VII

The first of them I will call deliberation, in order to approximate it
as closely as possible to the preceding decision. Having now my
purpose decisively formed, I have to ask myself what physical means
will best carry it out. I summon before my mind as complete a list as
possible of nature's conveyances, and judge which of them will with
the greatest efficiency and economy execute my intention. Here I am at
a friend's house, but I have decided to go to my own. I must compare,
then, the different modes of getting there, so as to pick out just
that one which involves the least expenditure and the most certain
result. One way occurs to me which I have never tried before, a swift
and interesting way. I might go by balloon. In that balloon I could
sail at my ease over the tops of the houses and across the beautiful
river. When the tower of Memorial Hall comes in sight, I could pull a
cord and drop gently down at my own door, having meanwhile had the
seclusion and exaltation of an unusual ride. What a delightful
experience! But there is one disadvantage. Balloons are not always at
hand. I might be obliged to wait here for hours, for days, before
getting one. I dismiss the thought of a balloon. It does not
altogether suit my purpose.

Or, I might call a carriage. So I should secure solitude and a certain
speed, but should pay for these with noise, jolting, and more money
than I can well spare. There would be waiting, too, before the
carriage comes. Perhaps I had better ask my friend to lend me his arm
and to escort me home. In this there would be dignity and a saving of
my strength. We could talk by the way, and I always find him
interesting. But should I be willing to be so much beholden to him,
and would not the wind to-day make our walk and talk difficult? Better