lemen, there must be a
science far higher than ours, since we, with all our knowledge, find
practical life a matter of such difficulty. Only one man, it appears, is
master of it, and there he stands!" and he made a low bow to Mumbudget,
who returned it by another, without a word of reply.

Dr. Skihi, at this, glanced with profound contempt at Smelfungus, and
gave a "hum!" that was echoed by the professor of health and him of
natural science; then raising himself on the tips of his toes, and
seesawing up and down at every word, he inquired, superciliously, "And
pray, sir, may I ask, in the name of my scientific friends, what branch
of science you profess, which is superior to every other?"

Mumbudget looked with a quiet smile at the excited little doctor, and
replied, calmly:

"Gentlemen, I am the professor of COMMON SENSE."

At this reply, the learned friends, Smelfungus not excepted, presented a
series of remarkably open countenances, as respected eyes and mouths,
while Dr. Mumbudget went on:

"Chemistry, Botany, Natural Philosophy, and Hygienics--all put together,
gentlemen, have failed to ensure us one day of rational enjoyment or
ease; for all these sciences are pure absurdities, unless they are put
in the hands of men who are governed by the wholesome dictates of common
sense. My wise philosophers, will you come to school to me?"

The doctors gazed a moment yet; first at the proposer of this new
doctrine, then at each other; and then, all rushing forward at once,
they seized his hands.

"You are right, my dear Mumbudget!" they exclaimed in a breath; "with
all our science we are most greatly in want of common sense! Open your
school at once; we will be the first to join its classes, and celebrate
the triumph of Reason over Philosophy!"

THE END OF THE FIFTH BOOK.

* * * * *

Transcriber's Notes:

Obvious punctuation errors repaired.

Page 95, "irrisistibly" changed to "irresistibly" (it--irresistibly--to)

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