"By George, it's a good joke; you and I trying to choke each other, while the real burglar makes off."
"It has some droll sides."
"And you all but broke my arm."
Breitmann chuckled. "You were making the same move. I was quicker, that was all."
Another pause.
"The admiral has seen some odd corners. Think of seeing, at close range, the Japanese-Chinese naval fight!"
"He tells a story well."
"And the daughter is a thoroughbred."
"Yes," non-committally.
"By the way, I'm going to the Pole in June or August."