“‘“Yes, it is then,” ses he, “and the little bit of respect I had for you in the beginning is nearly all gone.”
“‘“Is there any way by which I can inspire confidence in you, at all?” ses I.
“‘“I don’t believe there is,” ses he. “I’m a patriot and want to do something for the race, besides making speeches about the achievements of my ancestors and getting well paid for my pains, and getting all my children and relations good jobs as well.”
“‘“And what is it you want to do, at all?” ses I.
“‘“I want to make sure,” ses he, “that you will keep your promise never to eat fish again.”
“‘“I will keep my promise,” ses I.
“‘“I don’t believe a word of it,” ses he. “There’s nobody forgotten sooner than a good friend. But I’ll make sure that you will remember me, as the traveling salesman said to the landlady, when he ran away without paying for his board and lodging.”
“‘“’Tis true,” ses I, “that we forget our friends when they cease to be an advantage to us, and equally true that we lose respect for our enemies when they cease to torment and persecute us, but all the same I can’t see why you won’t finish your job, considering the good start you have made.”
“‘“I never pay any attention to flattery,” ses he. “But whist. I have an idea! I suppose you often heard tell of the law of compensation?”
“‘“Many and many a time,” ses I.