“A wallop in time saves nine,” misquoted Fred, with a grin.
“It probably saved the nine that the cougar was figuring on giving me,” said Lee.
“Looks to me as though that wallop lost nine,” said Bobby, slyly.
“How do you make that out?” inquired Fred.
“Why, it lost that big cat’s nine lives, didn’t it?” inquired Bobby, innocently.
“It certainly did,” admitted Lee, laughing, “and you can bet I was in a position to appreciate it, too. The business end of that panther was getting entirely too close to me for comfort.”
“Well,” said Fred, “it must be Bobby’s turn next to get in a tight place. First I nearly get eaten up by an alligator, and then Lee pretty near furnishes a hearty meal for a hungry cougar. What variety of animals do you prefer, Bobby?”
“Oh, I’m not jealous of all the attention you fellows get,” returned Bobby. “You can have your little pets and welcome.”
“How generous he is, Lee, isn’t he?” said Fred, sarcastically. “But don’t forget the old saying, Bobby, that ‘he who laughs last, irritates.’”
“That must be a mighty old saying, all right—so old that everybody’s forgotten it but you,” said Bobby.