Miss Thompson glanced at him with a look of irritation, which, however, changed to one of merriment at the comic stare of the itinerant, his only answer. Just then there was a bustle in the entry, and the landlord was heard saying in a tone of expostulation—“The gentleman is at his breakfast, sir; have a little patience, and, no doubt, he will satisfy you afterwards. The other boarders are all at the table, and it would only cause a confusion.” “So much the better,” returned a stentorian voice; “let me in, sir, or you shall be exposed for harboring a swindler;” and a formidable-looking person, large of size and exceeding fierce of countenance, entered. He was accompanied by Mr. Smith of the rival house, who designated the lecturer, and striding up to him, he exclaimed, in a strong Connecticut accent, “So, sir! you are the gentleman that entertained this community last evening with a lecture on the ‘Genius of the American People;’ you are Azariah Chowders, are you?” “I sir?—by no means! I rejoice in quite a different appellation.” “No sir,—I myself am Azariah Chowders, and I hereby pronounce you an impudent imposter. I demand to know, sir, how you could dare to avail yourself of my name and well-earned reputation to deliver a spurious lecture and rob the pockets of a large audience?” “From several reasons, sir. In the first place, to relieve the solicitude of that gentleman, Mr. Smith.” “That shall not serve you! your flagitious conduct,—” “Pray hear me out, sir! secondly, as he assured me a number of persons would be disappointed if they should not hear a lecture—common philanthropy—” “A benevolent youth, upon my word!” laughed Mr. Chowders in derision; “I’ll not listen.” “Then for my third and last reason,—how could I resist such a capital opportunity for showing off? A gentleman of your aspiring disposition should not be too severe upon the ambition of others. I had no fame of my own to procure me a welcome, and as there was no claimant for yours,—” “Young man, you had better confess the truth at once! you could not resist the temptation of pocketing the dollars which you know would be collected on my credit. I shall have redress, sir—there are such things as indictments for swindling.” “My good sir! you certainly would not menace me with anything so terrific! remember how much labor I have taken off your hand,—the exertion of your brain and lungs, besides securing for you every cent of the admittance fees. Landlord, oblige me by bringing here the handkerchief which I requested you last night to deposit in your desk.”