"So I did. Go on."
"You said—"
"So you said before."
"You said—"
"You said that before. You said, I said, and I said, so I did. It's perfectly clear, as the strainer said to the tea."
By this time, all sitting at the table were on a broad grin. As a matter of fact, the sour-looking man was not liked in that locality, and the boarders were glad to see somebody "take him down."
"I won't put up with your foolishness!" stormed the man. "I am not a donkey, and I want you to know it."
"Well, I am glad you mentioned it," said Tom calmly. "Now, there won't be the least occasion for a mistake."
"Don't insult me!"
"No, sir; I am not looking for work."