His appearance was the signal for some humor, for Mr.Plume had long passed the time when any one but himself took him seriously.
"Here comes somebody that can tell us the news," called some one.

"Come in, J.Quincy, and tell us what you know." "That would take too long," said Mr.Plume, as he edged himself toward the stove.

"You will find all the news in the _Whistle_ to-morrow." Just then another new arrival, who had pushed his way in toward the stove, said: "I will tell you a piece of news: Bill Bluffy is back." "Come back, has he ?" observed one of the company.

"Well, that is more interesting to J.Quincy than if the railroad had come.

They are hated rivals.