tree nor hedge was to be seen; two or
three hours' walking brought me to a beautiful valley, abounding with
trees of various kinds, with a delightful village at its farthest
extremity; passing through it, I ascended a lofty acclivity, on the top
of which I sat down on a bank, and, taking off my hat, permitted a
breeze, which swept coolly and refreshingly over the downs, to dry my
hair, dripping from the effects of exercise and the heat of the day.

And as I sat there, gazing now at the blue heavens, now at the downs
before me, a man came along the road in the direction in which I had
hitherto been proceeding: just opposite to me he stopped, and, looking at
me, cried--'Am I right for London, master?'

He was dressed like a sailor, and appeared to be between twenty-five and
thirty years of age--he had an open manly countenance, and there was a
bold and fearless expression in his eye.

'Yes,' said I, in reply to his question; 'this is one of the ways to
London. Do you come from far?'

'From ---,' said the man, naming a well-known seaport.

'Is this the direct road to London from that place?' I demanded.

'No,' said the man; 'but I had to visit two or three other places on
certain commissions I was intrusted with; amongst others to ---, where I
had to take a small sum of money. I am rather tired, master; and, if you
please, I will sit down beside you.'

'You have as much right to sit down here as I have,' said I; 'the road is
free for every one; as for sitting down beside me, you have the look of
an honest man, and I have no objection to your company.'

'Why, as for being honest, master,' said the man, laughing and sitting
down by me, 'I haven't much to say--many is the wild thing I have done
when I was younger; however, what is done, is done. To learn, one must
live, master; and I have lived long enough to learn the grand point of
wisdom.'

'What is that?' said I.

'That honesty is the best policy, master.'

'You appear to be a sailor,' said I, looking at his dress.

'I was not bred a sailor,' said the man, 'though, when my foot is on the
salt water, I can play the part--and play it well too. I am now from a
long voyage.'

'From America?' said I.

'Farther than that,' said the man.

'Have you any objection to tell me?' said I.

'From New South Wales,' said the man, looking me full in the face.

'Dear me,' said I.

'Why do you say "Dear me"?' said the man.

'It is a very long way off,' said I.