Page images
PDF
EPUB

worthy remembrance. In a playful manner he would roll on the deck of a ship with a child that was there, as if in a mock combat, pushing with his feet, (which had great muscular power,) entwining his long arms around her, and pretending to bite; or, seizing a rope, he would swing towards her, and, when efforts were made to seize him, would elude the grasp by swinging away; or he would, by way of changing the plan of attack, drop suddenly on her from the ropes aloft, and then engage in various playful antics. He would play in a similar manner with adults; but, finding them usually too strong and rough for him, he preferred children, giving up his games with them if any adults joined in the sports at the same time.

If, however, an attempt was made by the child to play with him, when he had no inclination, or after he had sustained some disappointment, he usually made a slight impression with his teeth on her arm, just sufficient to act as a warning, or a sharp hint that no liberties were to be taken with his person; or, as the child would say, “Ungka no like play now." Not unfrequently, a

string being tied to his leg, the child would amuse herself by dragging the patient animal about the deck; this he would good-naturedly bear for some time, thinking, perhaps, it amused his little playmate; but finding it last longer than he expected, he became tired of that fun, in which he had no share, except in being the sufferer; he would then make endeavours to disengage himself and retire. If he found his efforts fruitless, he would quietly walk up to the child, make an impression with his teeth, according to his treatment; a hint which terminated the sport, and procured him his liberty.

Now, many a child may be found like Ungka. He is not inclined to play, and he is forced to do so, or he is made to play at something all the fun of which is enjoyed by his companion. And here is the cause of his being cross, and to this may be traced the blow that has been given, and which has produced such loud lamentations.

But here comes a question. My young reader, do you belong to the class of peevish and quarrelsome mortals? When I looked at you just now, you laughed amiable, as you ought to be.

and appeared But I have

found you out. No sooner did you hear the word quarrelsome, than the red colour rose on your cheeks, and mounted to your forehead; and who cannot understand the tale it told? Come, then, take my hand, and let us just go out of doors to see what there is to notice.

Why here, at the very door, are the kittens basking in the bright sunshine. Here is Tit lying in the iron scraper; but look, she raises her head a little, for she sees Tat gravely marching forth from under a shrub. In a moment, you see, she has sprung on her companion; over they have rolled together: how gaily they are now tapping one another! but their claws are sheathed. There, they have another hearty roll; and now Tat pursues her way, having enjoyed the sport; quite ready, doubtless, to spring on Tit, and have another game of romps the first opportunity. Cannot you learn something from them?

It is a warm spring day; let us go and observe the surface of that pond; ah! there they are; look, and you will see a number of little black, shining beetles, wheeling round and round, in a sort of a circle, in a

[graphic][merged small]
« PreviousContinue »