164 THE BUTTERFLY HUNTERS. 



Annie came down the steps of her throne and stood on 

 the grass. . Joe Dane was waiting in great excitement to 

 know what he was expected to do, when Rose stepped 

 forward and . handed him a grace-hoop and ■ a pair of 

 sticks. Another maid of honor gave a similar set to 

 Annie. 



"The boy who can crown me with the hoop," said 

 Annie, " shall conduct me back to the throne and occupy 

 the vacant seat by my side." 



All the boys cheered loudly for the Queen and for the 

 game. They were all skilful players and they laughed at 

 Annie's confidence that no one could catch her. 



"Where did Annie learn to play.^" asked Gilbert. 



" O, Annie used to play with me," said Johnny, " as 

 she sat by the front door at home, and she never missed 

 catching the hoop. I don't believe one of you can crown 

 her." 



At a signal from Rose the game started. The hoops, 

 which were trimmed with flowers, flew back and forth 

 through the air. Joe's four throws, which were all that were 

 allowed to each boy, were soon given, and at every throw 

 Annie caught the hoop gracefully and surely on the end 

 of her sticks. The boys shouted as Joe threw down his 

 sticks and retired discomfited from the field. Gilbert's turn 

 came next. He confidently took up the sticks. 



"Annie," said he, "it 's too bad for such a great fellow 



