"Well," he murmured, "it wasn't much. Different things."

"What things?"

"Oh, just sumpthing. Different things."

"I'm glad you weren't quarrelling," said Mrs. Williams, reassured
by this reply, which, though somewhat baffling, was thoroughly
familiar to her ear. "Now, if you'll come downstairs, I'll give
you each one cookie and no more, so your appetites won't be
spoiled for your dinners."

She stood, evidently expecting them to precede her. To linger
might renew vague suspicion, causing it to become more definite;
and boys preserve themselves from moment to moment, not often
attempting to secure the future. Consequently, the apprehensive
Sam and the unfortunate Penrod (with the monstrous implement
bulking against his ribs) walked out of the room and down the
stairs, their countenances indicating an interior condition of
solemnity. And a curious shade of behaviour might have here
interested a criminologist. Penrod endeavoured to keep as close
to Sam as possible, like a lonely person seeking company, while,
on the other hand, Sam kept moving away from Penrod, seeming to
desire an appearance of aloofness.

"Go into the library, boys," said Mrs. Williams, as the three
reached the foot of the stairs. "I'll bring you your cookies.
Papa's in there."

Under her eye the two entered the library, to find Mr. Williams