he started in his growling baritone.
There was a hand on Jimmy’s arm. He turned. “Why Ellie what’s the matter?”
“I’m with a crazy man you’ve got to help me get away.”
“Look this is Congo Jake.... You ought to know him Ellie, he’s a fine man.... This is une tres grande artiste, Congo.”
“Wont the lady have a leetle anizette?”
“Have a little drink with us.... It’s awfully cozy in here now that everybody’s gone.”
“No thanks I’m going home.”
“But it’s just the neck of the evening.”
“Well you’ll have to take the consequences of my crazy man.... Look Herf, have you seen Stan today?”
“No I haven’t.”