Fred. Upon my word, this is most curious—most absurdly whimsical. Five and a quarter! No one would think it to look at me.
Ruth. You are glad now, I’ll be bound, that you spared us. You would never have forgiven yourself when you discovered that you had killed two of your comrades.
Fred. My comrades?
King. I’m afraid you don’t appreciate the delicacy of your position. You were apprenticed to us——
Fred. Until I reached my twenty-first year.
King. No, until you reached your twenty-first birthday (producing document), and, going by birthdays, you are as yet only five and a quarter.
Fred. You don’t mean to say you are going to hold me to that?
King. No, we merely remind you of the fact, and leave the rest to your sense of duty.
Fred. (wildly). Don’t put it on that footing! As I was merciful to you just now, be merciful to me! I implore you not to insist on the letter of your bond just as the cup of happiness is at my lips!
Ruth. We insist on nothing; we content ourselves with pointing out to you your duty.