He sneers at that, irritated as much by the question as the fact that he does not know the answer.

"I do not know what manner of fiction! The shopkeeper recognised the title. It was a ploy to make me look a fool, no doubt." He sighed, clearly agitated too, then went on. "Perhaps I should see it," he adds, "to be sure. What if it is right? Others might be curious. They might get it into their minds to read it, to find out what is hidden. What if he recommends it to others, too? Tells them of its secrets? No, I must see it to be sure Childermass."