He was on the point of asking what "a metaphorical" was, and also "a diagram"; but he inferred that there were no whales, after all, in Silverwater.

He had misunderstood Uncle Andy's apparently simple statement of fact.

And he felt convicted of foolishness.

Anxious to reinstate himself in his uncle's approval by an unexpected display of knowledge he waived "metaphorical" aside, let "diagram" remain a mystery, and remarked disinterestedly: "Well, I'm glad there ain't any _swordfish_ in Silverwater." "Bless the child!" cried Uncle Andy.

"Whatever has been putting swordfish into your head ?" "Bill!" replied the Babe truthfully.
"And what do you know about swordfish, then ?" proceeded his uncle.
The Babe was much flattered at the unusual favor of being allowed to air his information.
"They're awful!" he explained.