will, as soon as he gets home. You had better put away your toys
now--your Nodding Donkey and the Noah's Ark animals--and get ready for
supper. I think there are a few more nuts left which you may give
Frisky."

"Oh, he'll love those, Mother!" cried Joe. And when he had put away his
toys he brought out some more nuts for the Squirrel, who liked them very
much.

The Nodding Donkey was put up on the mantel shelf in the dining room,
but the Noah's Ark toys, being older, were set aside in a closet.

"I want Daddy to see my Donkey as soon as he comes in," said Joe, and he
waited for his father. Soon Mr. Richmond's step was heard in the hall,
and Joe hobbled on his crutches to meet him. Frisky, the Chattering
Squirrel, had skipped out of the open window in the kitchen as soon as
he had eaten the nuts Joe gave him.

"How is my boy to-night?" asked Mr. Richmond, as he hugged Joe.

"Oh, I'm fine!" was the answer. "And look what Mother bought me!"

Joe pointed to the Nodding Donkey on the mantel.

"Well, he is a fine fellow!" exclaimed Mr. Richmond. "Where did he come
from?"

"From the toy shop," Joe answered, and then, even though supper was
almost ready, he had to show his father how the Donkey nodded his head.