Dan was obliged to return to his duties, and he whispered to Teddy before leaving:
"I tell you what it is, old feller, this has been a reg'lar puddin' for us, an' I'd give a good deal to see another jest like it."
"You're all right, but I expect after this Uncle Nathan will be so mad he'll make me a pile of trouble."
"Don't worry about that; his claws are cut now. I'll be back in time to go to supper."
When he departed Teddy had an opportunity to say a few words to his mother before she returned home on the stage, which was advertised to leave at four o'clock, and while he did this all thought of being under arrest was put far from his mind because of the joy at what he was now able to perform.
"Never mind what happens to me," he whispered. "I've now got nearly money enough to pay off all we owe, an' it has been earned honestly, too, although I believe they paid a big price for what Dan an' I did on the creek."
"I'm thinking more of the praise you earned than the money, Teddy. It was very sweet to hear the deacon say so much to you before all those people."
"Then both of us will be awfully jolly to-night, an' to-morrow I'll be home, an' bring Dan with me."
"Invite him to stay just as long as he wishes, and I will have a nice supper ready when the last stage arrives."
Teddy gave his mother nearly all the money he had, including the "testimonial," and as she walked away he said to Tim: