Sir Everard admitted that he was getting a little old for these amusements.
"I thought so!" pursued Humphrey, delighted with his own discrimination, "and that's what makes it so difficult. You've got a watch and a thermometer, and all the other things grown-up men have, so it is very puzzling."
"But, my dear child, all the things you mention are very expensive, far beyond your little means, I should think. Why, how much money have you got?"
"Well! that's just the awkward part; I have not got any! But I thought perhaps you wouldn't mind giving me some, as it is for your own birthday present."
Sir Everard laughed.
"Rather an expensive way of having birthday presents."
"I don't think it will be very expensive," said the practical Humphrey; "but of course it depends on what I buy. Here is the shop, father; please stop."
They pulled up before one of those little nondescript shops to be found in every small country-town.
"Now mind," said Humphrey, as he jumped down from his pony, "mind you don't peep through the door, because you might see me looking at things on the counter."
He waited for a moment till he had exacted a promise from Sir Everard, and then ran into the shop.