Lute, who had been listening at the dining-room window and had heard only fragments of the brief interview, was in a state of added incoherence.
"Well, by time!" he gasped.

"What--what sort of talk was that?
Chokin' a cat! A cat!! We ain't got no cat." "Haven't we ?" I observed.

"Why, no, so we haven't! Perhaps you had better explain that to Mr.Keene, Lute.

It may help him to understand the situation.

And add that I suggest his telling the person who sent him here that soft-soap is no improvement on butter." I think Lute did tell him just that, doubtless with all sorts of excuses for my insanity, for the next day, Sunday, as I walked along the beach, a big body came ploughing down the sandy slope and joined me.
"Hello!" said Colton.
"Good morning," said I.
"How are independence and public spirit these days ?" "Very well, thank you.