`` Oh ! tell about the Indians , '' cried Demi , who was fond of playing wigwam . `` Dan knows lots about them , '' added Nat . `` More than I do , I dare say . Tell us something , '' and Mr. Laurie looked as interested as the other two . `` Mr. Hyde told me ; he 's been among 'em , and can talk their talk , and likes 'em , '' began Dan , flattered by their attention , but rather embarrassed by having a grown-up listener . `` What is wampum for ? '' asked curious Demi , from his perch . The others asked questions likewise , and , before he knew it , Dan was reeling off all Mr. Hyde had told him , as they sailed down the river a few weeks before . Mr. Laurie listened well , but found the boy more interesting than the Indians , for Mrs. Jo had told him about Dan , and he rather took a fancy to the wild lad , who ran away as he himself had often longed to do , and who was slowly getting tamed by pain and patience . `` I 've been thinking that it would be a good plan for you fellows to have a museum of your own ; a place in which to collect all the curious and interesting things that you find , and make , and have given you . Mrs. Jo is too kind to complain , but it is rather hard for her to have the house littered up with all sorts of rattletraps , half-a-pint of dor-bugs in one of her best vases , for instance , a couple of dead bats nailed up in the back entry , wasps nests tumbling down on people 's heads , and stones lying round everywhere , enough to pave the avenue . There are not many women who would stand that sort of thing , are there , now ? '' As Mr. Laurie spoke with a merry look in his eyes , the boys laughed and nudged one another , for it was evident that some one told tales out of school , else how could he know of the existence of these inconvenient treasures . `` Where can we put them , then ? '' said Demi , crossing his legs and leaning down to argue the question . `` In the old carriage-house . '' `` But it leaks , and there is n't any window , nor any place to put things , and it 's all dust and cobwebs , '' began Nat . `` Wait till Gibbs and I have touched it up a bit , and then see how you like it . He is to come over on Monday to get it ready ; then next Saturday I shall come out , and we will fix it up , and make the beginning , at least , of a fine little museum .
Every one can bring his XXXXX , and have a place for them ; and Dan is to be the head man , because he knows most about such matters , and it will be quiet , pleasant work for him now that he ca n't knock about much . ''
boy boys instance lad leaks look place plan things window