red and surveyed him
deliberately. From a scrutiny of mere physical attributes he passed on
to the more important details of clothes, noting that his sack coat
was properly loose at the waist and that the buttons were sufficiently
large to pass muster, but also detecting that the trousers lacked
breadth at the ankles and that the hat had a high crown and a broad
brim, from which he complacently concluded the other was somewhat
behind the shifting changes of fashion.

"Curse me, if this isn't a beastly fire!" he exclaimed, stretching
himself still more, yawning and passing a hand through his black hair.
"Hang them, they might as well shut up their guests in the smoke-house
with the bacons and hams! I feel as cured as a side of pig, ready to
be hung to a dirty rafter."

With which he pulled himself together, went to the window, raised it
and placed a stick under the frame.

"They tell me there's a theatrical troupe here," he resumed, returning
to his chair and relapsing into its depths. "Perhaps you are one of
them?"

"I have not that honor."

"Honor!" repeated the new arrival with a laugh. "That's good! That was
one of them on the road with you, I'll be bound. You have good taste!
Heigho!" he yawned again. "I'm anchored here awhile on account of a
lame horse. Perhaps though"--brightening--"it may not be so bad after
all. These players promise some diversion." At that moment his face
wore an expression of airy, jocund assurance which faded to visible
annoyance as he continued: "Where can that landlord be? He placed me
in this kennel, vanished, and left me to my fate. Ah, here he is at
last!" As the host approached, respectfully inquiring:

"Is there anything more I can do for you?"

"More?" exclaimed this latest guest, ironically. "Well, better late
than never! See that my servant has help with the trunks."

"Very well, sir; I'll have Sandy look after them. You are going to
stay then?" Shifting several bottles on the bar with apparent
industry.

"How can I tell?" returned the newcomer lightly. "Fate is a Sphynx,
and I am not OEdipus to answer her questions!"

The landlord looked startled, paused in his feigned employment, but
slowly recovering himself, began to dust a jar of peppermint candy.

"How far is it to Meadtown?" continued the guest.

"Forty odd miles! Perhaps you are seeking the old patroon manor there?
They say the heir is expected any day"--gazing fixedly at the young
man--"at least, the anti-r