In four days we had received upwards of 200 pounds,
and we then thought it time that we should depart. The letters arrived,
which were expected; and when we set on in a chaise and four, the crowd
to see us was so great, that it was with difficulty we could pass
through it.

PART ONE, CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

IN WHICH MELCHIOR TALKS VERY MUCH LIKE AN ASTROLOGER, AND TIM AND I
RETURN TO OUR OLD TRADE OF MAKING UP INNOCENT PRESCRIPTIONS.

We had taken our horses for the next town; but as soon as we were fairly
on the road, I stopped the boys, and told them that the Great
Aristodemus intended to observe the planets, and, stars that night, and
that they were to proceed to a common which I mentioned. The post-boys,
who were well aware of his fame, and as fully persuaded of it as
everybody else, drove to the common; we descended, took off the luggage,
and received directions from Melchior in their presence about the
instruments, to which the boys listened with open mouths and wonderment.
I paid them well, and told them they might return, which they appeared
very glad to do. They reported what had occurred, and this simple
method of regaining our camp, added to the astonishment of the good town
of --. When they were out of sight we resumed our usual clothes, packed
all up, carried away most of our effects, and hid the others in the
furze to be sent for the next night, not being more than two miles from
the camp. We soon arrived, and were joyfully received by Fleta and
Nattee.

As we walked across the common, I observed to Melchior, "I wonder if
these stars have any influence upon mortals, as it was formerly
supposed?"

"Most assuredly they have," rejoined Melchior. "I cannot read them, but
I firmly believe in them."

I made the above remark, as I had often thought that such was Melchior's
idea.

"Yes," continued he, "every man has his destiny--such must be the case.
It is known beforehand what is to happen to us by an Omniscient Being,
and being known, what is it but destiny which cannot be changed? It is
_fate_," continued he, surveying the stars with his hand raised up, "and
that fate is as surely written there as the sun shines upon us; but the
great book is sealed, because it would not add to our happiness."

"If, then, all is destiny, or fate, what inducement is there to do well
or ill?" replied I. "We may commit all acts of evil, and say, that as
it was predestined, we could not help it. Besides, would it