"Well, only that yet," answered the boy, pointing to the solitary shilling; "but then you know, I only began yesterday."
Colonel Sturt asked a good many questions about old Dyson, and then took half-a-sovereign from his pocket, and dropped it into the tooth-glass. "That's my contribution," said he.
Humphrey was too much excited by this unexpected munificence to make civil speeches; but his unfeigned surprise and delight were worth all the thanks in the world. He ran after his father to exhibit his treasure, and returned breathless.
"Only think!" he said to Colonel Sturt, "that other gentlemen has given me six shillings; so now I can buy the trumpet directly, and I thought it would be weeks and weeks before I got it!"
The children were now summoned to their tea, and told to wish the gentlemen "good-night," as they were not to come down to dinner.
But Humphrey first extorted a promise from Colonel Sturt, that he would go to the ear-trumpet shop the next day, the very minute he arrived in London, and have it sent off directly.
Sir Everard had nearly finished dressing that evening, when the door was thrown open, and both boys rushed into the room.
"There! take it father," said Humphrey holding out the cigar-case—"that's for you. That's your birthday present—the grand secret! It's no use our trying to keep it any longer, because we can't!"
"Are you surprised, Fardie?" asked little Miles, clapping his hands, and Humphrey eagerly repeated the question.