"No, sir," said Mark, with evident emphasis.
"Is this upon your honor as a gentleman?"
"It is," was the answer.
"Humph!" snorted the squire. "Your word of honor isn't worth much! I——"
"If you please," interrupted Colonel Harvey with dignity, "that question is for me to settle. Mr.—er—what did you say this man's name was?"
"Nick," put in the squire.
"Nick," said the superintendent, turning toward the strange youth, "will you please have the goodness to tell again the story which you told to me."
Nick looked frightened and hesitated.
"Come, come!" cried the squire, impatiently. "Out with it now, and no lies about it!"
Thus enjoined Nick cleared his throat and began.