where could I find your Aunt Minerva?" the stranger's grin was
ingratiating and agreeable.

"Why, this here's Monday," the little boy exclaimed. "Of course she's at
the Aid; all the 'omans roun' here goes to the Aid on Monday."

"Your aunt is an old friend of mine," went on the man, "and I knew she
was at the Aid. I just wanted to find out if you'd tell the truth about
her. Some little boys tell stories, but I am glad to find out you are so
truthful. My name is Mr. Algernon Jones and I'm glad to know you. Shake!
Put it there, partner," and the fascinating stranger held out a grimy
paw.

Billy smiled down from his perch at him and thought he had never met
such a pleasant man. If he was such an old friend of his aunt's maybe
she would not object to him because he wore pants, he thought. Maybe she
might be persuaded to take Mr. Jones for a husband. Billy almost
hoped that she would hurry home from the Aid, he wanted to see the two
together so.

"Is you much of a cusser?" he asked solemnly, "'cause if you is you'll
hafter cut it out on these premises."

Mr. Jones seemed much surprised and hurt at the question.

"An oath never passed these lips," replied the truthful gentleman.

"Can you churn?"

"Churn--churn?" with a reminiscent smile, "I can churn like a top."

Jimmy was dying of curiosity but the gate was too far away for him to
do more than catch a word now and then. It was also out of Sarah Jane's
visual line, so she knew nothing of the stranger's advent.

"And you're here all by yourself?" insinuated Billy's new friend. "And
the folks next door, where are they?"

"Mrs. Garner's at the Aid an' Mr. Garner's gone to Memphis. That is they
little boy a-settin' in they yard on they grass," answered the child.

"I've come to fix your Aunt Minerva's water pipe," said truth-loving Mr.
Jones. "Come, show me the way; I'm the plumber."

"In the bath-room?" asked the child. "I did n' know it needed no
fixin'."

He led the agreeable plumber through the hall, down the long back-porch
to the bathroom, remarking "I'll jes' watch you work." And he seated
himself in the only chair.

Here is where Billy received one of the greatest surprises of his life.
The fascinating stranger grabbed him with a rough hand and hissed:

"Don't you dare open your mouth or I'll crack your head open and scatter
your brains. I'll eat you alive."

The fierce, bloodshot eyes, which had seemed so laughing and merry
before, now glared into