lf on understanding the practice of the courts,
and in private company he took pleasure in laying down the law; but he
was an indifferent orator, and tediously circumstantial in his
explanations. His stature was rather diminutive; but, upon the whole, he
had some title to the character of a pretty, dapper, little fellow.

The solitary guest had something very forbidding in his aspect, which was
contracted by an habitual frown. His eyes were small and red, and so
deep set in the sockets, that each appeared like the unextinguished snuff
of a farthing candle, gleaming through the horn of a dark lanthorn. His
nostrils were elevated in scorn, as if his sense of smelling had been
perpetually offended by some unsavoury odour; and he looked as if he
wanted to shrink within himself from the impertinence of society. He
wore a black periwig as straight as the pinions of a raven, and this was
covered with a hat flapped, and fastened to his head by a speckled
handkerchief tied under his chin. He was wrapped in a greatcoat of brown
frieze, under which he seemed to conceal a small bundle. His name was
Ferret, and his character distinguished by three peculiarities. He was
never seen to smile; he was never heard to speak in praise of any person
whatsoever; and he was never known to give a direct answer to any
question that was asked; but seemed, on all occasions, to be actuated by
the most perverse spirit of contradiction.

Captain Crowe, having remarked that it was squally weather, asked how far
it was to the next market town; and understanding that the distance was
not less than six miles, said he had a good mind to come to an anchor for
the night, if so be as he could have a tolerable berth in this here
harbour. Mr. Fillet, perceiving by his style that he was a seafaring
gentleman, observed that their landlady was not used to lodge such
company; and expressed some surprise that he, who had no doubt endured so
many storms and hardships at sea, should think much of travelling five or
six miles a-horseback by moonlight. "For my part," said he, "I ride in
all weathers, and at all hours, without minding cold, wet, wind, or
darkness. My constitution is so case-hardened that I believe I could
live all the year at Spitzbergen. With respect to this road, I know
every foot of it so exactly, that I'll engage to travel forty miles upon
it blindfold, without making one false step; and if you have faith enough
to put yourselves under my