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Page 27
"Bosh! I mean--maybe," retorted the colonel, getting bombastic, and then
humble.
"Well, put up your money, Colonel," advised Bart. "As I say, if I have
been of service to you I am glad."
"You hold on!" ordered Colonel Harrington, as Bart again moved to leave
the spot.
The speaker poked in his wallet and brought out a strip of paper, which
Bart recognized as the one he had so menacingly waved in his face an
hour previous at the express shed.
Colonel Harrington again poked about in his pockets till he found a
pencil. With somewhat unsteady fingers he inscribed his name at the
bottom of the paper, and handed it to Bart.
"You take that," he directed.
"Why, this is a receipted bill for the damage done to your statue," said
Bart.
"Eighty-five dollars--just so."
"But I haven't paid it!"
"You needn't. Serious mistake--I see that," said the colonel. "That is,
I see it now. Satisified you didn't mean any harm. Sick of whole muddle.
And about getting you discharged and all that rot--didn't mean it.
Forget it! Was a little mad and excited; see!"
"I can't take your receipt for what I haven't paid, and what I am
willing to pay as fast as I can," said Bart.
"Then tear it up--I won't take a cent!" declared Colonel Harrington
obstinately.
"The cab is coming," remarked Bart. "Shall Mr. Carey drive you home?"
"Yes, I suppose so. Come here, quick!"
He grabbed Bart's arm and drew our hero close up to him, as though he
had some pressing intelligence to impart before the cab interrupted.
"Forget it!" he whispered hoarsely.
"About the statue--I'll be glad to," said Bart frankly.
"No--no, the--the--"
"Runaway? I shall not mention it, Colonel Harrington."
The colonel released Bart's arm, but with a desperate groan. It was
evident he was not fully satisfied.
"Sure you'll forget It!" he persisted, very much perturbed. "I don't
mean my abusing you, or the runaway, or--or--I mean I had an accident
after I left you at the express office. Someone hailed me--but you know,
you know!"
The colonel cast a penetrating look on Bart, who shook his head
negatively.
"I don't know, Colonel," he declared.
"Oh, come, now!" croaked the colonel, making a ghastly attempt to give
the statement the aspect of a joke. Honest, you didn't hear anyone call
to me?"
"No," replied Bart.
The cab drove up and halted.
"Don't do any talking. Don't start any gossip about--about--of course
you won't! I've got your word. You're a truthful, reliable boy,
Stirling, and I--I respect you," stumbled on the colonel. "Mum's the
word, and I'll--I'll make you no trouble, see?"
"Thank you, Colonel Harrington," said Bart in a queer tone.
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