The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1888-08-10
Won ok quite like a respectable

,Yoh | ok quite like a respectable
sa;ti,r4l," said the other.
Il say interrupted the other,
what do you want to shoot MS for?
We " do you any harm, but you
men are always after u.s."
Mr.. Thompson looked very sheepish
for a few minptesi finally he muttered
something TO the effect that he did not
shoot any.
II know" answered the squirrel,
cheerfully, ..you never shoot, because,
in the frst place, you are SO much in
tcrcstod in what is going on. on the
ground that you never think to look up
in the trees; then, il somebody points
us out 10 you, you do as you did the
other day. and stop TO see what we are
going to do and the squirrel laughed
again.
"Well, you see,h explained Mr..
Thompson, volubly, II don't care for
cunning, but | am interested in the
habits of animals, and I try to study
them at every opportunity"
'interested, ehp Well, then, l think
can show you Il thing or two. Come
on" said the larger squirrel.
lie Jumped from branch to branch;
Nj. Thompson following. Atlast they
reached y tall tree, nearly at the TOP
Of which was what appeared to be 4
great bunch of dry leaves lodged in d
crotch. But when Mr.. Thompson
came close TO it lie discovered tina. it
was made Of twigs, ~curiously twiaed
together, and made into q sort oil u
nest.
This" said the squirrel, sis my
summer residence. You see it is trong-
~ enough built 10 withstand the lighter
storms OF summer. then the foliage on
the trees protects it as we'll"
"llow do you get imp inquired Mr..
Thompson.
Here is the doorway, on the south
east side"
"Why on the southeast side?"
The squirrel laughed, then answered:
"lou know we squirrels are very fond
OF sunshine, and we even go 50 far rs
TO always build The doors OF OUT houses
toward the south, unless sonic obstacle
prevents. Won't you come IMP" he
continued, politely.
Mr.. Thompson entered. He was in
Il circular room about as large as a
boys head. 1t was lined with an
abundance Of dry leaves, and really
seemed very coy. He only remained
q moment, however, for his guide ask
ed him to go and sec his winter quar-
tiers.
They jumped from tree to tree, until
they at last came TO u magnificent old
oak. The squirrel scampcred up, and
Mr.. Thompson followed close behind.
Suddenly he paused. On the under
side OF one of the great branches Was d
knot-hoi. The squirrel entered, and
Mr.. Thompson followed. They were
in the hollow of the old tree. Up at
II end, above the knot-hole, the tree
grew smaller, and the squirrel had
used this space for storing his winter
provisions of nuts and corn. AT the
other end, where the hollow grew larg-
er, was a bed Of dry leaves and moss.
After having admired the winter res
idence, they started to the tree whore
they had first met. When they had
reached the branch they sat down tc
rest.
.'Do you keep all your winter stores
in that tree?" inquired Mr.. Thomp'
son.
"Oh, no." answered the squirrel,
''they are hid all oven the grove. In
fact But look at the leaves where
your pipe fell!!"
Mr.. Thompson looked. Sure enough.
the dry leaves had taken fire, and {
tiny tongue of flame was tapping its
way toward where Mr.. Tliompson's
game bag lay. A thought flashed
across his mind, My powder is in thai
game bag!' lie exclaimed.
Jump for it," replied the squirrel,
Just spring from the branch and
guide yourself with your tail"
Mr.. Thompson sprang, but he die
not seem TO get the knack of guiding
himself with his tail, for over and ovel
he tumblcd until he reached the ground
just in time to hear a terrible explosion
lie lay for n moment stunned, ther
sprang to his feet and rubbed his eyes
There lay his game bag torn to rags
About twenty feet off was his shot
pouch. The two barrels of his gur
had burst, and the whole outfit, in fact
was ruined.
He gazcd sadly at the wreck. Thci
for the first time, he realized that III
was burned. He looked at himself
His coat was half burned off, and hi.
hand was full OF specks Of powder from
the explosion.
He picked up the scattered relics o
his hunting expedition, and trudget
YEARLY toward home. Arrived there
he tried to sneak in the back way; bu
it was no use; the family saw him, an,
he was s~traightway overwhelmed witt
questions.
"You see, l went up in a tree to tall
with q squirrel, and while l vas gone
said Mr.. Thompson.
TIP in Il tree! To talk with a SPUR
rci!' choruscd the boarders.
-'Yes,' replied Mr.. Thompson, snap
pish!N.
Don't YOU suppose l know? Don
look asst | knew" And with a rue
!nl glance at his ruined equipments
he trnagcd GROSSLY off to his room, an,
has Q er >ince refused to speak of tn
matter. -Hnipcr's Young Folks.
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