SIMON FLAT S COORTSHIP. 3 



mantle, and wearing a grim and threatening look. This was a watery 

 prospect ; yet he would go, and go he did. 



The old church clock was just striking nine as Simon had finished 

 shaking hands and bidding adieu to his fellow workmen, with all the 

 parting expressions of an individual who might be going a voyage to 

 the Antipodes. His garments were the best his wardrobe could 

 furnish (though no doubt altered some dozen times to accommodate 

 as many different fashions), and his heart as light as the treasures of 

 his pockets. He sallied off with the smile of hope beaming upon 

 his face ; and the expectation of a warm reception seemed to have an 

 effect upon his legs — for the rapidity of his steps might be taken for 

 those of a metropolitan fireman. 



For one single mile he kept on that part of the highway which is 

 allotted to beasts of burden ; but, thinking to shorten the length of his 

 jouniey, he struck across some pathless fields, steering at the same 

 time in the direction which he thought would bring him out at the 

 spot where he intended to take in a cargo of provisions. But " true* 

 love never did run smooth," says the adage. Neither did Simon 

 Flat on this occasion ; for the night being dark, and having no com- 

 pass, he was like a luckles-s bark upon the trackless sea ; for on 

 hurrying across the second field, with his head downwards to escape 

 the pelting of the rain, he came in contact with a tall oak which stood 

 in the middle. This stunned him for a moment ; but gaining his 

 self-possession, he bawletk out, " Oh ! I beg your pardon, sir ; but 

 would you be kind enough to inform me in what latitude I am ?" 

 The insulted personage breathed not a word, and the night being 

 dark, Simon could not see him ; so after waiting a moment for the 

 pardon of his offence, he retraced his steps until he gained a footing 

 upon the free highway. 



Half-past ten arrived, and found Simon comfortably seated by the 

 fireside of the " Traveller's Rest," relating his adventures and 

 examirting his' dinged beavdr. A'fler taking in a considerable share 

 of eatables and drinkables, and a due caution from the Host to beware 

 of robbers, who sometimes frequented this part of the road, he pur- 

 sued his journey with many fears. 



Imagination is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary prin- 

 ciples of man. Simon's imagination begun to work before he had 



