accustomed to a breakfast, not a gorge, is abnormal but satisfactory,
thank you--quite satisfactory."

"That," said I, "we will discuss later, when I have you out back of the
bar in my catboat. Judging from present indications there will be some
sea-running. The 'Hephzy' is a good, capable craft, but a bit cranky,
like the lady she is named for. I imagine she will roll."

He didn't like that. You see, I had sailed with him before and I
remembered.

"Ho-se-a," he drawled, "you have a vivid imagination. It is a pity you
don't use more of it in those stories of yours."

"Humph! I am obliged to use the most of it on the royalty statements you
send me. If you call me 'Hosea' again I will take the 'Hephzy' across
the Point Rip. The waves there are fifteen feet high at low tide. See
here, I asked you a serious question and I should like a serious answer.
Jim, what IS the matter with me? Have I written out or what is the
trouble?"

He looked at me again.

"Are you in earnest?" he asked.

"I am, very much in earnest."

"And you really want to talk shop after a breakfast like that and on a
morning like this?"