"'Bout a hour ago, sir," answered Spike, dropping his cap in his
embarrassment.

"Ah!" nodded Mr. Brimberly, "about a hour ago--ho! By appointment, I
pre-zoom?"

"No, sir--by a winder."

"A--wot?"

"A winder, sir."

"A--winder? 'Eavens and earth--a winder--ow? Where? Wot for?"

"Say, mister," said Spike, breaking in upon Mr. Brimberly's astounded
questioning, "is he nutty?" And he jerked his thumb toward the door
through which Mr. Ravenslee had gone.

"Nutty!" said Mr. Brimberly, staring.

"Yes--I mean is he batty? Has he got wheels?"

"W'eels?" said Mr. Brimberly, his eyes rounder than usual.

"Well, then, is he daffy?--off his trolley?"

"Off 'is wot?" said Mr. Brimberly, fumbling for his whisker.

"Holy Gee!" exclaimed Spike, "can't you understand English? Say, is your
brother as smart as you?"