CHAPTER XXII
A HEADSTRONG FRIEND
Ralph was faint and dizzy-headed with all that had transpired in the last twenty minutes.
He felt that he had been in the peril of his life. He bestowed a look of immense gratitude on Slavin.
"You came in time," said he. "How shall I ever thank you?"
"Cut it out," growled Slavin grimly. "I ain't through yet. I've been watching these skunks for an hour or more. I knew that Stiggs, who has gone on a little jaunt with his wife to see some relations, would never give those reptiles the free run of his house. I fancied burglary at first. Then when you came I knew it was something deeper. Well, it's the finishing touch. I suppose, in your usual soft-hearted way, you want to beg them off from further punishment, don't you?"
"It strikes me they have got about all the punishment they can stand at present," suggested Ralph.