"Thirty-six," he said, looking up at his mother and father. "That's two less

than last year."

 

"Darling, you haven't counted Auntie Marge's present, see, it's here under this

big one from Mommy and Daddy."

 

"All right, thirty-seven then," said Dudley, going red in the face.

 

Harry, who could see a huge Dudley tantrum coming on, began wolfing down his

bacon as fast as possible in case Dudley turned the table over.

 

Aunt Petunia obviously scented danger, too, because she said quickly, "And we'll

buy you another two presents while we're out today. How's that, popkin? Two more

presents. Is that all right'' Dudley thought for a moment. It looked like hard

work. Finally he said slowly, "So I'll have thirty ... thirty..."

 

"Thirty-nine, sweetums," said Aunt Petunia.

 

"Oh." Dudley sat down heavily and grabbed the nearest parcel. "All right then."

 

Uncle Vernon chuckled. "Little tyke wants his money's worth, just like his

father. 'Atta boy, Dudley!" He ruffled Dudley's hair.

 

At that moment the telephone rang and Aunt Petunia went to answer it while Harry