"And I think--that you are manifestly drunk," said I, "if you
still wish to fight, for any sum--no matter how small--put up
your hands; if not, get out of my road." The craggy one stepped
aside, somewhat hastily, which done, he removed his hat and stood
staring and scratching his bullet-head as one in sore perplexity.
"I seen a many rum goes in my time," said he, "but I never see so
rummy a go as this 'ere--strike me dead!"
So I left him, and strode on down the hill. As I went, the moon
shot out a feeble ray, through some rift in the rolling clouds,
and, looking back, I saw him standing where I had left him beneath
the gibbet, still scratching his bullethead, and staring after me
down the hill.
Now, though the whole attitude and behavior of the fellow was
puzzling to no small degree, my mind was too full of my own
concerns to give much thought to him indeed, scarce was he out of
my sight but I forgot him altogether; for, what with my weariness,
the long, dark road before and behind me, and my empty pockets, I
became a prey to great dejection. So much so that I presently
sank wearily beside the way, and, resting my chin in my hands, sat
there, miserably enough, watching the night deepen about me.
"And yet," said I to myself, "if, as Epictetus says--'to despise
a thing is to possess it,' then am I rich, for I have always
despised money; and if, weary as I am, I can manage to condemn
the luxury of a feather bed, then tonight, lying in this grassy
ditch beneath the stars, I shall slumber as sweetly as ever I did
between the snowy sheets." Saying which, I rose and began to
look about for some likely nook in the hedge, where I might pass
the night. I was thus engaged when I heard the creak of wheels,
and the pleasant rhythmic jingle of harness on the dark hill
above, and, in a little while, a great wagon or wain, piled high
with hay, hove into view, the driver of which rolled loosely in
his seat with every jolt of the wheels, so that it was a wonder
he did not roll off altogether. As he came level with me I
hailed him loudly, whereupon he started erect and brought his
horses to a stand: "Hulloa!" he bellowed, in the loud, strident tone of one rudely
awakened, "w'at do 'ee want wi' I?"