Mark’s jaw had dropped and for a moment he forgot the hamburgers sizzling on the grill.
“You looka for Jerry? Jerry Livingston?”
“Sure, you know him,” Salt replied, starting for the telephone. “He used to be one of your favorite customers.”
“Well, what do y’know!” mumbled Mark, obviously surprised. “What do y’know! Listen, I tell you something!”
“About Jerry?” Penny asked eagerly.
“You looka for your friend too late!”
“Too late? What do you mean, Mark? Jerry hasn’t been hurt?”
“No! No! Your friend is all right like always. Twenty minutes ago, he eata three hamburgs on dis same stool where you sit now!”
“Jerry was here!” Penny cried joyfully. “Mark, are you sure?”
“Sure, I am sure! Jerry eata three beeg hamburgs, drinka two beeg cups of java, then go away.”