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‘Know it, Douglas, know it Got anything to confess?’

‘About what?’ said Douglas, keeping the gunnysack behind him

‘That’s what I’ to help?’

‘Maybe you could give me a hint, sir’

‘All right Seems there was flood tide down at the City Hall courthouse today I hear a tidal wave of boys inundated the grass You know any of them?’

‘No, sir’

‘Any of them know you?’

‘If I don’t know them, how could they know me, sir?’

‘Is that all you got to say?’

‘Right now? Yes, sir’

Grandpa shook his head ‘Doug, I told you, I know about the purloineds And I’m sorry you think you can’t tell ht red–handed at doing so I knew I shouldn’t do, but I did anyway Yes, I remember’ Grandpa’s eyes twinkled behind his specs ‘Well, I think I’o’

‘Yes, sir’

‘Well, try to hurry it up The rain’s still co all over town, and the town square is e strike,Does that sound reasonable, Doug?’

‘Yes, sir’

‘Well then, get to it’