"My specimens are there now," continued Oscar, "and anybody can see for himself which is the best work. It would have made you laugh to see those students crowd around me and ask me questions in natural history, just as though I knew all about it. The committee wanted me to put up some new specimens for them, so I went down to the store of Calkins & Son, and picked out four nice ones—a hare, grouse, mallard, and black squirrel. I told them who I was, and what I wanted the birds and animals for, and they wouldn't take a cent for them. When I found that I was expected to put up these specimens in the presence of a class as well as the committee, and explain every operation, my hand trembled so that I could hardly hold the knife, and I couldn't say a word."
"You were embarrassed," said Sam. "You had never received so much attention before."
"And I hope I never will again," said Oscar honestly.
"Ah!" exclaimed Sam, with a knowing shake of his head, "wait until you come back from the plains. If you are successful, they will make a lion of you. What sort of work did you do before the class?"
"Oh, after I got fairly started, and gained a little confidence, I was all right. My tongue ran glibly enough, and I never did quicker or better work in my life. When I got through, I had four as fine specimens as you ever saw."
"Good!" exclaimed Sam. "Well, what was the next thing?"
"The next thing was the best part of the whole business," answered Oscar. "It was a private conference with the committee, during which I was engaged for one year, with the understanding that if they were satisfied with my work, I was to keep right on until I had furnished the museum with specimens from every country on the globe. Just think of that!"
"Whew!" whistled Sam.
"In the first place, as I told you, I am to go out West. My instructions are to confine myself entirely to large game, although I am at liberty to secure any rare bird or animal that may chance to come in my way. But I mustn't waste my time in hunting for them. What they want most is a specimen of the Felis concolor, and also——"