u see I don't know
how. I never was so surprised in all my life. It's knocked the breath
out of me."

Laughter greeted this naive confession. Then everything became easier.

"Suppose," suggested his mother, "you open the box and see what's in
it."

The idea was a happy one. With action his shyness vanished and centering
his attention on the square case in his hand a cry of pleasure escaped
him. Lying there on the dark crimson velvet was a watch--a gold
repeater--bearing the stamp of America's first and oldest watchmaking
factory. He knew all about that particular watch, for he had often seen
it in the show case and coveted it. And now, miracle of miracles, there
it was in his hand with his own monogram adorning its back cover. He had
never expected to possess anything so precious.

"You see, Christopher, we've all enjoyed having you round the store this
winter," murmured McPhearson. "You've brought cheer to everybody. We
shall miss you when you go back to school next season. Nevertheless we
rejoice your eyes are on the mend and we wanted you to know how glad we
are."

"It was bully of you all--simply bully!" burst out the lad. "I don't
deserve anything of the sort, for I know I must have been more bother to
everybody than I was worth. You are the ones who have been patient. But
the watch is a dandy. It is exactly the one I would have picked out
could I have had my choice. You see, I've never owned a line watch. I
guess it was just as well, too, for I never appreciated watchmaking
until Mr. McPhearson told me what a really good watch meant. Now I'd as
soon starve a kitten as not take care of it."

A clapping of hands greeted the assertion.

"But you were wrong about one thing, Dad," the boy continued. "I am not
going to thank the men through Mr. Rhinehart or anybody else. I am going
round the store to thank every person myself."

"Bravo, son!" replied Mr. Burton. "But before you start on this
pilgrimage I have just a word to add. The gift you hold in your hand has
been presented to you by the men of Burton and Norcross. Your mother and
I have had no part in it, and the present we have planned for you has
not yet been delivered. It is a different sort from the one you usually
receive from us. Nevertheless, although it is neither a wireless, a
typewriter, a dog, or a bicycle I hope you are going to like it."

He paused for a moment and glanced round the office.

"There is one man in our employ who has been here