Here was a lovable innocent with the most delightful illusion that he understood the world.

Dick would draw out his father by the hour, but, as he put it, he wouldn't let the old boy down.

He stopped his chaff before it could begin to hurt.
"Well, I am here," he said.

"What scrape have you got into now ?" "I am in no scrape, Richard.

I don't get into scrapes," replied his father.