"I don't see," said Minnie, thoughtfully, "how a monkey could ever think of such a way."
"It certainly does show a great deal of sagacity," responded the lady, "and a great deal of cunning in carrying out his plan."
"I hope there are ever so many anecdotes, mamma."
Mrs. Lee turned over the leaves. "Yes, my dear," she said, cheerfully, "there are quite a number; some of them seem to be very amusing, but I have only time to read you one more to-day."
"Dr. Guthrie gives an amusing account of a monkey named Jack.
"Seeing his master and friends drinking whiskey with great apparent relish, he took the opportunity, when he thought he was unseen, to empty their half-filled glasses; and while they were roaring with laughter, he began to hop, skip, and jump. Poor Jack was drunk.
"The next day, his master wanted to repeat the experiment, but found Jack had not recovered from the effects of his dissipation. He commanded him to come to the table; but the poor fellow put his hand to his head, and not all their endeavors could induce him to taste another drop all his life.
Minnie had a cousin Frank, the son of Mr. Harry Lee. He was three years older than Minnie, and was full of life and frolic.
At one time he came to visit Minnie; and fine fun indeed they had with the pets, the monkey being his especial favorite.
Every day some new experiment was to be tried with Jacko, who, as Frank declared, could be taught any thing that they wished. One time, he took the little fellow by the chain for a walk, Minnie gayly running by his side, and wondering what her cousin was going to do.
On their way to the barn, they met Leo, who at once began to bark furiously.
"That will never do, my brave fellow," exclaimed the boy; "for we want you to turn horse, and take Jacko to ride."
"O, Frank! Leo will kill him. Don't do that!" urged Minnie, almost crying.
"But I mean to make them good friends," responded the lad. "Here, you take hold of the chain, and I will coax the dog to be quiet while I put Jacko on his back."
This was not so easy as he had supposed; for no amount of coaxing or flattery would induce Leo to be impressed into this service. He hated the monkey, and was greatly disgusted at his appearance as he hopped, first on Frank's shoulder, and then to the ground, his head sticking out of his little red jacket, and his face wearing a malicious grin.