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The Isle of Fun and Frolic was the home of the Brownie boys and girls,
and no one can e’er deny that the island was well named. These youngsters
had no thought but to run and play, to sleep and to eat. They loved the
flowers and they loved the birds--and the butterflies led them lively
chases in their games of hide and seek. But one day came a change in
their lives, and they learned that others lived in the world besides
themselves. Little Peak Hat discovered it, as she stood on the rock
looking out toward the sea. It was a great vessel ploughing the waves,
its white sails flapping in the winds, and as she watched she saw it
moving steadily towards the island. All the Brownies came rushing at
her call, and their wonder knew no limit. On came the vessel closer and
closer, the Brownies watched as long as they dared, and then fearful of
being seen hurried away to hide themselves where they might occasionally
take a peep. What great big creatures were landing on the island, and
what loud voices they had as they called to each other. It sounded to the
Brownies like the roar of distant thunder. All day long the little people
remained hidden, but when night came they stole from their hiding places
to talk it over. What kind little hearts these Brownies had. All the nice
pieces of wood should be piled up for these strange people’s comfort, the
best grapes should be saved for them, they would coax the fish to nibble,
and do all in their power to make these queer guests happy. Indeed they
seemed to think of nothing else, and had you visited their home in the
old forest, you would have found them busily engaged in planning how they
could add to the comfort of their strange guests. The Brownies are never
so happy as when they are busy making others happy. They believe that
the best way to enjoy life, is to give pleasure to those they meet. Of
course the visitors did not know what was making their visit so pleasant,
for these busy little creatures always work quietly and secretly. The
visitors did not stay long, but the Brownies did good service, and when
they had gone they quite missed the pleasure they had felt in making
others happy, and they were continually wishing that some favoring wind
would bear some other ship to their shores that they might again have an
opportunity of renewing their acquaintance with these queer people.
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