"My friends," he said, "why do you run after me?"
"Oh," said the one whose name was Obstinate, "we are going to take you back home."
"No you will not," answered the runner. "I will not go back to that City of Destruction. I have started to a far better place, and I would like to persuade you to go with me."
"And leave all our friends and comforts behind us?" said Obstinate.
"Certainly," answered Graceless, for that was the man's name. "For my book tells me that in the glorious city which lies beyond those far-away mountains I shall find treasures much richer than those I am leaving behind."
"Oh, nonsense!" said Obstinate. "Who has ever seen that city? Will you go back with us? Or will you still behave like a fool?"
"Have a care, neighbor," said the other man, whose name was Pliable. "Perhaps he is right; and if so, he is wiser than we. I have heard of that Celestial City, and I have half a mind to go with him."
"Then go, if you wish," answered Obstinate. "I shall return to my own place. I'll have nothing to do with such foolish fellows."
