Here you are . Is n't my guinea-pig a beauty ? '' and Tommy proudly presented one of the ugliest specimens of that pleasing animal that Nat ever saw . `` I know a boy with a dozen of 'em , and he said he 'd give me one , only I had n't any place to keep it , so I could n't have it . It was white , with black spots , a regular rouser , and maybe I could get it for you if you 'd like it , '' said Nat , feeling it would be a delicate return for Tommy 's attentions . `` I 'd like it ever so much , and I 'll give you this one , and they can live together if they do n't fight . Those white mice are Rob 's , Franz gave 'em to him . The rabbits are Ned 's , and the bantams outside are Stuffy 's . That box thing is Demi 's turtle-tank , only he has n't begun to get 'em yet . Last year he had sixty-two , whackers some of 'em . He stamped one of 'em with his name and the year , and let it go ; and he says maybe he will find it ever so long after and know it . He read about a turtle being found that had a mark on it that showed it must be hundreds of years old . Demi 's such a funny chap . '' `` What is in this box ? '' asked Nat , stopping before a large deep one , half-full of earth . `` Oh , that 's Jack Ford 's worm-shop . He digs heaps of 'em and keeps 'em here , and when we want any to go afishing with , we buy some of him . It saves lots of trouble , only he charged too much for 'em . Why , last time we traded I had to pay two cents a dozen , and then got little ones . Jack 's mean sometimes , and I told him I 'd dig for myself if he did n't lower his prices .
Now , I own two hens , those gray ones with top knots , first-rate ones they are too , and I sell Mrs. Bhaer the eggs , but I never ask her more than twenty-five cents a XXXXX , never !
Stuffy beauty boy dozen heaps place prices specimens spots time