At this moment, I'm going to fill my pipe.
[There is a pause while Alec fills and lights
his pipe.
Dick.
I gather from the general amiability of your demeanour that we're in a rather tight place?
Alec.
Tighter than any of your patent-leather boots, my friend.
Dick.
[Gravely.] Have we any chance of getting through, old man?
Alec.
[Lightly.] Oh, I don't know. There's always a chance.