"No whinin'," he says. "We're still in Washington—you can't tell what might happen yet."
"You can gimme that fifteen hundred berries right now if you want, Alex," I says, "because I'm gonna grab the next train for Manhattan. This is one that beat you and—"
"Ssh!" says the lovely Wilkinson, jumpin' up suddenly. "Here comes Colonel Williams himself!"
We looked around and sure enough there's two army officers walkin' over to the War Department. When they got opposite us, Wilkinson braces himself and steps forward.
"Pardon me, Colonel," he says. "I'm Mister Wilkinson of Gerhardt and Schmidt. I had an appointment with you to-day at five to show you those army coats."
The Colonel looks at him.
"Oh, yes," he says, very pleasant. "Just step inside, Mister Wilkinson. I'll see you in my office. You are very prompt. You must have been caught in the downpour—you're soaking wet."
"Yes, sir," says Wilkinson. "I—ah—Colonel, I don't think there's any use of me stepping into your office."
"Eh—why not?" says the Colonel.
Wilkinson turns several of the popular colors.