Mr.Bayard further decided that Bobby ought not to permit the runaway to be the companion of his journey.

He also considered it his duty to write to Mr.Spicer, informing him of his son's arrival in the city, and clearing Bobby from any agency in his escape.
While Mr.Bayard was writing the letter, Bobby went out to give Tom the result of the consultation.

The runaway received it with a great show of emotion, and begged and pleaded to have the decision reversed.

But Bobby, though he would gladly have done any thing for him which was consistent with his duty, was firm as a rock, and positively refused, to have any thing to do with him until he obtained his father's consent; or, if there was any such trouble as he asserted, his mother's consent.
Tom left the store, apparently "more in sorrow than in anger." His bullying nature seemed to be cast out, and Bobby could not but feel sorry for him.

Duty was imperative, as it always is, and it must be done "now or never." During the day the little merchant attended to the packing of his stock, and to such other preparations as were required for his journey.
He must take the steamer that evening for Bath, and when the time for his departure arrived, he was attended to the wharf by Mr.Bayard and Ellen, with whom he had passed the afternoon.