Or does he get on his ear right away ?' 'I should say,' answered Logotheti, without a smile, 'that he gets on his ear right away--if that means the opposite of being friendly and obliging.

But I may be prejudiced, for he does not approve of me.' 'Why not, Mr.Logotheti ?' 'My uncle says I'm a pagan, and worship idols.' 'Maybe he means the Golden Calf,' suggested Mr.Van Torp gravely.
Logotheti laughed.
'The other deity in business is the Brazen Serpent, I believe,' he retorted.
'The two would look pretty well out there on my lawn,' answered Mr.
Van Torp, his hard face relaxing a little.
'To return to the point.

Can I be of any use to you with the Patriarch?
We are not on bad terms, though he does think me a heathen.
Is there anything I can do ?' 'Thank you, not at present.

Much obliged.

I only wanted to know.' Logotheti's curiosity was destined to remain unsatisfied.