The General bent over him and, with an apology, set him on his feet.
“I beg your pardon, sir. That was my fault. That is a pretty big bundle you have.”
“Yes, sir; and I tell you, it is pretty heavy, too,” the manikin said, proudly. “It 's a Christmas gift.” He started on, and the General turned with him.
“A Christmas gift! It must be a fine one. Who gave it to you?” demanded the General, with a smile at the little fellow's confidence.
“It is a fine one! Did n't anybody give it to me. We 're giving it to somebody.”
“Oh! You are? To whom?”
“I 'll tell you; but you must promise not to tell.”
“I promise I will not tell a soul. I cross my heart.”
He made a sign as he remembered he used to do in his boyhood.
The boy looked up at him doubtfully with a shade of disapproval.