The man brought out a bratwurst and a flank steak, both of which he proffered to Dodger, who snatched them in his greedy jaws and devoured the food. A moment later, when Dodger had finished, he went and nudged the man's arm and begged for more food. The man chuckled and replied, "Allright, I guess I can spare you a hamburger patty," which turned into two and a hot-dog before the man finally steeled and denied Dodger's request. Thus, a contented Dodger lay down for a nap in the yard.
When Dodger returned home, he was hungry again and waited calmly for dinner. After he had eaten his usual three bowls, Dodger lay down for a nap. Einstein, however, thought something was off about Dodger. He seemed to look like a sausage, which was something Einstein had never seen before a dog. Although he said nothing, Einstein was wary of Dodger.
When Dodger awoke the next morning and tried to rise, an ache sprang in his hind, right knee and caused Dodger to treat the knee gingerly. To Dodger's chagrin, Tito noticed and yapped, "Eh, boss, you ok? Is your knee bothering you?" Dodger smiled and answered, "No, I'm afraid it's an old injury that I may have aggravated."
"By your weight," Dodger heard Francis mutter. Dodger snapped his head and growled, "Do you dare lecture ME on my weight, Francis," Dodger spat, with special vehemence reserved for the bull-dog's name, "Do you dare question me on my previous injuries, Francis? Do you dare question your leader, FRANCIS?" The last word was nearly a roar.
Although Francis flinched slightly at Dodger's last word, the biting anaphora, and the sarcastic use of his name, Francis regained his composure and responded, "Dodger, I have heard that if a human can feel your ribs easily as he runs his hands down them and not see them, you are a healthy weight. I had Fagin do that to me today, and he could feel my rins with little effort. So I ask you: could you say the same? I detest your innuendos and blatant statements regarding my weight. You are wrong. I know that you have suffered much, but your weight exacerbates such injuries. And your ethos at the end intimidates me not at all."
As Francis finished, Dodger sat stupefied. He was no match for Frankie in words, but he was still a match in a fight. As Dodger advanced Francis cocked his head and chastised Dodger, "Come now, we have no need to fight. Where we are, we don't have to fight to make a point." Dodger ignored him and continued to approach. Then, he noticed Einstein standing next to Frankie.
Dodger felt like he had been kicked. To have two of his closest friends turn on him was shameful. Then, he noticed Tito, more than a match for any of them there, at his side. Rita stood by, watching carefully. She loved Dodger and admired his new pudginess, but she also didn't want to see both dogs poison a well and intervened, "Have you boys ever heard of diplomacy?" Rita asked. Her voice checked everyone in the room.
Francis, recovering most quickly, responded, "Rita, I'd be very pleased if we were to, and I tried; but Dodger is acting as a barbarian." But Rita, seeing his ploy, responded, "Frankie, I'm not a dunce. I know you hit a sensitive nerve for Dodger." An exchange followed, which resulted in…
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