ame from the window of a rude hovel. I tapped, at the
window, and shouted, and at last an old man came out. He asked me what I
wanted, and I told him I had lost my way. He asked me where I came from,
and where I wanted to go; and on my telling him he said I had indeed lost
my way, for I had got out of it at least four miles, and was going away
from the place I wanted to get to. He then said he would show me the
way, and went with me for several miles over most horrible places. At
last we came to a road where he said he thought he might leave me, and
wished me goodnight. I gave him a shilling. He was very grateful, and
said, after considering, that as I had behaved so handsomely to him he
would not leave me yet, as he thought it possible I might yet lose my
way. He then went with me three miles farther, and I have no doubt that,
but for him, I should have lost my way again the roads were so tangled.
I never saw such an old fellow, or one whose conversation was so odd and
entertaining. This happened last Monday night, the night of the day in
which I had been swindled of the shilling by the other; I could write a
history about those two shillings.

[GEORGE BORROW.]

LETTER XV.
_To_ MRS. MACOUBREY.

OULTON,
LOWESTOFT.
_April_ 1_st_, 1874.

DEAR HENRIETTA,

I have received your letter of the 30th March. Since I last wrote I have
not been well. I have had a great pain in the left jaw, which almost
prevented me from eating. I am, however, better now.

I shall be glad to see you and Dr. MacOubrey as soon as you can
conveniently come. Send me a line to say when I may expect you. I have
no engagements.

Before you come call at No. 36 to enquire whether anything has been sent
there. Leverton had better be employed to make a couple of boxes or
cases for the books in the sacks. The sacks can be put on the top in the
inside. There is an old coat in one of the sacks in the pocket of which
are papers. Let it be put in with its contents just as it is. I wish to
have the long white chest and the two deal boxes also brought down. Buy
me a thick under-waistcoat like the one I am now wearing, and a lighter
one for the summer. Worsted socks are of no use--they scarcely