"Very, I believe," said Eugene. "He's a cuckoo, you see."
"Dashed if I do," said Bob.
"He steals other birds' nests—eggs and all."
"Your natural history is a trifle mixed, old fellow; kindly explain."
"Well, he's a thief of ideas. Never was the father of one himself, and gets his living by kidnapping."
"I never knew such a chap!" ejaculated Bob helplessly. "Why can't you say plainly that you think he's an ass?"
"I don't," said Eugene. "He's by no means an ass. He's a very clever fellow. But he lives on other men's ideas!"
"Oh! come and play billiards."
"I can't," said Eugene gravely. "I'm going to read poetry to Kate."
"By Jove, does she make you do that?"