That Wilkin Boy #26

In "Quiet Please," Mr. Smythe tries to enjoy some peace and quiet at home by shooing a group of noisy kids away from his house—only to find himself unexpectedly missing their rambunctious energy. The story captures the quiet humor of a man who learns that silence isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.

Bingo’s trying to avoid a family errand—until his mom insists he welcome the new neighbors. What starts as a chore turns awkward when he finds the newcomers are a widow and her striking teenage daughter, Zelda, both still adjusting to life in a new town. With Mrs. Maxson’s quiet grace and Zelda’s sharp wit, Bingo’s reluctant visit takes an unexpected turn.

In "The Weak Spot," Mr. Smythe’s relentless suspicion—so deep it makes him doubt a young girl selling Girl Scout cookies—ultimately becomes his downfall when a fake policeman takes advantage of his paranoia. The story’s humor shines in the contrast between his over-the-top distrust and the simple, harmless situations he misreads.