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The children laughed at the order from Don, and then started up the steps to the street, but did not see Don stoop to catch up the ball of gum. He planned to wash it well at a drinking place he knew of in his uncle’s office.

Without further mishap, they all reached the 18th floor where Uncle Ben’s office was located, and Don slipped away. The gum was soon washed, and he chewed as noisily as ever as he ran after the last one to enter the door leading from the main hall to the offices.

“Don Starr! what are you chewing?” demanded Vene, in a disgusted tone.

“Nawthin’!”

“Yes, you are, too! Ned, see what he’s chewing! I just know it’s gum!” from shocked Vene.

“Don, are you chewing gum?” asked Ned.

“I’m not chewing a thing—can’t you see my jaws are as quiet as yours—quieter, cuz you’re talking!”

“Were you chewing gum?” now came severely from Mete.

“Not that you noticed it!” said Don, saucily.

“Open that mouth of yours!” demanded Mete.

“Can’t—my tooth is hooked!” replied Don, a faint twinkle beginning to wrinkle his eyes.