The sudden appearance of Hasty proved a diversion. He was looking very sheepish.
“Hyar he is, Mars John; look at him!” said Mandy.
“Hasty, where have you been all day?” demanded Douglas, severely.
Hasty fumbled with his hat and sparred for time. “Did yo' say whar's I been, sah?”
“Dat's what he done ast yo',” Mandy prompted, threateningly.
“I bin 'ceived, Mars John,” declared Hasty, solemnly. Mandy snorted incredulously. Douglas waited.
“A gemmen in de circus done tole me dis mawnin' dat ef I carry water fo' de el'phants, he'll let me in de circus fo' nuffin', an' I make a 'greement wid him. Mars John, did yo' ebber seed an' el'phant drink?” he asked, rolling his eyes. John shook his head.
“Well, sah, he jes' put dat trunk a'his'n into de pail, jes' once an—swish—water gone.”
Douglas laughed; and Mandy muttered, sullenly.
“Well, sah,” continued Hasty, “I tote water fo' dem el'phants all day long, an' when I cum roun' to see de circus, de gemmen won't let me in. An' when I try to crawl under de tent, dey pulls me out by de laigs an' beats me.” He looked from one to the other expecting sympathy.