“Well, there! I most forgot I had some things in this valise for you fellers!”
The curiosity of the boys was aroused, and Tom asked excitedly:—
“What did you bring? Let’s look at ’em now, ’cause it’ll be a good while before we get home.”
Master Shindle saw no impropriety in unpacking his baggage thus publicly, and, without further urging, opened the huge valise.
“Here’s what I brought you,” he said, handing Tom a package wrapped in newspaper, and tied securely with several strings.
Tom unrolled the bulky parcel, removing layer after layer of paper until he brought to view a small but very lively mud turtle, which protruded its head and legs in the most engaging manner.
“Now, that’s the kind of a feller what’ll foller you ’round the streets,” Josiah said as he held up the shell that his companions might observe more closely the reptile’s beautiful proportions. “Tame him right, an’ I guess he’ll be most as good as a dog, though he can’t go very fast.”
As Tom took the pet, Josiah again plunged his hand into the valise, this time bringing forth a small wooden box, which he gave to Bob as he said:—
“I was goin’ to fetch two; but didn’t dare to put em together, an’ there wasn’t room enough in the valise for another box.”
