The Prerogative of Might

A Slander, traveling rapidly through the land on its joyous mission, was suddenly confronted by a Retraction, who commanded it to halt and be killed.

"Your career of mischief is at an end," said the Retraction, brandishing his club, rolling up his sleeves, and spitting on his hands.

"Why should you slay me?" protested the Slander. "Whatever my intentions were, I have been innocuous, for you have dogged my strides and counteracted my influence."

"Dogged your grandmother!" retorted the Retraction, with a contemptuous vulgarity. "In the order of nature, it is appointed that we two shall never travel the same road."

"How then," the Slander asked triumphantly, "have you overtaken me?"

"I have not," replied the Retraction. "We have accidentally met. I came around the world the other way."

However, when the Retraction attempted to carry out his malicious intent, he discovered that, according to the natural order, it was destined for him to perish miserably in the encounter.