Unit 8
Chapter 5
III. Reading
I Don't Believe You
"I don't believe you," said Guy to his friend, who was telling him an incredible story about himself.
"Why? Have you never heard of these things?" replied Jimmy, who loved to pull people's legs.
"How could you expect me to believe that?" said Guy heatedly, "I'm not a fool you know."
"Well, let's forget it and find a place to sit down."
Guy was ready to forget what Jimmy had told him but was not ready to forgive him for the insult of thinking that he was stupid, or that he was easily fooled.
Jimmy knew very well that he might have hurt Guy's feelings and his pride, but his sense of humor was such that he continued as if his story was true and he was prepared to stand by it, pretending he thought whoever would not believe it was a fool. In fact, Jimmy's apparent pity for the poor fellow beside him infuriated Guy who wanted to hold Jimmy responsible. The more Jimmy seemed to sneer, the more Guy became upset and unable to find the right words to say.
So Jimmy said, "Do you see that path over there? It must lead to a picnicking spot near the river. Let's go there and rest for a bit. When we finish our sandwiches, I'll tell you another story like the one you are still thinking about."
Guy could not control himself any longer. "I am not thinking of your story. . . I don't want you to tell me another one. . . I think you are vulgar and inconsiderate. . . that you tell lies to show off. . . that you . . ." Guy turned around and strode quickly away from Jimmy who, though pleased with the effect on his friend, was sorry to be left to eat his lunch by himself.
He watched Guy disappear around a bend some distance away and said to himself, "How can mere words have such power to make people angry and unhappy?"
- Short Passages
Educational Solutions
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