A long staff, with ribbons at thecrook, proclaimed
the shepherdess.
Presently the musicceased, and from the flap a
figure emerged with the fiddle in itshand. The musician lowered his violin,
smiling.
The men by the fire shivered, and one spoke. In the
centre stooda small ancient obelisk, like an overgrown milestone. I can offer you
better hospitality, sir, than a bed by the fire. The words seemed to add to Johnsons
depression.
He turned to Alastair with aface in which
embarrassment strove with his natural kindliness. Hold there, he cried, and took a
pace forward.
Here we are so sageand dutiful and civically
minded. Itwas answered, and from an alley in the scrub a man appeared.
Let her but remain neutral, and we will beat the
Hanoverianssoldiers.
But Ive heard tell of folks that fought shy
ofturnpikes. The men by the fire shivered, and one spoke.
He was eitherdumb, or a miracle of
prudence.
The singers are as dry as a ditch in
midsummer.
Then he lifted hiseyes and solemnly regarded the
horseman for the space of someseconds.
Hes had his supper the best part of an hour, and
then hell taketobacco. Sir, he said,the flesh of the pig is most suitable for
Englishmen andChristians. Sir Edward es a Parliament man, and a Justice, and eshot
for King and country.