d. "What has happened to you?"

"Can't you see for yourself," demanded Philip, querulously. "I'm tied so
tight I can't move."

"Who did it?"

"That thief, Temple! I should like to wring his neck!" said Philip,
spitefully.

Though Harry was not a vindictive boy, it did strike him as appropriate
that Philip should have a chance to see for himself how it seemed to be
bound. Deferring the gratification of his curiosity, he inquired:

"How do you like it?"

"How do I like it?" echoed Philip, furiously. "Don't ask such absurd
questions, but come and untie me."

"Wait a minute," said Harry. "Perhaps you have forgotten that this is
the way you and Congreve served me only last night. I suppose you
thought it a good joke. Well, Ralph Temple has played the same joke on
you."

"Joke!" repeated Philip. "He'll find out what kind of a joke it is when
my father has him put in jail."

"Do you think he deserves to be put in jail just for that?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then it seems to me that you and your friend Congreve deserve the same
punishment for what you did to me."

"It's entirely different; but stop talking and come and untie me."

"You didn't untie me. You left me to pass the night in the forest
alone."

Philip eyed Harry attentively, and it struck him that perhaps it would
be better to drop his haughty and domineering tone and temporize a
little, if he wanted a rescue. He could afterward treat Harry as he
pleased.

"I didn't think you'd make so much of a little matter like that," he
said. "It was a mistake. I didn't mean you to stay all night. Congreve
promised to go back and untie you. Didn't he do it?"

"No," answered Harry, dryly.

"Then he broke his promise. Just untie me, that's a good fellow, and
I'll make it up to you. I've got two dollars in my pocket, and you may
have them if you'll get me out of this scrape. Be quick, for Temple may
be coming back, and he may kill us both."

"I don't want your two dollars, Philip," said Harry. "I am ready to
release you without that----"

"Quick, then; that's a good fellow."

"Hear me out. I was going to say, on one condition."

"What is it?" asked Philip, impatiently.

"That you will beg my pardon for the trick you played on me," said
Harry, quietly.

"What! I beg your pardon?" exclaimed Philip, haughtily.

"That is what I said."

"Do you think I would demean myself by asking anybody's pardon?"
demanded Philip, his pride getting the better of his prudence.