"Quite right. We intend no harm, I assure you. Let us come in for a minute or two."
The old man let them enter and closed the door behind them.
"How's your parrot?" asked Ted, conversationally.
Old Joe looked surprised, but he answered courteously, "Polly is well, as usual."
"What kind of a bird is he?"
"A parrot, sir."
"I don't mean that. Is he honest or—or gives to thievery?"
"Oh, sir, he's the thievingest beast in the world, that he is! I don't dare leave a thing around I'm not willing for him to take if he wants it."
"Yes, just so. And does he ever go out of this house?"
"No,—oh, no."