"Well, I'll be jiggered! Some news I'll give 'em back alrighty. An' here I've bin slammin' wi' the rest o' em! Sorry, right sure I am. Shake!"
And Bud put forth both hands heartily. The young men pressed the little hands hard.
"We'll be good friends. Bud—you always go on defending the ladies!"
"You bet! When they 'semble her!"
The beloved "her" stooped over to kiss him good-bye.
"On your way out. Bud, tell Stella I said you were to have three big sugar cookies. Also ask Stella to take baby for awhile."
"Golly! Thanks!" And Bud disappeared.
When Stella had taken baby, Venna seated herself opposite the young men and regarded them seriously.
"They say terrible things about you, don't they? You don't look that kind."
"Do you believe them?" asked the older one, fixing his earnest gaze upon her unflinchingly.