THE ANIMAL TREE 21 



ahead toward the house, as the short twilight hurried 

 after the sun. 



" I wish the days were longer," sighed Rap, turning 

 to go home. 



'^ But evening with a Avood fire in the wonder room 

 is lovely," sang Dodo, " and to-night uncle he, Avill 

 draw a tree," — she sang; then stop})ed and laughed 

 at her rhyme. 



'' Uncle Hoy," she whispered, '' it's been such a 

 happy day, can we have Rap to help linish off by 

 toasting crackers in the wonder room, and see you 

 draw tlie animal tree? Yes? I'll give you a bear's 

 hug ! " 



''I reckon there will be a frost to-night," said Rod, 

 passing on his way to the house with the milk-pail. 



'^ Frost I " shouted Nat, dancing round in glee. 

 "Frost — chestnuts, Rap, — and to-morrow will be 

 Saturday I " 



***** 



" How do you like tliis ? " said Comet, looking up 

 from his oats over to Tom and Jerr}^ as the stable 

 door closed with a click. " Box stalls and two bundles 

 of clean straw apiece, and warm bran mash for you 

 beside. Did you ever have anything as nice as this 

 where you were this summer ? " 



"I think the House People here understand a 

 horse's feelings," answered Jerry, plunging his nose 

 into his supper. 



