The old gentleman coughed.
"Ahem! That aspect of the case had not occurred to me," he said. "You assure me, Miss March, that the young man did not intend to hold me up to ridicule?"
"I am absolutely certain," interrupted the deputy, "that he did."
"Shut up, Bullfinch!"
"Mr. Merry," interrupted Al, "I give you my word of honor that I should not have inserted that advertisement if I had for one moment supposed it would injure the feelings of anyone. It was only a joke on the public."
"A joke at my expense, young man!"
"I have given you my word of honor, sir, that I did not intend to hurt you or anyone else by that ad."
"Your word of honor!" sneered Mr. Merry. "What is your word of honor good for? Who are you?"
Al colored.
"You have heard my name from Miss March. I am Allen Allston."