“Yes,” agreed Jimmy, “tell him I haven't got here yet.” Aggie nodded wisely and returned to the 'phone. “Hello,” she called pleasantly; then proceeded to explain. “Mr. Jinks hasn't got here yet.” There was a pause, then she added in her most conciliatory tone, “I'll tell him what you say when he comes in.” Another pause, and she hung up the receiver with a most gracious good-bye and turned to the others with increasing misgivings. “He says he won't be responsible for that mother much longer--she's half-crazy.” “What right has she to be crazy?” demanded Zoie in an abused voice. “She's a widow. She doesn't need a baby.” “Well,” decided Aggie after careful deliberation, “you'd better take it back, Jimmy, before Alfred sees it.” “What?” exclaimed Zoie in protest. And again Jimmy bolted, but again he failed to reach the door. CHAPTER XVIII His face covered with lather, and a shaving brush in one hand, Alfred entered the room just as his friend was about to escape. “Jimmy!” exclaimed the excited young father, “you're back.” “Oh, yes--yes,” admitted Jimmy nervously, “I'm back.” “My boy!” cried Alfred, and he glanced toward the crib. “He's here!” “Yes--yes,” agreed Aggie uneasily, as she tried to place herself between Alfred and the bassinette. “He's here, but you mayn't have him, Alfred.” “What?” exclaimed Alfred, trying to put her out of the way. “Not yet,” protested Aggie, “not just yet.” “Give him to me,” demanded Alfred, and thrusting Aggie aside, he took possession of the small mite in the cradle. “But--but, Alfred,” pleaded Aggie, “your face. You'll get him all wet.” Alfred did not heed her. He was bending over the cradle in an ecstasy. “My boy!” he cried, “my boy!” Lifting the baby in his arms he circled the room cooing to him delightedly. “Was he away from home when his fadder came? Oh, me, oh, my! Coochy! Coochy! Coochy!” Suddenly he remembered to whom he owed this wondrous treasure and forgetful of the lather on his unshaven face he rushed toward Zoie with an overflowing heart. “My precious!” he exclaimed, and he covered her cheek with kisses. “Go away!” cried Zoie in disgust and she pushed Alfred from her and brushed the hateful lather from her little pink check. But Alfred was not to be robbed of his exaltation, and again he circled the room, making strange gurgling sounds to Baby. “Did a horrid old Jimmy take him away from fadder?” he said sympathetically, in the small person's ear; and he glanced at Jimmy with frowning disapproval. “I'd just like to see him get you away from me again!” he added to Baby, as he tickled the mite's ear with the end of his shaving brush. “Oh, me! oh, my!” he exclaimed in trepidation, as he perceived a bit of lather on the infant's cheek. Then lifting the boy high in his arms and throwing out his chest with great pride, he looked at Jimmy with an air of superiority. “I guess I'm bad, aye?” he said.