“The baker went in to count it, but his wife took it away from him. ‘Not now,’ she said; ‘not until we have thanked this boy.’
“‘You are right!’ cried the baker. ‘It’s the most wonderful thing I ever heard of. How did you manage it?’
“‘Some little men helped me,’ answered Sparkle Spry.
“The woman seized his hands and kissed his fingers. ‘These are the little men,’ she exclaimed.
“‘There’s one thing I’m sorry for,’ said Sparkle Spry.
“‘What is that?’ asked the baker.
“‘Why, we had to burn so much wood.’
“‘Don’t mention it—don’t mention it,’ protested the baker.
“‘Now,’ said the baker’s wife, embracing Sparkle Spry again, ‘you deserve something for making us rich. What shall it be?’
“The baker frowned a little at this, but his brow cleared when Sparkle Spry replied that he wanted a wooden horse built.