For it takes an old man, or at least a middle-aged one, to nod and wink, with any power on the brains of other men.

However, I think I made him know that the bad state in which I came to his town, and the great shame I had wrought for him among the folk round the card-table at the Luttrell Arms, was not to be, even there, attributed to King Charles the Second, nor even to his counsellors, but to my own speed of travelling, which had beat post-horses.

For being much distraught in mind, and desperate in body, I had made all the way from London to Dunster in six days, and no more.

It may be one hundred and seventy miles, I cannot tell to a furlong or two, especially as I lost my way more than a dozen times; but at any rate there in six days I was, and most kindly they received me.

The tanner had some excellent daughters, I forget how many; very pretty damsels, and well set up, and able to make good pastry.