Then came Mr. Clarence, who had been watching quietly, eyes twinkling. When asked, he answered without hesitation, “Nine.” The doctor looked up, surprised. “That’s correct,” he said.
Clarence leaned in and whispered, “I got it by subtracting Tuesday from two hundred and seventy-four.” The room exploded with laughter. As they left together, still teasing one another, the doctor made a final note: “Memory questionable. Spirits excellent.”
