how far from
this spot? and which is the direct road to it?"

"One question! why that's four questions, master; and more by three
than you bargained for. However, as you're a stranger, I'll make shift
to fit you with three short answers that shall unlock your four
riddles: The nighest town is Machynleth; and a rum-looking town it is.
Ifs just fifteen miles off. And you can't miss it, if you follow your
nose by the side of this brook till it leads you into yon pass amongst
the mountains."

"I'm much obliged to you, friend. But is there any person you know of
that could guide me through this pass and carry my portmanteau?"

"Aye, master, I know of three such persons."

"And where are they?"

"Two of them are on board Captain le Harnois: and the other----"

"Is where?"

"At Machynleth, and I'll warrant him as drunk as he can go."

"And of what use will that be to me?"

"Nay, master, it's past my power to find out: but you're a scholar, and
can tell more than I can."

Perceiving that he had got all the information from the old fisherman
which he was likely to get, Bertram wished him good night; and,
hoisting his portmanteau on his shoulder, set off in the direction
pointed out.

CHAPTER V.

Wher dwellen ye, if it to tellen be?
In the subarbes of a town, quod he,
Lurking in bernes and in lanes blind
Whereas thise robbours and thise theves by kinde
Holden hir privee fereful residence
As they that dare not shewen hir presence,--
So faren we, if I shal say the sothe.--_Chaucer._

Bertram now found himself in a situation of some perplexity: he was
alone; perfectly unacquainted with the country; it was already dusk,
and he had to make his way through a labyrinth of hills which was
likely to present danger in more shapes than one: his experience on
board Captain le Harnois had taught him that he was not perfectly
secure from behind; and before him was a mountainous region--better
peopled in all probability with precipices and torrents than with human
habitations. Under these circumstances he had to go in quest of a
lodging for the night; and this, from all that he had read of England,
on a double account he could scarcely venture to anticipate under any
respectable roof; first because he was on foot, and secondly because he
carried his own portmanteau. However he entered on his course with
spirit; and for some time advanced wit