A Quick-Running Squash. 3

Charles and asked for a drink of water, which he,
being a polite boy, at once brought. The man
thanked him, and then said:

“What have you been doing this morning,
little man?”

Charles told him about his new garden, and
the man listened with much interest.

“Tittle boy,” said he, ‘there is one seed that
you have not got.”

“And what is that?”

“The seed of the quick-running squash.”

Charles’s face fell.

“T don’t believe James has that, and I don’t
know where to get one,” he faltered.

‘“Now, as it happens,” said the man, “I
have one of those very seeds in my pocket. It
is not, however, that of the common, every-
day quick-running squash. This one came from
India, and is marvellous for its quick-running
qualities. You have been kind to me, little boy,
and I will give it to you,’ and with a peculiar
smile, this strange man produced from his pocket,
instead of the ordinary squash seed, an odd,