To all this conclusive conditional reasoning, which depended upon perhaps, three times repeated, Mr. Gresham made no reply; but he immediately bought the uniform for Hal, and desired that it should be sent to Lady Diana Sweepstakes' sons' tailor, to be made up. The measure of Hal's happiness was now complete.
"And how am I to lay out the three guineas for you, Ben?" said Mr. Gresham. "Speak, what do you wish for first?"
"A great-coat, Uncle, if you please."
Mr. Gresham bought the coat; and after it was paid for, five-and-twenty shillings of Ben's three guineas remained.
"What's next, my boy?" said his uncle.
"Arrows, Uncle, if you please: three arrows."
"My dear, I promised you a bow and arrows."
"No, Uncle, you only said a bow."
"Well, I meant a bow and arrows. I'm glad you are so exact, however. It is better to claim less than more than what is promised. The three arrows you shall have. But go on: how shall I dispose of these five-and-twenty shillings for you?"
"In clothes, if you will be so good, Uncle, for that poor boy, who has the great black patch on his eye."