Page:Minnie Flynn (1925).pdf/36

 time that Jimmy's name is mentioned it means a fight in the family. Jimmy! The dirty little sneakin' quitter—that's what he is."

"Who's a quitter—me?"

They turned and saw Jimmy's head edging around the door. His broad warming grin told them that he had overheard everything and that, as usual, it amused rather than angered him.

Lo, Jimmy." All anger went from Minnie's voice at the sight of him. She slipped her arm affectionately through his. "You're just in time to put on the gloves," she said laughingly, "the crowd's all rootin' for you."

"I get you, kid," answered Jimmy, "it looks like a big night tonight," glancing from one distorted face to the other. "Who's in the ring, folks?"

No one volunteered to speak but Minnie.

"All the West Side champions, Jimmy," she answered his bantering tone, "two to fight to the finish—and two that will last about two rounds before I throw the sponge in the ring."

"O. K! I'm ready for 'em," and Jimmy started shadowboxing.

Minnie laughed at Jimmy and the atmosphere cleared. Mrs. Flynn's sigh of relief was so ludicrous that even Pete relaxed and grinned sheepishly as he picked up his paper.

"Come, children, let's set down to supper before the things is cold. Hamburger, Jimmy. Go wash your hands."

Michael Flynn tried to be friendly with his children. "You'd think he was in the plumbin' business, ma," he said, laughing awkwardly, "he's that black and greasy."

"Got it working on an old motorbike, pa. MacNally's paid a deposit on a last year's model. Been in a smash-up but we're overhaulin' it. Tomorrow we'll show up at the shop