THROUGH FIRS AND HEATHER. 279 



where man and his dwellings are remarkably scarce, 

 and when found they yield nothing to cause you 

 much joy. A fresh face is a novelty there, and the 

 speech is strange. A short, courteous question, 

 however direct to the point it may be, finds no 

 ready answer. Often I have been nearly out of 

 sight and hearing before a reply has been shouted 

 at me, and then it was to little purpose. Now 

 and again there are exceptions to be met with, 

 but they are few and far between. The foresters 

 are good fellows, when you know them and they 

 know you ; but a stranger, whether well or roughly 

 dressed, is regarded with suspicion. Before the 

 native can make up his mind as to what brought 

 you into the wilds, what you want there, and what 

 you are going to do now you are there, you will 

 probably be out of sight and hearing, leaving him 

 something to ponder on for a week at least. But 

 for all that, be sure he has looked you well over, 

 and he would be able to give a most accurate 

 account of your dress and features, of the stout 

 ash staff you carry in particular; and it will be 

 matter of conversation with him for months to 

 come. 



