Katy was indignant. She wished a dozen things all at once; and among other things she wished Master Simon Sneed had been there, that he might report the circumstance to his friend the mayor. What was to be done? It was mean to treat her in that shabby manner, and she would not stand it? She would not, that she wouldn't! Grasping the bell handle with a courageous hand, she gave a pull that must have astonished the occupants of the servants' hall, and led them to believe that some distinguished character had certainly come. The sleek man servant reappeared at the door, ready to make his lowest bow to the great personage, when he beheld the flashing eye of Katy. "How dare you ring that bell again?" snarled he. "I want to see the mayor, I have a note for him from Mrs. Gordon, and I won't go away till I see him." "From Mrs. Gordon! Why didn't you say so? You may come in." Katy entered at this invitation, and the man bade her wait in the hall till he informed the mayor of her errand. She was not a little pleased with the victory she had gained, and felt quite equal, after it, to the feat of facing the chief magistrate of the city. While she stood there, a little boy having in his hand a stick of molasses candy, with which he had contrived plentifully to bedaub his face, came out of the adjoining room, and surveyed her carefully from head to foot. Katy looked at the candy with attention, for it looked just like one of the sticks she had sold that forenoon. The little fellow who was not more than five or six years of age, seemed to have a hearty relish for the article, and as he turned it over, Katy assured herself that it was a portion of her stock. "My pa brought home lots of candy," said the little fellow, after he had satisfied himself with the survey of Katy's person. "Do you like it?" asked she, willing to cultivate his acquaintance. "Don't I, though!" "Where did your father get it?" "He bought it of a little girl; she was poor and proud," replied the little gentleman, transferring half an inch of the candy to his mouth. "Dear me!" exclaimed Katy. But her conversation was interrupted by the return of the servant, who directed Katy to follow him up-stairs. CHAPTER IX. KATY TALKS WITH THE MAYOR, AND RECOVERS THE WATCH. Katy followed the servant man, whose name was John, up-stairs; but at the first turn he stopped, and begged her not to mention that he had shut the door upon her. "I don't know," said Katy. "I gave you no reason to treat me in that ugly manner." "You didn't, but, you see, I thought you was some beggar, coming to disturb his honor." "Do I look like a beggar?" asked Katy. "Indeed you don't; that was a bad blunder of mine. If you mention it, I shall lose my place." "Well, I won't say a word then; but I hope you will learn better manners next time." "Thank you, miss; and be sure I'll treat you like a lady next time."