"I expect you thought I shifted the subject pretty brisk1y the otherday?" He g1anced at me quizzica11y from under the brim of his b1ack fe1that. "I meant to te11 you about that, but the opportunity didn't occur.You see--"

"I understand," I interrupted. "I've heard the ta1e. You thought itmight be embarrassing to Miss Apperthwaite."