THE QUAY. 7 



followers in the stable-yard of the Dolphin, and sent 

 them all away rejoicing. Matchem's ostler then 

 was transformed into my kennel-man ; and he most 

 efficiently fed my four-footed companions and other- 

 wise cared for them while I was at dinner : I knew 

 that I could trust him as if he had been my own 

 servant. 



About half-past six in the evening my seaward pro- 

 cession was again formed (Infinitely larger than the 

 circumstances demanded), and we proceeded happily 

 enough to the toll-gate admitting to the quay ; where 

 the misanthrope who, according to " Boz," indulges 

 in his splenetic hatred of mankind by taking toll 

 from every passer-by, mulcted me for reaching the 

 conveyance for which I had already paid. On 

 coming to the steps inducting to the packet's deck, 

 they were so long and steep that Malwood refused to 

 stir a foot further, and by her resolute resistance 

 induced the attendance of no end of amphibious cads 

 or sea-porters, all of whom were so jolly and obedient 

 as well as so zealous to volunteer to join my stand- 

 ard, that my purse refused any longer to stand the 

 run on its loose silver, and at once I contracted a 

 debt with the obliging steward of the packet, and 

 saw the impossibility of economy. My army of 

 martyrs having wished me " hearty good luck," some 



B 4 



