"Well, sir," replied Al, "I confess that had something to do with it." The mayor laughed heartily. "This is really refreshing," he said. "My lad, I am interested in you more than ever, now. Well, I promise you that, if you insist upon it, the subject shall not be referred to this evening." "But I do not insist," said Al. "The fact is, Mr. Anderson, I came here to-night to ask you to make your promise good." Both the mayor and his wife stared at the lad in surprise. "You mean," said the former, "that you are here to claim your reward?" "That is what I mean, sir." There was, perhaps, just a shade of disappointment on the face of Mr. Anderson; it may be he was thinking that another idol had been rather rudely shattered. But he only said: "I am glad you have changed your mind, my boy. What reward do you wish? My little daughter's life is worth more to me than anything else on earth, so you need not be too modest in your request. How much shall it be? I will write a check for any reasonable amount you choose to name." Al's face flushed. "I don't want money, sir," he said. "No? Well, what can I do for you, then? Do you want me to find you a position in my office? Perhaps I can do something for you in that way, if you----" "Mr. Anderson," interrupted Al, desperately, "you would never guess what I want if you tried until doomsday." The mayor, very naturally, looked surprised. "Eh?" he stammered. "Why, r-really, you are a most extraordinary youth. Well, I will try to satisfy your demands, whatever they are. Out with them now." "You will grant any request I make?" asked Al. "Anything in reason, my boy." "Well, sir, I can't explain now just why I ask this favor of you, but I will when there is time; just now there isn't." "Never mind all that," interrupted Mr. Anderson. "Come to the point; what is it you want me to do?" "I want you to let Mrs. Anderson appear at the opera house to-night, as she promised." Both the mayor and his wife started from their seats, their faces showing all the surprise they felt. "Why, what is it to you whether she appears or not?" asked Mr. Anderson. "It is everything." "I do not understand." "I cannot explain now; but, sir, I assure you that, perhaps, my whole future depends upon whether you grant my request or not." "Really," gasped the mayor, "this is most extraordinary. Why cannot you explain now?" "Because the curtain goes up in a good deal less than an hour, and Mrs. Anderson ought to be at the theater now." Here the lady herself interposed. "Mr. Anderson," she said, beseechingly, "do let me go! You know I promised, and that in itself is reason enough why I should appear." "I cannot understand this at all," said the mayor, petulantly. Then turning to Al, he added: "Boy, I will write you my check for five thousand dollars, if you will withdraw this absurd request."