ourselves," added Paul, "I should think that a judicious application
of the world's wisdom would be better than trifling with theories one
does not comprehend."

"As I said just now," observed Ah Ben, "I have no desire to force my
private views upon another, but I must distinctly object to the word
'theory,' as associated with my positive knowledge on this subject.
Every man must do as he thinks right, and as suits him best; but, for
my part, I have disregarded all the physical laws of health during an
unusually long life."

Paul straightened himself up, and looked at his host in the hope of a
further explanation.

"I don't think I quite understand you!"

"Yes," said Ah Ben, repeating the sentence slowly and emphasizing the
words, "_I disregard all laws usually considered essential to living
at all_!"

Henley was silent for a minute in a vain effort to decide whether or
not he were speaking seriously. He could not help remembering his
abstinence from food, but at the time had not doubted the man had
eaten between meals.

"Then you certainly ought to know all about it," he continued,
relaxing into his former position, but quite unsettled as to Ah Ben's
intention.

"You must admit that I have had sufficient time to be an authority