"Here we are," he said, backing out as soon as he had turned off his switch. "Now remember--leave the talking to me!" Skippy felt the gun at his back all the way up the graveled walk. Nickie kept safely ahead and walked with short, jerky steps. They went up on the porch and a pleasant-faced lady answered the doorbell. She led them into the sitting room at Devlin's deep-voiced request, and then disappeared. Then the doctor appeared, a short, near-sighted little man who talked in nasal accents and put his stethoscope to Skippy's rapidly beating heart with professional alacrity. "So you got here, eh," he said, as he changed the instrument about on the boy's chest. "Mr. Smithson told me you'd come. Name's Barker, eh? Well, must say you're a sensible man to watch out what's ahead. Guess both boys'll pass muster. So you're starting a mushroom place down at Devil's Bog, eh?" "Yes, yes," Devlin answered, standing in a nonchalant posture near the door. "Know much about it, doc?" "No, nothing, except that it's full of malaria and mosquitoes and a dangerous place to go unless a body knows where they're going," the garrulous man answered. "I've never been there--guess your place is quite a ways in, eh?" "Mm," Devlin answered. "Beggars can't be choosers, doc. I got to do the best I can for my boys." The doctor snorted. "Guess that's so. Sometimes they don't thank a body any." He had disposed of Skippy by that time and nodded to Nickie. "Just keep your eye on 'em, that's all you can do." Then: "Did you say they're going to help you?" "Mm, I'm too poor to get anyone else." And that was all. The doctor dismissed them, saying he had to get out on a call and before Skippy could think what to do, they were out on the porch and the door had closed behind them. Nickie looked at his friend, desperately. Skippy sat down on the bottom step and began to untie his shoe. "Something's hurtin' my foot, mister," he said innocently, as Devlin stood above him, tall and questioning. "Guess it's the lining--wait a minute!" Devlin walked a few feet away, standing in an advantageous position while his staring eyes darted from one boy to the other. Then, impatiently, he walked on to the car. "I'm watching you, kid--hurry!" he said, after curtly ordering Nickie inside. Skippy got his shoe back on and began to saunter slowly down the walk, when suddenly he saw someone turn in at the path. His heart jumped! It was a lady and from under her hat the boy could see white hair. God had sent her! "I'm waiting, kid!" Devlin's voice was icy. Skippy had to think quickly and, consequently, there was a sharp contact, the lady's pocketbook fell to the ground and its contents fell out on the walk. Skippy was nothing if not gallant. He was on his knees, picking up the scattered articles and cramming them back despite her sweet-voiced protests. But he had to do it quickly, expertly, for Devlin had a challenging look in his cold eyes.