The two little boys sat very still and quiet.
“James Lafayette Garner!”
The younger child sprang to his feet.
“I got to get a move on now,” he said; “when she calls like that she means business. I betcher she's got a switch and a hair-brush and a slipper in her hand right this minute. I'll be back toreckly,” he promised.
He was as good as his word, and in a very short time he was sitting again facing Billy in the swing.
“She just wanted to know where her embroid'ry scissors was,” he explained. “It don't matter what's lost in that house I'm always the one that's got to be 'sponsible and all time got to go look for it.”
“Did you find 'em?” asked Billy.
“Yep; I went right straight where I left 'em yeste'day. I had 'em trying to cut a piece of wire. I stole off and went down to Sam Lamb's house this morning and tooken breakfast with him and his old woman, Sukey,” he boasted.
“I knows Sam Lamb,” said Billy, “I rode up on the bus with him.”
“He's my partner,” remarked Jimmy.