As a small requital for his
kindness, I gave him one day, after dinner, unasked, a brief
account of my history and pursuits. He listened with attention;
and when it was concluded, thanked me for the confidence which I
had reposed in him. "Such conduct," said he, "deserves a return.
I will tell you my own history; it is brief, but may perhaps not
prove uninteresting to you--though the relation of it will give me
some pain." "Pray, then, do not recite it," said I. "Yes," said
the old man, "I will tell you, for I wish you to know it." He was
about to begin, when he was interrupted by the arrival of the
surgeon. The surgeon examined into the state of my bruised limb,
and told me, what indeed I already well knew, that it was rapidly
improving. "You will not even require a sling," said he, "to ride
to Horncastle. When do you propose going?" he demanded. "When do
you think I may venture?" I replied. "I think, if you are a
tolerably good horseman, you may mount the day after to-morrow,"
answered the medical man. "By-the-bye, are you acquainted with
anybody at Horncastle?" "With no living soul," I answered. "Then
you would scarcely find stable-room for your horse. But I am happy
to be able to assist you. I have a friend there who keeps a small
inn, and who, during the time of the fair, keeps a stall vacant for
any quadruped I may bring, until he knows whether I am coming or
not.
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