As they continued down the street, the crowd gave three more ringing cheers. Mr. Willing was forced to smile.
At the police station Mr. Willing had little difficulty explaining matters satisfactorily to the sergeant, and he was allowed to go.
“You did perfectly right,” declared the old sergeant.
He shook hands with Mr. Willing and his daughter, and wished them good luck. The latter then returned to their hotel.
“I guess that was enough punishment for Jones,” said Mr. Willing cheerfully in relating the occurrence to Mr. Ashton a short time later.
“Indeed it was,” was the reply, “and it also saved you a lot of court trouble and notoriety.”
“Right you are,” agreed Mr. Willing.
Two days longer the party stayed in Louisville, and then set out for home. Jimmy’s injuries were getting along nicely and no serious results were anticipated. The mark on Shirley’s face, caused by the blow of the whip, was also rapidly disappearing.
An hour before it was time for their train to leave, Dick was announced. Shirley welcomed him warmly, as did Mr. Willing.
“My daughter has told me of you,” said the latter, “and I should be glad to have you go home with us. I can offer you work on my farm.”