Bert grunted. “I’m likely to! I’ve been wondering if he will bring any pictures and truck like that. I hope, if he does, he won’t have the usual rot. This is too good a study to fill up with chromos. Something tells me, Nick, that I’m an awful idiot to go in with some fellow I’ve never seen. Bet you anything he will be a fresh kid.”
Nick chuckled. “I decline the wager, Bert. Also, I agree with you that you’re taking a chance. Still, you can’t tell. Where does he come from?”
“Somewhere in Maryland.”
“Baltimore? I knew a fellow who lived in Baltimore, and he was a crackajack.”
“No, some place I never heard of. I forget it now. I suppose that makes him a Southerner, doesn’t it?”
“Of course. Anything against Southerners?”
“No, only they’re a bit stuck up. If he tries it with me I’ll shut him up mighty quick!”
“Bert, your disposition is entirely ruined. I guess it’s the weather. I’m glad I’m not What’s-his-name, Ordway.”
“If you’d had the decency to come in with me——”