Square?" He hesitated a moment after I had nodded. "Are they, as one
might say, friendly? Neighborly?"

I was a little taken aback. "We are not an intrusive people."

"No one," he said, "has been to see my clocks."

I began to perceive that this was a sad little man, and to mislike my
errand. "You live here quite alone?" I asked.

"Oh, no!" said he quickly. "You see, I have Willy Woolly. Pardon me. I
have not yet presented him."

At his call the fluffy poodle ambled over to me, sniffed at my extended
hand, and, rearing, set his paws on my knee.

"He greets you as a friend," said my new acquaintance in a tone which
indicated that I had been signally honored. "I trust that we shall see
you here often, Mr. Dominie. Would you like to inspect my
collection now?"

Here was my opening. "The fact is--" I began, and stopped from sheer
cowardice. The job was too distasteful. To wound that gentle pride in
his possessions which was obviously the life of the singular being
before me--I couldn't do it. "The fact is," I repeated, "I--I have a
friend outside waiting for me. The Little Red Doctor--er--Dr. Smith,
you know."

"A physician?" he said eagerly. "Would he come in, do you think? Willy
Woolly has been quite feverish to-day."