“I haven’t any idea what kind of a decision they will make, as I know but little about the facts in the case,” replied Mrs. Page.
“It seems to me they are a good while making their decision,” said Henry; “I should think it was about time to hear from them.”
Oscar appeared at the door, a few minutes afterward, and summoned Ronald and Henry before the referees. Marcus requested them to stand, while he read the decision.
“Mayn’t I say something, first?” inquired Ronald.
“Yes,” replied Marcus.
“Well, Henry and I have made up,” added Ronald.
“Ah, I’m glad to hear that,” said Marcus. “If you had done this a little sooner, you might have saved yourselves and us some trouble; but as we have finished up the business you employed us to do, we shall expect you to abide by our decision, and to pay us our fees.”
“Fees? Have we got to pay you fees?” inquired Ronald, with a laugh.
“To be sure you have,” replied Marcus, with the utmost gravity. “It is customary to pay the referees, in such cases.”
“Well, I don’t believe you’ll make much out of me—I can’t raise more than one cent apiece for you, any way,” said Ronald, feeling in his pocket.