“No,” I said. “I—I was just digging.”

“Are you going to dig any more?”

“Perhaps.”

“Then you must let me help you,” he said. “I’m first-rate at digging.”

“Are you? Well, perhaps I shall. But, you see, I’ll have to know you a little better first.”

“May I introduce myself?”

“Oh, no; I’ll ask Mr. Chester about you—”

“Mr. Chester?” he interrupted quickly.

“Yes.”

“Is that where you’re going to dinner?”