“I have him,” said Barry. “Harry Hobbs.”
“Hobbs? Boozes a bit, doesn't he?”
“Not now. Hasn't for six months. He's a new man. I can guarantee him.”
“You can, eh? Well, my experience is once a boozer always a boozer.”
“Oh,” said Barry, “Hobbs is different. He is a member of our church, you know.”
“No, I didn't know. But I don't know that that makes much difference anyway,” said Duff with a laugh. “I don't mean to be offensive,” he added.
“It does to Hobbs, he's a Christian man now. I mean a real Christian, Mr. Duff.”
“Well, I suppose there is such a thing. In fact, I've known one or two, but—well, if you guarantee him I'll take him.”
“I will guarantee him,” said Barry.
“Let me have your answer to-morrow,” said Duff as he bade them good-night.