But
Jimmy explained that after one had been out a few hours their eyes
became accustomed to the darkness and they could see better. That was
reasonable, for the Thread Man knew it was true in his own experience.
So they got back to Casey's, and found a long table set, and a
steaming big oyster supper ready for them; and that explained the
Thread Man's conference with Mrs. Casey. He took the head of the
table, with his back to the wall, and placed Jimmy on his right and
Dannie on his left. Mrs. Casey had furnished soap and towels, and
at least part of the Boston man's face was clean. The oysters were
fine, and well cooked. The Thread Man recited more of the wonderful
poem for Dannie's benefit, and told jokes and stories. They laughed
until they were so weak they could only pound the table to indicate
how funny it was. And at the close, just as they were making a
movement to rise, Casey proposed that he bring in the coon, and let
all of them get a good look at their night's work. The Thread Man
applauded, and Casey brought in the bag and shook it bottom up over
the floor. Therefrom there issued a poor, frightened, maltreated
little pet coon of Mrs. Casey's, and it dexterously ran up Casey's
trouser leg and hid its nose in his collar, its chain dragging behind.
And that was so funny the boys doubled over the table, and laughed
and screamed until a sudden movement brought them to their senses.
The Thread Man was on his feet, and his eyes were no laughing
matter.
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