"I have no doubt this is quite correct, but I shall have to have Mr. Leavitt's certificate to that effect, before I can put your name down, and trust you with books."
"Then can't I take any book to-night?" asked Harry, disappointed.
"I am afraid not."
So it seemed his two-mile walk was for nothing. He must retrace his steps and come again Monday night.
He was turning away disappointed when Dr. Townley, of the lower village, who lived near Mr. Leavitt, entered the library.
"My wife wants a book in exchange for this, Mr. Parmenter," he said. "Have you got anything new in? Ah, Harry Walton, how came you here? Do you take books out of the library?"
"That's is what I came up for, but the librarian says I must bring a line from Mr. Leavitt, telling who I am."
"If Dr. Townley knows you, that is sufficient," said the librarian.
"He is all right, Mr. Parmenter. He is a young neighbor of mine."
"That is enough. He can select a book."