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 good-night. 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.

To Mrs. George Borrow, 39 Camperdown Terrace, Gt. Yarmouth

INVERNESS, _30th September 1858._

DEAR CARRETA,--I write another line to tell you that I have got
your second letter--it came just in time, as I leave to-morrow.
In your next, address to George Borrow, Post Office, Tobermory,
Isle of Mull, Scotland. You had, however, better write without
delay, as I don't know how long I may be there; and be sure
only to write once. I am glad we have got such a desirable
tenant for our Maltings, and should be happy to hear that the
cottage was also let so well. However, let us be grateful for
what has been accomplished. I hope you wrote to Cooke as I
desired you, and likewise said something about how I had waited
for Murray.... I met to-day a very fat gentleman from
Caithness, at the very north of Scotland; he said he was
descended from the Norse. I talked to him about them, and he
was so pleased with my conversation that he gave me his card,
and begged that I would visit him if I went there. As I could
do no less, I showed him my card--I had but one--and he no
sooner saw the name than he was in a rapture. I am