“Why, Dr. Spidderkins! How do you do?” he exclaimed. “I am real glad to see you? What can I show you to-day? I didn’t know you were here, or I would have attended to you personally.”
“I guess I made a mistake,” said Tom to himself.
CHAPTER II
TOM IS SUSPICIOUS
Glad that he had not accused the old gentleman of trying to steal the books, Tom moved away, leaving his employer and Dr. Spidderkins in earnest conversation. Tom could hear them talking about rare editions, first folios, and books or pamphlets that were out of print, and very valuable.
“Here, boy, wrap up this bundle,” called a clerk.
“Sure,” replied Tom good-naturedly. “Shall I bring it back to you?”
“No, mark this address on it, and put it where the expressman will get it. It’s got to be delivered to-day.”
“The new boy is better than the other one we had,” observed a second clerk to the one from whom Tom had just taken an order.
“He certainly is. I only hope he keeps it up.”
The rest of that morning Tom found himself busily occupied. There came a little let-up in the rush, about noon, and the lad ventured to ask the senior clerk something about the queer old man who was still browsing away among the books.