Wallace thought this to himself as he rode along. He did not, however, express the thought, but went on a minute or two in silence. At length he said,
“So, then, you have got money enough to buy the squirrel?”
“Yes,” said Phonny, “if a quarter is enough.”
“It is enough,” said Wallace, “I have no doubt. So that one difficulty is disposed of. As to the second difficulty,” he continued, “that is, troubling the family about making the cage, we can dispose of that very easily, too, for I can help you about that myself. What shall we do about the third, leaving the doors open and making a noise when you go back and forth to feed him?”
“Oh, I will promise not to do that,” said Phonny.
“Promise!” repeated Wallace, in a tone of incredulity.
“Yes,” said Phonny, “I’ll promise, positively.”
“Is it safe to rely on boys’ promises about here?” said Wallace. “They would not be considered very good security in Wall Street, in New York.”
“I don’t know,” said Phonny; “I always keep my promises.”