44 Tom Seven Years Old.

-and began to work with all his might He
liked rubbing.

“Uncle Charlie gave it me,” said Bob,
rubbing also. “Isn’t it a beauty? I hope
to have some good fishing this year. Uncle
Charlie is going to ask me down to see him.
He promised.”

“ But,” said Tom, stopping to take breath,
“there must be a great many rivers in London
quite full of fish, for I’ve seen shops with
loads and loads of them.”

“Haven't you learnt geography?” said
Bob. “Don’t you know the river London
is built on? I learnt it long ago. I[ hate
oeography. ” | |

“Stop a minute,” said Tom, “while I
think. It begins witha T. It isn’t Tartary
—that’s a place; or turpentine—that’s a stuff.
I know! Its the Thames.”

They rubbed a minute or two without
speaking.

“Bob, said ‘Tom at last, “I want you to
tell me something, if it isn’t a secret. Were
you dreadfully angry with me yesterday ?”