Page:Chinese Merry Tales (1909).djvu/56

Chinese Merry Tales said: "When did you borrow my money? You should return it to me to-day." The debtor answered: "I know it is a little late. I tell you in comparison, if you understand it, then you will not ask me for it. If I paid that money before this, of course you would have spent it and not be likely to ask me for it again." The creditor replied: "What you said is only empty talk. If you returned the money, I could deposit it somewhere and get interest on it." The debtor said: "Do you say that my words are unreasonable? There is another way of looking at the matter. If I was away would you still come to me for debts?" The creditor replied: "If I waited for your return, I would be still more severe with you." The debtor answered: "I advise you to assume that I am absent and have not returned; then you have to wait a few days longer." The creditor replied: "You are now in my presence; why do you say that you have not returned?" The debtor said: "I have some more to say on this matter; you insist on my paying you, and if I have no money to pay, of course we'll come to blows, then you will not get the money; instead you may be sent to the yamên and be punished. Your property will be wasted, you will be imprisoned and then afterwards be executed. Then it will be too late to repent. If I kill you, I will receive the same punishment. Could you come to life again and ask me for your money? If to-day you did not utter a single unfriendly word, this matter will pass away peaceably. Would that not be comforting? Why seek to quarrel and make things so disagreeable?" When the creditor heard this, he became furious, and said: "You can talk very well, but I still want the money." The debtor loudly said: "I have spoken a lot of good words and you would not listen; no matter how able you are in extorting, I will not pay my debts."