"But the toad," Bubb remonstrated. "It's just goin' to jump."
"I know, I know," said the orderly. "I see it myself. But try and compose yourself, chummy."
"But, man, it's real," said Bubb sitting up. "Look yourself and you'll see it. Don't think I'm off my napper."
"I don't think anything of the sort," said the orderly still smiling. "I often see things 'ere, myself. You lie down again and you'll be as right as rain in the morning."
He put his fingers on Bubb's pulse, held them there for a moment, then pressed the boy gently back into the blankets.
"I tell you there's a toad," said Bubb, struggling to get up again. "Look at that man lyin' there and see the toad on 'is knees. It's goin' to 'op into the bloke's mouth in a minute."
To humour the patient, the orderly looked as he was directed and sure enough there was the toad, a real one, not a phantom originating from the disordered imagination of a sick man, perched on the knees of the sleeping patient.
"So there is," said the orderly. "I thought you were delirious, matey. Well, we'll put the thing out," he said and shoved it off the blanket on to the floor.
"Ye're not a sport," said Bubb and his voice was charged with contempt. "Why didn't you let it 'op? I was bettin' on it. Now my bloomin' toad 'as gone. Bet yer it'll not come in again either," said Bubb sadly.
"I'll bet you it doesn't," said the orderly, but in a different tone.