"I see."
"Now, any ordinary woman would work in with me. But not Her Nibs. She would call it cheap and degrading and a lot of other things. It's got to be a genuine steal, and, if I'm caught at it, I lose my job. So that's where you come in."
"But where am I to keep the jolly old reptile?"
"Oh, anywhere. Punch a few holes in a hat-box, and make it up a shake-down inside. It'll be company for you."
"Something in that. My wife's away just now and it's a bit lonely in the evenings."
"You'll never be lonely with Peter around. He's a great scout. Always merry and bright."
"He doesn't bite, I suppose, or sting or what-not?"
"He may what-not occasionally. It depends on the weather. But, outside of that, he's as harmless as a canary."
"Dashed dangerous things, canaries," said Archie, thoughtfully. "They peck at you."
"Don't weaken!" pleaded the Press-agent.
"Oh, all right. I'll take him. By the way, touching the matter of browsing and sluicing. What do I feed him on?"
"Oh, anything. Bread-and-milk or fruit or soft-boiled egg or dog-biscuit or ants'-eggs. You know—anything you have yourself. Well, I'm much obliged for your hospitality. I'll do the same for you another time. Now I must be getting along to see to the practical end of the thing. By the way. Her Nibs lives at the Cosmopolis, too. Very convenient. Well, so long. See you later."
