"Oh!" gasped Tim, utterly astounded at this statement.
"Yes. I was going to buy it from Tom Hatch, but he has given it to me instead," the little girl explained. "He sent it last night."
"And we don't in the least know who brought it," said Bob with a laugh; "for Snip scared whoever it was off the premises."
"But—are you sure it was Tom Hatch who sent it?" Tim inquired.
"Of course," answered Kitty, a trifle impatiently. "Who else could it have been?"
"Oh, yes; it was Tom right enough," Bob agreed.
For a minute Tim was tempted to tell them they were wrong; but would they believe him if he did? He doubted if they would; and, upon reflection, he decided to hold his tongue and let them think the donor of the rabbit had been Tom Hatch. How different his plan for ingratiating himself with his companions had turned out from what he had expected, and how vexed and disappointed he felt!
[CHAPTER VI.]
CONCERNING THE COVERED BASKET.
AFTER Tim Shuttleworth's formal introduction to the Glanville family his time no longer hung on his hands, for he was now always sure of a welcome next door; and, during the remainder of Bob's holidays, the two boys were constantly together. Bob, who had certainly been prejudiced against Tim at first, soon grew to like him, for he proved a congenial companion, being very good-natured; and, although he owned a passionate temper, it could not be called a bad one, as Bob was not long in finding out.