_Lit. Asp._ But _my_ Goblin has only one eye.

_Pub._ Well, so may they. They're equal to taking one eye out and
putting it back when the trial's over, if they thought it'd help them
to get money out of _us_. There may be a fellow called Mr. GOBLIN
somewhere, too. Oh, no; it won't do at all. All the chapters with the
Ninth Goblin in must come out.

_Lit. Asp._ (_aghast_). But that would spoil the book--it would mean
leaving out half of it.

_Pub._ Yes, it would reduce the bulk, no doubt. In any case we could
not produce it in a three-volume form. But we are bringing out a
series of cheap fictions, and we might include yours.

_Lit. Asp._ (_making the best of things_). Well, _some_ good books
have appeared in a shilling form.

_Pub._ Yes. But it's not a shilling form we should propose. The fact
is, that there is a great run on Penny Novelettes just now, and--

_Lit. Asp._ (_rising_). And you dare to propose bringing out the
_Sixteen Goblins_ as a Penny Novelette!

_Pub._ Certainly, and in view of the risk of actions for libel,
you would have to pay the printing-bill, and give us a contract of
indemnity in case your _Captain Wildfire_ did turn out to be identical
with some retired pirate who feels himself hurt at your description.
You don't think much of the proposal? Well, nor do we of the book, to