“No. I ask you––my friend––my associate in business–––”
“A fine associate!––when I can’t kick in when I want to kick out a bunch of nuts that’s wrecking the hall, just because they got a drag with you–––”
“Listen. I am frank like there never was a–––”
“Sure. Go on!”
“I say it! Yes! I am frank like hell. From my friend and partner I conceal nothing–––”
“Not even the books,” grinned Skidder.
“Elmer. You pain me. I who am all heart! Elmer, I ask it of you if you will so kindly tell me what it is that Sondheim has said to you about this ‘drag.’”
“He said,” replied the other viciously, “that he had you cinched. He said you’d hand me the ha-ha when I saw you. And you’ve done it.”
“Pardon. I did not say to you a ha-ha, Elmer. I was surprised when you have told me how you have gone to Sondheim so roughly, without one word to me–––”