“What did I say? I was so nervous I hardly knew. I don’t like to tell the family about the head of the household. I think that he could explain better himself. I really don’t know just what I did say. I think I did not tell them how bad things were. By George! I believe that is Mrs. Pearson coming—and the beautiful daughters too. It is. Did I tell her to come? Yes, and here comes Pat with Pearson. My God! has he had trouble with him again? He is covered with blood.”
“Your honor, here he is. Everything was all right when I went around, but the chap got smart and I have been bating him for a half-hour, then the time was up and you said report, and here I am with what is left of him. I hear a knock on the door.
“Come right in, ladies.
“Officer, here.”
“Oh, papa, papa!”
“My dear husband! What has happened to you?”
Pat muttered: “Only a good bating, and he deserved it.”
“Pat, I must censure you for speaking in that way. I did not intend that you should open the door, and I intended to place him in the second room. I had no chance to speak to you before you opened the door. Now you may go.”
“I will, your honor. You always told me to open the door when you heard a knock. Now you blame me for it. How do I know what to do and do it right?”
Outside, Pat whispered to himself: “I have had quite a time and feel pretty tired. I don’t think I will go, for I have a knowledge-place here where I get all my news, and I think I will get some more knowledge and sit meself down for a while. What the deuce is all of the crying for inside? I know I did not bate him to death.”