The boy was nonplused for a moment. Then he declared triumphantly; "Angels am very wonderful, ain't they? But yo' can't say 'xactly what they am."
Beth had not been much impressed by the dog, but now she began to feel astounded that she had had so little discernment.
"I'd like to own such a dog," she said.
"I'd give him to yo', only I couldn't spare him. Fritz never goes any place widout me. But, I'll tell yo' what: I'll let yo' play with him when yo' want to."
"Do you work for us?"
Again the boy laughed. "I work for yo'? No, 'deed; I'se too no 'count to work for the likes of yo'. I wuz jes' cuttin' 'cross fields through yo'r yard. If Titus found me here, he'd kick me an' Fritz out."
"What is your name?"
"Caesar Augustus Jones, but they calls me Gustus. I wish I could work for yo'."
Beth pondered a moment. "If you did, would you keep Fritz here?"
Gustus caught the trend of her thoughts. His eyes sparkled and his teeth gleamed.