“Yes,” said the shoemakers. “We will have it done by half-past two.”

Then the shoemakers worked and sang:

“Rap-a-tap, tap! Tick-a-tack, too!

This must be done by half-past two.”

Soon Bobby came back and said, “It is half-past two. Is my shoe mended?”

“I have passed it to my next-door neighbor,” answered the head shoemaker.

“Is my shoe mended?” asked Bobby of the next-door neighbor.

“My next-door neighbor has it,” was the answer.