It was in vain that he endeavoured to repel this homage, and to explain the reason of his remark, and that it was only in a general way that he intended it.

Facts were too strong for him.

They had heard his words, which they considered an inspiration, and _there_ was the water.
It was no use; _there_ was the spring, the very thing they most wanted.
Perforce Felix was invested with attributes beyond nature.
The report spread; his own old friends came in a crowd to see the new spring, others journeyed from afar.

In a week, Felix having meanwhile returned to Wolfstead, his fame had for the second time spread all over the district.

Some came a hundred miles to see him.