"Well, Bobby, how is trade in the book line?" asked the squire, after the young pilgrim had been cordially greeted.
"Pretty fair," replied Bobby, with as much indifference as he could command, though it was hard even to seem indifferent then and there.
"Where have you been travelling?"
"In B——."
"Fine place. Books sell well there?"
"Very well; in fact, I sold out all my stock by noon yesterday."
"How many books did you carry?"
"Fifty."
"You did well."
"I should think you did!" added Annie, with an enthusiasm which quite upset all Bobby's assumed indifference. "Fifty books!"