"Well, some of it," said Tode, hesitatingly. "But it all means something, likely, and I'm learning it, so I'll have it on hand to find out about one of these days, when I find a lawyer or somebody who can explain it, you know."
This last with a twinkle of the eye, and a certain almost noiseless chuckle, that said it was intended to hit.
"You're learning it!" exclaimed Mr. Ryan, undisguised astonishment mingling with his amusement.
"Yes, sir. Learn a figure a day. It's all marked off into figures, you know, sir."
"Well, of all queer chaps, you're the queerest!"
And Mr. Ryan went off into another laugh as Tode sped away to a new corner. By the time he was ready for a second cup of coffee, Mr. Ryan was also ready with more questions.
"Well, sir, what's to-day's figure?"
"For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea," repeated Tode, promptly and glibly.
"Indeed! and what do you make out of that?"
"It makes itself; and that's something that's going to be one of these days."