"It is the most beautiful clock I ever saw," said the Idiot, quickly, realizing the possibilities of Mollie's two or three words.
"That's what I fink," said Mollie, "and I'm goin' to tell mamma that you said so."
"All right," said the Idiot. "Suppose you and Tommy run right up and tell her now."
"I'd rather hear you talk, pa," said Tommy.
"He does take after you, doesn't he?" said Mr. Pedagog.
"Yes," said the Idiot, "he does. He likes to hear me talk as much as I do, bless him!"
"It is a commendable sign in a son," observed Mr. Pedagog. "But tell about the two professionals. Did they get anything?"
"They did," said the Idiot. "And at the same time I lost nothing. The first chap came on the scene, along about two o'clock in the morning. He was a very industrious mechanic, and I regret to say he was not adequately paid for his services. He tackled the safe." At this point the Idiot threw back his head and laughed heartily.
"I have seen the safe," said Mr. Pedagog, "and to tell you the truth, my dear Idiot, I have wondered at your choosing so obvious a receptacle for your valuables. It does not, to my mind, deny itself as a safe should. It advertises the fact that your silver, your wife's jewels perhaps, are within. I have spoken once or twice to our friend Mr. Brief about it."
"No doubt," replied the Idiot. "However, I can't see why a safe has any disadvantages."