"What? No! Surely not!" exclaimed Fred, growing very red, and starting toward the bureau.
Fannie handed to Fred his own watch, at the same time fairly shaking with the laughter she had tried so hard to suppress.
"Oh, Fred, forgive me. I'm only human; I must laugh or die."
Peal after peal came from the merry girl, who could not restrain herself, although Nellie looked so reproachfully, and Fred really angrily at her; the former saying:
"Indeed, Fannie, I'm too much frightened to laugh."
Fred was too mortified to say another word for some time. At length, turning to Fannie, who had grown a little quiet, he snappishly said:
"Pray, don't stop! I'm very happy to afford you so much amusement."
Of course Fannie began anew; and Nellie trying to stop her by looks and motions, asked:
"What shall you do, Fred?"
"It is not a matter of such vital importance that you need look so worried, Nellie. I'll go to the police head-quarters, explain the matter, and leave the watch. That will be the end of it," said Fred, trying to assume a light, careless tone.