like the name's familiar, but it ain't mine."

"Mr. Ananias is the first detective mentioned in history," Bunch
explained, and Mr. Diggs beamed over us all.

"Wait a moment, Mr. Officer," Aunt Martha piped in; "have a drop of
refreshment before you go. Tacks, run in and pour Mr. Officer a
drink from that bottle on the sideboard!"

Diggs stood there swallowing his palate in delightful anticipation
until Tacks handed him a brimming glass from which the brave
thief-taker took one eager mouthful, whereupon he emitted a shriek
of terror that could be heard for miles.

"Water! water! quick! I'm a'burnin' up!" cried the astonished
Diggs.

Uncle Peter in his eagerness to quench the flames poured half a
pitcher full of ice water down the back of Diggs' neck.

"It ain't there, it's down my throat!" yelled the unfortunate
Harmony, whereupon Uncle Peter poured the rest of the ice water
over the constable's head.

When, finally, the old fellow was revived he faintly declined any
more refreshment, and with a sad "good-night," faded away in the
twilight.

"Gee!" exclaimed Tacks, as he watched the retreating form, "I'm
afraid I upset some tobascum sauce in that glass by mistake."