"Mr. Megalopod," he called, "would you mind doing me a great favor?"
"Not at all—if it is large enough," Mr. Megalopod replied very politely.
"Then will you get my ball for me? It went up on the roof the other day, and it is in the gutter now."
"Quick! give me the trumpet," I said to Harry, as Mr. Megalopod rose. Then I shouted, "I beg you won't put yourself out for such a trifle—!" but he was out of hearing before I had finished.
He soon returned with the ball, and gave it to Harry.
"Lend me the trumpet, Papa," said Harry. "I'm much obliged to you," he shouted.
"Don't mention it," said the giant, seating himself. I forgot to mention that while we were deciding what to give them to sit upon—we had thought of their sitting upon the top of the piazza, but were afraid it would break down with them—Mr. Megalopod had opened out a sort of a walking-stick he carried, and made it into a very comfortable stool, while his wife had a similar portable chair. They were always thoughtful and considerate, as, indeed, I might have known from their speaking-trumpets. Do you suppose, if you were a giant, you would remember to carry a speaking-trumpet for the use of other people? It is such little traits as these that endear giants to their friends. It is not hard to carry a speaking-trumpet in your vest-pocket, but it is the remembering to do so that shows the big-hearted giant.
Soon after they had made their call upon us, my wife told me one morning, while I was shaving, that we ought to return the call soon.
"Of course," I said, stropping my razor slowly and thoughtfully. "Of course. I mean to go very soon. Very soon. I had meant to go several days ago."
