I am going to take my horse to Horncastle, and when there I shall
endeavour to obtain his full value--ay to the last penny."
"Horncastle!" said the landlord, "I have heard of that place; you
mustn't be dreaming visions when you get there, or they'll steal
the horse from under you. Well," said he, rising, "I shall not
press you further on the subject of the cheque. I intend, however,
to put you under an obligation to me." He then rang the bell, and
having ordered two fresh glasses to be brought, he went out and
presently returned with a small pint bottle, which he uncorked with
his own hand; then sitting down, he said, "The wine that I bring
here, is port of eighteen hundred and eleven, the year of the
comet, the best vintage on record; the wine which we have been
drinking," he added, "is good, but not to be compared with this,
which I never sell, and which I am chary of. When you have drunk
some of it, I think you will own that I have conferred an
obligation upon you;" he then filled the glasses, the wine which he
poured out diffusing an aroma through the room; then motioning me
to drink, he raised his own glass to his lips, saying, "Come,
friend, I drink to your success at Horncastle."
CHAPTER XXX
Triumphal Departure--No Season like Youth--Extreme Old Age--
Beautiful England--The Ratcatcher--A Misadventure.
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