"Are you the author of this 'Dissertation on Liberty and Necessity, Pleasure and Pain'?" "I am, sir." Benjamin had received such a trimming from his employer, that he was almost sure the stranger had come to stigmatize him for writing that pamphlet. But he was soon relieved by the remark of Lyons: "I have read it with great interest, and have been very much profited by it. I did not dream, however, that it was written by so young a person as you are." Benjamin thanked him for his complimentary words, and the surgeon went on: "I am the author of the book entitled, 'The Infallibility of Human Judgment,' and I think our views harmonize in the main. I should be pleased to loan you a copy if you care to read it." "It will afford me real pleasure to read it, Doctor Lyons, and I shall appreciate your favor." "And when you have read it, I shall be glad to meet you, and compare notes, and discuss the topics." "Nothing will suit me better than that," added Benjamin. Doctor Lyons frequently called on Benjamin to converse upon the subject-matter of his pamphlet, and, at one time, he says, "He carried me to the Horns, a pale-ale house in ------ Lane, Cheapside, and introduced me to Doctor Mandeville, author of the 'Fable of the Bees,' who had a club there, of which he was the soul, being a most facetious, entertaining companion." The religion in Benjamin's pamphlet, and that in Lyons' book, was well suited to a "pale-ale house." It was so _pale_ as scarcely to be discernible in either book or pamphlet--almost entirely faded out. That was why Benjamin's pamphlet pleased Lyons so much--the religion in it was not too much for a "pale-ale house." Doctor Lyons introduced him, also, to one Doctor Pemberton, "at Batson's Coffee-house," a kindred spirit, whose coffee was stronger than his religion--a quick-witted, lively sort of a man. He was very familiar with Benjamin. "Glad to know that your mind is interested in subjects of so grave importance," he said. "In a youth of your age it is evidence of a strong mind and expanding intellect." "Most of my friends do not regard my views with the favor you express; they see evidence, rather, of mental weakness and distortion," said Benjamin in reply. "It is because they do not investigate for themselves. They are content to receive opinions secondhand, labelled and fixed. How would you like to number Sir Isaac Newton among your friends?" Doctor Pemberton spoke as a man of authority. "I should feel myself highly honored," answered Benjamin. "Do you know him?" "I have the honor of his acquaintance; and I will give you an introduction at some future time." "I shall accept your favor with thanks"; and Benjamin waited and waited for the opportunity, but it never came, probably because Newton could never be found in "an ale-house."