travel. I told him that though I was not particularly well supplied with
money, I had sufficient for the expenses of my journey, at the end of
which I hoped to procure more. He then hemmed again, and said that since
I had been at the inn I had rendered him a great deal of service in more
ways than one, and that he could not think of permitting me to depart
without making me some remuneration; then putting his hand into his
waistcoat pocket he handed me a cheque for ten pounds, which he had
prepared beforehand, the value of which he said I could receive at the
next town, or that, if I wished it, any waiter in the house would cash it
for me. I thanked him for his generosity in the best terms I could
select, but, handing him back his cheque, I told him that I could not
accept it, saying that, so far from his being my debtor, I believed
myself to be indebted to him, as not only myself but my horse had been
living at his house for several weeks. He replied that, as for my board
at a house like his, it amounted to nothing, and as for the little corn
and hay which the horse had consumed it was of no consequence, and that
he must insist upon my taking the cheque. But I again declined, telling
him that doing so would be a violation 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