They all kept plenty of beer, but no bed.

They, too, looked at me with surprise for asking for such a thing.
Apparently, there had been no demand for such entertainment by any traveller since the stage-coach ceased to run through the village.
I went up and down, trying to negotiate with the occupants of some of the best-looking cottages for a cot or bunk; but they had none to spare, as the number of wondering children that stared at me kindly, at once suggested before I put the question.
It was now quite dark, and I was hungry and tired; and the prospect of an additional six miles walk was not very animating.

What next?
I will go back to Landlord Rufus and try a new influence on his sensibilities.

Who knows but it will succeed?
I will touch him on his true character as a Briton.

So I went back, with my last chance hanging on the experiment.