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Show 122 "Chinook saved the gold, Mr. Okleberry," Josh shouted over the hubbub. "We couldn't have brought it without him. "Will you give him a pardon, mayor? A real, honest-to-gosh pardon?" His eyes on the gold bar inside the bag, the mayor laughed and stretched toward the bag. 'Yes, yes, everything's pardoned." "I mean really pardoned," Josh said, dangling the leather handle just beyond the mayor's curling fingers. "Of course-of course!" the mayor shouted desperately. "And he's not in trouble any more with Mr. Keebler?" They could see the mayor was beginning to sweat. "Of course not. Your dog's welcome in this town anytime. Now quick, let me have the bag." "And with all these people as witnesses?" Cap added, waving a hand at the crowd. •Yes, yes," the mayor said in desperation. "Jjjst give me that bag, boys. Please." Josh looked at Cap, and they both nodded. They raised the bag until the mayor's clutching fingers closed over the leather handle. Face aglow, he took it, but its weight nearly pulled him from the stage. One of the councilmen sprung to his side to help the mayor lift the gold to his chest, where he held it gleefully. At the far side of the bandstand, the governor slowly climbed the steps almost unnoticed, perplexed by all the excitement. |