CHAPTER XXI.
The Gloomy Valley--The Lonely Cottage--Happy Comparison--Clogs--The Alder Swamp--The Wooden Leg--The Militiaman--Death-bed Verses.
On reaching the ruined village where the Pandy stood I stopped, and looked up the gloomy valley to the west, down which the brook which joins the Ceiriog at this place, descends, whereupon John Jones said, that if I wished to go up it a little way he should have great pleasure in attending me, and that he should show me a cottage built in the hen ddull, or old fashion, to which he frequently went to ask for the rent; he being employed by various individuals in the capacity of rent-gatherer.

I said that I was afraid that if he was a rent-collector, both he and I should have a sorry welcome.

"No fear," he replied, "the people are very good people, and pay their rent very regularly," and without saying another word he led the way up the valley.

At the end of the village, seeing a woman standing at the door of one of the ruinous cottages, I asked her the name of the brook, or torrent, which came down the valley.

"The Tarw," said she, "and this village is called Pandy Teirw." "Why is the streamlet called the bull ?" said I.