Once more Al was the hero of the hour. When he rejoined Mr. Wattles, two days after the events we have just related, he was met at the station by a crowd of citizens, who unhitched the horses from the carriage that was in waiting for him and his sister, and insisted upon dragging the vehicle to the hotel, much to the embarrassment of the two young people.
Al suspected Mr. Wattles to be the instigator of this proceeding, and accused him of having incited the populace to behave as they had.
"What is the matter with you?" the old gentleman asked. "Such a tribute of admiration would turn the head of almost anyone, but you kick about it."
"Didn't you work up the demonstration?" persisted Al.
"Suppose I did?"
"Well, don't do it again."
"I shan't have to. I've set the ball rolling, and the chances are that something of the sort will happen at every town we visit during the next two weeks."
Al groaned.
"I believe I'll throw up the job," he said, half in jest, and half in earnest.
"Well, I believe you won't," said the manager, very much in earnest. "You're just the sort of agent I want. Why, you can't help having adventures and getting into the papers."