“A nice mix-up. There’ll be an awful row about this,” muttered Dan, as he slid down the steep bank on his feet.
When he reached the bottom, Flink, the apprentice, still bore the greater part of his weight upon the officer.
“Here’s my chance,” decided Dan. Springing to his feet, he grabbed Flink by the collar with both hands. Giving him a violent tug, Flink came away, Dan hurling him to one side with surprising strength.
“May I help you, sir?” he asked courteously.
The officer did not answer, but there was an angry gleam in his eyes.
Dan proceeded to brush him off, using the sleeves of his own jacket for the purpose, while the officer stood still until the brushing was finished. He then stepped back and saluted.
“Thank you, my lad. Are you the one who is responsible for this?”
“No, sir.”
“Who is?”