It halted. He could catch the quick, labored breathing of two horses, a
carriage door creaked! some low voices made a brief hum of
conversation, and the vehicle seemed to depart.
Bart stood stock-still, wondering and guessing. Footsteps sounded on the
platform. There came a thundering thump as of a heavy cane on the office
door.
"Who is there?" demanded Bart.
"Colonel Harrington. I've got to see you."
"Come in," Bart said, unbolting the door.
Colonel Harrington was red of face and fussy of manner. He threw the
door shut with his foot, and sank to a bench, breathing heavily.
"Was there something you wanted to say to me, Colonel Harrington?"
inquired Bart.
"Yes there was!" snapped out the rich man of Pleasantville. "Anxious to
see you! Just drove up to your house. They told me you were here. I once
offered you a hundred dollars."
Bart nodded, with a faint smile.
"It wasn't enough," stumbled on the colonel. "I am now going to make it
a thousand."
"Why, what for, Colonel Harrington?" demanded Bart in surprise.
"Because you can earn it."
"How?"
"Shall I be blunt and plain?"
"It is always the best way.
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