“That must have been ever so nice. Keep your mind on the job.”
“I am. My Gawd, you’re grateful, aren’t you? Here am I with me pockets sewn up mixin’ with dust I’ve shook orf my feet for ever. What d’you think I’m doin’ it for? What luck your end?”
“Nothing yet. Phoebe gave me the Starlight, the Fish, the Newspaper, the Enraged Cow and a staggering dive called the All At Home. I’ve had a morning long after the night before. All a blank. Look here, try straight food with a smear.”
“Smear meanin’ filf?”
“Yes. I was wrapping it up for you. Ollie is the man you want. Ollie Dawson of Old Compton Street. Take him a bottle of kümmel.”
“Is it kümmel? I thought ’is fancy was dressed crab? I’ll take both. Righto. Any more dope?”
“Dope? Oh, I’m sorry, I was on the other book. Yes, one thing. Lis
