“Ever been hyeh befo’?”
“Never; but I’m crazy about the place, and I’ll be seen here a good deal hereafter.”
Ardmore produced his cigar-case and extended it to the stranger. The man, awed by the splendour of the case, accepted a cigar a little gingerly.
“Drummer, I reckon?”
“Commercial traveller, we prefer to be designated,” replied Ardmore, with dignity.
“I guess drummer’s good enough down hyeh. What y’u carry?”
“Jugs. I’m in the jug business. Never had any business but jugs.”
The man paused in lighting his cigar, stared at Ardmore over the flaming match, drew the fire into the cigar several times, then settled back with his hands in his pockets.
“Full ’r empty?”
“The jugs? Oh, empty jugs; but it’s no affair of mine what becomes of the jugs afterwards.”