“Nothing. It got scratched,� he mumbled, glancing at his father.
But Mr. Osborne was not thinking of the garden; he was about to present to his family an amazing piece of news. He prepared for it by an impressive “Ahem!� with his eyes fixed on Black Mayo.
“A client came to my office to-day,� he said solemnly.
“Really, Mayo!� exclaimed his wife.
“What is a client?� asked Sweet William.
“Who disturbed the hoary dust of your sanctum?� asked Black Mayo.
“Well may you inquire!� said the Village lawyer. “You are responsible for his coming.�
“I?� There was a look of blank astonishment, followed by a peal of laughter. “You don’t mean to say that scoundrel Smith—�
“Yes. He wants to take action against you for assault and battery.�
“What is a client?� Sweet William asked again.