“’Orphans?’ asked the Doctor; ‘what do you mean?’”
“’I mean that the other numbers have lots of relations. But I have neither kith nor kin except old Number l, and he does not count for much; and, besides, I am only his great-great-great-great-grandson.’”
“’How do you mean?’ asked the Doctor.”
“’Oh, he is an old chap that is there all the time. He has all his children round him, and I only come six generations down.’”
“’Humph!’ said the doctor.”
“’Number 2,’ went on 7, ‘never gets into any trouble, and 4, 6, and 8 are his cousins. Number 3 is close to 6 and 9. No. 5 is half a decimal and he never gets into trouble. But as for me, I am miserable, ill-treated, and alone.’ Here poor 7 began to cry, and bending down his head sobbed bitterly.’’
When the Teacher got thus far there was an I
