"The very first time of all," answered the boy passionately. "I know why
Josephine flew at Mrs. Crofton--at least she didn't fly at her--at Mrs.
Crofton. She flew at the dog Mrs. Crofton always has with her."
Radmore gave the child a long, steady look.
"Come, Timmy, you know as well as I do that Mrs. Crofton had no dog with
her."
"She had a dog with her," repeated Timmy obstinately. "It's not a dog
_you_ can see, but I see him and Flick sees him. I wanted to see if
Josephine would see him too. That's why I took her in there. So if she's
shot it will be all my fault." His voice broke, and, covering his face
with his hands, he turned his back on the bed and its occupant.
Radmore stared at the small heaving back. There could be no doubt that
Timmy was speaking the truth _now_. "All right," he said quickly. "I'll
do what you want, Timmy. So cheer up! I suppose you've got a big basket
in which you can put your cat and her kittens? While I put on some
clothes, you can go and get her ready. But I advise you for your own sake
to be quiet. Our game will be all up, if your mother wakes. I simply
shouldn't dare to disobey _her_, you know." He smiled quizzically at the
child, and, as he mentioned Janet, he lowered his voice instinctively.
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