of my farming operations. When Griggs adduced his conversation with me as evidence Harold had laughed still more uproariously, declaring it was the best joke he ever heard—further, that my live-stock consisted of five old hens and some chickens. Griggs knew Harold to be fond of[Pg 82] joking, but had, reluctantly, believed him. He had not expected, he admitted, to see such a well-stocked farm. [Pg 82] "In other words," I said, with some heat, "you expected to find that I"—— "Hold up!" interrupted Griggs hastily. "You see, Carton, I was mad at the thought of having been made a fool of. I can understand a fellow lying on a business deal, when it's to his interest, but to sit down and lie cold-bloodedly, just for recreation, like"—— "Like whom?" I demanded wrathfully, as he paused. "Like that brute Jones," answered Griggs, with a vicious jerk of his head. "I'll get back on him, you bet!" I began to see daylight. "Come away up to the house and we'll have a little refreshment," I said, with hospitable zeal. Griggs brightened. It was a warm day, so I brought him around to the south veranda, but I would have entertained him anywhere else had I remembered that Paul was there. He was curled up in a chair, absorbed in a book. I knew he was [Pg 83]oblivious of what had been going on, but there is never any certainty of what Paul may, or may not, say, and I felt a qualm of misgiving. Griggs proceeded to attract his attention by snapping his fingers, as if the boy were a puppy or an infant, remarking, to me, that he was wondering where I kept the kids. Now Paul is not shy, but we never could induce him to notice a stranger's advances without being formally introduced, consequently, if his mind is suddenly withdrawn from his imaginary world, he looks shy; worse, he looks as if he were unseeing, deaf, and an idiot. My mind was preoccupied, or I would have avoided difficulties by introducing Griggs, but I unfortunately neglected that formality. Paul's stolid and incurious gaze rested on my visitor; I looked on spellbound, knowing that his mind was working with intensity, and that something was coming; Griggs shuffled uneasily. [Pg 83] "Well, sonny," said Griggs, at last, "what do you think of me?" I have watched a toad sit motionless waiting for a fly to come within reach with[Pg 84] exactly
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