could say it, slowly and emphatically, "That's my opinion

precisely, Dick. You're the dearest, most beloved, jolliest

fellow that ever walked on two legs, you are; and

whatever's your opinion is mine, no matter

how

absurd

it may be."

Dick evidently understood him perfectly, for he

laughed as he looked at him and patted him on the

head, and called him a "funny dog." Then he continued