"It's worth tryin' for, anyhow."

"Well, we'll hope for the best," said Beany.

"Pirates?" asked pop.

"No, detectives" said Porky. "But often are not certain. We
maybe all right yet."

"I suppose they, will get the spies to-night," said Beany, "and when
they get them, I hope they get the formula too. Say, how is Lester
anyway?"

"He's come to himself," said mom, "but dear me suz! He don't
know no more what's gone by. He knows his father and sister and
Wugs, because they told him who they was; but he just has clean
forgot such a thing as acids or gases or any of that. He don't
care about anything but the cat.

"The cat?" said the boys.

"Yes, a young cat that plays with a string most all day; and he
seems to think it's a great joke."

"Gee that's awful! I think we better start early enough to go
over there a minute," said Porky sadly.

"Don't go yet awhile, boys," said Mrs. Potter, bustling round to
clear the table. The boys got up and helped her. "Pop and I
have been reel lonesome without you."