Aggie nodded wisely and returned to the 'phone. “Hello,” she called pleasantly; then proceeded to explain. “Mr. Jinks hasn't got here yet.” There was a pause, then she added in her most conciliatory tone, “I'll tell him what you say when he comes in.” Another pause, and she hung up the receiver with a most gracious good-bye and turned to the others with increasing misgivings. “He says he won't be responsible for that mother much longer—she's half-crazy.”
“What right has she to be crazy?” demanded Zoie in an abused voice. “She's a widow. She doesn't need a baby.”
“Well,” decided Aggie after careful deliberation, “you'd better take it back, Jimmy, before Alfred sees it.”
“What?” exclaimed Zoie in protest. And again Jimmy bolted, but again he failed to reach the door.
CHAPTER XVIII
His face covered with lather, and a shaving brush in one hand, Alfred entered the room just as his friend was about to escape.
“Jimmy!” exclaimed the excited young father, “you're back.”
“Oh, yes—yes,” admitted Jimmy nervously, “I'm back.”
“My boy!” cried Alfred, and he glanced toward the crib. “He's here!”