ten o'clock
Whatever the surprise was that Mr. Weston had in store for them , it was not in the hotel that they were to receive it ; for as soon as they entered Paul and his father started towards them , leading the way out into the street at once . It was quite evident that Paul did not intend to allow himself to run any risk of betraying the secret , for he walked on ahead with his father , glancing over his shoulder every few moments at the puzzled-looking boys behind . Down Twenty-third Street to Sixth Avenue Mr. Weston led the way , and after they had gone down the avenue some distance he entered a neat-looking little periodical and stationary store , nodding familiarly to the proprietor , as if he had been a regular visitor there . Now more then ever were the two boys perplexed , and they had just come to the conclusion that Paul 's father was going to buy them something as a present when the proprietor said , `` All the money which has been taken this morning is in the drawer , and unless there is something more you want to say to me I will go , as I made an engagement down town for ten o'clock . '' `` I do n't think there is anything more to be said , '' replied Mr. Weston ; `` of course you will come in whenever you are passing this way to see how matters are going ? '' `` Oh yes , '' and the man started towards the door ; `` I 'll see that everything goes on smoothly , although I have no doubt but that the new proprietors will get along all right . The goods are all marked at the selling price , and there can hardly be any mistake made . ''