"Polly and Peter," said Mr. Howe, "I have something for you. It is something to use in the winter, and not in the summer. You may have three guesses."
"It can't be a sled," said Polly, "for we have sleds."
"It can't be a coat," said Peter, "for we have coats."
"And we have mittens and leggings and overshoes, too," said Polly.
"It might be my pony," said Peter.
"No," said Polly. "It couldn't be, Peter. We can use a pony in the summer. Let's not guess that."
"Is it good to eat, father?" asked Peter. "I am hungry now."
"No, Peter. And there are four of them; two for each of you. They are hard and shiny."
"Guns, guns!" shouted Peter.
"One guess is gone, Peter. What would you do with two guns?"