“And that is very odd, because they haven’t any feet,” quoted Kenneth, as he poured the hot water in very slowly.
“Do you want a bath thermometer?” went on Patty.
“No; when they stop wriggling it’s warm enough. There, now they’re all right.”
Kenneth set down the hot water pitcher and looked with pride on the two fish, who had certainly stopped wriggling.
“They’re awful quiet,” said Patty. “Are you sure they’re all right? I think you’ve boiled them.”
“Nothing of the sort. They like warmth, only it makes them sort of——”
“Dormant,” suggested Patty.
“Yes, clever child, dormant. And now while they sleep, I’ll tell you my plan. You see, these are extra intelligent goldfish,—especially Juliet, the one with a black spot on her shoulder. Well, you’ve only to train them a bit, and then give exhibitions of your trained goldfish! You’ve no idea what a hit it will make.”
“Kenneth, you’re a genius!” cried Patty, meeting his fun halfway. “It’s lots easier than white work. Come on, help me train them, won’t you? How do we begin?”
“They’re still sleepy,” said Kenneth, looking at the inert fish. “They need stirring up.”