He was thinking very fast, and probably that made him step quick.

But as he approached Squire Lee's house, his pace slackened, and he seemed to be very uneasy.

When he reached the great gate that led up to the house, he stopped for an instant, and thrust his hands down very deep into his trousers pockets.

I cannot tell what the trousers pockets had to do with what he was thinking about; but if he was searching for anything in them, he did not find it; for after an instant's hesitation he drew out his hands, struck one of them against his chest, and in an audible voice exclaimed,-- "Now or never." All this pantomime, I suppose, meant that Bobby had some misgivings as to the ultimate success of his mission at Squire Lee's, and that when he struck his breast and uttered his favorite expression, they were conquered and driven out.
Marching with a bold and determined step up to the squire's back door,--Bobby's ideas of etiquette would not have answered for the meridian of fashionable society,--he gave three smart raps.
Bobby's heart beat a little wildly as he awaited a response to his summons.

It seemed that he still had some doubts as to the practicability of his mission; but they were not permitted to disturb him long, for the door was opened by the squire's pretty daughter Annie, a young miss of twelve.
"O, Bobby, is it you?
I am so glad you have come!" exclaimed the little lady.
Bobby blushed--he didn't know why, unless it was that the young lady desired to see him.