"Well, you've got it with me," said Mr. Wattles, evidently gratified. "But he might have given you a check."
"Maybe he did," said Al, reminded of the envelope that the mayor had handed him just before he left the office.
He took it from his pocket, tore it open and drew from it a long, narrow strip of paper.
The manager, who was looking over the boy's shoulder, exclaimed:
"Well, he has done the handsome thing, and no mistake."
The check was for five thousand dollars.
"I won't take it!" cried Al.
"Yes, you will take it!" said Mr. Wattles, very emphatically. "To return it would be to offend him very deeply."
"But——"
"But you must be starting for the train. Come, I'll walk to the depot with you. I have a number of points to give you."