the garden strayed. out in the rain she danced awhile, but 'twas not long before flat down she tumbled in the mud, and her best clothes she tore. [illustration] oh! what a sight she was, indeed, when in the room she came; the guests all loudly laughed at her, and she almost died with shame. she turned, and to her home she ran, and then, as here you see, she washed her clothes, and since has been as neat as she could be. [illustration] phoebe ann, the proud girl this phoebe ann was a very proud girl, her nose had always an upward curl. [illustration] she thought herself better than all others beside, and beat even the peacock himself in pride. [illustration] she thought the earth was so dirty and brown, that never, by chance, would she look down; and she held up her head in the air so high that her neck began stretching by and by. it stretched and it stretched; and it grew so long that her parents thought something must be wrong. it stretched and stretched, and they soon began to look up with fear at their phoebe ann. [illustration] they prayed her to stop her upward gaze, but phoebe kept on in her old proud ways, until her neck had grown so long and spare that her head was more than her neck could bear-- and it bent to the ground, like a willow tree, and brought down the head of this proud phoebe, until whenever she went out a walk to take, the boys would shout, "here comes a snake!" [illustration] her head got to be so heavy to drag on, that she had to put it on a little wagon. so don't, my friends, hold your head too high, or your neck may stretch, too, by and by. [illustration] the dreadful story of pauline and the matches mamma and nurse went out one day, and left pauline alone at play; around the room she gayly sprang, clapp'd her hands, and danced, and sang. now, on the table close at hand, a box of matches chanced to stand, and kind mamma and nurse had told her, that if she touched them they would scold her. but pauline said, "oh, what a pity! for when they burn it is so pretty; they crackle so, and spit, and flame; and mamma often burns the same. i'll only light a match or two as i have often seen my mother do." [illustration] when minz and maunz, the cats, heard this, they said, "oh, naughty, naughty miss. me-ow!" they cried, "me-ow, me-o, you'll burn to death, if you do so. mamma forbids it, don't you know?" but pauline would not take advice, she lit a match, it was so nice! it crackled so, it burned so clear,-- exactly like the picture here. she jumped for joy and ran about, and was too pleased to put it out. [illustration] when minz and maunz, the cats, saw this, they said, "oh, naughty, naughty miss!" and rais'd their paws and stretch'd their claws; "'tis very, very wrong, you know; me-ow, me-o, me-ow, me-o! you will be burnt if you do so. mamma forbids it, don't you know?" now see! oh, see! a dreadful thing! the fire has caught her apron string: her apron burns, her arms, her hair; she burns all over, everywhere. [illustration] then how the pussy cats did mew, what else, poor pussies, could they do? they screamed for help, 'twas all in vain, so then they said, "we'll scream again. make haste, make haste! me-ow! me-o! she'll burn to death--we told her so." pauline was burnt with all her clothes, and arms and hands, and eyes and nose; till she had nothing more to lose except her little scarlet shoes; and nothing else but these was found among her ashes on the ground. and when the good cats sat beside the smoking ashes, how they cried, "me-ow, me-o! me-ow, me-oo! what will mamma and nursey do?" their tears ran down their cheeks so fast they made a little pond at last. [illustration] what happened to lazy charlotte "here, charlotte," said mamma one day. "these stockings knit while i'm away, and should you fail, be sure you'll find mamma is strict, although she's kind." [illustration] but charlotte took a lazy fit, and did not feel inclined to knit; and soon upon the ground let fall needles, and worsted, hose, and all. "i shall not knit," said she, "not i; at least not now, but by and by;" then stretched, and yawned, and rubbed her eyes, like sluggards, when 'tis time to rise. [illustration] but when mamma came home, and found the work all strewed upon the ground, quoth she, "you will not knit, and so to school barefooted you shall go." this put poor charlotte in a fright. and though she knew it served her right, she wept, and begged, and prayed; but still she could not change her mother's will. [illustration] to school, where all were spruce and neat, poor charlotte went with naked feet. some showed their pity, some their pride, while charlotte hid her face and cried. [illustration] the cry-baby "oh, why are you always so bitterly crying? you surely will make yourself blind. what reason on earth for such sobbing and sighing, i pray, can you possibly find? there is no real sorrow, there's nothing distressing, to make you thus grieve and lament. ah! no; you are just at this moment possessing whatever should make you content. [illustration] now do, my dear daughter, give over this weeping," such was a kind mother's advice. but all was in vain; for you see she's still keeping her handkerchief up to her eyes. [illustration] but now she removes it, and oh! she discloses a countenance full of dismay; for she certainly feels, or at least she supposes her eyesight is going away. she is not mistaken, her sight is departing; she knows it and sorrows the more; then rubs her sore eyes, to relieve them from smarting, and makes them still worse than before. [illustration] and now the poor creature is cautiously crawling and feeling her way all around; and now from their sockets her eyeballs are falling; see, there they are down on the ground. my children, from such an example take warning, and happily live while you may; and say to yourselves, when you rise in the morning, "i'll try to be cheerful today." [illustration] the story of romping polly "i pray you now, my little child," thus once a kind old lady spoke to her niece in accents mild, "do try to be more steady. i know that you will often see rude boys push, drive, and hurry; but little girls should never be all in a heat and flurry." [illustration] while thus the lady gave advice and lectured little polly, to see her stand with downcast eyes, you'd think she'd owned her folly. she did, and many a promise made; but when her aunt departed, forgetting all, the silly maid off to the playground started. [illustration] now see what frolic and what fun, the little folks are after; away they jump, away they run, with many a shout and laughter. [illustration] but fools who never will be taught, except by some disaster, soon find their knowledge dearly bought, and of a cruel master. this little girl, who, spite of all her good old aunt had spoken, would romp about, had such a fall that her poor leg was broken. [illustration] in sore amaze, those standing by then placed her on a barrow; but oh! to hear her scream and cry their souls it sure did harrow. [illustration] see how her brother bursts in tears, when told the dreadful story; and see how carefully he bears the limb all wet and gory. [illustration] full many a week, screwed up in bed, she lingered sad and weary; [illustration] and went on crutches, it is said, until she died so dreary. [illustration] the story of a dirty child the little girls whom now you'll see were sisters in one family; and both enjoyed an equal share of a kind mother's anxious care. this one in neatness took a pride, and oft the brush and comb applied; [illustration] oft washed her face, and oft her hands; see, now, thus occupied she stands. [illustration] the other--oh! i grieve to say how she would scream and run away, soon as she saw her mother stand, with water by, and sponge in hand. she'd kick and stamp, and jump about, and set up such an awful shout, that one who did not know the child, would say she must be going wild. [illustration] in consequence it came to pass, while one was quite a pretty lass, and many a fond admirer gained, and many a little gift obtained; [illustration] the other, viewed with general scorn, was left forsaken and forlorn; for no one can endure to see a child all dirt and misery. behold how needful 'tis that we should clean in dress and person be; or else, believe me, 'tis in vain we hope affection to obtain. [illustration] a sloven will be always viewed with pity by the wise and good; while ev'n the vicious and the base behold with scorn a dirty face. [illustration] envious minnie now minnie was a pretty girl, her hair so gracefully did curl; she had a slender figure, too, and rosy cheeks, and eyes of blue. and yet, with all those beauties rare, those angel eyes and curly hair, oh! many, many faults had she, the worst of which was jealousy. when on the brilliant christmas tree st. nicholas hung his gifts so free, the envious minnie could not bear with any one those gifts to share. and when her sisters' birthdays came minnie (it must be told with shame) would envy every pretty thing which dear mamma to them would bring. [illustration] sometimes great tears rolled from her eyes, sometimes she pierced the air with cries, for hours together she would fret because their toys she could not get. ah, then! how changed this pretty child, no longer amiable and mild. that fairy form and smiling face lost all their sprightliness and grace. her tender mother often sighed, and to reform her daughter tried. "oh! minnie, minnie," she would say, "quite yellow you will turn some day." [illustration] now came the merry christmas feast; st. nicholas brought to e'en the least such pretty presents, rich and rare, but all the best for minnie were. now to her little sister bess st. nicholas brought a yellow dress; this minnie longed for (envious child), and snatched it from her sister mild. then all in tears did bessie run to tell her mother what was done. [illustration] then minnie ran triumphantly to try the dress on, as you see. but minnie was not satisfied, she pouted, fretted, sulked, and cried; sisters and brothers had no rest,-- she vowed their presents were the best, and springing quickly to the glass, what saw she there? alas! alas! oh! what a sad, such deep disgrace! she found she had a yellow face. "ah, me!" she cried, now, in despair, "where are my rosy cheeks--oh, where?" exclaimed her mother, "now you see the punishment of jealousy." [illustration] the little glutton oh! how this mary loved to eat,-- it was her chief delight; she would have something, sour or sweet, to munch from morn till night. she to the pantry daily stole, and slyly she would take sugar, and plums, and sweetmeats, too, and apples, nuts, and cake. [illustration] her mother mary oft reproved, but, ah! it did no good; munch, nibble, chew, from morn to night, the little glutton would. [illustration] one day, upon some bee-hives near she chanced to cast her eyes; "how nice that honey there must taste!" she cried, and off she flies. on tiptoe now the hives she nears, close up to them she creeps, and through the little window panes quite cautiously she peeps. "oh, dear! how good it looks!" she cries, as she the honey sees; "i must, i will, indeed, have some; it cannot hurt the bees." and then a hive she gently lifts,-- oh, foolish, foolish child,-- down, down it falls--out swarm the bees buzzing with fury wild. with fright she shrieks, and tries to run, but ah! 'tis all in vain; upon her light the angry bees, and make her writhe with pain. [illustration] four weeks and more did mary lie upon her little bed, and, ah! instead of honey, she on medicine was fed. her parents grieved so much at first their child so sick to see; but once more well, with joy they found her cured of gluttony. [illustration] sophie spoilall i never saw a girl or boy so prone as sophie to destroy whate'er she laid her hands upon, though tough as wood, or hard as stone; with sophie it was all the same, no matter who the thing might claim, no matter were it choice or rare, for naught did the destroyer care. her playthings shared the common lot; though hers they were, she spared them not, her dolls she oft tore limb from limb, to gratify a foolish whim. [illustration] "fie!" said her mother, "don't you know, that if you use your playthings so, kriss kringle will in wrath refuse to give you what you might abuse? remember, how in times gone by, you've always found a rich supply of christmas presents; but beware, you'll find no more another year." [illustration] you'd think such words would surely tend to make this child her ways amend. but no; she still her course pursued, regardless of advice so good. but when her mother sees 'tis plain that all her arguments are vain, says she, "since i have done my best, i'll let experience do the rest." meantime the season of the year for christmas gifts was drawing near, and sophie doubted not that she an ample store of them would see. at length the happy hour was come. the children, led into the room, behold, with wonder and surprise, three tables set before their eyes. one is for nelly, one for ned, and both with choicest treasures spread. [illustration] [illustration] [illustration: front cover] [illustration] the rocket book by peter newell harper & brothers new york copyright, , by harper & brothers -------------- patented june , -------------- printed in the united states of america published october, the rocket book [illustration] the basement when fritz, the janitor's bad kid, went snooping in the basement, he found a rocket snugly hid beneath the window casement. he struck a match with one fell swoop; then, on the concrete kneeling, he lit the rocket and--she--oop! it shot up through the ceiling. [illustration: the basement] first flat the steiners on the floor above of breakfast were partaking; crash! came the rocket, unannounced, and set them all a-quaking! it smote a catsup bottle, fair, and bang! the thing exploded! and now these people all declare that catsup flask was loaded. [illustration: first flat] second flat before the fire old grandpa hopp dozed in his arm-chair big, when from a trunk the rocket burst and carried off his wig! it passed so near his ancient head he roused up with a start, and, turning to his grandsons, said, "you fellows think you're smart!" [illustration: second flat] third flat algernon bracket, somewhat rash, had blown a monster bubble, when, oh! there came a blinding flash, precipitating trouble! but algy turned in mild disgust, and called to mama bracket, "say, did you hear that bubble bu'st? it made an awful racket!" [illustration: third flat] fourth flat jo budd, who'd bought a potted plant, was dousing it with water. he fancied this would make it grow, and joseph loved to potter. then through the pot the rocket shot and made the scene look sickly! "well, now," said jo, "i never thought that plant would shoot so quickly!" [illustration: fourth flat] fifth flat right here 'tis needful to remark that dick and "little son" were playing with a noah's ark and having loads of fun, when all at once that rocket, stout, up through the ark came blazing! the animals were tossed about and did some stunts amazing. [illustration: fifth flat] sixth flat a burglar on the next floor up the sideboard was exploring. (the family, with the brindled pup, were still asleep and snoring.) just then, up through the silverware the rocket thundered, flaring! the burglar got a dreadful scare; then out the door went tearing. [illustration: sixth flat] seventh flat miss mamie briggs with no mean skill was playing "casey's fling" to please her cousin, amos gill, who liked that sort of thing, when suddenly the rocket, hot, the old piano jumbled! it stopped that rag-time like a shot, then through the ceiling rumbled. [illustration: seventh flat] eighth flat up through the next floor on its way that rocket, dread, went tearing where winkle stood in bath-robe, gay, a tepid bath preparing. the tub it punctured like a shot and made a mighty splashing. the man was rooted to the spot; then out the door went dashing. [illustration: eighth flat] ninth flat bob brooks was puffing very hard his football to inflate, while round him stood his faithful guard, and they could hardly wait. then came the rocket, fierce and bright, and through the football rumbled. "you've got a pair of lungs, all right!" his staring playmates grumbled. [illustration: ninth flat] tenth flat the family dog, with frenzied mien, was chasing fluff, the mouser, when, poof! the rocket flashed between, and quite astonished towzer. now, if this dog had wit enough the english tongue to torture, he might have growled such silly stuff as, "whew! that cat's a scorcher!" [illustration: tenth flat] eleventh flat while carrie cook sat with a book the phonograph played sweetly. then came the rocket and it smashed that instrument completely. fair carrie promptly turned her head, attracted by the roar. "dear me, i never heard," she said, "that record played before!" [illustration: eleventh flat] twelfth flat de vere was searching for a match to light a cigarette, but failed to find one with despatch, which threw him in a pet. just then the rocket flared up bright before his face and crackled, supplying him the needed light-- "thanks, awfully," he cackled. [illustration: twelfth flat] thirteenth flat home from the shop came maud's new hat-- a hat of monstrous size! it almost filled the tiny flat before her ravished eyes. when, sch-u-u! up through the box so proud the rocket flared and spluttered. "i said that hat was all too loud!" her peevish husband muttered. [illustration: thirteenth flat] fourteenth flat tom's pap had helped him start his train, and all would have been fine had not the rocket, raising cain, blocked traffic on the line. it blew the engine into scrap, as in a fit of passion. "who would have thought that toy," said pap, "would blow up in such fashion!" [illustration: fourteenth flat] fifteenth flat orlando pease, quite at his ease, the "morning star" was reading. "my dear," said he to mrs. pease, "here's a report worth heeding." the rocket then in wanton sport flashed through the printed pages. the lady gasped, "a wild report!" then swooned by easy stages. [illustration: fifteenth flat] sixteenth flat doc danby was a stupid guy, so, lest he sleep too late, he placed a tattoo clock near by to waken him at eight. but, ah! the rocket smote that clock and smashed its way clean through it! "you have a fine alarm," said doc, "but, say, you overdo it!" [illustration: sixteenth flat] seventeenth flat a penny-liner, abram stout, was writing a description. "the flame shot up," he pounded out-- then threw a mild conniption. for through his flemington there shied a rocket, hot and mystic. "i didn't mean to be," he cried, "so deuced realistic!" [illustration: seventeenth flat] eighteenth flat gus gummer long had set his head upon some strange invention. "be careful, gus," his good wife said; "it might explode. i mention--" just then the pesky rocket flared and wrecked that yankee notion. "i feared as much!" his wife declared; then fainted from emotion. [illustration: eighteenth flat] nineteenth flat while burt was on his hobby-horse and riding it like mad, the rocket on its fiery course upset the startled lad. the frightened pony plunged a lot, like fury playing tag. "whoa, spot!" said burt. "who would have thought you such a fiery nag!" [illustration: nineteenth flat] twentieth flat a taxidermist plied his trade upon a walrus' head. it really made him quite afraid to meet its stare so dread. when suddenly the rocket, bright, flared up and then was off! "oh, minnie," cried the man in fright, "just hear that walrus cough!" [illustration: twentieth flat] top flat oh, it was just a splendid flight-- that rocket's wild career! but to an end it came, all right, as you shall straightway hear. it plunged into a can of cream that billy bunk was freezing, and froze quite stiff, as it would seem, and so subsided, wheezing. [illustration: top flat] the slant book by peter newell this uphill work is slow, indeed, but down the slant--ah! note the speed! harper & brothers new york copyright , by harper & brothers patented september , published november, printed in the united states of america the slant book where bobby lives there is a hill-- a hill so steep and high, 'twould fill the bill for jack and jill their famous act to try once bobby's go-cart broke away and down this hill it kited. the careless nurse screamed in dismay but bobby was delighted he clapped his hands, in manner rude, and laughed in high elation-- while, close behind, the nurse pursued in hopeless consternation [illustration] an officer slid off the lid as bobby hove in sight, and bellowed out, "you're scorchin', kid-- i'll run you in all right!" but down the go-cart swiftly sped and smashed that cop completely, and as he sailed o'er bobby's head bob snipped a button neatly! [illustration] a funny son of sunny greece was standing near the curb, beside his push-cart, wrapped in peace, that naught could well disturb but all at once he got a shock-- the go-cart speeding down, collided with his fancy stock and littered up the town! [illustration] the runaway then swerved a bit and snapped a hydrant, short; which accident proved quite a hit of rather novel sort the water spouted in a jet as much as ten feet high, and all were soaked and nearly choked who chanced to be nearby! [illustration] a farmer's wife, miss' angy moore, was trudging up the grade. a basketful of eggs she bore to barter with in trade the go-cart and the lady met (informally, no doubt) and made a sort of omelette and spread it round about! [illustration] a painter on a ladder perched, was working at his calling-- against its foot the go-cart lurched and sent the fellow sprawling his pot of paint came tumbling down and wrong side up, it settled about a chappie's flaxen crown-- oh, my! but he was nettled! [illustration] a german band across the street its way was slowly wending, which was a movement indiscreet, the way that things were tending the go-cart struck the bass drum square, and passed completely through it. the drummer madly tore his hair and said, "vy did you do it?" [illustration] some workingmen were putting in a heavy plate-glass front. the go-cart then came rushing in and did its little stunt it smashed to bits a crystal pane two sweating men were bearing, and sped on down the slanting plane and left them mad and swearing! [illustration] an automobile big and brown was chugging up the hill, and met the go-cart plunging down with speed that boded ill at once there rose a noise and din of people in dismay. a sandwich-man then butted in and opened up a way! [illustration] a lad was rushing with a hat some lady had been buying-- the go-cart caught--and laid him flat, and sent the hat-box flying the hat fell out and settled down upon our bobby's head. "say, i'm the swellest kid in town!" the precious rascal said [illustration] a newsboy next was somehow hit-- the go-cart, swift and dextrous, contrived to muss him up a bit and fill the air with extras one copy bobby neatly scooped, and saw this wild display, in type so bold it fairly whooped: "a go-cart breaks away!" [illustration] then as the go-cart speeded by, a bulldog, quite pugnacious, seized on the handle on the fly and clung with grip tenacious the go-cart's speed was so increased the dog streamed out behind it, and bobby turned to pet the beast which didn't seem to mind it! [illustration] perambulating down the street was miss lucile o'grady-- the go-cart knocked her off her feet and took on board the lady "your fare!" said bobby, with a shout, one chubby hand extending. but miss o'grady tumbled out with shrieks the heavens rending [illustration] a herder up the weary grade a yearling calf was leading. the creature was a stubborn jade and lunged about, unheeding the go-cart caught the rope midway between the calf and herder, and both fell in behind the shay with cries of "ba-a!" and "murder!" [illustration] two chappies at a tennis meet were battling fast and hard-- the go-cart skidded off the street and shot across the yard the game was "forty all," but then it didn't end that day-- the go-cart dashed into the net and carried it away! [illustration] on came the go-cart down the grade (the town was now behind it) and ran into an orchard's shade where providence resigned it! but then it only grazed a tree and set it all a-shiver; the ripened fruit fell merrily and likewise sammy sliver! [illustration] then through a watermelon patch this awful cart descended, and split the melons by the batch-- the farmer was offended and tried to stop its wild career, which was a silly notion-- it passed him promptly to the rear with quite a rapid motion! [illustration] a picnic party on the green were seated at their lunch-- the go-cart dashed upon the scene and through the happy bunch! sardines and pickles, ham and cake, were jumbled in a mess, then straightway rose these picnickers and shouted for redress! [illustration] an artist sketching on the slope a lively air was humming, and so absorbed was he, he failed to note the go-cart coming a crash! the circumambient air was filled with miscellany, and damaged quite beyond repair was cremnitz white mulvaney! [illustration] a damsel milked a brindled cow out in a pasture green, the birdies sang from bush and bough-- all nature was serene when suddenly a thunderbolt dispelled the sweet illusion-- the go-cart gave the twain a jolt, and all was wild confusion! [illustration] upon a rustic bridge a chap cast out a bait inviting, and presently he took a nap and dreamed the fish were biting then came the go-cart like a gale and rudely him awakened-- at first he thought he'd caught a whale, but found he was mistaken! [illustration] the longest night must have an end as well as a beginning; and so this cart, you may depend, was bound to cease its spinning it crashed into a hemlock stump that chanced to block its way, and bobby made a flying jump and landed in the hay! [illustration] generously made available by the internet archive/american libraries.) red riding hood [illustration] entered according to act of congress in the year , by l. prang & co. in clerk's office of the district court of mass. [illustration] there was a lonely cabin within a dark, old wood, and in it, with her mother there dwelt red riding hood. the tall old trees above them their winter fire supplied when autumn's flaming sunsets from their red leaves had died. [illustration] [illustration] the rippling brook, their water from far off mountains brought; and prattled of their summits in icy statues wrought. for them, the squirrels hoarded their nuts in hollow trees; and pounds of sweetest honey were made them by the bees; [illustration] [illustration] to gather these together was work enough to do; little red riding hood thought so, an so, no doubt, would you. blushing beneath her fingers looked up the berries red; the flowers seemed to know her and listened for her tread. [illustration] [illustration] for she was good and loving and beautiful as good, with daily acts of kindness, little red riding hood. afar off, in the forest, there lived her grandam old; and she was poor and needy, and often sick and cold. [illustration] [illustration] and once a week, her grandchild would walk the lonely wood, and carry little bundles of faggots and of food. one morn the mother started the maid upon her way, and said, "now you must carry to grandmamma to day." [illustration] [illustration] "this little pot of butter i've churned so nice and sweet; and mind not stop and prattle with any one you meet!" then through the shady forest the little maiden went; and though her steps were fleetest, the day was well nigh spent, [illustration] [illustration] when nearby through her journey, an old, gaunt wolf she spied, who wagged his tail, and humbly came walking by her side; and said, "my little maiden, how very fair you are! you really look quite handsome! where do you walk so far?" [illustration] [illustration] forgetful of her mother, she stopped and told him where; then said the wolf, so cunning, "what is it that you bear?" forgetful of her mother, she stood and told him what; "tis butter, for my grandma, packed nicely in this pot." [illustration] [illustration] then said the wolf, "good by dear; perhaps we'll meet again!" then swiftly on he hastened, swiftly through dale and glen, and running reached before her the cabin grey and old; her grandmamma was absent-- he quickly did infold [illustration] [illustration] himself in cap and night gown then quickly on the bed, closely upon the pillow he laid his grizzly head. red riding hood soon entered; "o, grandmamma, see here! a little pot of butter!" where is my grandma dear? [illustration] [illustration] "here," said the wolf, well feigning, her grandma's voice, so weak; "i'm here, so sick my darling, that i can scarcely speak!" "take off your clothes my darling, upon the bed come lie; when you are here beside me i'll be better by and by!" [illustration] [illustration] red riding hood obeyed her and got upon the bed; "o grandmamma how altered you are!" she quickly said "o what great eyes my grandma! they never looked so before--" "that's to see you the better my darling, the larger, to see you more!" [illustration] [illustration] "what a great nose my grandma it never looked so before!" "that's to smell you better, my darling; the larger to smell you more!" "and what great hands my grandma they never looked so before!" "that's to hold you tight my darling and to hug you more and more!" [illustration] [illustration] "what a great mouth my grandma! as large as your tin cup!" "that's to open wide my beauty and then to eat you up!" then he opened his great mouth wider to eat her like a bird but at that dreadful moment a hunter's gun was heard [illustration] [illustration] the wolf fell dead and bleeding-- then grandma hastened in-- for she had seen the peril the danger that had been! red riding hood wept sadly and sorrowed more and more, that she'd disobeyed her mother-- which she never did before. [illustration] [illustration] and she thought with fear & trembling of the death that came so near! and she said the fright had taught her to mind her mother dear. then listen, all ye children, and mind your mother's word! for the great wolf, men call evil is prowling round unheard! [illustration] [illustration] _written & designed by lydia l. very._ published by l. prang & co. _no. washington st. boston, mass._ http://www.archive.org/details/twelvelaboursofh londiala the twelve labours of _hercules_, son of _jupiter & alcmena_. london: published by didier and tebbett, at the juvenile library of english, french, and italian books, and repository of instructive games, no. , st. james's street. . london. published by didier & tebbett, , st. james' street; price, plain s. coloured s. d. [illustration: frontispiece. hercules in his cradle strangles two serpents the twelve labours of hercules, _son of_ jupiter and alcmena.] the nemæan lion. [illustration] by juno's hate urged on, alcmena's son, at sixteen years his noble toils begun. nemæa's dreadful lion first he sought, the savage slew & to eurystheus brought, from his huge sides his shaggy spoils he tore, around him threw, & e'er in triumph wore. the lernæan hydra. [illustration] on lerna's pest th' undaunted hero rushes, with massy club her hundred heads he crushes, in vain. one crush'd, two hissing heads arise, till good iolas to each wound applies the burning brand. dipt in the hydra's gall, his arrows slightest wound is death to all. the mænalæan stag. [illustration] a stag with horns of gold and feet of brass, on mænalus bounds o'er th'unbending grass, to dian sacred, this he's doom'd to bring, unhurt into the presence of the king, forbid to wound, how take a stag so fleet? a twelvemonth's end scarce saw the task complete. the erymanthian boar. [illustration] to erymanthus next his course is bent, to seize the boar by incensed dian sent, the fell destroyer bound he o'er him flings, and unto scared eurystheus quickly brings, the trembling tyrant shrinks aghast with dread, and in his brazen vessel hides his coward head. the stables of augeas. [illustration] to cleanse the augean stables now he's sped, where thirty years three thousand oxen fed; the task for man too great. a river's course he turn'd, & thro' the stables urged its force, the tide resistless rolls, and in one day the gather'd filth of years is swept away. the stymphalides. [illustration] the lake stymphalus by his arm was freed, from those dire birds on human flesh who feed, by pallas' aid the dreadful race subdued, no more its banks with whitening bones are strew'd. honour'd by all mankind he now returns, but still eurystheus' envious hatred burns. the cretan bull. [illustration] a furious bull with nostrils breathing fire, to punish minos sent by neptune's ire, roams wild in vengeance thro' his wide domains, and death & terror spreads o'er crete's fair plains; but soon the bellowing beast alive he caught, and vainly struggling to eurystheus brought. diomedes and his horses. [illustration] fell diomed, whose horses fat with gore, his subjects bodies in their mangers tore, he next o'erthrew. and as old authors say, the tyrant gave to his own steeds a prey, on mount olympus rent by savage beasts, no more the horses make on man their horrid feasts. the amazon hippolite. [illustration] by fate constrain'd eurystheus to obey, the matchless hero now must bend his way, to gain the golden girdle which adorns the queen of amazons. who proudly scorns to yield, and in her warriors doth confide-- but vanquish'd she becomes great theseus' bride. geryon. [illustration] a giant king in gades once did keep, (unlike their gentle race) carnivorous sheep, the triple monster slain, amidst his rocks he left to birds a prey, and seiz'd his flocks, which by eurystheus' order brought away he unto argos safely did convey. cerberus. [illustration] in fetters hercules fierce cerberus tied, and took him trembling from grim pluto's side, from realms of darkness drag'd away to light, the yelling monster sicken'd at the sight, and from his jaws the foam which fell to earth, unto the poisonous aconite gave birth. the hesperides. [illustration] to crown his deeds, so wondrous & so great, upon his shoulders vast olympus' weight he bore, while atlas did the apples bring, which bridal juno gave to heaven's dread king. and now the dragon guarded apples won, the godlike hero, saw his labours done. none proofreading team. [transcriber's note: this book was first published in german in , and in english translation in . this edition was not dated. color illustrations appear on every page, often "playing" with the text.] struwwelpeter merry stories and funny pictures heinrich hoffman frederick warne & co., inc. new york struwwelpeter merry stories and funny pictures when the children have been good, that is, be it understood, good at meal-times, good at play, good all night and good all day-- they shall have the pretty things merry christmas always brings. naughty, romping girls and boys tear their clothes and make a noise, spoil their pinafores and frocks, and deserve no christmas-box. such as these shall never look at this pretty picture-book. shock-headed peter just look at him! there he stands, with his nasty hair and hands. see! his nails are never cut; they are grimed as black as soot; and the sloven, i declare, never once has combed his hair; anything to me is sweeter than to see shock-headed peter. cruel frederick here is cruel frederick, see! a horrid wicked boy was he; he caught the flies, poor little things, and then tore off their tiny wings, he killed the birds, and broke the chairs, and threw the kitten down the stairs; and oh! far worse than all beside, he whipped his mary, till she cried. the trough was full, and faithful tray came out to drink one sultry day; he wagged his tail, and wet his lip, when cruel fred snatched up a whip, and whipped poor tray till he was sore, and kicked and whipped him more and more: at this, good tray grew very red, and growled, and bit him till he bled; then you should only have been by, to see how fred did scream and cry! so frederick had to go to bed: his leg was very sore and red! the doctor came, and shook his head, and made a very great to-do, and gave him nasty physic too. but good dog tray is happy now; he has no time to say "bow-wow!" he seats himself in frederick's chair and laughs to see the nice things there: the soup he swallows, sup by sup-- and eats the pies and puddings up. the dreadful story of harriet and the matches it almost makes me cry to tell what foolish harriet befell. mamma and nurse went out one day and left her all alone at play. now, on the table close at hand, a box of matches chanced to stand; and kind mamma and nurse had told her, that, if she touched them, they would scold her. but harriet said: "oh, what a pity! for, when they burn, it is so pretty; they crackle so, and spit, and flame: mamma, too, often does the same." the pussy-cats heard this, and they began to hiss, and stretch their claws, and raise their paws; "me-ow," they said, "me-ow, me-o, you'll burn to death, if you do so." but harriet would not take advice: she lit a match, it was so nice! it crackled so, it burned so clear-- exactly like the picture here. she jumped for joy and ran about and was too pleased to put it out. the pussy-cats saw this and said: "oh, naughty, naughty miss!" and stretched their claws, and raised their paws: "'tis very, very wrong, you know, me-ow, me-o, me-ow, me-o, you will be burnt, if you do so." and see! oh, what dreadful thing! the fire has caught her apron-string; her apron burns, her arms, her hair-- she burns all over everywhere. then how the pussy-cats did mew-- what else, poor pussies, could they do? they screamed for help, 'twas all in vain! so then they said: "we'll scream again; make haste, make haste, me-ow, me-o, she'll burn to death; we told her so." so she was burnt, with all her clothes, and arms, and hands, and eyes, and nose; till she had nothing more to lose except her little scarlet shoes; and nothing else but these was found among her ashes on the ground. and when the good cats sat beside the smoking ashes, how they cried! "me-ow, me-oo, me-ow, me-oo, what will mamma and nursey do?" their tears ran down their cheeks so fast, they made a little pond at last. the story of the inky boys as he had often done before, the woolly-headed black-a-moor one nice fine summer's day went out to see the shops, and walk about; and, as he found it hot, poor fellow, he took with him his green umbrella, then edward, little noisy wag, ran out and laughed, and waved his flag; and william came in jacket trim, and brought his wooden hoop with him; and arthur, too, snatched up his toys and joined the other naughty boys. so, one and all set up a roar, and laughed and hooted more and more, and kept on singing,--only think!-- "oh, blacky, you're as black as ink!" now tall agrippa lived close by-- so tall, he almost touched the sky; he had a mighty inkstand, too, in which a great goose-feather grew; he called out in an angry tone "boys, leave the black-a-moor alone! for, if he tries with all his might, he cannot change from black to white." but, ah! they did not mind a bit what great agrippa said of it; but went on laughing, as before, and hooting at the black-a-moor. then great agrippa foams with rage-- look at him on this very page! he seizes arthur, seizes ned, takes william by his little head; and they may scream and kick and call, into the ink he dips them all; into the inkstand, one, two, three, till they are black as black can be; turn over now, and you shall see. see, there they are, and there they run! the black-a-moor enjoys the fun. they have been made as black as crows, quite black all over, eyes and nose, and legs, and arms, and heads, and toes, and trousers, pinafores, and toys-- the silly little inky boys! because they set up such a roar, and teased the harmless black-a-moor. the story of the man that went out shooting this is the man that shoots the hares; this is the coat he always wears: with game-bag, powder-horn, and gun he's going out to have some fun. he finds it hard, without a pair of spectacles, to shoot the hare. the hare sits snug in leaves and grass, and laughs to see the green man pass. now, as the sun grew very hot, and he a heavy gun had got, he lay down underneath a tree and went to sleep, as you may see. and, while he slept like any top, the little hare came, hop, hop, hop, took gun and spectacles, and then on her hind legs went off again. the green man wakes and sees her place the spectacles upon her face; and now she's trying all she can to shoot the sleepy, green-coat man. he cries and screams and runs away; the hare runs after him all day and hears him call out everywhere: "help! fire! help! the hare! the hare!" at last he stumbled at the well, head over ears, and in he fell. the hare stopped short, took aim and, hark! bang went the gun--she missed her mark! the poor man's wife was drinking up her coffee in her coffee-cup; the gun shot cup and saucer through; "oh dear!" cried she; "what shall i do?" there lived close by the cottage there the hare's own child, the little hare; and while she stood upon her toes, the coffee fell and burned her nose. "oh dear!" she cried, with spoon in hand, "such fun i do not understand." the story of little suck-a-thumb one day mamma said "conrad dear, i must go out and leave you here. but mind now, conrad, what i say, don't suck your thumb while i'm away. the great tall tailor always comes to little boys who suck their thumbs; and ere they dream what he's about, he takes his great sharp scissors out, and cuts their thumbs clean off--and then, you know, they never grow again." mamma had scarcely turned her back, the thumb was in, alack! alack! the door flew open, in he ran, the great, long, red-legged scissor-man. oh! children, see! the tailor's come and caught out little suck-a-thumb. snip! snap! snip! the scissors go; and conrad cries out "oh! oh! oh!" snip! snap! snip! they go so fast, that both his thumbs are off at last. mamma comes home: there conrad stands, and looks quite sad, and shows his hands; "ah!" said mamma, "i knew he'd come to naughty little suck-a-thumb." the story of augustus who would not have any soup augustus was a chubby lad; fat ruddy cheeks augustus had: and everybody saw with joy the plump and hearty, healthy boy. he ate and drank as he was told, and never let his soup get cold. but one day, one cold winter's day, he screamed out "take the soup away! o take the nasty soup away! i won't have any soup today." next day, now look, the picture shows how lank and lean augustus grows! yet, though he feels so weak and ill, the naughty fellow cries out still "not any soup for me, i say: o take the nasty soup away! i _won't_ have any soup today." the third day comes: oh what a sin! to make himself so pale and thin. yet, when the soup is put on table, he screams, as loud as he is able, "not any soup for me, i say: o take the nasty soup away! i won't have any soup today." look at him, now the fourth day's come! he scarcely weighs a sugar-plum; he's like a little bit of thread, and, on the fifth day, he was--dead! the story of fidgety philip "let me see if philip can be a little gentleman; let me see if he is able to sit still for once at table": thus papa bade phil behave; and mamma looked very grave. but fidgety phil, he won't sit still; he wriggles, and giggles, and then, i declare, swings backwards and forwards, and tilts up his chair, just like any rocking horse-- "philip! i am getting cross!" see the naughty, restless child growing still more rude and wild, till his chair falls over quite. philip screams with all his might, catches at the cloth, but then that makes matters worse again. down upon the ground they fall, glasses, plates, knives, forks, and all. how mamma did fret and frown, when she saw them tumbling down! and papa made such a face! philip is in sad disgrace. where is philip, where is he? fairly covered up you see! cloth and all are lying on him; he has pulled down all upon him. what a terrible to-do! dishes, glasses, snapt in two! here a knife, and there a fork! philip, this is cruel work. table all so bare, and ah! poor papa, and poor mamma look quite cross, and wonder how they shall have their dinner now. the story of johnny head-in-air as he trudged along to school, it was always johnny's rule to be looking at the sky and the clouds that floated by; but what just before him lay, in his way, johnny never thought about; so that every one cried out "look at little johnny there, little johnny head-in-air!" running just in johnny's way came a little dog one day; johnny's eyes were still astray up on high, in the sky; and he never heard them cry "johnny, mind, the dog is nigh!" bump! dump! down they fell, with such a thump, dog and johnny in a lump! once, with head as high as ever, johnny walked beside the river. johnny watched the swallows trying which was cleverest at flying. oh! what fun! johnny watched the bright round sun going in and coming out; this was all he thought about. so he strode on, only think! to the river's very brink, where the bank was high and steep, and the water very deep; and the fishes, in a row, stared to see him coming so. one step more! oh! sad to tell! headlong in poor johnny fell. and the fishes, in dismay, wagged their tails and swam away. there lay johnny on his face, with his nice red writing-case; but, as they were passing by, two strong men had heard him cry; and, with sticks, these two strong men hooked poor johnny out again. oh! you should have seen him shiver when they pulled him from the river. he was in a sorry plight! dripping wet, and such a fright! wet all over, everywhere, clothes, and arms, and face, and hair: johnny never will forget what it is to be so wet. and the fishes, one, two, three, are come back again, you see; up they came the moment after, to enjoy the fun and laughter. each popped out his little head, and, to tease poor johnny, said "silly little johnny, look, you have lost your writing-book!" the story of flying robert when the rain comes tumbling down in the country or the town, all good little girls and boys stay at home and mind their toys. robert thought, "no, when it pours, it is better out of doors." rain it did, and in a minute bob was in it. here you see him, silly fellow, underneath his red umbrella. what a wind! oh! how it whistles through the trees and flowers and thistles! it has caught his red umbrella: now look at him, silly fellow-- up he flies to the skies. no one heard his screams and cries; through the clouds the rude wind bore him, and his hat flew on before him. soon they got to such a height, they were nearly out of sight. and the hat went up so high, that it nearly touched the sky. no one ever yet could tell where they stopped, or where they fell: only this one thing is plain, bob was never seen again! copyright (c) scribolin for info visit: www.scribolin.com printed in usa copyright (c) scribolin isbn - - - a hero and a great man story by francis kruckvich illustrations by fritz _________________________________________________________________ a hero and a great man we hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office - aesop they say knowledge is power. power walks with ambition. ambition will devour a man without vision. through a turbid town, a great man walks. through a troubled town, a great man talks. he tells tales of bravery. on attention he feeds. with speech most savory he boasts of great deeds. he is well respected. he enjoys much recognition. he hopes to be selected for a prestigious position. he likes to be seen. he likes to be heard. when he is on the scene, he fills the air with word. _________________________________________________________________ as greatness is a need this need is his fate. he is as great indeed, as his need to feel great. one day as he was walking, he happened to overhear two girls that were talking. he turned his curious ear. as their words he overheard, he felt his aid was required. always attracted to the spoken word to the girls he inquired, why do you girls carry on in such a vociferous way? to you my attention is drawn upon this beautiful day!!! and to him the him girls inquired, where does the sun go at night? he knew an answer was required. but he knew not what was right. where it goes, he could not say as he covertly looked about. being a master of delay, he calmly searched for an out. a man was passing by and overheard this conversation. he thought he could supply, a goodly explanation. _________________________________________________________________ details of this man are unknown for he lived a life withdrawn. he prefers to be quiet and alone. a common life he has forgone. you see, he was not like you and me. his methods were strange and new. a different world his eyes would see. a world in which others would have no clue. despite his odd looks. he is more then he appears. he has read many books, yet still wet behind the ears. every culture to its own will conform. the mind of the crowd is a shallow creek. as this man was far from the norm, he was seen by the people as a freak. he values his peace. he is devoted to thought. this is his release. nothing finer could be bought. as peace is a need this need is his fate. attempting to run from greed, on simplicity he would concentrate. he never felt the peace that he needed to feel. he would never cease to search for whats real. _________________________________________________________________ if work was completed according to plan, it should not be repeated by a frustrated man. the only exception for such repetition is the struggle for perfection, or the folly of a politician. when he did a deed, when he found satisfaction, he could see no need for any further action. if nothing was there broken or no deed to be done, no answer to be spoken, then action was there none. if there is no disruption and everything seems in balance, wasteful action is corruption of the purest talents. a problem of complexity needs a simple solution. a mind in perplexity is lost in convolution. now for the girls question, he felt he knew, really. he had a suggestion, and he offered it freely. _________________________________________________________________ a weary sun will hide to give a new night birth. the sun then goes to the other side of our blessed mother earth. the problem seemed to be solved. the great man saw this. he went to get involved. for attention he could not miss. the freaks words had merit. an advantage had been gained, but the great man could not bear it. his status must be maintained. the freaks words he twisted with his eloquent speech. his charisma could not be resisted. it was he who would teach. he took the freaks idea and made it his own. no man would be right except he alone. he devised his own story using the freaks word. he would take the glory and make the freak seem absurd. he is not entirely correct. the great man thus began. i mean no disrespect but i am, of course, a great man! _________________________________________________________________ he was on the right track. this i wont deny. what truth may he lack, i will attempt to supply. he does not know, it seems, that our grateful relation to the suns warm beams lies in the earths rotation. if you but wait, this problem i will solve. upon its axis straight, does the earth revolve. as our great god is wont to create, upon this imaginary rod does the earth rotate. the sun remains still while the earth moves and spins where the suns warmth may fill a new day on earth begins. just as the moon is the reason for waves in the ocean the change of the season is the earth in her motion. it is basic science. the sun could never hide. our earth is in complete reliance of the sun on every side. _________________________________________________________________ the girls were amazed at this great display of speech. into the great mans eyes they gazed as he proceeded to teach. a lesson he had taught not unlike a story compiled from a borrowed thought with its author left reviled. the freak was appalled watching innocence beguiled. the girls were enthralled while the great man smiled. who was being deceived? the freak felt some dismay. the great man the girls believed. and the freak just walked away. it seemed childish to contest. he saw no reason to fight. he thought best not to protest. both of their answers were right. over time the great man grew to earn a great mans reputation. his words would cause much ado and even some speculation. a few weeks quickly went by during which time came a threat. no rain had fallen from the sky, but the ground seemed to be wet. _________________________________________________________________ water trickled like blood from a gash. soon the streets turned to mud. people could not walk without a splash. there was fear that the town would flood. slowly, this problem would develop. the water would continue to run. eventually, the whole town it would envelop if something was not soon done. water does not feel sorrow nor care wherever it trickles and roams. the people were becoming more aware, for it was soon in their homes. to the great man the people went for some kind of solution. there must be a way to prevent any further ground dilution. the great man promised thus, to you i can assure, for any problem threatening us for sure there is a cure! i will stop this silly little flood. upon the great man you can rely. the ground may be covered in mud but, somewhere, must a solution lie! in his office the great man sat staring at the water on the floor. he knew not how to deal with that, but he knew there would be more. _________________________________________________________________ desperately trying to think of a plan he repeatedly read the plaque on the wall, here is a great man he will save us all! the sparkling water had a sense of beauty as it reflected in the plaque. a painful reminder of his duty, a leader must never slack. so, eagerly, he donned his heavy boots, and ventured forth for a walk through a series of muddy routes, for to the people he must talk. the great man noticed one man solitary as he trekked a turbid trail. to the woods with buckets he did carry in a struggling effort his home to bail. though his face he could not see, he knew that this man to be clever and brave. he could not dwell on who it could be for the great man had a town to save. he thought of the people as his duty required to give them this instruction. by this sight he was inspired to save the town from destruction. together we must pull! this i must accent! so each man scooped a bucket full and into the woods with the water they went. _________________________________________________________________ soon this method had no effect. the water continued to rise. the people were beginning to suspect, this is not where the solution lies. the great man saw this method would fail but he knew he must not quit. again he trekked the turbid trail to this problem he did commit. then the great man saw a lone man dig a trench in which the water would drop. he dug it deep and he dug it big. perhaps, in this trench, the water would stop! he thought of the people, as his duty required to give them this instruction. by this site he was again inspired to save the town from destruction. we must dig a great ditch in which the water will drop. into this we all must pitch if the water we are to stop! a solution to this we must seek. look to me in your time of need. though the situation may now look bleak, we will succeed with my lead! upon his shoulder, he felt a hand. it was, in fact, the odd man. the great man, at first, did not understand. then the freak thus began, _________________________________________________________________ you may be great and the people strong, but this wont stop the waters force. this will not work for very long. we must stop it at the source. the great man let out a great big laugh, and to the odd man he talked down. you think you can speak on the peoples behalf? a great man must save this town! we all share the same concern. your offer i do appreciate, however, to experience, we must now turn. this issue is too great. as the great man continued to give his speech the freak had turned and walked away. a solution soon someone must reach no matter what the great man would say. soon the town will certainly be just a huge pool of mud. it is not really hard to see that nothing is stopping this great flood. his mind was cloudy and his feet were muddy. while the great man talked and talked, the freak used this time to think and study, so in search of the source he walked. the freak followed the water alone. deep into the woods he was led. there he found a slab of stone. on the stone it read, _________________________________________________________________ in the event of a flood this lesson should be learned unless you like to live in mud, the valve must be turned. below these words there was an arrow and it was pointing to the creek. the creek had begun to overflow. this was, no doubt, the source of the leak. the freak was indeed happy to learn how the flood had been produced. he found the valve and gave it a turn. and the water immediately was reduced. he went back up the muddy trail and told the people what he had done. but no one would believe his tale, not a single, solitary one. afraid of being deceived, the people showed only doubt, why should he be believed? what is he all about? skepticism and emotion were sparked by the freaks word. his story caused quite a commotion, and the great man, of course, overheard. he said, i will solve this dispute. whatever the problem, there must be a plan. of the truth, we are in pursuit. a great problem requires a great man! _________________________________________________________________ id like a word, please come with me, to the freak the great man said. the freak complied with his plea. to the great mans office he was led. once in his office, he closed the door. he could not wait to ask, what did you do, i want to hear more, about how you pursued this task. as the freak began to describe the valve at the creek and slab of stone. the great man was not willing to subscribe to this story by a man who lives alone. the great man was in disbelief. he began to give the freak a speech. his talk was not short, nor was it brief. to the freak, a lesson he would teach. he told the freak about being great, and that by his word he would rule. being a master at debate, he made the freak look like a fool. from the office the freak went, stuck on the words the great man had said. he walked the path back home in resent, as the great mans voice he heard in his head. its obvious that the town is his. he could hear the people as he walked through. who in the world does he think he is? he thinks he is a great man too! _________________________________________________________________ the farther he walked the angrier he became, to think that words could outshine skill. great man, bah...what a name! ill show them all, i will! into the forest, he marched in retaliation. he felt the need to settle the score. he could not bear this indignation. this town was not his home anymore. he found again the slab of stone. he found again the valve by the creek. never before had he felt so alone. revenge now did he seek. in his anger, he turned the valve back. the water began to overflow. he thought, for a moment, about this attack. then he decided the people must know. on the way back, he felt some guilt. his conscience was big and his mind was young. upon action his existence was built. once back in town, he held his tongue. the town again began to flood. and the people again began to worry. the ground again had turned to mud. to their buckets again the people would hurry. the efforts again the great man would direct, but an effort repeated is a lesson taught. soon the bucket method had no effect, and this sent the great man into thought. _________________________________________________________________ the man with the bucket, he only saw from afar. and the man in the trench, never showed his face. he began to feel that this was bizarre, and then this pattern, he began to trace. these men were indeed one and the same! the great man was struck with revelation. this peculiar freak, with no name, had been the source of his inspiration! he headed down the muddy trail, into the forest he would withdraw. there he dropped his water pale. he could not believe what he saw. there he found a slab of stone just as the freak had said. he wondered how this could go unknown as the words on the stone he read, in the event of a flood this lesson should be learned unless you like to live in mud, the valve must be turned. below these words there was an arrow and it was pointing to the creek. the creek had begun to overflow. no doubt this was the source of the leak. the great man was indeed happy to learn how the flood had been produced. he found the valve and gave it a turn. and the water immediately was reduced. _________________________________________________________________ he went back up the muddy trail, and told the people what he had done. the people all gathered to hear his tale, and all were intrigued, but one. knowledge is power, the great man began. a man who knows power is a man who is wise. the greater the problem, the greater the man who can find the answer thats little in size. great men do heroic deeds. over the common men they tower. great men are what this town needs... men who face danger, and do not cower. i am a great man, but a hero am i? thats a title i cannot claim. there are those whose talent we may deny, but they are heroes just the same. as they heard those words so profound, the people hailed the great man and cheered. the freak looked down at the ground. he knew to them he would always seem weird. the girls who argued about the sun walked by. they offered him words so sweet, youre a nice man, theres no need to cry. hes a great man, and he cant be beat. the freak looked at the girls and smiled. he could see that a leader is all they need. its noble to protect the innocence of a child. yes, he said, he is a great man indeed. the end