There was no doubt about the matter- the pardon should be
obtained. So at least swore, with a round oath, Professor Rub-a-dub,
and so finally thought the illustrious Von Underduk, as he took the
arm of his brother in science, and without saying a word, began to
make the best of his way home to deliberate upon the measures to be
adopted. Having reached the door, however, of the burgomaster's
dwelling, the professor ventured to suggest that as the messenger
had thought proper to disappear- no doubt frightened to death by the
savage appearance of the burghers of Rotterdam- the pardon would be
of little use, as no one but a man of the moon would undertake a
voyage to so vast a distance. To the truth of this observation the
burgomaster assented, and the matter was therefore at an end. Not
so, however, rumors and speculations. The letter, having been
published, gave rise to a variety of gossip and opinion. Some of the
over-wise even made themselves ridiculous by decrying the whole
business; as nothing better than a hoax.
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