Page:The Keeper of the Bees.pdf/377

 Do you see why I didn’t ask? I was givin’ you your chance! I knew all the time you would! Least, I was dead sure you would. And say, Mom, take your roadster and step on the gas! Any minute he may begin to yell, and we don’t know what todo. He just came in the night. Jamie’s too big, and I’m afraid. Take the shortest cut, and if a speed cop mixes with you, bunt him and come on!”

The Scout Master hung up the receiver and turned to Jamie. The shoulders drew up, the chin tilted, a gloating look passed over the features, an indrawn breath was shot out suddenly.

“Um-hum-m!” said the Scout Master, “ain’t she the Lallapasooza! Did you get that? I didn’t even have to ask her! Right off the bat, just crack! Babe Ruth couldn’t of hit it cleaner! She says, says she, ‘I’ll take care of him for you’—just like that!” Both hands waved outward and onward in a curve of exquisite grace. “Just like that! Whenever you go to bet on the right royal high-steppers, I’ve got two bits I’ll chalk up on my mother!”

In the interim Jamie replaced the blanket over the face of the sleeping baby and looked dubiously at the suitcase. What was it the nurse had said about having put in personal belongings for the baby? He had better get those things out and take them into his own keeping. So he picked up the suitcase and carried it to the bedroom, opened it on his bed, and pulled out a drawer in the dresser, pushed aside the clothing it contained, and began emptying the case. He removed little nighties and dresses and