A little way down the street Hi caught sight of his father approaching.
He turned to Ted to inquire:

"You say that you looked faithfully for my watch until dark?"

"Yes; I did," Ted shot back at him.

"And you didn't find the watch?"

"No, sirree; I didn't."

"Oh, well, then," drawled Hi, "I guess---"

Grinning broadly, he thrust a hand in under his clothing, drawing
out his gold watch.

"I guess," Hi continued, "that it's time now to quit looking.
It's quarter of nine. Good night!"

At sight of that watch Ted Teall's eyes bulged. Then the nature
of the outrage dawned on him. In a moment all his pent-up emotions
took the form of intense indignation.

"You mean fellow!" hissed Ted, his fists clenching. "You-----"

"Teall, when you play jokes," warned Martin coolly, "you always
want to be sure to look out for the flare-back. Don't forget that.
Good evening, father!"