V. The Cave Dwellers
“Mr. Emerson said that wild animals live in just the same way to-day as they always did. They live in caves and holes in the ground or in hollow trees, where they can hide and keep warm.
“One boy spoke up, ‘How about dogs, Mr. Emerson?’
“‘Well,’ Mr. Emerson said, ‘dogs are tame animals now, although they used to be wild. But even the dog’s house is a wooden cave which his master builds for him.’
“He told us that a long time ago people lived in caves which they dug in the earth like animals. They were cave dwellers or cave men. The reason we have better homes now is that we have greater minds than animals and have learned to use our hands and brains to build houses.
“He said that the cave men must have thought it wonderful when they found they could make stone hatchets sharp enough to cut down small trees. With them they learned to make huts out of wood, which were larger and more comfortable than caves and just as safe from storms.
“As time went on, men paid more attention to building. They learned to make houses of stone and clay and brick. They kept on studying and improving until they were able to build great cities such as we have to-day.”
“Listen!” exclaimed Ruth, clapping her hands as Wallace finished his story. “Wouldn’t Wallace make a good teacher! That sounded exactly like the way Mr. Emerson talks.”
“Nothing like so interesting, though,” said Wallace. “He promised to show us his new house when it is finished.”
“Wouldn’t I like to go with you!” said Ruth.