"You think yourself precious clever," sneered Mr. Fox-Cordery.
"No, I am an enigma to myself, as all reflective men must be."
"Reflective men!" exclaimed Mr. Fox-Cordery. "Hear him!"
"One thing I know," said Rathbeal, ignoring the taunt. "You, I, and all lesser and greater mortals, are part of a system."
"Hang your system, and your palaver with it! I'll tell you in a minute or two what I came here for, but I shall be obliged if you will first tell me something of yourself. I have the right to know your history."
"I have no objection. You wish to learn my personal history. It is soon told."
"None of your lies, you know; I shall spot them if you try to deceive me. I am as wide awake as you are."
"Wider, far wider. You have the wisdom of the serpent."
"Here, I say," cried Mr. Fox-Cordery, "none of your abuse. What do you mean by that?"
"You should receive it as a compliment." He pointed to the figure of a serpent on human legs standing on a bracket. "I compare you to the serpent in admiration. Shall I commence at the beginning of my life?"