168 SIR GIPSY 



little squirrels quite understood were intended 

 for them. 



Once when a big blue-jay was hopping over 

 the porch he took a peanut in his bill, this 

 particular shell inclosing only one kernel, while 

 just beyond him was a very large one with the 

 usual two kernels inside. Mr. Blue-jay saw 

 at once that he could carry off double the 

 amount if he dropped the one already in his 

 bill, so he tossed it to one side, caught up the 

 large one in the very face and eyes of a squir- 

 rel, who also was trying to get it, and flew 

 off with his prize. 



Sir Gipsy sat on my shoulder one morn- 

 ing, and while I had him so near and could 

 whisper into his little ear, I told him I loved 

 him and that I knew half a million boys and 

 girls belonging to the Loyal Temperance Leg- 

 ion who also would love him and be good to 

 him if they onlv had the chance. 



