"Hi, pal"

[imchongjun]

I have a question about a certain scene from "The Mouse in the Mountain" by Norbert Davis. Doan and Greg are drinking together at a bar when two soldiers comes in and searches Doan for weapons. Then Greg says, "That's a very nice hat you have, Doan. May I see it?" and picks up the hat. Under the hat lies a clasp knife, and Greg says "Oh, excuse me". And then comes the part I don't understand well. Hearing that, Doan nods at him and says, "Hi, pal." Soon after this, the knife turns out to be a possession of Greg, who was afraid of being searched and put the knife under Doan's hat. Of course Doan knows that Greg has hidden a knife under his hat.

Now, why does Doan say "Hi, pal"? He has been drinking with Greg, so it seems to me very strange that he greets him as if they met just that moment. I appreciate your help as always.

 

[Anglika]

Doan is indicating that he thinks Greg has made things difficult for him as the soldiers searching for weapons will believe the knife is Doan's.

He probably says it with a strong degree of sarcasm in his voice.

 

[imchongjun]

I see. Thank you very much.