So Felix made another trip to the kitchen. When he returned with the bread and butter, Billy discovered that the pepper had been overlooked.
"For Gawd's sake use salt on 'em!" implored Felix. "I never use pepper, I don't. Salt is just as good. Healthier, too."
"But I don't like salt," protested Billy. "I've got no manner of use for it. I want pepper, I do."
"Use salt," mumbled Craft, stoking busily.
Billy pushed right back from the table and refused to be comforted. "I want some pepper! Whatsa matter with you jiggers—tryin' to starve me to death? Sam, you lazy lump of slumgullion, get me some pepper, will you?"
"No, I won't. I'm too comfortable and you're too finicky."
Bill glanced across at Tip. "You going to refuse me too, Tip, old citizen?"
"No," said Tip with a weary air, "I suppose not."
He arose and betook himself to the kitchen. Returning with a large old-fashioned tin pepper pot he thumped it down upon the table in front of the captive. "There y'are. Now, stop your squalling."
"Thank you, Tippy, I will. Yeah."