The Piper by Josephine Preston Peabody
page 58 of 154 (37%)
page 58 of 154 (37%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
I wanted him; I loved him. But I ran.
For once a squirrel falls a-talking.--Ah! Look what I have.--Guess, guess! [Showing his basket to the Children.'] CHILDREN Cakes! [He is sad] Shoes! [He is sadder] Then--honey! [He radiantly undoes his basket, and displays a honeycomb. The Strollers, too, rush upon him. PIPER Ah, Cheat-the-Devil! They would crop your ears. Where had you this? CHEAT-THE-DEVIL Why, such a kind old farmer! He'd left his bee-hives; they were all alone; And the bees know me. So I brought this for you; I knew They 'd like it.--Oh, you're happy now! PIPER But Michael,--have they caught him? CHEAT-THE-DEVIL Oh, not they! I heard no word of Michael; Michael's safe! |
|