16 THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS.

better customers than I. Ah, here they are,” he
continued, as the two boys of whom I had taken so
much notice ran up to him from different ends of
the room.

“Well, boys,” said he, “ what have you bought?

Must we hire a wagon to carry your property
home 2” -
_ “Not quite,’ answered Edward. “TI have
bought a wagon-load of amusement, but I can
carry it home well enough myself; I have spent
all my money in this box of tools.”

“A very sensible and useful purchase,” said the
gentleman ; “ they will give you plenty of plea-
sant employment. The only objection is, that they
are likely to be lost or broken at school.”

“IT do not mean to take them to school, papa.
I shall use them in the holidays, and leave them
with Willy when I go back to school; that was one
reason why I bought them. Willy could do a good
deal of carpentering on his sofa.”

“True, my boy, and a kind thought. They
will be a great amusement to poor Willy, and he
will take good care of them for you.”

“ Now, Geoffrey, how have you invested your
capital? I hope you have found a strong spade. It
is fine weather for gardening.”

“No, I haven't,” stammered Geoffrey.