Page:The Anatomy of Tobacco.pdf/120

 practically make this dichotomy—that is, become possessed of some tobacco for my own use and enjoyment. And to this possession there are four ways—borrowing, begging, buying, stealing, any or each of which are open to the would-be dichotomiser and fumigator. And let these four methods be taken in their order and considered. Firstly, borrowing, which I perceive is defined in the dictionary "to ask upon loan," "to take for use," neither of which definitions I am able to accept, for many do "ask upon loan" but yet receive nought save refusals, which is not borrowing but endeavouring to borrow; and many do "take things for use" without going through the pain of asking the owner's consent. But this we name stealing, and those amongst us who are unwilling to use harsh words concerning their fellowmen conveying, which is plainly not borrowing. Let borrowing, then, be defined as "the asking for and obtaining anything on loan"—that is, with the intention of restoring it, or its equivalent, back. And