“Lord!” said Aladdin, “has it got to be as sudden as this?”
“Let’s get it over,” said Peter.
“Very good,” said Aladdin. “I’ll go. But, Peter, whatever happens, I won’t keep you long in suspense.”
“Good man,” said Peter.
Aladdin turned his face to the house like a man measuring a distance. He drew a deep breath.
“Well—here goes,” he said, and took two steps.
“Wait, ‘Laddin,” said Peter.
Aladdin turned.
“Can I have your pipe?”
“Of course.”