told him straight out: “Mister,I suspect you to be a dope fiend.” ‘
” ‘ ” I got the ingrowing toe nails,Pop. I’m in agony.” ‘he says.
” ‘ ” Well,” I says, ” I gotta be careful. But so long as you got a legitimate condition and an RX from a certified bona feedy M.D., I’m honored to serve you.” ‘
” ‘ ” That croaker’s really certified,”he say. . . Well,I guess one hand didn’t know what the other was doing when I give him a jar of Saniflush by error. . . So I reckon he’s had his too.’
” ‘ Just the thing to clean a man’s blood’.
” ‘You know, that very thing occurred to me. Should be a sight better than sulphur and molasses. . .Now, Arch don’t think i’m nosey;but a man don’t have no secrets from God and his druggist I always say. . . Is you still humping the Old Gray Mare?’
“‘Why, Doc Parker. . .I’ll have you know I’m a family man and an Elder in the First Denominational Non-sextarian Church and I ain’t had a piecea hoss ass since we was kids together.’
“’Them was the days, Arch. Remember the time I got the goose grease mixed up with the mustard? Always was a one to grab the wrong jar, feller say. They could have heard you squealing over in Cunt Lick County, just a squealing like a stoat with his stones cut off.’
“ ‘You’re in the wrong hole, Doc. It was you took the mustard and me as had to wait till you cooled off.’
“ ‘Wistful thinking, Arch. I read about it one time inna magazin settin’ in that green outhouse behind the station. . . . Now what I meant awhile back, Arch, you