"I was trying to collect bottles to buy something really special, but I can't seem to find a lot, Dad," replied Peter. "I've looked everywhere - the woods, ditches, around the park, but I only found a dozen bottles."

"Something really special, eh? Something like a new baseball glove?"

"Ah.....yeah, something like that, Dad."

"Well, I bet if you work really hard, you'll find more bottles and be able to buy that glove."

Later that night, when he was lying in bed, Ralph started to think about Peter's problem. "It's a shame that he can't find more bottles to buy what he wants. He's working so hard, Ellen. It's not fair that he doesn't get a little something for his hard work," Ralph said to his wife. "Maybe I can help him out. But I don't want to just give him the money; that's too easy. I want him to know that you need to work for your money."

"I'm sure you'll think of something, honey," Ellen responded.

The next day, Ralph was at the wharf. His buddies were getting ready to go fishing. "Sure is hot," said Michael as he threw his pop bottle on the wharf.

That gave Ralph an idea. "Hey, Michael, do you want this bottle?" asked Ralph as he picked it up. Michael shook his head no. "You fellas wouldn't mind keeping these for me? My son is collecting them." They all agreed to keep their bottles for Ralph.