  Characters—Grandma, Mabel, Lizard, Wolf Scene I—Mabel’s HomeMabel. Grandma, may I go to the woods to pick some berries for supper? Grandma. Yes, but be sure to come home before dark. There are animals in the woods, Mabel. They prowl around after dark. Mabel. Oh, I’m not afraid. I’ll come home before night. Scene II—In the WoodsMabel. Dear me! How dark it is getting. I must hurry home. [Hears Lizard. Thank you. You are a very kind child. Mabel. Oh! I didn’t know that lizards could talk! Lizard. Some lizards can’t. But I am the king of all the lizards. I am going to do something for you because you lifted the stone from my tail. Mabel. I was very glad to do it. Lizard. I am going to do something for you that I wouldn’t do for any other little girl. It’s this: I’m Mabel. What fun! Lizard. Just listen. [Gives a low whistle.] Now you do it after me. [Mabel tries.] Try again, Mabel. [She tries again and again.] Good, that’s it! Now if you wish any animal to be your friend, just whistle that way to him. That’s the call of all the animals. Good-by. [Lizard goes away.] Mabel. Well, that’s the funniest thing I ever heard of. But, dear me, how dark it is getting. I must run home. [Starts homeward. Hears howl.] Wolf. [Howls.] O-ooo-w. Mabel. What’s that? Oh! it’s a wolf. I’m so frightened! What shall I do? I’ll give the call. [Whistles.] Wolf. [Answers.] O-ooo-w! O-ooo-w! [Wolf comes to Mabel.] Mabel. Wolf, I want you to be my friend. Wolf. To be sure, I will be. Mabel. I’ve lost my way. Please show me the way home. I live at grandma’s. Wolf. I know where you live. I’ve seen you playing there many times. Put your hand on my neck, and I’ll show you the way. [Mabel does so.] Scene III—Edge of the WoodWolf. There is your home; and your grandma is waiting for you. Mabel. Thank you very much. I knew you were a good wolf. You wouldn’t hurt a little girl, would you? Wolf. I wouldn’t hurt you. Mabel. Good night, Wolf. Wolf. Good night. Scene IV—Mabel’s HomeGrandma. Mabel! Mabel! Mabel! Mabel. Yes, Grandma. Grandma. Where have you been so long? Mabel. I’ve been in the woods. Oh, Grandma. I left my basket of strawberries there. Grandma. Never mind. We can go to-morrow and get them. I was so frightened! Your uncle told me only yesterday he saw a wolf in the woods. Just think if you had met him to-day! He would have eaten you up, every bit of you. Mabel. Oh, Grandma! I’m sure all wolves don’t eat little girls. |
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