the experience of some years, tabulated and reduced to most accurate statistics, has convinced me beyond a doubt that I can catch and eat enough men, in a year, to more than make up for what would be saved if I should allow my own organism to cease its active exertions in the cause of humanity."
I thought very carefully over these arguments and was unable to pick a flaw in them.
"As a man of science," I said, after a pause, "I could wish that this interview might be reported to the world."
"Give yourself no uneasiness. It shall be done," said the giant.
"And I should also be glad to have the Rutabaga Tremendosa forwarded very soon to the Museum," I said thoughtfully.
"With pleasure," said the giant.
There was no excuse for further delay.
"And are you convinced?" asked the giant, speaking with much kindly consideration.
"Perfectly, I said, and kicked off the other boot.
[Note, by the giant.—In accordance with Professor Muddlehed's last wishes, I have reported our full conversation verbatim. In fact, much of the foregoing account was revised by the Professor himself, before supper. He would have been glad, I have no doubt, to have gone over the paper again, but the bell rang and he was too considerate to keep the table waiting. He had many excellent tastes, and there was a flavor of originality about the man—a flavor I like. I enjoyed meeting him very much, and regret that my principles were such as to preclude a longer and less intimate acquaintance. I forwarded the specimen to the museum as directed, and received in return an invitation to visit the building in New York. Though I cannot accept the kind invitation, I should find it gratifying to have the trustees at my own table.]
