“Won’t you come in?” she invited. “Mrs. Parker will be glad to see you.”
That was no inducement, but Hodge was ready enough to go in. However, as they were moving away, a violent cough attracted their attention, and they turned to perceive King Jimmy, who still stood with his back squarely toward them.
“By Jove! I nearly forgot him!” exclaimed Bart, diving into a pocket. “Here, young man, is the quarter I promised you for showing me the way.”
Jimmy turned and caught the shining piece of silver which Bart tossed to him.
“Thank yo’, suh,” he said, as he bowed low, floppy hat in hand. “I’ll be at the ball-ground this afternoon with all the fellers, and you can bet Yale will have some rooters in this town.”
“That’s the stuff!” smiled Bart. “Give us some encouragement, James. Good-by.”
“Farewell,” said the king, with a stately wave of his hand. “Good day, lady.” And once more he bowed, with his hand touching the decoration of glory and honor over his heart.
“What a polite little chap!” said Elsie, as she entered the house with Bart. “And so dignified!”
Had they looked back they would have seen that all the king’s dignity had vanished and that the king had taken to his heels and was scudding away as fast as his legs could carry him.
And to himself the king was communing thus as he ran: