“Oh, if that’s all,” said the little man, “come with me,” and, taking Tommy’s hand, he led him through a convenient little door which opened in the trunk of the apple-tree. It led straight into the most beautiful garden in the world.
“Now then,” said the little man, “do nothing as hard as you like.” And he plumped Tommy down on a grassy bank.
Presently a troop of merry children came by with balls and hoops. Tommy jumped up to catch a golden ball that rolled his way.
“Lie down, sir,” said the little man, for all the world as though he had been a dog, Tommy thought; “you wanted to do nothing, remember!”
“I meant no lessons,” said Tommy.
“You didn’t say so,” said the little man. “Besides, all those children have done their lessons, or they would not be allowed to stay here.”
Some more children came by riding on white ponies. One pony had no rider. Tommy started up. It would be lovely to ride that long-tailed pretty little pony.
“Lie down, sir,” said the apple-man crossly; “you came here to do nothing and I’m going to see that you do it.”
“I am doing something anyhow,” said Tommy suddenly. “I’m sitting down.”