"That certainly is plain and to the point."
"I'm glad you think so. Take that message to the telegraph office, and send it at once."
"Yes, sir."
Mr. Snowden had expected a refusal, but Phil rose obediently and left the car. He took the message to a telegraph office, Teddy accompanying him.
"Why didn't you finish him while you were about it, Phil?" demanded Teddy. "You had him just to rights."
"I did quite enough as it was, Teddy. I am very sorry for what
I did, but it had to come."
"It did. If you hadn't done it I should have had to," nodded Teddy rather pompously. "But I shouldn't have let him off as easily as you did. I certainly would have given him a rough-and-tumble."
"It is a bad enough beginning as it is. Now, Teddy, I want you to behave yourself and not stir up any trouble—"
"Stir up trouble? Well, I like that. Who's been stirring up trouble around here, I'd like to know. Answer me that!"
"I accept the rebuke," laughed Phil. "I am the guilty one this time, and I'm heartily ashamed to admit it at that."