`` She is such an inquisitive little body she is always poking that mite of a nose into everything ; and as Paul Pry did not suit , the boys fell to calling her Pokey . Not a pretty name , but very expressive . '' It certainly was , for , having examined the shells , the busy tot laid hold of everything she could find , and continued her researches till Archie caught her sucking his carved ivory chessmen to see if they were not barley sugar . Rice paper pictures were also discovered crumpled up in her tiny pocket , and she nearly smashed Will 's ostrich egg by trying to sit upon it . `` Here , Jim , take her away ; she 's worse than the puppies , and we ca n't have her round , '' commanded the elder brother , picking her up and handing her over to the little fellow , who received her with open arms and the warning remark , `` You 'd better mind what you do , for I 'm going to ` dopt Pokey like Rose did Phebe , and then you 'll have to be very good to her , you big fellows . '' '' ` Dopt away , baby , and I 'll give you a cage to keep her in , or you wo n't have her long , for she is getting worse than a monkey '' ; and Archie went back to his mates , while Aunt Jessie , foreseeing a crisis , proposed that Jamie should take his dolly home , as she was borrowed , and it was time her visit ended . `` My dolly is better than yours , is n't she ? 'cause she can walk and talk and sing and dance , and yours ca n't do anything , can she ? '' asked Jamie with pride , as he regarded his Pokey , who just then had been moved to execute a funny little jig and warble the well-known couplet , '' ` Puss-tat , puss-tat , where you been ? ' ' I been Lunnin , to saw a Tween . '' ' After which superb display she retired , escorted by Jamie , both making a fearful din blowing on conch shells . `` We must tear ourselves away , Rose , because I want to get you home before sunset . Will you come for a drive , Jessie ? '' said Dr. Alec , as the music died away in the distance . `` No , thank you ; but I see the boys want a scamper , so , if you do n't mind , they may escort you home , but not go in . That is only allowed on holidays . '' The words were hardly out of Aunt Jessie 's mouth when Archie said , in a tone of command , `` Pass the word , lads . Boot and saddle , and be quick about it . '' `` All right ! '' And in a moment not a vestige of boy remained but the litter on the floor .
The cavalcade went down the hill at a pace that made Rose cling to her uncle 's arm , for the fat old horses got excited by the antics of the ponies careering all about them , and went as fast as they could pelt , with the gay dog-cart rattling in front , for XXXXX and Charlie scorned shelties since this magnificent equipage had been set up .
Archie Jim Phebe Pokey Pry Puss-tat Tween conch couplet right