"But what are you shivering for?"
"I—I'm just waitin', sir," answered Spike, closing his eyes, "I—I seen a guy shot once!"
Mr. Ravenslee sighed and nodded.
"After all," said he, "I don't think I'll croak you," and he slipped the revolver into his pocket while Spike watched him in sudden tense eagerness.
"What yer mean to do wi' me?" he asked.
"That's the question; what shall I do with you? Let me think."
"Say," cried the boy eagerly, "you don't have to do no thinkin'—leave it all to me! It's de winder for mine; I'll chase meself quick—"
"No you don't! Sit down—sit down, I say!"
Spike sighed and seated himself on the extreme edge of the chair his captor indicated.
"Won't yer lemme beat it, sir?" he pleaded.