“He is neither dead nor asleep, but sick; perhaps he is dying. Call Gimbo.”
Soon Gimbo, who was doctor, priest and prophet, all in one, approached with his dragon-fly and long-necked pumpkin, and, after a brief examination, in which he looked mysteriously wise, said:
“It comes from the colic;” and, with these words, he seized the neck of the pumpkin, and with the big end pounded the stomach of his patient, adding: “This will fetch the colic out of him.”
Pounder first grunted, then groaned, and at last opened his eyes.
Gimbo, seeing this effect, congratulated himself, and went on pounding, saying, “He is coming out all right.”
Pounder who neither understood nor enjoyed this treatment, raised himself half up, and, to the surprise of all, dealt Gimbo a powerful blow with his fist, saying, “Get out you old four-footed ape with your big pumpkin!”
He then sank back in his stupor, but placed his hand on his stomach for protection.
Gimbo, picking himself up, said:
“The disease acts strangely; but he is gaining strength, and will soon be well.”