"That's a little nearer right," said the Merboy.
"I don't see how," retorted the Whale. "I haven't a toothache. I have a backache. Shall I go and get my back pulled?"
"No," said the Goldfish, "but perhaps you could get the harpoon pulled."
The Whale's face wreathed with smiles.
"That's so," he said, eagerly. "Wonder I didn't think of that before. It's a good idea. The bureau is some use after all—though if it hadn't been for you, Merby, I'd never have discovered it."
"Oh, yes you would," said the Merboy. "After you had thought it over a little while you'd have seen what was meant. Information isn't any good unless you think about it a little."
"Well, I'm obliged to you just the same," said the Whale, backing off. "It's pretty hard to think when one has a harpoon in his back. I suppose you don't know where I can find a dentist, do you?"
"No, I don't," said the Merboy. "I've never had occasion to use one."
"Oh, well, I suppose there are such things, and so I'll set about finding one. Good-by," said the Whale, and off he started in search of a dentist.
"He's a very dull creature," said the Merboy, returning to the bureau. "He never thinks much even when he hasn't a harpoon in his back. Now for our trouble again. This envelope looks as if it might tell us."