nothing more to do with Sim Williams, who was always leading him into
trouble, and another was that he would beg Phil's pardon, and do
something to make up for the injury he had done him. Stuart thought
and thought a long time what that should be. I know the doctor's talk
must have gone deep, for by and by he took _me_,--_Dago_,--his
best-beloved possession, and gave me to Phil.

At first the little fellow couldn't believe it. "Oh, brother!" he
cried. "Do you really mean it? Is it for keeps?"

"Yes, it's for keeps," said Stuart, grimly. Then he put his hands in
his pockets and walked away, whistling, although there were tears in
his eyes. But Phil ran after him with me in his arms.

"Oh, I couldn't take _all_ of him, Stuart," he said. "You are too
good. That would be too much, when you are so fond of him. But I'd
love to own half of him. Let's go partnerships. You claim half, and
I'll claim half."

Well, they decided to settle it that way, after a great deal of
talking. You can't imagine, Ring-tail, how queer it makes me feel to
be divided up in such a fashion. Sometimes I puzzle over it until I am
dizzy. Which of me belongs to Stuart, and which of me belongs to
Phil?




CHAPTER III.