(and not so genial as he looked) approached the head of the fifth floor and said, “How long you been with us, Sykes?”

“Well, I came here as errand boy at thirteen. That’s ten — twelve — fifteen — just about sixteen years next June. Yes, sir.”

“How’d Jessie — how’d my daughter get the idea you were from the West, and a regular mountain goat, and a peak-climber and all that?”

He did look a little uncomfortable then, but it was too late for withdrawal. “I am from the West, you know.”

“Have you had any long vacations since you’ve been with us?”

“No, sir. You see, in the summer, of course —