When he returned to the market to his grandfather the bird picture book was in his possession.
"Spent all your money?" William Brown inquired, smiling.
Billy shook his head.
"No," he replied. "I've sixpence left that I'm going to save towards buying a pocket-knife."
He did not tell his grandfather then what he had purchased, but on the way home, some hours later, he told him.
"It's all pictures of birds," he explained. "I'm sure May'll be pleased with it."
"Aye, I reckon!" William Brown nodded. He had refused to allow Billy to drive on the homeward journey, saying that it would be dark very soon. But Billy was not nervous to-day, as he had been during his first drive from Exeter. He knew now how sure-footed Jenny was, and that his grandfather was a careful driver. By-and-by his grandfather began to talk of the plans his Exeter acquaintances were making for growing big crops of vegetables and corn next year.
"Every one's as keen as pepper to get as much as possible out of the land," he said. "We men at home mean to show our fighting men we can do our bit as well as they can. And may God prosper our labours! After all's said and done, we can't do anything without Him! The harvest's in His hands, you know, Billy! Ah! those who work on the land need to put a deal of faith in th' Almighty."
They had nearly reached home now. A few minutes later Jenny was picking her way down the cart track at the back of the house, her master at her head. Then she drew up with a satisfied snort before the back door. Billy jumped out, and ran into the kitchen, his purchase under his arm. He had hoped to see May. But she was not there. Having known he would be absent she had not been near Rowley Cottage for the day. No one was there but Mrs. Brown.
"Oh, Granny!" cried the little boy, "look here! Grandfer gave me half-a-crown, and I bought this."