Since the starlight has shone forth, I see that I am in a place I ought to be very well acquainted with; or, if you like to be suspicious, you may believe that I have brought you purposely in this direction.

But first let me ask if you feel any great desire to pass the night by this haystack, or whether you would like a song and the punchbowl almost as much as the open air, with the chance of being eaten up in a pinch of hay by some strolling cow." "You may conceive my choice," answered Paul.
"Well, then, there is an excellent fellow near here, who keeps a public-house, and is a firm ally and generous patron of the lads of the cross.

At certain periods they hold weekly meetings at his house: this is one of the nights.

What say you?
Shall I introduce you to the club ?" "I shall be very glad if they will admit me," returned Paul, whom many and conflicting thoughts rendered laconic.
"Oh! no fear of that, under my auspices.

To tell you the truth, though we are a tolerant set, we welcome every new proselyte with enthusiasm.
But are you tired ?" "A little; the house is not far, you say ?" "About a mile off," answered Tomlinson.