The Debaters

by Ambrose Bierce

　　A HURLED-BACK Allegation, which, after a brief rest, had again started forth upon its mission of mischief, met an Ink-stand in mid-air."How did the Honourable Member whom you represent know that I was coming again?" inquired the Hurled-back Allegation."He did not," the Inkstand replied; "he isn't at all forehanded at repartee.""Why, then, do you come, things being even when he had hurled me back?""He wanted to be a little ahead."