THE BOY WHO JUMPED ON TRAINS.
Reading edition
BY MARY HARTWELL.
There was a boy whose name was Dunn, And he was one As full of fun As any boy could walk or run! His cheeks were plump, his eyes were bright, He stepped as light As a camel might, And bounced and played from morn till night. And whether he was here or there, His parents' care— Unseen like air— Followed and held him everywhere.
"HE WOULD JUMP ON THE CARS TO RIDE."
He really was their joy and pride— Was good beside; But woe betide— He would jump on the cars to ride! There, hanging to a brake or step, Tight hold he kept, And onward swept, Yelling with all his might, "Git-tep!" Dunn's father learned that he did so, And told him to Decline to go Where trains were running to and fro.
"HIS FATHER'S STERN COMMAND."
As for his mother, she turned white, And gasped with fright To think Dunn might Come home a pancake some fine night! But his relations often said, With shaking head, That boy was led To have his way if it killed him dead! And sure enough when school was out, And boys about The trains flocked out, Dunn followed too, with plunge and shout.
"THE FREIGHT-CARS DECKED WITH BOYS DID SLIDE."
He did not mean to grab a ride, But by his side, With tempting glide, The freight-cars decked with boys did slide! Where was his father's stern command? Out went his hand; He gained a stand— At least he planned to gain a stand! What is it? Crash! His head is blind! That wheel behind— He hears it grind! And he is paralyzed in mind! On cork and crutches now goes Dunn! Whole boys may run— Grab rides for fun— But, as I said, this boy is Dunn!