"Dennis Toole, Franklin Zoo," he read. "Where do you think I
put them to make them swim? They won't swim in the lake. It won't
do no good to us for them to swim on dry land. No fooling, now,
how do you make them dongolas swim? Answer quick.

Michael Toole."


He did not have to study out his reply, for he had been
considering it ever since he had sent the other telegram. He took
a blank from the boy and wrote the answer. The sun was setting
when the Jeffersonville messenger delivered it to Alderman Toole.


"Mike Toole, Jeffersonville," it said. "Quit fooling, yourself.
Don't you know young dongolas are always water-shy at first? Tie
them in the lake and let them soak, and they will learn to swim
fast enough. If I didn't know any more about dongolas than you do
I would keep clear of them. Dennis Toole."


"Listen to that now," said Alderman Toole, a smile spreading
over his face. "An' who ever said I knew annything about water
goats, anny how? Th' natural history of th' water goat is not wan
of the things usually considered part of th' iducation of th'
alderman from th' Fourth Ward, Fagan, but 'tis surprised I am
that ye did not know th' goat is like th' soup bean, an' has t'
be soaked before usin'. Th' Keeper of th' Water Goat should know
th' habits of th' animal, Fagan. Why did ye not put thim in to
soak in th' first place? I am surprised at ye!"