Page:Nattie Nesmith (1870).pdf/117

 to know. It takes a long time to learn all there is in books."

"How long does it take to know all the words?" the boy asked.

"Why, I don't know as anybody ever knew them all, unless,"—Nattie paused, and thought a moment,—"unless the man that makes the dictionaries does."

"But couldn't you make me a few words on a piece of birch?" the boy persisted.

"I could make your name; or, if I could have time and the things to work with, I might make all your names on pieces of cloth, so that you could keep them always."

"Make me, make me, Tulip," said Light-foot, gleefully. "I don't want my name," said Black-bird.

"Then I won't make it," said Nattie; "though I think it would be very pretty, with a bright bird on a green branch just above it."

"No more was said for many days; but the old