Спрут: Калифорнийская история

           AllthroughthedinnerthatfollowedAnnixterwasoutofsorts,sulkinginhisplace,refusingtoeatbywayofvindicatinghisself-respect,resolvingtobringOstermanupwithasharpturnifhecalledhim“Buck”again.

           TheChinamanhadmadeacertainkindofplumpuddingfordessert,andAnnixter,whorememberedotherdinnersattheDerrick’s,hadbeensavinghimselfforthis,andhadmeditateduponitallthroughthemeal.Nodoubt,itwouldrestoreallhisgoodhumour,andhebelievedhisstomachwassofarrecoveredastobeabletostandit.

           But,unfortunately,thepuddingwasservedwithasaucethatheabhorred—athick,gruel-like,colourlessmixture,madefromplainwaterandsugar.Beforehecouldinterfere,theChinamanhadpouredaquantityofituponhisplate.

           “Faugh!”exclaimedAnnixter.“Itmakesmesick.Such—suchSLOOP.Takeitaway.I’llhaveminestraight,ifyoudon’tmind.”

           “That’sgoodforyourstomach,Buck,”observedyoungOsterman;“makesitgodownkindofsortofslick;don’tyousee?Sloop,hey?That’sagoodname.”

           “Lookhere,don’tyoucallmeBuck.Youdon’tseemtohaveanysense,and,besides,itISN’Tgoodformystomach.Iknowbetter.WhatdoYOUknowaboutmystomach,anyhow?Justlookingatslooplikethatmakesmesick.”

           AlittlewhileafterthistheChinamanclearedawaythedessertandbroughtincoffeeandcigars.Thewhiskeybottleandthesyphonofsoda-waterreappeared.