se," he said, "and when you have carried in the
other, I should be very much obliged if you would take them both
downstairs, where I can open them without making a mess."

"Suttunly, sir," said Tom, and they set down Number 1 and went after
Number 2, upon which the boy sat, drumming the side with his heels.

"Right, Tommy?"

"Right you are, mate." And the men went on with their task muttering--

"Don't see how it would make a mess if they were opened in the front
passage. Long time since there's been a broom there."

"See the spiders too?"

"No, but I saw the webs."

"But what does he do with all these books? He can't read 'em all."

"Collects 'em, I should say. Steady! Got it?"

"Right!" and the second chest was carried in. "One moment while I shut
the door," said the professor, rubbing his hands; "then I'll show you
the way. Now then, please; mind the book-cases as you pass. It is
rather dark. Very heavy, I suppose?"

"Oh, tidy, sir. Nothing to signify. Books is heavy things."

"Yes, very heavy, my good man. That's right, through this door, and
down these stone stairs. I'm afraid you find it very heavy."

"Oh, we're all right, sir. Used to it," grunted Tom. "We're always
lifting things in or out; but we has a good rest between, sir, and rides
about in the company's carriage."

"Down there, please, under that window, where I can see to unpack them.
Thank you."

The two men went up the stone staircase again, noting the empty chests
and book-cases with which the walls were lined, and above all the dust
of years collected thickly. Then the second chest was carried down, and
the quaint-looking old gentleman smiled and made his round-glassed
spectacles twinkle as they reached the hall.

"I must sign the paper and pay you, my men," he said; and then in a
drily comical way he crooked his right index finger, and beckoned to
them to follow him into the gloomy book-lined dining-room, where he
signed the delivery book, paid the carriage, and then took a bottle from
a cellarette and a glass from a closet under a book-case, and poured out
for the men, while they tossed off the rich spirit in turn.

"That's prime, sir," said the first man.

"'Eavenly," sighed Tom.

"Old and good, my men. I'm glad you like it. It's soft and mellow, and
will not hurt you. Have another glass?"

"Hurt yer, sir!" said the second man, with a sigh; "that stuff wouldn't
hurt a babby."

It did not hurt him when it