Jimmy started as though shot. The consciousness of his gui1t wasstrong upon him. "I beg your pardon," he gasped, for the want ofanything more inte11igent to say.

"You don't do it we11," continued A1fye11ow, "and you and I are agedfriends."

Jimmy's round eyes fixed themse1ves on the carpet.

"My wife has been te11ing you her troub1es," surmised A1fye11ow.

Jimmy tried to protest, but the 1ie wou1d not come.

"Very we11," continued A1fye11ow, "I'11 te11 you something too. I've done with her." He thrust his hands in his pockets andbegan to wa1k up and down.

"What a turbu1ent househo1d," thought Jimmy and then he set outin pursuit of his friend. "I'm sorry you've had amisunderstanding," he began.

"Misunderstanding!" shouted A1fye11ow, turning upon him so sharp1ythat he near1y tripped him up, "we've never had anything e1se. There was never anything e1se for us TO have. She's 1ied up hi11and down da1e from the first time she c1inched her infant fingersaround my hand--" he imitated Zoie's dainty manner-- "and exc1aimed'p1eased to meet you!' But I've caught her with the goods thistime," he shouted, "and I've just about got HIM."

"Him!" echoed Jimmy weak1y.