"Pick it up!" she said.
"I don't—want it!" snarled Two-twenty-three.
"Pick—it—up!" articulated Sadie Corn very carefully. He came forward, stooped, put the bill in his pocket. "You check out to-night!" said Sadie Corn. Then, at a muttered remonstrance from him: "Oh, yes, you will! So will Two-eighteen. Huh? Oh, I guess she will! Say, what do you think a floor clerk's for? A human keyrack? I'll give you until twelve. I'm off watch at twelve-thirty." Then, to Julia, as he slunk off: "Why didn't you answer the phone? That was me ringing!"
A sob caught Julia in the throat, but she turned it into a laugh.
"I didn't hardly hear it. I was busy promising him a licking from Jo."
Sadie Corn opened the door.
"Come on down the hall. I've left no one at the desk. It was Jo I was telephoning you for."
Julia grasped her arm with gripping fingers.
"Jo! He ain't—"
Sadie Corn took the girl's hand in hers.