Felix read the letter several times and his
knees shook visibly. He did not want to pay
over such an amount, yet it struck him with
terror when he thought he might possibly be
arrested for fast driving. He went to see Mr.
Silas Simms.
"I am very sorry,'' he began.
"Have you come to pay?'' demanded the
attorney, curtly.
"Well—er—the fact is—don't you think you
are asking rather a stiff price, Mr. Simms?''
"Not at all! Not at all, sir! I ought to
have placed the damages at three hundred!''
"I+'ll give you fifty dollars and call it
square.''
"No, sir, a hundred and fifty! Not a penny
less, not one penny! Look at my nose, sir—
all scratched! And my ear! Not a penny less
than one hundred and fifty dollars!'' And
the lawyer pounded on his desk with his fist.
"All right then, I+'ll pay you, but you must
give me a receipt in full,'' answered the dude.
He had to wait until the bank opened, that
he might cash a check, and then he paid over
the amount demanded. The lawyer drew up a
legal paper discharging him from all further
obligations. Felix read it with care and stowed
it in his pocket.
"And now let me give you some advice, Mr.
Gussing,'' said the lawyer, after the transaction
was concluded. "Don't drive such a wild
horse again.''
"Depend upon it, I never shall,'' answered
the dude. "It costs too much!'' he added,
with a faint smile.
"Are you well acquainted with horses?''
"No.''
"Then you had better leave them alone
altogether.''
"I have already made up my mind to do
so.''
