PIKE

[looks up mildly]

Hum!

[He moves to the other side of the engine, rubbing handle of monkey-wrench across his chin as if puzzled.]

HORACE

I wish to tell you that the surprise of this morning so upset me that I went for a long walk. I have just returned.[pg 077]

PIKE

[regarding the machine intently, sings softly]

"One wore clothes of gray—."

[Then he whistles the air. Throughout this interview he maintains almost constantly an air of absorption in his work and continues to whistle and sing softly.]