"Now, Nat, do as Dave told you." There was no help for it, and with very bad grace the money-lender's son drew from his pocket a silk handkerchief and removed what he could of the fluid from Caspar Potts's clothing.

Many spots remained.
"I am afraid the suit is ruined," said the aged professor, sorrowfully.
"Anyway, it will need a thorough cleaning." "If it is ruined, Nat can pay for it," said Dave, firmly.
"I'll pay for nothing!" grumbled the boy who had done the mischief.

He was short of spending-money, and knew how hard it was to get an extra dollar from his parent.
"He certainly ought to pay for it," said Caspar Potts.

"Some men would have him locked up for what he has done." "Humph! Don't talk foolish! It was only a little fun!" grumbled Nat.

"I didn't mean any harm.