The bookseller decided that Tom had run away more to avoid being bound to a trade than because his home was unpleasant; and this decision seemed to Bobby all the more just because he knew that Tom's mother, though a drunkard's wife, was a very good woman.

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 anything for him which was consistent with his duty, was firm as a rock, and positively refused to have anything 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.