"Well," says he, "I wouldn't sell 'em to anybody else so, but, seeing it's you, I don't care if you take 'em." I knew he lied, for he never seen me before in his life. Well, he handed down the biscuits, and I took 'em and walked round the store awhile, to see what else he had to sell. At last says I,-- "Mister, have you got any good cider?" Says he, "Yes, as good as ever ye see." "Well," says I, "what do you ax a glass for it?" "Two cents," says he. "Well," says I, "seems to me I feel more dry than I do hungry now. Ain't you a mind to take these 'ere biscuits again, and give me a glass of cider?" And says he,-- "I don't care if I do." So he took and laid 'em on the shelf again, and poured out a glass of cider. I took the cider and drinkt it down, and, to tell the truth, it was capital good cider. Then says I,-- "I guess it's time for me to be a-going," and I stept along towards the door; but says he,-- "Stop, mister: I believe you haven't paid me for the cider?" "Not paid you for the cider!" says I. "What do you mean by that? Didn't the biscuits that I give you just come to the cider?" "Oh, ah, right!" says he. So I started to go again, and says he,-- "But stop there, mister: you didn't pay me for the biscuits." "What!" says I, "do you mean to impose upon me? do you think I am going to pay you for the biscuits and let you keep them, too? Ain't they there now on your shelf? What more do you want? I guess, sir, you don't whittle me in that way." So I turned about and marched off, and left the feller staring and scratching his head, as though he was struck with a dunderment. Howsomever, I didn't want to cheat him, only jest to show 'em it wa'n't so easy a matter to pull my eye-teeth out; so I called in next day and paid him two cents. WILD ANIMALS I HAVE MET BY CAROLYN WELLS THE LION I've met this beast in drawing-rooms, 'Mong ladies gay with silks and plumes. He looks quite bored, and silly, too, When he's held up to public view. I think I like him better when Alone I brave him in his den. THE BEAR I never seek the surly Bear, But if I meet him in his lair I say, "Good day, sir; sir, good day," And then make haste to get away. It is no pleasure, I declare, To meet the cross, ill-natured Bear. THE GOOSE I know it would be of no use To say I'd never met a Goose. There are so many all around, With idle look and clacking sound. And sometimes it has come to pass I've seen one in my looking-glass. THE DUCK This merry one, with laughing eyes, Not too sedate nor overwise, Is best of comrades; frank and free, A clever hand at making tea; A fearless nature, full of pluck, I like her well--she is a Duck. THE CAT