Replacing the ring in the drawer and the letters in his pocket, he buttoned up his coat, and with a stern look of determination went out of the office. At the Gusty gate he encountered Val, who was on all fours by the fence, searching for something.
“What’s the matter, Val?” asked Mr. Opp. “Lost something?”
Val raised a pair of mournful eyes. “Yas, sir; you bet I is. Done lost a penny Mr. Jimmy Fallows gimme for puttin’ my fisty in my mouf.”
“Putting your fist in your mouth!” repeated Mr. Opp, surprised. “Can you perform that act?”
Val promptly demonstrated; but just as he was midway, a peremptory voice called from a rear window:
“Val! You Val! You better answer me this minute!”
Val cowered lower behind the fence, and violently motioned Mr. Opp to go on.
[p216]
“Is—er—is Mrs. Gusty feeling well to-day?” asked Mr. Opp, still lingering at the gate.
“Jes tolerable,” said Val, lying flat on his back and speaking in guarded tones. “Whenever she gits to beatin’ de carpets, an’ spankin’ de beds, and shakin’ de curtains, I keeps outen de way.”
“Do you think—er—that—er—I better go in?” asked Mr. Opp, sorely in need of moral support.