This is the fourth time youve headed em, he
exclaimed.
One hundred and thirty-six pounds I collected, and
sixty-eight forSteak.
There was a loud knock on the door, and Stanley
appeared.
If there had been, it wouldhave been blabbed long
ago.
Supposing that it is not valueless, he cried
gloatingly, supposingthat it is very valuable? Dont worry over things that happened
long ago, honey, she said,smoothing my hair.
I never knew until then, the possibilities of a
word like tobacco.
We had to live together as happilyas possible, so I
tried to win him over.
Weve been to enough parties, said Steak, to know
that thefirstcomers know where the beers hidden. Their talk ceased suddenly as I
came up to them. We wont go into those complications, if you please. I would have
seen the Swiss maidens condensing the milk andthrowing the nuts into the
chocolates.
Well then, we will place the coin on the top of the
door so that thecoin falls on the other side.
Ill say that was something like a hurl, said Steak
admiringly. Returning to the stand, I found Maureen and Daisy sitting with
theirheads close together. This is the fourth time youve headed em, he exclaimed. It
was all a piece with my presentiments and I sensed the presence ofthe finger of
fate. I rememberedthat he had not even thanked me for the tobacco I had intended to
buyhim. Here, damn you, hissed Stanley, seven shillings. A veryancient and easily
remembered song of some fifty-three verses, if Iremember rightly.
I studied the nail on my little finger for a
moment.
Thanks for the tip, old man, I said, grasping him
by the hand.
Not that there was anythingparticularly remarkable
about it.
I dont care if Im never able to yell again. She
shifted her head on my shoulder and mumbled something. He was back insomething under
a second with my tie and studs.
And where do the milkman and postman nations come
in?
Well, come on, girls, I exclaimed
jovially.
I could lay you out in one hit if necessary,
therefore I ama majority. When I was goingout a little while ago, I thought I would
buy you some tobacco.
What would I do with seven shillings worth of
tobacco? How can I get a good spin if you crowd in onme? Stanley rushed into the
room with abottle in each hand and a delighted smile on his face.