At first he had to learn to hate the man he was about to ruin, and to pretend that he thought the man was about to ruin him.

Then he could justify himself in his greedy game.

But at last he worked almost merrily.

He came to enjoy the combat for its own sake.

And sometimes he would play with a victim cat-wise, and after a victory in which the mouse fought well, John would lick his chops with some satisfaction at his business prowess.