If one could only meet with adventures--" I caught the sound of wheels behind us, and turned round.

We had struck off the downs on to the high road.

A light gig with one occupant was approaching us.

As it drew near the driver hailed us.
"Hullo! lads, is this the road for Polkimbra ?" The speaker was a short, grizzled, seafaring man, with a kind face and good-humoured mouth.

He drove execrably, and pulled his quiet mare right back upon her haunches.
I answered that it was.
"Are you bound for there?
Yes?
Jump up then.