'Yes, sir.'
'My name is Mister Perkins, Nickperry, not "Sir."'
'Yes, Mr. Perkins.'
'That's better. I know you don't mean to be servileacious, but that English "sir" is--we don't like it in Australia, Nickperry. You are from the Old Country, aren't you?'
I admitted it, and marvelled how Mr. Perkins could have known it.
'H'm! Tssp! Fine ol' institootion the Old Country, but cert'nly a bit servileacious. D'jerknowhowtermilkercow?'
'I've been milking four, night and morning, for over two years, s'--Mister Perkins,' I answered, with some pride.
'Good for yez, Nickperry. Whataboutgardening?'
'I worked in the garden every day at the Orphanage, s'--Mister Perkins.'
Mr. Perkins smiled even more broadly than usual. 'It's "Mister" not "Smister" Perkins, Nickperry.'