"Because I'm no dumb-head and learn things."
"I ain't no dumb-head," protested Chris and at the same time Danny asserted:
"Chris ain't no dumb-head."
Jerry saw the green elephant's front feet double up and he jumped down from the barrel, a little bit scared.
"He is, too," said Darn, "and so are you. Jerry Elbow there's got more sense than both of you put together, even if he ain't got no father and mother."
"I haven't either," said Jerry. "I jest somehow knew one thing Danny didn't about el'funts' tails. Danny knows lots more'n I do."
"I guess you'd better take that back about Chris bein' a dumb-head," threatened Danny, scowling from under the elephant's trunk.
"An' you'd better take it back about Danny's bein' one," remarked Chris.
"I won't any such thing," retorted Darn.
"We'll make you," challenged Danny, all his Irish fighting blood up.