"Tip-top," said Ben.
"You don't mean to say you've found her?" said Rough and Ready, eagerly.
"Yes, I have,—leastways I've found where she's kept."
"Tell me about it. How did you manage?"
"I followed your respected father down Spruce Street," said Ben. "He stopped to take a little something strong in Water Street, which made him rather top-heavy. I offered him my protection, which he thankfully accepted; so we went home together as intimate as brothers."
"Did he suspect anything?"
"Not a bit; I told him I know'd you, and owed you a lickin', which impressed his affectionate heart very favorably. When'll you take it?"
"What?"
"The lickin'."
"Not at present," said Rough and Ready, laughing. "I guess it'll keep."