The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, September 6, 1903, Page 15

PYYST COIrDXAGHHT DY DLN T 7903 correcrEQy /4 | OW gather close, my sweets, and list and I'll take up the story | y |! Of the Wonderful Kingdom in the sea that strives in L v richest glory. When I left off there were but two in all this wondrous Peter Pumpkin, reigning Prince,and Crookneck Squash, so gueer. These funny fellows trudged along in gladsome, happy mood— A diadem on Peter’s brow and Squash a Princeling good. “XNow, my royal heir so true,” spoke Peter, big and grand, “"Tis for you to find a shady spot, and such is my command.” Prince Crookneck made & fine salaam and walked beside his King, Who pranced along in splendor, too proud for anything. In time they reached a woodland deep, gorgeous in its beauty, And there the sovereign did command, “Now, mindful of your duty, You shall explore into the wood and come straight back to me And report if there is anything that you would have me see.” FPrince Crookneck bowed and scraped away and soon was out of sight, ‘While Peter Pumpkin, proud and rich, remained there in his might. Time rolled on, as time will do, and the kingly one did say: “I, forsooth, do not see why my Prince so long does stay.” When, at last, King Peter felt much worrled and quite frightened, . Crockneck dashed from out the wood, his speed of foot much heightened. The sovereign’s eyes did open wide, as likewise did his ear, For he must know what caused his Prince to show excited fear. “O gracions sire,” the Prince began, and stopped to get his breath, “In yonder wood there dwells a thing that ’most scared me to death. It has eyes and nose and feet and toes and a body round and small, And its legs ave long and slender, which make it look quite tall It laughed and waved its hands aloft when sight of me it got, | And I, not knowing what it was, straightway began teo trot.” Displeasure flashed to Peter's face, and Crookneck quaked with feary - ‘While the monarch, growing red with rage, began to chaff and jeer, “So you would be a King,” he spoke, in sharp, sarcastic strain, “And yet you showed the feather whits and let this stranger reigm\ By the crown that tops my head,” he said, in manner brave, “T'Il charge into the woodland wild and bring to time this knavel® Soon he found & pointed stick, and waving it on high, He plunged into the forest deep, fire flashing in his aye. With thumping beart and trembling limb the Princeling close dia follow, Until, st last, the duet reached a jungle in & hollow. > The monarch cast his eyes about, and keenly felt despair, For not & trace had he yet seen of the stranger in his lair. As he turned sbout to quit the place and seek the tresless platm, A rustling sound in & near-by bush thrilled his heated brain. “By the land o’er which I reign,” he said, in tones quits mellow, “I think that I have found at last this strange, elusive fellow!" ' ‘With courage that becomes & King, into the bush he dashed, And soon came out with, safe in hand, the stranger much abashedy “Now, who are you and what are you?” the monarch gravely said; - “None of your kind have I ¢’er seen in the land of which I'm head.” The captive, filled with greatest fear, dropped down upon his knes 22 pleaded that s be not harmed and forthwith be set frea -THE BUNDAY® CALL, BY BENVATE CUTCHLEONV .Second Installment “You shall be spared,” King Peter spoke, “for I think that you should be A Princeling in my family and be faithful e’er to me.” “They call me Pippin o’er the hills,” the captive did explain, ““And over there, O worthy sire, they have no one to reign.” King Peter’s eyes grew sparkling bright and he danced about in glee, For he straightway dmrmln/.d that he their King should be. “Now, Pippin true, Prince mtmber two==for such I'do ordain, Henceforth you shall a general be in all my great campaign. I now command that you shall lead me and my faithful host To this place of beings strange, where to my power they’ll toast.” General Pippin, warrior bold, made a fine salute, And started through the woodland dark, of glory in pursuit.. At last the King ard Princes two came to a sudden stop, And General Pippin whispered low, “Now, to our knees we’ll drop And crawl along until we reach yon ridge safe and secure, ‘Whereupon your Majesty can make his conquest surs.” From the ridge the monarch proud in wonder gazed an hour Upen the merrymaking hosts o’er whom he would have power, “’Twere wise, O King, to arm ourselves,” the general softly said, “For some may not be overpowered until they’re killed quite dead.¥ Peter turned to Crookneck, who with fright began to squirm, And commanded that he get for each a cat-tail strong and firm. Crookneck scampered to & pond and found the weapons wanted, And presently the warriors bold charged down the hill undaunted. By strategy and wisdom great the monarch gained the day, And not a head was bumped or bruised in the heat of that short fray. The King, when victory was assured, felt very much enraptured, And expressed desire to know about the things that he had captured, Xach captive knelt before the King, who stood upon a mound, And swore allegiance ever strong, with earnestness profound, 5 7 /P CormICHr 7903 When all the host had given faith to the kingly one supreme, King Peter promised guidance good and a father’s love serene. General Pippin called the roll and each spoke out his name— Some in voices loud and clear and some in accents tame. Among the throng was W. Melon, big and loud of lung, And Onion old, who stood near by his boy, whose name was Young. Oxheart Beet, of reddest blood, piped out his answer shrill, And next to speak was Pickle sour, whose given name was Dill. Then followed chubby Eggplant, of gayest purple hue, And happy Guernsey Parsnip, a subject good and true. Bartlett Pear, with skin of tan, unblemished—without flaw, Preceded midget Berry, who was known to all as Straw. There were many more, my pretty pets, that I cannot now recall— But every one a name spoke out and allegiance promised all. Over hill and verdant plain King Peter led his band, Until he reached a beautsous spot, where Le took up his stand. Next time, my sweets attentive, I shall tell to you the story Of how King Peter added to the kingdom’s strength and glory, W c/VAf/Y'J/Y_/ ALl TIGHS TEIZEY D -