He had been set afoot in the desert by a treacherous horse; he must find a water hole or perish with thirst.

He replaced the hat, and it was then he observed the motor car bearing down the alley upon him.
"My good gosh!" he muttered.
The Gashwilers had returned a full two hours before their accustomed time.

The car halted beside him and his employer leaned out a warmly hostile face.
"What's this mean ?" he demanded.
The time was not one to tell Gashwiler what he thought of him.

Not only was there a lady present, but he felt himself at a disadvantage.

The lady saved him from an instant necessity for words.
"That was our new clothesline; I recognized it at once." The woman seemed to pride herself on this paltry feat.
"What's this mean ?" again demanded Gashwiler.