From that time Jims lived a shamelessly double life . Whenever he was shut in the blue room he escaped to the Garden of Spices -- and he was shut in very often , for , Mr. Burroughs being away , he got into a good deal of what Aunt Augusta called mischief . Besides , it is a sad truth that Jims did n't try very hard to be good now . He thought it paid better to be bad and be shut up . To be sure there was always a fly in the ointment . He was haunted by a vague fear that Aunt Augusta might relent and come to the blue room before supper time to let him out . `` And then the fat would be in the fire , '' said Jims . But he had a glorious summer and throve so well on his new diet of love and companionship that one day Uncle Walter , with fewer sick children to think about than usual , looked at him curiously and said : `` Augusta , that boy seems to be growing much stronger . He has a good color and his eyes are getting to look more like a boy 's eyes should . We 'll make a man of you yet , Jims . '' `` He may be getting stronger but he 's getting naughtier , too , '' said Aunt Augusta , grimly . `` I am sorry to say , Walter , that he behaves very badly . '' `` We were all young once , '' said Uncle Walter indulgently . `` Were you ? '' asked Jims in blank amazement . Uncle Walter laughed . `` Do you think me an antediluvian , Jims ? '' `` I do n't know what that is . But your hair is gray and your eyes are tired , '' said Jims uncompromisingly . Uncle Walter laughed again , tossed Jims a quarter , and went out .
`` Your uncle is only forty-five and XXXXX his prime , '' said Aunt Augusta dourly .
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