“I found the door open,” abruptly observed Chewkle, feeling that an explanation of his peculiar proceedings was due from him.
“I know you did,” said Gomer, with a grin. “I opened it for you—wire and spring simple enough.”
“Ah,” said Chewkle, “I thought you was out, and had left valuable property about.”
“He! he! and you were trying to find it out, so as to secure it, eh?” returned Nathan, with a grin.
“Hem!” coughed Chewkle. “I—I—it was very dark, and I was gropin’ about for—for—for——”
“The lucifer box, I suppose,” suggested Nathan, sarcastically.
“That’s jest it; I thought to myself that you had left——”
“But I never do, Mr. Chewkle; I am not of an absent or forgetful nature; I am a methodical man; and do everything systematically. Well, now we have a light; you are seated, and so am I. You have come to me with some purpose, and minutes are more precious than gold. Mr. Chewkle, to your business at once.”
“Mr. Gomer, that’s jes’ what I likes, and that’s why I preferred comin’ to you to goin’ direct to Mr. Wilton.”
“Mr. Wilton?”