; 'you
are the best friend I've had for many a day: I have but one thing to tell
you, Don't cross that fellow's path if you can help it; and stay--should
the pony refuse to go, just touch him so, and he'll fly like the wind.'

CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE

EFFECTS OF CORN--ONE NIGHT LONGER--THE HOOFS--A STUMBLE--ARE YOU
HURT?--WHAT A DIFFERENCE--DROWSY--MAZE OF BUSHES--HOUSEKEEPING--STICKS
AND FURZE--THE DRIFTWAY--AN ACCOUNT OF STOCK

It was two or three hours past noon when I took my departure from the
place of the last adventure, walking by the side of my little cart; the
pony, invigorated by the corn, to which he was probably not much
accustomed, proceeded right gallantly; so far from having to hasten him
forward by the particular application which the tinker had pointed out to
me, I had rather to repress his eagerness, being, though an excellent
pedestrian, not unfrequently left behind. The country through which I
passed was beautiful and interesting, but solitary; few habitations
appeared. As it was quite a matter of indifference to me in what
direction I went, the whole world being before me, I allowed the pony to
decide upon the matter; it was not long before he left the high-road,
being probably no friend to public places. I followed him I knew not
whither, but, from subsequent observation, have reason to suppose that
our course was in a north-west direction. At length night came upon us,
and a cold wind sprang up, which was succeeded by a drizzling rain.

I had originally intended to pass the night in the cart, or to pitch my
little tent on some convenient spot by the road's side; but, owing to the
alteration in the weather, I thought that it would be advisable to take
up my quarters in any hedge alehouse at which I might arrive. To tell
the truth, I was not very sorry to have an excuse to pass the night once
more beneath a roof. I had determined to live quite independent, but I
had never before passed a night by myself abroad, and felt a little
apprehensive at the idea; I hoped, however, on the morrow, to be a little
more prepared for the step, so I determined for one night--only for one
night longer--to sleep like a Christian; but human determinations are not
always put into effect, such a thing as opportunity is frequently
wanting, such was the case here. I went on for a considerable time, in
expectation of coming to some rustic hostelry, but nothing of the kind
presented itself to my eyes; the count