“My dear sir, it seems to me you are going too fast. I have not yet selected you. I should like to ask you a few questions.”
“I shall have pleasure in answering, sir. Professor Puffer is always open and aboveboard.”
“That is well. May I ask where you have held the position of professor?”
“At the American University of Harvard. Doubtless you have heard of it.”
“Certainly.”
“I have also lectured at Cornell University.”
“On what subject?”
“Ahem! On antiquities.”
“Then that is your specialty?”
“Yes, sir.”