“Well,” continued the Doctor, “I got a good hold of the tooth at last, gave a wrench—”
“And out came the tooth,” said Archie quickly.
“No, it didn’t, sir; and as I stood over the man, looking down into his fierce eyes, he snatched his hand from his waist, and I turned cold, for I felt it was all over, when in an instant up came the other hand, and both of them closed over my wrist, giving me such a wrench that it quite startled me; and it was then that the tooth came out.”
“And the toothache was cured, sir?” cried Archie.
“Minnie, my dear,” said Mrs Morley quietly, “do you notice any difference in that story since your uncle told it last?”
“Yes, aunt; it is much more flowery than it used to be.”
“Flowery!” growled the Doctor. “Why, Archie, my lad, that story is as true as true. Indeed, I should have been able to show you the great tooth as a proof, only the man took it away. He was one of my first patients when I came here; and I never had any fee.”
“For shame, Henry! The man is always bringing you fruit or fish. I am sure that he would do anything for you.”
“Well, yes,” said the Doctor, “he has been grateful in his way; but I never feel sure that those fellows will not make use of their krises.”