“Answer me. Are their reports enthusiastic?” the traveller insisted, rather bullyingly.
“Not very,” the plain man admitted. “Some say it’s very disappointing. And some say it’s much like other towns. Every one says the climate has grave drawbacks.”
The traveller demanded:
“Then why are you going there?”
Said the plain man:
“It never occurred to me to ask why. As I say, Timbuctoo’s supposed to be—”
“Supposed by whom?”
“Well—generally supposed,” said the plain man, limply.
“Not by the people who’ve been there?” the traveller persevered, with obstinacy.
“Perhaps not,” breathed the plain man. “But it’s generally supposed—” He faltered. There was a silence, which was broken by the traveller, who inquired: