Tom was on hand so early at the book store the next morning that he found the Emporium had not yet opened. He had to stand out in the street, until the porter came along to unlock the door. “You’re early; ain’t you?” the man asked. “Yes; I didn’t know exactly what time I had to begin, so I thought I’d get here as soon as I could. Where will I find a broom? I have to sweep out the place.” “I’ll get you one. You want to sprinkle damp sawdust on the floor, and cover up all the books on the tables, so they won’t get dusty. Mr. Townsend is a very particular man.” “I believe he is, but I like him--what little I have seen of him.” “Oh, you’ll find he’s all right,” went on the porter, as he opened the door, and showed Tom where to find a broom. Then, while the man went to the cellar to open up some cases of books that had arrived late the previous afternoon, Tom began his sweeping. He had just finished, and taken the cloths off the books, when the junior clerk arrived. In a short time all the other employes were at their places, and presently Mr. Townsend came in. “Ah, good-morning, Tom,” he said. “I see you have the place in good shape for us. Did you leave the books for Dr. Spidderkins?” “Yes, sir.” “Ah, a very fine man he is, very fine indeed, if he is a trifle eccentric. Did he say anything to you?” “Not very much. He said something about waiting for the books.” “I hope they were not too late.” “I went as quickly as I could with them.” “I know you did, Tom. I mean I hope I sent you off with them in time. The doctor likes to have things the minute they are promised, though, often, after he has them, he forgets all about them. Was he much put out?” “Not very. I didn’t have a chance to say much to him, as the lady who answered the door told the doctor it was time for his supper.” “Ah, I dare say he had forgotten all about it. That’s his way. What did the woman say? She is his sister-in-law, I believe, though she has married a second time.” Tom related as much of the conversation as he could remember. “Hum,” mused the bookseller. “She’s a strange woman--very strange. Well, I guess the books got there in time. Now, Tom, I want you to go on an errand for me.” When Tom got back from having taken some books to a customer who was stopping at the Parker House, he found the Emporium a busy place. There were a number of customers present, for the holiday rush was on, and all the clerks, and Mr. Townsend, were engaged in showing books, or wrapping up parcels. Seeing that Mr. Townsend was busy, Tom decided to defer for the present reporting on the result of his errand. He hung up his coat and hat, and as there seemed to be nothing else for him to do, he proceeded to tidy up a table of small booklets, that was usually in disorder, as customers were continually looking over the stock. While he was thus engaged he was approached by a young man, whose clothes were of expensive cut and material.