Then there were a number of crosses to signify kisses, and quite as many blots and smudges, which Alfred did not mean to signify anything in particular.
If Mr. Harmer had seen the letter he would have told Alfred that “breakfast” is the way to spell the word, and that when words end in “y” with a consonant before the “y”, you must change the “y” into “ies” for the plural. For a small boy Alfred usually spelt very well except when he was careless.
There was a post-office at Mr. Cottenham’s, for the general post-office was a long way off, so after breakfast Alfred went into his shop to buy a stamp with one of the few pennies he had.
“Please, sir, will you give me a penny stamp?” he said, putting a bright penny on the counter.
“Certainly, I will give you one, Alfred,” replied Mr. Cottenham. “Have you written home to your mother?”
“Yes, sir, and I have sent her the half-crown.”
“Let me see your letter. You must not send money in an envelope like that without registering the letter.”
“Well, Alfred, it costs twopence more, and then the postman takes care of it so that it shall not get stolen or be lost.”
“Please, sir, I have a penny a week pocket-money, and I will bring you two more pennies presently. I have got four at home.”
“You are a good boy,” said Mr. Cottenham, “so I will register it, and pay the postage for you as well. Give me the letter, I will take care of it.”
Alfred thanked him for his kindness, and ran off with a light heart to school. He did not meet Steve or Walter, as they were arranging how they could fix the batteries so as to give each boy a shock as he entered. Unfortunately for them the first to enter was Mr. Harmer, who received a slight shock, but not so great as theirs when they saw him come in.
“Please, sir, only a little fun. I didn’t think you would be here yet, sir,” said Walter, looking very foolish, and feeling quite as foolish as he looked.
“I am surprised at you, Parker, doing such a thing. You ought to set the boys a good example, as you help me with them. It is the first time you have ever done such a silly thing, so I will say no more this time, but I shall keep your batteries for the rest of this month. I think that will be quite punishment enough.”