Bert, trying to conceal his consternation, produced a coin. “That's a shilling,” he said.
“He calls A store A shop,” said the proprietor, “and he wants A meal for A shilling. May I ask you, sir, what part of America you hail from?”
Bert replaced the shilling in his pocket as he spoke, “Niagara,” he said.
“And when did you leave Niagara?”
“'Bout an hour ago.”
“Well,” said the proprietor, and turned with a puzzled smile to the others. “Well!”
They asked various questions simultaneously.
Bert selected one or two for reply. “You see,” he said, “I been with the German air-fleet. I got caught up by them, sort of by accident, and brought over here.”
“From England?”
“Yes—from England. Way of Germany. I was in a great battle with them Asiatics, and I got lef' on a little island between the Falls.”