e can do. If we form the society at all, we can do it within a week."

CHAPTER XVII.

THE PURCHASE.

On the same week, while the plans for a debating society were maturing,
it was announced that the machine-shop would be closed on Saturday.

"I shall go to Boston then," said Nat.

"What for?" inquired Charlie.

"I want to look around among the bookstores; I think a few hours spent
in this way will be of service to me."

"Going to purchase a library, I suppose?" added Charlie, with a peculiar
twinkle proceeding from the corner of his eye.

"Not a very large one, I think; but it is well enough to see what there
is in the world to make a library of."

"I should think it would be nothing but an aggravation to examine a
bookstore and not be able to buy what you want. It is like seeing a good
dinner without being permitted to eat."

"I can tell you better about that after I try it. After walking ten
miles to enjoy the sight, and then returning by the same conveyance, I
can speak from experience."

"Walk!" exclaimed Charlie; "do you intend to walk?"

"Certainly; won't _you_ go with me? I should like some company, though
it is not a very lonely way."

"I prefer to be excused," answered Charlie, "until I know your
experience. But why do you not take the stage and save your
shoe-leather?"

"Because shoe-leather is cheaper than stage-fare," replied Nat. "What
little money I have to spare, I prefer to lay out in books. If the way
to wealth was as plain as it is to Boston market,--as Dr. Franklin
thought,--I should not only ride in the stage to the city, but also
bring back a bookstore."

There was no railroad to the city at that time; but once or twice a day
there was public conveyance by stage.

"Well, a pleasant walk to you," said Charlie; "I hope you will remember
that you are nothing but a country boy when you meet our city cousins. I
shall want to go some time, so you must behave well."

"Much obliged for your advice; I dare say it will be the means of saving
me from everlasting disgrace. What do you charge for such fatherly
counsel?"

"Halloo! here is Frank," exclaimed Charlie, as Frank made his
appearance. "What do you think Nat is going to do on Saturday?"

"What he does every Saturday, I suppose,--work," answered Frank.

"No; there is no work to do on Saturday, and he is going to walk to
Boston to visit the bookstores."

"Nobody can walk there quicker than Nat," replied Frank; "and if he