"I think there's a bit of the tooth still in the gum," said Mr. Leo Armstrong; and then, after a pause, with the air of Jack Horner pulling out a plum, he produced an immense pair of forceps from the instrument drawer. "There." he added, triumphantly, as he exhibited another piece of ivory, "I told you so!"
George Lewis Bolton Rollit had now sufficiently recovered to complain bitterly of the pain he had suffered.
"Impossible," I observed; "remember this is painless dentistry."
I had not intended the remark as a witticism, but rather as a solace to the sufferer. Still, "Master Sammy" and Mr. Leo Armstrong accepted it as first-class waggery, and indulged in roars of laughter. Then the former took his departure. I found that I was indebted to the latter to the extent of 15s. 6d. I don't know how my dentist had arrived at the sum, but he said it with such determination that I could only offer a sovereign and receive the change.
"I want my tooth," said George Lewis Bolton Rollit, who is of an affectionate nature. "I want to give it to Mother."
Then Mr. Leo Armstrong interposed. He desired to keep the tooth (in several pieces) himself. I understood him to say that he regarded it as a memorial of an initial victory—his first extraction.
"Dear me!" I exclaimed. "Why I thought you had been established at least twenty years, Mr. Leo Armstrong."
"Well, to tell the truth," was the reply, "I am not Mr. Leo Armstrong. He's away for the day, and I am taking his place!"
Then George Lewis Bolton Rollit and I bowed ourselves out. As I left the premises I fancied I heard the click of marbles. No doubt "Master Sammy" and "Mr. Leo Armstrong" had resumed the game our visit had interrupted. I was relieved to find myself safe from a fall caused perchance by one of their runaway hoops.
And now to perform my duty. I need scarcely say that it is to add my recommendation to that of Sir Peter Twitwillow anent Callerherring. You should not fail to visit the place, especially if you have a son suffering from "a raging tooth," that "must come out."