What do you think we chose ? '' `` A butterfly-net ; he wants one ever so much , '' said Nat , looking a little disappointed , for he meant to get it himself . `` No , sir ; it 's to be a microscope , a real swell one , that we see what-do-you-call - 'em s in water with , and stars , and ant-eggs , and all sorts of games , you know . Wo n't it be a jolly good present ? '' said Tommy , rather confusing microscopes and telescopes in his remarks . `` Tip-top ! I 'm so glad ! Wo n't it cost a heap , though ? '' cried Nat , feeling that his friend was beginning to be appreciated . `` Of course it will ; but we are all going to give something . I headed the paper with my five dollars ; for if it is done at all , it must be done handsome . '' `` What ! all of it ? I never did see such a generous chap as you are ; '' and Nat beamed upon him with sincere admiration . `` Well , you see , I 've been so bothered with my property , that I 'm tired of it , and do n't mean to save up any more , but give it away as I go along , and then nobody will envy me , or want to steal it , and I sha n't be suspecting folks and worrying about my old cash , '' replied Tommy , on whom the cares and anxieties of a millionaire weighed heavily . `` Will Mr. Bhaer let you do it ? '' `` He thought it was a first-rate plan , and said that some of the best men he knew preferred to do good with their money instead of laying it up to be squabbled over when they died . '' `` Your father is rich ; does he do that way ? '' `` I 'm not sure ; he gives me all I want ; I know that much . I 'm going to talk to him about it when I go home .
Anyhow , I shall set him a good example ; '' and XXXXX was so serious , that Nat did not dare to laugh , but said , respectfully , `` You will be able to do ever so much with your money , wo n't you ? ''
Bhaer Nat Tommy ant-eggs butterfly-net chap dollars microscopes paper sir