“Why?”
“I knew that it would die for lack of food and water someone didn’t let it out.”
Sergeant Sellers came walking around the corner of the porch to climb up the stairs and stand on a level with Bertha Cool. “I’m not trying to be funny. I’m trying to be polite. You might also remember that I’m asking these question not as a mere matter of idle curiosity, but in my official capacity.”
“I know,” Bertha said. “You’re putting on a lot of dog, but you’re boring in just the same. I always did distrust a polysyllabic cop.”
Sellers laughed.
Bertha said, “When they started putting college men on the force, they damn near ruined it.”
“Oh, come, Mrs. Cool. It isn’t as bad as that.”
“It’s worse.”
“Well, let’s not discuss the police force in the abstract the moment. I’m interested in bats — and one in particular Freddie.”
“All right, what about Freddie? I’ve told you why I can out here.”