CHAPTER III.
GIVING NICK A CHANCE "Why, he cribbed them after all!" Hugh exclaimed, as he jumped to his feet, and hurried over to the table, hardly able to believe his own eyes.
Something caught his attention.

A dirty dollar bill and a fifty cent silver piece lay in place of the skates.

Then Nick had not exactly _stolen_ Hugh's property, but imagined that this forced sale might keep him within the law.
Hugh at first flush felt indignant.

He gave the money an angry look, as though scorning it, despite the hard work Nick may have done and sacrifices also made in order to build up that small amount.
"Why, the contemptible scamp, I'll have to set Chief Wambold after him, and recover my skates!" he said, warmly for him.

"Serve him right, too, if this is the last straw on the camel's back, to send him to the House of Refuge for a spell.