“Certainly you shall have the extra shirt, but you needn't supply the place of the one lost.”
“It is only fair that I should.”
“That may be, and I am glad you made the offer, but the loss is of little importance to me. It was no fault of yours that you lost it, and you shall not suffer for it.”
“You are very kind, sir,” said Paul, gratefully.
“Only just, Paul.”
Mr. Preston went to the bureau, and drew out another shirt, which he handed to Paul.
“Let me suggest, my young friend,” he said, “that you ride home this time. It is late, and you might have another encounter with your friend. I should like to see him with the shirt on,” and Mr. Preston laughed heartily at the thought.
Paul decided to follow his patron's advice. He had no idea of running any more risk in the matter. He accordingly walked to Fourth avenue and got on board the car.
It was nearly eleven o'clock when he reached home. As it was never his habit to stay out late, his mother had become alarmed at his long absence.
“What kept you so late, Paul?” she asked.