" What you knew when you sat on that damned gargoyle
was that the world, when all is said and done, is a wonderful and
beautiful place; I know it, because I knew it at the same minute.
I saw the gray clouds turn pink, and the little gilt clock in the crack
between the houses. It was THOSE things you hated leaving, not Life,
whatever that is. Eames, we've been to the brink of death together;
won't you admit I'm right?'
"`Yes,' said Eames very slowly, `I think you are right.
You shall have a First!'
"`Right!' cried Smith, springing up reanimated. `I've passed
with honours, and now let me go and see about being sent down.'
"`You needn't be sent down,' said Eames with the quiet confidence
of twelve years of intrigue. `Everything with us comes from
the man on top to the people just round him: I am the man on top,
and I shall tell the people round me the truth.'
"The massive Mr. Smith rose and went firmly to the window,
but he spoke with equal firmness. `I must be sent down,' he said,
`and the people must not be told the truth.'
"`And why not' asked the other.
"`Because I mean to follow your advice,' answered the massive youth,
`I mean to keep the remaining shots for people in the shameful state
you and I were in last night--I wish we could even plead drunkenness.
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