he ran up the block and around the corner . `` either way , i do n't want them to see me sweat . the cheerful mrs cooper looked about her and exclaimed oh , its lovely ! it does n't take them long to arrive . `` your dad said he 'd like to talk to you . '' the surrounding village was a hive of activity . sam came to sit in front of her . she winked and opened her door , spitting the wad of gum onto the gritty ground . 