He was a slippery sort of customer, who always seemed able to find some sort of ready excuse, or a way to "climb down a tree" when caught in the act.
He turned, and stared at the number 16 plainly on the door.

Then he grinned at Thad as he hurriedly went on to explain further; for his inventive faculties seemed without end when they were exercised in order to get him out of any bad scrape: "Well, that shows my first guess was the right one after all.

You see, Hugh, I knew my number was either 16 or 19, and, for the life of me, I couldn't tell which.

Of course, if the first belongs to you when my number is 19, I was foolish to change my mind; though, of course, even if the key opened your locker I'd have known my mistake right away.

No harm done, I hope, Hugh ?" Thad made a low, growling sound, as though he put not the slightest faith in the story Leon was telling.