All right, I can wait." The conversation wandered from Buenos Ayres to 'Frisco and back again until the cigars and coffee were reached.

Then the congressman blew a fragrant ring into the air and, from behind it, looked quizzically at his companion.
"Well," he observed, "so far as that appropriation of yours is concerned--" He paused and blew a second ring.

Captain Cy stroked his beard.
"Um--yes," he drawled, "now that you mention it, seems to me there was some talk of an appropriation." Mr.Everdean laughed.
"I've been making inquiries," he said.

"I saw the chairman of the committee on the pork bill.

I know him well.