"They ain't no stoppin' him, Mister Jodie," Black Idd told Papa. "He's got them mares in a long lope. And they's way past the grist mill!"
"Papa?"
Papa wouldn't listen.
"Move your catalogue and scissors, Bandershanks! I gotta get to the phone!"
"Papa, look at the puppies!"
"This is no time to think of dogs! I gotta call your mama to head them off! I hope to goodness she's already back."
"Ned, can I hold this one?"
"Sho'. Stray, pick the puppy up for the baby."
Stray handed me the fat, spotted puppy, and he got the brown one. We lugged them down to where my playhouse was set up under the candy counter. Shoogie followed us, but she didn't want to play with the puppies or the paper dolls. She just sat down on the floor and leaned her head against her knees.
"Hello! Hello? Who's this on the line? Pa, is that you? This is Jodie. I'm trying to get Nannie. She's not back yet? Pa, I wish you'd step down to the road real quick and try to flag down the doctor and Wiley! Tell them to come back! Tell them Ned's here! Yes, sir, they'll know what you're talking about. I'll explain it to you tonight!"