“Well, but, Tom,” said Arthur, “look what Elisha says to him—'Go in peace.' He wouldn't have said that if Naaman had been in the wrong.”
“I don't see that that means more than saying, 'You're not the man I took you for.'”
“No, no; that won't do at all,” said East. “Read the words fairly, and take men as you find them. I like Naaman, and think he was a very fine fellow.”
“I don't,” said Tom positively.
“Well, I think East is right,” said Arthur; “I can't see but what it's right to do the best you can, though it mayn't be the best absolutely. Every man isn't born to be a martyr.”
“Of course, of course,” said East; “but he's on one of his pet hobbies.—How often have I told you, Tom, that you must drive a nail where it'll go.”
“And how often have I told you,” rejoined Tom, “that it'll always go where you want, if you only stick to it and hit hard enough. I hate half-measures and compromises.”
“Yes, he's a whole-hog man, is Tom. Must have the whole animal-hair and teeth, claws and tail,” laughed East. “Sooner have no bread any day than half the loaf.”
“I don't know;” said Arthur—“it's rather puzzling; but ain't most right things got by proper compromises—I mean where the principle isn't given up?”
“That's just the point,” said Tom; “I don't object to a compromise, where you don't give up your principle.”