up that bed, but I don't seem to get no time. I'm so everlastin' busy I
don't get time for nothin', somehow."

"I can make the bed," declared Mary-'Gusta, eagerly. "I can make beds
real well. Mrs. Hobbs told me so--once."

The two men looked at each other. Before either could speak a
tremendous racket broke out on the floor below, a sound of something--or
somebody--tumbling about, a roar in a human voice and a feline screech.
Mary-'Gusta rushed for the stairs.

"I knew he would," she said, frantically. "I was afraid somebody would.
It was RIGHT in front of the door. Oh! David, dear! I'm a-comin'! I'm
a-comin'!"

From the kitchen came Captain Shadrach's voice. It sounded excited and
angry.

"Who in blazes left that dum critter right under my feet?" he hollered.
"I--I swan, I believe I've broke my neck--or his--one or t'other."

When Zoeth and Isaiah reached the kitchen they found the Captain sitting
in a chair, rubbing his knees, and Mary-'Gusta seated on the floor
beside the open basket, hugging the frightened and struggling David.

"I--I guess he's all right," panted the child. "I was so afraid he'd be
killed. You ain't killed, are you, David?"

David appeared to be remarkably sound and active. He wriggled from his
owner's arms and bolted under the stove.