"H'lo, Silly Bill!" said this person, William Sylvanus Baxter. "What's
the news?"

William showed no enthusiasm; on the contrary, a frown of annoyance
appeared upon his brow. The nickname "Silly Bill"--long ago compounded
by merry child-comrades from "William" and "Sylvanus"--was not to his
taste, especially in public, where he preferred to be addressed simply
and manfully as "Baxter." Any direct expression of resentment, however,
was difficult, since it was plain that Johnnie Watson intended no
offense whatever and but spoke out of custom.

"Don't know any," William replied, coldly.

"Dull times, ain't it?" said Mr. Watson, a little depressed by his
friend's manner. "I heard May Parcher was comin' back to town yesterday,
though."

"Well, let her!" returned William, still severe.

"They said she was goin' to bring a girl to visit her," Johnnie began in
a confidential tone. "They said she was a reg'lar ringdinger and--"

"Well, what if she is?" the discouraging Mr. Baxter interrupted. "Makes
little difference to ME, I guess!"

"Oh no, it don't. YOU don't take any interest in girls! OH no!"

"No, I do not!" was the emphatic and heartless retort. "I never saw one
in my life I'd care whether she lived or died!"