But I may get through in fifteen." At the door to his suite Gus Briskow paused to wipe his countenance clean of the expression it had worn for the last few minutes, and when he entered it was with his usual friendly smile.

Allie and her mother were waiting; they were white and silent.

Gus kissed his daughter before saying: "Don't worry, honey; he won't bother you no more." Allie averted her face.

Mrs.Briskow inquired, "Did you see the skunk ?" "No.

I give him a few minutes to clear out." "Hadn't we better leave, too ?" ventured Allie.
"Oh-h!" In Ma's eyes was such bleak dismay, such a piteous appeal, that Gus shook his head.
"What fer?
We got nice quarters and your ma likes it here--" "They're laughing at me.