`` Why , he could make birds come to him , and rabbits and squirrels did n't mind him any more than if he was a tree . Did you ever tickle a lizard with a straw ? '' asked Dan , eagerly . `` No , but I should like to try it . '' `` Well , I 've done it , and it 's so funny to see 'em turn over and stretch out , they like it so much . Mr. Hyde used to do it ; and he 'd make snakes listen to him while he whistled , and he knew just when certain flowers would blow , and bees would n't sting him , and he 'd tell the wonderfullest things about fish and flies , and the Indians and the rocks . '' `` I think you were so fond of going with Mr. Hyde , you rather neglected Mr. Page , '' said Mrs. Jo , slyly . `` Yes , I did ; I hated to have to weed and hoe when I might be tramping round with Mr. Hyde . Page thought such things silly , and called Mr. Hyde crazy because he 'd lay hours watching a trout or a bird . '' `` Suppose you say lie instead of lay , it is better grammar , '' said Mrs. Jo , very gently ; and then added , `` Yes , Page is a thorough farmer , and would not understand that a naturalist 's work was just as interesting , and perhaps just as important as his own . Now , Dan , if you really love these things , as I think you do , and I am glad to see it , you shall have time to study them and books to help you ; but I want you to do something besides , and to do it faithfully , else you will be sorry by and by , and find that you have got to begin again . '' `` Yes , ma'am , '' said Dan , meekly , and looked a little scared by the serious tone of the last remarks , for he hated books , yet had evidently made up his mind to study anything she proposed . `` Do you see that cabinet with twelve drawers in it ? '' was the next very unexpected question . Dan did see two tall old-fashioned ones standing on either side of the piano ; he knew them well , and had often seen nice bits of string , nails , brown paper , and such useful matters come out of the various drawers . He nodded and smiled . Mrs. Jo went on , `` Well , do n't you think those drawers would be good places to put your eggs , and stones , and shells , and lichens ? '' `` Oh , splendid , but you would n't like my things ` clutterin ' round , ' as Mr. Page used to say , would you ? '' cried Dan , sitting up to survey the old piece of furniture with sparkling eyes . `` I like litter of that sort ; and if I did n't , I should give you the drawers , because I have a regard for children 's little treasures , and I think they should be treated respectfully .
Now , I am going to make a bargain with you , XXXXX , and I hope you will keep it honorably .
Dan Hyde Indians Jo Page hoe hours lichens lizard squirrels