"'Your notions are crude,' said the paint-box loftily; 'it's in print,
and here, all of it, or words to that effect;' with which he touched
the lid, as a gentleman might lay his hand upon his heart.

"'It's not evidence,' repeated the Jack-in-a-box. 'Let us proceed.'

"'Take her to pieces and see what she's made of, if you please,'
tittered a pretty German toy that moved to a tinkling musical
accompaniment. 'If her works are available after that it will be an era
in natural science.'

"The idea tickled me, and I laughed.

"'Hard-hearted wretch!' growled the Dowager Doll.

"'Dip her in water and leave her to soak on a white soup-plate,' said
the paint-box; 'if that doesn't soften her feelings, deprive me of my
medal from the School of Art!'

"'Give her a stiff neck!' muttered the mandarin. 'Ching Fo! give her a
stiff neck.'

"'Knock her teeth out,' growled the rake in a scratchy voice; and then
the tools joined in chorus.

"'Take her out when it's fine and leave her out when it's wet, and lose
her in--

"'The coal-hole,' said the spade.