"What a turbulent household," thought Jimmy and then he set out
in pursuit of his friend. "I'm sorry you've had a
misunderstanding," he began.

"Misunderstanding!" shouted Alfred, turning upon him so sharply
that he nearly tripped him up, "we've never had anything else.
There was never anything else for us TO have. She's lied up hill
and down dale from the first time she clinched her baby fingers
around my hand--" he imitated Zoie's dainty manner-- "and said
'pleased to meet you!' But I've caught her with the goods this
time," he shouted, "and I've just about got HIM."

"Him!" echoed Jimmy weakly.

"The wife-stealer," exclaimed Alfred, and he clinched his fists
in anticipation of the justice he would one day mete out to the
despicable creature.

Now Jimmy had been called many things in his time, he realised
that he would doubtless be called many more things in the future,
but never by the wildest stretch of imagination, had he ever
conceived of himself in the role of "wife- stealer."

Mistaking Jimmy's look of amazement for one of incredulity,
Alfred endeavoured to convince him.

"Oh, YOU'LL meet a wife-stealer sooner or later," he assured him.
"You needn't look so horrified."