CHAPTER LXIX.
Effects of Corn--One Night Longer--The Hoofs--A Stumble--Are you Hurt ?--What a Difference!--Drowsy--Maze of Bushes--Housekeeping--Sticks and Furze--The Driftway--Account of Stock--Anvil and Bellows--Twenty Years.
It was two or three hours past noon when I took my departure from the place of the last adventure, walking by the side of my little cart; the pony, invigorated by the corn, to which he was probably not much accustomed, proceeded right gallantly; so far from having to hasten him forward by the particular application which the tinker had pointed out to me, I had rather to repress his eagerness, being, though an excellent pedestrian, not unfrequently left behind.

The country through which I passed was beautiful and interesting, but solitary: few habitations appeared.

As it was quite a matter of indifference to me in what direction I went, the whole world being before me, I allowed the pony to decide upon the matter; it was not long before he left the high road, being probably no friend to public places.

I followed him I knew not whither, but, from subsequent observation, have reason to suppose that our course was in a north-west direction.

At length night came upon us, and a cold wind sprang up, which was succeeded by a drizzling rain.
I had originally intended to pass the night in the cart, or to pitch my little tent on some convenient spot by the road's side; but, owing to the alteration in the weather, I thought that it would be advisable to take up my quarters in any hedge alehouse at which I might arrive.