It was our lot to miss this road; for apprehending ourselves at liberty to pursue what road we pleased, we took another way.

But we found our mistake when we came to the place where the duty is paid; for we were informed we had taken the wrong road, and that transit duty could not be received; we must either pay the full excise as when goods remain in the Prussian territory, or return back until we came again into the Zoll-strasse.

It took some time to consider which was best to be done.

To be sent about we knew not whither, and on roads scarcely passable, would prove a serious inconvenience; and on the other hand it was exceedingly mortifying to pay for such a trifle so enormous an excise.
The officer was very civil, but told us it was not in his power to do otherwise.

We concluded it would be best and cheapest to pay dearly for our error rather than be retarded on our journey.