“How do you do, I’m glad to see you,” replied Pete, in his sweetest tones.
“What yer givin’ us?” demanded the stranger.
“Me? I gave you nothing, sir,” replied Pete.
“Come off your high perch then, an’ talk United States,” went on the stranger gruffly. “My name’s Bill Berry, what’s yours?”
“My name’s Pete Bumps, I’m full of humps,” recited Pete gravely.
“You look it,” commented Bill Berry. “But I say, mate,” he went on, “how would you like to go off and get a good smoke? Come, I’ll pay for it?”
“I’d like it first rate, but I must stay here quite late,” said Pete.
“Why so? Oh, I don’t know,” mocked Bill, falling into the eccentric mood of his companion.
“To guard the wheels against the steals,” replied Pete.
“Don’t let that worry you,” went on Bill, eagerly. “I’ll stay here. You go get yourself something to smoke, and take your time. I’ll stand guard while you’re away.”