MD3PAD 139-141

[Toby G Levy]

        Maskelyne continues to analyze the astrological charts of Mason
and Dixon, finding reasons for the pair's success in observing the
Transit.   Mason steers this discussion towards delving into the
possible political conspiracies that led to the pair being sent to
Capetown and Maskelyne is more than willing to trade paranoid theories.

        Maskelyne repeats a rumor that "your Peach will be nam'd a
Director."  Mason acknowledges the debt he owes to "Sam Peach" but is
nothing compared to Maskelyne's debt to Clive of India.  Maskelyne laughs
at this because he is not close to his brother-in-law at all. But he
knows that someday he will be called upon to do something for Clive and
is not happy about it. Mason also feels he may someday be called to
answer for his good fortune, but has no idea what he might be required
to do.

        Mason again fears that Maskelyne is not sane, and recalls his
first encounter with the man through a letter Maskelyne had written to
Royal Astronomer Bradley.  Bradley couldn't make heads or tails out of
it and passed it along to Mason, who also couldn't understand most of
it, which had to do with "Lunar Distances." Mason thinks back upon the
Longitude Act of 1714 that engendered large prizes offered for a
reliable method of finding true longitude while at sea. This created a
great deal of correspondence to the Royal Astronomer, and it was Mason's
job to read through it all, looking for anything of value.

Toby