Joe: Misteh Porteh, suh, would Ah botheh you if Ah was to empty de trash-basket now, suh?
Porter: You might do something else. See if Jimmie Valentine is able to come here.
Joe: Yes, suh, right away, suh. (hurries off right)
Porter: Did Jimmie ever tell you how he does that trick of opening safes?
Jennings: It’s quite simple. He takes a file, and files his finger nails across the middle right down to the flesh—
Porter: Oh, horrible!
Jennings: He lays the raw quivering flesh against the lock, while he turns the dial with his other hand. His nerves are so sensitive that he can feel the tumblers when they fall; so it’s just the same as if he knew the combination. How’s that for a story, Bill?
Porter: My God, I’ll never write anything like that! That’s too horrible to think about!
Jennings: Bill, there are men who would file one hand off to get out of this pen. (a pause) At the time I tried to make my getaway, Jimmie came forward to take the blame. Said he’d got the saws for me, and tempted me to try it. Of course, he was lying, and the warden knew he was lying; just the same, Jimmie got reduced to the lowest grade, and that’s what brought him to the hospital, I guess. I saw his mother for him, and told him about it, and Bill, he cried like a baby! But the great state of Ohio can’t find any good in such a man.
Porter: The great state of Ohio would seem to be lacking somewhat in spiritual intuition.