"How's that?" demanded Mr. Smithers, sharply. "I bought Harold Stamford's books yesterday, and they didn't come to that. Name the books."
"Lemme see," answered Tommy. "Singin' book, 'rithmetic, jography."
"Well," said his stepfather, "the first is sixty cents, the second seventy-five, the third a dollar and twenty. I insist upon knowing how you make it out."
He took up the cane which stood in the corner and held it up threateningly.
"Don't hit me and I'll tell you," replied Tommy. "There's half a dollar for a new bat, a dollar for a pair of skates and a quarter for candy."
Mr. Barker burst out laughing.
"I tell you he's smart," he exclaimed, "and you can't punish him for telling the truth."
"I won't this time," replied Mr. Smithers. "Yet I don't half like this sort of thing. Go an' give the horse his supper, Tom."
"Yes, sir," replied Tommy.
He hurried off as if he was glad to get away.