don't wonder you're annoyed. But I'm more to be pitied than censured. I inadvertently trod on the cat.'
A look of alarm spread over his face. It had a long way to go, but it spread all right.
'Hat?' he quavered, and I could see that he feared for the well– being of his Panama with the pink ribbon.
I lost no time in reassuring him.
'Not hat. Cat.'
'What cat?'
'Oh, haven't you met? Augustus his name is, though for purposes of conversation this is usually shortened to Gus. He and I have been buddies since he was a kitten. He must have been following me when I came in here.'