Part 9 (1/2)

I am sure you won't be able to do it.

Not do it? We shall.

_Leader_

No, never.

Well then, suppose we do capture him, what will you give us?

_Leader_

I shall accept you as my preceptor.

Preceptor! You want to make us grey, and cold, and old, before our time.

_Leader_

Then, what do you want me to do?

If we capture him, then we shall take away your leaders.h.i.+p.

_Leader_

That will be a great relief to me. You have made all my bones out of joint already. Very well, then it's all settled?

Yes, settled. We shall bring him to you by the next full moon of Spring.

But what are we going to do with him?

_Leader_

You shall let him join in your Spring Festival.

Oh no, that will be outrageous. Then the mango flowers will run to seed at once.

And all the cuckoos will become owls.

And the bees will go about reciting Sanskrit verses, making the air hum with m's and n's.

_Leader_

And your skull will be so top-heavy with prudence, that it will be difficult for you to keep on your feet.

How awful!

_Leader_

And you will have rheumatics in all your joints.