CHAPTER XXIV.
A CHAPTER ON PONIES.
It was a proud day for Bert when he came home from school, bearing a handsome volume of Captain Gordon Cumming's Adventures in Africa, and he felt as though he could scarcely wait for his father's return from the office, so eager was he to show him his prize. As it was, he watched impatiently for him, and so soon as he came in sight rushed toward him, holding the book above his head, and shouting:
"I've won it. I've won the prize."
The Lloyds were all quite as proud as Bert himself over his success, and they made a very merry quartette as they sat around the dinner-table that evening.
"Dear me! I suppose I'll have to keep my promise now, though it takes my last cent to pay for it," said Mr. Lloyd, with a pretence of looking rueful.
"Indeed you will, father. I'm not going to let you off, of that you may be sure," exclaimed Bert, gleefully, knowing very well that his father was only in fun, and that it would take the cost of a good many ponies to reach his last cent.
"Well, then, sir, since you insist upon it, may I venture to inquire what sort of a pony you would like."
"Oh, I don't know, father."