"Well," said the nearest green man, "Aren't you going to say hello?"
Thompson swallowed. "Hello," he managed after a moment.
"Hello," rejoined the other.
Thompson nodded his head affably and remained silent. Presently he went to the cupboard and got out the whisky; he poured a shot and downed it in one quick movement. Then he filled his pipe and lit it. He puffed clouds of smoke and stared at the green men through a blue haze.
"Well," said the nearest green man again, "Aren't you glad?"
Thompson nodded genially.