"Say, Bill," inquired the dwarf, "what 'er yellin' at, the sky?"
"Well, Hunch, I'll tell you and Benner, for I know you will keep it secret. I'm working on an invention that will be a blessing to the folks that live in cities. I mean a sound-softener."
"Sound-softener, thet runs off yer tongue slick as soft-soap."
Blind Benner was very angry at this lack of reverence, but Bill only laughed, and replied:
"It does slip easily, too much so, or I'd have found it out before now and had the right thing patented."
"Why don't yer set a trap fer it?" Hunch inquired seriously.
"Hunch, yer a fool!" Benner exclaimed angrily.
"Jist find it out?" the dwarf asked serenely.
Bill continued:
"I've been experimenting, but I have only one voice, and it makes the same echo. Now, you boys shout when I do, one short loud yell. Then pause and listen. Now, ready: one, two, go."