"But your father agreed to get us there in an hour," answered
Stratton.
"I know it," responded the boy, "but he knew it would take more than two."
"I'll sue him for damages, by thunder!" said Stratton.
"Oh, there would be no use in that," chimed in Mr. Pinte, "for you could get no satisfaction in this country."
"But I shall lose more than a hundred dollars by being two hours instead of one," said Stratton.
"They care nothing about that; all they care for is your eighty francs," remarked Pinte.
"But they have lied and swindled me," replied Stratton.
"Oh, you must not mind that; it is the custom of the country."
The party arrived in Brussels precisely two hours and a half from the time they left the farmer's house. Of course it was too late for the afternoon performance, and hundreds of people had been turned away disappointed.