I doubt if the greatest poet that ever lived scribbled lines like that, offhand." "Of course they couldn't! You've done it, Little Billee.

You've smashed my idols, blown up my air castles, knocked the pedestals from under my heroes----" "I'm sorry, dear,--but when they are unworthy idols and heroes----" "And they are! I see it all now.

I banked on Mr.Blaney's genius mostly on account of that poem.

But, as you say, the very fact that he made me promise not to show it to anybody--but I don't need to prove it.

You tell me it's Riley's, and there's no further question about it." "I'll send you the book, Patty.