DUDES KEEP OUT
The cook was a gaunt, long-legged person with a saturnine countenance. He wore a seersucker coat with a nickel badge pinned on the lapel of it.
As an opening wedge Mr. Stott smiled engagingly and pointed to it:
"For exceptional gallantry, I presume—a war medal?"
The hero stopped long enough to offer it for Mr. Stott's closer inspection.
It read:
UNITED ORDER OF PASTRY COOKS OF THE WORLD
Taken somewhat aback, Mr. Stott said feebly:
"Very nice, indeed—er——"
"Mr. Hicks, at your service!" the cook supplemented, bowing formally.