"That crazy woman has got
on your nerves, but you needn't worry, I've got everything fixed.
Donneghey sent a special officer over with me. He's outside
watching the house, now."
"Now!" shrieked Zoie, fixing her eyes on the bedroom door,
through which Jimmy had lately disappeared and wondering whether
he had yet "slipped" down the fire-escape.
"Yes," continued Alfred, walking up and down the floor with a
masterly stride. "If that woman is caught hanging around here
again, she'll get a little surprise. My boys are safe now, God
bless them!" Then reminded of the fact that he had not seen them
since his return, he started quickly toward the bedroom door.
"I'll just have a look at the little rascals," he decided.
"No, dear," cried Zoie. She caught Alfred's arm as he passed the
side of her bed, and clung to him in desperation. "Wait a
minute."
Alfred looked down at her in surprise.
She turned her face toward the door, and called lustily, "Aggie!
Aggie!"
"What is it, dear?" questioned Alfred, thinking Zoie suddenly
ill, "can I get you something?"
Before Zoie was obliged to reply, Aggie answered her summons.
"Did you call?" she asked, glancing inquiringly into Zoie's
distressed face.
"Alfred's here," said Zoie, with a sickly smile as she stroked
his hand and glanced meaningly at Aggie. "He's GOT the OFFICER!"
"The OFFICER?" cried Aggie, and involuntarily she took a step
backward, as though to guard the bedroom door.
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