162 EAMBLES AFTER SPOET. 



I certainly did not, and what^s more_, I had tlie most 

 decided aversion to cultivating Ms acquaintance. I took 

 another look at him as he stood there in his panoply of 

 travel, and then walked out of the yard, much to the 

 ostler's astonishment. I took the train to Spanish Town^ 

 and hired a horse there — a pretty fair one. 



Spanish Town is a filthy collection of hovels, the so- 

 called '^ Government buildings '^ being of the very 

 commonest description — mere bricks and whitewash, 

 with a pillar or two surmounted by a ram's horn at top, 

 and called Ionic columns. My road to Linstead lay 

 through the famous Bog Walk, a beautiful road of some 

 five or six miles long. If I was pleased with my former 

 excursion, I was doubly so with this. It was so very 

 lovely, that I will not attempt the description of it. 



On arrival at Linstead I found a pretty little inn 

 embowered in roses and cocoanuts. I unsaddled my 

 horse, and rested under one of the trees for an hour, and, 

 after a good lunch, proceeded on my way to the Moneague. 

 After going about six miles I commenced the ascent of 

 Mount Diablo. I reached tlie summit rather too late for 

 a full enjoyment of the glorious view, but I saw enough 

 to convince me that it must be something magnificent ; 

 so, with full expectations of the morning's treat on my 

 return, I went on my way. After passing the summit I 

 crossed through Unity Valley, a charming spot, where 

 Mr. Eoper has a large stock farm or " pen," and finally 

 in the evening reached the Moneague extremely hungry 

 and tired. I found here a very good inn, as far as 

 external appearances went. The landlady asked me what 

 I would like for supper, " Oh, anything you like," as 

 long as you bring it quick ; and please bring some beer." 

 ^' Oh yes, sir ; but I really don't know what you would 



