Before either could speak a tremendous racket broke out on the floor below, a sound of something--or somebody--tumbling about, a roar in a human voice and a feline screech.
Mary-'Gusta rushed for the stairs.
"I knew he would," she said, frantically.

"I was afraid somebody would.
It was RIGHT in front of the door.

Oh! David, dear! I'm a-comin'! I'm a-comin'!" From the kitchen came Captain Shadrach's voice.

It sounded excited and angry.
"Who in blazes left that dum critter right under my feet ?" he hollered.
"I--I swan, I believe I've broke my neck--or his--one or t'other." When Zoeth and Isaiah reached the kitchen they found the Captain sitting in a chair, rubbing his knees, and Mary-'Gusta seated on the floor beside the open basket, hugging the frightened and struggling David.
"I--I guess he's all right," panted the child.

"I was so afraid he'd be killed.