Then they shut him up in a little room in a corner of the barn, and ran to find their father, and tell him, well knowing he would not care, if their mother was willing.
They found their father, who went with them to see him, and laughed long and loud as they led out the ugly beast.
Then all went in to supper; the great secret almost revealing itself in their tell-tale looks and occasional whisperings, neither of which attracted their mother’s attention.
Supper over, they made a final visit to their pet, and then left him for the night.
“What shall we name him?” said Jimmie, when they were alone in their room at night.
“O, we must have a funny name, he’s such a sorry looking feller! Wouldn’t you call him ‘Bitters’?” said Charley.
“Bitters!” said Jim, with a laugh.
“Yes, that’s bad enough.”
So Bitters he was named; and next morning they won their mother’s reluctant consent to keep the dog, provided he was kept at the barn, or away from the house, at all events.
Then they fed and played with him till school time, and shut him up till noon.