"What sort
of a time would you have had if some one had shot you all over the back
and you must creep away to die of pain and starvation? How would you
have enjoyed it if, from day to day, you had been forced to live in
terror of cunning monsters, who at any hour might appear to hurt you in
some new fashion? Do you suppose that animals cannot feel fear, and is
continual fear the kind of friend that gives them a 'first-class time'?"
To this last argument the Man seemed able to find no answer.
"Mr. Hare," he said humbly, "we are all fallible. Although I never
thought to find myself in the position of having to do so, I will admit
that I may possibly have been mistaken in my views and treatment of you
and your kind, and indeed of other creatures. If so, I apologise for
any, ah--temporary inconvenience I may have caused you. I can do no
more."
"Come, Hare," I interposed, "that's handsome; perhaps you might let
bygones be bygones."
"Apologise!" exclaimed the Hare. "After all I have suffered I do not
think it is enough. At the very least, Mahatma, he should say that he is
heartily ashamed and sorry."
"Well, well," said the Man, "it's no use making two bites of a cherry. I
am sorry, truly sorry for all the pain and terror I have brought on you.
If that won't do let's go up and settle the matter, and if I've been
wrong I'll try to bear the consequences like a gentleman. Only, Mr.
Hare, I hope that you will not wish to put your case more strongly
against me than you need.
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