"It would be a shame if they didn't, after the way you handled them just now," exclaimed Esther, indignantly.
Just then they stopped before a fashionable hat-store on Kearney Street, and while Alaric was debating whether he ought to leave the ponies long enough to step inside he was recognized, and a clerk hastened to receive his order.
"Hats and gloves," said Alaric; "you know the sizes."
The clerk answered, "Certainly, Mr. Todd," bowed, and disappeared in the store.
"See those lovely gray 'Tams' in the window, Cousin Rick," said Esther. "Why don't you get one of them? It would be just the thing to wear in the woods."
"All right," replied the boy. "I will."
So when the clerk reappeared with a stylish derby-hat and a dozen pair of gloves Alaric put the former on, said he would keep the gloves, and at the same time requested that one of the gray Tams might be done up for him.
As this order was filled, and the ponies were headed towards home, Esther said; "Why, Cousin Rick, you didn't pay for your things?"
"No," repeated the boy, "I never do."
"You didn't even ask the prices, either."