"A high-speed blower-rack. So happens I'm having trouble with the electronic units of my vento-conditioner at home, and I'm doing the work myself more or less as a project in avocational therapy—"
"Now it is you who can't be serious. How great a fool do you think—"
"Damn it, whose word are you going to take in this?" Doug stood up. "Some Electrosupply technician's, who can't hear any better than you can reason, or mine?"
There was a second's silence.
"All right, Doug. You're a fool, you know. You are, and so am I.... It was a high-speed blower-rack. I'll make sure it's set straight."
"Well, thank you."
"Just be careful, Doug."
"That's good advice—don't wear it out!"
He turned quickly, made his exit before the panel had widened half-way.