At first, Johnny was so astonished and grateful and happy, that he could not reply; but Felix said,—
"There! I knew he'd do it right straight off, Johnny! That's just the way my father does."
Mr. Le Bras laughed at this.
"Johnny is not so used to having what he wants at the first hint," he said; "but, in this case, he happens to want just what I have been wishing he would ask for, and so it comes easy."
Johnny went down street with his father after dinner, and came back on his own bicycle, almost too happy to express his delight at the acquisition.
After Felix had examined the new bicycle, he remarked,—
"It isn't quite as fancy as mine, but it's exactly as good for riding: yes, it's a real good bicycle, Johnny. How I wish my ankle was well! We'd go right off to ride together."
"I'll go right down now, and see Dick about your boat," said Johnny; "and then you can amuse yourself this afternoon, rigging it. I saw him, and asked him if he should be at the shop this afternoon; and he said, 'Yes, come down,' and I said I would."
CHAPTER VI.
TWO LESSONS FROM NATURE.