Some people like to threaten after the
danger is over.

Then our visitor from the country espied some little blank books lying
on the counter. He had already made up his mind to have one, in which
to keep his accounts; and he thought, while he was waiting, that he
would purchase one. He meant to do things methodically; so when he
picked up one of the blank books, it was with the intention of buying
it.

"Put that book down!" said Mr. Timmins, encouraged in his aggressive
intentions by the previous docility of our hero.

"I want to buy one."

"No, you don't: put it down.".

"What is the price of these?" asked Bobby, resolutely.

"None of your business!"

CHAPTER VIII.

IN WHICH MR. TIMMINS IS ASTONISHED, AND BOBBY DINES IN CHESTNUT STREET.

It was Mr. Bayard. He had finished his business with the gentleman by
his side, and hearing the noise of the scuffle, had come to learn the
occasion of it.

"This impudent young puppy wouldn't let the books alone!" began Mr.
Timmins. "I threatened to turn him out if he didn't; and I meant to
make good my threat. I think he meant to steal something."

Bobby was astonished and shocked at this bold imputation; but he wished
to have his case judged on its own merits; so he turned his face away,
that Mr. Bayard might not recognize him.

"I wanted to buy one of these blank books," added Bobby, picking up the
one he had dropped on the floor in the struggle.

"All stuff!" ejaculated Timmins. "He is an impudent, obstinate puppy!
In my opinion he meant to steal that book."

"I asked him the price, and told him I wanted to buy it," added Bobby,
still averting his face.

"Well, I told him; and he said it was too high."

"He asked me twenty-five cents for it."

"Is this true, Timmins?" asked Mr. Bayard, sternly.

"No, sir, I told him fourpence," replied Timmins boldly.

"By gracious! What a whopper!" exclaimed Bobby, startled out of his
propriety by this monstrous lie. "He said twenty-five cents; and I
told him I could buy one up in Riverdale, where I came from, for six
cents. Can you deny that?"

"It's a lie!" protested Timmins.

"Riverdale," said Mr. Bayard. "Are you from Riverdale, boy?"

"Yes, sir, I am; and if you will look on your memorandum book you will
find my name there."

"Bless me! I am sure I have seen that face before," exclaimed Mr.
Bayard, as he grasped the hand of Bobby, much to the astonishment and
consternation of Mr. Timmins. Y