"Good-by," was Tode's answer, as he vanished around the corner. He went directly to the spot opposite the depot, which he had selected the night before, and descended at once to the cellar.
"Want to rent that stone out down there, between your building and the alley?" he questioned of the ill-looking man, who seemed to be in attendance.
"Um, well, no, I reckon not; guess you'd have a time of getting it away."
"Don't want to get it away; it's just in the right spot for me."
"What, for the land's sake, do you mean to do?"
"I mean to set up business right out there on that stone."
This idea caused a general laugh among the loungers in the cellar; but Tode stood gravely awaiting a decision.
"What wares might you be going to keep, youngster?" at last queried one of the red-nosed customers.
"Cakes and coffee."
"Oh, ho!" exclaimed the proprietor, eyeing him keenly. "And whisky, too, I wouldn't be afraid to bet."