“You wouldn't tell me, you know. Nothing very flattering, I judged.”

“As a disenchanted and uncontrolled drifter.”

“And now you think perhaps I'm not?”

“I don't know what you are, but I think I might as well be clicking the shutter of a camera, for all I've done with you. The point is, that I've come to the end of you for the present.”

“You don't want me any more?” he cried, aghast.

“If I did, you wouldn't have time. I've got you a real man's job.”

“What kind of slavery have you sold me into this time?”

“The steam-roller. I've used my influence—you don't know what a pull I've got around here—and I can name my man for the late night-shift. Will you take it?” His face was elate. “Will I take it! Will a duck eat pie?”

“I'm sure I don't know. Will it?”

“It will if it can't get anything else to eat. How long is this job good for?”