She plunged her hand deep down in her pocket and drew out a bright new nickel
Billy Boy picked up his baskets and marched off. Pretty soon, thump, thump, thump! went Mrs. Thomas's brass knocker.
The door flew open. "No," said Mrs. Thomas's loud voice, "I don't want—" Then she stopped. Billy Boy was using his magic key.
"I'm Mrs. Sheldon's little boy," explained Billy Boy, pulling off his cap. "Mamma sent you a cake."
Mrs. Thomas just could not resist that key. "Thank you, child," she said, smiling, and lifting out the cake. "Wait a minute," as Billy started down the steps.
She plunged her hand deep down in her pocket and drew out a bright new nickel. "Here," she said, "buy some candy."
The nickel was clutched tightly in Billy Boy's hand when he reached home. "Look what she gave me!" he cried. "And she wasn't a bit cross. It must have been 'count of the key."