A traveller perishing of thirst in a desert, debated with his camel
whether they should continue their journey, or turn back to an oasis
they had passed some days before. The traveller favoured the latter
plan.
"I am decidedly opposed to any such waste of time," said the animal;
"I don't care for oases myself."
"I should not care for them either," retorted the man, with some
temper, "if, like you, I carried a number of assorted water-tanks
inside. But as you will not submit to go back, and I shall not consent
to go forward, we can only remain where we are."
"But," objected the camel, "that will be certain death to you!"
"Not quite," was the quiet answer, "it involves only the loss of my
camel."
So saying, he assassinated the beast, and appropriated his liquid
store.
A compromise is not always a settlement satisfactory to both parties.