182 COUNTING DICK 



will bring your sled, I think. Papa does love 

 his Dicky boy.'' 



The little fellow found it hard to wait for 

 his father's return. He had made up his mind 

 to be very brave for his mother's sake, for he 

 was sure he had seen tears on her face when 

 they had talked about the sled. At twilight 

 papa came, but, sorrowful to say, there was 

 no red Rover to delight little Dick. The child'b 

 lips quivered, but he choked b;>ck his sobs and 

 made no complaint at the supper table as he 

 watched his father with big wondering eyes. 

 When Mr. Sparrow laid down the evening 

 paper, Dick came quickly to hiss side. 



''Papa, can I please count the dollar bills 

 in your pocket? I can count up to twenty 



now.' 



Mr. Sparrow laughed heartily as he answered, 

 "Sure enough, little chap. It would not take you 

 long to count the money that is in papa's pocket 

 tonight. There won't be any twenties this 



CJ / 



time. I am lucky if you find one, my boy." 

 "I shouldn't think you would laugh, papa, 



I'd I'd " 



"Why, what's the matter?" asked his father 



s he put his arm lovingly round his little son. 



