"I wish to consult with you about a couple of my Christmas gifts," I said directly, "if you have leisure to give me a few moments." "I am never too busy to hear anything you may wish to say, especially anything in connection with your benevolent projects," he said, quite genially. "Are you going to buy the stable boy a watch?" "Certainly not anything so unnecessary for that wooden-headed youth. I doubt if he could make out the hour if he possessed one." "Oh, yes he could. Boys are not nearly so stupid as you might imagine," I responded assuringly. "He is very anxious for one. I have been examining the jeweller's stock and can get a very nice-looking watch for five dollars. I was surprised, and think they are marvels of cheapness." "You go entirely by looks, I see, in the matter; but that is all that bright-hued youth will require. Yes, by all means get the watch. Thereby you will add considerably to the pile of human happiness, for a short time, at all events." "Would five dollars be too high to pay for one?" I asked doubtfully. "If you can secure one at a lower price do so by all means," he said with apparent sincerity. "There were some for two and a half dollars; but they looked rather large for a boy of his size." "The less boy the more watch, I should say; but be sure and get a large chain. If the watch gets to be trying on his nerves, he can use the chain to put an end to his troubles." "If he needed them, there are plenty of straps and rope ends about the stable; but Samuel enjoys life too keenly to be easily disconcerted at a few trials. I was looking at the chains too. I did not know before that jewelry was so low priced." "Yes?" he responded, more as a question than affirmation. "I saw elegant watch chains at one of the stores for fifty cents. I told the clerk who I wanted them for, and he very kindly interested himself, and showed me some that he called 'dead bargains.'" "Go then, by all means, and secure a bargain for the boy. I will advance the money." "Oh, thank you, I prefer making the gift myself. I want also to get something for Thomas, and I cannot think of anything but a gun or a book. Do you know if he likes to shoot things?" "If Thomas developed a taste for fire-arms he might take to shooting promiscuously, and life at Oaklands would no longer be so safe as at present. I should certainly advise a book." "But some of them say he cannot read." "It is high time, then, for him to learn. Thomas is a marvel of thrift, and he won't be satisfied to have the book bring in no return. A school book would be a judicious selection." "I saw a book down town about horses and their diseases and treatment. Cook says, 'Thomas dearly loves to fix up medicines for his horses.'" "Very well. Now that matter is settled, have you any further inquiries to make about Christmas presents?" "Not any more, thank you."