"Has she any English?" said I.
"Not a word," he replied. "The young people of these hills have no
English, except they go abroad to learn it."
"What hills are these?" said I.
"Part of the Plynlimmon range," said he.
"Dear me," said I, "am I near Plynlimmon?"
"Not very far from it," said the young man, "and you will be nearer
when you reach Pont Erwyd."
"Are you a native of these parts?" said I.
"I am not," he replied; "I am a native of Aberystwyth, a place on
the sea-coast about a dozen miles from here."
"This seems to be a cold, bleak spot," said I; "is it healthy?"
"I have reason to say so," said he; "for I came here from
Aberystwyth about four months ago very unwell, and am now perfectly
recovered. I do not believe there is a healthier spot in all
Wales."
We had some further discourse. I mentioned to him the adventure
which I had on the hill with the fellow with the donkey. The young
man said that he had no doubt that he was some prowling thief.
"The dogs of the shepherd's house," said I, "didn't seem to like
him, and dogs generally know an evil customer. A long time ago I
chanced to be in a posada, or inn, at Valladolid in Spain.
