“B-b-bow-wow! I’m practicin’ a-barkin’,” replied Higby, with a wild burst of laughter. “’Tis the second time this mornin’ I’ve been called a d-d-dog. Missis Blodgett, she begun it. M-m-mister Everest here, he went on with it. Bow-wow-wow! Ole Higby’s a d-d-dog. Ha! ha! ha!”
“He’s off his head this time, Titus, sure pop,” said Tom. “He acted like a fool when I arrived. Shut the door in my face, and when I went round the back way he heard me coming and met me with that broom.”
“Higby,” said Titus, quietly.
“Y-y-yes, sir.”
“Come here.”
The old man got up and came giggling upstairs.
“Go down to the kitchen,” commanded Titus, “and tell Jennie that you are going to retire to your room for the rest of the day. Then march upstairs, take off your clothes, and get into bed. Do you hear me?”
“W-w-we’re a-goin’ to have some d-d-delicious jelly for luncheon,” said Higby, anxiously.
“You shall have some. I’ll see that a big tray of everything going is sent to your room. Now hurry.”
“B-b-bow-wow,” murmured Higby, under his breath.