And one day occurred a series of ridiculous happenings which, bidding fair at first to end in a quarrel the relationship between the two, instead revealed in both a kindred trait that removed the last barrier.
At a little before ten on this particular morning, Brown, busy in the kitchen, heard vigorous language outside.

It was Atkins who was speaking, and the assistant wondered who on earth he could be talking to.

A glance around the doorpost showed that he was, apparently, talking to himself--at least, there was no other human being to be seen.

He held in his hand a battered pair of marine glasses and occasionally he peered through them.

Each time he did so his soliloquy became more animated and profane.
"What's the matter ?" demanded Brown, emerging from the house.
"Matter ?" repeated Seth.