ndeed, he found it in the stock of some second-hand
dealer, and that even if he sent to England for it, where it was
published, it was not likely he could get it, for it had been long out
of print. There was no demand at all for it. The next day he went to
several second-hand stores, but no "Dormstock" could he find.

When he came back he spoke to Glascow on the subject. He was sorry to
do so, but thought that simple justice compelled him to mention the
matter. The night druggist was thrown into a perturbed state of mind
by the information that some one wanted his beloved book.

"A woman!" he exclaimed. "Why, she would not understand two pages out
of the whole of it. It is too bad. I didn't suppose any one would
want this book."

"Do not disturb yourself too much," said Mr. Tolman. "I am not sure
that you ought to give it up."

"I am very glad to hear you say so," said Glascow. "I have no doubt it
is only a passing fancy with her. I dare say she would really rather
have a good new novel." And then, having heard that the lady was
expected that afternoon, he went out to walk, with the "Dormstock"
under his arm.

When the young lady arrived, an hour or so later, she was not at all
satisfied to take out a new novel, and was very sorry indeed not to
find the "Logarithms of the Diapason" waiting for her. Mr. Tolman told
her that he had tried to buy another copy of the work, and for this she
expressed herself gratefully. He also found himself compelled to say
that the book was in the possession of a gentleman who had had it for
some time--all the time it had been out, in fact--and had not yet
finished it.

At this the young lady seemed somewhat nettled.

"Is it not against the rules for any person to keep one book out so
long?" she asked.

"No," said Mr. Tolman. "I have looked into that. Our rules are very
simple, and merely say that a book may be renewed by the payment of a
certain sum."

"Then I am never to have it?" remarked the young lady.

"Oh, I wouldn't despair about it," said Mr. Tolman. "He has not had
time to reflect upon the matter. He is a reasonable young man, and I
believe that he will be willing to give up his study of the book for a
time and let you take it."

"No," said she, "I don't wish that. If he is studying, as you say he
is, day and night, I do not wish to interrupt him. I should want the
book at least a month, and that, I suppose, would upset his course of
study entirel