§ 263 In the Ascending Scale
A person who had been so incautious as to sample a bootlegger’s wares was endeavoring to negotiate the opening into a hat store. Another man, who was perfectly sober and apparently had no sympathy with any persons who also were not perfectly sober, shoved the inebriated one aside and entered the establishment. The jostled person, straightening himself with difficulty, followed through the door.
Just inside a salesman bowed before the sober man.
“I want a hat,” said the latter. “A derby hat. Size 6-7/8.”
Having found a hat to his liking he departed. The clerk turned to the soused individual, who, while the sale was in progress, had been regarding the first purchaser with a baleful eye.
“And what can I do for you, sir?” inquired the clerk.
“I want a lid, too.”
“Yes sir. What size?”
“Whasch size ’at other feller take?”
“6-7/8.”
“Alri’—then gimme 9-10-11!”