`` Do you like travelling ? '' asked Dora , presently , when the letters and papers fell asleep , lulled by the motion of the cars . `` Not yet , but I shall when I can look about me . This bundle near by says the mails are often sorted in the cars , and in that way we shall see something of the world , I hope , '' answered Flora , cheering up , for , like her mamma , she was of an enquiring turn . The dolls took a nap of some hours , and were roused by a general tumbling out on a long shelf , where many other parcels lay , and lively men sent letters and papers flying here and there as if a whirlwind was blowing . A long box lay beside the dolls who stood nearly erect leaning against a pile of papers . Several holes were cut in the lid , and out of one of them was thrust a little black nose , as if trying to get air . `` Dear me ! what can be in it ? '' said Flora , who was nearest . `` I 'm a poor little alligator , going to a boy in Chicago , if you please , and I want my mother , '' sobbed a voice from the box , and there was a rap on the lid as of an agitated tail . `` Mercy on us ! I hope we shall not have to travel with the monster , '' whispered Dora , trying to see over her shoulder . `` I 'm not afraid . He ca n't be very dreadful , for the box is not any longer than we are . Natural history is very useful ; I 've heard mamma say so , and I shall talk with him while we rest here , '' answered Flo , nodding toward the eye which now took the place of the nose . So the little alligator told her something of his home on the banks of a great river , where he was just learning to play happily with his brothers and sisters , when he was caught and sent away to pine in captivity . The dolls comforted him as well as they could , and a pair of baby 's shoes travelling in an envelope sympathized with him , while a shabby bundle directed to `` Michael Dolan , at Mrs. Judy Quin 's , next door to Mr. Pat Murphy , Boston , North street , '' told them to `` Whisht and slape quite till they came forninst the place . '' `` Such low people ! '' whispered Do to Flo , and both stood primly silent till they were tumbled into another mail bag , and went rattling on again with a new set of companions .
`` I hope that poor baby will go safely and the boy be good to him , '' said XXXXX , for the little alligator went with the live stock in some other way .
Boston Chicago Dora Flo Flora Murphy Quin Whisht hours slape