The next morning the court-room was crowded. Jimmy pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to a fine of $500 or ninety days in jail. To the surprise of everybody he fished out a tremendous roll and paid the fine. The spectators considered it remarkable that a river boss should carry such an amount. They had not been present at the interview on the boom poles between Jimmy and his principal the day before.
The latter stood near the door as the little man came out.
“Jimmy,” said Mr. Daly distinctly so that everybody could hear, “I am extremely sorry to see you in this trouble, but perhaps it may prove a lesson to you. Next time you must understand that you are not supposed to exceed your instructions.”
Thus did the astute Daly publicly disclaim liability.
“Yes, sir,” said Jimmy meekly. “Do you think you will get the logs in time, Mr. Daly?”
They looked at each other steadily. Then for the first and only time the black and white mask of Jimmy’s inscrutability melted away. In his left eye appeared a faint glimmer. Then the left eyelid slowly descended.
Transcriber’s Note: This story appeared in the September 1902 issue of McClure’s Magazine.