Lom Runs Away. 35

 

“Look what a lot I’ve got,’ said Tom,
pouring out his money. “There’s two half-
crowns, and a sixpence, and three threepenny
pieces—I like threepenny pieces—and four |
halfpennies, and a farthing. You mustn’t
touch the farthing, but you may take any of
the others, if you want them, because it’s for
mamma, you know.”

The tall man looked at Tom, and then at
the money, without touching any of it.

“Where do you live, young gentleman ?”
he asked. |

“In the country, shopman,”’ answered Tom.

“But I mean, where do you come from ?”
said he,

“From the Square Gardens,” answered
Tom.

The man looked at the other, and smiled.

—“ Did anyone send you ?” he said.

“Send me?” repeated Tom. ‘No; no-
body knows about them yet. I only saw
them this minute when I was standing out-
side. I am sure mamma would like them.
May I carry them away °”