“Where do you live?” the grocery man asked him.
“Around the corner. The next street.”
“I don’t remember ever seeing you around in the neighborhood.”
Paul realized that he was in a predicament and he had to get himself out of it. “We just moved in, two weeks ago,” he answered.
The man scratched his chin again. “Isn’t that strange?” he muttered. “I haven’t heard of anyone moving in or out of the neighborhood within the past two weeks.” He paused and eyed Paul who felt his face going red. “Well, at any rate, I am sorry but I don’t know any Mr. Grey around here.”
Paul moved away from the counter. “Thank you,” he said.
“It’s quite all right. Tell your mother to come in here sometime and do her shopping. I like to know the people in the neighborhood.”
“I will.”
Paul was glad to escape from the store. He had never before realized how difficult it is to obtain information from people. Joining his companions, he laughed good naturedly. “What’s the joke?” asked Jack.
“The old so and so!” he exclaimed. “He got more out of me than I got out of him.”