I really didn't expect to----" "Be put out of the house," finished Reddy with a menacing step toward Hippy.
"Exactly," agreed Hippy.

"No, I don't mean that at all.

I was about to say that I really didn't expect to be obliged to put Reddy Brooks out of the house for threatened assault.

It seems too bad to mar the gentle peace of Christmas by such deeds of violence." Hippy sighed loudly, then with a gesture of finality warily sidled toward Reddy, an expression of deadly determination on his round face.

The sound of a ringing laugh from the doorway caused him to forget his grievance and make for the door as fast as his legs would carry him.