“My case exactly. Maybe Mr. Barriscale will want money damages. If he does, don’t you ask your father for the cash, nor your mother. Do you hear me? I won’t give you the money. Don’t dream it! But I guess I can fix it up so you can earn some. Do you understand?” “Yes, Aunt Sarah, and thank you; but I wouldn’t----” “Yes, you would. You do as I tell you. Now go on about your business.” She turned and swept up the street, and Hal and Slicker again took up the line of march toward the Barriscale mansion. Avoiding the busy streets, they went a roundabout way, until, at last, they reached their destination. There they lifted the broken marble from the wagon and, each boy carrying his portion, they deposited it on its base at the rim of the fountain from which it had been so rudely removed the night before. No one about the premises intercepted or interfered with them. Apparently no one saw them save one passer-by who stopped for a moment to watch them curiously, and then, with a quizzical smile on his face, went on about his business. “Well,” said Slicker, when they had returned safely to the sidewalk, “what’s the next move?” “The next move,” replied Hal, “is to face Mr. Barriscale.” “Gee whiz! That’s a tough one.” “I know it’s tough. But it’s got to be done.” “Sure it has. It’s the only proper thing to do. Might as well order harps for the glory land, though. There won’t be enough left of us to make a decent dish-rag of when he gets through with us. Well, come along!” “But you’re not going.” “Sure I’m going.” “No, you’re not. I won’t stand for it. I won’t take any other boy with me on this errand. If I’m alone I can face the music. If you go along it’ll take the starch right out of me.” “Rats! I’ve got to take my share.” “I know how you feel. But you can help more by staying away. I’ve made up my mind.” For a moment Slicker looked earnestly at his companion to discover if possible whether he really meant what he was saying, and when he found that he did, he made no further effort to accompany him. “All right!” he said. “You’re the judge and jury. But don’t forget that I wanted to go.” “I won’t forget it. There isn’t another boy in the crowd would make that offer. But I’m going alone.” “Well, I’ll take the buggy home anyway.” Slicker started back up the hill dragging the express wagon after him, and Hal faced toward the central city to meet whatever fate awaited him there.