Peter was one of those unfortunate men who do not like silences. This put him at a disadvantage before Amos, who could be silent indefinitely. It was Amos’s chief superiority over Peter, and it gave the Congressman his mastery over the man. This night as always, it was Peter who spoke first. He puffed at his pipe, and he said:
“Well, Amos, you’ll be gittin’ back to Washin’ton.”
Amos turned his head, tilted it on one side, and squinted at Peter. “I guess so,” he agreed.
“Thought you’d be going,” said Peter. “Wint’ll miss you.”
“Do you think he’ll know he misses me?” Amos asked.
“If he did,” said Peter, “he wouldn’t admit it.”
The Congressman nodded. “Wint’s a cur’ous cuss. Peter.”
“Yeah.”
“He’s a nice boy—give him a chance.”
“We-ell, he’s got his chance.”