I don't know how this shabby fellow conceived charity, but I had never understood that virtue to conflict with the law. "You mean you ferry all these strays for nothing?"
"My payment is predetermined and exact."
"You are foolish. Anyone using your boat for illegal entry would be glad to give everything he possessed for the trip."
"There are many penniless ones."
"Need that be your concern—to the extent of risking your life and devoting all your time?"
"I can speak for no one but myself. It need be my concern."
"One man can't do much. Oh, don't think I don't sympathize with your attitude. I too pity these poor people deeply; I have given thousands of pounds to relieve them."
"Their plight touches your heart?"
"Indeed it does. Never in all history have so many been so wretched through no fault of their own."
"Ah," he agreed thoughtfully. "For you it is something strange and pathetic."