lation of a rule which I had determined
to follow, and which nothing but the greatest necessity would ever compel
me to break through--never to incur obligations. "But," said he,
"receiving this money will not be incurring an obligation, it is your
due." "I do not think so," said I; "I did not engage to serve you for
money, nor will I take any from you." "Perhaps you will take it as a
loan?" said he. "No," I replied, "I never borrow." "Well," said the
landlord, smiling, "you are different from all others that I am
acquainted with. I never yet knew any one else who scrupled to borrow
and receive obligations; why, there are two baronets in this
neighbourhood who have borrowed money of me, ay, and who have never
repaid what they borrowed; and there are a dozen squires who are under
considerable obligations to me, who I dare say will never return them.
Come, you need not be more scrupulous than your superiors--I mean in
station." "Every vessel must stand on its own bottom," said I; "they
take pleasure in receiving obligations, I take pleasure in being
independent. Perhaps they are wise, and I am a fool, I know not, but one
thing I am certain of, which is, that were I not independent I should be
very unhappy: I should have no visions then." "Have you any relations?"
said the landlord, looking at me compassionately; "excuse me, but I don't
think you are exactly fit to take care of yourself." "There you are
mistaken," said I, "I can take precious good care of myself; ay, and can
drive a precious hard bargain when I have occasion, but driving bargains
is a widely different thing from receiving gifts. I am going to take my
horse to Horncastle, and when there I shall endeavour to obtain his full
value--ay, to the last penny."

"Horncastle!" said the landlord, "I have heard of that place; you mustn't
be dreaming visions when you get there, or they'll steal the horse from
under you. Well," said he, rising, "I shall not press you further on the
subject of the cheque. I intend, however, to put you under an obligation
to me." He then rang the bell, and having ordered two fresh glasses to
be brought, he went out and presently returned with a small pint bottle,
which he uncorked with his own hand; then sitting down, he said, "The
wine that I bring here is port of eighteen hundred and eleven, the year
of the comet, the best vintage on record; the wine which we have been
drinking," he added, "is good, but not to be compared w