"I cannot understand this at all," said the mayor, petulantly. Then turning to Al, he added:
"Boy, I will write you my check for five thousand dollars, if you will withdraw this absurd request."
Five thousand dollars was a good deal more money than Al had ever had in his possession, a good deal more than he was likely to earn as advance agent for a long time to come; but his answer was prompt and positive.
"Mr. Anderson, I don't want your money. I would not accept a penny of it. I only request that you allow your wife to keep her promise and appear to-night. I would not ask this if I thought there would be anything disagreeable to her in fulfilling her promise, but——"
Here Mrs. Anderson interrupted.
"Why, of course there would not," she said. "You know, John, I am so anxious to make my début on the professional stage. Now, do let me go, won't you? You cannot refuse now!"
After a moment's hesitation, the mayor said:
"No, I cannot. You shall go."
It was with difficulty that Al suppressed a sigh of relief.
"There is not a moment to be lost," he reminded the would-be débutante.