HYDROPHOBIA 229 



feeble that a well-directed blow of the fist is enough 

 to knock it down. Its nature is not sanguinary; its 

 teeth and claws are not strong enough to frighten 

 us." 



"Well, then,'' Emile demanded, "why is this en- 

 emy so much to be f eared T' 



"Do not let this lack of strength reassure you. 

 As for me, I shudder at the mere thought of the 

 danger to which we are exposed. Against those 

 other animals, however dangerous or strong they 

 may be, defense is possible. With presence of mind 

 and with weapons one may come out of the fight vic- 

 torious ; if one is injured by teeth or claws the wound 

 may heal. But against this other creature presence 

 of mind, skill, courage, weapons, help all are use- 

 less; let it bite you only once, let the point of its 

 tooth merely tear the skin so as to draw blood, mak- 

 ing no more than a scratch, and it will suffice to en- 

 danger your very life. Better would it be to find 

 yourself in the wolf 's jaws or the bear's embrace. 

 Vainly you get the upper hand and ward off the 

 animal's assaults> vainly you kill it: a tiny scratch, 

 insignificant enough from any other animal, will in 

 the near future cause your death, a horrible death, 

 more atrocious than any other in the world. As a 

 result of that tiny wound a day, will come, and it 

 will come soon, when, seized all at once with a furi- 

 ous madness, shaken by horrible convulsions, froth- 

 ing with drivel, and not recognizing either relatives 

 or friends, you will spring upon them like a fero- 

 cious beast, to bite them savagely and give them 



