"It's Hughie's and the very sight of it was an inspiration."
"Give it to me!"
"On the contrary I intend to cure your deafness."
Adam stared.
"I mean just this: You can hear as well as I can. You pretend to be deaf when you don't want to hear."
"What?" snapped the old man with a glance like lightning.
"You told me to practice the truth," reminded Kenny, dropping into a chair. "I'm merely beginning. I've a lot to say. And the health of your hearing, Adam, is an indispensable adjunct to my practice hour and my peace of mind. I'm merely insuring myself against your refusing with a feint of deafness to hear what I have to say."
"For once," said Adam insolently, "you've scored. But if ever I get my hands on that damned megaphone, I'll burn it."
"You won't get your hands on it," retorted Kenny. "And if you do I'll buy a bigger one."
It was hard to begin but Kenny with his mouth set thought of Joan. He told Adam Craig he was a miser.