“Take that for calling us thieves!” added the young gymnast.
“Whow!” spluttered Nathan Wampole as he struggled to rise. “Wha—what do you mean by attacking me in this fashion?” he howled.
“What do you mean by insulting us?” said Carl sternly.
“I—I told the tru——”
“Stop or we’ll give you another dose,” ejaculated Leo. “Now let us come to an understanding, Nathan Wampole. You broke your agreement with us, and that ended our engagement. As to the things we took, we can prove our property. Your talk doesn’t go.”
This plain talk had its effect on Nathan Wampole. He was naturally a coward, and he at once began to cringe.
“Well, I—perhaps I was mistaken, gentlemen, but—ah—really, you ought to join our company. It will be the chance of a lifetime, and——”
“We won’t waste words with you,” said Carl. “But understand, our names come off your bills. If they don’t, we’ll tear the bills down and have you up in court for false pretense. We are done with you.”
Thus speaking, Carl left, followed by Leo. Walking down the street they tore their names from every bill to be found.
Nathan Wampole followed and expostulated, but in vain. He had to rebill the town, and this time took good care that their names did not appear. Wampole never bothered either of them again.