“‘I have been strangely unable to gain your notice, although I have made considerable effort to that end,’ he began, in his prosy way. ‘I have waved my hand—thus’ (he showed them how he had beckoned), ‘and my watering-pot—thus’ (and he showed them how he had waved the watering-pot, and hadn’t spilled a drop of water, although it had two spouts), ‘but in spite of my endeavors, I have been unable to attract your notice.’ (They looked at each other, and sighed.) ‘I have been thus persistent,’ he went on, ‘for your good; not for my own pleasure—although conversation with congenial persons is always most agreeable to me—’
“‘Me, too,’ said Draco. ‘I jutht love to talk to my friendth.’
“‘Er—exactly,’ said Aquarius. ‘But it was not merely to converse—agreeable as it may be to us all—all,’ he repeated, waving his watering-pot benevolently. (And they looked at each other again; and some of them changed their weight over onto the other foot.) ‘No, I had a purpose in calling you hither. I rarely act without a purpose—’
“‘What was it?’ asked Perseus.
“‘I was about to mention it!’—looking at Perseus reprovingly. ‘You seemed in some perplexity concerning the removal of that misguided Bear to his proper place. I gather that he considers himself—and wishes to be considered—a Wagon! A most surprising hallucination. It might be interesting to consider how it could have arisen?’ He looked at them, in turn, to see if they were inclined to consider it, but they were not, and stood perfectly still, without any expression in their faces, until Hercules said: ‘You were going to tell us something.’
“‘Yes. I remember to have heard something that applies exactly to such a case. I am sure it will be a helpful suggestion.’
“Every one looked hopeful and interested, but Aquarius stopped short. They waited. Then, ‘I seem to have forgotten it for the moment. But never mind—it will come—it will come—’
“‘Oh, what’s the use waiting?’ muttered Orion.
“‘It will come,’ went on Aquarius, cheerfully. ‘It is something about wagons—and stars—I am sure it is just what is needed. Ah! I have it now: “Hitch your wagon to a star!”—The very thing! I knew it would come,’ and he went right on talking; but the Star People were not listening. If that was the best he could do in the way of advice, they were completely discouraged.
“‘I never heard such rubbish in my life!’ said Cassiopeia, under her breath. ‘Nor I,’ said Orion. ‘I know pretty much all there is to know about stars—and how could you hitch a wagon to one? And if you did, what then?’ They all thought that was the very silliest advice that ever was given; and there was old Aquarius talking and talking—and they didn’t know how they were to escape from him, when some one said:—