Page:The Grey Story Book (1905).pdf/66

 Jimmie opened his eyes very widely.

"Why, what did you boys think that I was going to do with him?" he asked in surprise.

"Keep him, of course," exclaimed both boys, and "Don't you like rabbits?" added Fred.

"Yes, I like rabbits," replied Jimmie slowly. "I have been just longing for months and months to have a dear little white fellow like this, but this one isn't mine, you know. I'll have to find out where he belongs and take him home."

"O pshaw!" exclaimed Fred, "don't you do it. Sell him to Paul for a quarter and you can buy that set of crayons that you wanted, and no one will know a thing about it, for Paul lives so far away that no one will ever recognize the rabbit."

"Come on, Jimmie, let me have him. I'll give you my box kite, too," coaxed Paul.

But Jimmie only stroked the fluffy white ball that nestled so closely in his arms.

"No, boys, I am going to begin right here and go to every house in the block until I find out where he belongs. I wouldn't steal him,"