“Now, who said anything about lawyers?” demanded Fleet.
“Well, speaking of them, anyway, what would you say if you had occasion to do business with one and he charged only a nominal fee?”
“I should say,” replied Fleet, “that it was quite fee-nominal.”
So surprised was Pod at having Fleet answer one of his jokes, that for a moment he stared, open-mouthed, at his comrade. Fleet, pleased at his ready answer, was laughing heartily, and after a moment Chot and Tom joined in, much to Pod’s chagrin.
“Think you’re smart, don’t you, Fleet Kenby?” cried the little fellow.
“A little too smart for you that time, anyway.”
“Well, since you’re so smart to-night, I suppose you know what the patient said when he went to consult two dentists who were brothers, and it took both of them to pull his tooth?”
“No; I am forced frankly and unreservedly to admit, Mr. Meelick, that I do not know what the patient said,” returned Fleet, in a tone that exasperated Pod.
“Nor I,” said Chot.
“What did the patient say, Pod?” Tom demanded.