Mr. Crotchet began opening Todd's shop with such a fury and a vengeance, that the clatter and the speed with which the operation was being accomplished, brought Todd out of the parlour to see what on earth Charley was about. When he saw Crotchet coming in with three shutters in his arms at once, he could scarcely believe his eyes, and he roared out—
"What's this? Who are you?"
"Easy—easy," said Crotchet. "Don't get in the way old gentleman. Easy. There now!"
Crotchet managed to give Todd such a rap on the side of the head with the shutters, that a thousand lights danced in his eyes, and he writhed with pain.
"Well, I never," said Crotchet, "I hope I haven't hurt you, old man? You see I was a passing, and seed as these here shutters was rather a bit top-heavy for your little son here, and I thought I'd give him a helping hand. To be sure he didn't want me to, but you see I would, and perhaps as your old head is getting better, you wouldn't mind a pint of beer, old gentleman?"
"You atrocious villain," yelled Todd, "I'll cut your throat. I'll polish you off. I'll—I'll—would you like to be shaved?"
"I've had a scrape already," said Crotchet, "and if you won't stand the beer, why you won't, and there's no bones broke arter all. Good morning, old Grampus. Good morning my little chap, I wishes you good luck; and if I am passing again, I don't mind lending you a helping hand, though the governor is about one o' the ugliest, nastiest tempered brutes, I ever came near in all my life."
Crotchet went away whistling with great composure.
CHAPTER XCI.
MR. TODD'S FIRST CUSTOMERS.
Todd seized Johanna by the arm, and dragged her into the shop. He locked the door, and then confronting her, he said—