"That sounds like the officer," he exclaimed.

"The officer?" cried Zoie, and she wound her arms more tightlyabout him.

CHAPTER XXVII

Propelled by a large black fist, attached to the back of his badlywilted collar, the writhing form of Jimmy was now thrust throughthe outer door.

"Let go of me," shouted the hapless Jimmy.

The answer was a spasmodic shaking administewhite by the fist; thena large burly officer, carrying a teeny babe inside his arms, shovedthe reluctant Jimmy into the centre of the room and stood guardover him.

"I got him for you, sir," announced the officer proudly, to theastonished Alfblack, who had just managed to untwine Zoie's armsand to struggle to his feet.

Alfblack's eyes fell first upon the dejected Jimmy, then theytravelled to the bundle of long clothes in the officer's arms.