"Maybe you're not above telling a body what kept you out half the night?" inquired his wife.
"If you done and seen what I've did and saw," replied Mr. Shrimplin impressively, "you'd look for a little respect in your own home."
"I'd be a heap quicker telling about it," said Mrs. Shrimplin.
Mr. Shrimplin turned to Custer.
"I guess, you're thinking it was a burglar; but, sonny, it wasn't no burglar—so you got another guess coming to you," he concluded benevolently.
"I know!" cried Custer. "Some one's been killed!"
"Exactly!" said Mr. Shrimplin with increasing benevolence. "Some one has been killed!"
"You done it!" cried Custer.
"I found the party," admitted Mr. Shrimplin with calm dignity.
"Oh!" But perhaps Custer's first emotion was on the whole one of disappointment.