in arms is
Hiram Hooker, from the virgin forests of Wild-cat Hill. I hope we find
you well, and a look into your face tells me that I never hoped for a
surer thing in my life. Madam, when you know me better, you will learn
that I am not fresh, merely bubbling over with the joy of existence."

For a little Jerkline Jo gazed at him, then burst into ringing
laughter. "Well, if you can drive jerkline," she said, "there's no
doubt but that you will be a pleasant addition to our little family.
I'm happy to meet you, Mr.----"

"Playmate Tweet--Twitter-or-Tweet Orr Tweet."

"_What_?"

"Orr Tweet--Twitter-or-Tweet Orr Tweet," patiently repeated Mr. Tweet.

"Are you trying to be funny?" The dark eyes narrowed dangerously.

"I am funny," corrected Mr. Tweet. "I can't help it. Allow me to
explain: My last name, unfortunately, is Tweet. Tweet is the
well-known conversational effort of a bird, and also 'Twitter,' if we
are to believe the bird lovers. Therefore, I am ruthlessly called
Twitter at times by my friends, and more often Twitter-or-Tweet. Orr
is my first name. Orr Tweet. Suppose, for instance, my name happened
to be Jim Brown, and I had been given the nickname of Blister. Then I
would be called Blister Jim Brown, or Blister Brown. But my name is
Orr Tweet, and my nickname is Twitter-or-Tweet. Therefore, I am
Twitter-or-Tweet Orr Tweet, or Twitter-or-Tweet Tweet. You've heard
the story of the lady who asked the ticket agent for 'Two to Duluth,'
haven't you? He thought she was flirting with him, and came back with
'Tweedle-de-dee;' whereupon she slapped him. So far I have escaped
such consequences when telling people my name. But if, when asked, I
reply 'Orr Tweet,' they say 'What or Tweet?' Then if I reply
'Twitter-or-Tweet _Orr_ Tweet,' they look at me as if they thought I
was trying to kid 'em. So I begin my explanation by giving them my
nickname, or monaker, 'Playmate,' and follow it with my second monaker,
'Twitter-or-Tweet,' as I am frequently called, or Twitter-or-Tweet Orr
Tweet, or Twitter-or-Tweet Tweet. It's very simple."

Jerkline Jo laughed again at the end of this seemingly nonsensical
harangue, and fixed her dark eyes on Hiram Hooker. The giant stood
staring at her, and not a thought of Lucy Dalles was in his mind now.
His blue eyes caught her dark ones, and his glance was lowered in
confusion. Womanlike, Jerkline Jo took him in at a glance, and
something within her responded to th