Page:Little Ellie and Other Tales (1850).djvu/73

Rh than the other; till it came in a perfect torrent. When it was over two little boys came by.

“Look here!” said one. “Here is a leaden Soldier! Let us give him a sail in a boat!”

And they made a boat out of a newspaper, put the soldier in it, and now, there he was sailing along down the gutter. Both the little boys ran by the side clapping their hands.

Dear me! what waves were rolling in the gutter, and what a torrent it was! for the shower was a pretty smart one, I can tell you. The paper boat heaved and fell, and now and then made such turns that the leaden Soldier became quite giddy; but he was resolute, never changed countenance, kept his “eyes right,” and “carried arms.” as before. All at once the boat was driven into a long covered drain; it was as dark to the Soldier as if he were in his own wooden box.

“Where am I going to now!” thought he. “Yes, yes, this is the Magician’s