'
"I sat down to the typewriter. Mr. Orchard nearly shut himself up in a
big law book in his effort to keep from meeting anybody's eye. But
Nesbitt went to the phone and called Ben Moore. Ben Moore had a four
days' job on his hands. Then he called Jim Green, and Softy Meadows,
and finally in despair called the only one left. John Knox,--nice
orthodox name, my dear. John Knox would do it for the modest sum of
five dollars, and not a--well, I'll spare you the details, but he
wouldn't do it for a cent less. Nesbitt raved, and Nesbitt swore, but
John Knox, while he may not be a pillar in the church, certainly stood
like a rock. Nesbitt could pay it or lose his tenant. He paid.
"Mr. Orchard got up and put on his hat. 'Miss Connie wants some
flowers and some candy and an ice-cream soda, my boy, and I want some
cigars, and a coca cola. It's on you. Will you come along and pay the
bill, or will you give us the money?'
"'I guess it will be cheaper to come along,' said Nesbitt, looking
bashfully at me, for I was very haughty. But I put on my hat, and it
cost him just one dollar and ninety cents to square himself.
"But they both like me. In fact, Mr. Orchard suggested that I marry
him so old Nesbitt would have to stop roaring at me, but I tell him
honestly that of the two evils I prefer the roaring.
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