He gathered the boy, who obediently yielded the knife, into his arms.
“I'm going to see Aunt Jane, now,” said the boy contentedly.
“No, I guess we won't go see your Aunt Jane to-day, Buddy,” said Peter, holding the boy close. “Put your head close up against Uncle Peter's shoulder and he can carry you better. You ain't so heavy that way.”
Buddy put his head on Peter's shoulder and crooned one of Booge's verses contentedly. They walked a long way in this manner, toward the town. From time to time Peter shifted the boy from one shoulder to the other, and once or twice he allowed him to walk, but not far. He wanted to feel Buddy in his arms.
“I shouldn't wonder,” said Peter as they entered the outskirts of the town, “if I had to go on a trip right soon. I can't seem to think of any way out of it.”
“I like to go on trips with you, Uncle Peter,” said Buddy.
“Well, you see, Buddy-boy,” said Peter, “this here trip I can't take you on, so I've got to leave you with a man—a man that looks a good deal like that kazoozer man, but you mustn't be afraid of him, because all he is going to do is to take you for a ride in a horse and buggy out to where you'll stay. It may be some time before I see you again, but I want you should remember me. I guess you will, won't you?”
“Yes, Uncle Peter.”
“That's right! You just remember Uncle Peter every day, but don't you worry for him, and some day maybe I'll come and get you. I've got a lot of work to do first that you wouldn't understand, such as building up a new man from the ground to the top of his head, but I'll get it done some time, and I'll come for you the first thing after I do. You want I should, don't you?”
“Yes” said Buddy.