He already had it, Tom thought, but the old gentleman was such a delightful character, that the boy could not help liking him.
“Come right into the sitting-room,” went on the doctor. “Let me see, your name is Theopholus, isn’t it?”
“No, sir, it’s Tom Baldwin.”
“Oh, yes, I recollect now. Well, Tom, just sit down a minute, and I’ll get the money. Please don’t disturb any of the books or papers. I’m writing another book on how to avoid taking colds, and I’m looking up all the authorities about that form of disease.”
The table was covered with books and papers, and Tom took a seat far enough away so that there would be no danger of disturbing them.
“Eliza, have you seen my pocketbook?” Dr. Spidderkins called, as he left the room.
“I put it right on top of your desk, where you couldn’t help but see it,” answered Mrs. Sandow.
“Oh, yes, of course; I remember now. I have it in my pocket.”
The doctor came back into the sitting-room. He was followed a moment later by a tall, dark complexioned man, whose eyes, as Tom noticed at a glance, seemed to be continually shifting about.
“Ah, Barton, are you going to sit here and read?” asked the doctor pleasantly.