that it was only his family visiting his hens.

After the crowd had dispersed, Solomon John sat down to think of
his writing again. Agamemnon agreed to go over to the bookstore
to get a quill. They all went over with him. The bookseller was
just shutting up his shop. However, he agreed to go in and get a
quill, which he did, and they hurried home.

So Solomon John sat down again, but there was no paper. And
now the bookstore was shut up. Mr. Peterkin suggested that the
mail was about in, and perhaps he should have a letter, and then
they could use the envelope to write upon. So they all went to the
post-office, and the little boys had their india-rubber boots on, and
they all shouted when they found Mr. Peterkin had a letter. The
postmaster inquired what they were shouting about; and when they
told him, he said he would give Solomon John a whole sheet of
paper for his book. And they all went back rejoicing.

So Solomon John sat down, and the family all sat round the table
looking at him. He had his pen, his ink, and his paper. He dipped
his pen into the ink and held it over the paper, and thought a
minute, and then said, "But I haven't got anything to say."

MRS. PETERKIN WISHES TO GO TO DRIVE. ONE morning
Mrs. Peterkin was feeling very tired, as she had been having a
great many things to think of, and she said to Mr. Peterkin, "I
believe I shall take a ride this morning!"

And the little boys cried out, "Oh, may we go too?"