and they began. Of course, as you know, they had to stand on the
outside of the ring and shoot at the marbles in the hole, that is,
they did in that year, in that particular part of the country, though
wise men who have travelled much say the rules differ in other states
and are changing from day to day.

When anyone put his foot over the line the Toyman would stop him
sternly.

"No matter what's the game," he told them, "always play fair."

He showed them the best way to shoot, not by placing the marble in the
hollow of the first finger and shooting it out with the thumb, but on
the _tip_ of the first finger and letting it fly with the thumb.

Now this is of the greatest importance, so always remember it.

However, Hepzebiah couldn't follow that style, so they let her roll
her marbles. But the boys were patient and tried again and again until
they had learned the right way. They did finely, too--though naturally
not as well as the Toyman. They had lent him some of their marbles,
and my! wasn't he a fine shot! He would send those marbles flying from
their hole like little smithereens in all directions. However, he said
the boys were learning fast and would soon catch up with him.

And in a few minutes, strange to say, the Toyman wasn't doing so
well--though, maybe--between you and me--he was just giving the boys a
chance.

Anyway, before long, the Toyman's pile was growing less and less,