"All you animals were made for us to eat," commented the Man, avoiding
an answer to the direct question.

"Very good," answered the Hare, "let us suppose that we _were_ given
you to eat. Was it in order to eat me that you came out against me with
guns, then with dogs that run by sight, and then with dogs that run by
smell?"

"If you were to be killed and eaten, why should you not be killed in one
of these ways, Hare?"

"Why should I be killed in those ways, Man, when others more merciful
were to your hand? Indeed, why should I be killed at all? Moreover, if
you wished to satisfy your hunger with my body, why at the last was I
thrown to the dogs to devour?"

"I don't quite know, Hare. Never looked at the matter in that light
before. But--ah! I've got you now," he added triumphantly. "If it hadn't
been for me you never would have lived. You see _I_ gave you the gift of
life. Therefore, instead of grumbling, you should be very much obliged
to me. Don't you understand? I preserved hares, so that without me you
would never have been a hare. Isn't that right, Mr.-- Mr.--I am sorry I
have forgotten your name," he added, turning towards me.

"Mahatma," I said.

"Oh! yes, I remember it now--Mr.--ah--Mr. Hatter."

"There is something in the argument," I replied cautiously, "but let us
hear our friend's answer."