Earnestly Mrs. Major replied: "Oh, I _saw_ that. I strove to lift
them."

"You have lifted them. You have attended not only my cats but my
kitchen. I am now able often to enjoy such evenings as these. This
peace around us illustrates the tranquillity you have brought--"

The tranquillity was at that moment disastrously shattered. A bed of
shrubbery lay within a few feet of where they sat. What had appeared
to be a gnarled stump in its midst now quivered, broadened, fell into
a line with the straightening back of Mr. Fletcher.

Mr. Marrapit was startled and annoyed. "What are you doing there,
sir?"

"Snailin'," said Mr. Fletcher gloomily; exhibited his snail.

"Snail elsewhere. Do not snail where I am."

"I snails where there's snails."

"Cease snailing. You must have been there hours."

"What if I have? This garden's fair planted with snails."

"Snail oftener. Depart."

Mr. Fletcher moved a few steps; then turned. "I should like to ast if
this is to be part of my regular job. First you says 'cease snailin','
then you says 'snail oftener,' then you says 'snail elsewhere.' Snails