"Well, sir, I don't know unless you find the solution in the slightly presumptive character of my disposition."
"Had you ever run before or engaged in athletic sports of any kind?"
"Oh, yes, I have run before."
"And engaged in athletic sports?"
"Yes, sir."
"Mr. Hickory, have you ever run in a race with men of well-known reputation for speed?"
"Well, yes, I have."
"Did you ever win in running such a race?"
"Once."
"No more?"