The boy had gone directly to the candy counter.
"Good afternoon, Perry," said the storekeeper. "I don't see you very often."
"Today is my birthday," the boy explained in an excited voice. "I'm eleven years old. My grandfather gave me ten cents to spend."
"That's fine," said the storekeeper. "What kind of candy will you have?"
"I want some of those caramels and lemon drops. Or would I get more——"
Perry broke off to stare at the broken toy lantern which stood on the storekeeper's shelf directly behind the candy counter.
"Why, where did you get my lantern?" he asked quickly. "Give it to me."
"Is this your lantern?" the storekeeper questioned, glancing toward Penny and Susan who had remained some distance away.
"Of course it's mine," said Perry. "Please give it to me."
"But how do I know it is yours?" asked Mr. Turner. He had been coached carefully by Mr. Nichols. "A great many boys have lanterns exactly like this."