CHAPTER IV. 

NEGOTIATIONS. 

It is necessary in this chapter to return to Phonny and Wallace, in order to explain how Phonny succeeded in getting his squirrel. 

He was quite in haste, as he went on after leaving the squirrel, in order to get down to the mill where Espy lived, before the squirrel should have gnawed out. The road, he was quite confident, led to the mill. 

"I should like to buy the squirrel, if Espy will sell him," said Phonny. 

"Do you think that your mother would be willing?" asked Wallace. 

"Why yes," said Phonny, "certainly. What objection could she have?" 

"None, only the trouble that it would occasion her," replied Wallace. 

"Oh, it would not make her any trouble," said Phonny. "I should take care of it myself." 

"It would not make her much trouble, I know," said Wallace, "if you were only considerate and careful. As it is I think it may make her a great deal." 

"No," said Phonny, "I don't think that it will make her any trouble at all." 

"Where shall you keep your squirrel?" asked Wallace. 

"In a cage, in the back room," said Phonny, promptly. 

"Have you got a cage?" asked Wallace. 

"No," said Phonny, "but I can make one." 

"I think that in making a cage," replied Wallace, "you would have to give other people a great deal of trouble. You would be inquiring all about the house, for tools, and boards, and wire,--that is unless you keep your tools and materials for such kind of work, in better order than boys usually do." 
And what else?
be inquiring all about the house, for tools, and boards, and wire