"Yes," said Polly, gleefully, "you can't think, Jasper; it's such a beautiful monkey."
"That's a fact," declared Ben, "or rather, I should say, the very ugliest beast you can think of, Jasper."
"Ben!" exclaimed Polly, reproachfully.
"When did it come? Did Mr. Cabot really give it to you?" cried Jasper, all in one breath, and deserting his pillows at once.
"Oh, he didn't give it to me," said Polly. "It's a present to all of us; it's yours, Jasper, just as much as any one's."
"Dear me!" cried Jasper, quite overwhelmed at being part owner in the Christmas gift of a monkey. "Well, when did it come, Polly?"
"Just two days ago," said Polly, trying to remember all the fun they had enjoyed with their new acquisition, "though it seems—oh, ages; and he's been so cunning."
"How I do want to see him!" cried Jasper, eagerly. "Where is he? I should think Joel would worry the life out of him."
"Well, for once I guess Joe has got his match," said Ben, bursting into a laugh. "I asked him to come along with us and show Jocko off this morning, and he said, 'No,' and showed a lively pair of heels."
"Jocko? Is that his name?" asked Jasper, with the liveliest interest.