But his irresolution was of only a moment's duration.
"Now or never!" and he gave a vigorous knock at the door.
It was opened by an elderly lady, whose physiognomy did not promise much.
"Good morning, ma'am.

Can I sell you a copy of 'The Wayfarer' to-day?
a new book, just published." "No; I don't want none of your books.

There's more pedlers round the country now than you could shake a stick at in a month," replied the old lady petulantly.
"It is a very interesting book, ma'am; has an excellent moral." Bobby had read the preface, as I before remarked.

"It will suit you, ma'am; for you look just like a lady who wants to read something with a moral." Bravo, Bobby! The lady concluded that her face had a moral expression, and she was pleased with the idea.
"Let me see it;" and she asked Bobby to walk in and be seated, while she went for her spectacles.
As she was looking over the book, our hero went into a more elaborate recommendation of its merits.

He was sure it would interest the young and the old; it taught a good lesson; it had elegant engravings; the type was large, which would suit her eyes; it was well printed and bound; and finally, it was cheap at one dollar.
"I'll take it," said the old lady.
"Thank you, ma'am." Bobby's first victory was achieved "Have you got a dollar ?" asked the lady, as she handed him a two dollar bill.
"Yes, ma'am;" and he gave her his only dollar, and put the two in its place, prouder than a king who has conquered an empire.