"No, I don't owe, I lend, and it's a poor business, for no one ever pays me back. More people owe me a grudge than a Thousand Legger can count on its fingers and toes."
"Aren't you afraid to have so many people owing you a grudge?" asked Billy.
"How can I help it? They borrow trouble from me without asking for it, and anyway it worries them more than it does me."
"This is certainly a topsy-turvy place," said Billy. "What is that sign on the bridge—is it in Greek?"
"Oh, no! that's just because you see the back of it; it's only for people who are crossing, and says, 'Walk your Horses.'"
"Do horses ever cross the bridge?"
"None have so far—it's just put there in case they should. You know if wishes were horses beggars would ride, and, of course, if you put a beggar on horseback he will ride you down. That would make it very unpleasant for any one who was walking if there should ever happen to be any."
"Do many people cross the bridge?" asked Billy.