Lom Wants to Build a Ship. 11

 

How much longer must I collect, do you
think ?”

“What a hurry you are in!” exclaimed his
papa. “What do yo": want to run away for ?”

“Qh, papa, think!” said Tom; “think of
all there is to see! White bears, and roaring
lions and tigers!”

“Come along with me,” said his papa.

He opened the gate into the field. Cows
and sheep were busily eating the grass. It
was nice watching them. The cows had
horns, but they never seemed to use them,
and they appeared so sleek and gentle. One
or two raised their heads as Tom passed, and
looked at him kindly out of their large mild
eyes; but the others went on quietly taking
their supper.

“Papa, whispered Tom, not to disturb
them, “I don’t know if cows and sheep aren’t
just as nice animals as lions and tigers, after
all.” :

In the farm-yard cocks and hens and tur-
keys and geese strutted about. They were
not so bright to look at as canaries and