not so easily comprehended by us; as perhaps it may be uttered by
you."

"Well, father," answered the youth, "I do not care much about the
ducking I have had, and I will readily forgive your being partly
the cause, provided you will direct me to some place where I can
have my clothes dried; for it is my only suit, and I must keep it
somewhat decent."

"For whom do you take us, fair son?" said the elder stranger, in
answer to this question.

"For substantial burgesses, unquestionably," said the youth; "or
-- hold; you, master, may be a money broker, or a corn merchant;
and this man a butcher, or grazier."

"You have hit our capacities rarely," said the elder, smiling.
"My business is indeed to trade in as much money as I can and my
gossip's dealings are somewhat of kin to the butcher's. As to your
accommodation we will try to serve you; but I must first know who
you are, and whither you are going, for, in these times, the roads
are filled with travellers on foot and horseback, who have anything
in their head but honesty and the fear of God."

The young man cast another keen and penetrating glance on him who
spoke, and on his silent companion, as if doubtful whether they,
on their part, merited the confidence they demanded; and the result
of his observation was as follows.

The eldest and most remarkable of these men in dress and appearance,