The white owl lives by the sea , and in cold places , and looks something like a hawk . There is a kind of owl that makes holes to live in like moles . It is called the burrowing owl , and is very small . The barn-owl is the commonest kind ; and I have watched one sitting in a hole in a tree , looking like a little gray cat , with one eye shut and the other open . He comes out at dusk , and sits round waiting for the bats . I caught one , and here he is . '' With that Nat suddenly produced from inside his jacket a little downy bird , who blinked and ruffled his feathers , looking very plump and sleepy and scared . `` Do n't touch him ! He is going to show off , '' said Nat , displaying his new pet with great pride . First he put a cocked hat on the bird 's head , and the boys laughed at the funny effect ; then he added a pair of paper spectacles , and that gave the owl such a wise look that they shouted with merriment . The performance closed with making the bird angry , and seeing him cling to a handkerchief upside down , pecking and `` clucking , '' as Rob called it . He was allowed to fly after that , and settled himself on the bunch of pine-cones over the door , where he sat staring down at the company with an air of sleepy dignity that amused them very much . `` Have you anything for us , George ? '' asked Mr. Bhaer , when the room was still again . `` Well , I read and learned ever so much about moles , but I declare I 've forgotten every bit of it , except that they dig holes to live in , that you catch them by pouring water down , and that they ca n't possibly live without eating very often ; '' and Stuffy sat down , wishing he had not been too lazy to write out his valuable observations , for a general smile went round when he mentioned the last of the three facts which lingered in his memory . `` Then we are done for to-day , '' began Mr. Bhaer , but Tommy called out in a great hurry , `` No we ai n't . Do n't you know ? We must give the thing ; '' and he winked violently as he made an eye-glass of his fingers . `` Bless my heart , I forgot ! Now is your time , Tom ; '' and Mr. Bhaer dropped into his seat again , while all the boys but Dan looked mightily tickled at something .
XXXXX , Tommy , and Demi left the room , and speedily returned with a little red morocco box set forth in state on Mrs. Jo 's best silver salver .
Bhaer Dan George Nat Rob Stuffy Tom eye-glass moles pine-cones