"What are you afraid of?" Bob asked him.
"I am afraid about ten thousand questions will be asked me."
They rode uptown in a carriage for the first time since the bank was opened, and the two girls were delighted. The boys saw them to their homes and then had a quiet talk over the situation.
"Mr. Allison has been guyed unmercifully about his kids, Bob," Fred said, "and he has stood by us like a father. Let's give him $5,000 to-morrow as a token of our appreciation of him."
"I am willing," Bob replied. "The old man is our friend."
"Yes, indeed he is."
The next morning, when the old cashier came to the bank, he shook hands with both of the boys, saying:
"They made it pretty hot for me about my 'kids,' but I guess we have made it pretty uncomfortable for some of them."
"I think we have, too," Fred replied. "Here's our check to you for $5,000 for the way you have stood by us."
"The devil!" gasped the old man in dumfounded amazement. "Do you give me that?"