must get one of the _very best_."

"Oh, of course!" said Ambrose at once. But he began to reflect that it
would be very dull never to have any pocket-money to spend, and to wish
that he had followed David's prudent example. He could not possibly
draw back now, but he hoped the mandarin might not prove quite so
expensive as Pennie thought.

Pennie herself hardly knew what to think about the success of her plan.
It certainly had not been received very heartily, but there was no
reason why it should fail if Ambrose and David would remain true to
their promise. That was the question. Much patience and self-denial
would be needed, and it was unfortunate that next month there would be a
great temptation in the way--Cheddington Fair.

David had only agreed to give his share when he did not want to spend it
on anything else. Now even without the attractions of a fair there are
plenty of ways of spending 4 pence a week, and though he had a thrifty
nature, David had never found any difficulty in laying out his money.
Again, Nancy's behaviour had been most disappointing. She had always
been so fond of the old mandarin, who had so often nodded his head for
her pleasure, that Pennie had counted on her support, but instead of
this she had only displayed a most perverse and provoking spirit.

Pennie sighed to remember all these drawbacks, but she determined not to
be beaten without an effort, and directly after tea she set about
preparing a box to receive all possible contributions. Would David lend
his china cottage for the purpose? This being graciously given she
printed the words, "For the Mandarin" in large letters on a piece of
paper, pasted it on the front, and set the house up on the school-room
mantel-piece that it might be constantly before the general eye.

CHAPTER TWO.

THE ROMAN CAMP.

It was about a week after this that the children one day persuaded Miss
Grey to go home across Rumborough Common after a walk. She never liked
to do so, because it was a lonely, desolate place frequented by gypsies
and tramps, but the boys had a special reason for wishing it. There
were the remains of what was called a Roman camp there, which, they felt
sure, was full of strange and curious things--coins, medals, bones,
beads, all manner of desirable objects to add to their collection for
the museum. They had never been lucky enough to find any, but hope did
not forsake them, and as often as they could persuade Miss Gre