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 I 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 



