Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 105 September 23, 1893

A witty narrator, recently back from exotic judicial duties, takes us to the breezy health resort of Callerherring, where the scenery is as grand as the jokes are sharp. He writes from the fictional Pump‑Handle Court, sketching the bustling hotel, the sweeping views of twelve counties, and the quirky locals who populate this postcard‑like setting.

His young son, George, is a devoted fan of “Chicago Honey Shells,” a sticky confection that soon leaves the boy with a swollen, painful face. When the family seeks medical help, they encounter a series of comically inept obstacles—a closed doctor’s office, an over‑eager janitor, and a teenage “Master Sammy” who pretends to be a qualified practitioner.

Sammy’s quick diagnosis points to a troublesome tooth, and the search shifts to a tiny local dentist, Mr. Leo Armstrong. The narrator’s dry humor shines as he negotiates a laughably low fee, setting the stage for a delightfully absurd adventure in Victorian‑era painless dentistry.