e than an idle childish habit," continued Grand.

"We used to think it would do him good to have his tongue slit," said
Crayshaw, "but there's no need. When I torment him and chaff him, he
never does it."

"I hope there _is_ no need," said Grand, a little uncertain whether this
remedy was proposed in joke or earnest. "Valentine has been reminding me
that he used to lisp horribly when a child, but he entirely cured
himself before he was your age."

Johnnie, in school-boy fashion, made a face at Valentine when the old
man was not looking. It expressed good-humoured defiance and derision,
but the only effect it produced was on himself, for it disturbed for the
moment the great likeness to his grandfather that grew on him every day.
John had clear features, thick light hair, and deep blue eyes. His son
was dark, with bushy eyebrows, large stern features, and a high narrow
head, like old Grand.

It was quite dark, and the depth of winter, but the thermometer was many
degrees above freezing-point, and a warm south wind was blowing. Grand
rose and rang the bell. "Are the stable lanterns lighted?" he asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Then you two boys come with me."

The boys, wondering and nothing loth, followed to the stable, and the
brown eyes of two large ponies looked mildly into theirs.

"Trot them out," said Grand to the groom, "and let the young gentlemen
have a good look at them."

Not a word did either of the boys say. An event of huge importance
appeared to loom in the horizon of each: he cogitated over its probable
conditions.

"I got a saddle for each of them," said Grand. "Valentine chose them,
Johnnie. There now, we had better come in again." And when they were
seated in the dining-room as before, and there was still silence, he
went on, "You two, as I understand, are both in the same house at
Harrow?"

"Yes, sir."

"And it is agreed that Johnnie could cure himself of his lisp if he
chose, and if you would continually remind him of it?"

"Oh yes, certainly it is."

"Very well, if the thing is managed by next Easter, I'll give each of
you one of those ponies; and," continued Grand cunningly, "you may have
the use of them during the remainder of these holidays, provided you
both promise, upon your honour, to begin the cure directly. If Johnnie
has not left off lisping at Easter, I shall have the ponies sold."

"I'll lead him such a life that he shall wish he'd never been born; I
will indeed," exclaimed Cray