“Go on with the show whether he likes it or not, Penrod. He's paid his money.”
Verman, confident in his own singular powers, chuckled openly at the failure of the other attractions to charm the frosty visitor, and, when his turn came, poured forth a torrent of conversation which was straightway damned.
“Rotten,” said Mr. Bitts languidly. “Anybody could talk like that. I could do it if I wanted to.”
Verman paused suddenly.
“YES, you could!” exclaimed Penrod, stung. “Let's hear you do it, then.”
“Yessir!” the other partner shouted. “Let's just hear you DO it!”
“I said I could if I wanted to,” responded Roderick. “I didn't say I WOULD.”
“Yay! Knows he can't!” sneered Sam.
“I can, too, if I try.”
“Well, let's hear you try!”