202 Red- Boots.

a pair of stout commonsense walking boots from
the lower shelf. ‘But,’ he added heartily, ‘‘we
are very glad to welcome you here in our midst,
little Red-Boots,” and all the other shoes squeaked
their approval. ‘Yes,’ continued he, “and not
only do we bid you welcome, but I propose that
to-night we give a ball in your honor, for ’t is
seldom that such a beautiful pair of boots comes
to this window.”

At this the boots grew redder than ever with
delight, and all in the window expressed pleasure,
particularly the dancing shoes, of which there were
many.

‘And where will you get your music?” said
the red boots. All laughed at this.

“Look,” said one, pointing to a broad band
of brass, which went directly across the window,
bearing the name of the owner of the shop, “ what
is that?”

« A brass band,” said Red-Boots.

«“ And what better music could one want than
that?” said the other.

After it grew dark, and the shop was closed,