ed him
upstairs to his apartments.

When our hero entered the chamber of Spikeman, he was very much
surprised to find it was spacious, light, and airy, and very clean. A
large bed was in one corner; a sofa, mahogany table, chest of drawers,
and chairs, composed the furniture; there was a good-sized looking-glass
over the chimney-piece, and several shelves of books round the room.
Desiring Joey to sit down and take a book, Spikeman rang for water,
shaved off his beard, which had grown nearly half an inch long, washed
himself, and then put on clean linen, and a very neat suit of clothes.
When he was completely dressed, Joey could hardly believe that it was
the same person. Upon Joey expressing his astonishment, Spikeman
replied, "You see, my lad, there is no one in this town who knows what
my real profession is. I always go out and return at dusk, and the
travelling tinker is not recognised; not that I care for it so much,
only other people do, and I respect their prejudices. They know that I
am in the ironmongery line, and that is all; so I always make it a rule
to enjoy myself after my circuit, and live like a gentleman till part of
my money is gone, and then I set out again. I am acquainted with a good
many highly respectable people in this town, and that is the reason why
I said I could be of service to you. Have you any better clothes?"

"Yes; much better."

"Then dress yourself in them, and keep those you wear for our travels."

Joey did as he was requested, and Spikeman then proposed that they
should make a call at a friend's, where he would introduce our hero as
his nephew. They set off, and soon came to the front of a neat-looking
house, at the door of which Spikeman rapped. The door was opened by one
of the daughters of the house, who, on seeing him, cried out, "Dear me,
Mr Spikeman, is this you? Why, where have you been all this while?"

"About the country for orders, Miss Amelia," replied Spikeman; "business
must be attended to."

"Well, come in; mother will be glad to see you," replied the girl, at
the same time opening the door of the sitting-room for them to enter.

"Mr Spikeman as I live!" exclaimed another girl, jumping up, and
seizing his hand.

"Well, Mr Spikeman, it's an age since we have seen you," said the
mother, "so now sit down and tell us all the news; and Ophelia, my love,
get tea ready; and who is it you have with you, Mr Spikeman?"

"My little nephew, madam; he is about to e