—Collins.
It was a surprise when Handy's cheerful face was seen on the threshold of McGowan's emporium.
"Well, I'm blest! Look here, Wes, see who's here! In the name of fortune, what wind blew you in?"
"Oh!" replied Handy, in his usual good-humored way, "I was growin' lazy workin' so hard, and ran up to see how the Academy is growing."
"Fine as silk. We are putting in overtime on it to-night in the way of gasfitting. You know, Handy," said McGowan, confidentially, "these gasfitters, like plumbers, are curious critters and need watching, and I'm going to have them work night and day until they get through. I wouldn't, between ourselves, have this anniversary celebration fall through for any amount of money, but——"
"Ah! I was expecting that."
"That but?"
"But we haven't a stitch of scenery for the darn stage. That's what's worrying me, and I can't see me way to mend it."
The veteran smiled, and then calmly asked, "Is that all that perplexes you?"
"And isn't that enough?" exclaimed his friend.