6o BEGGARS ON HORSEBACK. 



innocent trickle of water as from a thing bewitched ; 

 they whirled, trembled, snorted, and finally aban- 

 doned themselves to a saiive-qtii-peut flight in the 

 direction of Dolgelly. 



During the last half- hour the road grew more 

 and more civilised ; the " Cross Foxes " uplifted 

 its popular sign by the roadside, villas were fre- 

 quent, the scenery was charming, but we cared for 

 none of these things. All we desired was a cool 

 death — " something lingering," with icebergs in it. 

 We rode into the grey town of Dolgelly at 10.30 

 o'clock, having started at six, and accomplished 

 twelve miles. It was one of our record perform- 

 ances. It is possible that some lame beggar- 

 woman may rival it, but we are fairly confident 

 that it will not easily be beaten. 



The innkeepers stood at their doors and sur- 

 veyed us as we passed, more in pity than in con- 

 tempt ; and we moved on through the town, trying 

 to judge by the outward appearance whether the 

 " Lion," the " Hand," the " Goat," or the " Angel " 

 were nearest what we wished. In this investiga- 



