Conversation in a Bar

by James Ramp

Hank was in a booth in a bar on Christmas Eve. He had been talking to a Marine -without luck. The Marine said 'Goodnight' and left. A tall, lanky man-about thirty-came from the bar carrying a glass of beer. He said: "Can I set here?" and slid into the booth without invitation.

"Well, you're here now," said Hank. "Make yourself comfortable."

"My name's Joe. I'm stuck here on my way home for Christmas. I got a wife and two children waiting for me in Georgia."

"That's tough, on Christmas Eve."

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"I was listenin' to you try to make that Marine."

"Then you're wiser than he was."

"I am looking for somebody myself."

"What are you looking for?"

"Somebody who will pay me fifteen bucks."

"Fifteen bucks for what?"

"To sleep with me, of course!"

"But you have a wife and two children at home."

"I need fifteen bucks to git there and buy them some pretties for Christmas."

"Why should I pay you fifteen bucks?"

"Well, you're queer, ain't you?"

"You're the queer one."

"What'n Hell you mean?"

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