Her name was Celestine." The company raised a chorus of derision, and Osterman cried ironically: "Say! THAT'S a pretty good one! Tell us another." The old man laughed with the rest, believing he had made another hit.

He called Osterman to him, whispering in his ear: "Sh! Look here! Some night you and I will go up to San Francisco--hey?
We'll go skylarking.

We'll be gay.

Oh, I'm a--a--a rare old BUCK, I am! I ain't too old.

You'll see." Annixter gave over the making of the fifth bowl of punch to Osterman, who affirmed that he had a recipe for a "fertiliser" from Solotari that would take the plating off the ladle.