“What a low, worthless trick that was to play,” he cried.  “Dick, if you’ll stay here and attend the store I’ll step around to Mr. Ripley’s office and speak to him about it.  Then I’ll go over to the bank and see Bert’s father.”

“Don’t, dad; please don’t,” begged the boy.

“It seems to me that such action is highly necessary,” maintained Mr. Prescott.

“I hope you won’t do it, dad.  The best way to treat boys’ rows is to let them settle among themselves.  If you interfere in this matter, dad, I shall get a name among other boys for running to my father for protection.  That will turn the laugh on me all over town.  I’d much rather fight my own battles and take an occasional pounding.”

“Well, perhaps you’re right about it,” admitted his father thoughtfully.  “At all events, I’m glad to see that your disposition is to take care of your own troubles.  I won’t interfere, though I am certain that Mr. Ripley would like to know something about this affair.”

“I already do know something about it,” gravely announced a voice behind them.  There stood Lawyer Ripley, who had dropped in to buy a magazine.

“I shall be glad if you will tell me more about this,” the lawyer went on solemnly.

Gladly would Dick have gotten out of it.  He was inclined to say very little, though what he did say was added to by his father.

“Is this the book, in this package?” inquired Mr. Ripley, as be picked up the parcel.

“Yes,” nodded Mr. Prescott.

“And the price?”

“Four dollars.”

“Mr. Prescott, kindly charge this book to my account, unless I return it by Monday morning,” the lawyer went on.  “I shall try to see young Darrin this afternoon.  Then I shall question my son when I return home.  I don’t consider it fair to condemn him unheard, but if I find that he had such a part in this afternoon’s affair as has been described, then I shall tell him that he is bound to take goods that he has any part in ordering.  In that connection, when I hand him his next allowance of pocket money, I shall keep out four dollars and hand him the book in place thereof.  That ought to make him rather careful about ordering goods in which he is not really interested.”

“But, as I now recall the voice over the telephone,” urged Mr. Prescott, “I am inclined to think that it was young Dodge’s voice, disguised, that I heard.”

“If my son had any share in the transaction, it will make no difference,” replied Lawyer Ripley very gravely.  “This book will then become a part of his small library, and at his own personal expense.  I thank you both.  Good afternoon.”

“Well, of all the queer turn-overs, that’s the best!” grinned Dick appreciatively, after the lawyer had gone.  “Wouldn’t I like to see Rip when he gets that book of ballads handed him as the larger part of his pocket allowance!”

“It’s certainly a clever way for his father to handle the affair,” smiled Mr. Prescott.  “However, in making the charge for the book I shall deduct the profit.  Like yourself, son, I don’t want to profit by tale-bearing.  And now, why not run out and see if you can find your young friends?  I don’t believe I shall need you further this afternoon.”