100 What the Squirrel Did for Richard.

tree, he walked off a few feet. Down scampered
the squirrel, seized the nut, and was up again
on the branch in a twinkling, where he sat crack-
ing and nibbling it, with the greatest enjoyment.
Richard stood under the tree watching him.

“Is n't it good?” he said. “I amawfully glad
I gave it to you.”

“Chit, chit,” said the squirrel; and then, to
Richard’s astonishment, he uttered these words in
very good English: “You have been kind to me,
little boy. You have not only given away what is
yours, but, more than that, something which you
yourself wanted very much. To do that, is the
greatest kindness one can show to another. Now,
as it happens, I am a powerful squirrel, and in re-
turn for your kindness, I am going to give you a
gift, which some time will be of the greatest use to
you. Now, mark my words: Whenever you rub
the little finger of your right hand across your
chin, you will at once become a squirrel.”” Then
he ceased speaking, and vanished !

Richard stood there, staring in astonishment,
rubbing his eyes, and wondering if the squirrel had