Just then the conductor came along and Thomas spoke to him.
"This is Master Gay Walcott, who is going to Cedarville; will you be kind enough to look out for him, sir?"
"Certainly," replied the conductor, nodding pleasantly and walking away.
Both children returned the conductor's bow; the real Gay because he again forgot, and the mock Gay because she meant to be gentlemanly. It was a little mortifying, therefore, to have the real Gay whisper,—
"You mustn't forget to take off your hat, next time."
"I thought you might like a book, Master Gay," said Thomas, taking a bright-colored volume from his pocket.
Both children made a dive for it.
"Not so fast!" said Thomas. "This is Master Gay's."
The real Gay drew back with a giggle. He had made one more mistake.
"Thank you!" the mock Gay cried, giving Thomas a kiss, quite forgetting that a genuine boy never kisses when he is pleased!