Part 27 (2/2)

”It will be immense, Bob, I know 'twill,” said Tom, with enthusiasm. ”I never had a big dinner, Bob.”

”No, I should think you never did, but you won't be hungry, Tom, when you get done with the one we will have tonight.”

”I hope I won't, Bob.”

”So do I,” answered Bob, comically.

”When will Herbert be here?” asked Tom, looking at the large _Tribune_ clock.

”It's time for him to show up now.”

”I should think so, too,” replied Tom, with an expression of doubt.

He was thinking about that morning's experience when Herbert failed to appear till after he had breakfasted.

In a little time young Randolph joined them. He was as much surprised as Tom had been at the change made in Bob's personal appearance by his handsome new suit.

”You must go down and let Mr. Goldwin see you with it on,” said he.

”When shall we start, Bob?” put in Tom Flannery, who couldn't see the propriety in delaying dinner simply to discuss new clothes.

”Are you so very hungry?” laughed Bob, good naturedly.

”I should think I am, for I haven't had no dinner.”

”It don't make no difference, Tom, whether you did or not. You'd be starvin' all the same.”

”Well, I can't help it; I think it's time to eat, don't you, Herbert?”

”Yes, it is about time for dinner,” replied our hero. ”Are you ready to go, Bob?”

”Yes, but we won't go up to the Boss Tweed tonight,” replied the young detective, somewhat pompously.

”Bob is goin' to ask us up town for a big lay out,” said Tom.

Herbert looked doubtful.

”That's so,” said Bob. ”We will have kind of a blow out all by ourselves.”

”And shall we do the town afterwards, as the bloods say?” asked Tom.

”What does 'doing the town' mean?” asked Herbert. The expression was new to him.

”It's goin' round and seeing the sights,” replied Bob. ”But come, let's be movin'. We can talk about doin' the town while we are at dinner.”

”So I say,” said Tom, with characteristic hunger.

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