But one day Barrifield came over just before noon, and announced that they should organize forthwith. He had been investigating certain premium articles, a number of which he had in his pockets. He said it was necessary to have some definite address, and whoever was to be editor should be chosen, that he might begin to cast about for desirable features. So they drifted over to the Twenty-third Street place to "eat things and talk," as Livingstone said. They had done a good deal of this lately.
While they were waiting for the dishes, Barrifield began emptying his pockets. He produced first from his vest an article that caused Livingstone to whisper:
"I say, old man, put that clock out of sight. You can hear it all over the place."
Barrifield stared at him reproachfully.
"That," he said, with great deliberation, "is a watch."
"I wouldn't have believed it," said Van Dorn, taking it in his hand. "I thought it was a water-meter."
Perner held it to his ear. In his youth he had lived on a farm.
"Twenty-horse-power vibrator," he announced, after listening.
"Stem-winder and -setter," continued Barrifield, undisturbed. "Perfect time."
The article was passed around.