“ And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is that which I desired; but if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could attain unto.’ —Apocrypha It was quite clear that the company were much more interested in what the Baron had to say about the marriage customs of the people of Octonaria than in his remarks about their system of numbering. So I bided my time until he left the hospitable parlour of The Dolphin and, attaching myself to him, with little difficulty persuaded him to accompany me to my lodgings. Here, comfortably ensconced in my own armchair, he proceeded to fill the great octagonal pipe which had excited such curiosity at The Dolphin , while I set about collecting the ingredients for a bowl of punch.