"Couldn't say," replied the agent.
"Do you think it would be any good to wait for the North Star? Do you suppose they can be coming? Do you suppose they've altered the schedule?"
"Couldn't say," replied the agent.
"When is the next boat through here?"
I listened for the answer in trepidation, for I saw that another "Couldn't say" would cause the red-faced tourist to blow up. To my relief, the agent merely inquired,--
"North or south?"
"South, of course. I just came from the north. What in the name of everlasting blazes should I want to go north again for?"
"Couldn't say," replied the agent. "The next boat south gets in next week, Tuesday or Wednesday."
"Next week!" shrieked the tourist.
"When's the next boat north?" interposed the son.