or tools, and boards, and wire,--that is unless you
keep your tools and materials for such kind of work, in better order
than boys usually do."

Phonny was silent. His thoughts reverted to a certain room in one of
the out-buildings, which he called his shop, and used for that
purpose, and which was, as he well knew, at this time in a state of
great confusion.

"Then," continued Wallace, "you will leave the doors open, going and
coming, to see your squirrel, and to feed him."

"No," said Phonny, "I am very sure that I shall not leave the doors
open."

"And then," continued Wallace, "after a time you will get a little
tired of your squirrel, and will forget to feed him, and so your
mother or somebody in the house, must have the care of reminding you
of it."

"Oh, no," said Phonny, "I should not forget to feed him, I am sure."

"Did not you forget to feed your hens?" asked Wallace.

"Why--yes," said Phonny, hesitatingly, "but that is a different
thing."

"Then, besides," said Wallace, "you will have to go and beg some money
of your mother to buy the squirrel with. For I suppose you have not
saved any of your own, from your allowance. It is very seldom that
boys of your age have self-control enough to lay up any money."

As Wallace said these words Phonny, who had been riding along, with
the bridle and his little riding stick both in his right hand, now
shifted them into his left, and then putting his right hand into his
left vest pocket, he drew out a little wallet. He then extended his
hand with the wallet in it to Wallace saying,

"Look in there."

Wallace took the wallet, opened it as he rode along, and found that
there was a quarter of a dollar in one of the pockets.

"Is that your money?" said Wallace.

"Yes," said Phonny.

"Then you are not near as much of a boy as I thought you were. To be
able to save money, so as to have a stock on hand for any unexpected
emergency, is one of the greatest proofs of manliness. I had no idea
that you were so much of a man."

Phonny laughed. At first Wallace supposed that this laugh only
expressed the pleasure which Phonny felt at having deserved these
praises, but as he gave back the wallet into Phonny's hands, he
perceived a very mysterious expression upon his countenance.

"That's the money," said Phonny, "that my mother just gave me for my
next fortnight's allowance."

"Then you have had no opportunity to spend it at all?"

"No," said Phonny.

Phonny th