--By chance--quietly said Cocles;--in any case that is of little importance in this story. My story is even more curious than yours; let me tell you in a few words: THE HISTORY OF COCLES I have very few friends in the world; and before this happened I did not know of one. I do not know who was my father and I never knew my mother; for a long time I wondered why I lived. I went out into the streets, searching for a determining influence from outside. I thought, the first thing that happens to me will decide my destiny; for I did not make myself as I am, too naturally kind for that. The first act, I knew, would give a motive to my life. Naturally kind, as I have said, my first act was to pick up a handkerchief. The one who dropped it had only gone three steps. Running after him I returned it to him. He took it without appearing surprised; no--the surprise was mine when he handed me an envelope--the same one that you see here.--Will you have the kindness, he said smilingly, to write here an address.--What address? I asked.--That, he replied, of any one you know.--So saying he placed near me all the materials to write with. Wishing to let myself go to exterior influence I submitted. But, as I told you, I have few friends in the world. I wrote the first name that came into my head at the moment, a name quite unknown to me. Having written the name I bowed--would have walked on--when I received a tremendous blow on my face. In my astonishment I lost sight of my adversary. When I came to myself, I was surrounded by a crowd. All spoke at once. They would not let me alone. I could only rid myself of their attentions by assuring them that I was not hurt at all, even though my jaw caused me terrible pain and my nose was bleeding furiously. The tumefaction of my face confined me to my room for a week. I passed my time thinking: Why did he strike me? It must have been a mistake. What could he have against me? I have never hurt anybody; nobody could wish me ill.--There must be a reason for ill-will. And if it was not a mistake?--for the first time I was thinking. If that blow was intended for me! In any case, what does it matter! by mistake or not, I received it and ... shall I return it? I have told you, I am naturally good-hearted. And then there is another thing which worries me: the man who struck me was much stronger than I. When my face was well and I could again go out, I looked everywhere for my adversary; yes, but it was to avoid him. Anyway, I never saw him again, and if I avoided him it was without knowing it. But--and in saying this he leant towards Prometheus, you see to-day how everything joins up, it is becoming more complicated instead of less so: I understand that, thanks to my blow, this gentleman has received £20. --Ah, but allow me! said Damocles. --I am Cocles, sir, said he, bowing to Damocles;--Cocles! and I tell you my name, Damocles, for you must certainly be pleased to know to whom you owe your windfall.... --But....