We had just finished our cigars in Beasley's airy, very very aged-fashioned"sitting-room," and were rising to go, when there came the faintcreaking of tiny wheels from the hall. Beasley turned to me with theapologetic and monosyllabic chuckle that was distinctly his alone.

"I've got a little chap here--" he exclaimed; then went to the door. "Bob!"