There was the booth. But that was all. It stood quite alone at the side of the white road. I walked round it. Nothing. I glanced up and down the road, but there was no one in sight. I had been feeling hungry, for it was seven o'clock; but this was better than breakfast, and I returned to the bank. The little red curtains fluttered, as a passing breeze caught them, and I marked how bright and new they looked. It was certainly in good condition--this booth. "Well?" said a voice. "Well?" said I. A pause. A girl's voice it was: coming from within the booth. "You seem rather surprised," said the voice. "No, no," I said, "not really surprised. Only a little staggered. You see, I know so few booths." "What are you doing here?" "To be frank, booth, I'm waiting." "I'm waiting, too." "So?" said I. "I wait, you wait, let us wait, ye shall have been about to see, they would--" "What are you waiting for?" "Developments. And you?" "My breakfast." I looked up and down the road. "I don't see it coming," I said anxiously. "What's it look like?" "Milk. You don't happen to have any, I suppose?" I felt in my pockets. "There, now," I said, "I must have left it on the piano. I got up rather hurriedly this morning," I added apologetically. "Never mind." "I'll tell you what, booth, I'll go and get some." "No, thanks very much. Don't you bother; it'll come along presently." "Are you sure? This isn't 'The Blue Bird.'" "Yes, it's all right--really." There was another pause. Then: "Hadn't you better be getting back to breakfast?" said the girl. "Not much," said I. "I don't run up against booths every day. Besides--" "Besides what?" "Well, booth, I'm awfully curious." "What do you want to know?" "You're very good." "I didn't say I'd tell you." "I'll risk that. In a word, why are you?" "Ah!" I waited in silence for a few moments. At length: "Suppose," she said slowly, "suppose a bet had been made." "A bet?" "A bet." "Shocking! Go on." "Well? Isn't that enough?" "Nothing like." "I don't think much of your imagination." I raised my eyes to heaven. "A prophet is not without honour," I quoted. "Is this your own country?" "It is." "Oh, I say, you'd be the very man!" "I am," I said. "Refuse substitutes."