"Oh, you made good, I guess; but we can't take a chance with you."
"I suppose you're afraid I'll steal some of your chalk."
Crosset grinned, then deponed with extreme gravity: "Bob, you drink.
You're unsteady in your habits. It's too bad, but we can't—"
"I don't drink as much as you do."
"Nobody does; but that's beside the question."
"As a matter of fact, I've quit."
This announcement drew a hearty chuckle. "You're a great comedian,
Bob," said Crosset.
After surveying his friend for a moment Bob responded with great earnestness: "But you're not. This fails to hand me a laugh. Now tell me, how did you wet your feet, and whence comes the icy draught?"
"Well, from the direction of Pittsburg, if you must know. It seems you are an undesirable citizen, Bob—a dangerous character. There's a can tied to you, and we can't afford to antagonize the whole Steel Trust."
"I see. I'm afraid I'll have to disown that father of mine."