`` 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 things , 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 . '' `` Wo n't that be jolly ? '' cried Nat , while Dan smiled all over his face and had not a word to say , but hugged his book , and looked at Mr. Laurie as if he thought him one of the greatest public benefactors that ever blessed the world . `` Shall I go round again , sir ? '' asked Peter , as they came to the gate , after two slow turns about the half-mile triangle . `` No , we must be prudent , else we ca n't come again .
I must go over the premises , take a look at the carriage-house , and have a little talk with Mrs. Jo before I go ; '' and , having deposited XXXXX on his sofa to rest and enjoy his book , Uncle Teddy went off to have a frolic with the lads who were raging about the place in search of him .
Dan Demi Gibbs Jo Peter benefactors dor-bugs rattletraps wampum weeks