I passed through many thickets and several small fir-woods, continually fancying afresh that I recognised something of the country; but I had come upon no forest, and now the sun was near the horizon, and the air had begun to grow chill with the coming winter, when, to my delight, I saw a little black object coming toward me: it was indeed the raven! I hastened to meet him.
"I beg your pardon, sir, for my rudeness last night," I said.

"Will you take me with you now?
I heartily confess I do not deserve it." "Ah!" he returned, and looked up.

Then, after a brief pause, "My wife does not expect you to-night," he said.

"She regrets that we at all encouraged your staying last week." "Take me to her that I may tell her how sorry I am," I begged humbly.
"It is of no use," he answered.

"Your night was not come then, or you would not have left us.