William’s countenance softened, then became sphinx-like.
“Thanks,” he said. “I’ve thought of a better plan than that but thanks all the same.”
******
“CATCH THE MOUSE,”
SCREAMED MISS FELICIA.
“GET DOWN AND CATCH
THAT MOUSE!”
William walked slowly down the road. One hand was in his pocket. The other held a covered basket. He approached with a stern frown and many cautious glances around him the house of Mr. Evelyn Courtnay. He entered the back gate warily. His entry did not suggest the welcome guest or even anyone who had the right of entry. There was something distinctly furtive about it. He made his way round to the house by the wall behind the bushes. He peeped in at the dining-room window. The perspiring Eliza was engaged in putting the last touches to the dining table. He peeped into the drawing-room window. There sat Mr. Evelyn Courtnay in the most elegant of elegant dress suits, engaged in the process of charming his aunt, Miss Felicia Courtnay. Miss Felicia Courtnay was elderly and grim and not very susceptible to charm, but her nephew was doing his best. Through the open window William could hear plainly.
“Oh yes, I get on splendidly, Aunt. I’m so fond of children—devoted to them. In some ways, of course, teaching is a waste of my talents, but on the whole—”
It was here that William drew his hand from his pocket and noiselessly deposited something on the floor through the open window. The something scuttled along the floor by the skirting board. William withdrew into the shadow. Suddenly a piercing scream came from within.
“It’s a mouse, Evelyn! Help! Help! HELP!”
More screams followed.