“Yes, that was just his joke,” said Sam heartily, arising and moving casually toward the door. “He’s fond of a joke, Perkins.”
“He is, sir,” responded Perkins, drawing the door a little further shut.
“Why, some of the jokes he gets off at school are too funny for anything,” continued Sam.
“I can believe that, sir.” The door was now closed all but a scant two inches.
“Yes, I’d tell you about some of them, but I’ve got to be going now. We have a ball game on this afternoon, Perkins, and I’m going to pitch for our team. It wouldn’t do for me to be late, you see.”
Sam was at the door now. He laid his hand on the knob, but at the same instant the door closed and latched and the key turned outside. Sam lost his temper.
“Perkins!” he cried.
“Yes, sir?”
“If you don’t open this door at once I’ll kick a hole through it! And what’s more the minute I get out I’ll go to the police and have you arrested!” To emphasize his threats Sam delivered a kick that cracked a panel.