Evan thought him half-mad; the waggoner was about to imagine him the victim of a midnight assault.

He undeceived them by requesting, in rather flowery terms, conveyance on the road and rest for his limbs.
It being explained to him that the waggon was already occupied, he comforted himself aloud with the reflection that it was something to be on the road again for one who had been belated, lost, and wandering over the downs for the last six hours.
'Walcome to git in, when young woman gits out,' said the waggoner.

'I'll gi' ye my sleep on t' Hillford.' 'Thanks, worthy friend,' returned the new comer.

'The state of the case is this--I'm happy to take from humankind whatsoever I can get.

If this gentleman will accept of my company, and my legs hold out, all will yet be well.' Though he did not wear a petticoat, Evan was not sorry to have him.