"But the question of _Hamlet_ always excites him so that we'd like to have it settled once and for all as to who wrote it.

Bacon says you know." "I do," said Raleigh.
"Then settle it once and for all," said Bacon.

"I'm rather tired of the discussion myself." "Shall I tell 'em, Shakespeare ?" asked Raleigh.
"It's immaterial to me," said Shakespeare, airily.

"If you wish--only tell the truth." "Very well," said Raleigh, lighting a cigar.

"I'm not ashamed of it.