The congressman cleared his throat.
"Cyrus," he said, "I am not accustomed to run at the beck and call of my--er--acquaintances, but, even though we have disagreed of late, even though to me your conduct seems quite unjustifiable, still, for the sake of our boyhood friendship, and, because you are not well, I--er--came." Captain Cy coughed spasmodically, a cough that seemed to be tearing him to pieces.

He looked at his cigar regretfully, and laid it on the top of the radiator.
"Too bad," he observed.

"Tobacco gen'rally iles up my talkin' machinery, but just now it seems to make me bark like a ship's dog shut up in the hold.

Why, yes, Heman, I see you've come.

Much obliged to you." This politeness was still more encouraging.