As for Mr. Robert, he chuckles. Takin' me one side, he asks confidential, "What did you use on our young friend, persuasion, or assault with intent?"
"On a fish-face like that?" says I. "Nope. This was just a simple case of spill."
CHAPTER VII
GETTING A JOLT FROM WESTY
You might call it time out, or suspended hostilities durin' peace negotiations, or anything like that. Anyway, Aunty has softened up to the extent of lettin' me come around once a week without makin' me assume a disguise, or crawl in through the coal chute. Course I'm still under suspicion; but while the ban ain't lifted complete she don't treat me quite so much like a porch climber or a free speech agitator.
"Remember," says she, "Friday evenings only, from half after eight until not later than ten."
"Yes'm," says I, "and it's mighty——"
"Please!" she breaks in. "No grotesquely phrased effusions of gratitude. I am merely indulging Verona in one of her absurd whims. You understand that, I trust?"