him, for it is no harm to bark, if one stops there and does not bite, and
it is no harm to be an ass, if one is content to bray and not kick. If
this vast structure of brawn and muscle and vanity and foolishness seemed
to have a libelous tongue, what of it? There was no malice behind it; and
besides, the defect was not of his own creation; it was the work of Noel
Rainguesson, who had nurtured it, fostered it, built it up and perfected
it, for the entertainment he got out of it. His careless light heart had
to have somebody to nag and chaff and make fun of, the Paladin had only
needed development in order to meet its requirements, consequently the
development was taken in hand and diligently attended to and looked
after, gnat-and-bull fashion, for years, to the neglect and damage of far
more important concerns. The result was an unqualified success. Noel
prized the society of the Paladin above everybody else's; the Paladin
preferred anybody's to Noel's. The big fellow was often seen with the
little fellow, but it was for the same reason that the bull is often seen
with the gnat.

With the first opportunity, I had a talk with Noel. I welcomed him to our
expedition, and said:

"It was fine and brave of you to volunteer, Noel."

His eye twinkled, and he answered:

"Yes, it was rather fine, I think. Still, the credit doesn't all belong
to me; I had help."

"Who helped you?"

"The governor."