( It seems as if Mr. Briggs is content with this series of unfortunate events and their dissatisfying conclusion — at least, until the boy offers to make amends by consuming his own spew, and it's all the man can do not to erupt in newly-found indignation.

Surely the young man cannot be so foolish as to think Mr. Briggs will suffer to be the accomplice of his suicide. )

And sicken yourself to death? So we might be accused by your benefactor of lethal negligence? ( There's a moment when the tight clench of his teeth may well erode them. Then: ) No, lad. You will sooner starve.