"A hundred an' fifty dollars! My circus hoss an' fine gun an' straw hat an' shiny boots is all up a holler stump, dog-gone my buttons, an' that thar's jest what's the matter of me.

An' what makes it wusser is, I lost 'em by bein' a fule," added Dan, stamping his bare feet furiously upon the ground.
Just then a lively, cheerful whistle sounded from the inside of the cabin where David was busy arranging his purchases.

Things were taking a turn for the better with him now, and he whistled for the same reason that a bird sings--because he was happy.
"If I could only think up some way to make that thar mean Dave feel as bad as I do, how quick I'd jump at it! I wish pap was here.

He'd tell me how.

He's as jolly as a mud-turtle on a dry log on a sunshiny day, Dave is, while I---- Whoop!" yelled Dan, jumping up and striking his heels together in his rage.