DECEMBER OUT-OF-DOORS. 65 
seemed little desirous of doing so. The spot 
was lonesome, and as he went by, and until 
he was some rods in advance, he kept his 
head partly turned. There was no mistak- 
ing the significance of that furtive, sidelong 
glance; he had read the newspapers, and 
didn’t intend to be attacked from behind 
unawares! If he should ever cast his eye 
over these pages (and whatever he may have 
thought of my appearance, I am bound to 
say of him that he looked like a man who 
might appreciate good literature), he will 
doubtless remember the incident, especially 
if | mention the field-glass which I carried 
slung over one shoulder. Evidently the 
world sees no reason why a man with any- 
thing better to do should be wandering aim- 
lessly about the country in midwinter. Nor 
do I quarrel with the world’s opinion. The 
majority is wiser than the minority, of 
course; otherwise, what becomes of its divine 
and inalienable right to lay down the law? 
The truth with me was that I had nothing 
better to do. I confess it without shame. 
Surely there is no lack of shoemakers. 
Why, then, should not here and there a man 
take up the business of walking, of wearing 
