passing from jest to earnest

Finally the Mormon grudgingly lent it to a curious Indian Duomo Bag, who in trying to play
it went through such awkward motions and made such queer sounds that his companions set
upon him and fought for possession of the instrument Then Snap, becoming solicitous for its
welfare, jumped into the fray They tussled for it amid the clamor of a delighted circle
Snap, passing from jest to earnest, grew so strenuous in his efforts to regain the harp
that he tossed the Navajos about like shuttle-cocks He got the harp and, concealing it,
sought to break away But the braves laid hold upon him, threw him to the ground, and calmly
sat astride him while they went through his pockets August Naab roared his merriment and
Hare laughed till he cried The incident was as surprising to him as it was amusing These
serious Mormons and silent Navajos were capable of mirth .
Hare would have stayed up as late as any of them, but August's saying to him, "Get to bed:
to-morrow will be bad" sent him off to his blankets, where he was soon fast asleep Morning
found him well, hungry, eager to know what the day would bring .