CHAPTER XXIV.
The alehouse-keeper--Compassion for the rich--Old English gentleman--How is this ?--Madeira--The Greek Parr--Twenty languages--Whiter's health--About the fight--A sporting gentleman--The flattened nose--Lend us that pightle--The surly nod.
'Holloa, master! can you tell us where the fight is likely to be ?' Such were the words shouted out to me by a short thick fellow, in brown top-boots, and bareheaded, who stood, with his hands in his pockets, at the door of a country alehouse as I was passing by.
Now, as I knew nothing about the fight, and as the appearance of the man did not tempt me greatly to enter into conversation with him, I merely answered in the negative, and continued my way.
It was a fine lovely morning in May, the sun shone bright above, and the birds were carolling in the hedgerows.

I was wont to be cheerful at such seasons, for, from my earliest recollection, sunshine and the song of birds have been dear to me; yet, about that period, I was not cheerful, my mind was not at rest; I was debating within myself, and the debate was dreary and unsatisfactory enough.

I sighed, and turning my eyes upward, I ejaculated, 'What is truth ?' But suddenly, by a violent effort breaking away from my meditations, I hastened forward; one mile, two miles, three miles were speedily left behind; and now I came to a grove of birch and other trees, and opening a gate I passed up a kind of avenue, and soon arriving before a large brick house, of rather antique appearance, knocked at the door.
In this house there lived a gentleman with whom I had business.

He was said to be a genuine old English gentleman, and a man of considerable property; at this time, however, he wanted a thousand pounds, as gentlemen of considerable property every now and then do.

I had brought him a thousand pounds in my pocket, for it is astonishing how many eager helpers the rich find, and with what compassion people look upon their distresses.