* * * * *
After the Professor had administered the first dose of alcohol, his patients lay quiet for at least three minutes. Then Jimmie said dolefully--
"Badly as she's treated me, I'd like to kiss my Edna good-bye."
In the silence that followed Pete's rather rasping voice was heard--
"I ain't got no best girl!"
"Ye're in luck," groaned Dan. "This may break pore Mame's heart. When I'm gone, she'll remember that onst I was the greatest thing on this green earth to her."
Presently Pete remarked: "Surgeon an' pathologist is the Perfessor."
"Meanin'?"
"Like as not he'll operate."
"Operate?"