“Look, father, look!” he cried, pointing; but Johnny’s sled was far down the hill before his father could see him. A few minutes later he came trudging up the hill again and, seeing Tommy, ran across and asked him if he would like to have a ride. Tommy’s heart bounded, but sank within him again when his father said, “I am afraid he is rather little.”
“Oh! I’ll take care of him, sir,” said Johnny, whose cheeks were glowing. Tommy began to jump up and down.
“Please, father, please,” he urged. His father only smiled.
“Why, you are not so very big yourself,” he said to Johnny.
“Big enough to take care of him,” said Johnny.
“Why, father, he’s awful big,” chimed in Tommy.
“Do you think so?” laughed his father. He turned to Johnny. “What is your name?”
“Johnny, sir. I live down below your house.” He pointed across toward his own home.
“I know him,” said Tommy proudly. “He has got goats and he let me drive them.”
“Yes, he can drive,” said Johnny, condescendingly, with a nod, and Tommy was proud of his praise. His father looked at him.