"I thought you said to be quiet, that you wanted to think," said Billy, looking very, very innocent.
"You'll pay for this," said Bumbus.
"What, the thought?" asked Billy. "You shouldn't sell it if it is the only one you have, you'll probably need it some time."
"Gr-r-r-r-r-r-r, buz-z-z-z-z," was all that Bumbus could answer, he was so angry.
"Leave him to me," said the head Scally Wag. "I'll joke him to death."
"Do your worst," said Bumbus, regaining his breath.
"No, I'll do my best. Here's a conundrum, little fat boy—but you mustn't answer it correctly."
"Why not?" said Billy.
"Oh! that's against the rules of the game; no wag, not even a Scally Wag expects his conundrums to be answered correctly."
"Why do you ask me then?"