Boys,” said Tony modestly, “I’m much obliged to you for your congratulations. Was it a fair fight?”
“Yes, yes!”
“Then it’s all right. Don’t say anything to him about it. He feels bad, as I should in his place. I haven’t any ill will toward him, and I hope he hasn’t toward me.”
This speech made Tony a still greater favorite, and the boys, making a rush, took him on their shoulders, and bore him in triumph to the inn. Poor Sam slunk home, suffering keener mortification than he had ever before experienced in his life.
CHAPTER XV
RUDOLPH ESCAPES
Leaving Tony for a short time, we must return to Rudolph, whom we left in charge of a self-constituted body of police on his way to the lockup.
When first arrested Rudolph was disposed to be violent and abusive. His disappointment was keen, for he was just congratulating himself on the possession of the miser’s gold. Five minutes later, and he would probably have been able to make good his escape. Mingled with his disappointment was a feeling of intense hostility against Tony for his part in defeating his plans.
I’ll be revenged upon him yet,” he muttered.
They reached the lockup and he was led in. A small oil lamp was lighted and set on the floor.