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 our mark, that I have got to make some change in it; and I'm marking part of the new goods this way. It's plain enough if you use a little common sense."

I had to admit that it was, and Uncle Rob put the thimble into a box while Bess and I browsed some more among the new Holiday stuff. After a while I found a portfolio that I wanted, and looked at the mark, and then I took it to Uncle Rob. "What would you think that cost?" I asked.

"A dollar and a half," said Uncle Rob,—"the same as the thimble didn't."

"And it's marked to sell at one-twenty-five!"

"Better buy at retail," said Uncle Rob. "But wait, there's that little two-spot, exactly where the other one was,—that makes it cost three dollars."

"Worse and worse! But what do you suppose it really did cost?"

"Can't prove it by me," said Uncle Rob, shaking his head.

I waited until Dad came up the store again. "Say, Dad," I called; "I want to buy this portfolio."

"Well then, why don't you buy it," said Dad.