That Cornelius had been prepared for this was evident. He held up a Fitu-Ivan note that was recognized by all.
“What is that?” he demanded.
“Paper, mere paper,” was Ieremia's reply.
“And that?”
This time Cornelius held up a Bank of England note.
“It is the paper money of the English,” he explained to the Council, at the same time extending it for Ieremia to examine. “Is it not true, Ieremia, that it is paper money of the English?”
Ieremia nodded reluctantly.
“You have said that the paper money of Fitu-Iva was paper, now how about this of the English? What is it?.... You must answer like a true man... All wait for your answer, Ieremia.”
“It is—it is——” the puzzled Ieremia began, then spluttered helplessly, the fallacy beyond his penetration.
“Paper, mere paper,” Cornelius concluded for him, imitating his halting utterance.