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"I know the lame boy," said the Chattering Squirrel. "He is very kind
to me. He puts nuts out for me to eat. I am eating one now. Will you
have a nibble?" and the squirrel held out the nut to the Nodding Donkey.

"No, thank you; I don't eat nuts," returned the new toy.

"I eat other things, too," went on the Squirrel. "I take them right out
of the lame boy's hand, and I never nip him, for I like him and he likes
me. I am sorry he is lame."

"So am I," said the Nodding Donkey. "I felt sorry for him when he looked
in the store window of Mr. Mugg's shop, and I nodded to him so that he
smiled. But hush! Here he comes now!"

And this time it was the lame boy and his mother coming back into the
room where the Nodding Donkey and the Noah's Ark toys had been left on
the table. Instantly each toy became stark and stiff and no longer moved
or spoke. But the Chattering Squirrel, not being a toy, could do as he
pleased. So he frisked his tail and nibbled the nut.

"Oh, Mother! See! There is Frisky, my tame Squirrel!" cried Joe. "He
must have come in through the window to see my Nodding Donkey. Hello,
Frisky!" cried the lame boy, and then when he put down his hand the
Chattering Squirrel scrambled across the table and let Joe rub his soft
fur.

"I guess he is looking for something to eat," said Mrs. Richmond, with a
smile. "He wants his supper, as you want yours, Joe, and as your father