"_Confounded nuisance!_" he mumbled. "That monkey cost me five pounds, George. . . ." "_Did_ it, now?" "Yes!" "Whatever made you get the beastly thing?" The reason was obvious, but I felt angry at all this disturbance being suddenly thrust into my orderly and peaceful life, and took a cruel delight in seeing the old man's discomfort. "You _know_ why I got it," he snapped. "You were after its interstitial glands," I retaliated. "I don't think it's right and proper." He drew himself up, defiantly. "May I ask why?" he inquired with elaborate calm. "Well, it seems inhuman to go about cutting up monkeys and things to get hold of their glands. I hope to goodness the neighbors don't get to hear of it." He glanced at me. "George," he said, quietly. "Since I've been living with you we've never started quarrelling, and I don't intend to; but I mean to go on with this. I'm an old man and I'm determined to test that new theory. It is in my own interests and in the interests of science. If you object, say so--and I'll leave the house this very night." "You aren't serious, Gran'pa . . . ?" "I mean every word." "Then there's no more to be said. Naturally, though, I don't like disturbances of this sort. It's not pleasant to come home and find one's housekeeper in hysterics, Molly half off her head with excitement, yourself capering about like a lad of ten, the cat rampant and distracted, the kitchen turned into a menagerie, and pieces of my best china flying about like shells in a bombardment." "You needn't worry about the last. I can easily replace the crockery--if that's your main grievance." "Not at all! But you must admit . . ." "I'll admit anything _and_ apologize for it, if necessary. But I won't be dictated to." "I'm sorry, Gran'pa. . . ." "That's all right, my boy. Only, don't let us squabble about this most unfortunate mishap." He gazed wistfully at the dark branches of the walnut tree, where his hope of rejuvenation was perched in security and ease. "Let us go indoors," he said, at last. "It is useless waiting here any longer!" We reentered the house. "Nanny!" I called out. The dining-room door opened. "Come along!" I said. "All clear!" She returned to the kitchen, looking very scared and dubious. "Where--is it?" "Up in the walnut-tree." "Thank goodness!" Gran'pa winced at her selfish way of viewing his misfortune. "I don't think the brute will worry you again," I whispered. "It'll probably be miles away by to-morrow morning. But you'd better keep the windows shut to-night. They're such inquisitive little beasts." Molly and I withdrew to the dining-room, Gran'pa shuffling and mumbling after us.