Antics of a Talking Machine
TOOTSIE BEDELLE, in the days following the opening of the summer season at Gates Harbor, was considerably mystified by the actions of the family phonograph. Now while a talking machine is admittedly endowed with one human attribute, it is supposed to be a talking and not a walking machine. Yet unless it were endowed with motive power, how explain the sudden oddities of its appearances and disappearances?
The evening after the first hop at the club, Tootsie broke upon the family dinner table with the frantic announcement:
"The phonograph's gone! Stolen!"
"Stolen!" said Skippy incredulously.
"Stolen!" said Mr. Bedelle with his eat 'em alive expression.
"Why it was there this morning," said Clara.
"Well, it's not there now and it wasn't there this afternoon!"
The entire Bedelle family broke for the parlor. There in its accustomed corner was the phonograph. When quiet had been restored Tootsie again announced.