His eyes flashed with delight.
"This is a lucky day!" he exclaimed. "It's worth while running the risk of being blown up when you're so well paid for it."
Nichols, the chief clerk, at once complied with his employer's directions.
"You're a brave boy, 79," he said. "If it hadn't been for you, we'd all have been blown higher than a kite. How did you leave Mr. Rockwell?"
"He seems pretty well upset," answered Mark.
"No wonder; he's an old man. I don't mind saying I was upset myself, and I am less than half his age. You were the only one of us that kept his wits about him."
"Somehow I didn't think of danger," said Mark. "I was considering how I could get the better of the crank."
"You took a great risk. If the valise had fallen, we'd have all gone up, and he pointed significantly overhead. I am glad Mr. Rockwell has given you something. If he had given you a hundred dollars, or a thousand, it wouldn't have been too much."
"He told me to call at the office next week."