"You can do perzactly like you please when you got the mumps,"
insinuated Jimmy, who had seemingly allied himself with Billy
as a partner in business; "grown folks bound to do what little
boys want 'em to when you got the mumps."

Ikey increased his bid by the stub of a lead pencil, but it was
not until he had parted with his most cherished pocket
possessions that he was at last allowed to place a gentle finger
on the protuberant cheek.

Two little girls with their baby-buggies were seen approaching.

"G' 'way from here, Frances, you and Lina," howled Jimmy. "Don't
you come in here; me and Billy's got the mumps and you-all 'r'
little girls and ought n' to have 'em. Don't you come near us;
they 're ketching."

The two little girls immediately opened the gate, crossed the
yard, mid stood in front of Billy. They inspected him with
admiration; he bore their critical survey with affected unconcern
and indifference, as befitted one who had attained such
prominence.

"Don't tech 'em," he commanded, waving them off as he leaned
gracefully against the fence.

"I teched 'em," boasted the younger boy. "What'll you all give
us if we Il let you put your finger on 'em?"