`` Mostly . Rather a neat job , I flatter myself . '' `` I should say so . What a clever fellow you are ! Any new inventions lately ? '' asked Frank , coming up to examine and admire . `` Only an anti-snoring machine and an elbow-pad , '' answered Ralph , with a twinkle in his eye , as if reminded of something funny . `` Go on , and tell about them . I never heard of an anti-snorer . Jack better have one , '' said Frank , interested at once . `` Well , a rich old lady kept her family awake with that lively music , so she sent to Shirtman and Codleff for something to stop it . They thought it was a good joke , and told me to see what I could do . I thought it over , and got up the nicest little affair you ever saw . It went over the mouth , and had a tube to fit the ear , so when the lady snored she woke herself up and stopped it . It suited exactly . I think of taking out a patent , '' concluded Ralph , joining in the boys ' laugh at the droll idea . `` What was the pad ? '' asked Frank , returning to the small model of an engine he was making . `` Oh , that was a mere trifle for a man who had a tender elbow-joint and wanted something to protect it . I made a little pad to fit on , and his crazy-bone was safe . ''
`` I planned to have you make me a new leg if this one was spoilt , '' said XXXXX , sure that his friend could invent anything under the sun .
Codleff Frank Jack Ralph Shirtman affair crazy-bone elbow-joint elbow-pad idea