Part 32 (1/2)
The short parley between the proprietor of the museum and the accuser gave Teddy time to think of what the lawyer had said, and he added, as the constable approached him:
”I demand to be first carried to Deacon Jones'.”
”Now what kind of a bee have you got in your bonnet?” the old man cried, displaying both surprise and fear. ”I say you are to go to jail, an'
that settles it.”
”If he wants to see the deacon I'm bound to take him there,” the constable said.
”Who's been makin' sich foolish talk to you?” Uncle Nathan screamed.
”Lawyer Harvey told me what the law was, an' I don't intend to get into any fuss by deprivin' a prisoner of his rights,” was the stolid reply.
CHAPTER XXV.
ON BAIL.
When Uncle Nathan learned that the celebrated lawyer had made preparations for this move on his part he was literally beside himself with rage, and vowed that the warrant should be served and the prisoner taken to jail immediately, or he would see to it that the constable was deprived of his commission without delay.
”I've served the warrant,” the man said, quietly, ”an' now the prisoner is in my custody. You have no more to say what shall be done with him than that goat, so shut your mouth.”
”I'll shut yours so close it won't be opened again for a month!” the old man screamed. ”Do as I tell you, or take the consequences.”
”And I'm goin' to give you the same advice,” Mr. Sweet cried, as he advanced toward Uncle Nathan threateningly. ”Now the boy has been arrested, you are an intruder here, an' I'll give you thirty seconds in which to get out; after that we'll make an example of such a reprobate.”
”I'll go when I get ready, an' not a minute before. Lay a hand on me an' I'll have a warrant for you.”
”If you can get it, well and good. I now order you out for the last time. In thirty seconds I'll guarantee you won't be in condition to walk.”
While their employer had been speaking the barker and the clown silently ranged themselves by his side, ready for any commands which might be given, and the infuriated old man had sufficient sense left to let him understand it would be unsafe to linger.
”I'll serve you out before this thing is ended,” he cried, shaking his fist in impotent rage as he went toward the flap, and Dan, who could control himself no longer, replied:
”You'd better begin on me, for I'm goin' to tell this thing to everybody who comes to the fair to-morrow, an' from what I've heard it wouldn't take much coaxin' to get the band from the Run up here, so's I could sing it. You're havin' a good time now; but there'll be a different side to the matter to-morrow.”
Mr. Sweet had followed Uncle Nathan so closely, literally turning him out, that he could not reply while inside the canvas; but once in the open air, he made threats that would have frightened any one who did not know the motive by which they had been inspired.
Meanwhile the constable appeared disposed to take matters in the most comfortable manner. He asked Teddy why he wished to see Deacon Jones, and the boy said:
”I don't know; but Mr. Harvey told me that if anything happened to-night I was to see the deacon.”
”Then we'll go there. Are you ready?”
Teddy thought of his money, and, fearing lest it might be taken from him, asked if he could hand something to Mr. Sweet.
”I think not,” was the undecided reply. ”The deacon will know, an'
whatever he says I'll stand by.”