"Good morning, Mr. Long-Tail!" he said as soon as the other was within speaking distance. "Would you be so very good as to tell me what you are travelling for?"
"For six months," answered No. 45 with a puff and a snort. "Started a month ago; five months still to go."
"Oh, I don't mean that!" exclaimed Short-Tail No. 73. "I mean why are you travelling at all?"
"Comet Master sent me!" replied No. 45, briefly.
"But what for?" persisted the little comet. "What is it all about? What good does it do? Why do we travel for weeks and months and years? That's what I want to find out."
"Don't know, I'm sure!" said the elder, still more shortly. "What's more, don't care!"
The little comet fairly shook with amazement and indignation. "You don't care!" he cried. "Is it possible? And how long, may I ask, have you been travelling hither and thither through space, without knowing or caring why?"
"Long enough to learn not to ask stupid questions!" answered Long-Tail No. 45. "Good morning to you!"
And without another word he was off, with his preposterously long tail spreading itself like a luminous fan behind him. The little comet looked after him for some time in silence. At last he said:—