In order to help Carl out, Motor Matt drove the car past the horse and partly across the road. This served to bring the animal to a halt.
"By Jove!" stormed Burton, "I wouldn't have had this happen for a hundred dollars! It's a wonder if the horse isn't ruined!"
He flopped out of the automobile and approached the horse's head.
"Whoa, Colonel!" he murmured soothingly. "Whoa, old boy!"
Then, getting one hand on the bit, he held the animal while he petted and wheedled and patted the lathered neck.
"Der rig vas shtole py der Hindoo," said Carl, "und I haf recofered it und prought it pack. Dot comes oof being a goot tedectif, py shinks! How mooch iss id vort'?"
"Worth?" scowled Burton. "If the animal is injured I'll charge you up for it. Don't you know how to take care of a horse?"
"Don'd you vas going to pay me someding?" gasped Carl.
"Pay?" snorted Burton, in no mood to consider a reward after seeing his favorite horse mistreated. "Why, I feel like I wanted to use the whip on you! What did you run away from us for?"
"I t'ought you vas der Hindoos," explained Carl feebly. "Say, Matt," he added, turning to his chum, "der feller don't vas going to gif me someding! Vat a miserliness! Und me going droo all vat I dit!"