Tell me plainly and straightforwardly why you call Simpkins a meddlesome ass." "Because he pokes his nose into everybody's business," said the Major, "and won't let people alone." Meldon took a note on a sheet of paper.
"Good," he said.

"Simpkins--meddlesome ass--pokes his nose into everybody's business.

Now, who is everybody ?" "Who is what, J.J. ?" "Who is everybody?
That's plain enough, isn't it?
For instance, are you everybody ?" "No, I'm not.

How could I be ?" "Then I take it that Simpkins has not poked his nose into your business.

Is Doyle everybody ?" "He _has_ poked his nose into my business." "Be careful now, Major.