ST. ALBANS. 303 



rose, dressed, and had an early breakfast; 

 then, putting a change into my carpet 

 bag, and taking it in my hand, I strolled 

 leisurely towards the " Peacock " at Isling- 

 ton. St. Albans was the attraction, but 

 it was in vain that my inclination true 

 as the magnetic needle to the pole turned 

 in that direction. 



The Bedford coach coming up, I got on 

 it, and had a very pleasant ride through 

 Welwyn, Hitchin, and Shefford, to that neat 

 little County Town. After taking my 

 dinner at the " Swan," and sauntering 

 about the place, in which I saw nothing to 

 attract or distract my attention, I enquired 

 for the house of a person whom I knew one 

 who drove another Bedford coach, that went 

 to the great metropolis by a different route, 

 and passed through a village where I was 

 informed I might meet with an object, the 

 sight of which would be ample reward for 

 my trouble. 



