“What d’ye want with Whiffin, Jumbo?” he repeated.
“Joe,” remarked Dave—he placed his hand on the lad’s broad shoulder—“if you don’t mind, I’d rather you’d call me Dave—Dave Brandon’s my name.”
“All right. I’ll call you Dave Jumbo,” said Joe, gravely.
The historian burst into a hearty laugh.
“Dave Jumbo?”
“Oh, I’m wise to what ye wants, Dave.” Joe stared earnestly into the other’s face for an instant. “Ye’re a good feller, all right—I kin see that,” he exclaimed. “Say,—what’s became o’ the little grouch?”
Dave explained.
“Gone off for to eat, eh? Well, did ye take sich a fancy to Whiffin ye couldn’t stay away from the show, eh?”
“Joe, I’m looking for a job.”
Joe’s eyes bulged out with real astonishment.