The stout gentleman had a tight grip on Johnny’s little red ear.
“Please excuse me about the boat-hook,” and a small brown hand was stretched out and laid in the merchant’s hand.
“Come now. He shall have a cake,” said one of the ladies. “Here, take more; take these, and these.”
“Why don’t you eat them?” asked another lady.
“Oh, I’m going to give them to Nils the fisherman.”
“Why is that?”
“Because he lent me his blouse.” Johnny Blossom was exceedingly serious throughout the whole conversation.
“Good-by.” He bowed, his little naked heels put together in most formal manner.
“Good-by, little Johnny Blossom, and thanks for the pleasure you have given us.”
Just what the pleasure was Johnny Blossom could not exactly understand.