the barking for the show."

"Why didn't you flash this stingy talk on me before we got
started?" I wanted to know. "It's a shine play to wait till you
get me all tied up with these artists here!"

Skinski and Dodo both took a bow.

"I didn't," Bunch cackled, "You framed up the whole thing, and now
you're sore because I won't leave home and friends to plug your
game."

"It's as much your game as mine!"

"It isn't!"

"It is!"

"Rats!"

"Make it twice on the Rats!"

In two seconds more I suppose we would have come to blows, but just
then a well-known voice behind us gurgled, "Hayo, John! why, I
hadn't any idea you were here! And Bunch, too! I'm so glad to see
you!"

It was Peaches, and behind her, smiling sweet approval, stood Aunt
Martha.