The young man came out, dusting his hands with a white handkerchief. He came back across the yard and mounted the steps. He seated himself on the porch railing, where he could face the three old men.
"Shame on you," he said.
The men cast their eyes downward.
"The lady's accusations were somewhat excessive," the young man said. "Your motives seem not to have been primarily lascivious, and I have so informed Heaven. But still ... don't you think you should be ashamed of yourselves?" He paused. "You may nod if you wish."
The men nodded, eyes dreamy.
"After all," the young man said, "isn't that rather a snide trick to play on tired travelers who seek your hospitality?"
Charley Mason's mouth worked; his Adam's apple bobbed.
"Speak," said the young man.
"Gosh," Charley said in a low voice, "it was just a little joke. We never had nothing else in mind—"
"I know," the young man said. "I have discounted that element. I am speaking of the unkindness of the prank—the discomfiture which you impose on its victims."