way," observed
the fool, grinning at us.

It certainly, as might be expected, did waken Jumbo, who uncoiled
himself, rubbed his eyes, stared at the tilt of the wagon, then at us,
and without saying a word, rolled himself out after the fool. Timothy
and I followed. We found the doctor bargaining for some bread and bacon,
his strange appearance exciting much amusement, and inducing the people
to let him have a better bargain than perhaps otherwise they would have
done. He gave a part of the refreshment to the boy and the fool, and
walked out of the tap-room with his own share. Timothy and I went to the
pump, and had a good refreshing wash, and then for a shilling were
permitted to make a very hearty breakfast. The wagon having remained
about an hour, the driver gave us notice of his departure; but the
doctor was no where to be found. After a little delay, the wagoner drove
off, cursing him for a _bilk_, and vowing that he'd never have any more
to do with a "lamed man." In the mean time, Timothy and I had taken our
seats in the wagon, in company with the fool, and Master Jumbo. We
commenced a conversation with the former, and soon found out, as the
doctor had asserted, that he really was an idiot, so much so, that it
was painful to converse with him. As for the latter, he had coiled
himself away to take a little more sleep. I forgot to mention, that the
boy was dressed much in the same way as the fool, in an old spangled
jacket, and dirty white trousers. For about an hour Timothy and I
conversed, remarking upon the strange disappearance of the doctor,
especially as he had given us hopes of employing us; in accepting which
offer, if ever it should be made, we had not made up our minds, when we
were interrupted with a voice crying out, "Hillo, my man, can you give a
chap a lift as far as Reading, for a shilling?"

"Ay, get up, and welcome," replied the wagoner.

The wagon did not stop, but in a moment or two the new passenger climbed
in. He was dressed in a clean smock frock, neatly worked up the front,
leather gaiters, and stout shoes; a bundle and a stick were in his hand.
He smiled as he looked round upon the company, and showed a beautiful
set of teeth. His face was dark, and sun-burnt, but very handsome, and
his eyes as black as coals, and as brilliant as gas. "Heh! player
folk--I've a notion," said he, as he sat down, looking at the doctor's
attendants, and laughing at us. "Have you come far, gentlemen?"
continued