Bart did not lose his presence of mind, but he fully realized that he faced a critical moment in his career.
Very courteously he drew forward the rude impromptu bench he had knocked together two hours before.
"Will you have a seat, sir?" he asked.
The express superintendent did not lose his dignity, but there was a slightly humorous twitching at the corners of his mouth.
"Thanks," he said, wearily seating himself on the rude structure. "Rather primitive furniture for a big express company, it seems to me."
"It was the best I could provide under the circumstances," explained Bart modestly.
"You made this bench, did you?"
Bart acknowledged the imputation with a nod.
"And that—desk, is it?"
"Yes, sir."