MAN (surprised). I help thee?
ALLIGATOR (nodding). I will be so grateful to thee!
MAN. Oh, I know how grateful thou canst be! The other animals have told me that!
ALLIGATOR. What say they?
MAN. That thou art the most cruel of all the animals—that thou never dost any one a favor—
ALLIGATOR (interrupting). Nonsense! No one could be more grateful for favors than I! I'll prove it to thee!
MAN. Prove it? How?
ALLIGATOR. If thou wilt help me to the river, I'll show thee where to find the biggest fish.
MAN. Well—that's something—
ALLIGATOR. And when thou wouldst cross the river, I'll carry thee.