at all. Be quiet for a day or so, Polly, and then you'll be all right. The
only trouble is, after this, orders will probably go in one ear and out the
other--"

"You're a hummer, Warble," Petticoat said, as they went back up stairs.

"Yes, it had to be done quickly, you see. And it was out of your line, so I
duffed in. But one thing bothered me a little. You see, the fire was out,
and the cook lighted it with kerosene, and she used such a lot--something
might of blew up."

"And you knew that! You knew that two Petticoats might have been blown
up--"

"Sure. Didn't you? Don't faint, pleathe!"




CHAPTER XII

Porgie Sproggins.

Cave man. Brute.

Hulking, enormous, shaggy-haired, prognathous jawed, a veritable
Cro-magnard type. Bluely unshaven and scowling.

Warble saw him first across the room at a picture exhibition in Manley
Knight's gallery.