Catty looked at me and then he grinned. “Guess maybe I better see him ’fore his wife gits a chance to talk to him to-night like she said she was going to. Where’s he at?”
“Runs the grocery up the street.”
We walked right up there and found Mr. Gage shooing flies off the fruit up in front.
“Howdy-do, Mr. Gage?” says I. “This is my friend, Catty Atkins.”
“Howdy?” says Mr. Gage. “What kin I do for you?”
“I’m sorter running errands for my Dad,” says Catty. “He’s goin’ into business here, and wants to find out about that store buildin’ of you down the street.”
“What business?” says Mr. Gage.
“Paintin’ and decoratin’,” says Catty.
“Jest come to town?”
“Yes. What rent do you ask?”