148 



WESTERN SERIES OF READERS. 



VI. 



All the afternoon long Crab went spreading the news, 

 And wondering if many would really refuse ; 



11 For," thought he, " some may say 



That my previous dealings 

 Do not quite agree 



With such kindly feelings. 



But, I 'm sure, when a crab really tries to do better, 

 That no one should send him a cold-hearted letter." 



VII. 



At seven, the next morning, by Pelican post, 

 They received of acceptances almost a host. 

 But some wrote regrets, 



And said, " We must beg 

 __^ That you would excuse, 

 ^ For we have n't a leg." 



" Then send them a carriage, poor things," said his wife. 

 11 1 '11 do it," cried Crab, " just to let them see life." 



VIII. 



So he ordered his hackman, by name Mr. Shark, 

 To go round with his carriage (a red Noah's ark 

 Which a small boy had lost, 



One day, on the beach), 

 A nd to bring all the creatures 



That were within reach. 



" And come back precisely ten minutes to five." 

 Mr. S. flapped his fins, meaning, '* Sure 's I 'm alive.' 



