In fact, answers to their advertisements began to come the next afternoon, and the proprietors were much elated. There were only a few, to be sure,—not enough to cover the bottom of the big mail-box,—but they indicated that their offers had been seen and appreciated. Even Perner forgot his former misgivings and rejoiced. The answers were coming. The paper was ready for the press. The long-looked-for hour was at hand.
At dusk, however, came a slight shock.
Colonel Hazard came up with several letters. He remarked, handing them to Perner:
"There are some queer people in the world. Read one or two of those letters aloud."
Perner held one of the communications to the light. It said:
Gentlemen: I inclose you twenty good names of people likely to be interested in your paper. Please send me the five dollars as promised without delay. My birthday comes on Saturday, and I want it before that time.
Yours hastily,
Bessie Green.
"Humph! well named," said Van Dorn, while the others uttered various exclamations. "Well, I'm sorry for Bessie, but I'm afraid she'll be disappointed."
Perner selected another letter.
"This is from a boy," he commented; "his name is Robert Bright. You wouldn't suspect it, however, from his communication.