“Say, boys,” he cried, “here’s a good one for you. What’s the diff’rence between Wild Bill and Minky?”
Van promptly guffawed.
“Gee!” he cried, “ther’ ain’t none. They’re sure both ‘bug.’”
A great laugh greeted the retort, but Joe shook his head.
“That sure ain’t the answer, but it’s real bright,” he admitted reluctantly, while Van preened himself.
“Guess they’re both that wise they don’t know if they’re comin’ down or goin’ up,” he went on, seeking to add to the score he felt he had made.
But Joe felt he was being robbed of the fruits of his effort, and promptly insisted upon his riddle.
“What’s the diff’rence between Wild Bill an’ Minky?” he asked again, this time with added emphasis.
He waited impatiently until one of the men shook his head, when he snatched at the opportunity of firing his quip.
“Why,” he cried, with a shout of delight, “Bill’s put his gold into a mudbank, an’ Minky’s jest yearnin’ to set his gold into any old bank,” and fell back laughing furiously.