'I shall most likely catch you up before you get there.' 'All right,' replied Slyme.
This evening Slyme did not take the direct road home.

He turned into the main street, and, pausing before the window of a toy shop, examined the articles displayed therein attentively.

After some minutes he appeared to have come to a decision, and entering the shop he purchased a baby's rattle for fourpence halfpenny.

It was a pretty toy made of white bone and coloured wool, with a number of little bells hanging upon it, and a ring of white bone at the end of the handle.
When he came out of the shop Slyme set out for home, this time walking rapidly.

When he entered the house Ruth was sitting by the fire with the baby on her lap.