Samuel Hopkins Adams

“ B. Slufek had no God at all. He hadn't time for one. It sometimes happens that way when men work twelve hours every day in the week, with a periodic shift of twenty-four hours on end. Jencks-Esq.'s laborers were sunk in bestial slumber what time Jencks-Esq. was in his pew at church. Alas for the baseness of the human soul!
But had B. Slufek a soul? Something was there, inside, of course. But I am speaking now of a soul as we understand it; you and I, comfortable reader. A well-groomed, carefully considered, self-heedful sort of a soul; Jencks-Esq.'s sort of a soul, in point of fact. ”

“ By Carman's saloon," said B. Slufek. "Down River Bottom way."
During the swift run B. Slufek spoke only once. That was when Jencks-Jr. asked him if he felt any better.
"I think I goin' die," said B. Slufek humbly. "Excoose me."
"Nonsense!" said Jencks-Jr.
Jencks-Jr. had never seen Mulberry Alley before. It did not edify him. As for the chauffeur, he snorted. He opined that it was no place for a gentleman, which was true. It was equally true that it was no place for any human being.
Nevertheless, a great many human beings lived in Mulberry Alley. They lived several in a room. ”

“ He learned at the same time that only "irresponsible idealists" given over, body and soul to the propagation of "socialistic rot," concerned themselves with light, air, germs and death rates. Jencks-Esq. said so. With emphasis. B. Slufek could have confirmed the statement. ”