"Why, as for myself," said I; "I generally live on the best I can
get."
"Let's hear what you eat; bacon and eggs?
"Oh yes, I eat bacon and eggs when I can get nothing better."
"And what do you drink? Can you drink ale?"
"Oh yes," said I; "I am very fond of ale when it's good. Perhaps
you will stand a pint?"
"Hm," said the man looking somewhat blank; "there is no ale in the
Pandy and there is no public-house near at hand, otherwise - Where
are you going to-night?"
"To Gutter Vawr."
"Well, then, you had better not loiter; Gutter Vawr is a long way
off over the mountain. It will be dark, I am afraid, long before
you get to Gutter Vawr. Good evening, David! I am glad to have
seen you, for I have long wished to see a man from the north
country. Good evening! you will find plenty of good ale at Gutter
Vawr."
I went on my way. The road led in a south-eastern direction
gradually upward to very lofty regions. After walking about half-
an-hour I saw a kind of wooden house on wheels drawn by two horses
coming down the hill towards me. A short black-looking fellow in
brown-top boots, corduroy breeches, jockey coat and jockey cap sat
on the box, holding the reins in one hand and a long whip in the
other.
