Jim nodded, and went across the grass-plot meditating upon what the man meant by proposing to take the house. His father was in the sitting-room writing a letter.
"Papa," said Jim, leaning up against the table, "there's a man out there in the road that wants to take the house."
"Wants to take the house!" exclaimed Mr. Wood, making a blot in his astonishment.
"Yes," continued Jim, "and he has the funniest-looking wagon you ever saw in your life."
"Ah!" said Mr. Wood, "I understand now; he wants to take some photographs, I suppose. Well, tell him I don't want any," and Mr. Wood went on with his letter, while Jim proceeded across the front yard again. He noticed his pony over in the orchard. A thought struck him, and he wheeled around and went back in the sitting-room again in some haste.
"Papa," said he, "can't I have the pony taken?"
"She wont stand still long enough," answered Mr. Wood, sealing up his letter.
"But, papa, can't the man try?" pleaded Jim.
Mr. Wood thought for a minute. Then said:
"Yes. He may try."