As the weeks passed, her doubt began to fade. It began to become increasingly evident that the Devil couldn't break the chain that held him, and he had even ceased rattling it. Joe had nailed the basement door shut so the kids couldn't open it, and had promised them a spanking if they tried. Strangely enough, they had accepted the warning without comment, and had, indeed, behaved like little angels. Neither of them had even approached the door. As a matter of fact, they had been a source of constant surprise because of their good behavior in all respects. There hadn't even been a quarrel over toys.
"What's the matter with the kids?" asked Joe one night.
"Why, nothing," said Pearl. "They've been just as happy and contented as they can be."
"Aren't they a little too happy and contented?"
Pearl looked at him sharply. "Of course not. How can they be too happy?"
"I think they are. When's the last time Jimmy has complained about Sally kicking him?"
"I..." Pearl hesitated. "Sally hasn't been kicking him. So why should he complain?"
"Why hasn't Sally been kicking him?"
"Joe, what on earth's the matter with you? Do you want Sally to kick him?"
"Of course not. But the point is, she hasn't."