"I hardly think you did, David. I can hear him wheeze over here."
"You can! Come here, Davy." But the child must be caught. His eyes flash. He is all spirit. His laugh grows hoarse.
"How stupid I am," thinks the man. He seizes the arch boy and clasps him in his arms.
Then Lockwin takes that white and tiny wrist. He pulls his watch. In five seconds he has fifteen beats. Impossible! Wait a few minutes.
"Sit still for papa. Please, Davy."
The indefinable message is transmitted from the man's heart to the child's. The child is still. The animation is gone.
Now, again. The watch goes so slowly. Is it going at all? Let us see about that.
The watch is put to ear. Yes, it is going fast enough now. Of course it is going. Is it not a Jurgensen of the costliest brand? Well, then, we will count a full minute.
"Hold still, Davy, pet."
What is Congress and President now, as the wheeze settles on this child, and the north wind batters at the windows?