Now, had Jimmy been less perturbed during the latter part of this commotion, he might have heard the bell of the outside door, which had been ringing violently for some minutes. As it was, he was wholly unprepared for the flying advent of Maggie.
“Oh, plaze, sir,” she cried, pointing with trembling fingers toward the babes in Jimmy's arms, “me fadder's coming right behind me. He's a-lookin' for you sir.”
“For me,” murmured Jimmy, wondering vaguely why everybody on earth seemed to be looking for HIM.
“Put 'em down, sir,” cried Maggie, still pointing to the three babies, “put 'em down. He's liable to wallop you.”
“Put 'em where?” asked Jimmy, now utterly confused as to which way to turn.
“There,” said Maggie, and she pointed to the cradle beneath his very eyes.
“Of course,” said Jimmy vapidly, and he sank on his knees and strove to let the wobbly creatures down easily.
Bang went the outside door.
“That's Pa now,” cried Maggie. “Oh hide, sir, hide.” And with that disconcerting warning, she too deserted him.
“Hide where?” gasped Jimmy.