“We don’t buy much new stuff,” said Sid Greenwood, “but I guess I can promise Emerson that he shall have what trade there is.”
“Thanks,” murmured Russell. He was finding the situation just a bit embarrassing in spite of the evident good-will of the fellows.
“And that g-g-goes for me, too,” announced Coolidge earnestly. “I’ll see Nagle to-morrow and b-b-bully him into g-g-giving you a ch-ch-ch—”
“Spoken like a man, Bob!” said Jimmy warmly. “Your speech is halting, but the spirit that prompts your words—”
“Go to th-th-thunder!” grunted Coolidge.
“The Home Market Club is organized,” announced Stanley, yawning.
“It was a Home Consumption League awhile back,” objected Greenwood. “But never mind. The motto is: Patronize Home Industries! Emerson, I hope your place will do well and make you a rich man; as rich as Jimmy!”
“And m-m-more generous,” supplemented Coolidge. “A f-f-fellow who offers one box of c-c-caramels to a mob like this is a p-p-p—”
“Introducing Mr. Robert Coolidge, gentlemen, with his famous imitation of a flivver working on one cylinder. Gentlemen, Mr. Coolidge!” And Jimmy clapped loudly.
“—p-p-p-piker!” ended Coolidge triumphantly.