"How stodgy they look, Tom! Is it marls (marbles) or cobnuts ?" Maggie's heart sank a little, because Tom always said it was "no good" playing with _her_ at those games, she played so badly.
"Marls! no; I've swopped all my marls with the little fellows, and cobnuts are no fun, you silly, only when the nuts are green.

But see here!" He drew something half out of his right-hand pocket.
"What is it ?" said Maggie, in a whisper.

"I can see nothing but a bit of yellow." "Why, it's--a--new--guess, Maggie!" "Oh, I _can't_ guess, Tom," said Maggie, impatiently.
"Don't be a spitfire, else I won't tell you," said Tom, thrusting his hand back into his pocket and looking determined.
"No, Tom," said Maggie, imploringly, laying hold of the arm that was held stiffly in the pocket.

"I'm not cross, Tom; it was only because I can't bear guessing.

_Please_ be good to me." Tom's arm slowly relaxed, and he said, "Well, then, it's a new fish-line--two new uns,--one for you, Maggie, all to yourself.