"Hullo, Mr. Schimmelpodt," called a young clerk, passing in trunks and gym. shoes. "Don't you get into a squad to-night? This would do you a lot of good."
"Maype, if I go in for dis sort of thing, I crowd out some young mans who needs it as much as you do," retorted the German, blinking.
"But don't you think you need it, also" laughed the clerk?
"Now, led me see," pondered the German. "Young man, you think you gan run?"
"I know I can," laughed the clerk, leaping lightly up and down on his soft gym. shoes.
"I yonder if you could reach dot door ofer dere so soon alretty as I gan?" queried Herr Schimmelpodt.
"Will you run me a race?" grinned the clerk.
"Vell, you start, und ve see apout it."
Tantalizingly, the clerk started. Then he glanced back over his shoulder. There was a great noise on the floor of the gym. Herr Sclhimmelpodt had started. He was so big that he made a good deal of noise when he traveled. But he was going like a streak, and the clerk began to sprint in earnest.
It was all in vain, however. With a few great bounds Herr Schimmelpodt was close enough to reach out one of his big arms and lay hold of the fleeing clerk. That clerk stopped suddenly, with a jolt.