"It certainly is," acquiesced Zoie, with an over emphasis that
made Alfred turn to her with new concern.
"I'm afraid that mad woman made you very nervous, dear," he said.
"She certainly did," said Zoie.
Zoie's nerves were destined to bear still further strain, for at
that moment, there came a sharp ring at the door.
Beside herself with anxiety Zoie threw her arms about Alfred, who
had advanced to soothe her, drew him down by her side and buried
her head on his breast.
"You ARE jumpy," said Alfred, and at that instant a wrangle of
loud voices, and a general commotion was heard in the outer hall.
"What's that?" asked Alfred, endeavouring to disentangle himself
from Zoie's frantic embrace.
Zoie clung to him so tightly that he was unable to rise, but his
alert ear caught the sound of a familiar voice rising above the
din of dispute in the hallway.
"That sounds like the officer," he exclaimed.
"The officer?" cried Zoie, and she wound her arms more tightly
about him.
CHAPTER XXVII
Propelled by a large red fist, attached to the back of his badly
wilted collar, the writhing form of Jimmy was now thrust through
the outer door.
"Let go of me," shouted the hapless Jimmy.
The answer was a spasmodic shaking administered by the fist; then
a large burly officer, carrying a small babe in his arms, shoved
the reluctant Jimmy into the centre of the room and stood guard
over him.
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