d?"

"No, it is not a _hat_."

"Is it that word sometimes applied to a disagreeable child?"

"No, it is not a _brat_."

"Is it the opposite of leanness?"

"No, it is not _fat_."

"Is it that covering for the head occasionally worn by young misses, and
also a frequent quality of their conversation?" said Charlie Bolton.

"No, insulting sir, it is _not_ a _flat_."

"Is it that amiable insect, so anxious to discover whether all are made
of the same blood, which pays such particular attention to visitors
among pine forests?"

"No, it is not a _gnat_."

"Is it a large receptacle used in the brewery and tannery?"

"No, it is not a _vat_."

"Is it an ornamental way of dressing the hair?" said Gertrude.

"Yes, it is a _plait_. Now it's your turn, Gertrude."

"I've thought of a word that rhymes with _rock_."

"Is it an important part of woman's attire?"

"No, it is not a _frock_."

"Is it an article of infants' clothing?"

"No, it is not a _sock_."

"Is it the thing that brokers buy and sell?"

"No, it is not _stock_."

"Is it a common weed, and also the place where ships are built?"

"No, it is not a _dock_."

"Is it a collection of sheep?"

"No, it's not a _flock_."

"Is it a German wine, highly prized by connoisseurs?"

"No, it is not _hock_."

"Is it a rap at the door?"

"No, it is not _knock_."

"Is it a curious instrument that has hands, but no eyes or ears, and
that always weighs its actions, but never does any thing but reprove
other people's laziness?"

"No, it is not a _clock_."

"Is it that word, which followed by head, shows what we all are, for not
guessing it sooner?"

"Yes, you are right, it is a _block_."

In the evening, Mary was appointed by general consent to tell that
eagerly-desired Indian story.

"And mind you give us scalping enough," said Charlie Bolton; "I'm a
little afraid you are too tender-hearted to give your story the proper
dramatic effect. It's worth nothing unless there is a great deal of
blood spilt, and a whole string of scalps."

"Horrible, Charlie! how can you bear such things! However, I needn't be
afraid, if Cousin Mary is to tell the tale," said Amy.

"How can I possibly please the taste of both?" replied Mary; "I plainly
see that only one way is left for me; to suit myself--so, if you'll
excuse me, that's the thing I'll do."

"We'll be compelled to excuse you, I suppose," said Charlie with a
shrug: "well, go on then, and be as merciful as