"Who is the miscreant?" he yelled, jumping up.

"A young man who sat next to me in the omnibus."

"Describe him!"

"Dark hair and eyes, with a black stock, light waistcoat, dark-colored
coat and pantaloons--"

"Which way did he go?" interrupted Mr. Tubbs.

"Into the hourly office."

"'Tis well! Mrs. T., I'll have his heart's blood!"

"Now, T., be calm!" interposed his better half.

"Mrs. T., I will be calm," was the dignified reply, "calm as the
surface of Mount Ætna, on the eve of an eruption. Farewell, love, for
a moment. Have an eye to the wheelbarrow while I have a settlement
with this scoundrel!"

With these words, Tubbs marched up the hill. He entered the hourly
office, and looked round him. His first glance lighted on a young man
who answered the description given by Mrs. Tubbs; but he wished to
make assurance doubly sure, and so he accosted him politely,--

"Fine growing weather, sir."

"Yes, sir," replied the stranger.