CHAPTER XV.
THE FRUITS OF EFFORT.
“Permit me to return your hose to you, sir,” said Merry, smilingly, as he gave the hose back to the man from whom he had snatched it. “I trust you will pardon me for my rudeness in taking it thus abruptly, but there did not seem to be time enough to ask in a polite manner.”
The man was holding onto his sides and shouting with laughter.
“O-ho! o-ho! o-ho!” he bellowed. “Funniest—thing—I—ever—saw! Oh-ho! a-haw! a-haw!”
He wiped his eyes, literally gasping with laughter.
“I am glad I was able to provide you with amusement, sir,” said Merry, quietly. “And I trust I have caused you no inconvenience.”
“Hey?”
The man suddenly grew sober.
“By gosh!” he exclaimed.
He looked alarmed.