The man with one eye smiled grimly, and showing no outward concern, stepped into the house, closing the door after him.
"Let go," he said. "Where's the parlor?"
"That door to the left," answered Tommy.
"Open it."
Mrs. Smithers had fainted, but the stranger took her in his arms as if she had been a child.
"What's your game?" asked Tommy. "That's my mother."
"I know it," was the calm reply.
"Don't touch her, you dirty-looking tramp!" continued Tommy. "How dare you?"
"Because I am your father, and she is my wife."
At this remarkable and unexpected reply, Tommy opened his eyes wide in amazement.