“Hooray!” cried Peter, suddenly, “I've got it.” He jumped up and kicked at the loose hay.
“What?” said the others, eagerly.
“Why, Perks is so nice to everybody. There must be lots of people in the village who'd like to help to make him a birthday. Let's go round and ask everybody.”
“Mother said we weren't to ask people for things,” said Bobbie, doubtfully.
“For ourselves, she meant, silly, not for other people. I'll ask the old gentleman too. You see if I don't,” said Peter.
“Let's ask Mother first,” said Bobbie.
“Oh, what's the use of bothering Mother about every little thing?” said Peter, “especially when she's busy. Come on. Let's go down to the village now and begin.”
So they went. The old lady at the Post-office said she didn't see why Perks should have a birthday any more than anyone else.
“No,” said Bobbie, “I should like everyone to have one. Only we know when his is.”
“Mine's to-morrow,” said the old lady, “and much notice anyone will take of it. Go along with you.”