MAN. There should be enough apples on the ground to fill my net. 'T was a fierce storm last night!

(He looks about; sees the Alligator; shows indignation.)

Thou—within my garden!

ALLIGATOR (meekly). Be not angry with me, O master! By accident I—

MAN (indignantly). Accident! Thou hast wallowed among my flowers by accident, hast thou?

ALLIGATOR. It is true; not of my own will came I hither.

MAN (more indignantly). Thou hast broken my fruit trees by accident, I suppose!

ALLIGATOR (nodding). It was not of my own intentions, I assure you. I—

MAN (interrupting). Thou art this moment crushing my strawberry plants beneath thy great body! I've a mind to beat thee with my big stick!

ALLIGATOR. Do not beat me, O master! The cyclone is at fault.