An Instance of the Fingerpost

by Iain Pears

Shame, I do believe, is the most powerful emotion known to man; most discoveries and journeys of importance have been accomplished because of the ignominy that would be the result if the attempt was abandoned.

“You see, the trouble with the professor is that, once he stops for lunch, he tends to lose interest. He drinks a good deal, you know,” he confided. “What’s left over gets thrown away or gnawed by rats in the basement. Whereas I will pickle you…” “I beg your pardon?” Prestcott said weakly. “Pickle you,” Lower replied enthusiastically. “It is the very latest technique. If we joint you and pop you into a vat of spirits, you will keep for very much longer. So much better than brandy. Then when we have the leisure to dissect a bit we just fish you out and get to work. Splendid, eh? Nothing will be wasted, I assure you. All that is required is that you give me a letter specifying as your last request that I be allowed to dissect you once you have met your punishment.” Convinced that this was a request no reasonable man might refuse, Lower leaned back against the wall and beamed with anticipation. “No,” Prestcott said.

the heart of a gentleman is the more open to such wounds than those of ordinary people because his honor is the greater,