"Och," said the brewer once more resuming his English. "Dat is too
leedle for vive cases."

"No," said Peter. "It was what I had decided to charge in case I got any
damages."

So the check was filled in, and Peter, after a warm handshake from both,
went back to his office.

"Dat iss a fine yoong mahn," said the brewer.




CHAPTER XVII.

A NEW FRIEND.


The day after this episode, Peter had the very unusual experience of a
note by his morning's mail. Except for his mother's weekly letter, it
was the first he had received since Watts had sailed, two years before.
For the moment he thought that it must be from him, and the color came
into his face at the mere thought that he would have news of--of--Watts.
But a moment's glance at the writing showed him he was wrong, and he
tore the envelope with little interest in his face. Indeed after he had
opened it, he looked at his wall for a moment before he fixed his mind
on it.

It contained a brief note, to this effect: