Jimmy nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, I guess you win,” he said, at last. “I presume it is German, eh? Suggests German frightfulness. And still, there’s Ezra. Now, some of the Biblical names are wonders. There was a chap here last year named Absalom. Honest to goodness, fellows. Absalom was the name his fond parents had presented him with in a defenceless moment! Say, parents are to blame for lots, aren’t they? But we haven’t heard from Monty. What’s the most—er—the most extraordinary name you ever met with, Monty?”
“James,” replied Monty briefly.
“Really? Well, I suppose I’m used to it. But it isn’t uncommon, like—like— What was that name out of the Bible I heard once?” Jimmy frowned intensely. Monty shifted his feet uneasily, and directed nervous and somewhat suspicious glances at his three companions. But only looks of the utmost innocence met his regard.
“Melchisedec?” suggested Dud.
“No, that wasn’t it. That’s good, though.” Jimmy nodded approvingly. “It was something like—like—” He cast a vacant stare about the room. “Seems to me it began with A: Ab—Ab——”
Monty fixed a scowling gaze on his shoes.
“I’ve got it!” exclaimed Jimmy in triumph. “Ab—Ab— Abner!”
Monty hoped the others didn’t hear the sigh of relief that burst from him. He cleared his throat, and remarked carelessly: “That isn’t a bad name. Lots of folks are called Abner.”
“Honest?” asked Jimmy, plainly disappointed. “Then maybe that isn’t it. Let me see, now. Ab—Ab——”