I think we should invite him to relate it to us." A murmur of assent greeted the speaker's suggestion.

For myself I was particularly pleased, inasmuch as I have long felt that Thornton as a _raconteur_ was almost as interesting as in the role of an operating plumber.

I have often told him that, if he had not happened to meet success in his chosen profession, he could have earned a living as a day writer: a suggestion which he has always taken in good part and without offence.
Those of my readers who have looked through the little volume of Reminiscences which I have put together, will recall the narrative of _The Missing Nut_ and the little tale entitled _The Blue Blow Torch_ as instances in point.
"Not much of a story, perhaps," said Thornton, "but such as it is you are welcome to it.

So, if you will just fill up your glasses with raspberry vinegar, you may have the tale for what it is worth." We gladly complied with the suggestion and Thornton continued: "It happened a good many years ago at a time when I was only a young fellow fresh from college, very proud of my Plumb.

B., and inclined to think that I knew it all.