In a little time he was joined by Forrester, who seemed solicitous to divert his mind and relieve his melancholy, by describing the country round, the pursuits, characters, and conditions of the people--the habits of the miners, and the productiveness of their employ, in a manner inartificial and modest, and sometimes highly entertaining.
While engaged in this way, the eye of Ralph caught the look of Rivers, again fixed upon him from the doorway leading into the great hall; and without a moment's hesitation, with impetuous step, he advanced towards him, determined on some explanation of that curious interest which had become offensive; but when he approached him with this object the latter hastily left the passage.
Taking Forrester's arm, Ralph also left the house, in the hope to encounter this troublesome person again.

But failing in this, they proceeded to examine the village, or such portions of it as might be surveyed without too much fatigue to the wounded man--whose hurts, though superficial, might by imprudence become troublesome.

They rambled till the sun went down, and at length returned to the tavern.
This building, as we have elsewhere said, was of the very humblest description, calculated, it would seem, rather for a temporary and occasional than a lasting shelter.

Its architecture, compared with that even of the surrounding log-houses of the country generally, was excessively rude; its parts were out of all proportion, fitted seemingly by an eye the most indifferent, and certainly without any, the most distant regard, to square and compass.

It consisted of two stories, the upper being assigned to the sleeping apartments.