“Perhaps longer than it would take me, though you pity me so much,” replied the snail, coldly.
“You jest, do you not?”
“No.”
“Well, will you bet about it?”
“Willingly.”
“What will you bet?”
“Whatever you like.”
“Well, then, if you win you shall nibble my ears; for you cannot eat me; and if you lose I will eat you: will that suit you?”
“Perfectly.”
“Then set off; for I will give you a start.”