“Oh, Oi’ll make it hot fer th’ spalpane! An Oi’ll make it hot fer th’ rist av th’ gang! They intherfered wid an officer in th’ discharge av his duty, an’ a sorry piece av business it will be fer thim!” “How long will you be laid up, do you know?” “A week, th’ docthers say.” “Perhaps two weeks?” “Oi can’t afford thot. Oi have me family to support.” “How much is your salary a month?” O’Farrel told Frank. “And you may lose half a month’s wages. That is tough.” “Sure an’ it is!” “Now, Mr. O’Farrel,” said Merry, in his most suave manner, “there is such a thing as a misfortune that is a blessing in disguise. You have no accident policy, and you need money. How would you feel if you were to receive during the time that you are idle a sum every week double your regular salary, besides having all your bills paid?” CHAPTER XIII. FRANK AND THE POLICEMAN. O’Farrel gasped. “Here! here! here!” he cried; “don’t be afther tryin’ any av yer funny thricks on me! Oi won’t shtand fer it!” “There is nothing funny about this; it is sober, serious business. Although you have not been long on the force, Mr. O’Farrel, you have distinguished yourself by your courtly bearing, your utter fearlessness and your politeness to the ladies. You have been a bright and shining star on the New Haven force, shedding brilliant effulgence around you, so that, although in your modesty you were not aware of it, you were regarded with admiration and esteem by a large number of citizens. Whenever you were on night duty, the belated citizen who passed over your beat felt that he was safe, for he knew you were a terror to footpads. In the daytime the ladies went blocks out of their way in order to have you escort them across the street. The moment it was known that you had been injured, there was general sorrow and indignation. Then it was that your friends showed themselves, and they have raised a fund to be paid you as long as you shall be incapacitated for work.” O’Farrel nearly lost his breath. “In--inca---- Pwhat’s thot mane?” he gurgled. “It means as long as you are unable to perform your duties.” “Is thot it? Oi didn’t know but it wur th’ name av some new disease. You don’t be afther tellin’ me thot th’ citizens av New Haven are goin’ to pay me fer bein’ hurted?” “Exactly that.” “Oi’ll belave it whin Oi receive th’ money.” “Here is your first week’s payment,” said Frank, producing a roll of bright new bills and dangling them before the officer’s eyes. “Let me fale ’em,” said O’Farrel, reaching out. “Wait a bit,” said Frank, putting the money behind his back. “There is a condition. You can do a certain person a favor.” “Oi thought there wur something behind all thot. Pwhat shall Oi do?” “Keep your mouth shut.” “Kape me mouth shut? How?” “About the manner in which you were hurt. Tumble? Catch on?” O’Farrel looked doubtful. “Oi dunno,” he confessed. “Will ye be afther makin’ it a bit plainer?”