"He says we are all monkeys," observed a big Canadian.
"So we are," cried Mark. "We're trying to copy what one man has done s-s-superlatively well."
Later, he took the Canadian aside. Saphir had talked alone to him; and Mark had overheard his own name.
"What did he say to you about—m-m-me?"
"Oh, nothing."
"I w-want the facts."
"Well, he did ask me if you had private means, and I told him your father made you a good allowance."
"Go on!"
"And—and he said that was fortunate. Of course he meant that—er—it takes time to arrive—eh?"
"Quite so. A lifetime if you happen to choose the wrong r-road."