I are nothing but helpless automata created to do just this and that, and to
have just that and this done to us. Suppose, in fact, we HAVEN'T
any free will whatsoever. Is it likely or conceivable that the Power which
fashioned us would take the trouble to jot down in cipher on our hands
just what was in store for us?"

Laider did not answer this question; he did but annoyingly ask me
another.

"You believe in free will?"

"Yes, of course. I'll be hanged if I'm an automaton."

"And you believe in free will just as in palmistry--without any
reason?"

"Oh, no. Everything points to our having free will."

"Everything? What, for instance?"

This rather cornered me. I dodged out, as lightly as I could, by
saying:

"I suppose YOU would say it's written in my hand that I
should be a believer in free will."

"Ah, I've no doubt it is."

I held out my palms. But, to my great disappointment, he looked
quickly away from them. He had ceased to smile. There was agitation in