know. Ask
them how many pairs they think they will be able to make in a week, and
say that the price to be paid will be fixed on receipt of the first
sample. But, remember, on no account are you to mention the name of the
house that sent you; you will also leave with them this bag of worsted.
Now, do you fully understand?"

Billy replied by a decided wink, coupled with an intelligent nod.

After a good deal of further advice and explanation, Ruth gave Billy the
name and address of her friends, and sent him forth on his mission.

CHAPTER FIVE.

HOW BILLY CONDUCTS THE BUSINESS--HOW CAPTAIN BREAM OVERCOMES THE
SISTERS, AND HOW JESSIE SEAWARD SEES MYSTERY IN EVERYTHING.

"I wonder," said Billy to himself on reaching the street as he looked
down at the legs of his trousers, "I wonder if they're any shorter.
Yes, they don't seem to be quite so far down on the shoes as when I left
Yarmouth. I _must_ have grow'd an inch or two since I came up to
Lun'on!"

Under this gratifying impression the fisher-boy drew himself up to his
full height, his little chest swelling with new sensations, and his
whole body rolling along with a nautical swagger that drew on him the
admiration of some, the contempt of others, and caused several street
boys to ask "if his mother knowed 'e was hout," and other insolent
questions.

But Billy cared for none of these things. The provincial boy was quite
equal to the occasion, though his return "chaff" smacked much of salt
water.

Arrived at the poverty-stricken street in which the Misses Seaward
dwelt, Billy mounted the narrow staircase and knocked at the door. It
was opened by Liffie Lee, who had remained on that day to accomplish
some extra work.

"Is your missis at home, my dear?"

"There ain't no missis here, an' I ain't _your_ dear," was the prompt
reply.

Billy was taken aback. He had not anticipated so ready and caustic a
response, in one so small and child-like.

"Come now--no offence meant," he said, "but you're not a-goin' to deny
that the Miss Seawards does live here."

"I ain't a-goin' to deny nothink," replied Liffie, a little softened by
the boy's apologetic tone, "only when I'm expected to give a civil
answer, I expects a civil question."

"That's all fair an' aboveboard. Now, will you tell the Miss Seawards I
wants to see 'em, on a matter of business--of importance."

Another minute and Billy stood in the presence of the ladies he wished
to see. Prepared be