"What does he say?" asked Jerry.
"Says he took twenty-four grains this noon," answered Wrenmarsh, chuckling as if it were funny.
"Gad!" exclaimed Tab. "No wonder his hand shook. What a country!"
"You say that?" returned the other. "You may remember that I'm tied to it till I can get my things out."
They went out to the platform, and at the moment the train came in. Jerry took his seat in an empty compartment, and the collector stood outside the window.
"You'll surely come?" asked Mr. Wrenmarsh, in a voice almost threatening.
"I can't see that I should," Taberman returned; "but wind and weather permitting, I suppose I shall."
"I can't attempt to argue with you here," the other said; "but mind—you'll come."
"Pronto! Pronto!" called the guard in his hoarse sing-song.
"I shall come," Jerry said reassuringly. "You may bet on it."