“And the blacksmith, Mr. Smith; and the cook, Mr. Cook,” added Wallace.
“Yes,” said his father, “and we could think of many more such names; but here we are at Mr. Shoemaker’s. Suppose you attend to this little matter of business by yourself, while I do my errand.”
This made Wallace look pleased and important as he stepped into the shop.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Shoemaker,” he said.
“Good afternoon,” replied the shoemaker; “what can I do for you to-day?”
Wallace handed him the parcel, which he opened.
“Do you think it would pay to put half-soles and new heels on these shoes?” asked the boy.
“Pretty good uppers,” replied the shoemaker, examining them carefully. “I think it would almost double the length of life of these shoes to mend them, but I would not wear the next pair quite so long before having them mended.”
“I think you are right,” said Wallace. “How much will you charge?”