The master laughed shortly. "They won't, eh? Who is boss here,
I'd like to know?"
"They've bet a lot of money. And you know how they feel about that phonograph."
"It's the most idiotic thing I ever heard of. Whatever possessed you, Wally? If the men make a row, I'll have to smuggle you and Glass over to the railroad to-night."
"I'm for that," came the voice of Larry.
"I suppose it's all my fault," Miss Blake began wretchedly, whereat the object of their general solicitude took on an aspect of valor.
"Say, what is all this fuss about? I don't want to be smuggled anywhere, thank you!"
"I may not be able to square my men," Chapin reiterated. "It may have gone too far."
"Square! Square! Why should you do any squaring? I'm not going to run-away." Miss Blake clasped her hands and breathed a sigh. "I've got to stay here and run a foot-race to-morrow."
"Don't be a fool, Wally!" Covington added his voice to the others.
Speed whirled angrily. "I don't need your advice—convict!" The champion hobbled hastily out of range. "I know what I'm doing. I'm going to run to-morrow, and I stand a good chance to win."