“Certainly, I will give you one, Alfred,” replied Mr. Cottenham. “Have you written home to your mother?”
“Yes, sir, and I have sent her the half-crown.”
“Let me see your letter. You must not send money in an envelope like that without registering the letter.”
Alfred did not know what that meant.
“Well, Alfred, it costs twopence more, and then the postman takes care of it so that it shall not get stolen or be lost.”
“Please, sir, I have a penny a week pocket-money, and I will bring you two more pennies presently. I have got four at home.”
“You are a good boy,” said Mr. Cottenham, “so I will register it, and pay the postage for you as well. Give me the letter, I will take care of it.”
Alfred thanked him for his kindness, and ran off with a light heart to school. He did not meet Steve or Walter, as they were arranging how they could fix the batteries so as to give each boy a shock as he entered. Unfortunately for them the first to enter was Mr. Harmer, who received a slight shock, but not so great as theirs when they saw him come in.
“What are you doing?” he exclaimed.
“Please, sir, only a little fun. I didn’t think you would be here yet, sir,” said Walter, looking very foolish, and feeling quite as foolish as he looked.