"I knew you would be," cried Free Speech, "I could tell by your old gray gown and those antiquated whiskers that you were a conservative and a hide-bound Puritan, but I tell you right now that you can't stop me talking by tying me up, and that it won't do you any good if you do. And that Underdog of yours is no better than you are. The Underdog must be educated by me, though he is usually so stupid that he chases after the copycat instead of listening to me talk, and so I don't really care as much what becomes of him as I pretend I do—and did you ever hear the story about—"
But Gud clapped his hand over the mouth of Free Speech and called: "Quick, Fidu, fetch me the chain."
As Fidu and Gud marched on their way it was to the sound of muttering and mumbled curses and the clanking of a heavy chain.
Chapter XXVI
"Master," remarked Fidu, "I have long suspected that in following this Impossible Curve we are not getting anywhere."
"What difference does it make?" replied Gud, "we are only walking for recreation."
"Oh, yes, I know all that, but still, I do not like to walk in a circle, because it makes me dizzy."
"But we can't be walking in a circle," argued Gud, "because a circle is quite probable and this curve is impossible."
"That may also be true, Master, but nevertheless we just passed that world again where you made a virgin prophetess out of a stupid girl, and I know that building ahead of us is the almshouse on the steps of which we found the poor old beggar whom you made so happy."