`` i do think that this is a wild goose chase . '' the instant the words came out of my mouth , his eyes closed , a shadow of pain crossed his face and he dropped his head to the side of mine . `` was n't sure till he climbed on a couple cars down . `` have another chestnut , '' the old woman said . famine grabbed a slim black umbrella from a stand inside the entry to the dining room and sat . he was checking the engine oil . 