"GASOLINE AND SUPPLIES"
307
store!” He pointed across the street. “Mrs. Peel’s store!”
The old lady shaded her eyes and peered across at the waiting group.
“Feels sore, does he? Which one is it? How’d he do it?”
“He didn’t! I mean—Look here, ma’am, I want the key we left here last night! The key! Key!”
“Key?” asked the old lady mildly.
“Yes’m.” They could almost hear Chub’s sigh of relief. “We’re going to open the store. Mrs. Peel’s niece didn’t come.”
“You want the key?”
“Yes’m, please.”
“Are you the gentleman who left it here?”
“Yes’m.”
“What say?”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“Well, don’t yell so. I’m a little deaf, but I don’t have to be yelled at, young man.”
“No’m.”
“Eh? What say?”
“It’s a nice day!” bawled Chub, desperately.
