“Try this one,” said Ray, and he threw a piece of coal on the fire that burned with the most beautiful flame of all. A group of merry children were playing together in the bright flame, and their laughter was like sweet music.
“What good times they are having!” said Ray, and Mr. Pebble cried:
“Yes, indeed, I love little children, and would rather hear their laughter than any other sound in the world.”
“Is that why you tickled me?” questioned Ray, and the little man replied:
“Well, of course, it’s my business to make people laugh. I was looking out for some more coal, you know.”
“You certainly have a very large family to keep warm,” remarked Ray.
“Yes,” answered Mr. Pebble, “and it grows larger every year, and more than all, Tommy is a great care.”
“Is he mischievous?” said Ray.
“O, very,” replied the happy father. “I wonder what he is doing now. Tommy, Tommy,” called his father, “where are you?” but Tommy did not answer, and his numerous brothers and sisters could not find him.
“I think I had better go now,” said Ray, “I’ll stay to dinner some other day.”