The Complete Short Stories (88 page)

“But why must the people of Bengal be listened to and the people of Britain not listened to?” asked Moung Thwa; “surely the partition of their country affects them just as closely. Are their opinions too silly to be of any weight?”

“The people of Britain are what is called a Democracy,” said Moung Ka.

“A Democracy?” questioned Moung Thwa. “What is that?”

“A Democracy,” broke in Moung Shoogalay eagerly, “is a community that governs itself according to its own wishes and interests by electing accredited representatives who enact its laws and supervise and control their administration. Its aim and object is government of the community in the interests of the community.”

“Then,” said Moung Thwa, turning to his neighbour, “if the people of Britain are a Democracy—”

“I never said they were a Democracy,” interrupted Moung Ka placidly.

“Surely we both heard you!” exclaimed Moung Thwa.

“Not correctly,” said Moung Ka; “I said they are what is called a Democracy.”

1
An actual extract from a London rarer of March 10,14.

1
Written in 1891.

1
This and the following tale were written during the Balkan war.

1
Written at the Front.