3  Jack - Ole Man Pumpkin

Meanwhile the children had been so busy watching Mother and those pies; and their mouths had watered so as they watched, that they hadn't noticed the Toyman at all--until they heard him say,--

"Good mornin', Jack!"

Children with Jack O'Lantern

Jack Who? Not Jack Holmes or Jack Frost--no, it was someone much handsomer, although he had a hole in the top of his head, a fat face, big round eyes, a large flat nose, and a wide, wide mouth with lots of square teeth in it.

"Mr. Jehosophat Green," said the Toyman very politely, "let me make you acquainted with Jack, or, as he is sometimes called, 'Ole Man Pumpkin.'"

Jehosophat bowed low.

"Pleased to meet you," he said, just like grownup folks.

Then Marmaduke piped up,--

"Make me acquainted, too."

"To be sure," said the Toyman, "Mr. Marmaduke Green meet Mr. Jack Lantern."

"Very glad to know you," said Marmaduke, bowing even lower than had Jehosophat, while Hepzebiah, dancing in her eagerness, shouted,--

"Make me 'quainted, make me 'quainted!"

The Toyman took her by the arm, and he in turn made a grand bow.

"Now, Jack, old fellow, this is an honor. Here's a lady expressin' a desire to make your acquaintance. Miss Hepzebiah Green, let me present Mr. Jack O. Lantern, otherwise known as 'Ole Man Pumpkin.'"

Then he turned to Jack.

"You don't mind my calling you so familiarly, do you?"

Apparently Jack didn't mind, for he just squatted there, lazy-like, and grinned with all his big square teeth.

Hepzebiah giggled back at him. She was having a glorious time. So were they all.

So, through that long--no, very short--afternoon, the kitchen was filled with pleasant smells and the air of fun and a pleasant surprise to come. They almost thought they could smell the surprise as well as the pies.

Next:
4  Jack O'Lantern
After dark a candle is placed in the pumpkin to make a Jack O'Lantern.

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ShiningRise - home

The Story of Ole Man Pumpkin
A charming story of a country Halloween in rural 19th century America.

1  Fall Harvest
The corn has been harvested, but the best pumpkins have been saved for Halloween.

2  Pumpkin Pie
The children watch mother make pumpkin pie.

3  Jack - Ole Man Pumpkin
The Toyman has carved a face in the pumpkin.

4  Jack O'Lantern
After dark a candle is placed in the pumpkin to make a Jack O'Lantern.

5  Ducking for Apples
The children play 'ducking for apples', then its bedtime.

6  Cornfield Rebellion
But out in the cornfield, the scarecrow is making a speech.

7   Prisoner
Jehosophat is taken prisoner by the corn soldiers.

8  Awakening
Jehosophat awakes from his nightmare, and Ole Man Pumpkin is still grinning.