She took the paper and read it, while Patsy and Beth peered over her shoulder. The following was scrawled upon a sheet of soiled stationery:
"John Merrak, esquare, to
Marshall McMahon McNutt, detter.
"To yur gals Smashin' 162 mellings at 50 cents a one
…………………$81.00
Pleas remitt & save trouble."
The nieces screamed, laughing until they cried, while Uncle John spluttered, smiled, beamed, and then requested an explanation.
Patsy told the story of the watermelon raid with rare humor, and it served to amuse everybody and relieve the strain that had preceded the arrival of McNutt's bill.
"Did you say the man is waiting, Thomas?" asked Uncle John.
"Yes, sir."
"Here—give him five dollars and tell him to receipt the bill. If he refuses, I'll carry the matter to the courts. McNutt's a rascal, and a fool in the bargain; but we've had some of his melons and the girls have had five dollars' worth of fun in getting them. But assure him that this squares accounts, Thomas."
Thomas performed his mission.
McNutt rolled his eyes, pounded the floor with his stump to emphasize his mingled anger and satisfaction, and then receipted the bill.