“I’ll bet a girl did that,” said Mathers.
“It’s a secret,” said Steggles, smiling to himself.
Then he asked very civily if we would care to join him, explaining that he generally kept a few spare pipes about him for friends.
“I would if it wasn’t for the match,” said Mathers.
“So would I,” I said.
“Well, my baccy might turn you fellows up. Perhaps you are wise,” declared Steggles, puffing away. Then he tried Nubby with a little cherry-wood pipe, and Nubbs thought a whiff or two wouldn’t hurt him and began rather nervously, but gathered courage as he went on.
“I heard my father say once that life without tobacco would be hell,” said Steggles; “and I agree with him.”
“So do I; it’s very soothing,” said Nubby.
Then Mathers burst out. He had been sulking ever since Steggles hinted that the contents of his velveteen pouch were too strong for us.
“If you think I funk your tobacco you’re wrong,” Mathers said. “I’ve smoked three parts of a cigar before to-day.”