"Oh, yes, indeed!" And he made a funny bow, at which Charley laughed and blushed.
"Now, how much shall I pay you for the milk, my boy? It's a great treat, I assure you."
"Oh, we don't want any pay, sir!" Charley's cheeks grew rosier than ever, as he drew back his hand, into which the gentleman was trying to put some money. "Mother was very happy to get it for you."
"Then, Charley, we'll accept it with many thanks."
"Tell your mother," said Mrs. Bryant, "that her son has honored her this afternoon by his good conduct."
The little fellow ran in with sparkling eyes. When he had carried the empty pitcher to the kitchen, he sat down by his mother and told her all about his new friends.
"I hope I shall see them again some time," he said; "they're real nice people."
[CHAPTER II.]
CHARLEY'S PLAN.
THE next day, Mr. Bryant walked into a large bookstore in the city where he lived. There were shelves of books for men and women, and shelves for children, filled with prettily bound volumes.