But John and Mrs. Krinken were too busy thinking of the story-teller to help him out with his question about the stories.
“Then I’m a going to keep the stocking for the very last one!” said Carl.
“Why?” said his mother.
“’Cause it’s ugly. And I guess I’ll make the shoes tell me their story next; because I might want to put them on, you know!”
And Carl looked down at two sets of fresh-coloured toes, which looked out at him through the cracks of his old half-boots.
Mr. and Mrs. Krinken got up laughing, to attend to their business; and Carl indignantly seizing his shoes, ran off with them out of hearing to the sunny side of the house, where he plumped himself down on the ground with them in front of him, and commanded them to speak.
THE STORY OF THE TWO SHOES.
“I believe,” said the right shoe, “that I am the first individual of my race whose history has ever been thought worth asking for. I hope to improve my opportunity. I consider it to be a duty in all classes for each member of the class——”