to have them arrested," said Mr. Ringley. "The broken glass ruined
several pairs of shoes that were in the window." And then he turned
away to wait on another customer.

Soon the large department store was reached and Mrs. Bobbsey let Freddie
and Flossie take their time in looking into the several windows. One was
full of dolls, which made the little girl gape in wonder and delight.

"Oh, mamma, what a flock of dolls!" she cried. "Must be 'bout ten
millions of them, don't you think so?"

"Hardly that many, Flossie; but there are a good many."

"And, oh, mamma, what pretty dresses! I wish I had that doll with the
pink silk and the big lace hat," added the little girl.

"Do you think that is the nicest, Flossie?"

"Indeed, indeed I do," answered the little miss. "It's too lovely for
anything. Can't we get it and take it home?"

"No, dear; but you had better ask Santa Claus to send it to you,"
continued her mother with a smile.

Some wooden soldiers and building blocks caught Freddie's eye, and for
the time being his favorite fire engines were forgotten.

"I want wooden soldiers," he said. "Can set 'em up in a row, with the
sword-man in front, an' the man with the drum."