It's a pity you are such a detestable
crank in other respects."
"It's kind of convenient being a crank," I said.
"People are careful how they meddle with you. Haven't you
found that out in your own experience?"
"I am NOT a crank," growled Alexander Abraham resentfully.
"All I ask is to be let alone."
"That's the very crankiest kind of crank," I said.
"A person who wants to be let alone flies in the face of Providence,
who decreed that folks for their own good were not to be let alone.
But cheer up, Mr. Bennett. The quarantine will be up on Tuesday
and then you'll certainly be let alone for the rest of your
natural life, as far as William Adolphus and I are concerned.
You may then return to your wallowing in the mire and be as dirty
and comfortable as of yore."
Alexander Abraham growled again. The prospect didn't seem to cheer him
up as much as I should have expected. Then he did an amazing thing.
He poured some cream into a saucer and set it down before
William Adolphus. William Adolphus lapped it up, keeping one eye
on Alexander Abraham lest the latter should change his mind.
Not to be outdone, I handed Mr. Riley a bone.
Neither Alexander Abraham nor I had worried much about the smallpox.
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