THE TRIBULATIONS OF MORRIS
91
much precipitation,' he reflected, with a deadly sigh. 'I fear it seems too ramified for a person of my powers of mind.'
And then a remark of his uncle's flashed into his memory: If you want to think clearly, put it all down on paper. 'Well, the old boy knew a thing or two,' said Morris. 'I will try; but I don't believe the paper was ever made that will clear my mind.'
He entered a place of public entertainment, ordered bread and cheese, and writing materials, and sat down before them heavily. He tried the pen; it was an excellent pen, but what was he to write? 'I have it,' cried Morris. 'Robinson Crusoe and the double columns!' He prepared his paper after that classic model and began as follows:
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Bad. 1. I have lost my uncle's body. |
Good. 1. But then Pitman has found it. |
'Stop a bit,' said Morris. 'I am letting the spirit of antithesis run away with me. Let's start again.'
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Bad. 1. I have lost my uncle's body. |
Good. 1. But then I no longer require to bury it. |
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2. I have lost the tontine. |
2. But I may still save that if Pitman disposes of the body, and if I can find a physician who will stick at nothing. |