Карлсон, который живет на крыше

           Karlsson’sthousandroosterpictures—didthey,afterall,onlyconsistofthismiserablelittlespecimenofarooster?

           "‘VeryLonelyRooster,’paintedbytheWorld’sBestRoosterPainter,"saidKarlsson,inavoicetremblingwithemotion."Oh,whatabeautifulandsadpicture!ButImustn’tstarttocry,becausethenmytemperaturewillgoup."

           Hethrewhimselfbackagainstthecushionsandheldhisforehead."You’retobelikeamothertome.Goahead!"hesaid.

           Ericdidnotquiteknowhowtobegin."Haveyougotanymedicine?"heaskedhesitantly.

           "Yes,butnotanythatI’dliketotake,"repliedKarlsson."Haveyougotapenny?"

           Erictookapennyoutofhispantspocket.

           "Giveittomefirst,"saidKarlsson.Ericgavehimthepenny.Karlssonheldittightlyinhishandandlookedverycunningandpleased.

           "IknowwhatmedicineIcantake,"hesaid.

           "Which?"askedEric.

           "Karlsson-on-the-Roof’sCure-AllMedicine.It’shalfgumdropsandhalfchocolates,andyoustiritalluptogetherthoroughlywithsomecakecrumbs.Dothat,andI’llhaveadoserightnow,"saidKarlsson."It’sgoodforatemperature."

           "Idon’tthinkso,"saidEric.

           "Whatdoyoubet?"saidKarlsson."IbetyouabarofchocolatethatI’mright."

           EricthoughtthatperhapsthiswaswhatMommyhadmeantwhenshesaidthatyoucoulddecidewhowasrightbyasensiblediscussion.

           "Shallwebet?"repeatedKarlsson.

           "Allright,"saidEric.