ou, Bob; I never heard anybody say," answered Tom,
humbly.
"Well, Tom Flannery, I should think you would find out such things.
Don't you never want to know anything?"
"I ain't been thinkin' about Wall Street, and them fellers you speak
about, Bob," apologized Tom. "But I wish you'd tell me about 'em, for
I'd like to know how they made their money."
"Well, I'll tell you some other time," said Bob, with assumed ease. As a
matter of fact, however, he did not know himself, but was not willing to
admit so much to Tom. He therefore decided to change the subject at once
before getting cornered.
"Now, Tom," he continued, "I'll tell you what it is. I've jest thought
what we'll do, you 'n' me and Herbert."
"What is it, Bob?"
"Well, you see we got knocked out of our breakfast this morning, Tom, so
I think the best thing we can do is to have a big dinner tonight."
"I think so too, Bob," said Tom, eagerly.
"You see, 'twould be a celebration of the way we worked the detective
business."
"So 'twould, Bob. That's a good idea, I think."
"I think so, too, Tom, and we'll have a regular first class lay out."
"It will be immense, Bob, I know 'twill," said Tom, with enthusiasm. "I
never had a big dinner, Bob."
"No, I should think you never did, but you won't be hungry, Tom, when
you get done with the one we will have tonight."
"I hope I won't, Bob."
"So do I," answered Bob, comically.
"When will Herbert be here?" asked Tom, looking at the large _Tribune_
clock.
"It's time for him to show up now."
"I should think so, too," replied Tom, with an expression of doubt.
He was thinking about that morning's experience when Herbert failed to
appear till after he had breakfasted.
In a little time young Randolph joined them. He was as much surprised as
Tom had been at the change made in Bob's personal appearance by his
handsome new suit.
"You must go down and let Mr. Goldwin see you with it on," said he.
"When shall we start, Bob?" put in Tom Flannery, who couldn't see the
propriety in delaying dinner simply to discuss new clothes.
"Are you so very hungry?" laughed Bob, good naturedly.
"I should think I am, for I haven't had no dinner."
"It don't make no difference, Tom, whether you did or not. You'd be
starvin' all the same."
"Well, I can't help it; I think it's time to eat, don't you, Herbert?"
"Yes, it is about time for dinner," replied our hero. "Are you ready to
go, Bob?"
"Yes, but we
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